At the recent GrindingHub 2026 exhibition in Stuttgart, NUM showcased new developments in its NUMROTO tool grinding software, including advanced feed-rate optimisation capabilities and the launch of the next-generation NUMROTO X platform.

The latest enhancements to NUMROTO are designed to help tool manufacturers improve productivity, flexibility and process reliability. A key innovation is the new feed-rate optimisation feature within NUMROTOplus, which automatically adjusts machining feed rates based on the calculated material removal volume generated through 3D simulation.

The technology is particularly beneficial for applications involving variable material removal, including grooving, tapered tools, multi-spiral cutters and step drills. By dynamically adapting feed rates to actual grinding conditions, manufacturers can reduce cycle times without compromising quality or tool life.

According to NUM, the new functionality has already demonstrated significant productivity gains in real-world applications. Grinding times for a multi-flute milling cutter were reduced by 14%, while the production of a stepped tool with insert seats delivered time savings of 29%.

NUM also unveiled NUMROTO X, a completely redeveloped software platform designed to provide greater flexibility and future-proof functionality for digital tool manufacturing. Built on a modular architecture, the new software introduces enhanced movement strategies between grinding operations to minimise idle time and improve axis efficiency.

Additional capabilities include a significantly expanded range of configurable geometric elements for complex tool designs such as barrel and circular segment cutters.

NUMROTO X is available in modules, including ‘Infrastructure’ and ‘Milling Cutter’, each offered in basic, advanced and professional tiers. This structuring allows manufacturers to tailor the software to specific production and tool design requirements while benefiting from a modern, scalable licensing structure.

More information www.num.com

Increasing demands for component cleanliness, process reliability and energy efficiency are driving the need for smarter industrial cleaning technologies. Responding to these challenges, Ecoclean GmbH has introduced two new developments designed to optimise cleaning quality while reducing energy, resource consumption and operating costs.

The company’s new Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) system enables automated analysis and monitoring of cleaning and rinsing baths using multiple measurement methods within a single platform. Suitable for both multi-bath immersion and chamber cleaning systems, the technology automatically analyses cleaner concentration and bath contamination, helping manufacturers maintain consistent process quality while minimising unnecessary media usage and bath changes.

Unlike conventional solutions that require multiple sensors and manual testing, the LOC system combines titration, pH, conductivity and surface tension measurement in one integrated solution. The technology also enables automated sampling directly from connected process stations, reducing operator intervention and improving process transparency.

Future developments will include total organic carbon (TOC) and particle measurement capabilities, further expanding the system’s analytical functionality.

Alongside the LOC system, Ecoclean has introduced Smart Drying technology, an AI-supported solution designed to optimise hot air and vacuum drying processes. Developed using data from thousands of drying tests, the system continuously analyses humidity, temperature and pressure within the process chamber to determine the most efficient drying strategy for individual components.

By intelligently adapting the drying cycle, Smart Drying reduces energy consumption and process times while ensuring consistently dry components, even when processing different workpiece types.

The new technologies also support increasing documentation and traceability requirements by continuously recording process parameters and enabling stable, reproducible cleaning and drying performance. According to Ecoclean, future development work will focus on expanding AI capabilities into cleaning and rinsing process control.

More information www.ecoclean-group.net

United Machining says its advanced laser technology is transforming the design and manufacture of high-quality textured shoe moulds. The laser process delivers high accuracy and repeatability, combined with design and manufacturing flexibility, predictability and reliability.

To meet the growing and evolving demands from designers of footwear brands for increasingly fine and complex surface structures, United Machining’s laser texturing technology offers a new and cost-competitive way to deliver geometric and natural textures. The process, based on United Machining’s knowledge of high-quality surface finishes, allows manufacturers to achieve structured and fine textures in competitive lead times compared with conventional design and manufacturing processes.

United Machining’s laser texturing technology is a completely digital and repeatable process that reduces manual operations, allows unlimited design flexibility and supports manufacturers in shortening time-to-market. It is these commercial advantages that have alerted the footwear sector to the potential of three- and five-axis laser technology.

The dimension of the laser spot is 0.05 mm, allowing the creation of fine, intricate and complex surface structures that are beyond the scope of conventional technologies. United Machining’s proprietary software helps manufacturers reduce manual operations and a reliance on specialised, manual expertise.

Freedom of design, thanks to the characteristics of this laser solution and the digital processes involved, enables manufacturers to design and apply all kind of textures on parts and mould inserts – a source of market differentiation. In the past, when manufacturers wanted to develop their own bespoke textures, the traditional route forward was to outsource the work, which often impacted lead times and, on occasion, could affect quality.

The use of laser technology means an end to tool breakage issues and the delivery of a safe, flexible and reliable texturing process.

More information www.gfms.com

German maritime propulsion specialist Schottel GmbH has modernised its manufacturing operations with the installation of a roller conveyor shot-blast machine from Rösler. Integrated directly into the company’s steel sheet processing line at its Dörth facility, the RRB 22/5 system has improved efficiency, automation and process reliability.

Founded in 1921, Schottel is a global developer and manufacturer of ship propulsion and manoeuvring systems, offering outputs from 50 to 30,000 kW. As part of an ongoing modernisation programme, the company replaced manual blast room operations with a continuous-flow automated system capable of handling a wide range of flame-cut steel components and plates.

A key requirement was achieving a surface roughness depth of at least Rz 70 µm to ensure optimal adhesion of anti-corrosion coatings used in harsh maritime environments. Rösler developed a bespoke solution based on its standard RRB 22/5 platform, enabling partially automated processing of steel plates up to 5 m long.

The machine incorporates six 15 kW Gamma 400G turbines, delivering high blasting performance with lower energy consumption. Compared with conventional turbine designs, the Y-shaped throwing blades increase blasting efficiency by up to 20% while extending wear life, reports Rösler. A quick-change blade system also minimises maintenance downtime.

Before final approval, Schottel conducted extensive trials using representative workpieces at an existing Rösler customer site operating a near-identical system. Tests confirmed the required surface finish and coating adhesion performance while demonstrating lower wear rates and reduced operational costs.

 

“The results of the blast trials and the positive feedback from the reference customer absolutely convinced us that the RRB 22/5 meets all our quality demands,” says Frank Steinert, manufacturing manager at Schottel.

More information www.rosler.com