THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Sustainable Materials Hub

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has invested in a new hub for sustainable additive manufacturing (AM), thus opening avenues for research and development to support the design and manufacturing of net zero products with end-to-end circularity.  

The new hub features polymer and ceramic AM machines to manufacture net-zero products alongside material reprocessing equipment that recycles waste AM materials and parts into feedstocks. Notably, a new Carbon M3 machine will enable processing of high-performance polymers for net zero products in sectors including aerospace, defence, and energy.

More information www.the-mtc.org

Tufcot Engineering installs large Puma lathe

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of machine tools from DN Solutions and Zayer in the UK and Ireland, recently supplied Tufcot Engineering with a new, large-capacity multi-tasking lathe. The machine, a 24” chuck DN Solutions Puma 700LM II featuring driven tooling and FANUC 0iTP control with 15” touchscreen capability, is one of the largest CNC machine tools acquired by Sheffield-based Tufcot in its 43-year history.

Tufcot’s relationship with Mills CNC began in 2005 with the purchase of its first Doosan lathe, a Puma 240LC. Over the past 19 years, more investments with Mills followed and, in early 2024, the company placed an order for the Puma 700LM II and a new 21” chuck Puma 4100MC lathe (due in August 2024). These latest investments take the number of CNC lathes Tufcot has acquired from Mills CNC to 11.

Tufcot’s managing director Greg Majchrzak says: “The high-performance lathes from Mills are real workhorses; they are reliable and deliver the fast processing speeds and high accuracies we need to meet the quality and lead-time demands of customers.”

The Puma 700LM II is machining small batches of high-precision, large diameter Tufcot composite bushes and bearings for customers primarily in the UK and European marine sectors. These parts, machined to tight tolerances, often have long cycle times (hours as opposed to minutes) and a range of intricate milled features.

Says Justin Krebs, Tufcot’s operations manager: “Our own knowledge of composites and their application in the marine sector, combined with expert insight from our international distributor network and existing customers, helped highlight significant new business opportunities that we could exploit if we had larger and more sophisticated in-house turning capabilities.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

MTT invests in Nakamura-Tome WT150

When an ex-employee of the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) had the ambition of setting up his own business, the company provided both its blessing and support with a Nakamura-Tome machine tool. While working as an applications engineer at ETG, Mike Jerdin’s personal circumstances changed and he needed to be close to his family, not on the road as the role required. Jerdin subsequently launched MTT Engineering and bought a Nakamura-Tome WT150 multi-tasking turn-mill centre. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.

“Most start-ups begin with a second-hand machine or two, but working with Nakamura users during my 10 years at ETG meant I knew that these machines deliver a competitive edge,” says Jerdin. “I spoke with the team at ETG and they helped me with a finance and support package that you wouldn’t get from any other machine tool supplier.”

Initially having challenges acquiring a local industrial unit, MTT Engineering co-located with a fabrication business in Macclesfield – a partnership that is proving beneficial for both parties. As part of the start-up strategy, the company is offering a fast-turnaround service to the subcontract and tier-one supply chain in the local area. MTT’s early customer base is reaping the rewards of the twin-spindle, twin-turret Nakamura-Tome WT150.

“I started the business with customers that would give me their overspill work when they are running at capacity,” explains Jerdin. “However, with its twin-spindle and twin-turret capabilities, I can manufacture the parts faster, with higher precision and more cost-effectively than my clients. They recognise the benefits and profitability they are yielding from my service, so they continually provide us with more work. This service is enabling my clients to reduce their lead times and, in turn, win kudos from their customers.”

More information www.engtechgroup.com

30 years of all-electric tube benders

Tube bending technology specialist Unison Ltd is celebrating 30 years since it launched the world’s first all-electric tube bending machine. It is an invention that changed the method of tube bending by precision industries around the globe. “It was no great secret that the accuracy of hydraulic tube bending machines could be affected by fluctuating oil temperature,” says joint managing director Alan Pickering.

Called the Unison Breeze, the world’s first all-electric three-axis tube bending machine was launched in 1994, with the company subsequently registering UK and German patents. In the years since, Unison has launched the world’s first all-electric five-stack tube bending machine, followed by the world’s first 76, 115, 150 and 180 mm multi-stack machines, as well as robotised and twin-head tube benders.

More informationwww.unisonltd.com

Renishaw launches RMP24-micro probe

Renishaw says its new RMP24-micro is the world’s smallest wireless probe for machine tools. The RMP24-micro measures just 24 mm in diameter and 31.4 mm in length. Despite its small form factor, the probe delivers measurement repeatability of 0.35 µm 2σ, which according to the company sets a new standard for wireless probes in this size category.

The micro-kinematic mechanism within the probe promotes ultra-low trigger forces, ensuring gentle contact with workpieces during probing. This capability not only minimises the risk of damage, but also reduces part deflection for enhanced measurement accuracy.

Designed for compact machines that manufacture high-value, high-precision components, the RMP24-micro is suited to applications in industries that include medical, dental, watchmaking and micro-mechanics. Tight measurement tolerances are easily achievable with the probe’s repeatability and lobing performance, while its short length and radio communication makes the RMP24-micro useable in confined spaces.

The probe uses Renishaw’s updated radio transmission protocol to communicate with the machine tool controller via the RMI-QE radio interface. With an operating range of up to 5 m, it employs a 2.4 GHz FHSS protocol, compliant with radio regulations worldwide. This FHSS technology has excellent power efficiency and allows the probe to co-exist harmoniously with other radio sources such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microwaves.

Will Fenn, product marketing engineer for Renishaw’s Machine Tool Products Division, expresses his enthusiasm for the RMP24-micro: “Since we first previewed the product at the EMO exhibition in Hanover last year we’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the market. We’re now delighted to announce the full release of RMP24-micro and eagerly await showcasing it at upcoming exhibitions throughout 2024 and beyond.”

More information www.renishaw.com/rmp24-micro