GM CNC unveils heavy-duty machining centre

According to GM CNC,unparalleled stability and rigidity are the foundation blocks of the new VictorVcenter G-series range, which offers high material removal rates for applications where manufacturers are processing particularly challenging materials.

The three-axis G series is available in a trio of sizes to meet diverse demands. Unlike its competitors in the mid-sized VMC market segment, the G-series incorporates a meehanite casting with a wide base A-frame design, a wide span column, four boxways and screw removers with a wide boxway.

Victor’s smaller G105 provides X, Y and Z-axis travel of 1050 x 600 x 600mm,stretching to a spacious 1650 x 850 x 900mm on the largest G165. This freedom of movement is matched by accommodating bed sizes of 1100 x 600mm (G105), 1400 x 700mm (G135) and 1700 x 800mm (G165). Furthermore, the robust nature of the range permits the loading of components up to 1200, 2200 and 2500kg respectively.

Common features on all three machines include a powerful gearhead spindle design that generates a power output of 18.5 kW with a torque level of 498Nm. Developed, manufactured and built in-house by Victor, the 6000rpm gearhead design spindle retains maximum torque levels throughout the speed range. Thisfactor makes the Vcenter series a good choice for machining hard materials and exotic alloys with high material removal rates. In addition, the G-series incorporates a Big-Plus BBT-50 spindle taper that guarantees dual face and taper spindle contact.

The Victor Vcenter has an automatic tool change unit with 24-tool capacity and the option for 32 or 40 tool positions; all positions can accommodate tools up to 15kg.
For further information www.gm-cnc.com

EKC Group plans for future with big investment

With support from central government funds, EKC group is investing significantly to develop engineering centres of excellence across three of its six community colleges in East Kent. This investment includes 25 machines valued at around £500,000 from XYZ Machine Tools, covering CNC machining and turning centres, as well as an array of manual machines located at Dover Technical College, Canterbury College and Ashford College.

XYZ Machine Tools has a long history of working with the education sector through its ‘XYZ for Education’ initiative, which provides special pricing on the full range of XYZ machine tools, with ongoing training programmes. “We see it as vital to educate and inspire tomorrow’s engineers in order to maintain the UK’s position as a leader in engineering development and manufacturing,” states Nigel Atherton, managing director at XYZ Machine Tools.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Abusy Southern Manufacturing for Hurco

In the opinion of Hurco Europe, one of the exhibitors at the Southern Manufacturing exhibition earlier this month, the show certainly delivered in terms of visitor footfall and customer enquiries.Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Southern Manufacturing was a record-breaker in terms of attendance, with 9144 visitors welcomed through the doors. This increase in footfall was reflected in people coming on the Hurco stand. More than 80 enquiries were booked over the three days, of which 20% were new contacts.

David Waghorn, managing director of Hurco Europe says: “In a non-MACH year especially, Southern Manufacturing is proving to be a significant event for UK manufacturing industry. Recent improvements to the road access and venue have guaranteed a better experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. We had no hesitation in rebooking the same space for 2024.”
For further information www.hurco.co.uk

New managing director for Vollmer UK

Vollmer has appointed Martyn Cross as its new managing director of the UK subsidiary. In the interim he will working alongside long-standing managing director Peter Allen.Since the end of 2012, Allen has filled two roles as both managing director atVollmer UK and president at Vollmer of America. With the recent construction of a new facility at Vollmer of America, Allen has made the conscious decision to focus his attention on the potential of the North American market. Following a handover period, the company will have in Cross a dedicated UK managing director with decades of expertise in the manufacturing sector.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

New quality centre for Bentley

Bentley Motors has started building its new Launch Quality Centre and Engineering Technical Centre. The new facility at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, will be integral to the company’s preparations for future battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) production and will set a new benchmark in next-generation, digital, flexible and high-value manufacturing operations. Taking a first step, the new buildings will include a replica BEV assembly line as preparation for the introduction of Bentley’s first BEV in 2026. The hub includes a software integration centre, prototype workshop and a metrology testing facility.
For further information www.bentleymotors.com