INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Streamlining gear cutting processes with ETG

Machining gear components demands impeccable precision levels.And although dedicated gear hobbing and skiving machinesare common throughout industry, manufacturers often face issues with multiple set-ups and the application of jigs and fixtures. This challenge exacerbates when considering additional factors such as the shortage of skilled workers and the excessive floorspace required for multiple dedicated machines. According to the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), it is possible to eradicate all of these issues with Nakamura-Tome turn-mill centres. ETG is the UK representative for Nakamura-Tome machines.

A multi-tasking machine can change the situation because it performs turning, milling and gear cutting in a single process. Integrating these processes significantly reduces set-up changes, contributing to more efficient production. Moreover, machining quality remains at the same level as dedicated machines.In many cases it improves due to fewer set-ups.


Both gearhobbing and skiving have their own set of advantages. Hobbing is suitable for manufacturing high-volume parts and external gears, while skiving is for producing parts ranging from low to high volume. Skiving applies to both outer and inner gears, and when machining close to the walls on the end of a gear. It is possible to perform hobbing, skiving and other cutting methods on multi-tasking machines, producing various gear types such as spur gears and helical gears.

When investing in a Nakamura machine from ETG, the ‘Smart Support’ software solution simplifies the creation of special machining programs developed by Nakamura-Tome through a conversational programming interface.Recently, the software introduced a gear hobbing function that now enables users to create dedicated programs by inputting variables in accordance with guidelines. To enhance user-friendliness, the software incorporates graphical images that guide operators through the process. For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Bharat Forge Daun relies on Emag machines

Unusually sophisticated components and high-strength materials for high-tech applications, like stator housings for electromobility with tolerances in micron range, are among the machining challenges tackled by the specialists at Bharat Forge Daun in Germany. At the centre of this activity areseveral vertical turning lathes (VTLs) from Emag, which operate around the clock, five days a week.

The vertical design of thesemachines played an important role in the investment decision, asa horizontal machine from another manufacturer had caused difficulties in the past. Annoying chip clusters would form, requiring manual removal two or three times a shift.

“It was therefore obvious to us that we should carry out these processes in machines with a vertical design, because their unhindered chip flow prevents disruptions,” explainsChristoph Steffens, head of mechanical engineering at Bharat Forge Daun. “Our objective was to achieve maximum process reliability.”

Another factor in the decision in favour of Emag was existing knowledge: the machine tool manufacturer used examples from other customers toshow how its machines optimise stator machining – with low non-productive times and high-precision handling processes. Integrated automation, including a pick-up spindle and lateral conveyor belt, ensures fast processes, while the stable base body is made of Mineralit polymer concrete.

Last but not least, the response time and the expertise of Emag’s service department play an important role for Bharat Forge Daun. A regional service technician is always on site within a few hours and solves any problems directly.

“So far we have always been helped with minor faults in record time,” says Steffens.

For further information www.emag.com

Bowers Group reports success at SteelFab

Bowers Group is celebrating yet another successful exhibition on the international stage as the team reap the rewards of a busy SteelFab 2024. A prominent event in the Middle East’s metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry, Bowers Group’s Baty Venture Plus XT stole the spotlight at the exhibition. This four-in-one system, which integrates profile projection, microscopy, CMM and video inspection capabilities, attracted significant attention.

Export sales manager at Bowers Group, Mark Golding, was delighted with the event, saying: “With an excellent turnout, the exhibition provided the perfect opportunity for establishing new partnerships, a step that will play a crucial role in expanding Bowers Group’s global supplier network. I’m personally looking forward to working with our new suppliers and clients over the coming year and beyond.”

With each new edition, SteelFab continues to play a key role in the region’s industrial growth, seen not only as an opportunity to showcase products but also as avenue for engaging with industry peers and contributing to the progress of the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Flying the flag for British industry on the UK pavilion, it was an important step for Bowers Group in reinforcing its commitment to excellence in the field of metrology. The company’s contribution to SteelFab reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen its place as a leader in the advancement and innovation of precision measurement technology.

Baty, proudly part of the Made in Britain collective, reflects the essence of British manufacturing on a global scale. The Made in Britain mark signifies the commitment to quality and precision in Baty’s vision systems.For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Industry-first zoom-enabled optical 3D scanner

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division is launching a new type of high-productivity structured light scanner. Built on a completely re-engineered platform, Hexagon says the SmartScan VR800 is the first optical 3D scanner on the market with a motorised zoom lens that enables users to adjust data resolution and measurement volume entirely through software settings. This capability improves the productivity of quality inspection, and further enhances workflows with more efficient post-scanning alignment processes.

Whereas conventional structured light scanners have a fixed optical configuration, the combination of dual stereo cameras and optical zoom-enabled projection makes the SmartScan VR800 more flexible, allowing users to define in exactly which form they collect their data.

Three new software functions – Smart Resolution, Smart Zoom and Smart Snap – allow the user to customise inspection resolution and measurement volume with no mechanical alterations to the system. This capability means that data-heavy high-resolution scans can focus on the feature-rich areas that matter most, while covering other areas more efficiently via larger and/or lower resolution scans.

The new system simplifies the scanning process from start to finish. Users can: easily adjust scan detail and size with software (no manual changes needed); mix detailed and broad scans into one model for faster results; and process scans quicker by cutting down on excess data, while keeping essential details.

Pirmin Bitzi, general manager for portable metrology devices at Hexagon, explains: “The need to change optics for different use cases has always been a key challenge when implementing structured light scanning inspection solutions. Finding a solution to that industry-wide problem was a key motivator. We wanted a way to meet the demands of applications where it’s not efficient to scan everything at high resolutions, nor acceptable to scan everything at lower resolutions.”

For further information www.hexagon.com/mi

Global TICC services provider buys TrustCB

NMi Group, a global specialist in mission-critical testing, inspection, certification and calibration (TICC) services, has acquired TrustCB in the cybersecurity domain. This strategic move solidifies NMi Group as a major provider of certification services for the evolving landscape of digitally integrated and smart devices.

Now part of NMi Group, TrustCB is the exclusive commercial certification body for the globally recognised Common Criteria (CC) cybersecurity standard, working with global clients and capable of certifying up to the highest levels (EAL7). This strategic alignment reinforces NMi Group’s commitment to a comprehensive approach, integrating legal metrology and CC standards to ensure the overall reliability and integrity of smart industrial devices.

A key emphasis of the acquisition is TrustCB’s expertise in translating CC standards via SESIP to the IoT domain. This strategic move further fortifies NMi Group’s dedication to ‘Measure Tomorrow’ by synergising measurement precision with robust cybersecurity standards.

Expressing enthusiasm about the strategic move, Yvo Jansen (pictured), NMi Group CEO, states: “Acquiring TrustCB fortifies our commitment to excellence in smart industrial devices. By integrating accuracy in measurements with robust cybersecurity standards, we ensure regulatory compliance and enhance the overall reliability of our solutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Wouter Slegers, who will continue to as TrustCB’s CEO, adds: “Joining forces with NMi Group is a strategic move safeguarding the TrustCB CC and dedicated scheme certification business even further. In practical ways, nothing changes: TrustCB remains the trusted, responsive partner as a certification body. This synergy amplifies our commitment to precision and security in smart industrial devices, advancing the global standard for regulatory compliance and elevating the trustworthiness of our certified solutions.”

For further information www.nmi.nl