Compound tables for converting a three-axis VMC into a four-axis or five-axis machine are becoming increasingly popular.

Such tables boost output by reducing the number of component set-ups, often enabling one-hit production, and minimising tolerance build-up for higher accuracy machining. Fixture costs are lower, handling is less and smaller batches can be produced economically, reducing cost per part.
Provided that a rigid, high quality table is purchased, the metal-cutting configuration will be just as robust and accurate as the rotary axes on true five-axis machines.
Kitagawa, which is represented in the UK by sole agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories, manufactures the world’s largest range of NC rotary tables, covering single- and multiple-spindle, tilting, and waterproof models. The tables can be configured with the motor on the right, left, back or top. Table diameters range from as small as 100 mm, including some with built-in 5C spindles, up to 500 mm.
Most models can be supplied with a number of options – including integral ports in the faceplate to enable hydraulic fixture operation – allowing workpieces to be secured automatically.

The most popular tables can be configured for use in conjunction with the Kitagawa Quinte controller. Using a simple M code, a table can be operated from any CNC system, providing the versatility to swap work between three-axis VMCs with different controls. Another option is to operate the Quinte controller through an RS232 connection, which allows the rotary table to be controlled via the machine CNC, eliminating the need for two separate programs.
Through 1st Machine Tool Accessories, Kitagawa offers various options to complement its rotary tables, such as manual, pneumatic or hydraulic tailstocks, tail spindles with built-in clamping system, trunnion assemblies, rotary joints, air/hydraulic intensifiers, and manual, pneumatic and hydraulic
chuck systems.
For further information www.1mta.com

Dugard has appointed Colin Thomson to support ongoing growth of the Hanwha brand. Joining the company as product sales manager, Thomson will be tasked with managing the range of Hanwha sliding-head turning centres throughout the UK.

Dugard was appointed as the UK agent for the South Korean Hanwha brand at the tail end of 2018. The Hanwha range of machines will also be supported by the existing Dugard sales team.
With almost 30 years of experience in manufacturing, Thomson started his engineering career as a machine shop apprentice at a prominent aerospace subcontract company in Essex, during which time he became team leader. Leaving this post in his late 20s, Thomson has since cut his teeth in technical sales and account management by working with machine tool and cutting tool manufacturers. With much of this period spent at a prominent sliding-head lathe manufacturer, he is well positioned to give the Hanwha brand a foothold in this niche industry segment.
For further information www.dugard.com

Drawing attention from high-ranking officials on the opening day of SteelFab 2019 (pictured), Chester Machine Tools enjoyed success at the Middle East’s premier trade show for metalworking, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication.

“We were extremely proud to exhibit for the sixth year running under the flagship of the British Pavilion, demonstrating our range of CNC and conventional machine tools,” states sales director Anthony Edwards. “As a global supplier, our multiple machine tool solutions support the infrastructure of growth in many countries, and we were extremely pleased to see that our machines received much attention and interest from attending delegates. It proved to be a highly successful five-day event for us, particularly when a customer specialising in oil field component manufacturing purchased our demonstration model – a Kitchen & Walker G62 radial drilling machine.”
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com