THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

MTT invests in Nakamura-Tome WT150

When an ex-employee of the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) had the ambition of setting up his own business, the company provided both its blessing and support with a Nakamura-Tome machine tool. While working as an applications engineer at ETG, Mike Jerdin’s personal circumstances changed and he needed to be close to his family, not on the road as the role required. Jerdin subsequently launched MTT Engineering and bought a Nakamura-Tome WT150 multi-tasking turn-mill centre. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.

“Most start-ups begin with a second-hand machine or two, but working with Nakamura users during my 10 years at ETG meant I knew that these machines deliver a competitive edge,” says Jerdin. “I spoke with the team at ETG and they helped me with a finance and support package that you wouldn’t get from any other machine tool supplier.”

Initially having challenges acquiring a local industrial unit, MTT Engineering co-located with a fabrication business in Macclesfield – a partnership that is proving beneficial for both parties. As part of the start-up strategy, the company is offering a fast-turnaround service to the subcontract and tier-one supply chain in the local area. MTT’s early customer base is reaping the rewards of the twin-spindle, twin-turret Nakamura-Tome WT150.

“I started the business with customers that would give me their overspill work when they are running at capacity,” explains Jerdin. “However, with its twin-spindle and twin-turret capabilities, I can manufacture the parts faster, with higher precision and more cost-effectively than my clients. They recognise the benefits and profitability they are yielding from my service, so they continually provide us with more work. This service is enabling my clients to reduce their lead times and, in turn, win kudos from their customers.”

More information www.engtechgroup.com

30 years of all-electric tube benders

Tube bending technology specialist Unison Ltd is celebrating 30 years since it launched the world’s first all-electric tube bending machine. It is an invention that changed the method of tube bending by precision industries around the globe. “It was no great secret that the accuracy of hydraulic tube bending machines could be affected by fluctuating oil temperature,” says joint managing director Alan Pickering.

Called the Unison Breeze, the world’s first all-electric three-axis tube bending machine was launched in 1994, with the company subsequently registering UK and German patents. In the years since, Unison has launched the world’s first all-electric five-stack tube bending machine, followed by the world’s first 76, 115, 150 and 180 mm multi-stack machines, as well as robotised and twin-head tube benders.

More informationwww.unisonltd.com

Renishaw launches RMP24-micro probe

Renishaw says its new RMP24-micro is the world’s smallest wireless probe for machine tools. The RMP24-micro measures just 24 mm in diameter and 31.4 mm in length. Despite its small form factor, the probe delivers measurement repeatability of 0.35 µm 2σ, which according to the company sets a new standard for wireless probes in this size category.

The micro-kinematic mechanism within the probe promotes ultra-low trigger forces, ensuring gentle contact with workpieces during probing. This capability not only minimises the risk of damage, but also reduces part deflection for enhanced measurement accuracy.

Designed for compact machines that manufacture high-value, high-precision components, the RMP24-micro is suited to applications in industries that include medical, dental, watchmaking and micro-mechanics. Tight measurement tolerances are easily achievable with the probe’s repeatability and lobing performance, while its short length and radio communication makes the RMP24-micro useable in confined spaces.

The probe uses Renishaw’s updated radio transmission protocol to communicate with the machine tool controller via the RMI-QE radio interface. With an operating range of up to 5 m, it employs a 2.4 GHz FHSS protocol, compliant with radio regulations worldwide. This FHSS technology has excellent power efficiency and allows the probe to co-exist harmoniously with other radio sources such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microwaves.

Will Fenn, product marketing engineer for Renishaw’s Machine Tool Products Division, expresses his enthusiasm for the RMP24-micro: “Since we first previewed the product at the EMO exhibition in Hanover last year we’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the market. We’re now delighted to announce the full release of RMP24-micro and eagerly await showcasing it at upcoming exhibitions throughout 2024 and beyond.”

More information www.renishaw.com/rmp24-micro

Decent year for tooling specialist

Cutting tool manufacturer Mapal was able to increase its group turnover in the 2023
financial year. At €588m, this represents an increase of 5.5% year-on-year. Dr Jochen Kress,
president of the Mapal Group, considers this a validation: “The fact that we were able to
achieve our planned growth despite considerable economic fluctuations over the course of
the year makes us optimistic that we have charted the correct course”.
The company expects turnover to stagnate overall in 2024. “The economy grew slower than
expected in the first half of the year,” says Kress. “However, there are more signs that the
second half will be more positive, which is reflected in our forecasts. We are now
concentrating on remaining in line with these despite the economic challenges.”
More information www.mapal.com

Mazak declares BIEMH a major success

Strong levels of enquiries and a high visitor turnout have led Yamazaki Mazak and its Spanish representative Intermaher to declare the recent BIEMH trade show in Bilbao a major success.Mazak and Intermaher showcased five machines at the event, including the European-built CV5-500 five-axis machining centre and QTE-300 turning centre, both of which featured turnkey robot machine tending solutions at the exhibition.Stand visitors were particularly interested in the Integrex i-450H, one of the larger models from Mazak’s flagship multi-tasking range that combines turning and B-axis milling in one machine. 

More information www.mazakeu.co.uk