Fully customised licence plate production line

With years of experience in the licence plate production line industry, HE-Machine is
committed to offering customised turnkey solutions to clients worldwide. A recent example
sees the precise collaboration of five machines: decoiler, straightener, automatic laminating
machine, servo feeder and gap-frame press. The implementation of this project has led to

the successfully optimisation of the production process, improving both efficiency and
product consistency.
The smooth unfolding of raw materials is crucial for the successful operation of a production
line. The HE-Machine decoiler handles various specifications of metal coils, ensuring stable
material unwinding.
Next, the straightener plays an essential role. Any bending or warping in the metal materials
during production can negatively impact the quality and accuracy of subsequent processes.
The straightener, designed for precision levelling, effectively eliminates these issues.
After straightening, the automatic laminating machine applies a protective film to the metal
surface, enhancing both durability and surface quality. The auto laminating process reduces
manual intervention, increasing production efficiency while ensuring uniform coating on
every licence plate.
As the production process moves forward, the servo feeder plays a crucial role in precisely
feeding the material into the next stage. Using a servo motor drive system, the servo feeder
ensures that the metal material is delivered accurately to the next process, ensuring smooth
progression in stamping, and other operations.
Finally, the gap-frame press provides the stamping force required for the production line.
Equipped with multiple mould sizes and a conveyor system, the press precisely performs the
stamping, minimising defects and ensuring the efficient production of high-quality licence
plates.
More information www.he-machine.com

Automating material handling and storage

Architectural Grille manufactures in its Brooklyn, New York City factory an extensive range
of custom architectural metalwork from materials that include aluminium, brass, bronze,
steel and stainless steel. With such a wide variety of sheet metals to process, the company
wanted to streamline storage of its large inventory of materials, with an eye to optimising
material flow and maintaining operator safety.
For the solution it turned to KASTO, installing UNITOWER and KASTOecostore tower storage
systems. The systems were deemed the ideal way to alleviate the previous inefficient
manual storage arrangement. Architectural Grille has now significantly improved its logistics
processes, enhancing both efficiency and safety at its workstations.
More information www.kasto.com

Small diameter boring bars from Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Materials has launched a range of small boring bars for Swiss-type automatic lathes. The whole series of these new boring bars is available in both solid carbide and steel. The inclusion of both types provides a choice for end users and offers the benefits of deeper boring capability due to the extra rigidity of the carbide type. Additionally, not all components need an extra deep hole carbide shank, so the cost-effective steel bar is also available in all types.

The lengths of the tools are compatible with Swiss-type automatic lathes. This ready made to length feature negates the costly and time-consuming process of cutting the shanks of standard tools to a shorter length to prevent interference.

A comprehensive selection of hard steel bars has recently been introduced to the range. Notably, the hard steel body is effective in preventing damage and wear caused by chip evacuation. The  hard steel types are available in diameters ranging from 4 to 10 mm for the 7º SCLC, STUC, SDUC, SDQC and SWUC types of holder, and for the 11º types SCLP and STUP.

A vast range of different carbide bar diameters, ranging from 4 to 32 mm diameter with a minimum pre-boring diameter of 5 to 34 mm are available for the 7º SCLC, STUC, SDUC,

SDQC and SWUC types of holder, and for the 11º types SCLP and STUP.

Steel bars ranging from 12 to 32 mm diameter with a minimum pre-boring diameter of 14 to 40 mm are also available in 7º SCLC, STUC, SDUC, SDQC and SWUC types of holder, and for the 11º types SCLP and STUP.

More information www.mmc-carbide.com

Laser focus with new Vollmer machine arrival

Vollmer UK has launched the new VLaser 370 machine for processing precision cutting tools manufactured from ultra-hard materials such as PCD, CVD and PCBN. The company says its new arrival makes Vollmer the industry’s first ‘full-line’ manufacturer with technology that encompasses the disciplines of grinding, erosion, wire erosion and laser cutting.

Incorporating advanced kinematics with smooth movement, future-proofed components and high thermal stability, the VLaser 370 is for the production of cutting tools with a diameter of up to 150 mm, an overall length of 250 mm and a maximum weight of 10 kg. Users can automate production with the adoption of the proven HC4 or HC4 Plus systems that facilitate up to 158 or 160 tools, respectively.

Vollmer says the machine is already proven to be up to 50% more productive than rival technology in field tests, while delivering forms as precise as 0.002 mm. Notably, the concept of the VLaser 370 is that everything rotates around the laser at the rotation point of the C axis. The five axes and a laser with fixed-beam guidance enable fast and precise machining at the centre point of the machine.

From an ease-of-use perspective, the VLaser 370 enables direct clamping of tools in the A axis regardless of tool length. The VLaser 370 improves handling and accuracy by eliminating the need for tool extensions. Additionally, the ability to incorporate a counterpoint enhances stability and precision further, especially when processing long tools that demand the utmost precision.

For anyone already familiar with the Vollmer EDM operational system, the VLaser will prove a breeze. With the same operating philosophy, the intelligent and intuitive interface enables the transfer of programs from existing Vollmer EDM machines.

More information www.vollmer-group.com

Redefining plug-and-play in short-hole drilling

Sandvik Coromant is introducing its second-generation exchangeable-tip drill, the CoroDrill DE10. Engineered for high-volume drilling across all materials, the company says CoroDrill DE10 delivers true plug-and-play functionality and uncompromised performance.

Building on the success of CoroDrill 870 for H9-H10 hole tolerances, CoroDrill DE10 introduces advanced features that enhance versatility and operational ease. Users will appreciate the familiar pre-tension clamping interface, thoughtfully designed to align with operator experience while delivering enhanced security. The solution priortises robustness, enabling quick tip changes, reliable high-speed drilling and extended drill body life with more tips per tool. Its unique -M5 tip geometry delivers unmatched performance across diverse materials and cutting conditions.

CoroDrill DE10 addresses several common drilling challenges, particularly for manufacturers tasked with producing large quantities of holes in a single operation. With high-feed capabilities, the tool achieves fast penetration rates, boosting productivity and lowering cost per hole. Additionally, both tool inventory and cycle times can be reduced, as CoroDrill DE10 eliminates the need for a pilot hole to guide the drill into place.

As a true plug-and-play solution, CoroDrill DE10 integrates into existing set ups, offering ease of use while enhancing operational efficiency and performance. Sandvik Coromant says the tool will streamline manufacturing processes and deliver consistent results with minimal downtime.

“CoroDrill DE10 marks a new era in exchangeable-tip drills,” states Mikael Carlsson, global product specialist for indexable rotating tools at Sandvik Coromant. “Testing against competing solutions has demonstrated its superior robustness, faster and easier tip changes, enhanced feed capacity, extended tool life, and reduced cost per hole. It’s an ideal solution for high-volume hole-making in parts such as heat exchanger plates, automotive components, shafts, pumps, valves, and I and H beams.”

More information www.sandvik.coromant.com