UK NEWS

Versatile milling cutter unveiled

Dormer Pramet’s Econ LN has been designed as a cost-effective, versatile milling option that is capable of supporting numerous operations in most materials while still producing high levels of surface finish.

Positive axial geometry on this universal 90° cutter allows for lower cutting forces and smoother machining in steel, cast iron, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals and hardened materials.
Econ LN cutters offer internal cooling capability close to the cutting edges, a combination of wiper inserts, secure clamping and reduced power consumption. Compatible with the cutter are Dormer Pramet’s LNGX 12 and LNMU 16 inserts, which provide four cutting edges. LNGX 12 inserts support helical interpolation, ramping and progressive plunging, while LNMU 16 inserts are said to deliver long tool life when machining steel and cast iron.
In a recent example in North America, an end user was face milling gas turbine end caps made of stainless steel on a large horizontal mill. An Econ LN 80 mm face mill with LNGX 12 insert allowed the customer to use a feed rate that was 44% higher than the previous option. The improved cutting data meant that the company ran the equivalent of three finished parts on the first edge, with the insert showing little-to-no wear. Furthermore, the Econ LN reduced cycle time by 18 minutes in this operation alone.
For further information www.dormerpramet.com

Alitech races to success with ITC

As a subcontract machine shop, Alitech Precision is a company that is rapidly evolving, a fact credit to its aggressive investment programme, enthusiasm and love for all things motorsport. Since its inception little over three years ago, the Silverstone-based company has purchased three Haas machining centres, Open Mind CAM software, a Spinner five-axis machining centre and cutting tools from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

A recent example of the partnership between Alitech and ITC could be seen when it came to the profile machining of deep port pockets. Here, it was ITC that stepped up to the challenge with its lollipop cutters. The majority of projects undertaken by Alitech involve the complex, simultaneous five-axis machining of parts such as billet inlet manifolds, valve seats, inlet port heads, billet turbo manifolds and much more. Reaching deep into ports is a complex challenge for the machine tool kinematics, the CAM software, the cutting tools and tool holding. At the sharp edge are ITC 4101 lollipop end mills that permit Alitech to reach surfaces around corners and deep inside manifold ports.
Commenting upon the daily challenges at Alitech, managing director Darren Cudd says: “We recently machined a billet turbo manifold for a motorsport customer that required two 40 mm diameter oval shaped port holes with a curved machining depth beyond 200 mm. We used an 8 mm diameter ITC lollipop cutter necked to 5 mm that was protruding 70 mm from a slim 80 mm heat-shrink tool holder extension with a 75 mm long back-end configuration. The rigidity and geometry of the ITC lollipop tools ensure we attain an exceptional surface finish while machining at extremely productive speed and feed parameters.”
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

MBO deal

Mid-market private equity investor LDC has backed the £22.5m MBO of Precision Micro Ltd, a photo-chemical etching company, from global aerospace, defence and energy group Meggitt PLC.

As part of the deal, LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, has invested £13m of equity for a significant stake in the company, supporting a management team led by current managing director Ian McMurray. Operating from its plant in Erdington, Birmingham, Precision Micro manufactures more than 50 million precision metal components each year for global customers across multiple markets.
For further information www.precisionmicro.com

Charity climb raises over £2500

Leicestershire-based sheet-metal manufacturer JC Metalworks has raised over £2500 for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People by trekking Snowdon.

The team of 22 from JC included employees, directors, partners, subcontractors and even family, friends and children. Nick Oakland, managing director of JC Metalworks says: “Everyone completed the challenge and we were blessed with truly beautiful weather, with Snowdon even letting us take advantage of the fabulous views at the top.” It took the team about 4 hours to get up and 2 hours to get down. For those wanting to sponsor JC Metalworks please visit the web address below.
For further information www.justgiving.com/company/jcmetalworks

XYZ continues to spread the 3D message

Following the success of its 3D-printing seminar in collaboration with HP and other specialists in the additive manufacturing sector at its Devon headquarters, XYZ Machine Tools has announced a second seminar at its Nuneaton Technical Centre on 5 July.

Those attending will get a detailed insight into the potential offered by the HP Multi Jet Fusion technology as a production tool.
The seminar is scheduled to run for around two hours and will include presentations from experts in the field of 3D printing, including HP and Siemens. Space is limited, so anyone wishing to attend should register their interest by visiting the company’s website and completing the online form on the home page.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com