UK NEWS

CNC bed mills released by MACH Machine Tools

The new MACH MDM 700-AR and MACH MDM 1000-AR CNC bed mills provide customers with high cutting performance, life-long precision, built-in flexibility and unrivalled reliability at a cost that, according to Dave Andrew, managing director of Vigilance Group (of which MACH Machine Tools is part), “will make your jaw drop and the guys in accounts smile”.

Both machines feature BT 40 spindles (5,000 rpm), roller-type linear guideways and large worktables (up to 1525 x 350 mm for the larger MDM 1000-AR model). The machines deliver positional and repeatable accuracies of 0.006 and 0.003 mm, respectively.

MDM 700-AR/MDM 1000-AR machines are supplied with the established DynaPath CNC integrated with MACH Machine Tools’ free, 24/7, Wi-Fi enabled ‘Remote Assist’ facility.Remote Assist provides customers with expert applications and service support, including free software updates, for the life of the machine.

“With Remote Assist, the 20 minute maximum response time to customer queries means that machine downtime is kept to an absolute minimum, which is proving a massive draw for customers,” says Andrew.

The DynaPath control includes: conversational and ISO/G code programming capabilities, making it easy to program machines on the shop floor;64 Gb on-board storage and 10,000 block look-ahead capability that ensure fast processing speed complemented by improved accuracy and smoother surface finish; functions such as datum setting using alignment, sub-program calling, the use of macro-programming, the ability to facilitate program simulation using tool path or 3D rendered graphics, and programmable spindle control; a DXF and onboard DXF editor; and a multitude of communication methods, including Wi-Fi connectivity.

As with all MACH machines, MDM-AR models are supplied, as standard, with technology features that include: 15.6” touchscreens, manual pulse generators, air power drawbars and coolant equipment.

More information www.machinetoolsalesonline.com

Future is bright for Bronte Precision Engineering

Mills CNCrecently supplied Bronte Precision Engineering, a Bradford-based precision subcontract specialist, with a new heavy-duty three-axis vertical machining centre.The machine, a box guideway Mynx 6500/50 II manufactured by DN Solutions, replaced an older Daewoo Mynx 540 machining centre supplied to Bronte by Mills CNC in 2004.

Since its installation, the Mynx 6500/50 II with FANUC 0iMP control and gearbox-driven 6000rpm (BT 50) high-torque spindle has been put through its paces machining a range of high-precision complex components. These parts include valve-type components (for subsea applications) made from Inconel castings for a long-standing customer and manufacturer of industrial pumps.

Programmed offline and machined in small batches, the pump valve components are approximately 400 x 300mm in size, involve long and intensive roughing and finishing operations, and are characterised by their tight tolerances and stringent surface finishes. Cycle times with the new Mynx 6500/50 II are significantly faster (up to 50%) than those achieved using the Mynx 540, vindicating the new machine acquisition.

Says Bronte Precision director Steven Haigh:“The Mynx 6500/50 II is a powerful, accurate and flexible machining centre that, in just a few short weeks, has proved its worth. Its rigidity, box guideway construction and BT 50 spindle with through-spindle-coolant capability has enabled us to improve our productivity and process efficiencies.The ability to ramp up speeds and feeds and take more aggressive depths of cut have shortened cycle times.”

He adds: “The machine is still being ‘bedded-in’ so to speak, but I’m confident that once we’re more familiar with its onboard technologies, we’ll hit tolerances of ±0.03mm on selected features.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Early Careers Engagement

BEP Surface Technologies reinforced its commitment to skills development and earlycareers engagement with a recent hands-on visit to Hazel Wood High School in Bury, Greater Manchester. Managing director Andrew McClusky and design engineer Callum Taylordeliveredinteractive sessions to Year 8 and Year 9 students.To support engagement, BEP used an illustrated storybook to explain its role within industry in an accessible way. During the day, BEP delivered ten 12-minute small-group sessions, creating space for open discussion on engineering careers, apprenticeships and technical routes into manufacturing.

More information www.bep-st.com

Students Bring AI, Automation and Digital Tools

SME manufacturers are bringing AI, automation and digital twins to the factory floor by teaming up with students and graduates through Made Smarter’s Digital Internship Programme.The paid placements give businesses a fast, low-risk way to test and apply new technologies, modernise processes and build confidence in digital transformation, while giving students real, hands-on experience inside actual manufacturing plants.Over the past year, Made Smarter North West’s latest cohort of 18 interns have worked directly on factory floors and in engineering teams, applying digital technologies to real production challenges.

More information www.bit.ly/4qxnagl

MTC Training to Open New Site in Northeast

MTC Training is opening a new advanced manufacturing training centre at Cobalt Park, near Newcastle, bringing high‑quality apprenticeships, upskilling and reskilling programmes to the northeast. Launching this summer, the new centre will offer hands‑on courses that include PLC programming, mechanical &electrical, and automation – with engineering apprenticeships starting from September 2026.Supported by Lloyds, MTC Training Tyneside will help local employers develop the skills they need for the future and create new opportunities for learners across the region.More information www.mtc-training.org