THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Major developments from XYZ

XYZ Machine Tools (hall 18, stand 640) will have several exhibition firsts on its stand, including two major developments in
the company’s product range, details of which will be announced closer to the show. The key machine debuts will be the recently announced LR and HD vertical machining centre ranges, along with XYZ’s UMC-5X five-axis machining centre.

The UMC-5X gantry-style simultaneous five-axis machining centre is available with either the Siemens 840DSL ShopMill or Heidenhain iTNC 640 HSCI control systems, which offer traori (transformation orientation)/kinematic functions respectively during five-axis simultaneous machining for improved accuracy. A full 500 mm of Y-axis travel forward of the table is available when it is rotated 90° towards the rear (component facing forward), allowing larger workpieces to be machined in comparison to many competitor models, says XYZ.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Chester to launch Style range

Chester Machine Tools (hall 17, stand 564) is using MACH to announce its exclusive UK distributorship for Netherlands-based Style Machine Tools. Since 1991, Style has been making CNC machining centres, all of which feature the company’s proprietary control system, which although offering extensive functions for experienced operators, is also said to be accessible to apprentices.

Highlights of the control system, which features a 19” touch screen, include 3D simulation programs and contouring capabilities, along with the ability to import DXF files directly. The control can also read, process and implement ISO G codes. On the stand, Chester will be unveiling and demonstrating the Style 510 series CNC machining centre.
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com

Cutting tool specialist joins AFRC

The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) has welcomed cutting-tool manufacturer Quickgrind as its latest tier-two member. This new partnership will enable Quickgrind to promote its products and services to the AFRC’s tier-one members and partners, as well as tier-two members. In return, the company will provide the AFRC with its technology and consultancy support for the centre’s machining-related research.

Crawford Cullen, manufacturing engineer at the AFRC, says: “Quickgrind is ideally suited to the growth and developments of the AFRC’s machining team.”
For further information www.quickgrind.com

Gantry robots installed at axle plant

The Kingswinford facility of axle manufacturing specialist MTI Welding Technologies has installed gantry robots from Güdel to help boost production.

MTI’s new gantry robots can be found at the heart of an automated cell used to friction-weld axle sub-assemblies destined for articulated trailers. The production cell integrates MTI’s double-head friction-welding technology with two Güdel gantry robots (ZP5 and FP3 models), a machine vision system and a series of product conveying/handling systems. Güdel UK also integrated the Siemens control with the robots.
For further information www.gudel.com

Blum hails change in measurement attitudes

A global measurement specialist is celebrating after enjoying its best ever appearance at last month’s Southern Manufacturing exhibition in Farnborough. Blum-Novotest says it took 12 strong enquiries on its stand after displaying the company’s new Digilog touch-probe systems. Managing director David Mold says that the firm witnessed a big turning point at the show, with potential customers exploring how they could validate parts while still on the machine: “This is exactly what our technology gives them, ensuring that every part they machine is a good part. In the past, we’ve had to convince visitors of the benefits of on-machine verification. This is no longer the case, which is helping us plan for our record year. In fact, with what we’ve got in the pipeline, I’m pretty certain we’ll secure 20% growth in 2018.

“The 12 leads we took at the show were all enquiries from companies with a real application and interest in how our technology can improve the way they manufacture,” he adds. “It summed up what was an excellent show and one that captured the current positivity surrounding UK industry.”
Blum-Novotest employs 534 people and turns over £77m across its 16 subsidiaries. The company says that it delivers solutions to some of the world’s largest aerospace primes, car manufacturers and a host of CNC machine tool suppliers, including the Engineering Technology Group, Whitehouse Machine Tools and YMT.
For further information www.blum-novotest.com