Blackmore Precision Engineering has invested in some of the very latest advanced manufacturing equipment to produce complex tight tolerance components within demanding timescales. Helping the company achieve its promised delivery is Vericut CNC simulation and optimisation software.

At the Birmingham NEC from the 4th to the 8th of April, workholding experts Hainbuch will be returning to the Mach exhibition to demonstrate a host of new and established workholding technology.

UK — The economic rebound from the Covid lockdowns enabled Yamazaki Mazak to record a strong year for machine sales in 2021, including a record month in late autumn.

For the ongoing production of a particular component for a defence industry customer, subcontractor PRV Engineering, Pontypool, has invested in a Spinner U5-630 trunnion-type, 5-axis, vertical-spindle machining centre (VMC). It was delivered in mid-2021 by Whitehouse Machine Tools, Kenilworth, sole sales and service agent for the German-built machines in the British and Irish markets.

Computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software introduced by Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides the digital tools needed to prepare 3D-printed components for manufacturing using powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies.

Spain – Ona has recently introduced Ona Iris, its latest die-sinking EDM range. The new range is capable of integrating digital tools and also offers a powerful graphics engine along with a 100 % digital, configurable, and programmable generator. It claims to be the first CNC in the market to provide its users with real execution of a die-sinking EDM job in 3D.

Software developer Open Mind has upgraded its Hypermill CAM software for machine- and controller-independent NC programming. These include optimisations for Virtual Machining, enhancements to the 5-axis strategies for better results in terms of surface quality, new options for 2D functionalities, as well as efficient innovations in the area of electrode manufacturing that deliver even more convenient and faster programming.

3D printing company Stratasys announced that Danish shoe manufacturer Ecco is using their Origin One 3D printing technology to accelerate product development, allowing conceptual footwear samples to be reviewed early in the development cycle using 3D printed moulds and lasts (mechanical forms shaped like a foot) with resin materials from Henkel Loctite.

As part of the Volz Group, Volz Engineering has ambitious growth plans. The Rochdale based company has recently invested in a new CMM, two 3-axis machining centres, a turning centre and most recently, a Mistubishi MV2400S wire EDM machine from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

UK — The latest wave of recruitment brings the total to 62 apprentices currently in training with Yamazaki Mazak, with over 200 successfully trained since the scheme began in 2011. The step underlines the company's commitment to the British site.