THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Get smart with large-diameter boring

Precision hole-making system manufacturer Big Kaiser is launching its new bridge tool that comes complete with a smart damper holder. Available in the UK from cutting tool manufacturer Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), the product marks the advent of a new family of bridge tools.

The Big Kaiser bridge tool with smart damper features the CK connection for both rough and fine-boring operations. Notably, the new bridge tools incorporate the company’s patented smart damper that reduces vibration when machining large-diameter bores up to 320 mm.

Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales and marketing officer for Europe at Big Kaiser, says: “Now, we can seamlessly merge multiple cutting-edge technologies. This system brings together the exceptional modularity of the CK connection, with the anti-chatter capabilities of our smart damper and our bridge tools. With the introduction of this new product family, we’re continuing to push the boundaries of innovation in solutions for large-diameter deep boring.”

The integrated smart damper enhances connection stability, leading to improved precision during boring operations. It creates a stiff system in comparison with using separate or modular components. Additionally, the tools offer the convenience of supporting coolant supply through a central hole. This design delivers cutting fluid directly to the cutting edge to prolong tool life and improve performance whilst simplifying the installation process.

Expected to serve a broad spectrum of industry sectors, the Big Kaiser bridge tools will prove valuable assets in applications within the energy, defence, aerospace and large-part manufacturing sectors.

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Lathe manufacturer builds new plant

Lathe manufacturer CMZ has acquired 22,000 sq m of land in Berriz (Vizcaya) where the company will build its eighth manufacturing plant. CMZ’s next-generation lathe model, currently in development, will be assembled at the plant, which will become the company’s ‘nerve centre’. The new facilities will have an assembly area tailored to the characteristics of the new range of CMZ lathes and the latest technological developments. There will also be offices to make it the company’s new headquarters. CMZ says its strategic goal is clear: to consolidate the production of 800 lathes a year.

More information www.cmz.com

Trumpf UK names open house dates

To celebrate its 50th anniversary in the UK, Trumpf will stage an open house at its Luton headquarters on 2 and 3 July 2024. The event is a prime opportunity for OEMs and subcontractors to gain inspiration via the latest sheet metal machines and software solutions, covering processes from design to automated manufacture. Trumpf will showcase its laser cutting, punching, welding, bending and laser marking technology through live machine and software demonstrations, and provide opportunities to speak with technical experts face to face.

More information www.bit.ly/4e2UtmD

Bringing automation and robots to life

The return of Automation UK is fast approaching, with the show once again taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 18-19 June 2024. The event is organised and owned by the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and promotes the uses and benefits of automation and robotics in the UK. Over 50 companies will be exhibiting their products and services, which will include robots, robotics systems, systems integration, automation control parts and systems, and sensors and machine safety. Visitors will benefit from meeting exhibiting experts, suppliers, technicians and advisors.

For more information www.automation-uk.co.uk

William Mitchell seals Ford Q1 Award

A critical automotive supplier has secured one of the industry’s leading awards for quality and performance. William Mitchell, which is part of the Rical Group, has been recognised with the Ford Q1 award, marking the 20th year it has been supplying fine-blanked components to the carmaker’s plants in the UK, Germany, South Africa, Argentina, India, Turkey and the US.

The certification was presented to the management team and staff at the Black Country firm’s factory in Smethwick last week. It is only given to companies who demonstrate excellence beyond the ISO/TS standard in five key areas: capable systems, continuous improvement, on-time delivery and quality, superior manufacturing processes, and customer satisfaction.

For more information www.ricalgroup.com