Complicated injection moulding tools tend to be treated poorly as regards corrosion protection and storage – often as a result of time constraints. Properly functioning means of production are essential for a reliable source of revenue.

Germany – Machine to machine, or M2M for short, is the magic spell for the factory of tomorrow. Only when machines can communicate with other machines without any problems will the vision of Industry 4.0 come true. But for this to work, inline metrology, integrated into the production process, is essential. Experts from the academic community and the industrial sector will be showcasing the current state of the art at the Metav in Düsseldorf from 23 to 27 February 2016.

2018 marks the 40 year anniversary of the discovery of spark erosion for the efficient forming of polycrystalline diamonds (PCD) by Horst Lach, Lach Diamant announced. The discovery in 1978 marks a milestone in the history of polycrystalline cutting tools as the company states.

Australia – Australian manufacturer Anca will be demonstrating its new linear motor tool grinders at Grindtec 2016 (16 - 19 March) in Augsburg, Germany, Hall 5, Booth 5057.

Two new multi-axis Walter Helitronic tool grinding/eroding machines have been announced by Walter Ewag UK, a member of the United Grinding Group. The machines for the production of carbide as well as PCD tooling have extended traverses to enable tools up to 380 mm long to be processed.

Cutting Tools – Mitsubishi Materials has developed a line of ceramic end mills, the CESRB series, which is said to be ideal to machine nickel-based heat resistant alloys such as Inconel 718.

Highlights on machining equipment and accessories as well as cutting tools.

Filtration systems expert Vomat says it provides solutions that filter oils and remove ultra-fine particles that result from grinding, honing, lapping, eroding and other metal working processes.

Grinding – The contour-profiled diamond and CBN (cubic boron nitride) grinding wheel from Lach Diamant, a “three-in-one offering”, is the company's new technology for grinding that cut costs during serial production.

Mach will see Jones and Shipman presenting several highlights of the Hardinge Group at its booth including the premiere of an Okamoto toolroom machine.