MTD Audiobook

XYZ brings 19 machines to MACH 2024

March 27, 2024 16:34 - 4 minutes - 9.3 MB

XYZ Machine Tools will be exhibiting the full range of its TMC machining centres for the first time at MACH 2024. The company will premiere the new XYZ CT65 LTY-S Twin/Sub spindle lathe. In total, XYZ will have 16 machines under power on its main Stand 140 in Hall 20, right next to the entrance to Hall 20. In addition, it will have an XYZ RLX 780 3m CNC Lathe on a second stand in Hall 6 - Stand 72 with two XYZ 500LR VMCs on the WorldSkills Stand 480 in Hall 17. The XYZ TMC range features t...

Versatile workholding ensures productivity and precision

March 27, 2024 16:33 - 6 minutes - 14.3 MB

TecnAir designs and manufactures an extensive variety of pneumatic cylinders, valve assemblies, linear drives, handling equipment, controls and other products. Located in Shipley, the company’s products are used for the assembly of standard and special automation solutions worldwide, predominantly in the transport, semiconductor, railway, marine and off-shore automotive industries. Characterising this activity above all else is the large amount of metal cutting involved in machining the p...

Sound of Music

March 27, 2024 16:31 - 12 minutes - 28.1 MB

Like the ‘Sound of Music’ that has won its place in movie folklore, the 2024 ‘Sound of Studer’ themed event that took place at the company’s Steffisburg headquarters has won its place in the hearts and minds of the 65 journalists from over 20 countries that attended. The annual Fritz Studer AG event is always packed with the latest innovations in grinding, an insight into the company’s ongoing evolution and an overview of the global trends in the manufacturing industry - and the February ev...

The impact of ESG reporting on manufacturers

March 27, 2024 16:30 - 8 minutes - 20.5 MB

The introduction of mandatory ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is set to have significant implications for engineering businesses. Keith Davidson, Environment Partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell discusses how the upcoming ESG developments, starting in 2024, will fundamentally change the business landscape for engineering companies. Recent and expected ESG developments Although the term ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has been commonly used since 2004, it ha...

SME reorganises its entire production processes

March 27, 2024 16:27 - 4 minutes - 10.6 MB

As a Swiss SME that has thoroughly examined its production from a digital perspective, Sistag AG has recognised the potential of bits and bytes. The company has modernised its facility with a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) from Fastems and this approach is yielding interesting results with new experiences and ambitious plans. The globally active Sistag AG, headquartered in Eschenbach in the Canton of Lucerne, manufactures isolation valves for a wide range of industries. This includes...

Quantum leap in accuracy

March 27, 2024 16:26 - 7 minutes - 17.2 MB

At the Röhm GmbH plant in Sontheim Germany, 750 employees manufacture technology-oriented solutions for the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and aerospace sectors in a 41,000sq/m facility. The parts in question are finished on Kellenberger Premium grinding machines. The company’s portfolio fits perfectly with the existing business areas of Rothenberger Holding, which generates a sales volume of €1.3billion with over 100 operating companies, many of them in the machine tool sect...

Out of this world!

March 27, 2024 16:20 - 6 minutes - 14.6 MB

A total of 16 machines, including a number making their UK and MACH Show debuts, plus two automated manufacturing cells and a complete Mills’ technology line-up will be on the largest stand at the event. In Hall 19 on Stand 110 Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions’ and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland is promising to make MACH 2024 a truly inspiring and transformative event. With a reputation for always ‘pushing the boat out’ at previous MACH shows the company is...

NCMT celebrates 60th anniversary at MACH 2024

March 27, 2024 16:15 - 9 minutes - 21.5 MB

NCMT is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. In 1964, it was one of the first companies to sell CNC machine tools into the UK and Irish markets when it won the sole agency to sell and service Makino machining centres. Twelve years later, a second agreement was reached with Okuma, another Japanese manufacturer. In 2005, Makino-NCMT Grinding Division was established to develop and sell throughout Europe Makino machining platforms for creep-feed VIPER grinding of nickel alloys. Since...

ITC provides complete solution for composite experts

March 27, 2024 16:13 - 3 minutes - 8.95 MB

As a company that has continually evolved over the last 40 years to become a leading global force in composite and GRP development and manufacturing, KS Composites is at the very cutting edge of innovation. KS Composites pushes the boundaries in the motorsport, marine, energy, rail, aviation and defence sectors and the Melton Mowbray company relies upon the expertise of the cutting tool experts at Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) to deliver results. Operating out of a 48,000sq/ft manu...

Insert evolution continues to take shape

March 27, 2024 16:12 - 8 minutes - 18.7 MB

The introduction of the ISCAR HELIMILL in the 1990s marked a significant milestone for milling tools. It revolutionised the design of milling tools with indexable inserts, establishing a new approach that would shape the industry for years to come. This breakthrough was achieved using a parallelogram-shaped carbide insert, featuring a helical cutting edge formed by the intersection of the insert’s helical side and shaped top surfaces (Fig. 1). The HELIMILL concept offers several advantages...

Guhring builds lifelong relationship based on results

March 27, 2024 16:09 - 5 minutes - 11.9 MB

LMS Precision Engineering has trusted its tooling supplier for over 35 years. With a relationship that dates back more than three decades, many manufacturers would ask ‘why?’ The simple answer lies in the fact that Midlands-based LMS works with Guhring UK, one the world’s leading manufacturers of cutting tools with UK manufacturing facilities and expert engineers on hand to deliver optimal machining solutions, whatever the challenge. Scott Street, a partner at Droitwich-based LMS Precisio...

Green light for Nissan's ambition 2030

March 27, 2024 16:00 - 10 minutes - 24.2 MB

Nissan’s devotion to electrification and manufacturing in Britain, is compelling. Huge recent investments underline the company’s green plans and long-term future in the UK. Will domestic suppliers benefit as the switch over to electric bites and new, high-volume components are needed? By Will Stirling It’s June 2016 and the EU Referendum result is in. Shock: the British public voted to leave the European Union. Pandemonium ensues. Prime Minister David Cameron resigns. The cost of exports ...

5 axis makes low cost jobs financially viable

January 26, 2024 15:45 - 5 minutes - 14.7 MB

Many prismatic machining contracts are ideally fulfilled on a 5-axis machining centre that enables components to be produced cost effectively. This is because the two rotary axes are able to position the component quickly and automatically in various orientations for milling and drilling without expensive fixtures and multiple set-ups. A problem arises when the components do not command a high selling price, as most 5-axis machines are a considerable investment. Subcontractor G&J (CNC) Ser...

Making money in your sleep

January 26, 2024 15:44 - 12 minutes - 29.9 MB

Recently rising to the eighth largest manufacturing economy in the world, the route to continued ascension for UK manufacturing isn’t purely down to the well-publicised need for a national manufacturing strategy or government investment – a large burden of responsibility has to lie firmly at the feet of manufacturers and their reticence to automate. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) frequently shines a light on how far the UK is behind other developed nations. The most recent r...

Innovation never stops

January 26, 2024 15:42 - 6 minutes - 16.2 MB

Where Innovation Never Stops! is the slogan that appears on the walls of the production facilities at ISCAR headquarters and has been synonymous with the company for several decades. The Covid-19 pandemic did not interrupt the innovation process, and between 2020-2021 ISCAR introduced the NEOLOGIQ marketing campaign comprised of advanced cutting tools and tooling solutions for modern metalworking. Significant changes in manufacturing, such as intensive digitising, the shift to electric d...

FGP Turbo’s through complex work with Mastercam

January 26, 2024 15:38 - 4 minutes - 12 MB

Made up of three main companies, the FGP Group is a specialist Tier 1 subcontractor that provides services from design and manufacturing to surface coating, heat treatment, assembly, inspection, testing and more. As one of the three companies in the group, FGP Systems Ltd typically produces prismatic components for the aerospace industry - it is here that the company utilises Mastercam CAM software. Founded more than 45 years ago, the company bought its first 5-axis machine, a DMG MO...

Cutting the chatter

January 26, 2024 15:37 - 10 minutes - 24.7 MB

Productive Machines is on a mission to provide a 15-minute turnaround from receiving data on its cloud-based, artificial intelligence platform to delivering a click-and-play machining protocol that enables manufacturers to machine the best part, faster, first time. John Yates talks to the spin-out team whose software-as-a-service is driving step changes in productivity and sustainability. Walking along the second-floor corridor to the Productive Machines’ workspace in the AMP Technology Ce...

Collaborative R&D helps take the weight off civil aerospace

January 26, 2024 15:35 - 9 minutes - 23.4 MB

Engineers’ obsession with weight and strength is reaching new heights in the aerospace sector. A range of technologies are being developed for manufacture, many with research centre support, that are designed to cut weight and carbon in aviation. By Will Stirling It was a good landing at the end of 2023. Commercial aircraft orders and deliveries are flying high, and up in 2022 by some eye-catching margins. It seems like aerospace production is back to pre-pandemic levels. According to aero...

Toolmaker dives into cost savings with Guhring

January 26, 2024 15:34 - 5 minutes - 13.6 MB

As a family-run business, Canterbury Tools Ltd has been involved in the design and manufacture of press tools since it was established almost 50 years ago. To optimise the production of specialist press tools, the Wallsall subcontract manufacturer utilises wire EDM machines from Sodick, machine tools from Hurco and cutting tools supplied by Birmingham-based Guhring. The West Midlands manufacturer specialises in the production of single operation tools, progression tools, transfer tools,...

Subcontractor gets a grip with ITC

January 26, 2024 15:32 - 6 minutes - 16.1 MB

Like any fledgling company, the wind of change can blow qui🎧ckly through a business, and this was certainly the case for Shropshire Precision Engineering (SPE) Ltd. Initially set up as a ‘part-time’ business, it wasn’t until Technical Director Robin Chisnall joined the Shrewsbury business in 2017 that the company set about upgrading its machine tool and cutting tool technology – with XYZ Machine Tools and Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) proving the partners of choice. As an engineer ...

Starrag HD reduces cycle times by 30%

January 26, 2024 15:30 - 4 minutes - 11.5 MB

Now available from Starrag Heckert, the STC1250 HD is the latest addition to the renowned STC Series that has been designed to provide unrivalled economy in the machining of the most demanding aerospace structural parts, multi-blades and casings. For those challenging components with long cycle times, the STC Series provides a whole host of practical options. The latest arrival, the STC1250 HD machining centre provides excellent static and dynamic properties as well as a tried and tested ro...

Ready for ‘Lift-off’ with OPEN MIND

January 26, 2024 15:29 - 7 minutes - 17.3 MB

As the name would suggest, Hill Helicopters is a manufacturer of luxury light helicopters. Since its inception, the company has been on a fascinating journey that is seeing the team of 80+ engineers develop and manufacture a complete aircraft from the ground up. To achieve this, the Rugeley manufacturer has enlisted the support of leading manufacturers from the sphere of machine tools, cutting tools and ancillary equipment. When the company needed industry-leading CAD/CAM technology that is...

Prima Innovations are shear class

January 26, 2024 15:27 - 12 minutes - 30.4 MB

In the November issue of MTD magazine, we reported on our visit to the Prima Power factory in Seinäjoki in Western Finland. We toured the manufacturing facility and were absorbed by the efficiency of the plant. In this issue, we take a closer look at the ‘Tech Centre’ – the showpiece for the developments coming out of the Scandinavian facility of Prima Power. By Rhys Williams In 2022, the MTDCNC crew were lucky enough to get an invite to the Prima Power headquarters in Turin. Like the arch...

Offshore subcontractor takes off with Vulcan

January 26, 2024 15:14 - 4 minutes - 10.6 MB

Located in Moray, North-East Scotland, an area famous for its Scotch Whisky, Standfast Precision Engineering Ltd provides subcontract manufacturing services that are far more edifying than a tipple. The manufacturer continually invests in machine tools to serve its clients in the offshore and whisky distillery sectors. The latest investment is a Vulcan 710L VMC from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG). Located in Craigellachie where the River Spey meets the River Fiddich, Standfast has...

Support milling with the right tools and know how

November 29, 2023 15:59 - 8 minutes - 20 MB

When outsourced manufacturing processes such as milling are brought back in-house due to the uncertainty of supply chains, up-to-date engineering skills and fresh know how are often required. The general trend to increase productivity and improve profitability may be timeless. However, when it comes to current trends, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. The selection and use of the right tools and tool holders are critical as they determine the quality and efficiency of the end resu...

The right tool for the right CNC

November 29, 2023 15:58 - 7 minutes - 18 MB

The history of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines dates back seven decades. During the 1950s, CNC technology was difficult to introduce due to manufacturers’ scepticism. Today, it is hard to imagine the world of manufacturing without CNC machines. In material removal processes, a CNC machine has become the central link that determines the functional capabilities of a manufacturer. CNC machining centres are complex machines that continue to evolve and improve. The advancement of...

Cutting costs with a fluid solution

November 29, 2023 15:56 - 9 minutes - 23.2 MB

By Rhys Williams Founded back in 2011, Cwm Engineering is a subcontract manufacturing business that has grown at an exponential rate since its inception. The relentless growth trajectory for this West Wales manufacturer is a credit to its approach to continuous improvement and delivering impeccable quality for customers. So, when the Crosshands company was having challenges with its cutting fluid, it turned to Oemeta for a solution. Like any subcontractor that has a diverse range of manu...

In safe hands with CMZ

November 29, 2023 15:54 - 4 minutes - 10.9 MB

Founded before the First World War, Tybro Bros (Sutton in Ashfield) Ltd has evolved over the last century. Formed in 1914, it has progressed from a business with motor and electrical engineers to precision engineering. The company has a reputation for its excellent standards – something underpinned by its investment in machine tools from CMZ. A family business spanning more than four generations, the Kirkby-in-Ashfield company is a typical subcontractor that serves all industry sectors. Wi...

Embracing a ‘one-stop-shop’ supplier

November 29, 2023 15:48 - 4 minutes - 11.2 MB

Full 5-axis capability plays a pivotal role in Maycast-Nokes’ production processes. Situated in Halstead, Essex, the company invested in their initial 5-axis machine over two decades ago—a HAAS VF-2 vertical machining centre equipped with a trunnion unit. Sales Director at Maycast-Nokes, Mr Dave Blower explains: “This marked our first investment with HAAS. Although initially intended for a specific project, it had a tremendous impact on our entire machine shop.” Adding to this, Dave says: ...

Factory 33 supported by Hurco from day one

November 29, 2023 15:42 - 4 minutes - 11 MB

Located in Carterten, Factory 33 is a family business headed up by Martin Krzywina, and Karina Ringer-Krzywina. With more than 10 years of experience in manufacturing precision components for the F1, aerospace, nuclear, medical and cryogenic sectors; this was immediately the target area for the engineers when they started the company in 2015. The journey started with two machines from Hurco. Managing Director Marcin Krzywina says: “We make everything from aerospace to motocross parts and w...

Prima packs a punch

November 29, 2023 15:28 - 10 minutes - 24.8 MB

Prima Power, the brand born from the union of two industry leaders Prima Industrie and Finn-Power, has been synonymous with the sheet metal industry for over 50 years. MTD Magazine visited the factory in Seinäjoki in Western Finland to see how this sheet metal powerhouse manufactures machines that lead the industry in innovation. By Rhys Williams Founded in 1969 as a subcontract manufacturer, Finn-Power Oy evolved down the generations to become one of the industry’s leading manufacturers o...

Thinking Big

November 29, 2023 15:26 - 11 minutes - 27.1 MB

Last month, MTD magazine visited RODIN Machining in Holland, a company that claims their entire customer process – from customer registration and work preparation to production and invoicing is almost 100% automated with sharp delivery dates. We went along to see what was behind this manufacturing utopia – it turns out that FASTEMS is a crucial factor in achieving this nirvana. By Rhys Williams About an hour north of Amsterdam in the town of Opmeer is RODIN Machining, a Dutch contract manu...

People, Process, Principle

November 29, 2023 15:25 - 5 minutes - 14.8 MB

An aerospace parts supplier in Wichita, Kansas, US has built a business on the three pillars of People, Processes and Principles – and it is the VERICUT toolpath simulation and optimisation software from CGTech that helps support the second principle. The company applies integrity and experience, consistent performance and clarity of purpose as words to live and work by, no matter what the vocation. They are the guiding philosophies behind Trinity Precision Inc.’s motto, ‘People, Process, ...

Siemens slashes machine development time for PTG Holroyd

November 29, 2023 15:24 - 7 minutes - 17.5 MB

As a machine tool builder, Rochdale-based PTG Holroyd is regarded as a world leader in the creation of highly sophisticated rotor milling, rotor grinding and friction stir welding machines. With three divisions in the company, each with a highly sophisticated niche, the manufacturer has further evolved its longstanding partnership with Siemens following the arrival of a new CNC control system for its machine tools. As a business, Holroyd has been producing machines in Greater Manchester si...

The state of play

November 29, 2023 15:20 - 6 minutes - 16 MB

At the recent EMO exhibition, there was a lot more on offer than innovative products and technical insights. Here, we provide you with an overview of the global machine tool market, which was presented in Hannover by CECIMO – The European Association of Manufacturing Technologies at a press conference during the exhibition. At the conference, there were representatives from all the major machine tool associations – whose manufacturers account for more than 80% of global machine tool produc...

SMEs need financial help and an industrial strategy to support manufacturing recovery

November 29, 2023 14:51 - 11 minutes - 26.7 MB

Tata’s £4bn battery gigafactory and a £600m investment in BMW’s MINI factory headline big investments and rising orders across manufacturing in 2023. But the pincer effect of high inflation, high interest rates and high demands from recovering OEMs is putting cash pressures on SMEs. Can they get the help they need to service the recovery and benefit from it, asks Will Stirling 2023 was a year of strained recovery for the manufacturing sector. After severe component supply delays caused by ...

Subcontractor ramps up productivity with DMG MORI

October 09, 2023 21:24 - 5 minutes - 13.1 MB

As part of the British Engines Group of companies, BEL Engineering was established in 2012 as a project-managed CNC machining business to cater for the growing demand for precision subcontract machining. Operating from its integrated manufacturing facility in Newcastle upon Tyne, BEL can manufacture components from as small as 3mm diameter to 50-tonne components for customers in a wide variety of sectors, including civil nuclear, defence, aerospace, marine and oil & gas. When the company nee...

Subcontractor’s success balloons with Ceratizit

October 09, 2023 21:22 - 4 minutes - 10.6 MB

The modern history of Ritchie Engineering Solutions began with J.A Ritchie in 1986, an engineer with a successful career in the design and manufacture of gas turbine jet engines. This engineering passion led the business to involvement in a host of pioneering projects from world record-breaking aviation attempts to the design and production of Victorian steam machinery. As the business has evolved, so has its plant list – but one thing that has remained a constant over the last 15 years of e...

PCD is no bore

October 09, 2023 21:20 - 8 minutes - 18.4 MB

When the Schlote Group built a new factory in Harzgerode, it was designed to mass-produce only a single part and MAPAL supplied all the cutting tools. By optimising the tools, the foundation has now been laid for a future with new products. Schlote’s story begins in 1969 as a small workshop in Harsum, where the company is still headquartered. Today 11 companies with 1,800 employees belong to the Group. The OEM has eight factories in Germany and further manufacturing facilities in the Czech...

EKC Group buys 25 machines from XYZ for apprentice training

October 09, 2023 21:19 - 7 minutes - 17.1 MB

When the East Kent College (EKC) Group was awarded £500,000 of government funding for the integration of the new 2-year T-Level courses that are taken after the GCSE stage, the astute leadership team at EKC Group invested wisely – buying 25 manual and CNC machines from XYZ Machine Tools. The T-Level courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers, so the content meets the needs of the industry - preparing students for entry into skilled employment, an a...

Dugard delivers the solution

October 09, 2023 21:18 - 4 minutes - 10.9 MB

Founded in 2005, DGF Engineering Ltd has been on a continuous growth trajectory and at every step of the way, the Hertfordshire manufacturer has turned to Dugard for its industry-leading machine tools. The company started its investment in Dugard machines with the Dugard 1000 3-axis VMC – this has since been followed by a SMEC SL 2000M turning centre and now a smaller Dugard 550 machining centre. The acquisition of the SMEC SL 2000M turning centre in 2022 was due to the turned components ...

The wait is over

October 09, 2023 21:15 - 5 minutes - 12.1 MB

The EMO exhibition in Hannover has finally arrived. From the 18th to the 23rd of September, the world of manufacturing will descend upon the German state of Lower Saxony for what promises to be a very welcome return for the show after a four-year hiatus. As Europe’s most prominent machine tool exhibition, the bi-annual event will open its doors under the motto ‘Innovate Manufacturing’ and more than 1,750 exhibitors from 42 countries will be presenting their latest innovations, strategies and...

Tow-Trust raises the bar with Bystronic

October 09, 2023 21:14 - 6 minutes - 13.9 MB

Evolving from a husband and wife ‘start-up’ company to the UK’s leading manufacturer of towbars, the 30-year journey to success for Tow-Trust has been built upon an ethos of providing products of unparalleled quality at competitive prices. Starting with little more than a small ambition and tremendous drive, Ian and Elaine Miller grew the business from its small single unit in Atherstone to a 60,000sq/ft site – and the mantle is now being taken forward by sons and fellow directors Tom and Al...

Robot loaded Nakamura just keeps running

October 09, 2023 21:12 - 4 minutes - 10.4 MB

UK subcontract machine companies don’t get much bigger than Metaltech Precision Ltd in Somerset. As part of the Expromet Technologies Group, the Metaltech facility has been expanded on multiple occasions to reach its expansive 50,000sq/ft site that is home to more than 40 CNC turning centres, more than 15 machining centres and a wide variety of conventional machines, fabrication equipment and metrology technology. However, the latest machine to be installed was a Nakamura-Tome WT-300 with an...

A&M ‘Turns and Burns’ with Sodi-Tech EDM

October 09, 2023 21:02 - 6 minutes - 14.2 MB

A&M EDM Ltd is an engineering solutions company always striving to maximise its service to clients in the aerospace, motorsport, automotive, marine, medical, rail, defence and general subcontract sectors. To achieve this, the West Midlands company has invested in a diverse range of technology that spans from 3, 4 and 5-axis machine tools and laser welding to laser calibration and more. However, the foundations of the company stem back to its 2002 inception where it all started with a Sodick ...

Milling for high surface finishes

October 09, 2023 20:37 - 11 minutes - 25.8 MB

In the metalworking industry, ensuring a high-quality surface finish has always been one of the main focus points in cutting tool development. This is also true for indexable face milling cutters. Despite significant improvements in the high surface quality of milled components, tool designers still believe that available resources have not yet been exhausted and that intelligent applications of the latest generations of advanced milling cutters can substantially improve surface texture furt...

Revival has traction as Tata drops the mic for car industry

October 09, 2023 20:12 - 9 minutes - 23.2 MB

Car production climbed 16.2% in June 2023 compared to a year ago; total output for the first half-year is up 11.7%; electric and hybrid cars produced rise by 71% a month (year-on-year); and vehicle exports are up nearly 14%. The stand-out news, however, is Tata’s game-changing £4bn investment in a battery gigafactory. By Will Stirling UK car production rose nearly 12% in the first half of the year to 450,168 units with June up 16.2% – the fifth consecutive month of growth, according to the...

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