Renishaw is collaborating with UK start-up business Additive Automations as part of a project to automate the post-processing of metal parts made by additive manufacturing (AM).

Using collaborative robots (cobots) for support structure removal could reduce the average cost per part by 25%, furthering AM’s potential as a cost-effective option for large-volume production lines. Called ‘Separation of Additive-Layer Supports by Automation’ (SALSA), the project aims to use robotics and deep learning to digitalise some of the few remaining manual processes left in AM.
Additive Automations is a Sheffield-based start-up that creates robotic systems for use in AM processes. Renishaw has already provided four examples of AM builds for medical, oil and gas, automotive, and mechanical engineering applications. Testing its robotic system on parts already being used in industrial applications will help Additive Automations demonstrate the potential of its support structure removal system.
For further information www.renishaw.com

A specialist in precision tooling systems and solutions, Big Kaiser, has published the third edition of its product catalogue.

Packed with new technology advancements, the latest edition is available from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), the exclusive Big Kaiser technology partner in the UK. Published in five languages, the new brochure contains over 500 pages of tooling solutions and can be accessed as both an online catalogue or PDF download from the ITC website. Alternatively, a free printed edition can be supplied.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk/products

Those looking to invest in a high-end CNC machining centre can benefit from a raft of newly announced summer deals from Dugard.

The company is currently offering discounts of up to 40% off the list prices of Kitamura models. Kitamura machines provide 60 m/min rapids, 2 µm positional accuracy, chip-to-chip times near 2 seconds, the Kitamura Arumatic CNC, linear glass scales and high levels of build quality. Among the machines being offered at discount prices are the Kitamura HX250iG HMC, the Medcenter 5AX micro-machining centre, the Mytrunnion 4G five-axis VMC, and the Supercell 300 and 400 five-axis HMCs.
For further information www.dugard.com

Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has released its latest 3204 range of end mills for aluminium workpieces.

The new three-flute range of solid-carbide end mills has been developed with a long flute length for reaching into cavities with high levels of rigidity and performance, says the company. ITC’s 3204 series cutters combine centre-cutting geometry with the company’s latest chip-breaking technology. A high-performance micro-grain carbide composition is said to generate extended tool life and wear resistance.
Developed in conjunction with its UK customer base, ITC says that the 3204 range incorporates a strengthened core diameter and efficient geometry design that rapidly expedites chips from the work envelope, while minimising vibration and stabilising performance. Suitable for everything from rough to semi-finish machining, the centre-cutting 3204 enhances surface finish and prevents re-cutting.
ITC’s 3204 series is available in diameters of 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 mm, with an overall length of 100 mm for tools from 6 to 12 mm, and an overall length of 150 mm for the 16 and 20 mm variants. These tool lengths have been optimised in line with customer feedback, and provides a flute length from 35 to 80 mm depending upon the chosen tool diameter. ITC says this factor has already been proven to increase stability, rigidity, longevity and overall performance in comparison with previous product lines.
The overall length and flute length combinations are the result of extensive trials and testing.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk/products

Ward CNC has achieved continued recognition from its July 2020 ISO 9001:2015 quality management audit from the BSI. The achievement was underpinned by the fact that no non-conformities were found during both the July audit and the original awarding in December 2019.

Executive director Stephen Bodsworth (pictured front, centre) says: “Like many organisations during this time, we’ve had to adapt to the threats of COVID-19 and implement new ways of working for the safety of our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Throughout this period – and despite these challenges – we’ve been able to ensure that customer experience is at the high standard we demand of ourselves and that our customers would come to expect. Despite the audit taking place in a virtual form, we were still able to demonstrate the processes and management systems that enable us to keep these standards in this unique environment.”
For further information www.wardcnc.com