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BYSTRONIC APPOINTS GARETH JACKSON AS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

Gareth Jackson new Managing Director, Bystronic

Bystronic South Africa is proud to welcome back Gareth Jackson as the new Managing Director. His return marks a new chapter of stability, progress and strengthened customer support in the South African metalworking industry. With deep industry expertise and a strategic vision, Jackson is well-positioned to drive Bystronic South Africa forward, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence and customer success. As a global leader in cutting, bending and automation solutions, Bystronic continues to shape the future of sheet metal processing with advanced laser cutting systems, press brakes, automation technologies and intelligent software empowering manufacturers to achieve greater efficiency, precision and sustainability. With a strong focus on digitalisation, Bystronic is dedicated to providing solutions that enhance productivity and competitiveness in the local market.

A spokesperson for Bystronic comments: “Jackson’s leadership underscores the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa. His extensive experience and customer-centric approach will further strengthen Bystronic’s presence, ensuring the continuation of delivering best-in-class solutions to perfectly suit unique customer needs.

“At a time when manufacturers are seeking innovative and reliable partners, Bystronic remains at the forefront, while supporting businesses with cutting-edge technology and expert guidance.

“This is more than just a leadership transition, it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to the South African market. Welcome back, Gareth Jackson, let’s look forward to an exciting future for Bystronic South Africa,” he concludes.

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HURCO TURNING CENTERS & TURNING MACHINES

HURCO turning centres are the ideal machines for complete machining and turning small and medium-sized parts. They impress with their high torque and fast rapid traverse rates for high-performance cycles.

HURCO MAX® 5 control – Makes your lathe complete

All HURCO CNC lathes are equipped with the WinMax MAX® 5 control. As a manufacturer of CNC machine tools, Hurco knows exactly what requirements a CNC machine must fulfil for your production.

This is why Hurco has developed its own control system based on many years of expertise in the field of CNC, with which you can turn workpieces exactly according to your requirements.

With the MAX® 5 control you can achieve the highest precision and maximum surface quality with minimum training times. The core feature of the MAX® 5 control is the extremely fast programming and therefore highly profitable production of your workpieces.

In addition to the individually configurable CNC control, Hurco offers a wide range of accessories for its CNC lathes, including high-pressure cooling, bar feeders and automatic doors.

CNC universal lathes

Powerful and fast – these are the HURCO turning machines in the TMi series. These universal turning centres are the ideal machines for turning small and medium-sized workpieces.

The highly robust cast iron machine bed is optimized using finite element analysis to ensure particularly high quality for each individual part.

The latest generation of servo drives ensure high performance on all axes. The spindles of the machines are permanently lubricated, making them particularly resistant and low-maintenance.

In addition, each machine is equipped with a bi-directional hydraulic tool turret and a tailstock with live centre for positioning on heavy-duty flat guides.

Our TMi series machines are available in a suitable design for every operation from compact space savers to large performers.

With HURCO CNC lathes you can produce individual parts and small batches in no time at all and in customized quality.

CNC multi-axis lathes

Flexible, versatile and highly performant are the TM-Mi and TMX-MYi and MYSi turning centres, which are ideal for use in the complete turning and milling of small and medium-sized workpieces.

The slant-bed turning machines with 30° inclination are equipped with powerful ball screws.

The maintenance-free spindles, the hydraulically clamped tool turret and the tailstock with live centre on the models without counter spindle make the high-torque machine tools top performers with fast rapid traverse rates for high-performance cycles.

Hurco lathes are also equipped with driven tools for combined turning and milling and particularly high productivity.

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

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A TRIUMPH OF INNOVATION AND RESILIENCE – EUROBLECH 2024 WRAPS UP WITH ENCOURAGING RESULTS

Amidst ongoing global challenges, the sheet metal working industry showcased its dedication to progress and growth at the 27th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, EuroBLECH 2024. With 38,946 trade visitors from 114 countries and 1.317 exhibitors on 160,000sqm gross space, the event reaffirmed its role as the world’s leading platform for innovation and business in this sector. A sense of cautious optimism dominated the halls, with many exhibitors securing substantial orders.

Despite the slowing global economy, there was widespread agreement that key markets will eventually bounce back and grow, together with a clear commitment to driving the necessary transformational change. Determined to focus on new opportunities, the industry has been intensifying its push for innovation. The proactive stance on technological progress was matched with a notable willingness from buyers to consider new investment.

The four-day event delivered massively on visitor quality, with the majority of visitors classifying as key decision makers. The number of unique visitors increased by 3%, with a strong presence from Germany, which has recently gained in market importance for certain technology sectors. Besides Germany, the top visitor countries in 2024 were the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland. There has been a significant growth in visitor numbers from Asia (Japan, Taiwan, India) and South America (notably Argentina), pointing towards promising new markets for the sheet metal working industry.

Pressure to innovate continues to spur significant technological advancements

EuroBLECH’s impressive nine exhibition halls hosted a wealth of product launches and ground-breaking innovations, sending a bold signal for technological progress and growth opportunities within the sector. Throughout all 15 technology areas, machine makers displayed a clear commitment to enhancing production efficiency through technical innovation.

Key technologies included, but were not limited to a new AI vision system for fully automated sorting of laser-cut parts; remote machine diagnostics and monitoring for fast troubleshooting and servicing; highly automated factory systems that integrate people, machines, and data into smart production flows; folding machines with fully automatic tool changer; simplified and robust laser-cutting machines particularly suited for new users; modular or compact bending cells for smaller production environments; a substantial 20kW high-speed and high-precision fibre laser cutting machine for extra demanding applications; AI-driven robotic software for complex and adaptive applications; and many other advancements.

Transformative power of innovation – realised and recognised

Of the many innovation leaders on the exhibition stands, 76 companies were shortlisted for the prestigious EuroBLECH 2024 Award, organised in partnership with blechnet and MM MaschinenMarkt.

The six winners, chosen by public vote, were recognised for their commitment to advancing technical excellence in:

  • Stamping and Forming: Amada, for their fully automatic bending robot cell ‘EGB-1303ARse’.
  • Cutting Technology: TRUMPF, for their bevel cutting on 2D laser cutting machines.
  • Joining Technology: Weil Technology, for their laser welding system ‘LWC-RT4-BPP’.
  • Surface Technology: Q-Fin, for their small parts finishing machine ‘Q-Fin F250’.
  • Automation and Handling: Reis Robotics, for their robot controller ‘ROBOTstar VII’.
  • Sustainability: Bosch Rexroth, for their energy-efficient, servo-hydraulic drive solution for deep-drawing presses.

The runner-ups were: Airco, BENEVA, Bystronic, CNC Europe/LASERMACH, EMC, ENGMAR, EPCM Expert, Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik, MicroStep Europa, Schuler and Wilson Tool. Visitors were also invited to explore the new Award Trails, featuring all 76 shortlisted companies and their innovations.

On and off the show floor – Energising mix of knowledge, engagement and fresh talent

Two dedicated Presentation Areas in Halls 26 and 27 hosted live talks by prominent change-makers, covering key developments in automation and digitalisation. A special Panel Discussion focused specifically on solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. On the show floor, the new Guided Tours launched with success, offering visitors new opportunities to efficiently engage with interesting productivity trends and suppliers.

EuroBLECH 2024 also reinforced its commitment to championing young talent and fresh approaches within the industry. One in five exhibitors was new at EuroBLECH, adding valuable input to the event. This included a group of promising start-ups in the ‘Young Innovators’ Pavilion in Hall 15 which highlighted young businesses and innovations from Germany. On Friday’s Careers Day, EuroBLECH welcomed students and apprentices who benefitted from free admission and the unique opportunity to engage with ground-breaking technologies and world-class suppliers.

Industry’s benchmark event sparks positive outlook and optimism for the future

The event ended on a high note after four productive days of fostering connections across the sheet metal supply chain and unlocking new potential for industry players. The successful turnout added to a sense of optimism and achievement among participants.

“This year’s EuroBLECH has proven vital for the sheet metal working community, which has shown remarkable resilience and innovation amid economic challenge”, says Evelyn Warwick, Event Director of EuroBLECH, on behalf of RX. “This year’s event marked a strategic milestone for many companies as it delivered – once again – an impressive showcase of technological advancements in a promising business environment. We thank all our participants for making EuroBLECH such a vibrant platform for exchange and growth – their enthusiasm and active engagement in meaningful conversations, ideas, and business ventures is what drives our industry forward.”

Looking ahead with confidence: EuroBLECH returns in October 2026

The industry remains strongly committed to EuroBLECH as their primary platform for innovation, business, and growth. Following this year’s success, many exhibitors have already confirmed their participation for the next edition. EuroBLECH 2026 is set to take place from 20 – 23 October 2026 in Hanover again.

BMW GROUP PLANT ROSSLYN OPENS NEWLY BUILT LOGISTICS WAREHOUSE SERVICING THE PRODUCTION OF THE NEW BMW X3 PHEV

BMW Group Plant Rosslyn synergises logistics materials flow with new warehouse. The 5,200 m² warehouse is used for the storage of parts for the new BMW X3 PHEV manufactured at the plant.

BMW Group Plant Rosslyn recently unveiled a newly built logistics warehouse on its premises. The building will primarily store various parts for the new BMW X3 plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and ensure timely delivery of components to the assembly line for seamless production. As BMW Group Plant Rosslyn begins the start of production of the new model, the 5,200 m² logistics warehouse is uniquely designed and constructed to aid the process.

A modular approach was used to enable future expansions for efficient spaces and lean logistics in line with BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s long-term development plan. The building is equipped with translucent panels providing natural light into the building, individually dimmable smart LED lights, surveillance cameras with integrated artificial intelligence technology and weather resistant dock houses which maintain the integrity of parts delivered to the warehouse.

Sustainable building

In cementing BMW Group South Africa’s commitment to zero-waste-to-landfill, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn partnered with Envirolite – an eco-friendly building supplier – to transform some of its waste into sustainable and eco-friendly building bricks. Envirolite bricks consist of over 70% recycled material, including polystyrene waste generated from the plant. As a reflection of BMW Group South Africa’s principles of a circular economy, a total of 7,700 Envirolite bricks were used for the construction of the logistics warehouse.

The Envirolite brick has higher thermal insulation properties compared to a standard clay brick. This plays a key role in making the building more energy efficient by helping to reduce the energy required for heating or cooling. The daytime energy requirements are achieved through solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure. The combination of the solar PV, energy-efficient lighting and Envirolite bricks contributes to the warehouse being one of the most sustainable buildings at BMW Group South Africa.

BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Director Dr Niklas Fichtmüller commented, “Sustainability is at the core of our strategy, and we endeavour to build better futures as we build products of the future. This new warehouse reflects our vision for this state-of-the-art facility, especially as we gear up to produce the new BMW X3 PHEV.”

Sustainable community development

BMW Group South Africa is committed to community engagement and development as demonstrated in the building process of the new warehouse at its production facility. A total of 42 Rosslyn community labourers worked on the construction site including plasterers, bricklayers, painters and tilers. As the workers had not used the Envirolite brick type before, they were upskilled in its unique installation.

Head of Real Estate Management South Africa at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Reshard Sayed commented, “Green principles were considered in the conceptualisation of the building from inception. For the BMW Group, conscious use of primary materials plays a key role in building a circular economy. After five months of LEAN construction, excluding rain delays, we are excited to hand over a logistics facility that is pivotal to the launch of the new BMW X3 model at our Rosslyn plant.” BMW Group Plant Rosslyn also aims to extend its new warehouse, citing the current construction as phase one of three phases.

AMADA AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS

Ever-growing need for production has resulted in companies looking for unique methods of manufacturing with faster production times, less human intervention and ultimately less cost.

Labour costs play a huge role in production and the faster a product can be produced, the higher the profits.

In sheet metal applications, this is a difficult target due to the various stages of production such as blanking, bending, welding, grinding, painting, assembly, testing and packaging. These various processes are each a headache on their own.

Beginning with the blanking process, the designer needs to have a good understanding of the completed product and its intended use or application. This person also needs to have a good understanding of the capabilities of the machinery being used as well as the materials being processed.

The automation process begins by use of a CAD drawing system. Rendering a 3D model in Amada’s Sheetworks 3D software, the full product can be viewed, operated / animated and broken down into single part items. This process eliminates trial production and the waste of materials, time and resources.

Ultimately, all proto-typing can be done on a PC in the 3D environment, while the customer can sign off for the start of production before a single part or sample is physically produced. The process from creating the drawing to tool fitting and programming is executed by a few clicks on the PC mouse. The automated system will then separate material types and material thicknesses, it will nest the parts according to the parameters set and will program it accordingly for the selected machine.

Once completed at the programming stage, the programs are transferred from the PC to the machine by employment of a job card with a bar code attached. The use of a bar code scanner at the machine control will instantly display the program and rendering it immediately ready for production.

The scanning of the bar code will ensure that production throughput is handled in the correct sequence, thanks to the programmer who creates a production schedule according to the importance of the work. Once ready to begin with actual production, there is an additional automation option for material storage and material handling, too. These systems (ASF-H or ASR tower storage systems) & MPL (material manipulation system) are capable of loading the raw materials onto the table of the machine, ready for production to begin. All of this is possible without the operator having to touch the sheet. Once the sheet has been processed, it is offloaded by means of the manipulator system. It then is either stacked on a pallet complete with skeleton and parts or it can be separated by means of a “TK” system. The TK system is ideal for the removal and sorting of cut parts from a nested sheet. This “picker” will remove each individual part by means of numerous suckers and will place them onto different stacking pallets – sorting parts for their next processes needed onto individual pallets. Different customers’ jobs that were nested onto the same sheet can now be separated and stacked individually without any human intervention.

Bending can also be automated according to customers’ needs by utilizing Amada’s 4ie Bend software and creating all bending programs from the initial drawing. Sequencing and tool fitting is done on the PC and trial bending on the machine is eliminated. The “teach” function on the control of the bender will assist and indicate the precise positioning of each tool as required, while prompting the operator through the bending process. In the case of the ATC (Automatic Tool Changer), the machine will automatically load and unload tooling as required for the job at hand. The ATC will drastically reduce setup times between jobs as it can load a full three meters of top and bottom tooling in just 3 minutes. Suddenly the small batch runs or single part production becomes a much faster process with far less down-time.

For long constant production runs, robotics are available to replace operators. The robotic benders are ideal for constant bending of the same parts or very large production runs. These systems are available from very small robotic systems on the EGB press brakes, right up to the large – heavy duty press brakes handling parts that are too heavy for the operator.

Amada provides a total automation solution for all requirements from single sheet manipulation (MPL), to multiple sheet storage and manipulation (ASFH or ASR) to high volume sheet storage and manipulation (MARS). Everything is programmed through a central Amada data-base (VPSS4ie) and fully backed by Amada’s dedicated service and applications teams.

For more information, please contact Amada – Tel: 011 453-5459.

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M1 SURFACER DEBURRING GRINDING MACHINE

Locally available from Duncan Macdonald, the manually operated Assfalg new deburring and grinding machine, the M1 Surfacer is user-friendly and suitable for various machining processes such as grinding, deburring, edge rounding and polishing of metal surfaces, including stainless steel, steel, copper, brass and aluminium parts e.g. laser, stamped and plasma parts.

While 5 machining processes are possible in one machine, the swivel arm can rotate 180° and enables the simultaneous mounting of two machining discs. The machine is equipped with a vacuum system that fixes the workpiece on the table.

For more information, please contact Duncan MacDonald – Tel: 011 444 4345

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THREADING WITH TS-THREAD

To machine threads quickly and precisely, TaeguTec offers the TS-THREAD line, which enhances the efficiency of the thread-making process by cutting processing time and costs, while minimizing the likelihood of manufacturing defective products.

TaeguTec offers a large selection of thread milling cutters that meet the standards for both, internal and external threading.

For the manufacturing of internal and external, as well as right- and left-hand full-profile threads, TaeguTec offers the TTMT line as an indexable insert type, which offers excellent chip control with high precision and high surface quality.

For thread milling applications that use indexable inserts, TaeguTec recommends either the MTE D EndMill line or the MTF shell mill tool.

Since these tools can mount different thread inserts with varying profiles, one tool can produce a variety of thread standards and both right-hand and left-hand threads. Internal coolant that is directed toward the cutting region is present in both lines.

The MTE D end mill type improves overall machining performance, due to its high rigidity feature, and the MTF is recommended for large thread diameters with high accuracy and uniformity.

For thread milling operations, TaeguTec provides a complete line of solid carbide end mills that have a diameter ranging from 0.72 mm to 20 mm and are suitable to machine a variety of materials, including cast iron, steel, stainless steel and more. Cutting geometry, helix angle, number of flutes, length and grades differ between the tools.

Solid carbide thread mills without coolant channels from the MTEC line are typically suitable for internal and external thread milling. With the exception of gummy and sticky materials, this family can be used to produce thread from any sort of material.

To improve tool life in all thread milling applications, the MTECB line is a group of solid carbide thread mills with a coolant hole that is intended for milling internal threads in blind holes but can also frequently be used to produce external threads.

For extremely exact profiles on small internal and exterior threads, TaeguTec offers the TS-THREAD MTECS solid carbide thread mills. The cutting zone of these one-of-a-kind thread mills is only three teeth long, has three flutes, and has a released neck between the cutting zone and the shank.

Solid short left-hand cut MTECSH carbide thread mills are used to create small internal threads in hard materials. These thread mills have a released neck between the cutting zone and the shank and a short 3-tooth cutting with 3 flutes.

MTECI partial-profile solid carbide thread mills with coolant holes offer a universal solution for a variety of pitch and thread sizes.

For internal deep thread milling, the TS-THREAD MTECQ family of solid carbide thread mills with coolant holes and smaller neck diameters between the cutting zone and the shank is advised. Thread lengths up to 3.2 x DC can be machined with this tool.

TaeguTec strives to provide threading tools that enhance overall performance, lower costs, and increase the efficiency of the threading process.

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

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PRODUCTIVE AND RELIABLE DEEP HOLE DRILLING SOLUTIONS

Precihole Machine Tools provides the best value in deep hole drilling technology

 

By Paul Savides, Managing Director, PBS Machine Tools

Precihole Machine Tools is a global leader in providing hi-precision deep hole drilling and hole finishing technology. The company’s focus on this niche technology over the last three decades has made Precihole the only recognized brand with the most complete range of solutions offered in this technology. The company’s strength is creativity, while customizing engineering solutions that are perfectly suited to the needs of customers. This is by no means an easy task, since deep hole drilling and hole finishing solutions have over 150 different applications spread across 20+ industries. The company’s business strategy revolves around customer success by combining a state-of-the-art machine tools, application support and excellent service.

Precihole solutions are most suited in industries, such as Defence and Firearm, Oil & Gas, Mining, Automotive, Aerospace, Medical Implants, Seamless Tube Manufacturing, Energy, Die and Mould, Hydraulic Cylinders etc. The company prides itself in the ability to truly offer world class solutions, while guaranteeing outstanding performance and productivity. Precihole offers solutions for gun drilling, BTA (STS) / ejector drilling, pull boring, trepanning, counter boring, vertical and horizontal honing, lapping, pull reaming, skiving and roller burnishing, bottom forming and bottle boring. Precihole’s business processes and operational methodologies ensure that total cost, including material and labour, tends to be substantially lower than the competition. They are an ISO 9001:2015 certified company that values product quality, customers and employees.

Gun Drilling Solutions with automation

Precihole is proud to offer a high production gun drilling machine that can be operated by a robot. It is highly precise and productive at the same time. The machine is extremely easy to tool up and designed to work in challenging work environments 24/7.

The machine features a compact footprint and produces impressive results in terms of hole straightness, bore tolerance and surface finish. Installation takes just a few hours and training is a breeze. The machine is specifically suitable in the Firearm, Oil & Gas, Automotive and Thermowell industries.

BTA (STS) Deep Hole Drilling Solutions

Precihole Machine Tools offers a complete line of BTA (STS) Deep Hole Drilling machines. These machines are capable of drilling holes from Φ 20 mm to Φ 400 mm up to 10 m in length. While new patent pending features achieve top quality output, this machine is robust enough to allow high feeds in process and withstand the high torque experienced during cutting operation. This is a complete solution that includes cutting elements, oil filtration, oil chiller, chip conveyor with options of a chip shredder and oil centrifuge. These machines find applications mainly in Defence, Mining, Oil & Gas and Energy industries.

Precihole continues to innovate and introducing new products to market. The company’s strategy is to spend time learning new application requirements from customers and investing in R&D. Precihole works very closely with their tooling partners all over the world to ensure that their solutions keep up with new trends and developments in cutting tool technology.

South African Market

Precihole Machine Tools solutions are exclusively imported and sold in the South African market by PBS Machine Tools, based in Boksburg near Johannesburg. PBS Machine Tools has been in business for over 30 years and enjoys an excellent reputation in the industry to offer technical solutions.

For more information please contact PBS Machine Tools – Tel: 011 914-3360.

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ISCAR IS ABOUT TO CHANGE METAL CUTTING… AGAIN!

ISCAR is set to revolutionize metal cutting once again with its latest product launch, “LOGIQUICK”. This new brand name signifies ISCAR’s new marketing theme and encompasses three key words: “Logic”, “IQ”, and “Quick”. The previous campaigns by ISCAR have already highlighted the importance of intelligent cutting tools for advanced machining, providing logical solutions that meet the primary of modern production. These tools have become a market standard in numerous workshops worldwide. However, the addition of “Quick” in the logo brings forth a sense of anticipation. What new challenges will the campaign products present? Is it simply a catchy brand name or a fundamental concept? Let’s explore the meaning of the logo and its implications.

In the field of metal cutting, the productivity is directly linked to the metal removal rates (MRR). To enhance machining rates, the metalworking industry strives for “fast metal removal”, which refers to processes that efficiently and swiftly remove material using cutting methods. These processes involve the utilization of machines, strategies, techniques and cutting tools that enable faster more effective machining, thereby reducing cutting time. However, in many cases, the primary obstacle to fully harnessing advanced, highly engineered machine tools and promising machining strategies lies in the cutting tool itself. The cutting tool often becomes the weakest link in the entire machining process, limiting potential gains in productivity and impeding the reduction of machining costs and the growth of profitability.

ISCAR believes that the ultimate objective of a tool manufacturer is to supply cutting tools that ensure efficient metal removal. These tools should not only possess effective working characteristics to enable metal removal rates, but also exhibit qualities such as repeatability, versatility, user-friendliness and a high utilization factor. These attributes collectively represent the IQ of tool, which is essential for leveraging the full potential of advanced machine-tool capabilities. This principle guides the development of cutting tools, harnessing the expertise of tool-design engineers, technologists, metallurgists, manufacturers and all those involved in creating innovative tool solutions for intelligent machining in the metalworking industry.

ISCAR’s latest campaign unveils a range of ground-breaking cutting tools, including turning, parting, grooving, hole making, and milling products. Let’s take a closer look at the LOGIQUICK portfolio to fully immerse ourselves in the campaign’s essence and delve into the details of these exciting new developments.

Rotating tools

Steel construction beams play a crucial role in building structures and frameworks, requiring the drilling of numerous holes prior to assembly. However, the clamping mechanisms on machines often lack rigidity, posing a challenge for drilling tools. To address these limitations, it is essential for drilling tools to have an adaptive design that compensates for non-rigid conditions and optimal drilling performance. Currently, finding an efficient drilling tool for beams is a top priority. ISCAR has developed a new solution based on the-established SUMOCHAM concept of assembled tools with an exchangeable drilling head made from tungsten carbide. This solution incorporates three key elements, such as cutting material, cutting geometry and body design. The specially developed PVD-coated IC954 carbide grade offers exceptional resistance to deformation. The new IHP-BP exchangeable head features a dedicated-centring cutting edge, ensuring secure material penetration, while the sharp corners of the head effectively prevent the formation of burrs. Additionally, the reinforced drill body enhances dynamic rigidity. As a result, the new SUMOCHAM product provides an effective solution for drilling relatively thin beam sections under unstable conditions.

Introducing another innovative rotating product, the modular SUMOCHAM drill head with MULTI-MASTER adaptation, combines the strengths of two leading ISCAR product lines. This new drill head is designed to accommodate any of the SUMOCHAM exchangeable heads, providing the versatility of a modular tool assembly. It is specifically designed to be on a wide range of MULTI-MASTER shanks, allowing for easy customization in terms of shape, overall length and diameter. This not only reduces the tool inventory but also minimizes the need for special drills. The combination of SUMOCHAM and MULTI-MASTER creates a promising synergy effect, offering tremendous potential.

Efficiently removing a large volume of material through milling is crucial in the production of critical duty loaded parts, such as aircraft components made from titanium alloys. Extended flute indexable milling cutters, also known as “milling porcupines”, are highly effective for this type of machining, particularly, when milling cavities, pockets and wide edges. The success of such tools depends on a combination of productivity, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Iscar introduces the QUICK-X-FLUTE, a new family of 90-degree extended flute shell mills with double-sided square inserts. These mills are designed with an optimized flute shape that strikes a balance between tool rigidity and effective chip flow, enabling high metal removal rates (MRR) with substantial radial engagement. The developed flute profile enhances vibration resistance, especially during workpiece entry and exit, allowing for increased cutting data and improved productivity. The inner channels of the mill have replaceable nozzles and frontal outlets, facilitating direct high-pressure coolant supply (HPC) to the cutting zone. This improves cooling and lubrication, contributing to effective chip control. Additionally, the double-sided square insert offers 8 indexable cutting edges greatly increasing insert material utilization.

Non-Rotating Tools

To achieve success in machining high temperature super alloys (HTSA), the selection of the right cutting tool material is crucial. While introducing IC1017, a new tungsten carbide grade specifically designed for ISO-standardized inserts used in turning HTSA, this grade boasts a high-hardness submicron structure and is coated with PVD enabling higher cutting speeds for enhanced productivity.

Iscar also introduces LOGIQ-6-TURN, a newly designed triangular insert that offers a cost-effective solution for semi-finish and finish turning with a focus on achieving high surface quality. This double-sided insert features a 55° corner angle and positive rake cutting geometry, providing 6 indexable cutting edges. It presents a significant alternative to the standard ISO-type rhombic insert of DCMT type, which only offers 2 cutting edges. One key advantage is the ease with which LOGIQ-6-TURN inserts can be mounted on turning tools, designed for triangular TNMG inserts.

Maximizing profitability through efficient use of raw materials during the parting process is crucial. ISCAR’s highly regarded DO-GRIP parting and grooving family has recently grown with the addition of three new sizes of double-sided inserts, specifically designed for narrow parting operations. These inserts are primarily targeted for Swiss-Type lathes, enabling optimal material savings when parting small-diameter bars, tubes and thin-walled workpieces.

The new tools are just a few examples of the various products introduced by ISCAR as part of the LOGIQUICK campaign. The numerous other product releases have significant interest and will soon be tested by manufacturers. With the increasing demand for quick metal removal, the need for advanced cutting tools continues to grow. This drives the development of tool designs and shapes the logic behind intelligent tool development.

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

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MAZAK SHOWCASED CUTTING-EDGE MACHINES AT AMB

 

Mazak recently participated in the AMB Exhibition 2024 in Stuttgart, where it showcased seven cutting-edge machines with highlights including Multi-Tasking capabilities, advanced automation, innovative auto gear technology and comprehensive remote service and support for increased productivity.  

A world debut specialist gear-cutting machine was among the seven solutions on show from Yamazaki Mazak, while another world debut was the first in a new range of turning centres that will offer customers increased levels of productivity and efficiency.

A central component of the show was the company’s Go Green environmental manufacturing initiative, highlighted by the new NEO range of machines that have been designed to help customers achieve a more sustainable future with higher productivity, accuracy and environmental performance.

There were two NEO machines on display at AMB that have been purposely designed with a range of technological advancements to be able to deliver up to a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to the original models.

The VARIAXIS i-700 NEO is one of two new machines from Mazak’s new NEO range.

The VARIAXIS i-700 NEO, a high-rigidity, next-generation 5-axis machining centre has an exceptionally wide machining area making it ideal for large workpieces, as well as a tilting/rotary table for high-accuracy machining over an extended period. The VARIAXIS is equipped with the advanced SmoothAi CNC.

The HCN-4000 NEO, which was displayed with a 20,000-rpm high-speed, high-output spindle for maximum productivity was exhibited with a two-pallet changer that ensures it can machine workpieces on the first pallet, while a second pallet is prepared.

­ The HCN-4000 NEO is equipped with 20,000-rpm high-speed, high-output spindle for maximum productivity.

Gear machining was an important part of Mazak’s stand with a specialist gear-cutting machine on show. The INTEGREX i-250H ST AG seamlessly brings together Mazak Multi-Tasking technology with gear cutting and measurement capability. The INTEGREX is capable of three different gear machining methods – gear skiving, hobbing and end-milling – making it ideal for high-mix, small-volume production and large production batches.

­A specialist gear-cutting INTEGREX Multi-Tasking machine with optional equipment.

The QUICK TURN 250 MSY with Turn Assist and equipped for skiving applications, was also on display. The machine has a milling function, second spindle and Y-axis, 5,000-rpm spindle with the option of 10,000 rpm for ultimate productivity. It is controlled by SmoothG CNC, providing machine users with complete ease of use and ensuring high-speed, high-accuracy machining performance. The QUICK TURN 250 MSY was exhibited with a TA robot, making it ideal for lights-out and unmanned machining.

­Mazak’s QUICK TURN 250 MSY machine equipped for gear cutting.

Also on display was the VARIAXIS C-600 tended by a part-loading and unloading third-party automation system.

Visitors were able to witness a live digital twinning demonstration involving a CV5-500 5-axis machining centre. The process was shown to create an identical digital copy of the machine in an office environment, saving operator time during setup, programming, fixturing and tooling to improve process and quality control.

The CV5-500 is one of Mazak’s entry-level machining centres, offering a cost-effective 5-axis solution that can be easily integrated with automation to further enhance productivity.

Visitors were able to view more information about Mazak iCONNECT – a digital service for existing Mazak customers that has a suite of free services including access to product manuals and e-learning options – along with a Machine-2-Mazak (M2M) subscription service. M2M enables remote real-time machine monitoring for proactive maintenance strategies including remote support to detect problems, remote optimization of machining processes with increased uptime, as well as access to Mazak applications, project engineers and service operators.

Newly available through Mazak iCONNECT is MAZATROL DX, a new productivity software that provides users with the capability to optimize their production process with the ability to generate rapid and automatic quotations, automated part programming, virtual machine simulation and machine process analysis and optimisation.

A variety of machined parts were on display to showcase some of the innovative ways Mazak is closely collaborating with its customers to drive innovation and push boundaries of what is possible.

­CV5-500 entry-level machining centre offering a cost-effective 5-axis solution.

Marco Casanova, Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak for the DACH region, said “Our machines and technologies are designed to make our customers better, faster and more competitive. The new NEO machines combine best-in-class performance with exceptional environmental credentials; our gear-cutting machines bring a new age of productivity to a specialist machining process and our MAZATROL DX CNC offers even greater process optimization.

 

 

For more information, please contact HI-TECH Machine Tools – Tel: 011 608 0088.

Visit HI-TECH Machine Tools

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