Uk - Visi software supports this toolmaker with detailed tailored functions and automated algorithms for the design process. On the shopfloor, automatic feature recognition algorithms detect regular geometries and automatically generates the necessary NC data, maintaining company standards.

Production has to be more flexible and efficient. Efforts strive for simplicity, standardisation and process optimisation. Regardless of clamping system and machine type, the focus is the CNC system, says Joachim Zoll, head of machine tool systems at Siemens.

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EDM Machining – After micro EDM machining specialist Sarix launched its 5th micro EDM controller generation at EMO 2015 in Milan, the company showcased its SX100 micro EDM milling, drilling machine at the recently held AMB in Stuttgart.

Portugal - With a centuries-old glass-making tradition that crossed naturally over into creating moulds for plastics parts in the 1940s, Portugal is today a hotbed of mould making and exporting, and moulds from Portugal can be found in almost every major end market for plastics.

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.

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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.

Japan - Turning, multitasking or 5-axis machining are terms Okuma has long been known for in the manufacturing world. Now, the Japan-based machine tool maker introduces a machine that "can do it all in one": milling, turning, grinding, laser-hardening and 3D metal printing.