Bystronic set to take over TTM Laser

Swiss sheet-metal equipment manufacturer Bystronic is to take over the Italian manufacturer of laser-based tube- and profile-cutting machines, TTM Laser SpA.

The move follows the strategic partnership jointly agreed by the two companies last November. Bystronic is thereby enhancing its existing range of technologies with the addition of 2D and 3D laser systems for cutting profiles and tubes from 12 to 815 mm in diameter, as well as with equipment for welding large-format metal sheets. Active on the market since 2001 and headquartered in Cazzago San Martino, TTM Laser has 40 employees and achieved a turnover of approximately €14m in 2017.
For further information www.bystronic.com

Five-axis portfolio expanded at 2D CNC

Available through UK distributor 2D CNC Machinery is the new German-built Alzmetall GS 1400/5-FTD five-axis bridge-type machining centre. The Alzmetall GS 1400/5-FTD is able to provide a complete in-cycle production sequence involving 3D turning, boring, milling, contour milling and five-sided machining on complex components, including those with customised gear forms.

High orders of precision, contouring form and geometry are aided by the machine’s patent-pending ‘4-Guideway System’, where the bridge is carried inside the structure of the GS 1400/5-FTD. The more traditional method is to mount the bridge on top of the side supports with just two guideways. Thanks to the 4-Guideway System, the machine is able to maximise the benefits of the latest control software technology.
By way of example, when producing customised gear tooth forms, such as those found on compact double helical, herringbone and bevel gears, the machine has the ability to automatically compensate for factors such as residual deviation found within the workpiece material. This compensation is achieved by utilising Heidenhain’s TNC640 control and its Load Adaptive Control (LAC) package. LAC is able to optimise control parameters and enable any possible deviations or minor errors in the cycle to be maintained within 10 µm.
Weighing in at 31,000 kg, the GS 1400/5-FDT machining centre has strokes of 1200 mm in X, 1300 mm in Y and 800 mm in Z, with a rapid traverse of rate of 82 m/min in each axis. Positional accuracy is within 5 µm. The A axis offers ±140°, while both swivel and rotary axes are powered by direct-torque drive motors delivering 30 m/min pivoting speeds.
An 82 kW, 14,000 rpm, 500 Nm spindle is supported by tool magazine options between 33 and 250 pockets.
For further information www.2dcnc.co.uk

High surface finishes on milled parts

The latest Mikron CrazyMill Cool tool available from Floyd Automatic Tooling made its exhibition debut at MACH.

Developed for milling small dimensions, the CrazyMill Cool Ball Z4 four-tooth finish-milling cutter with shank-integrated cooling is available in the diameter range of 1 to 8 mm for milling depths of up to 5xD. The tool is suitable for machining materials up to a hardness of 54 HRc, and its development has been focused on stainless steels, titanium, heat-resistant alloys and nickel and cobalt-chrome alloys. A flute angle of 30° is deployed on the shorter tools with 2xD cutting length, whereas longer versions have a progressive flute angle
from 30 to 40°.
For further information www.floydautomatic.co.uk

Industry 4.0-enabled barfeed

Among the latest announcements from 1st MTA at MACH was the availability of an Industry 4.0 connection for any new Iemca barfeed, allowing constant remote analysis of its condition and operation. Data is continuously transmitted via an internet link to a PC, tablet or smartphone.

An Industry 4.0-compliant Boss bar magazine with bundle loader was demonstrated at the show.
Other recent innovations include a 7” LCD touch screen as an alternative to the standard hand held control on most Iemca products; new software on the KID 80+ short magazine that allows synchronous component transfer between the main and sub-spindles at full speed to reduce cycle times; a new Elite barfeed that allows full-length, thin bars down to 0.8 mm diameter to be handled; the Master 80 HD UP, on which bars are loaded at an ergonomic height; and the rail-mounted Caddy rack and bundle system extensions to Boss barfeeds.
For further information www.1mta.com

Multiple orders received by Tornos

MACH 2018 got off to a flier for Tornos with two verbal orders for the Swiss GT26 from day one being signed and confirmed on day two.

This was rapidly followed by an order for a CT20 with a number of additional enquiries turning into firm orders in the two weeks after the show. UK account manager David Dunn says: “Winning orders and picking up leads at MACH really demonstrates why the show is a ‘must-attend’ event. The lead generation from the 2018 show was extremely diverse with interest from a complete spectrum of sectors and locations. With one of the world’s most comprehensive turning ranges, this diversity highlights the flexibility and range of Tornos solutions.”
For further information www.tornos.com