When long-established cutting tool manufacturer AA Tools was acquired by new owners in 2014, the objective was to modernise the shop floor equipment with the very latest CNC machine tool technology. For the bespoke cutting tool manufacturer, the acquisition trail included a CNC tool and cutter grinder, a 4th-axis machining centre, a live tooling turning centre, an EDM drilling machine and a Mitsubishi MV1200R wire EDM machine from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Intelligent software algorithms are essential for real-time collision avoidance, but they are only half the story. The other half is a well-designed user interface that enables operators to drive the software effectively. In their latest cooperation Module Works, technology providers for digital manufacturing solutions, and the Chiron Group, CNC machine tool manufacturers, put operator experience at the center of a new GUI for the Module Works Collision Avoidance System (CAS).

UK — The British supplier of cutting tools, oils and lubricants CIS has joined forces with a tech spin-out from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to accelerate the adoption of Smart Factory data-analytics to improve machining shopfloor productivity.

Italy — Bologna based company Vetimec supplies the international automotive industry and foundries with moulds, including injection moulds. Since die-sinking EDM dominates the production of these moulds, efficiency depends on the production of the graphite electrodes. With the changeover to special milling tools from Hufschmied, Vetimec can now machine graphite 30 percent faster and 20 percent more economically.

Austria — With the MMV 3200, Emco's customers can define the machine design that suits them best by choosing from the many options. The travelling-column machining centre is available in 3- or 4-axis versions with a B-axis and is designed for heavy chip removal and precision cutting of large and heavy parts.

Birmingham-based company Robo Challenge bring robots such as fighting bots to live in popular TV shows. In the entertainment industry, it's not only important to impress the audience but also to meet strict deadlines. To be able to come up with even more impressive innovations, and meet these demands, the company recently invested in a Quasar Machining centre.

UK — Digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and low-volume parts Protolabs, has joined forces with RS Components, a global omni-channel product and service solutions provider for industrial customers and suppliers.

UK — In order to boost supply chain capacity in the UK and help customers manage costs, Protolabs launched a new CNC Flexible Lead Time option.

EDM machines offer precision accuracy, however, the process can be challenging. It is vital that the machine's systems are equally efficient, especially it's fluid management and filter efficiency. This is where magnetic filters come in as it is capable of filtering fine-particles and micron-sized particles from dielectric fluids in EDM machines which makes sure that the fluid is clean and protected from contamination.

UK — At this year’s EMO Milano, Yamazaki Mazak will be presenting twelve machines complimented by a range of automation and technology solutions that promise to deliver the three key customer benefits of productivity, profitability and environmentally-aware manufacturing operations.