Germany - Two prototypes of a machining centre show the way towards digital production. The networked machines are equipped with sensors which initially supply the data. Intelligent evaluation in correlation with other data provides a new quality of statement of the machine status. By Jörg-Oliver Hestermann, Schaeffler Technologies

Japan/ Germany - Matsuura will start to sell its hybrid metal laser sintering and milling machine Lumex Avance-25 in selected European countries from 1 January 2016, the company announced.

Protection Systems – The Safe-Lock pull out protection system from Igenhausen-based Haimer, close to Augsburg in Germany, is said to ensure safe cutting in tool clamping.

Sweden/Germany - Nasdaq Stockholm-listed Indutrade has taken over Inovatools. The takeover will strengthen the Swedish company's position in Germany, while allowing Germany-based tool manufacturer Inovatools to continue focusing on success and growth with the support of a strong investor, it has been reported.

Europe – The best cooling is useless if it doesn’t get to the blade. Therefore, tools with integrated coolant supply are increasingly used. Experts predict that the trend in cooling strategies is moving toward minimum-quantity lubrication and high-pressure cooling.

UK – Ajax has extended its range of heavy duty, solid box-way CBM interactive bed-style milling machines with the launch of the AJCBM 800.

SF Moldes, a mould manufacturer in Oliveira de Azeméis in northwestern Portugal, uses software from Tebis from start to finish, relying on programs from the point of job planning to actual manufacturing.

UK - Edgecam software is playing a pivotal role in assisting a precision engineering company become a growing contributor to the niche market of supplying mould tools to the UK’s rotational moulding industry.

Germany – At the recently held GF Solutions Days Europe 2018 in April at the company's Center of Competence in Schorndorf, guests were offered an interesting, informative and comprehensive programme that comprised presentations and live demonstrations, which apart from EDM also included tool technology, software and measurement technology.

Germany/Spain - Gunther Borbonus heads the German subsidiary of the Spanish machine tool manufacturer MTE in Montabaur. In 20 years the company has sold 1,100 large milling machines all over the world and currently expects increasing demand from tool and mould makers. The company will also be exhibiting at Metav 2016 in Düsseldorf, Germany.