Protolabs launches 3D printing DFM analysis

Protolabs has launched DFM (design for manufacture) analysis for 3D-printed parts, offering peace of mind to manufacturers across Europe.It is a significant advancement to the offer as it provides added assurance that a part is suitable for 3D printing before committing to production, all entirely online in a matter of seconds.Andrea Landoni, Protolabs EMEA’s 3D-printing product manager, says: “The system will instantly highlight all the issues to the user, whether they are critical, such as parts that are too large, or non-critical, like dimensions that are close to certain thresholds like wall thickness and may not form completely.”
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

Machine tool production rising

The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) is expecting production in the machine tool industry to grow by 9% this year, to a volume of €15.5bn. In nominal terms, this is only 10% below the record result of 2018. At its annual press conference in Frankfurt, Franz-Xaver Bernhard, VDW chairman, said: “We have largely overcome the effects of the pandemic. The industry has entered the current year with a significant backlog of orders.”

He continued:“Even though the gap between orders and sales is currently closing, the German Federal Statistical Office is still reporting a 12-month backlog of orders for the machine tool industry. This means that companies are well placed to weather any dip in orders in the first half of 2023, as suggested by the most recent figures.”
For further information www.vdw.de/en

Vollmer’s VPortal goes live for customers

Through its new customer portal, VPortal, sharpening specialistVollmeris providing exclusive access to digital services, including its spare parts shop, machine overviews and technical documentation. Furthermore, VPortal gives customers the chance to send the support team any questions they may have about machines or services from Vollmer. Anyone who owns a Vollmer sharpening machine can register for and use the customer portal free of charge. Customers can request their unique log-in via e-mail or telephone.

“Our customer portal, VPortal, is the digital and personalised window that we provide to our customers and which we use to expand our services,” explains Jürgen Hauger, CEO of the Vollmer Group. “It forms the perfect link between the real and digital world, enabling our customers to keep a constant overview of their Vollmer grinding and erosion machines.”

The VPortal grants customers 24/7 access to their digital machine pool purchased from Vollmer. Notably, the digital service is available in English and German, and is free to use. At present, customers from Germany can register via e-mail or telephone. Once logged in to the online portal, the user can see a complete overview of the Vollmer sharpening machines available.

From the start page, the customer portal shows a clear overview of all digital services spread across five tiles: My machines, Spare parts, Orders, Support requests and Contact. Users can click on these tiles to navigate the portal and view or download the data that is most relevant to their Vollmer machines, as well as documents about technology or operation. When it comes to maintenance and servicing, VPortal enables users to submit an individual support request or to access Vollmer’s online spare parts shop.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Walter completes range of rough-turning inserts

With the new HU3, HU5 and HU7 geometries, Walter is completing its range of indexable turning inserts for heavy-duty roughing operations. The ‘H’ designation is for negative, single-sided and therefore highly stable inserts, standing for ‘Heavy (roughing)’, while the ‘U’ refers to universal use. Each of the three new geometries has specific features making them suitable for different applications.

The HU7 geometry for steel and cast-iron workpieces is the most stable turning indexable insert in Walter’s product range. It has a straight cutting edge while the negative protective edge chamfer ensures its suitability for use at high feed rates with depths of cut up to 17 mm. According to Walter, HU7 demonstrates excellent stability and is suitable for large-volume machining, even in difficult conditions, including the machining of forged parts or interrupted cutting operations.

Compared with HU7, HU5 geometry incorporates a curved cutting edge and an open chip-breaker groove design that provides a slightly softer cutting action to reduce cutting pressure and cutting forces. HU5 is therefore the first choice insert wherever heat generation and/or vibration occur. The grade is particularly suitable for the rough turning of high-temperature alloys and stainless steel.

The third insert design, the HU3 geometry with V-shaped chip formation optimises chip breaking even at small depths of cut and fluctuating material removal rates. This feature makes the HU3 suited to machining parts with a forged skin or varying surfaces. HU3 is primarily for use on steel materials with depths of cut from as low as 0.8mm, while maintaining chip control.

All three turning insert geometries are coated with the new Tiger•tec Gold grades, WPP10G, WPP20G and the WPP30G.
For further information www.walter-tools.com

Innovation optimises titanium alloy machining

With its shell-type cutter,Mitsubishi Materials has adapted to the latest recognised approach for milling titanium alloys. To emphasise the strength, high power and large metal removal capability, the company has recently expanded its ASPX series with two integrated HSK single-piece shank types. The new types are an HSK-A100 and an HSK-A125, both with 80 mm cutting diameter bodies.

The HSK shank encompasses a central through-coolant channel that feeds internally to each insert pocket, thereby providing coolant directly to the insert face. This direct coolant approach makes it possible to maintain feeds rates and extend tool life, even under the most demanding of deep-side and slot-milling applications.

ASPX series cutters now have a new grade, MP9140, to add extra performance and reliability. MP9140 is made from an enhanced super-fine cemented carbide substrate for increased toughness that also retains hardness for longer tool life. Using the (Al-Ti)-N coating method ensures optimal resistance to wear and heat. According to Mitsubishi Materials, the combination of these properties provides excellent fracture resistance and a very low coefficient of friction, delivering the welding resistance necessary to machine modern titanium alloys successfully.

The cutting edge geometry features a high rake edge to ensure a smooth but strong cutting action.

ASPX series cuttersare able to utilise the positive effects of the modern roll-into cutting approach. The roll-into cutting strategy controls sharp increases in cutting loads and prevents sudden chipping of inserts. Also, when utilising a climb milling direction of cut, roll-into is effective at almost eliminating the usual vibrations associated with the conventional direct approach.

ASPX cutters are available in a shell type in sizes 50, 63 and 80 mm diameter.
For further information www.mmc-hardmetal.com