MicroStrain Sensing Systems joins HBK family

HBK is welcoming MicroStrain Sensing Systems to the family following the successful completion of the acquisition by Spectris Plc. The purchase, valued at $37.6m, has gained approval through a comprehensive regulatory process in the US. With the integration into HBK, MicroStrain will operate under the name ‘MicroStrain by HBK’. Located in Vermont, MicroStrain has expertise in designing and manufacturing high-precision inertial and wireless sensing systems. Its products cater to the industrial and tactical-grade sector within the inertial sensing systems market.
For further information www.microstrain.com

ModuleWorks names early MDES adopters

ModuleWorks reports that CADCAM vendor Autodesk and machine tool builder DN Solutions (formally Doosan Machine Tools) are adopting the recently released Manufacturing Data Exchange Specification (MDES). ModuleWorks introduced MDES as an open specification for exchanging digital representations of manufacturing equipment between various hardware and software systems across multiple process steps. This covers tool components, assemblies, fixtures, stocks, set-ups and their mounting in machine tools.
Autodesk and DN Solutions are among the first companies to adopt MDES.
For further information www.mdes.info/en

World premiere from DMG Mori at EMO

With the new CTX 450 and CTX 550, DMG Mori presented at EMO last month the two larger sister models of the CTX 350 introduced previously at Open House Pfronten 2023. The CTX 450 and CTX 550 feature a main and counter spindle, as well as a Y axis with 130 mm of travel, to facilitate the complete six-sided machining of complex workpieces. A turning diameter of 480 mm and a turning length of 800 mm, or 1225 mm for the CTX 550, offer maximum flexibility for customers.

The CTX 450 and CTX 550 reflect DMG Mori’s four pillars of process integration, automation, digital transformation and green transformation. It is possible to automate this six-sided complete machining in various ways – for example with the Robo2Go or the Matris systems. App-based control with a 24″ multi-touch screen simplifies digitisation on the shop floor, while modern drives such as the synchronous spindle motors ensure energy-efficient operation.

The CTX 450 has a main spindle offering 4000 rpm and 360 Nm. The main spindle of the larger model achieves 770 Nm at 3250 rpm. In addition, the counter spindle has a speed of 5500 rpm and a torque of 192 Nm (CTX 550: 4000 rpm and 360 Nm). The turnMASTER spindle concept with three (ISM80) or four bearings (ISM102) ensures precision, supported by a large bar capacity (80 or 102 mm).

Positioning accuracy in the C axis is 0.001°. Among the options is a direct-drive turret with speed of up to 10,000 rpm and torque of 42 Nm.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

WFL Millturn takes it to the next level

WFL Millturn Technologies presented two turning-boring-milling machines at EMO 2023 in Hanover last month: the M50 MILLTURN/3000 mm and the M80X MILLTURN/4500 mm. WFL machines are available in the UK from Kyal Machine Tools.

Visitors could experience the M80X live with a demonstration of gear shaft machining, including measurement of the gear teeth. Both machines feature a new design and come with the Sinumerik ONE control.

The M80X MILLTURN with 4500 mm machining length and 1000 mm turning diameter features a grinding attachment and a vibration-damped Silent Tools Plus boring bar. Visitors could see the machine’s capabilities for themselves with a live machining demonstration involving a gear shaft measuring 800 mm in diameter and 1824 mm in length. During the demonstration, the machine produced gear teeth using WFL FLANC cycles.

On the M50 MILLTURN/3000 mm, WFL provided live machining of a power generation shaft, as well as turbine blades and fir tree, impeller and generator shaft profiles. The demonstration workpiece had a diameter of 600 mm and a length of 2355 mm.

WFL turning-boring-milling machines now feature Sinumerik ONE from Siemens with its new user interface. The new machine control is modern and user-friendly, while the integrated SIMATIC S7-1500F PLC enables PLC cycle times that are up to 10 times faster than its predecessor. Boasting a selection of innovative functions, Sinumerik ONE optimises machining speed, contour accuracy and machining quality. According to WFL Millturn, Sinumerik ONE makes machine tools more productive and therefore faster, more flexible and more efficient.
For further information www.wfl.at/en

Strong showing from Takisawa at EMO 2023

At the EMO exhibition in Hanover last month, Takisawa Japan took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on four new machines as part of its new ‘green machinery’ range. With these energy-saving solutions, customers will be able to reduce their waste and carbon emissions.

The new smart machines utilise software developed by Takisawa that monitors energy and optimises and monitors processes. These features aim to reduce carbon footprint and save on energy consumption.

The four new machines exhibited at EMO 2023 were: the TMX-4000IIST, a multi-tasking turn-mill machine with simultaneous five-axis machining capabilities; the TT-2600IIWGA, a two-spindle CNC lathe; the TM-3000Y2, a two-turret (both with Y axes) multi-tasking machine; and the TMS-2000YS, a twin-spindle CNC lathe with a single turret and Y axis.
Takisawa’s UK representative, Ward CNC, will shortly receive the TM-3000Y2 in stock.

Takisawa Taiwan, which Ward CNC also represents, also put forward four new models at EMO: the NX-2000YS, NX-2500YS, VTL-760 and LA-350YL16. The NX-2000 series is the new generation of Takisawa economic two-spindle turning centre, while the new NX-2500YS comprises an improved slant-bed structure.

Additionally, Takisawa Taiwan ushered in the new VTL-760 vertical turning centre, which has a box-shaped design with minimal thermal deformation. Also on the stand was the LA-350Y, a high-rigidity turn-mill centre featuring Takisawa’s own gearbox for heavy-duty cutting.

Ward CNC’s executive director Stephen Bodsworth says: “The ever-evolving development in machine tool technology from our partners, paralleled with the recent strategic enhancements we’ve made to our sales, after-sales, service and technical engineering teams, means we can continue to provide first-class service and coverage to our customers.”

In other news, Ward CNC has a new partnership with Gurutzpe, a Spanish company that designs and manufactures CNC multi-tasking lathes.
For further information www.wardcnc.com