UK NEWS

MACH: THE ONLY PLACE TO BE ON 15-19 APRIL

MACH 2024 is the UK’s leading exhibition for machine tools and manufacturing technologies. This five-day event (15-19) at the NEC in Birmingham on 15-19 April features the UK’s largest display of working machinery in a single venue.

Exemplifying this point, XYZ Machine Tools (www.xyzmachinetools.com) has 19 machines at MACH, including its full TMC range and the new CT65 LTY-S twin/sub-spindle lathe. In total, the company has 16 machines under power, as well as an XYZ RLX 780 3m CNC lathe on a second stand and two XYZ 500LR VMCs on the WorldSkills stand. The new XYZ CT65 LTY-S twin/sub-spindle lathe can turn parts up to 490 mm long and bar-feed diameters up to 66 mm. With twin spindles, live tooling and Y and C axes, the machine can turn and mill complex parts at both ends in one operation, dropping the finished part into its part catcher for hours of unattended machining.

Elsewhere at the show, Mills CNC (www.millscnc.co.uk) is showcasing a total of 16 machines: seven three- and five-axis VMCs and HMCs from DN Solutions, a large-capacity Zayer horizontal CNC bed mill, seven lathes and turning centres from DN Solutions and an SMX multi-tasking turn-mill machine, also from DN Solutions. The theme for the stand is ‘space odyssey’ because five of the machines are new models making their MACH show debuts: the DVF 4000 five-axis machining centre, the DNT 2100M and DNT 2600 lathes, and a V 9300M VTL. The presence of these machines enables visitors to make ‘first contact’ and have a positive ‘close encounter’.

The line-up from MACH Machine Tools (www.machmt.co.uk), which has taken its largest-ever stand at the show, comprises eight best-selling DynaPath CNC controlled machines, including two models from its recently introduced MACH MDV-series of vertical machining centres, as well as a number of its manual machines and a range of machine shop equipment. Notably, the CNC models all feature the DynaPath control system. The stand includes a ‘Genius-type Bar’ facility which, using advanced CNC simulators, enables visitors to test-out the DynaPath control system for themselves.

Dugard (www.dugard.com) is showcasing a raft of new machines, many of which are receiving their MACH debut. Among this number is the Kitamura Mytrunnion 4G five-axis powerhouse, alongside three Hanwha sliding head turning centres. Dugard is also shining the spotlight on a SMEC 2500BSY turning centre and the newly introduced Mylas brand with the DT52 twin-spindle, twin-turret multi-tasking turning centre. The latter features a 12-station turret with 6000 rpm spindle speed, a 15 kW main spindle with a 79 mm through bore and an eight-station sub-spindle tooling turret.

As well as wire EDM, aerospace cobot drilling and educational solutions, the centrepiece of the FANUC (www.fanuc.eu) stand is a RoboDrill CNC machining centre, equipped with a 24,000 rpm spindle and a Nikken two-axis high speed (1500 rpm) rotary table. In operation throughout the entire five days of the show, the demonstration cell is producing finished scroll compressor aluminium housings, showcasing live to visitors the cost-saving and performance benefits to be gained from a combination of milling and turning processes.

Starrag (www.starrag.com) is presenting a host of new technologies not seen previously in the UK. The stand has everything from new machine technologies, virtual showroom platforms and the new global market position. Starrag’s ‘meet and greet’ booth even promises light entertainment with a magician performing on the stand. Among the new machines is the Bumotec 191neo for the production of parts from bars or blanks. It features new-generation linear motors, seven axes, three spindles and up to 90 tools.

If tooling is top of the priority list, Industrial Tooling Corporation (www.itc-ltd.co.uk) is showing its latest product lines alongside cutting tool solutions from Big Kaiser, Widia, Karnasch, Kemmler and Bass. Among the crowd-pleasers is the 4101 series of solid-carbide lollipop cutters. Suitable for reaching the most challenging of surfaces when five-axis machining, the 4101 series is a four-flute long-length tool with centre cutting for use on steel, stainless steel, cast iron and aerospace-grade alloys.

Guhring (www.guhring.co.uk) is giving a MACH premiere to its new RT100 InoxPro range of solid-carbide drills for machining stainless steel and titanium alloys. The RT100 InoxPro overcomes the challenge of tool wear when machining these challenging materials with its new geometry that optimises chip formation. This combines with an ultra-smooth Perrox coating and an optimised carbide substrate.

Horn (www.horn-group.com/uk) is using MACH to launch five new tooling products: an addition to the Supermini boring system for the superfinishing of bores; a solid-carbide milling cutter range for machining stainless steels; the SG3P carbide grade for whirling medical screws; a boring bar with adjustable damping; and a very hard grade for turning brake discs.

Ceratizit (www.ceratizit.com) is not only displaying hundreds of cutting tool and work-holding solutions, the company is also manning its stand with over 40 engineers to ensure that anyone wanting to enquire about working with Ceratizit gets the chance to have a useful conversation. Among the highlights is the HyPower hydraulic chuck, the WPC-Change indexable insert drill and the MonoThread thread mill.

For the first time at a major UK exhibition, Roemheld (www.roemheld.co.uk) is demonstrating its recently introduced, mechanically operated, centric (self-centring) machine vice. Manufactured in the group’s Austrian factory, the new Hilma.UC 125 vice is of modular build for three- to five-axis prismatic machining applications. The design ensures easy tool access to the workpiece from all sides, allowing the use of short tools for high precision machining in a single set-up.

Visitors in search of software solutions should earmark a trip to the stand of Open Mind Technologies (www.openmind-tech.com), where they can find the hyperMILL CADCAM suite in the spotlight. Live demonstrations of the software are taking place of the latest 2024 version, which is due for imminent release.

SolidCAM (www.solidcamuk.com) is showcasing its scalable software which supports all milling and turning functionality, in particular highlighting its support for advanced mill-turn machines including multi-turret, multi-spindle and sliding head (Swiss-Type) models, plus multi-channel synchronisation.

From a measurement perspective, manufacturers wishing to inspect components machined to tight tolerances, but unwilling to invest in an expensive, ultra-high-accuracy CMM, now have the option of selecting an Altera C HA (high accuracy) CMM from LK Metrology (www.lkmetrology.com). Available in five sizes, the largest 15.9.7 model is on display at MACH.

For further information www.machexhibition.com

Kerfs cuts bottleneck at subcontractor

As a subcontract manufacturer, Q-Laser offers laser, waterjet, press brake and fabrication services throughout the UK. When the main division at Washington, Tyne & Wear, realised its waterjet cutting department based in nearby Hebburn was reaching full capacity, the company needed a solution. Kerf Developments provided the answer with a Semyx Optima 420 twin abrasive waterjet cutter.

Founded in 2012, Q-Laser set up its waterjet cutting division in 2019 to complement its laser, press brake and fabrication services, starting with a five-axis waterjet machine. Except for the pandemic, the waterjet division has grown exponentially, and the existing waterjet machine was struggling to meet the capacity demands of the business, so Q-Laser turned to the Optima 420 twin abrasive waterjet.

With two cutting heads, the 4 x 2 m bed machine instantly doubled cutting capacity in comparison to the company’s existing machine. In a sector where clients expect a quotation in hours and components cut and delivered in less than a week, the addition of the machine has alleviated the bottleneck, created additional capacity and immediately reduced lead times.

Company director Colin Hewitt says: “We gave Kerf a range of trial parts. The productivity, precision, cut quality and edge finishes were beyond anything else we had seen, so our decision to invest was made. A few months after the installation, Kerf has excelled in its service and consumable supply, which was a critical element for us. Kerf stocks all spare parts for the machine in the UK and they are available on a next-day service. This gives us complete confidence.”

For further information www.kerfdevelopments.com   

NEO range and service focus drive laser sales

The new NEO range of laser processing machines and a strong focus on customer service helped Yamazaki Mazak UK to record its most successful ever year for laser sales in 2023. NEO machines, which complement Mazak’s 2D laser and 3D tube cutting models, have opened up new markets for the company at both OEMs and subcontractors.

Ian White, general sales manager – laser products for Yamazaki Mazak, says the NEO machines – including the Optiplex NEO 20 kW 2D fibre laser and the FG-400 NEO fibre laser for long tubes, pipes and structural materials – have added new capability to the Mazak laser range.

“The NEO machines have helped us penetrate new markets, particularly where laser users are working with heavy plate – in the energy and construction sectors, for example,” says White. “We’ve also recorded especially strong results in medical, a sector that requires exceptional accuracy and cut quality.”

The strength of Mazak’s service offering for laser users has also driven market share, as White reveals: “Mazak has invested in its service and support for customers, and we now have 25 applications staff ready to advise. We’ve also introduced our industry-first 24-hour service hotline for laser users, which is available even if the machine is not under warranty or a service contract. The hotline enables customers to speak with a UK-based engineer to get their machines back up and running at any time of the day.”

White is confident that 2024 will deliver even more success, especially with the launch of the new Optiplex Ez machine, a cost-effective laser processing range with multiple advanced cutting features.

For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Trumpf filters out inefficiency in metal profiling

Porvair Filtration Group is using its investment in a new Trumpf TruLaser 1030 fibre laser cutter to eliminate outsourcing and improve its in-house sheet metal profiling operations. Such is the speed of the new machine that estimates by the company suggest it will pay for itself inside the time originally expected.

“Until recently, we purchased subcontract profiled sheet metal parts, performing secondary operations at our New Milton facility in Hampshire to make them fit for purpose, which was inefficient,” reports production engineer Karl Goodman, who subsequently commenced a review of laser cutters available in the UK, visiting no less than seven potential suppliers. Trumpf stood out from the pack.

“First and foremost, Trumpf manufactures its laser unit based on the company’s own design, which we found very reassuring,” he says. “Our confidence levels in Trumpf technology, along with the service and support available in the UK, far outweighed the other options. Cutting trials were also highly successful.”

Today, the Trumpf TruLaser 1030 Fiber is in daily use producing filter components from exotic stainless steel materials that act as filter media. In some applications, Porvair uses filter media down to 1 µm rating.

“The stainless steel sheets are very expensive: a 1.5 x 1.2 m panel costs around £600 on average, so we want to avoid any scrap,” reports Goodman. “We’ve had no problems with the Trumpf laser and Trumpf Boost software; from drawing, to having a cut part in my hand can be as quick as 15 minutes. We’re currently running a spreadsheet so we can record what we’re saving. As things stand, we’re on track to outperform our financial justification.”

For further information www.trumpf.com

ParkerSteel grows its manufacturing capabilities

In 2023, ParkerSteel invested over £4m in significantly upgrading its processing capabilities. This total included the acquisition of two BLM tube laser cutting machines for its Dudley facility and an additional four machines for its Canterbury headquarters. The latter comprised a similar tube laser, a combined drill-and-saw, a mitre saw and a flat-bed fibre laser profiling centre from BLM Group.

The new 12 kW BLM LS7 4020 fibre laser cutting machine offers not just operational efficiency and flexibility but also much-needed redundancy for uninterrupted production. Factors influencing the purchase decision included its European build quality, CE marking, cost-effectiveness and the supportive approach of BLM’s UK team. In addition, the modular design facilitated rapid on-site assembly, significantly enhancing productivity at a crucial time for ParkerSteel.

A visit to the BLM Group’s manufacturing facility in Levico, Italy, by managing director Dylan Alexander provided reassurance of the equipment’s reliability and the manufacturer’s support. Since its commissioning in mid-October 2023, the LS7 4020 has demonstrated exceptional productivity, attributed to its 2 g table acceleration and an automatic pallet shuttle system, which together streamline operations and minimise changeover times to just nine seconds.

Ease of use is another commendable feature, with program handling, nesting and cutting cycles managed offline through SigmaNEST CADCAM software. The machine’s features include active piercing, nozzle centring and real-time control of cutting accuracy.


As ParkerSteel moves forward, its investment in the BLM LS7 4020 represents not just a commitment to technological advancement but also a strategic positioning for growth and innovation in the steel industry.

For further information www.blmgroup.com