INTERNATIONAL NEWS

SYSPRO grows smart manufacturing prowess

SYSPRO, a global software provider for the manufacturing and distribution industries, has acquired riteSOFT, a US-based developer of mobile warehouse and time tracking and scheduling software for small to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors. The acquisition strengthens SYSPRO’s smart manufacturing capabilities and advances its strategy to offer integrated, industry-specific solutions that accelerate time-to-value and simplify operations for customers worldwide. SYSPRO users will benefit from a unified solution stack with aligned product roadmaps that improves operational efficiency and deployment speed.

More information www.syspro.com

United Machining Solutions Launches

Following a strategic acquisition process that is now complete, United Grinding Group and GF Machining Solutions (previously a division of Georg Fischer AG) have become United Machining Solutions. The new group, which has 15 brands, around 5000 employees at 50+ locations and total global sales in excess of $1.5bn, says it is now one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world.

Retaining its headquarters in Bern, Switzerland, the new group will have two divisions: United Grinding for the Mägerle, Blohm, Jung, Studer, Schaudt, Mikrosa, Walter, Ewag and IRPD brands; and United Machining for the Agie Charmilles, Charmilles, Mikron Mill, Liechti, Step Tec and System 3R brands. United Machining Solutions plans to showcase eight world firsts at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover this September.

More information www.grinding.com

Improved results with live tools from Heimatec

The desire to save time and the related cost benefits has always existed. However, in the past, lathes – or the turrets mounted on them – were limited in their maximum rotation speed, subsequently restricting the achievable cutting speeds. In order to produce higher quantities in a shorter time, attention was paid directly to the live tool and, where possible and sensible, speeders were designed and produced. Gear ratios up to 1:4 result in a speed increase of 48,000 rpm.


In the meantime, there are some machine tools with turrets that achieve higher rotation and thus higher cutting speeds. This adaptation results in higher requirements on the mounted live tool units mounted. Wear parts such as bearings and seals are more stressed and must be replaced more frequently. Likewise, when using tools that are not designed for such high rotation, there is a risk that the gears of the tools will overheat, spindles will be overstressed and, as a result, tools will be damaged.

To counteract these problems, Heimatec – available in the UK from Hyfore – has adapted some products and designed them to be suitable for extra high rotation (up to 15,000 rpm). Thus, axial drilling and milling heads – as well as radial drilling and milling heads – for selected machine manufacturers are already available with these specifications. In use by customers, these prove the design measures implemented to achieve high speeds with the predictable wear and service life.

The advantage of the Heimatec high-speed tools is that they also operate smoothly at lower rotation over the speed range available from the machine tool turret.

More information www.hyfore.com

SW Sfix for modular and automated clamping

At this year’s EMO exhibition in Hanover this September, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen (SW) is presenting the new Sfix system (Smart Fixture). Sfix is capable of automatically assembling modular clamping fixtures for workpieces, enabling efficient and precise clamping even for small batch sizes.

“Especially outside the automotive industry, we see great potential for optimisation in medium- and small-series production, which requires greater flexibility and modularity from manufacturers,” says Michael Kreuzberger, product manager at SW. “To address this, our new Sfix system transforms clamping technology: through automation, it enables higher productivity even in production lines with smaller batch sizes.”

The Sfix system offers a solution to one of the machining industry’s biggest time wasters: the clamping of small- to medium-sized product series. Sfix provides a flexible solution to this challenge: it automates the assembly of the appropriate clamping technology for each workpiece – and provides users with a virtually unlimited number of clamping fixtures for a one-time investment. At the core of the system is SW’s patented Sfix plate, which features retractable pins that allow for flexible positioning of components. Various clamping modules can then be attached to these pins to build the individually required fixture.

The advantages of the Sfix system extend beyond its modular mechanical design: in the so-called S-cell, which SW is presenting at its EMO booth, the clamping fixture is assembled quickly and fully automatically. The cell is equipped with all necessary clamping components and workpiece carriers as well as a robot. Users only need to define the clamping points within the CAD model and configure the fixture set up.

More information www.sw-machines.com

Micro VC Holder provides pinpoint precision

Nikken is releasing its Micro VC Holder, a micro-tooling range designed for high precision, reliability and high-performance micro-machining. According to the company, the Micro VC Holder offers exceptional precision, balance and efficiency for industries where perfection is paramount. Whether crafting intricate components for luxury timepieces or producing highly detailed medical instruments, the Micro VC Holder ensures results with minimal runout (3 μm at 4xD) and high-speed performance up to 50,000 rpm.

Designed to support the latest generation of micro machine tools and high-speed spindles, the Micro VC Holder is available in monobloc and straight-shank variants. This versatility allows manufacturers to achieve enhanced accuracy and cost savings by eliminating the need for extended length cutting tools, which can be crucial in both watchmaking and medical applications where micro-level precision is essential.

The reduction in vibration, through in-built damping and reduction in tool wear means extended tool life and lower replacement costs – delivering financial benefits that directly impact profitability.

Furthermore, the Micro VC Holder incorporates the HSK-E symmetrical tool-holder shank, which eliminates drive slots, tooling holes and timing notches. This results in superior balance and reduced vibration, critical for maintaining flawless finishes on watch components and ensuring the tight tolerances required for surgical tools and implants. The advanced 8° collet system further enhances grip and stability, reducing tool deflection and extending tool life.

Nikken says that its Micro VC Holder proves that size really does not matter – at least when it comes to tool-holding technology.

More information www.nikken-world.co.uk