The recent replacement an older grinding machine with a new Studer S121 universal cylindrical grinder from UK agent Micronz has ensured the efficient production of premium-quality ring gauges offering sub-micron levels of accuracy at the Bradford manufacturing facility of Bowers Group.

Metrology group technical director at Bowers, Tom Parry, says: “An older grinder, used to internal-grind our ring gauges, was beginning to need regular maintenance so we recently made the decision to purchase a new machine. We’ve been very impressed with the precision and efficiency of a Studer S33 grinder that we installed several years ago. This machine is now in constant use grinding spindles and other high-precision components.

“After carefully evaluating market alternatives we came to the conclusion that the Studer S121 best met our challenging, sub-micron precision grinding requirements,” he continues. “It helped our decision that, although we chose the S121 on its technical merits, the Studer machine was actually less expensive than some of the less able grinders that we saw. Now installed in our dedicated, temperature-controlled precision grinding department, the Studer S121 has significantly improved our ring gauge manufacturing capabilities. It’s providing outstanding sub-micron levels of grinding precision and enabling highly efficient production.”

The S121 universal cylindrical grinding machine accommodates medium-sized workpieces in both individual and small batch production runs. It has a swing diameter above the table of 400 mm and is able to process workpiece lengths, including clamping devices, of up to 300 mm. An internal length of up to 175 mm can be ground, while the S121 can handle workpieces of up to 125 kg.

For further information
www.micronz.co.uk

XYZ Machine Tools’ main stand (Hall 18, Stand 130) will not be short of new products with several machines making their UK exhibition debuts, including the new XYZ SS 65 sub-spindle lathe (pictured), a first for XYZ and one that is generating lots of interest due to its capability and competitive pricing. Introduced in response to demand from customers seeking increased productivity and less spindle downtime, the XYZ SS 65 features a 16.5 kW, 4000 rpm main spindle with 65 mm bar capacity and 200 mm diameter chuck as standard, complemented by an 11 kW, 5000 rpm sub-spindle featuring a 52 mm bore and 150 mm chuck.

Also making its MACH debut will be the XYZ ProTurn RLX 780 lathe. While not new to the range, the sheer scale of this machine has precluded it from being shown before. Weighing in at 8600 kg, the machine features a swing over the bed of 780 mm (1090 mm in the gap) and a distance between centres of 3000 mm. The spindle is powered by a 32 kW motor with the gearbox providing two speed ranges from 20 to 1300 rpm.

For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Dugard Machine Tools (Hall 20, Stand 640) will be introducing a number of new machine tools on its stand. For instance, the company will unveil the Kitamura MedCenter5AX five-axis vertical machining centre for fast precise machining, as well as the larger Dugard GTX-620 five-axis machining centre.

Another MACH premiere will be given to the Hanwha brand of sliding-head turning centres. Here, the Hanwha XD38R incorporates the facility to rapidly switch from guide bush to non-guide bush operation. Also on the stand will be the SMEC SL2000ASY turning centre (pictured). Built upon the foundation of a single-piece Meehanite casting ribbed with a torque tube design, box slide-ways are present throughout the SMEC range, resulting in good vibration dampening and thermal displacement characteristics.

For further information
www.dugard.com

Hainbuch (Hall 20, Stand 447) will host new and established work-holding technologies, such as the Manok Plus system. This extended variant of the manual Manok stationary chuck differs through the use of adaptation elements. With the Manok plus system, many more clamping possibilities are now available in combination with the Mando Adapt mandrel-in-chuck (or the jaw module for even larger clamping diameters).

The Manok work-holding system is suitable for five-axis machining and stationary applications as the chuck operates with a pull-back action, so components are pulled positively against any internal stop to give power and rigidity while reducing vibration during heavy-duty milling operations. To improve set-up and changeover times, the Manok incorporates a manual fixture that easily changes the clamping heads in a couple of seconds.

For further information www.hainbuch.com

Aston Martin is to create more than 100 jobs at its St Athan site in Wales, following the launch of its new DBX707 luxury SUV. The DBX707 will enter full production later this quarter at the manufacturer’s plant in South Glamorgan, with more than 100 new skilled automotive technicians required to support it. Applications are open now via Manpower recruitment.

Tobias Moers, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda says: “As we ramp-up production of the DBX707, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to increase our team at St Athan and create more employment opportunities for the local community. Our DBX SUV is the first Welsh-built production car for nearly 50 years and these new positions are an opportunity to join a team delivering our incredible new DBX707 derivative that is setting new benchmarks for performance in the luxury segment.”

For further information www.manpower.co.uk