At the back end of 2018, Dugard became the sole UK and Ireland sales and distribution outlet for the Korean brand of Hanwha sliding-head machine tools, since when the company has appointed Colin Thomson as its sliding-head specialist to drive the benefits of the technology to its customer base.

Commenting upon bringing the Hanwha brand into the Dugard fold, Thomson says: “While complementing the larger fixed-head range of Dugard turning centres, the Hanwha brand has capacity and power capabilities which far exceed that of existing sliding-head alternatives, allowing Dugard to truly bridge the gap between fixed and sliding-head technology.”
The Hanwha range is available in four range variants: the XD, XD Special/STL, XE and XP series of machines. Giving an overview of the Hanwha range, Thomson says: “The Hanwha sliding-head series is so diverse, we have something for everyone. The XE and XP are both great all-rounders with an economical price point that makes them best-selling machines for performance and productivity on a budget. Hanwha’s STL series is the most powerful turret model with a 10-station turret for VDI and BMT configurations. Taking this capability a step further is the XD Special series, which offers the ultimate tooling flexibility with
its B axis and Y2 axis, as well as its specially configured tool layout for the production of complex parts.”
He continues: “Added to the various models, we can configure the machines to meet the needs of the end user with a host of options that include tool breakage detection, through-coolant, guide bush and guide bush-less operation, driven tooling, chilling units, gear hobbing, modular tool configurations, chip conveyors, extended coolant tanks, motorised air spindles, and a selection of cross-drill configurations.”
For further information www.dugard.com

More than 30 machining centres, mainly five-axis models and some with various types of automation, will be on show at an open house to be held on 8-11 May at the Gosheim headquarters and factory of German machine tool builder, Hermle AG.

Manufacturers in the UK and Ireland interested in attending the event should contact sole agent, Kingsbury.
All of Hermle’s machines will be in evidence, including the ‘Performance Line’ range, which has recently been expanded to include mill-turn variants and the C650 model. Guided tours of the production and assembly areas will give visitors an insight into Hermle’s manufacturing processes. As usual, a special area will be set aside for partner companies to exhibit their latest developments in associated segments such as tooling, inspection systems, CADCAM and control technology.
Other highlights will include Hermle’s proprietary MPA additive manufacturing system, work-holding technology and software innovations.
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

Widia has published its Advances 2019 product catalogue, which is available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

The 100-page publication features new product developments and extensions to the range of solid carbide and indexable tooling from Widia. Highlighted within are a number of new milling, hole-making and turning product lines. A particular focus is the Widia VSM890-12 series of shoulder and face-milling tools. The eight-edged, double-sided indexable range is said to be one of very few economic industry solutions that provide true 90° milling.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Lloyds Bank will be the headline sponsor of MACH 2020 for the fifth consecutive show, says organiser, the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA).

The next edition of MACH is scheduled to take place on 20-24 April 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham. This latest commitment showcases a decade of support for the show, Lloyds Bank having been a long-standing supporter of MACH and the manufacturing sector. The bank has recently reaffirmed this commitment by increasing its lending commitment to UK manufacturers. Having originally pledged to lend in excess of £6bn to manufacturers between 2013 and 2018, Lloyds has committed a further £1bn per year of new lending through to the end of 2020.
For further information www.machexhibition.com

A two-day ‘Made for Space’ conference being staged by the MTC will be held on 2-3 May.

The event will host international experts who will explain the opportunities available for manufacturers in the space industry. Keynote speakers are set to include: John Vickers, principal technologist, Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA; and Thomas Rohr, head of materials and processes at the European Space Agency. Also speaking will be Graham Peters, chair of UK Space, and Graham Turnock, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.
MTC chief technologist David Wimpenny says the UK space sector had trebled in size since 2000, with further growth predicted. This ongoing expansion presents a significant opportunity for high-value manufacturing companies in the UK. Topics covered at the Made for Space conference will include additive manufacturing, automation and robotics, surface engineering, high-performance coatings, and advanced joining technology. Early bird tickets are available until 31 March.
For further information www.the-mtc.org/madeforspace