UK NEWS

Heptron going global with renewable energy systems

Heptron Manufacturing, a specialist in innovative flywheel-based energy storage systems, is looking to license its patented technology around the world, a move that had led to new investment in machine tools.

“We initially put machining out to subcontract, but as things developed, we were constantly facing delays in production, so the decision was taken to invest in our own machining capacity,” says managing director Gary Murphy. “An ex-colleague of ours is a service engineer with XYZ Machine Tools, so we talked to him and then got the area sales manager in for a chat. He sat us down, looked at what we needed and suggested a solution, the result being the arrival of an SLX 1630 ProTurn lathe and an XYZ 1000LR vertical machining centre.”
XYZ says that the SLX 1630 ProTurn lathe is proving a popular choice for those companies making the transition from manual to CNC turning. The machine makes use of the latest ProtoTrak SLX control system that ensures even one-off and small batches are produced with high efficiency.
The simplicity of the conversational programming means that even those with limited or no CNC experience can be producing complex components in a matter of hours of the machine being installed, says the company. Regarding the specification of the SLX 1630, a 400 mm swing over bed, 760 mm between centre distance and 54 mm spindle bore is combined with a 5.75 kW spindle offering a speed range of 150-2500 rpm, to create a versatile package for prototype and small batch production.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Name change

TDT Technology Ltd has changed its name to TDT Machine Tools Ltd with effect from 1 May 2018.

The move reflects the increasing number of international machine tool manufacturers now represented by TDT in the UK. “With a growing portfolio of machine tool solutions to supply the UK market, the time was right to ensure the company name better matches our product offer,” says managing director Simon Hewson. “Today we have a very comprehensive range of machine tools that includes a number of familiar brands. We are currently on a strong growth trajectory and our name change will serve to support the company as it continues to capture market share.”
For further information www.tdt-technology.co.uk

AMRC signs MoU with GKN Aerospace

The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and global aviation supplier GKN Aerospace have entered into a long-term partnership to work together on developing advanced technologies for the aerospace industry.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to progress a series of research themes they are developing together at the AMRC’s Factory 2050. GKN Aerospace has been a member of the AMRC for a number of years and says the MoU not only reflects the strategic nature of the relationship between the two organisations, but the benefits it brings to both sides.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

High attendance at open house

A record number of visitors attended Bystronic UK’s latest open house, held at its Coventry showroom concurrently with the MACH 2018 exhibition at the NEC last month.

The theme of the open house was ‘Mach Speed’, which involved visitors being asked to estimate the time required to manufacture a component for an off-road vehicle. Managing director David Larcombe says: “We believe the theme was not only interesting to visitors but also an eye-opener in terms of the productivity benefits that can be achieved with modern machine tools. During the event we sold a number of machines, notably a 10 kW 4020 fibre laser and two Xpert press brakes.”
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Business is brisk at Chester

Chester Machine Tools is reporting brisk business across its portfolio of metal-cutting solutions.

Among notable recent sales, a Chester Hercules milling machine and a Kitchen & Walker radial drill have been loaded for their journey to Eritrea in Africa (pictured). They are the first machines of a large three-stage project shipment for the company.
In addition, following a highly successful MACH 2018 exhibition at the Birmingham NEC last month, Chester says that the first Style 510 CNC lathe is now on its way to a specialist hydraulic component manufacturing company in Kent. The Style 510 is suited to the manufacture of research and development project components, prototype parts and sample creations. Chester announced its UK representation of the Dutch-built Style range at the MACH show.
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com