INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Think small, win big with cutting tools from Walter

A single cardiac pacemaker contains up to 40 miniature components, while a modern passenger aircraft uses millions of fastening elements. Across sectors ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical technology and electronics, demand for smaller, more precise components continues to grow rapidly. For manufacturers, this trend is driving new levels of complexity in machining and placing greater emphasis on cutting-tool performance.

Cutting tool specialist Walter has invested heavily in tooling solutions specifically developed for small-part machining applications. The company’s portfolio addresses the demanding requirements of Swiss-type sliding-headstock lathes and micro-machining centres, where tolerances are measured in microns and process reliability is critical.

Small-part machining presents challenges that differ significantly from conventional machining. High spindle speeds, thermal instability, vibration and chip evacuation all have a disproportionate effect on component quality when diameters fall below 40 mm. Applications in sectors such as medical technology and aerospace are particularly demanding, often involving titanium alloys, stainless steels and other difficult-to-machine materials.

Walter’s tooling range has been developed to address these challenges across turning, milling, drilling and threading operations. In turning applications, the Tiger tec Gold WPP20G grade delivers the wear resistance and edge stability required for high-speed Swiss-type machining. For milling, Walter’s Xill tec cutters and MD266 Supreme support the production of intricate geometries while maintaining dimensional consistency and reducing cycle times.

The company’s DB133 Supreme micro drill is designed to maximise concentricity and process reliability in small-diameter holemaking, while the TC620 Supreme thread milling cutter helps minimise the risk of tool failure in miniature threading operations.

As small-part production continues to expand, Walter’s combination of precision tooling, application expertise and process support positions the company strongly in one of manufacturing’s fastest-growing sectors.

More information www.walter-tools.com

MTA supporting Manufacturing Solutions Ireland

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), organiser of the UK’s national event for
engineering and manufacturing MACH, has confirmed its support for Manufacturing
Solutions Ireland 2027 in Limerick on 16-17 June, strengthening collaboration across the
British and Irish manufacturing sectors. Increased interest in the event will be driven by
growing emphasis on factors that include supply chain resilience and reshoring.
Manufacturing Solutions Ireland is organised by the GTMA in partnership with Technological
University of the Shannon and supported by leading industry bodies. The event focuses on
creating real business opportunities, fostering collaboration and showcasing the capabilities
of the manufacturing sector.
More information https://manufacturingsolutions.ie/

Enztec reduces CNC cycle times 16% with Vericut Force

New Zealand-based orthopaedic surgical instrument manufacturer Enztec has achieved a 16% average reduction in CNC cycle times after implementing Vericut Force, unlocking more than 1800 hours of additional annual machining capacity without investing in additional machines or labour.

Producing high-precision reusable and single-use orthopaedic instruments for global medical-device companies, Enztec operates in a tightly regulated sector where machining accuracy, surface finish and dimensional repeatability directly influence product performance and patient safety. As the company expanded its use of advanced CNC machining, automation and unattended operation, it identified a growing need for greater predictability in machining performance and tool behaviour.

To address this challenge, Enztec integrated Vericut Force into its programming and verification workflow. Unlike traditional CAM systems that rely largely on assumed cutting conditions, the software simulates the real physics of the machining process using actual tool geometry, material properties and machining parameters. It dynamically adjusts feed rates to maintain consistent cutting forces and chip thickness, increasing feed rates where engagement is low and reducing them where loads rise.

The result has been faster, more stable and significantly more predictable machining performance, particularly during lights-out operation.

Jack Greaves, process improvement engineer at Enztec, says support from local reseller AxsysCNC Ltd helped accelerate implementation and optimise machine models for real production conditions.

Over a 12-month period, the improvements translated into more than 1800 hours of additional machining capacity, while also delivering more consistent tool wear and reducing the risk of unexpected failures during unattended machining. Enztec has now established force-based optimisation as a core part of its CNC programming strategy.

More information www.vericut.com

‘Grinder of the Year’ winner named

Fabio Schoppet was the delighted winner of the two-day live ‘Grinder of the Year’ competition held last month at the GrindingHub exhibition in Stuttgart. The 28-year-old apprentice from KH Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH won against Max Bergner (2nd place), Laurin Mink (3rd) and Arman Hamidi (4th). All finalists received training vouchers worth between 3000 and 500 euros.

“The competition was a challenge,” says Schoppet, “but it was really fun and a very cool experience. I made a lot of great contacts and had some enjoyable conversations. When I realised that I was the winner, I was pretty overwhelmed. It was an absolute highlight.” After completing his apprenticeship, Schoppet wants to use his 3000 euro voucher to finance a course at an engineering school.

More information www.grindinghub.de/en

Datron celebrates move to new headquarters

High-speed milling machine manufacturer Datron AG celebrated its move into its new headquarters in Ober-Ramstadt with a high-profile ceremony. Around 80 guests from politics, business, government, banking, as well as planning and construction, gathered to mark the milestone together with Datron. Following the event, attendees were given a tour of the new corporate headquarters building, which has approximately 17,000 m² of floor space on a 45,000 m² site. The technical section of the facility houses the technology centre, milling shop, training workshop and assembly areas.

More information www.datron.com