Participating in a project such as MTPRINT arises naturally within ONA’s strategy of commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability. That is why EDM machine builder ONA and other prominent national machine tool companies in Spain, including Zayer, Izadi, IMH and Ibarmia, initiated the project: to bolster their dedication to sustainability.

The primary objective of the project is to develop a special corporate carbon footprint calculation tool tailored explicitly for the machine tool industry, addressing sustainability comprehensively and in alignment with international standards.

At the core of MTPRINT lies the creation of an advanced tool designed to manage the corporate carbon footprint effectively. Exclusively crafted for the machine tool market, this tool will adopt an analytical approach that covers the entire lifecycle of products, from raw material extraction to recycling or final disposal. Its methodology includes in-depth analyses of greenhouse gas emissions at each stage, facilitating a practical and accurate evaluation of the environmental footprint. Notably, the tool distinguishes itself by providing product-specific emission details for each manufactured machine.

This meticulous and scientific approach is pivotal for pinpointing critical emission points and identifying improvement opportunities in manufacturing processes and supply chains. The tool will adhere to major international sustainability standards, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and ISO 14064.

In collaboration with industry leaders, this project underscores a genuine dedication to environmental responsibility, emphasising that ONA, alongside its partners, is advancing towards decarbonisation.

For further information www.onaedm.com

There are many wire EDM machines on the market. Some deliver faster processing speeds, while others are more accurate. Identifying the optimal wire EDM machine solution has, until now, been a trade-off because GF Machining Solutions says there has never really been a machine that does everything well.

According to GFMS, its CUT X series of machines bucks the trend. Developed and manufactured at the company’s Losone factory in Switzerland, these EDMs are available in two sizes: the CUT X 350 (with a maximum workpiece size of 800 x 550 x 250 mm) and the CUT X 500 (1050 x 700 x 250 mm). GFMS says the machines are extremely accurate because of a new thermal management system and optimised mechanics.

The machines maintain consistent thermal conditions via sealed cabinets and doors that ensure cold air containment within the workspace, as well as controlled air flow. By keeping heat sources away from the mechanics, CUT X models perform consistently without the ill effects of temperature fluctuation outside the machine.

Notably, the machine’s CNC collects data from an array of temperature and humidity sensors located inside and outside of the work area as a further contributor to ambient workspace conditions. The data drives an AI algorithm that predicts possible thermal deformations and compensates the positioning of the X, Y, U and V axes. This AI-driven compensation enables high-accuracy results, even with the environmental temperature fluctuations that are common during long cutting cycles.

New additively manufactured upper and lower heads increase the cutting speeds of CUT X machines. The heads reduce the distance between the guides and the part, creating improved accuracies during cut, while also increasing the amount of fluid that pushes through to optimise flushing and cutting speeds.

For further information www.gfms.com

At the GrindingHub 2024 exhibition in Stuttgart this May, Vollmer will give premieres to a
number of innovations. For instance, the company will unveil its QS 860 and QSF 860 eroding machines, which can machine PCD-tipped circular saws. Although the machines will not be on show in Stuttgart,
Vollmer will be providing information about them both digitally and in face-to-face
meetings. Another innovation from Vollmer will be the VFS 400 filtration system, seen for the first
time at GrindingHub. Visitors to the trade fair can experience live how the space-saving
system carries out ultra-fine filtration of cooling oil or dielectric during the sharpening
process. Depending on the machine type, up to two Vollmer sharpening machines can
connect to the VFS 400. At the show, these machines will be CHX 840 and CS 860 grinding
machines, which sharpen carbide-tipped circular saws. The VHybrid 260 grinding and eroding machine and the VLaser 370 laser machine will also be live on the Vollmer stand. Among further new technology will be a feature for the VGrind 360S grinding machine. Thanks to an optional dressing unit for the grinding wheel, tools with the ultra-hard cutting material PcBN can now also be ground in two machining steps: roughing and high-precision finishing. PcBN machining is possible with the VGrind 360S because the machine has very high system rigidity on one hand, and X, Y and Z axes driven by linear induction motors on the other, which implements oscillating tool machining. Vollmer will also showcase products and services from its subsidiaries Loroch and ultraTEC innovation.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com