INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Hoffmann Group and Iscar team up

From 1 October 2023, the Hoffmann Group will offer the complete tool range of Iscar throughout Europe and supply it from its central LogisticCitywarehouse in Nuremberg. Hoffmann SE, representing the Hoffmann Group, and Iscar Ltd signedthe underlying agreement last month. Borries Schüler, chief product management andengineering officer with Hoffmann SE, says: “With Iscar´s tools we can offer an even wider range along with targeted process solutions for all machining tasks. This co-operation will offer real benefits tocustomers.”
For further information www.hoffman-group.com

Heavy press dies handled quickly and easily

In Eltville am Rhein, Jean Müller develops and produces around 40,000 components for distributing, controlling, securing and measuring electrical energy in low-voltage networks. For handling particularly heavy punch-press tools for manufacturing a new product series, the family-run business was initially looking for a new transport cart. In the end, however, the company acquired a complete die-changing system from Roemheld, comprising racking and a lifting cart with integrated docking system and radio remote control. Similar technology is available in Britain and Ireland through Roemheld UK.

A the heart of the joint solution is the manoeuvrable, electrically-driven Roemheld RWA 4000 die-changing cart, which is capable of carrying a load of up to 4 tonne. It has a die-changing table with integrated hydraulic ball bars and a pull-push system that facilitates automatic insertion of the dies on a press bed.

During transport, the hydraulic balls in the cart table are lowered and, consequently, the die is prevented from slipping. A safety circuit ensures that the RWA 4000 only moves when the ball bars are retracted. Removable safety bars at the front and sides of the support surface additionally secure the die. Users can control the cart from a central panel on the drawbar, on which a multi-function display sits. Alternatively, employees can adjust the most important cart functions remotely via the radio control.

Jean Müller’s new system has been in continuous three-shift operation since the spring of 2022, the year that the company celebrated its 125th anniversary. The distances the dies have to travel to the presses is now shorter, resulting in a time saving of 15 minutes for each changeover, which happens up to three times per shift.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk

Bobcat invests in energy-efficient press technology

Bobcat, a manufacturer of compact construction equipment, is increasing production capacity at its Gwinner, North Dakota facility, with the help of AP&T Group. A new, highly automated tandem press line, which recently began production, will more than double press production capabilities, reduce energy consumption, lower noise levels and improve the forming of complex sheet metal parts.

“This investment will provide us with new capabilities and efficiencies in our metal stamping operations, and it aligns with our commitment to innovation, sustainability and continued investments in our manufacturing footprint,” says Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America.

The new line includes AP&T’s energy-efficient servo-hydraulic press and automation. Furthermore, the assignment includes line integration, operator training and support.

“Bobcat is one of the first companies in North America to invest in the future by implementing this automated solution using our new press technology,” says Dr Christian Koroschetz, chief sales officer at AP&T Group. “This investment also supports Bobcat’s interest in pursuing sustainable, energy-efficient manufacturing solutions.”

The new AP&T servo-hydraulic press is 70% more energy efficient than a conventional AP&T hydraulic press. According to the company, the press also provides increased productivity and superior forming capabilities, which enables the pressing of more intricate and complex designed parts, along with shorter cycle times.

Bobcat first became aware of the new press technology through a relationship with Wisconsin-based TCR Integrated Stamping Systems, an equipment manufacturer consultant and system provider for the metal-forming industry.

“While visiting AP&T in Sweden, I was introduced to their latest automation breakthrough and knew it would provide a significant advancement for Bobcat,” saysTodd Wenzel, president of TCR. “In addition, AP&T demonstrated their new servo-hydraulic technology.”
For further information www.aptgroup.com

Floyd presents cool solution for ‘crazy milling’

Now available in the UK from Floyd Automatic Tooling is the new CrazyMill Cool Micro series of micro end mills manufacturing by Mikron Tool. With micro-machining applications increasingly commonplace in the electronics, medical, optics, automotive, aerospace and defence sectors, Floyd Automatic says the high-performance CrazyMill Cool Micro end mills are a game-changer.

For the first time, engineers at Mikron Tool have successfully transferred high-performance cutting tool geometries to micro-dimension end mills. Suitable for operations as diverse as sidemilling, helical interpolation, slot milling and drilling, the CrazyMill Cool Micro is available with three or four flutes, diameters from 0.2 to 1mm, and effective cutting lengths of 3xD and 5xD. The high-quality micro-grain carbide grade permits the grinding of special filigree geometries that maximise strength and performance, minimising the potential for tool breakages, especially when machining challenging materials.

The combination of innovative geometries, the high-quality carbide grade and a patented new cooling concept deliver double the tool life performance and three times higher productivity levels than rival product lines, reports Floyd Automatic. Integrated through-coolant channels guarantee high levels of cooling. Furthermore, with a cooling channel for each of the three or four flutes, swarf evacuation issues in micro-machining applications are now a thing of the past.

Also introduced is coating technology that prevents the loss of sharp edges which can be so critical in micro-machining applications. The new arrivals are available with an S geometry for machining stainless steel, steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals and titanium alloys, while the SX geometry type is suited for particularly challenging materials such as Inconel, Monel, and CoCr alloys.
For further information www.floydautomatic.co.uk

New thread cutting and forming tap range

Seco Tools has expanded its range of tapping solutions with the launch of a new thread-cutting and forming taps product line.

The versatile newrange encompasses three performance levels that allow manufacturers to cost-effectively match the right tap to their particular application. According to Seco, the combination of superior base materials, advanced coatings and special edge preparations mean that thetaps generate precision threads while providing effective chip evacuation, shorter set-up times and longer tool life.

“With the launch of the new line of thread-cutting and forming taps, we now offer customers a one-stop solution for high-quality taps at competitive prices,” says Radoslaw Zdanowski, global product manager at Seco Tools. “In addition to this affordability, we maintain the same high quality in these taps that our customers have come to expect from Seco.”

The three performance levels encompass the product designations of T32 and T34 in thread-cutting taps and T33 in forming taps. At the base level are universal general-purpose type taps. The second T34 mid-level range consists of higher performance taps that work well in a variety of workpiece materials, making them especially suitable for high-mix/low-volume production environments with constantly changing parts and materials. The top performance level comprises material-specific thread-cutting and forming taps, such as those optimised for steel or other advanced materials.

The main benefits of matching the right tap to the application include extended tool life that is consistent and predictable to reduce the risk of unexpected tap breakage and scrapping parts after hours of machining have been invested. Additionally, a range of tap performance levels ensures manufacturers only pay for the level of tap performance they actually need.
For further information www.secotools.com