UK NEWS

Open Mind becomes AFRC tier one partner

Open Mind Technologies has become a tier one partner at the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), less than one year after securing tier two membership.

The CAM developer joined the AFRC in August 2017, at the same time installing one licence of its hyperMILL software, backed by technical expertise from Open Mind engineers. Upgraded membership will see the firm play a stronger strategic role at the AFRC, joining other tier one partners such as DMG Mori and Virtalis.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com

120 people visit Bystronic open house

Some 120 people attended the recent three-day open house held at the Coventry headquarters of Bystronic UK.

The use of 10 kW fibre laser technology was among the main themes of the event, particularly the associated automation required to provide sufficiently fast material feed.
To give an indication of the importance of material replenishment, a 10 kW BySprint or ByStar fibre laser machine can position its head at 140 m/min and cut 1 mm mild steel at 60 m/min. Depending on the complexity of the component nest, the cycle can be completed in a few minutes and, the smaller the sheet dimensions, the quicker the cycle is finished.
As visitors learnt from sales manager Andrew Richert, the main presenter, this is where the associated ByTrans material storage and handling systems come into play.
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Vigilance Group expands UK operations

The Vigilance Group has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Bristol and the opening of a new showroom facility in the East Midlands.

Vigilance, the engineering specialist holding company that incorporates under its corporate banner – Machine Tool Sales Online (MTSO); MACH Machine Tools; and Vigilance Engineering Safety Products – says the move will ensure the group’s long-term growth and future prosperity by providing customers with more choice and improved access to its technologies and solutions.
With regard to the Bristol facility, premises adjacent to the site recently became available and so Vigilance grabbed the opportunity to virtually double its floor space to 21,000 sq ft. The move will see the company create a new and larger customer showroom and demonstration facility, and enable more new and used machine tools to be held in stock. The group has also acquired 5000 sq ft premises previously leased by DRMT Solutions Ltd in Leicester, which has closed following the retirement of one of its directors.
For further information www.machmt.co.uk

Studer S41 ticks Magellan’s boxes

The Bournemouth facility of Magellan Aerospace manufactures items such as pintle pins, undercarriage pins and split chrome halves, all of which need high-precision grinding to achieve the required standards of accuracy and surface finish.

Here, the company has recently installed a Studer S41 CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine from Advanced Grinding Supplies.
“Having been enthusiastic users of Studer S30 and S21 grinders, purchased from Advanced Grinding Supplies Ltd, not only have we been delighted with the performance of these machines, we have also been impressed by the support and advice received from the supplier,” says Keith Summers, engineering manager, special projects European operations.
“I was able to visit the Studer factory in Switzerland and witness in-depth grinding trials that confirmed the performance of the S41 on our parts, and its ability to deliver improvements in cycle times. As a result of the S41’s suitability, and given the guarantee of continued support from Advanced Grinding Supplies, we were happy to place an order.
“The help of Advanced Grinding Supplies was invaluable when we were specifying the machine and its accessories and consumables, such as dressing tools, grinding wheels and coolant,” continues Summers. “We believe that these important add-ons will help us to realise the full productive potential of our new grinder.
“The speed and flexibility of our Studer S41 is already helping in our ongoing quest for productivity improvements. As well as increasing our current component grinding capacity, the S41’s between centres and centre height capacities, in addition to its large weight bearing capability, will ensure that it is able to undertake the precision grinding of all future components.”
For further information www.adgrind.co.uk

Master launches ceramic discs for angle grinders

Master Abrasives has introduced a range of ceramic abrasive discs for angle grinders. Unlike conventional discs, the grain in Master Ultra Ceramic discs fractures to form new points that are sharp and precise.

This functionality maintains a cooler cutting action and long product life, making the discs suitable for aggressive grinding and blending applications. The discs also require less pressure, resulting in reduced operator fatigue.
Initially available from stock in 36 and 60 grit for 50 and 75 mm diameter discs, additional options for the Ultra Ceramic range are set to follow. The discs from stock have the MRD threaded screw-type mounting system, which makes them suitable for high-volume, high-production operations. Ultra Ceramic discs are packaged in the trademark Master branded blue boxes, and will also be available from distributors of the Master brand.
Andy Wright, national sales manager, says: “We’ve already experienced exceptional results in various customer applications when using ZIPP high-power angle grinders with Master Ultra Ceramic discs, and are now finding new opportunities to improve productivity in aerospace, fabrication and foundry markets.”
The ZDG-302 air angle die grinder by ZIPP, which is suitable for many high-speed grinding and finishing applications, is compatible with Master quick-change holders and discs. The grinder can be used on finishing dies, metal moulds and cast-iron workpieces.
For further information www.master-abrasives.co.uk