THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Launching CoroMill MR20 for controlled, stable profile milling

Cutting tool specialist Sandvik Coromant has launched its CoroMill MR20, an indexable milling concept engineered to deliver stability, predictable performance and high metal removal rates across demanding materials and applications. Designed for manufacturers that require process security, the new indexable-insert cutter brings both confidence and productivity to profiling and face milling operations, reports the company.

CoroMill MR20 is a single-sided round-insert concept for ISO M, ISO S and ISO P materials. Its combination of security and versatility makes it suitable for pocketing and complex profiling in titanium and other HRSA materials used for aerospace and oil and gas components. The tool also excels in ISO P mould and die applications, delivering reliable roughing and semi-finishing performance. In ISO M materials, it handles heavy metal removal for pump and valve components with the high predictability and productivity these industries demand. CoroMill MR20 is now Sandvik Coromant’s first-choice solution for these applications.

“Our goal while developing CoroMill MR20 was to create a polyvalent cutter that offers the highest level of process security,” says Alvaro Ruiz, global product application specialist. “Customers machining high-value components need predictable, repeatable performance, which CoroMill MR20 delivers.”

CoroMill MR20 is engineered not only for performance but also for more sustainable machining. By enabling higher feed per tooth, the tool reduces the energy required during machining. Its long tool life means fewer inserts are consumed, lowering the overall carbon footprint associated with production.

“Increasing feed capability while extending tool life means fewer resources used and less waste generated,” confirms Ruiz. “It’s a win for productivity and for sustainability.”More information www.sandvik.coromant.com

AWI secures major nuclear quality accreditation

Successful accreditation to a prestigious quality standard is set to create £2m of global opportunities for Alloy Wire International (AWI).This UK manufacturer of precision drawn, flat and profile wire has taken just nine months to gain ISO 19443, the international benchmark for supplying critical components and material to the nuclear sector.

AWI recorded zero non-conformities during the assessment, with the business praised for its strong quality management systems, employee culture and enhanced communications strategy that was integral to the successful application.The firm’s 62-strong range of exotic alloys is in growing demand from the sector, with sales to this market increasing to 10% of the firm’s annual £16.5m turnover.

More informationwww.alloywire.com

German machine tool industry reports leveling off

After two years of noticeable reluctance to invest, the German machine tool industry is showing its first signs of stabilising, reports national association, VDW. Overall, however, incoming orders for 2025 remained slightly below that of the previous year. Orders declined 3%, with demand from the domestic market, in particular, still subdued.A slight recovery was recorded by the end of the year, however:in the fourth quarter of 2025, the total number of new orders was up 4% on the previous year’s figure. Experts at VDW are expecting further gains in the second half of 2026.

More information www.vdw.de

Unlocking untapped factory capacity worth £129bn

A new report from FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics reveals that UK manufacturers could collectively unlock hidden production capacity worth up to £129 billion in additional annual output without significant investment in new equipment or staff.The report, Return on Information, reveals that large manufacturers using best-practice production data approaches, such as real-time monitoring across the factory floor, typically achieve a 16% increase in output, while SME producers usually attain 30%. It estimates that industry-wide adoption could unlock up to £67bn per year for large UK plants and £62bn for SMEs.

More information www.bit.ly/41C6ydi

Four-Axis Chip Breaking for Next-Level Efficiency

MACH 2026 will be the first major UK exhibition at which patented LFV (low frequency
vibration) chip breaking from Citizen Machinery (stand 20-260) will be demonstrated with
four-axis simultaneous capability. Integrated into the operating system of the control driving
the axis motions of Citizen Cincom sliding-head lathes, and more recently selected Miyano
fixed-head models, LFV breaks stringy swarf into manageable chips.
Now, the technology has been developed to start and stop in four separate axes at the same
time, namely the X and Z movements of both the main and sub spindles. Four-axis LFV is a
major step forward, as it greatly enhances flexibility, reduces cycle times and eliminates
operational bottlenecks, since there is no need to stop the machine to remove tangled
swarf, however complex the program.
More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk