UK NEWS

CAM features many enhancements

NCG CAM Solutions has released the latest version (v16.0) of its NCG CAM software.

This major release includes a number of new features, including: selected surface machining for waterline passes; combined passes for waterline and constant step-over; tangential extension for raster passes; five-axis flank machining; and many user-interface functions and enhancements.
Selected surface machining for waterline passes provides the ability to machine up to the surface edges without the need to create a boundary, in the same way as can be selected for shallow raster, radial and spiral strategies.
Retaining the waterline theme, a further new routine is available that allows the creation of waterline passes between the upper angle of 90° down to a specified lower angle. Constant step-over passes are then created to ‘fill in’ the shallow areas between the specified lower angle and 0°. Linking is a single operation from the top down, so that the linking order is a combination of waterline, constant step-over, waterline, and so on. This strategy will give a smoother finish because it allows the machining to be done in one operation, avoiding the problem of cutter wear.
In previous software versions, extending raster passes would allow the cutter to roll over the edge. Now, a new extension option creates passes which are extended at a tangent to the ends of the existing passes, and therefore extend the path beyond and away from the material being cut. The result of this functionality is that sharper edges are maintained. A horizontal pass extension has also been added.
With regard to five-axis strategies, flank machining is a new process that can be used typically for turbo-engine components, including turbine and impeller blades.
For further information www.ncgcam.com

Training the future at Babcock

Bringing on the next generation of engineers to work across its many customer programmes is a key focus for engineering company Babcock International.

This is highlighted at its Bristol facilities, where it develops specialist systems and complex equipment from concept through design, manufacture and assembly, to installation. Here, investment has taken place in the company’s production training facility, with seven machines being installed by XYZ Machine Tools, including a number of ProtoTrak controlled turret mills and ProtoTrak controlled lathes.
Bringing in these machines has enabled Babcock to adapt its training as the technology adds greater flexibility and capability. “We are now able to deliver the Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) NVQ 2 in the first year of training; after that apprentices and higher apprentices can focus on specific departmental roles in machining, fitting, assembly or project management,” explains Babcock’s apprentice training manager Tim Jacobs.
The XYZ ProtoTrak control delivers on requirements with its ease-of-use, making the transition from manual to CNC straightforward. The ProtoTrak mills are set up with just a two-axis option, with no powered Z axis. This means that apprentices and graduates gain good experience in ‘feel’ when it comes to machining through the combination of manual and CNC operation.
Jacobs highlights the simplicity of the conversational programming systems: “The XYZ ProtoTrak control is very straightforward to use and we always have the assurance that we can call on XYZ with any questions that we may have; be it on programming, or simply just getting the best out of the machines.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

RP invests

Prototype and production tooling and plastic injection-moulding company, RP Technologies, has invested more than £130,000 on additional machinery.

The company has purchased a Borche 600-tonne injection-moulding machine to add to its suite of machinery in the West Midlands. The Borche will increase the company’s part size offering to components with a shot-weight capacity up to 2.3kg. This is RP’s second investment of the year, having already spent £250,000 on two sizeable Hurco CNC machining centres, a hot-plate welding machine and a mould simulation analysis software package.
For further information www.rptechnologies.co.uk

On-site metals advice

A metallurgy consultancy service, which aims to help firms save costs with advice on smarter manufacturing solutions, is now available at Kuka’s UK subcontract friction-welding facility.

Professor Kameel Sawalha has moved his independent laboratory business, Aston Microscopy & Engineering, to the site at Halesowen where Kuka joins components for manufacturers involved in a variety of industries. His expertise not only covers metallurgical and corrosion investigation, but failure analysis and materials selection.
For further information www.kuka.com

£5m international orders for Mollart

Deep-hole drilling specialist Mollart Engineering has captured international orders worth over £5m.

An order from one of the largest independent automotive manufacturers in North America, worth some £2.5m, will see Mollart supply four special purpose four- and six-spindle gun-drilling centres for producing oil galleries in transmission shafts. A further US order is for a Prismabore PRB 25 six-axis combination gun-drilling and machining centre, which is to be used for the deep-hole drilling of cooling holes in steel moulds. Mollart also reports that a two-spindle Drillsprint LD2-750 machine is going to China to drill holes 7-10 mm diameter by 600 mm deep in forged alloy steel diesel fuel rails.
For further information www.mollart.com