Italy — When highly demanding projects must comply with very tight tolerances on unique components manufactured from hard-to-machine materials such as Inconel, a tool needs more than just industry-leading reliability. An example of this is the long-term technological partnership between Big Kaiser and Covis, where high-precision tooling products have enabled Covis to meet the tough requirements of its customers.

During boring processes with large depths or unstable machining conditions, vibration often occurs. This vibration degrades the quality of the bore and has a negative effect on the life of the tool.

After keeping a close eye on additive technology over the last years, Horn has entered into the additive manufacturing sector themselves.

Japan-based hard-drilling expert Iwata Tool has developed a solution that eliminates the need to move workpieces between machines.

E-mobility not only affects automobile manufacturers, but also has an impact on smaller suppliers. Dr. Jochen Kress of Mapal explains what changes a C parts supplier is facing and how the company intends to compensate for potential sales losses.

Germany/ UK – Mapal's consolidated group sales rose by around 6% from €510m in 2014 to €540m in 2015. Moreover, Mapal and Haimer have concluded a partnership and licensing agreement.

France/USA – Combining smart methodology and efficient CAM software, die manufacturer MDL Europe has reduced programming and machining times. The France-based company specialises in the manufacture of die sets, blanks of punches and dies, punch retainers and special guiding elements.

Germany – The Komet Group will be presenting a number of new developments and innovations under the banner of “Total Productivity Solutions”.

Boring deep holes presents a special challenge for tools. With large length-to-depth ratios, the process has to be optimally planned, especially for hardened steel. Required is a combination of high process speed and top boring precision, journalist Bernhard Kuttkat reports.

Many machinists would prefer not to wrestle with taps due to the problems associated with the cutting tools. YG-1 says surrender shouldn't be an option, and the South Korean supplier outlines the concerns while offering technology to give mould makers the upper hand.