Spain – Now available from the exclusive UK and Eire agent, Warwick Machine Tools, the new range of ONA AV wire EDM machines is part of the Spanish company’s strategic plan to improve current product competitiveness with the introduction of high performance ‘Premium’ machines that was initially established with the recent launch of the highly capable QX die sink CNC EDM range.

Germany - Small batches and mass production are somewhat incompatible, because the lower the product price, the more important are high production numbers. While additive processes are not ready for mass production yet, they may be able to mitigate these conflicting interests.

Aerospace components supplier Rotec Engineering has invested in a Nakamura system to reduce their set-up time and achieve 'lights-out' manufacturing.

UK - Machining tool steel die nests is a complex operation at the best of times. A particularly intricate job used to be a loss-making operation for a UK-based toolmaking firm. But now the purchase of a 5-axis machine is said to save enough time to make the process profitable.

Tool and mould-making is a key factor in industrial manufacturing. In addition to machining processes, spark erosion is also used, the electrodes of which are very complex to manufacture. Researchers are now developing a simpler method for this.

Around 700 exhibitors are expected at Moulding Expo 2019 in Stuttgart this year. The event will take place from 21 to 24 May with the international participiation being higher than ever before. Moulding Expo has made a name for itself as one of the most important events for the industry and their customers.

A company specialising in industrial rubber injection moulds and cold runner blocks for the automotive sector uses WorkNC to create 3+2 axis toolpath programs across a range of eight CNC machine tools as well as Workplan to consolidate information ranging from sales orders to invoices.

Italy / Germany - The production of high-quality aluminium extrusion tools is an art unto itself. Through the introduction of of laser measurement and touch probes in its machining centres, an Italian toolmaker has significantly reduced machining time while at the same time improving accuracy.

USA - As it expanded its moulding operations, US-based Henkel realised it would need to add more than moulding machines - namely, a toolroom.

For customers facing frequent tools changes, a German supplier said it has developed an end mill able to realise five operations: drilling, ramping, slotting, roughing and finishing.