UK NEWS

MTI celebrates 20th anniversary issue

It was 20 years ago that Machinery Trade International (MTI) magazine published its first issue, not only setting out a far easier way to buy and sell machine tools, but also keeping the machine tool industry up to date with the latest news, reports and case studies. Alas, the publication’s founder Babak (Bob) Sadat sadly passed away in early 2023 following a short illness. However, the MTI team knows that Babak would be very proud of reaching 20 years. A huge thank you to all MTI advertisers, readers and staff (past and present) who have made the title such a success. Here’s to the next 20 years.
For further information www.mtimagazine.com

Expo sets out innovation spots

Advanced Engineering, the UK’s annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals taking place on 1-2 November 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, will stage a host of products and technologies in exclusive innovation spots.

Among the special exhibits pushing the boundaries of technology and progress will be: a prototype of the ThrustWSH boat, accompanied by a presentation from former land speed record holder Richard Noble OBE; a Formula 1 car and eVTOL drones displayed by MGI Engineering; virtual reality and augmented reality demonstrated by SCU Motorsport as part of its 3D learning environment for students; a patented drop pod demonstrated by space engineering company Gravitilab Aerospace Services.
For further information www.advancedengineeringuk.com

Onwards and upwards

The Vigilance Group, comprising MACH Machine Tools and Machine Tool Sales Online (MTSO), has strengthened its sales operations in the Midlands with the appointment of Stuart Woolridge as its new Midlands area sales engineer.Having completed his apprenticeship at Triumph Motorcycles in Hinckley, where he qualified as a machine setter, Woolridge joined DMG Mori, firstas an applications engineer before gaining promotion to assistant engineering manager in double-quick time. He has significant experience in pre-sales and customer service.
For further information www.machmt.co.uk

Productive Machines launches force optimisationapp

A cloud-based app designed to enhance machining strategies by offering cutting force predictions and feed rate optimisation for the CNC machine tool market is nowavailable from Productive Machines, one of just 10 start-ups around the world to have been invited to the Boeing innovation accelerator programme.

The new ‘Feed Rate Calculator’ web app – the first in a range of smart tools under development by the team at Productive Machines –- empowers manufacturers to make fast decisions about the use of untested milling processes. It allows users to obtain accurate forecasts of cutting forces expected on the cutting tool, thus unlocking significant cost and time savings.

The start-up’s founder, Erdem Ozturk, says: “Our goal is to do nothing less than to put an end to the age-old machining challenge of destructive chatter vibrations. This new app is the first in a line of easy-to-use tools that harnesses the power of AI to provide simple, easy-to-use tools that enable manufacturers to increase cutting efficiency, reduce machine times, prevent waste and improve product quality.”

To celebrate the launch, Productive Machines is offering a limited-time opportunity for manufacturers to try theFeed Rate Calculator for free. The offer allows businesses to experience the benefits of precision machining optimisation first-hand and witness the potential improvements in their operations.

Ozturkadds: “Our team has been working tirelessly to develop tools that will not only make precision machining more efficient, but also more accessible to manufacturers of all sizes. We believe that Feed Rate Calculator will pave the way to our upcoming suite of cloud-based optimisation and predictive maintenance products due to be released next month.”
For further information www.productivemachines.co.uk

New frontiers in composite part manufacture

CGTech, the developer of VERICUT verification, simulation and optimisation software, is announcing a reseller agreement with Bristol-based iCOMAT, pioneer of the first-ever defect-free tape-steering process for composite component production. The special worldwide arrangement will see iCOMAT sell and support a dedicated version of VERICUT VCP/VCS software in support of its patented manufacturing process for composites.

iCOMAT’s industrial cells comprise a proprietary tape-laying head mounted as an end effector to a state-of-the-art six-axis industrial robot arm, all located inside a safety cell. As part of this solution, programming and virtual simulation will come via a special version of VERICUT VCP (VERICUT Composites Programming)/VCS (VERICUT Composites Simulation) software complete with a new interface specifically for iCOMAT’s technology. iCOMAT will be the exclusive reseller of this software worldwide.
For further information www.cgtech.comwww.icomat.co.uk