THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Five-axis hybrid machine on display

Yamazaki Mazak is set to showcase the latest addition to its five-axis range of hybrid machining centres on stand J220 at Southern Manufacturing.

The Variaxis j-600/5X AM, which made its European debut at EMO last year, employs a wire-arc AM (additive manufacturing) head on a five-axis vertical machining centre to enable high-speed additive and subtractive manufacturing on one combined platform. The wire-arc AM torch is mounted on the machine’s headstock to deposit material layer-by-layer and grow near-net-shape 3D forms. Material is deposited quickly due to the use of wire instead of metal powder.
Mazak’s Variaxis j-600/5X AM makes use of a 12,000 rpm main spindle and wide B-axis spectrum of rotation (+90° to -120°). The machine is equipped with a rigid structure, utilising roller linear guides on all linear axes and roller gear cams on both rotary axes.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Euro projects

Lina Huertas, head of technology strategy for digital manufacturing at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, has been chosen to be on a jury of experts for the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot.

Huertas is one of 87 experts drawn from 26 countries who will assess companies pitching innovation projects to the EIC SME Instrument, which supports innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists with funding opportunities and acceleration services. The EIC SME Instrument will fund around 4000 small companies that pass the rigorous process, through to 2020.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

SABB selected for Sharing in Growth

Engineering specialist Senior Aerospace Bird Bellows (SABB) plans to deliver future growth after being selected for Sharing in Growth (SiG), the government-backed supply chain competitiveness programme.

The Cheshire-based company, having produced steady growth in recent times, will work with SiG to achieve significant expansion over the next five years by investing in skills, productivity and business development. As part of the programme, SABB went through a robust 12-week business diagnostic to establish suitability. The company’s key customers include Airbus, Embraer, Bell Helicopters, GKN and Rolls Royce.
For further information www.sig-uk.org/apply

Length gauge for harsh environments

A new incremental length gauge for precision measuring and in-process control applications in harsh environments has been introduced by Heidenhain. The length gauge is suitable for use in the working area of grinding machines, lathes and other metal-cutting machine tools, and produces results accurate to ±1 μm over its 30 mm measuring range.

Called Specto ST 3087RC, the unit has a special housing to protect its mechanism. A built-in spring keeps the plunger, surrounded by a rubber bellows, retracted behind a guard and splash cap when the gauge is in its rest position. The extension of the plunger to the measuring position is actuated by compressed air, normally with the coolant switched off.
An increase in productivity and a reduction in floor-to-floor time result from not having to transfer components to a measuring station external to the machine tool, or to a quality control department. Should rework be necessary after metrology functions have been completed, in-process gauging preserves accuracy by eliminating the need to set the component up again for a second operation.
High-accuracy positional values over the full stroke of the gauge allow diverse components to be measured from the same fixture. Furthermore, internal photoelectric scanning of plunger position by means
of a DIADUR scale grating with a 20 μm period, together with the use of a durable ball-bush guide, permit consistent repeatability of probing even when measuring oblique or curved surfaces.
The IP67-rated ST 3087 RC is protected against ingress of dust and unaffected by high-pressure coolant jets – and even short periods of immersion. The length gauge is also tolerant to extremes of temperature, vibration and shock.
For further information www.heidenhain.com

Fives grows machine service offer

Fives Machining Systems Inc, a global machine tool and manufacturing solutions provider, has acquired Konecranes Machine Tool Service division, a USA-based provider of machine-tool service.

Konecranes MTS division has facilities located in Erlanger, Kentucky and Massillon, Ohio, both of which will remain key operating locations. “Our mission is to be the primary service and solutions provider for machine tool productivity enhancements and service support to aerospace and industrial manufacturers,” says Steve Thiry, president & CEO of Fives Machining Systems.
For further information www.fivegroup.com