At the UK’s largest machine tool show earlier this year, NCMT showcased two Makino EDM machines: the U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme wire EDM; and the EDAF3 die-sink model. The MACH 2024 exhibition proved the perfect platform to demonstrate the advantages of these Japanese-designed machines.

In addition to using standard wire from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, NCMT says that investing in the Makino U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme wire EDM makes it optionally possible to run the largest diameter wire (0.4 mm) of any machine on the market. The wire is coated and distinct from the uncoated brass wire common across industry.

The extra wire thickness, together with the use of a second booster generator in the machine, allows two to three times higher productivity and heavier duty machining compared with using a standard 0.25 mm consumable. Thicker wire also allows a slower unspool speed, so there is no increase in wire consumption rate.

Visitors to the NCMT stand could also see Makino’s EDAF3 die-sink EDM with its rigid, precise structure and integral thermal cooling of the Y- and Z-axis cast components to ensure long-term accuracy. Table size is 700 x 500 mm, while the dielectric reservoir is built into the base casting of the machine to improve thermal stability and minimise the machine’s footprint. The working volume is 450 x 350 x 350 mm, while the maximum workpiece weight is 800 kg.

Free access to the working area is courtesy of a programmable drop-tank. Users can extend unattended machining with automatic electrode exchange and automated workpiece delivery and removal options. A high-precision C-axis head is an additional feature. Machine shops can use electrodes weighing up to 75 kg.

More information www.ncmt.co.uk

Andrew Elliott has rejoined machine tool supplier TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC) as a permanent employee, operating in the company’s sales department and senior management team. He takes up the new position of manager – new and used machine tool sales. Managing director Simon Whitworth says: “This appointment is a valuable and strategically important one for the company’s future growth and succession planning. Furthermore, Andrew’s experience and key connections across the industry give us confidence of continued success.”

More information www.wardcnc.com

The National Composites Centre (NCC), Bristol Composites Institute (BCI) and Vestas have
established a strategic technology research partnership to anchor the UK’s future wind
industry. This enhanced, sustained collaboration will accelerate turbine blade technology
development necessary to propel the UK’s clean energy superpower ambitions and enable
supply chain resilience. The UK Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan estimates the
domestic economic opportunity for the sector to be worth up to £92bn by 2040. Key to
maximising market potential is advanced product and technology development.

More information www.nccuk.com

‘The premier league of engineering apprentice training’, ‘enabling enhanced productivity in
manufacturing’ and ‘an apprenticeship scheme worth every penny’ is what employers and
apprentices said about the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre as it celebrated a
decade of delivering apprenticeships and skills. The AMRC Training Centre brought together
apprentices, alumni, hard-working colleagues, key stakeholders and valued businesses to an
event highlighting the milestone. To date, the AMRC Training Centre has recruited more
than 2200 apprentices and worked with circa 400 different businesses.
More information www.amrctraining.co.uk