THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Arturn makes a turn for Hanwha turning centres

Arturn Precision Engineering has invested in a Hanwha XD38II sliding-head turning centre from Dugard to enhance capacity and throughput at its Rugby-based facility. As a tier-one automotive supplier, as well as a manufacturer for the fastener, electrical, food and pharmaceutical industries, Arturn is no stranger to high-volume production runs, which is where the Hanwha machine from Dugard is making a difference.

Myles Rudkin, foreman at Arturn Engineering, says: “One of the main reasons we bought the Hanwha XD38II is because we can turn up to 38 mm diameter on a sliding-head machine, which in my opinion is pretty impressive, especially when the sweet spot is from 32 to 38 mm. That’s where we have a broad diameter of parts, so it means we can expand the range of components which we can machine for customers.”

Looking at the specific attributes of the machine, Rudkin adds: “It’s a great machine and, where the tools are located, particularly the power tools, makes it easily accessible to interchange cutting tools and accelerate our set-up processes.”

Considering the FANUC 32i-Model B CNC system and the programming, Rudkin says: “I like the programming on this machine. It has broadened my knowledge because a lot of the M codes are familiar, like on a fixed-head machine. This means that my knowledge of fixed-head machines and the respective G- and M-codes will transfer directly to the Hanwha.”

With flood coolant on the new Hanwha XD38II sliding-head turning centre, ISO9001-accredited Arturn has noticed a marked improvement in tool life.

“The coolant flow on this machine is excellent and there is a high number of coolant hoses on the machine that can be moved and directed at specific tools,” says Rudkin.
For further information www.dugard.com

Small Lynx 2600 lathe range becomes larger

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions’ machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has announced that the recently introduced Lynx 2600 series (comprising Y-axis and Y-axis with sub-spindle models), has been expanded with the introduction of two new machines. The 10” chuck/81 mm bar capacity Lynx 2600 and Lynx 2600M machines provide the same speed, accuracy and cutting performance as the other Lynx lathes in the series.

The Lynx 2600 and Lynx 2600M have many technology features in common. Both machines have 30 m/min rapid rates and are equipped with: 18.5 kW/3500 rpm spindles (403 Nm); high precision and rigid roller-type LM guideways; servo-driven turrets; hydraulically actuated tailstocks; and a grease-type lubrication system. The machines are also available with a choice of control (FANUC i Plus or Siemens 828D). Despite the similarities there are, however, some important differences between the two models.

The first and most obvious is that the Lynx 2600M has a C axis and driven tooling capability (5.5 kW/6000 rpm), which increases this model’s flexibility and productivity potential.
Other differences include: a larger maximum turning length and turning diameter for the Lynx 2600 model (460 and 658 mm) as opposed to 380 and 610 mm for the Lynx 2600M; and a larger capacity BMT 55P turret with the Lynx 2600M (12-tool station), as opposed to a 10-tool station with the Lynx 2600.

Says Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s CEO: “The availability of the new Lynx 2600 and Lynx 2600M models increase the appeal and attractiveness of the series, further reinforcing the proposition that DN Solutions is committed to providing component manufacturers with unrivalled choice and flexibility.”
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Renishaw ACS-1 keeps calibration simply accurate

Spindle probes for CNC machine tools can be highly repeatable, but their performance relies on accurate calibration. Renishaw has developed a simple solution to overcome the challenges associated with the manual probe calibration process, while consistently achieving high levels of repeatability. Accurate calibration ensures the probe’s performance is repeatable within the machine tool environment.

Today, many users perform the probe calibration process manually, which can cause variability even among skilled operators. Inaccurate probe calibration can affect all subsequent measurements; ACS-1 addresses this via a lockable mechanism that removes the need to use precision gauge blocks or slip gauges.

ACS-1 is mounted on the machine tool table or chuck using its magnetic base. A test bar (or a tool of known length) establishes an accurate datum surface by pushing the plunger down to the desired position; the plunger is locked in place. The probe’s overall length can be accurately calibrated, using the calibration disk (the top surface of the lockable plunger). The probe’s stylus ball diameter calibration takes place on the datum sphere, which can be mounted in two different positions on ACS-1, according to the CNC machine configuration.

In terms of advantages, the datum sphere can be mounted on one of two faces, both at a 45° angle. According to Renishaw, the mounting options allow ACS-1 to be the optimal probe calibration device for various CNC machine tool configurations. This includes vertical mills, lathes, turn-mills and five-axis machining centres, as the magnetic base allows the artefact to be mounted vertically or horizontally. The ACS-1 can determine the probe’s overall length and stylus ball diameter within minutes, and does not require batteries.
For further information www.renishaw.com/acs

Metal-forming event returns after 18 years

More than 120 of the world’s leading sheet metal pressworkers will be heading to Birmingham next month as part of a major global manufacturing event. The 20th ICOSPA (International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations) Congress will return to the UK for the first time in 18 years, with the emphasis on new technology, new skills and new challenges

Held over two days (19-20 October), delegates will meet to discuss innovative technologies transforming metal forming, how to deliver sustainable performance, and bridging the skills gap and remaining profitable in the face of economic struggles. They will hear keynote addresses from Francisco Riberas (executive chairman of Gestamp), Ian Harnett (chairman of Tevva Electrical Trucks), Antonio Costa (CEO of Kaizen Institute, pictured) and Gianfranco Ruggiero (senior product manager of AutoForm Group).
To book a space email ICOSPACongress@thecbm.co.uk

Ceratizit acquires AgriCarb

Cutting tool specialist Ceratizit has acquired all shares of AgriCarb. The privately owned company based near Lyon has been a specialist in the field of tungsten carbide agricultural wear parts for over 35 years. This purchase is seen as an important part of Ceratizit’s growth and sustainability strategy, as Dr Andreas Lackner, chairman of the company’s executive board, explains: “We want to become the leader in sustainability for the hard metal and cutting tool industry by 2025. The acquisition of AgriCarb helps us to reach this goal.”

AgriCarb’s previous managing director and co-owner, Lionel Curtat, who will accompany the integration into Ceratizit’s Hard Material Solutions Division, adds: “I’m very pleased to have found a buyer in Ceratizit, whose worldwide distribution network and unique know-how in the manufacturing of hard metals can help AgriCarb to achieve higher market penetration and further growth.”
For further information www.ceratizit.com