With Makino’s EDAC1 Ram EDM machine, the US-based company EDM Department was able to achieve tighter micro-tolerance and improved process capabilities for all its applications across the aerospace and medical industries. The addition of the optical 3-D metrology system from Infinite Focus to the EDM machine enabled the company to achieve an accuracy of 1.7 microns!

Manufacturers are increasingly looking to automation to drive operational efficiency and overcome skill shortages on the shop floor. However, only with process automation technologies in place can you implement the physical automation of your operations. Physical automation in turn leads to increased productivity, and productivity to sustainability through reduced waste and energy consumption.

Ireland — With up to 30 % of its machined components manufactured from hard metals, Longford based N&E Precision acknowledged a requirement for EDM technology to complement its extensive CNC machine shop facilities. In September 2019, the subcontract manufacturer invested in its first Mitsubishi wire EDM machine and soon after in a second Mitsubishi machine from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Germany — The increasing quantities of e-motors are challenging production planners: In many application areas, they have to establish new solutions with which components, such as the e-motor drive shaft, can be manufactured faster and more efficiently — and with holistic production systems. A new example Emag realised for a supplier company producing components for e-mobility shows how a turnkey solution can look like.

Sweden — To improve the productivity of mould-and-die manufacturers, Hexagon is giving every user of WORKNC CAM software access to Designer, an out-of-the-box CAD-to-CAM workflow with advanced modeling tools to accelerate preparation of solid models for manufacturing.

Germany — In the cutting tool industry, the trend is moving away from standard tools towards more complex geometries that are specially adapted to the specific application. In order for manufacturers to be able to produce these special tools economically, smart solutions are required. Anca will be presenting the technology, software and automation that enables tool manufacturers to design multiple tool types and grind them in one batch at EMO Milano 2021 on stand F10 G09 in Hall 2.

Germany — According to Schaeffler, there are currently two key trends affecting users and manufacturers of machine tools and metal machining centers: the growing use of ancillary automation solutions and the increasing integration of multiple production processes within machine tools themselves. Therefore, the company is constantly developing and refining its portfolio of products and services for machine tools to help customers keep up with these trends.

UK — Tool manufacturer Dormer Pramet has launched a new generation of solid carbide five-flute end mills, specifically for dynamic milling in general machining and die and mould applications.

UK — To eliminate the cost and lead times associated with outsourcing its wire eroding requirements, Worcestershire-based Styles Precision has invested in a new Sodick ALC600G from Sodi-Tech EDM. This investment move is also helping to attract more work from both existing and new customers as the company looks to continue its growth over the next five years.

UK — The manufacturer of cutting tools for the machining of aluminium, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has now added the Widia Hanita Aluflash Series to its portfolio. The new series of end mills is an all-rounder that is ideal for slotting, ramping, side milling, plunging, interpolating, dynamic and helical milling.