NEWS NEWS NEWS LIghtWeIght angLe heaD FRom Itc IncReases accuRacy anD PRoDuctIVIty Tamworth cutting tool specialist Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has now announced the arrival of the new AG90 fixed 90-degree angle head from BIG KAISER. The new AG90 is a lightweight system with a BT30 (BIG-PLUS) taper that is regarded as one of the worlds lightest and most robust angle heads. As part of the BIG KAISER family of angle heads, the new AG90 weighs less than 2kg, making it compatible with the automatic tool change system on small machine tools. By allowing vertical, horizontal and angular operations without repositioning the workpiece, BIG KAISER angle heads increase accuracy and productivity. Being able to use just a single setup also change the angle of the cutter through a 360 degree range, speeds up production and eliminates errors due to multiple set-ups. The new angle head also enables users to benefit from new capabilities without replacing existing machine tools. “The new AG90 combines advanced design features and high quality components When RDL Technologies LTD was formed in 2000, the Leicester Company had a vision of supplying high quality subcontract manufactured components. Seventeen years later, is a recognised as one of the UK’s leading turned parts subcontractors, something that is largely supported by sliding head turning centres from Star Micronics GB In June 2003 RDL began its relationship with Star GB by purchasing its first Star sliding head machine, an SB-16C. This was followed in 2007 by the installation of a new Star SR-20RII increasing their capacity from 16mm to 20mm. In 2010, two more Star machines entered the machine shop, a second SR-20RII and a 9 axis Star SV-20 sliding head. In 2011, machine capacity was again increased from 20mm to 32mm with a Star SR-32JN and this was followed in 2014 by another Star SR-32JN together with SV-32. This gradual increase in dimensional while keeping its weight down to the absolute minimum,” says Peter Elmer, CEO of BIG KAISER. “It complements our existing range of angle heads, which enable customers to find the right solution for almost any application.” The AG90’s compact design minimises overhang and this adds rigidity and strength. Furthermore, the reduced overhang also eliminates interference with the ATC and adjacent storage pockets in the tool magazine. An advanced non-contact seal is incorporated into the AG90 to prevent coolant and particle c o n t a m i n a t i o n . Additionally, a unique coolant jacket efficiently directs coolant coming through the stop block to the edge of the cutting tool while simultaneously cooling the angle head. To minimize noise and vibration, the AG90 is made from superior quality components that include hardened and ground chrome-nickel RDL Is a staR subcontRactoR capacity has now taken another step forward with RDL buying a new Star ST38 machine. Commenting on the new arrival, Lewis Lockwood, the Production Control Manager at RDL says: “With 14 Star machines, this acquisition was the next natural step for us as it now gives us capacity up to 40mm diameter. We can do multi-axis milling and balanced turning and it’s a lot more powerful than anything else we’ve got in the machine shop.” Referring to the milling capacity of the powerful new Star ST-38, RDL is machining rectangular support blocks from round bar on the ST-38. As Mr Lockwood continues: “Most people would think that the part was machined on a machining centre, but we can do it on the Star ST-38. Machined from EN16T, which is quite heavy duty, it shows the capability of the machine when machining this high tensile material. By doing it on the ST-38, we could machine the job through the night, which makes it more profitable for the company.” “We have another job that used to be machined on our Star SR-20II and then finished machined on a machining centre. We can now machine this type of part in a single set-up on the ST-38, saving us considerable set-up and machining time as well as enhancing precision.” tel: 01332 864455 email: alistair@stargb.com www.stargb.com steel spiral bevel gears, super precision hardened and ground spindles and high precision angular contact ball bearings. ITC can provide a variety of BIG KAISER angle heads such as the AG90 family for milling and drilling or the AGU30 with an adjustable angle. In addition, numerous special options can be acquired via the ITC engineers whilst the AG90 angle head is available in a wide range of tapers, lengths and designs. For further details on how the AG90 can improve your machining processes and reduce set-up times, please contact ITC. tel: 01827 304500 email: sales@itc-ltd.co.uk Web: www.itc-ltd.co.uk uK-WIDe VeRIcut useR exchange eVents Each year CGTech hosts numerous VERICUT User Exchange (VUE) meetings around the world for its customers and partners. In 2016, more than 1,600 VERICUT users attended over 45 VUE events in 15 countries. This year CGTech Ltd. has announced 4 UK VUE events to take place throughout September and October. The first event will be held on 12th September at the Advanced Forming Research Centre, Renfrewshire. A further 3 events will then take place at Queens University, Belfast, (14th September), Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds (3rd October) and Silverstone Circuit, Northampton (17th October). Attendees will learn about new software features, tips for improving manufacturing efficiency and optimisation, and will have the opportunity to meet with CGTech staff and influence the future direction of the software. At this year’s events CGTech will also be showcasing the new physics-based optimisation module, VERICUT Force, and we will be introducing future plans for Additive <strong>Manufacturing</strong> simulation capabilities coming soon to VERICUT. to register for any of the Vue locations, visit www.cgtech.co.uk/about/vue/ tel: +44(0)1273-773538 email: info.uk@cgtech.com 10 <strong>Machinery</strong> <strong>World</strong>, <strong>July</strong> <strong>2017</strong>
<strong>Machinery</strong> <strong>World</strong>, <strong>July</strong> <strong>2017</strong> 11