ETG grows team

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has appointed Deacon in the newly created role of prismatic product manager, recognising the importance of supporting customers that encounter the challenges of everything from three to complex five-axis milling. Deacon will provide advice on innovative machining solutions, creative programming and machining strategies, strategic work-holding technologies, and automation solutions. Over the past 30 years, he has worked as a senior application engineer, product manager, key account project manager and sales manager for prestigious machine tool brands.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Open house at Star GB

Sliding-head lathe manufacturer Star GB is hosting an open house on 7-9 November 2023 at its Technology Centre in Derby. Visitors will experience an educational event featuring the latest innovations, expert knowledge and industry updates. Star GB will perform live machining demonstrations across its range and deliver the UK premiere of the Star SP-23 sliding-head lathe following its worldwide debut at EMO in Hanover last month. The company will also preview its latest fixed-headstock lathe, the SK-51 Type A. This slant-bed machine is equipped with twin 12-station turrets and the FANUC iHMI control.
For further information www.stargb.com/open

The power of positive partnerships

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland, will showcase a DN Solutions SMX 2100S mill-turn machine at Seco Tools’ Inspiration through Innovation Aerospace event taking place this week (11-12 October). The 8” chuck, FANUC-controlled SMX 2100S featuring opposing 22 kW/5000 rpm spindles, 12,000 rpm B-axis milling head, 40-tool position ATC, integrated thermal compensation and a 12/24-position lower turret is a capable of producing complex, precision parts in one hit.

To illustrate this claim, the SMX 2100S will be machining an aerospace impeller featuring an axial hub with numerous overlapping and twisted blades and splitters attached. Mills CNC will make the impeller from an EN8 carbon steel billet with final dimensions of approximately 165 mm (long) and 220 mm (diameter).
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Exploring the versatility of flat-bed lathes

According to machine tool supplier Axe & Status, flat-bed lathes have emerged as indispensable tools that cater to a wide range of industrial applications. These machines, known for their versatility, play a crucial role in shaping raw materials into intricate components that drive industries forward. Axe & Status, which offers a comprehensive range of flat-bed lathes, dives into the multi-faceted applications of these machine tools to show why they are a cornerstone of modern manufacturing processes.

Flat-bed lathes, also referred to as engine lathes, feature a horizontal bed that ensures stability and accuracy during machining. The true essence of flatbed lathes lies in their versatility. From small-scale workshops to large-scale industrial facilities, these machines are suitable for a broad spread of applications. As well as production volumes, these machines enable the rapid turning of prototypes, playing a pivotal role in iterative design processes and allowing engineers to test and refine their ideas before full-scale production.

Tool and die makers also rely heavily on flat-bed lathes to produce moulds, dies and special tools, while repair and maintenance tasks are another application to benefit, facilitating the refurbishment of worn-out components. In educational settings, flat-bed lathes serve as fundamental tools for teaching machining principles.

Flat-bed lathes offer exceptional precision, making them suitable for projects that demand high levels of accuracy across production runs. Furthermore, these machines can execute multiple machining processes in a single set-up, reducing production time and enhancing overall productivity.

Axe & Status offers an array of options that extend from manual lathes, which allow for hands-on precision and control, through to advanced CNC flat-bed lathes that bring automation and high-level accuracy to machining processes.
For further information www.axestatus.com

Mazak Recognised as leading employer

Machine tool builder Yamazaki Mazak can now claim recognition as one of the top employers in Worcestershire following its long-standing work with local education institutions and commitment to sustainable job creation.Mazak stands out as one of just 12 businesses in the region to gain the Cornerstone Certificate from Worcestershire County Council’s Local Enterprise Partnership. It celebrates employers with a deep-rooted culture of fostering the next generation of talent and an ongoing commitment to nurturing the future workforce, continuously enhancing skills and promoting academic achievement.

Mazak employs over 600 people at its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, which has the capacity to build over 1000 machine tools a year. The company has successfully trained over 250 apprentices, a significant number of whom now hold senior positions within Mazak.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk