UK NEWS

Parts washer drives efficiency at APT Leicester

MecWash Systems created a bespoke aqueous cleaning system to enhance the effectiveness of the washing and degreasing programme of precision mill-turned parts and CNC specialist, APT Leicester. The upgrade from a perchloroethylene cleaning system to the MWX300 streamlined the cleaning operation and enabled APT to prioritise its environmental goals and increase output, all while maintaining the highest standard of finish.

Initial research and analysis with APT Leicester allowed MecWash to gauge the application and outline the machine specifications required. These discussions are essential to gain a full understanding of the geometries used and the contaminants involved.

The MWX300 was the most appropriate system due to its compact size and powerful cleaning capabilities. Ultrasonics provide up to 30 watts per litre of high-power to unsettle any contaminants from the components. According to MecWash, the MWX300 provides an immaculate surface finish with both hot and vacuum drying functions.

Nick Baller, managing director at APT Leicester, says: “Manufacturing top-quality mill-turned parts requires detailed cleaning, and we were confident that MecWash had the experience to create an efficient solution. The cleaning performance of the MWX300 has been a major step forward in our sustainability credentials. The results have been excellent, with parts that are oil-free and ready for shipping.

“The productivity of the business has improved with the MWX300 system,” he continues.“We can effectively clean the turned parts that we manufacture, leaving them entirely free of oil, small swarf and debris. The system has helped to drive our mission of providing first-class, sustainable CNC manufacturing to our customers.”
For further information www.mecwash.com

Unison buys wire bending machine builder

Unison Ltd, the UK-based inventor of all-electric tube manipulation, has acquired Dorking-based wire and small tube bending machinery maker, Pneuform, for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition paves the way for Unison to become a key provider of machinery to the international wire bending and coil forming sectors.

“We’ve known the team at Pneuform for many years and are hugely impressed by their product range, extensive knowledge of wire-forming technologies and high levels of customer care,” says Unison’sjoint managing director Alan Pickering. “In welcoming Pneuform to the Unison family, we look forward to enhancing their machine tool range with our advanced, user-friendly control systems and simulation software.”
For further information https://pneuform.com

Instantquoting for CNC machining services

Quickparts, a global parts manufacturing service provider, is relaunching its manufacturing customer portal, QuickQuote, now with expanded capabilities that include an instant quote service for CNC machining projects. The inclusion of an instant quote CNC machining service complementsQuickparts’ 3D printing instant quote service and request-for-quote (RfQ) service for all of the company’s other manufacturing technologies. Quickparts says the development marks a significant milestone in its commitment to providing limitless manufacturing services to its diverse range of customers.
For further information https://quickquote.quickparts.com

ETG grows team

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has appointed Deacon in the newly created role of prismatic product manager, recognising the importance of supporting customers that encounter the challenges of everything from three to complex five-axis milling. Deacon will provide advice on innovative machining solutions, creative programming and machining strategies, strategic work-holding technologies, and automation solutions. Over the past 30 years, he has worked as a senior application engineer, product manager, key account project manager and sales manager for prestigious machine tool brands.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Carbide boring bars offer fast, accurate roughing

Big Kaiser is introducing two new MW series carbide rough-boring bars, with availability in the UK via Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC). According to ITC, the MW boring bars deliver significantly improved precision levels in comparison with steel alternatives, largely by reducing vibration and chatter.

Carbide has four times the density of steel, which means any flexing is reduced by more than 16 times. Less deflection means that carbide tools are more precise and exhibit lower levels of chatter, providing manufacturers with far better machining results than other boring-head materials. Furthermore, enhanced rigidity enables fast roughing operations that help boost productivity levels.

The application of carbide instead of steel will also prolong the life of the cutting tools, as there is less run-out and reduced wear. ITC reports that carbide boring bars deliver precise levels of concentricity while their perpendicularity (straightness) is a further contributor to run-out performance.

“Carbide anti-vibration boring bars are important tool accessories for CNC machining because they solve the problem of insufficient stability that can lead to vibration when machining,” says Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales and marketing officer for Europe at Big Kaiser. “With these two new boring bars our customers can take full advantage of the benefits that carbide technology provides.”

MW rough boring bars are straight-shank, indexable rough-boring tools for small diameters with dimensions based upon the Big Kaiser 319 SW series. The bars are suitable for the rough machining of through-holes with diameters from 16 to 21 mm.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk