Germany – VDW has just launched Umati (universal machine tool interface), a standard interface for machines.

Austria - The right material and grade for the right job can save time and money - keeping mould makers competitive. Standard parts manufacturer Meusburger in Austria gives an overview of what to consider when choosing the right material grades.

Great Britain - Manufacturing companies see positives and negatives in what the future holds but are preparing themselves for the worst.

Tebis's advanced simulation technology enables a detailed representation of the actual manufacturing environment in the virtual world.

France/USA – Combining smart methodology and efficient CAM software, die manufacturer MDL Europe has reduced programming and machining times. The France-based company specialises in the manufacture of die sets, blanks of punches and dies, punch retainers and special guiding elements.

A mould tool and microcomponent manufacturer whose byword is “ultraprecision” takes advantage of advanced palletisation technology.

Italy – Millutensil has recently manufactured a die and mould spotting press featuring 4.000 mm x 3.000 mm plates, and a clamping force of 500 t.

Umati (universal machine tool interface) moves one step ahead towards becoming a generally accepted standard. VDW, the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association and the OPC Foundation establish a so-called Joint Working Group.

CNC machine tool manufacturer Okuma, represented in Deutschland by Hommel, welcomed visitors at the Technical Centre South in Langenau, Germany and at the Technical Centre East in Parndorf, Austria.

Italy, Spain, Portugal - Over the course of 2016, WBA Aachener Werkzeugbau Akademie presents spotlights of the most important international tooling markets. This edition focuses on Italy, Spain and Portugal.