THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

New chucks use ER-driven tools for versatile turning

“The best of both worlds” is how German tooling manufacturer GEWEFA describes its M96 and M96+ hydraulic chucks, which fit into any ER-driven tool quickly and effectively for conversion into a high-precision hydraulic holder. Availability in the UK and Ireland is through subsidiary company GEWEFA UK, which offers the products from stock in Germany.

Avoiding the limited clamping force, runout issues and lengthy tool change times associated with mechanical ER holders, the versatile M96/M96+ products give the machinist all the benefits of hydraulic clamping. These include higher and more consistent all-round gripping force, effective vibration damping, extended tool life, higher accuracy and improved surface finish on machined components. GEWEFA says all this is available at a much reduced cost compared with standard hydraulic chucks.

In addition, because the chucks simply mount in the output shaft of the ER driven tool and twist to seal, users can enjoy quicker and easier tool changes, saving time and increasing productivity.

The M96 is suitable for driven tools with an internal thread, while the M96+ is for driven tools with an external thread and is secured to the live tool with a locknut. GEWEFA’s new hydraulic chucks are available for sizes ER16, 20, 25, 32 or 40 (currently only the M96), accommodating tool diameters from 5 to 25 mm.

More information www.gewefa.co.uk

HBK Tech Days 2025

HBK is launching its durability and reliability Technology Days 2025. A fully virtual and free-to-attend event taking place across three dates in November, this interactive series once again brings together engineers and industry leaders to explore the latest advancements in fatigue crack growth, fatigue at elevated temperature, fatigue test data management and reliability modelling. Taking place on 4, 11 and 18 November, HBK Technology Days 2025 will feature six in-depth sessions lasting around 90 minutes each. The sessions have been built to provide engineers with practical tools they can apply directly to their work.

More information www.bit.ly/46fdrEQ

Siemens and Trumpf Enter Partnership

Technology company Siemens and machine tool and laser manufacturer Trumpf have entered a partnership that promises to elevate industrial production by harnessing advanced digital manufacturing solutions. The collaboration joins Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio with Trumpf’s machine-building and software expertise.

The partnership addresses a critical challenge in modern manufacturing: the disconnect between IT and OT systems. By leveraging Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio and Trumpf’s manufacturing prowess, the collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive solutions that bridge this gap. Both companies are working on open and interoperable IT interfaces that will help advance AI readiness for motion control applications.

More information www.trumpf.com

Brandauer Presses on to The Next Chapter

Birmingham-based precision stamping specialist Brandauer has been purchased by its management team with the vision of creating a world leading precision engineering specialist. Current CEO Rowan Crozier, manufacturing director Stuart Berry and non-executive director David Chapman have joined forces to buy the company, with the trio immediately laying out a 10-year plan that will initially drive annual sales to £12m by 2029.

Financed by HSBC, the deal will ensure the company remains in UK ownership and in a strong position to explore opportunities associated with its tooling, stamping, R&D and newly founded consultancy service. More than 20 new jobs could be added to Brandauer’s existing 64-strong team when the vision is realised.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Over 1000 Machine Shops Use CAM Assist

CloudNC says over 1000 machine shops and machinists worldwide now use the CAM Assist’s AI to accelerate the programming of CNC machines, making them more efficient. CloudNC is marking the milestone by launching CAM Assist 2.0, a major upgrade to its AI solution that accelerates the CAM programming journey from CAD model to machine‑ready tool paths, while giving users more control over each step.

CAM Assist 2.0 retains the speed of CAM Assist, while adding the oversight, feedback and shared intelligence elements that machine shops need in order to use AI with confidence.

Programmers using CAM Assist can now stay firmly in control of every critical decision, while still saving hours as they turn CAD models into reliable toolpaths.

More information www.cloudnc.com