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CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF MACHINE TOOLS MARKET IN AFRICA HIGHLIGHTED AT MACHINE TOOLS AFRICA 2024

Machine tools are the foundation of modern manufacturing, providing essential equipment for the fabrication processes of all major manufacturing sectors, including automotive, aerospace, electronics and energy.

Growth in the global machine tools market is being driven by the automotive industry to produce parts and components with extreme efficiency and precision. This demand is expected to increase as the automotive sector moves towards electric vehicles and new materials.

Environmental sustainability is another factor influencing the machine tools market, driving the demand for machine tools that have a smaller environmental impact. Manufacturers are under pressure to implement energy efficient and environmentally friendly practices, growing the market for machine tools that use less energy and produce less waste material. The concept of smart factories will continue to grow the demand for interconnected and digitally optimised machine tools going forward.

The critical importance of the machine tools market in Africa will be highlighted at the Machine Tools Africa exhibition taking place from 21-24 May 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Industry leaders, manufacturing innovators and stakeholders will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about industry trends and the latest technological developments in the sector. There will be a wide range of products on show, from machine tools and CNC machinery to 3D printing, control systems, robotics, design, accessories and more.

A new range of hybrid manufacturing machines, which combine subtractive and additive manufacturing in the same machine, is set to impact the machine tools market in coming years and enable a new level of manufacturing and design. The innovative features of the new hybrid additive manufacturing machines will significantly decrease the cost of repairs and maintenance. Manufacturers with hybrid additive manufacturing can create rapid prototypes with custom materials and produce new products. Also, the machines will aid in decreasing adverse environmental effects by reducing the manufacturing process’s carbon footprint.

This new technology in machine tool design will be presented in one of the free-to-attend seminars hosted by the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) at Machine Tools Africa 2024. The talk, presented by Dr Devon Hagedorn-Hansen, Managing Director of HH Industries and Multitrade 3D Systems, will highlight the transformative role of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in Africa and introduce the different AM technologies and how the various technologies are reshaping the continent’s industrial landscape, driving innovation and propelling economic development. The free-to-attend seminars will provide visitors to the show with the opportunity to glean from industry leaders sharing their knowledge and experience across a wide range of important and current industry topics.

Exciting new product launches will be taking place at the show. These include FANUC South Africa who will be launching the new α-D28LiB5 ADV Plus Y500 with 28 tool turret and extended Y axis travel up to 500mm. They will also be demonstrating many of their products, ranging from live EDM cutting, robot machine tending, injection moulding, and high-speed machining.

B&R 3D Solutions will be unveiling an impressive array of cutting-edge 3D printing and metrology technologies. Featuring new additions like the Nexa and Mingda 3D printers, alongside a comprehensive line-up including VShaper, Volumic, and more. There will be live demonstrations of these innovative solutions showcasing B&R’s commitment to excellence.

The Gühring tool management system (GTMS) is one of the new products being launched by Gühring. Other new products include the PCD Diver – a new diver endmill specifically designed for high performance in Aluminium materials, the Modular thread former – a modular threading system for maximum flexibility and economy, the RT100 Inox Pro – a new drill that delivers an exceptional performance thanks to its combination of carbide, geometry and coating specially tailored for stainless steels and Titanium alloys and the VB100 P 4 fluted drill – the straight-fluted drilling specialist for the machining of castings.

The Machine Tools Africa exhibition is an event by the Machine Tool Merchants’ Association of South Africa (MTMA) and organised by Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group. It is recognised as Africa’s essential Machine Tools exhibition, designed to showcase the very latest global machine tool technology and to highlight the importance of local suppliers and their international manufacturing partners.

For more information, visit the Machine Tools Africa website www.machinetoolsafrica.co.za or contact Senior Marketing Manager Natasha Heiberg  at Specialised Exhibitions, Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565.

Visitors attending Machine Tools Africa 2017.

 

EXTREMELY HARD IN ORDER TO PROTECT AGAINST WEAR

The new Walter Tiger·tec® Gold WSM33G grooving grade

Walter is one of the world’s leading suppliers of precision tools for metal machining. The company is proving this once again with the patent-pending Tiger·tec® Gold WSM33G grade. The WSM33G is Walter’s first PVD grade to be specifically developed for the high loads which occur during grooving.

The cutting tool material combines third-generation TiAlN with TiSiN to form a multi-layer coating with exceptional hardness and increased toughness. A special post-treatment reduces friction and ensures a smooth surface, thereby optimising chip removal and process reliability. What’s more, the gold top layer makes it easier for users to detect wear. Walter uses the new PVD coating on single-edged SX cutting inserts with positive engagement and a self-clamping system, as well as on indexable inserts from the double-edged DX18 system, where a second prism ensures stability in the insert seat.

For users, the fact that this grade can be used with both systems means maximum versatility because all insert widths between 1.0 and 10 mm are covered. Another advantage of the Tiger·tec® Gold WSM33G grade is its adaptability, even in challenging conditions. The universal grade can be used for 75% of all applications: Grooving and parting off, groove turning and copy turning or slot milling, whether in steel (ISO P30), stainless steels (ISO M30) or materials with difficult cutting properties (ISO S30). The universal application, long tool life and high resistance of the multi-layer coating against plastic deformation and flank face wear make the WSM33G grooving inserts an incredibly productive and reliable choice.

 

For more information, please contact Spectra Carbide Tooling Technology – Tel: 021 555 4144.

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INDUSTRY LEADERS, INNOVATORS TO CONGREGATE AT MACHINE TOOLS AFRICA

Stay abreast of industry trends, gain insight to the latest technologies and see hundreds of new products and innovations on display at the world-class Machine Tools Africa exhibition, taking  place from 21-24 May 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.

Industry leaders, innovators and industry stakeholders will be heading to this year’s Machine Tools Africa exhibition to meet with local industry suppliers and their international manufacturing partners. There will be a wide range of products on show, from machine tools and CNC machinery to 3D printing, control systems, robotics, design, accessories and more. The latest advanced technology, software, automation and industry 5.0, will be making a strong appearance at the show.

Machine Tools Africa is an event by the Machine Tool Merchants’ Association of South Africa (MTMA) in partnership with Specialised Exhibitions, organisers of the event.

Mike Lee, Chairperson of MTMA, says that the industry is really excited about this year’s Machine Tools Africa exhibition with exhibitors looking forward to showcasing their latest innovations and cutting-edge developments across the machine tool – and related industries. “Over the past couple of years, imports have gone from strength to strength and we’ll have the very latest in machine tool technology on display from all over the world for our customers to see. Live demonstrations of the machinery will highlight the advantages of this new technology and customers can benefit from the expert advice available by the technical specialists on the stands.”

Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions, is also excited about the show, stating: “We’re thrilled to have such strong industry support for Machine Tools Africa, a show which embraces innovation, collaboration and opportunity in the world of engineering and manufacturing. The event is putting the spotlight on leading industry suppliers’ ground-breaking innovation and technology and we’re expecting thousands of visitors from across South Africa and neighbouring African countries to converge at the exhibition.”

Education, learning and World Skills competition

With education and skills development remaining central to industry, Sol-Tech will be forming part of the Machine Tools Africa exhibition for the first time. Sol-Tech is a private registered vocational training college that offers world-class training in all of the most important trades. More than 3 500 students have acquired their Red Seal qualifications.

“Sol-Tech is extremely proud of its students. Hard work, dedication and discipline forms part of their student journey. We aim to not only equip them with an excellent qualification, but to also create an opportunity to acquire soft skills while they study at Sol-Tech,” says Paul van Deventer, managing director of Sol-Tech. According to Chantal Swart, marketing manager of Sol-Tech, visitors to Machine Tools Africa can look forward to an exciting Sol-Tech stand filled with activities and some of Sol-Tech’s own students showcasing their skills on various equipment.

WorldSkills South Africa is hosting a local competition at Machine Tools Africa. Showcasing the skills and excellence of the competitors during the four days, the overall winners will be announced on the final show day. A team of local and international judges will be adjudicating the competition.

Expertise shared at free-to-attend seminars

Visitors to the show can also increase their own industry knowledge by attending the free-to-attend seminars, hosted by the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE). During the four show days, industry professionals will be sharing their expertise across a wide range of topics aligned with the show’s theme days: Safety, Sustainability, Skills and South African Day.

Amongst the speakers at the event, Chris Coetzee, director and owner of OHSS Consulting, will be looking into the world of a systems approach to Occupational Health & Safety Procedures with a focus on developing safe behaviours, working environments and monitoring strategies, that become the frontline of Risk Management.

Stephan du Toit, Technical Director at Water Solutions and Innovations will be talking about Evaporator Technology. One of the key sustainability challenges of various machining processes is the treatment of the coolant / water waste.  Water Solutions and Innovations has successfully researched and developed the Evaporator technology in South Africa.  The locally produced Evaporator has already been successfully implemented at various OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, both in South Africa and globally.

The talk presented by Dr Devon Hagedorn-Hansen, Managing Director of HH Industries and Multitrade 3D Systems, will highlight the transformative role of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in Africa and introducing the different AM technologies and how the various technologies are reshaping the continent’s industrial landscape, driving innovation and propelling economic development.

Machine Tools Africa is supported by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) and the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA).

For more information, visit the Machine Tools Africa website www.machinetoolsafrica.co.za or contact Senior Marketing Manager Natasha Heiberg  at Specialised Exhibitions, Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565.

Visitors attending Machine Tools Africa 2017.

UPGRADED AUTOMATION SYSTEM MAKES MX-100 FASTER AND MORE ACCURATE

In today’s manufacturing industry, there is a growing need for high-precision production within tight deadlines. However, there are problems, such as the challenge to find highly skilled and experienced operators. Additionally, for the installation of automation equipment, such as a gantry loader or robot, extra floor space is required.

To solve these problems, Nakamura-Tome introduced the ‘Compact Loader servo’ as a gantry replacement, offering a built-in automation solution for the MX-100 machines.

What is Compact Loader servo?

The Compact Loader servo is a built-in automation system that is mounted on the MX-100 and performs loading and unloading.

The following points have been extended from the conventional Compact Loader:

  • Servo motors on all axes
  • Enhanced positioning accuracy
  • Increased number of the teaching point setting
  • Faster travel speed

The Compact Loader servo has two grippers, and the maximum transport weight for each hand is 3.0 kg in case of 2-piece operation. Workpiece size ranges from 20 mm to 130 mm in diameter and 20 mm to 110 mm in length.

 

Benefits of Compact Loader servo:

Compact Layout with minimum Ceiling Height Limitation 

As its name suggests, the Compact Loader servo is specially designed to save space. This means that even after being mounted on the MX-100, the height of the machine remains the same, allowing for easy installation even in factories with limited ceiling heights. Unmanned operation is achievable by using the Compact Loader servo and additional automation equipment as described below.

  • Example 1: Compact Loader servo + Bar Feeder

The Compact Loader servo and a bar feeder can be used together. The bar feeder supplies a blank bar material, while the Compact Loader servo unloads bar remnants or finished parts, serving as a parts catcher.

  • Example 2: Compact Loader servo + Work Stocker

By operating the Compact Loader servo and a work stocker such as HAKO-BEI together, finished parts can be stored even during night-time operation without an operator.

Incorporating the Compact Loader servo with other automation equipment can extend automated operations further while minimizing the additional space required.

Enhanced Positioning Accuracy with Servo Motors on All Axes

The newly developed Compact Loader servo is incorporated with servo motors on all axes, including the vertical axis handle, ensuring a higher positioning accuracy of ±0.1 mm.

Installing servo motors on all axes allows users to specify teaching points. Up to 40 teaching points can be set for a workpiece. Moreover, teaching points for up to 500 pieces can be stored as fixed form.

Reduce Cycle Time with Faster Loading and Unloading

The servo motors on all axes enable the quick loading of blank materials and unloading of finished parts while maintaining precise positioning, achieving a 23% speed boost in loading/unloading.

Easy and Fast Operation for Anyone 

You can operate the Compact Loader servo with the NT SmartX. Simply switch the Y-axis setting of the Compact Loader servo from “Parameter setting” to “Point setting.” No need to install new software or input complicated programs.

Finally, the Compact Loader servo offers valuable insights for customers considering automated operations with the MX-100. Movements and features can be observed in the following video.

Change from “Parameter setting” Compact Loader Y-axis 

For More information, contact WD Hearn – Tel: 021 534 5351.

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LATEST HURCO CNC TURNING CENTRES FROM TH MACHINE TOOLS

TH Machine Tools, South African Agent for Hurco, has some of the latest Hurco turning centres, featuring the newest controls in its showroom. While TH was appointed official agent in 2019, the company has already been working with Hurco going back to 2015. Over the years TH personnel have received extensive training at Hurco in the UK and thus are perfectly equipped to support and assist customers in South Africa with any problem they might encounter. TH is looking forward to presenting the latest Hurco technology to existing and new customers alike.

Hurco has helped TH Machine Tools to continue working with existing clients across the country and establish new connections. This continued connection has helped multiple clients to purchase more machines and to add new equipment to continually grow their capabilities.

TH Machine Tools has an extensive range of machines available from Hurco, not just focusing on large manufacturing plants. Smaller machine shops may be interested to know that herculean centres like the TMX12Mi have many smaller brothers to choose from, like the TM6i, which has a turning length of 340mm.

This range of options allows clients to easily find a machine that not only fits their budget but can perfectly fit within their available space. Add to this the unique and intuitive WinMax interface that allows for quick and easy operation.

For more information, please contact TH Machine Tools – Tel: 012 259 1375.

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VIBRATION FREE HUSH-BORE – SO QUIET ITS BORING

TaeguTec’s HUSH-BORE is a head-exchangeable, vibration-free boring bar line for deep internal turning with a damping system in the shank that can achieve deep internal machining by more than 5XBD(bar diameter). This remarkable damping performance allows the workpiece to have very good surface roughness, which prolongs tool life and promotes stable machining. It also means increased feed and cutting speeds, making it a more productive option.

While the depth of machining in internal turning varies based on the type of shank material used, carbide boring bars are suitable up to 5XBD and steel boring bars up to 3XBD.Yet, even with carbide boring bars, deep internal turning is still a very challenging task.

Since its launch, the anti-vibration HUSH-BORE line for deep internal machining has received very positive comments from numerous customers. In response, TaeguTec has added 12xD and 14xD shanks to its line-up of already available 7xD and 10xD shanks, providing even deeper internal turning solutions to the HUSH-BORE’s damping technology.

Shanks for the HUSH-BORE line are available as standard items in 7 different diameters (Ø16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, and 60 mm) and in 4 lengths (7XBD, 10XBD, 12XBD and 14XBD). The various exchangeable heads can be securely fastened with serrated couplings located in the boring bars.

While TaeguTec has introduced its top-tier WIN-SFEED technology to the HUSH-BORE boring bar family of highly efficient cutting tools, the launch of a new Ø80 mm shank and a dedicated head has expanded TaeguTec’s reach in the deep internal machining market.

Available in two types, a modular head with standard inserts for machining various materials and an adapter that can machine while fastened to a standard square holder, allowing for relatively large-diameter internal machining.

Additionally, TaeguTec provides specialized sleeves that improve the set-up time of the HUSH-BORE boring bars, making it quick and simple. These specific sleeves with a one-sided slit maintain a robust clamping force and high precision because of their wide contact area when combined with the new HUSH-BORE shank.

To further diversify the HUSH-BORE family’s range, TaeguTec offers modular threading heads for both 16 IR/L… and 22 IR/L… inserts. The new modular heads are compatible with both HUSH-BORE shanks and C-ADAPTERs with HUSH-BORE head connections.

For internal grooving of deep holes, TaeguTec’s HUSH-BORE uses the highly effective and productive T-CLAMP line of inserts, thereby achieving ranges between 2-6 mm. They can be mounted on the existing HUSH-BORE shanks as well as head-changeable C-ADAPTERs.

Although internal grooving negatively impacts surface finish due to vibrations caused by long overhangs, using HUSH-BORE grooving products achieve good surface roughness, even in deep internal grooving of 5xD or higher and offers improved tool life and excellent machining performance.

For more information please contact TaeguTec – Tel: 011 362-1500.

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EFFORTLESS CHATTER ELIMINATION IN MACHINING FROM NAKAMURA-TOME

When you come across chatter, how do you get rid of it?

Chattering in machining is the unwanted harmonic vibration of a workpiece and a cutting tool caused by several reasons. Chatter ruins machining precision and reduces productivity. Even though your machine has high rigidity, it happens. Here are a few things that you can do to mitigate chatter:

  • Fix work holding
  • Shorten up your tool holder
  • Shorten the stick out of your tool
  • Change the programming
  • Modify the cutting speed and feed rate
  • Add fixturing and support for the part

However, it is hard to find out the specific reason for the vibration. Even if you could eliminate chatter, another problem would occur. For example, when you change the cutting speed, it often affects your cycle time.

Therefore, as machinists, chatter is our common enemy. We want to mitigate it as soon as possible and do not want to ruin our day. This is why Nakamura-Tome’s Chatter Canceller is a wonderful feature; it is a handy, effortless and a quick solution against chatter.

Why Chatter Canceller?

The Chatter Canceller suppresses chatter by accelerating and decelerating the speed of spindle rotation periodically. When chatter occurs during machining, you may usually adjust the spindle override to avoid vibration. However, you need to be there in front of the machine to operate the control panel. This function automates such operations.

The Chatter Canceller stands out with its easy programming. It can be executed by inserting two lines of M code between a machining command.

​​​​​​Of course, no matter how good the machine or the program is, if the work holding is not good, vibration will be generated physically. Therefore, the work holding is fundamentally important. In addition, chatter can be solved by changing the cutting condition of OD and ID turning or adjusting the length of the stick out of the tool, but if you use the Chatter Canceller, you can easily eliminate the vibration and reduce the impact on the cycle time and tools. So, we strongly recommend you use this function.

The Chatter Canceller is standard equipment on models except the TW-8, SC-200, SC-200L, SC-250, SC-450 and SC-450L. In addition, this function has been equipped with machines since May 2021.

For More information, contact WD Hearn – Tel: 021 534 5351.

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COST-EFFECTIVE AND STABLE

With the W1011-P, Walter is bringing a copy turning system to the market which will maximise process reliability and cost-efficiency compared to conventional systems. This is primarily thanks to its much greater stability when copy turning with relief grooves of up to 50°. Unlike VCMT and DCMT inserts, the system’s new three-edged WL25 indexable inserts are precisely secured in the toolholder by a prism in the insert seat and on the insert itself.

This ensures that the insert cannot move in the toolholder. In addition to high process reliability and precision thanks to highly accurate indexing, both when turning the inserts to the next cutting edge and when replacing them, this provides over 50% greater accuracy when compared to ISO inserts. Moreover, the system increases tool life thanks to the option to machine in both directions of movement, meaning that the two cutting edges can be used.

The copy turning system also uses WL25 indexable inserts, which further increases its cost-efficiency. Three cutting edges, rather than two cutting edges on VCMT inserts, with wear-resistant cutting tool materials in addition to precision cooling improve tool life.

The same applies to the universal usability of the W1011-P system. Its four insert types (neutral, left-hand, right-hand and full-radius versions) for different profiling angles and applications fit into the same toolholder and mean that it can be used for all ISO materials (P, M, S and K). Potential areas of application include copy turning, e.g. for drive shafts, ball bearings and valves, etc. and dynamic turning, particularly for operations which use a different or alternating machining direction. This allows users to increase cost-efficiency by up to 75% in finishing up to medium machining operations.

For more information, please contact Spectra Carbide Tooling Technology – Tel: 021 555 4144.

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SPHOORTI – GLOBAL TOOL HOLDER SUPPLIER

SPHOORTI manufactures and globally supplies, a wide range of tool discs and tool holders for any make and any model CNC Lathe, CNC Turning Center or CNC Turn Mill Center with any type of Turret, such as BOT, VDI, BMT and VTP.

Over the years, SPHOORTI established a state of the art and world class infrastructure. For the production of Tool Discs and Tool Holders, the company sources machine tools from well-known manufacturers, including:

SPHOORTI supplies tool discs and tool holders to European countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Austria, Spain, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic, UK, Sweden and to other countries like USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand etc.

In South Africa SPHOORTI is in Partnership with Spectra Carbide Tooling Technology (PTY) Ltd.

For more information, please contact Spectra Carbide Tooling Technology – Tel: 021 555 4144.

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NEW TOP-GRIP INSERTS FOR MACHINING CAST IRON

ISCAR introduces new TOP-GRIP TGMA inserts with T-land in the width range of 3-6 mm, suitable for machining cast iron. These new inserts are made from IC5010 SUMO TEC CVD grade.

The frontal and side T-land provide a very strong edge that extends tool life in cast iron applications when compared to the existing TGMF insert.

The combination of the optimized edge geometry and dedicated grade for cast iron, together with the economical advantages of the TOP-GRIP line, provides a winning solution when it comes to performance and price for cast iron grooving applications.

For more information, please contact ISCAR South Africa (PTY) LTD – Tel: 011 997-2700.

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