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

Hull-based Ideal Boilers has increased its rate of production for domestic boiler chassis ever since a fully automated and highly efficient process designed by AP&T was implemented in 2018.

Over 400,000 boilers leave the factory in Hull every year for households and commercial properties all over the UK. In order to meet growing demand for the company’s products, Ideal Boilers decided to investigate the possibilities for increased automation and streamlined production. A technology partner was sought that could take on full responsibility and supply a turnkey solution for the fully automated manufacturing
of boiler enclosure parts.
After a careful selection process, Ideal Boilers chose AP&T to be its partner. “With the customer’s two new link-motion mechanical presses as the starting point, we designed a fully automated tandem line with short set-up times and the potential for fast tool changes,” says AP&T account manager Christian Wright. “The rate of production has at least doubled compared with previously, when the parts were handled manually. Since it needs to be possible for up to 10 different products to be manufactured during the course of a working day – some formed in both presses, others only in one – achieving an optimised and flexible process was challenging.”
AP&T’s front/back transfer plays a major role in the line, which went into production in November 2018. This stable and flexible solution takes care of high-speed feeding into and out of the press, and enables fast tool changes.
“The professionalism, technical expertise and support shown by AP&T from the outset of the project have been second to none,” says Joanne Lilley, Ideal Boilers’ engineering innovation manager. “I would have no hesitation in choosing AP&T again for any future projects.”
For further information www.aptgroup.com

Yamazaki Mazak has expanded its CNC training programme to include remote sessions at customer sites, enabling both new and existing users to unlock the benefits of Mazatrol Smooth CNC technology while social distancing remains in place.

The remote training programme involves Mazak delivering two full-size CNC control panel simulators and accompanying training material to a customer’s site, and then running a series of live interactive tutorials over the following days via Microsoft Teams. The simulators are then collected, cleaned and delivered to the next booking.
For further information programtraining@mazak.co.uk

Lotus is set to create a dedicated and specialist advanced technology centre that will also be home to a new headquarters for the company’s engineering consultancy.

Located on the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus, the new facility is established in partnership with WMG, a specialist in collaboration between academic research, teaching, training and industry. The substantial facility will consist of offices, workshops and laboratory space with ample opportunity for expansion. Initially, 130 engineers will move in, complementing the 500-strong engineering team at the home of Lotus Cars in Hethel, Norfolk.
“This is a big step forward for Lotus and our engineering consultancy,” states Matt Windle, executive director – engineering, Lotus Cars. “The new space, facilities and job opportunities at Wellesbourne will be in great demand as we rapidly build our portfolio of external projects.”
For further information www.lotuscars.com