For parting-off at high feed rates, Horn has introduced EH geometry, a development based on the manufacturer’s S100 grooving system. The single-edge insert is available in widths of 3 and 4 mm. Notably, the stable cutting edge enables feed rates in the range of 0.25 to 0.4 mm/rev during grooving and parting, leading to fast cycle times.

High infeed requires a stable machine, as well as secure clamping of the workpiece. From a feed rate of 0.3 mm/rev, Horn recommends reducing the infeed for the first 3 to 4 mm during grooving and parting-off.

Due to their stability, S100 holders and cassettes for grooving along the Y axis are first choice when machining at these elevated feed rates. The process enables high-performance, vibration-free parting with high cutting values, leading to short machining times, reports Horn.

Especially when parting-off workpieces of larger diameter, high moments of force begin to manifest. The space available in a machine often does not allow the use of tools featuring larger cross-sections. With the new insert arrangement in the tool holder, the cutting forces are absorbed by the main cross-section of the parting tool holder, resulting in greater overall rigidity for a given tool width and, subsequently, higher feed rates. Alternatively, it is possible to deploy a narrower holder to achieve the same system rigidity.

For further information
www.phorn.co.uk

Belgrave & Powell, a specialist engineering services group, has acquired 100% of the shares of Autotech Robotics, based in Plymouth, UK. The acquisition will form part of Belgrave & Powell’s Machine Technology Group (MTG). Established in 1989, Autotech Robotics is a provider and integrator of robotic systems across the automotive, aerospace, marine and metal-processing industries.

Paul Ward, a partner in Belgrave & Powell who will lead the company as part of the MTG, says: “Coupled with our other machine tool, engineering and automation specialists, the MTG now has sizeable scale and capability across a range of robotic and automation platforms. Our focus will be on automated cells for machine loading, vision systems, robotic welding, cutting, forming, painting and handling, initially for the metalworking industries, but followed by expansion into other sectors.”

For further information
www.autotech-robotics.com

Amada has extended its range of HFE3i intelligent press brakes by adding a 400 tonne machine in 4, 5 and 6 m lengths. Aimed at heavy-engineering sectors such as agriculture, commercial vehicle, rail, construction, mining and shipbuilding, the new HFE3i HT (High Tonnage) model can bend mild steel up to 20 mm thick.

A high-rigidity frame offers optimum performance in high-tonnage applications, while Amada’s design of the lower table guarantees parallel beam deflection. Furthermore, the strong and flexible back gauge combines payload and positioning accuracy via its five motorised axes.

The standard single Delta-X finger, which can move forward and backwards independently of the other, allows high gauging flexibility and is particularly useful when bending asymmetrical workpieces. Optionally, customers can select Delta-X on both fingers.

HFE3i HT machines feature a range of equipment designed specifically for high-tonnage applications. For instance, Digipro uses wireless technology to transmit the measured angle to the control before the machine compensates to provide a precise bend angle. At all times, operators can use a hand wheel to make manual adjustments to each axis. If required, an optional device for active angle measurement is available: the Bi-M laser can measure and correct the angle in real time.

A further benefit for customers is Amada’s Eco inverter technology, which means the machine stops using power as soon as the bend is complete. As well as saving energy, this smart hydraulic power system reduces maintenance requirements, oil consumption and noise.

The HFE3i HT can be optionally fitted with Amada SF200 sheet followers (200 kg per arm) to help improve accuracy and safety. SF200 units follow the bend speed as folding takes place.

For further information
www.amada.eu

Rolls-Royce has successfully completed the first engine run on its state-of-the-art Testbed 80, which will be the largest and smartest indoor aerospace testbed in the world after its official opening in the coming months. With an internal area of 7500 sq m, making it larger than a football pitch, the testbed conducted its first run on a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine at the company’s facility in Derby. The project has been under construction for almost three years and represents a £90m investment.

Chris Cholerton, president of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, says: “Testbed 80 will not only test engines such as the Trent XWB, but the engines and propulsion systems of the future, which will see us take another step towards decarbonisation. It’s great that the first engine test has been a success.”

For further information
www.rolls-royce.com

Although already featuring the latest RLX ProtoTRAK control, XYZ Machine Tools has now introduced a range of options to further enhance the appeal of its RLX 780 heavy-duty CNC lathe (3000 mm between centre distance and 780 mm swing over the bed).

The first option, which will prove attractive to the oil and gas sector, is the availability of a 180 mm spindle bore (160 mm standard). This larger size makes the machine ideal for turning 6” API pipe, which has a standard 168 mm outside diameter.

For customers not familiar with the benefits of ProtoTRAK, XYZ Machine Tools has also added the option of a Siemens 828D ShopTurn control. In addition, customers specifying this CNC will benefit from an eight-station turret with live tooling using a 30 VDI connection.

“The RLX 780 has exceeded all of our sales forecasts, which we made prior to COVID-19,” states Nigel Atherton, managing director at XYZ Machine Tools. “It has proved extremely popular across sectors where large capacity mixed with flexibility is required. These latest updates and options will extend its appeal as a cost-effective solution for turning large, long components, but with the flexibility to machine smaller parts when required.”

Aimed at industries such as rail, oil and gas, and general engineering, the standard specification of the RLX 780 includes a 30 kW spindle with Yaskawa inverter drive that delivers infinitely variable speeds across two ranges of 20-417 and 580-1300 rpm. Machine stability comes from its 8600 kg overall weight, with the one-piece solid ribbed cast base featuring a 500 mm wide vee and flat bed.

For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com