INTERNATIONAL NEWS

BodorGenius Third-Fen 10 kW-Class Laser Head Unveiled

Bodor Laser has launched its BodorGenius third-generation 10 kW-class laser head, a major in-house development designed to deliver higher precision, greater reliability and improved productivity in high-power laser cutting applications.

As the core component of a laser cutting system, the laser head has a direct impact on cutting quality, machine stability and long-term operating costs. Developed to meet growing demand for high-volume, high-intensity metal processing, the new design addresses many of the limitations associated with conventional laser heads, including contamination, accuracy drift and maintenance requirements.

A key feature is an upgraded sealing system incorporating a dual-layer drawer-style structure and twin protective lens barriers. The design prevents dust, smoke, oil and metal debris from entering the optical path, while improving fault tolerance by protecting critical components even if the outer lens is damaged. The result is longer component life, lower maintenance costs and greater process reliability.

Bodor has also redesigned the laser head’s internal architecture by separating the clean optical chamber from the transmission structure, reducing wear, contamination and accuracy loss. Following more than 1000 hours of extreme-condition testing, the design maintained stable cutting performance with no internal debris generation.

To improve reliability, the laser head undergoes extensive dynamic vibration testing, simulating thousands of kilometres of transportation and more than 15,000 high-frequency vibration cycles before shipment. An integrated intelligent safety system continuously monitors operating conditions, providing early warnings to help prevent abnormal machine operation.

The new laser head also benefits from an industrial ultrasonic three-stage cleaning process during manufacture, ensuring maximum optical cleanliness from the outset.

The launch reflects Bodor Laser’s continued investment in proprietary laser technology and reinforces its commitment to advancing the performance, precision and reliability of high-power laser cutting systems.More information www.bodor.com

Mikron is a driving force behind impeller manufacture

United Machining says its Mikron Mill P U range of simultaneous five-axis machining centres provides manufacturers with an advanced solution for the efficient production of complex open, semi-open and closed impellers.

Impeller machining is a demanding process that requires precise control of complex blade geometries through roughing, semi-finishing and finishing operations. Achieving the required dimensional accuracy and surface finish, particularly on thin-walled and highly contoured blades, depends on the seamless integration of machine tool performance, cutting strategies and toolpath optimisation.

The rigid design of the Mikron Mill P U series, combined with high-torque motors, direct-drive Step Tec spindles, advanced thermal compensation and automated calibration systems, enables manufacturers to machine complex impellers faster and more accurately. During roughing, advanced five-axis strategies optimise tool engagement and maximise material removal rates, while semi-finishing creates a consistent stock allowance for stable finishing operations.

Finishing remains the most demanding stage, requiring uninterrupted toolpaths and precise tool orientation to achieve high-quality blade surfaces. The machine’s simultaneous five-axis capability ensures smooth, continuous movement, reducing vibration, improving surface finish and shortening cycle times.

Torque motors fitted as standard provide exceptional rigidity, stability and vibration damping, while eliminating mechanical wear associated with conventional drive systems. Automated Machine Calibration (AMC) further enhances accuracy by simplifying machine calibration and reducing the potential for human error.

To minimise downtime, Machine Spindle Protection (MSP) instantly detects collisions and safely stops the machining process, helping to prevent spindle damage and preserve machine geometry. High-performance Step Tec spindles deliver the speed, power and reliability required for both aluminium and titanium machining applications.

Together, these technologies enable the Mikron Mill P U series to provide the stability, precision, productivity and process security required for modern impeller manufacturing.

More information www.gfms.com

The long-term partnership behind Notthoff’s success

California-based aerospace subcontractor Notthoff Engineering has strengthened its high-speed machining capacity with the purchase of a second Starrag Ecospeed horizontal machining centre, building on more than a decade of success with its original Ecospeed F 2060.

Founded in 1941 as a wartime job shop, Notthoff Engineering has evolved into a specialist manufacturer of structural aerospace components for major defence programmes, including the F-35, F-47 and F-16. Operating from a 65,000 ft² facility in Huntington Beach, the company machines predominantly aluminium components, often removing up to 95% of the original billet material.

The company’s first Ecospeed F 2060 was installed in 2013 following an extensive evaluation process. According to COO Arnie Juarez, the machine’s patented Sprint Z3 parallel-kinematic head proved decisive: “Most large horizontal machines have heavy rotating heads that limit speed and productivity. The Z3 head accelerates incredibly quickly, allowing us to machine parts much faster than other machines on the market.”

More than 13 years after installation, the original machine continues to hold tolerances within one-thousandth of an inch without major overhaul. The latest addition, an Ecospeed F 1540, provides complementary capacity for smaller components, enabling the more efficient utilisation of both machines.

Both feature dual-pallet configurations to maximise spindle uptime and support around-the-clock production. The Ecospeed platform also enables the completion of complex machining operations in a single set up, helping Notthoff meet increasingly demanding aerospace specifications.

Juarez also highlights Starrag’s aftersales support as a key factor behind the repeat investment: “They’ve always stood behind their product. When support is needed, they respond quickly and understand that machine uptime is critical to our business.”More information www.starrag.com

Making Digital Leaps With ISO STEP Standards

Sandvik Coromant has participated in a successful research project for the Standard for the Exchange of Product (STEP) data. Together with GKN Aerospace Engine Systems, Chalmers University of Technology and Fraunhofer Chalmers Research Centre for Industrial Mathematics, the working group has developed a collaboration environment and applied it to the MRO process for complex metal parts. The results demonstrate how ISO standards for digital manufacturing offer a foundation for interoperable, model-based data exchange and execution across the entire repair value chain.

More information www.tinyurl.com/muez8r9t

Tungsten Powder Firm Accelerates With Green Hydrogen

Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten AG, a global specialist in high-quality tungsten powders and Energie Steiermark, a regional energy provider (together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs) have signed a long-term agreement to supply green hydrogen to Wolfra’‘s site in St Martin, Austria. Construction is planned to begin in 2026, with commissioning targeted for late 2027. Wolfram is part of the Sandvik Group, committed to targets in accordance with the SBTi. By switching to green hydrogen, Wolfram can reduce its CO₂ emissions, contributing directly to its strategy and the Sandvik Group’s sustainability targets.

More information www.wolfram.at