A new version of the OPC UA for Machine Tools Companion Specification has recently been released. The Joint Working Group of the OPC Foundation is supported by the VDW and has produced a supplement that now makes it possible to integrate existing inventory systems. The collection of important operating data and KPIs gives rise to further advantages. Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW, is pleased with the progress: "The update of the specification for machine tools sees us (…)

New ceramic grade delivers highest productivity when machining hardened steels, high-temperature alloys, and cast irons. Kennametal has introduced its latest ceramic turning grade, KYHK15B™, designed to deliver increased productivity and lower cost per edge in hard turning operations. The new grade provides greater depth of cut capabilities than PcBN inserts when machining hardened steel, high-temperature alloys, and cast iron, as well as maximum tool life and wear resistance for the most (…)

Looking forward to seeing you on 9 August. Have a great summer!

As a pioneer for bus-compatible position indicators for monitored size changeover, SIKO is presenting the AP05 as the most compact version in this segment, now with an integrated IO-Link interface. As the core element of monitored size changeover, networked position indicators have become an indispensable part of mechanical engineering. Their ability to display the setpoint and actual value on the adjusting spindle to the machine operator greatly increases comfort for the setter. This (…)

Mark-10 introduces the Series F family of force testers for quality control and process monitoring in manufacturing, research, and engineering applications. Suitable for diverse uses in the medical device, packaging, automotive, aerospace, and other industries, the Series F family integrates IntelliMESUR software for instrument control, force sensor measurement, and data acquisition in a centralized graphical user interface. This brings another level of efficiency into recurrent testing, (…)

AL Geometry ISO turning insert is cost-effective, universal solution for medium to finish turning applications on aluminum and other non-ferrous materials WIDIA™ has added an AL Geometry to its ISO Turning portfolio, strengthening its broad offering of affordable tooling solutions for small to medium sized machine shops, machining aluminum and non-ferrous materials. The AL Geometry insert is offered in two grades for increased machining versatility: an uncoated microfine carbide WU10HT (…)

Production areas are expensive, especially when they have to be air-conditioned for high-precision production applications. Therefore, production areas should primarily be used for machines. Due to the growing trend towards Industry 4.0 and automation, however, production areas are increasingly being lost for handling workpieces or tools. In order to reduce space consumption caused by automation in production, Röders is presenting the extremely narrow linear multi-machine automation (…)

No more manual micro-technical component cleaning in semi-clean parts washers! No more optical measurement in designated rooms far from your machines! By imagining two independent compact units: Drop & Lumen, designed to be located close to turning machines to clean and measure parts in a stringent and harsh workshop environment, Petitpierre SA is innovating and completely rethinking these two fundamental steps in the turning process. Bar turners dreamed about it; Petitpierre did it! (…)

The seventh edition of LASYS ended on Thursday amidst a positive mood. In Mahle Hall 4 at the Messe Stuttgart trade fair, trade visitors from all over Europe gathered information from a total of 93 exhibitors from 16 countries. The proportion of international exhibitors was 34%. "LASYS has fared well in a strong market environment with many major events in May and June of this year. With its clear focus on laser material processing, LASYS provided an attractive market platform to interested (…)

To streamline its post processing operations, PROTOTEC, a company specialized in 3D printing, purchased the new S1 system from AM Solutions. The general manager was impressed by the operational flexibility and excellent cleaning performance of this machine. PROTOTEC, located in Attendorn in the German province of North-Rhine Westfalia, is known as one of the first and oldest 3D printing companies in Germany. With different printing systems the company provides tailormade, high-end (…)