Vacu-Vise is a clamping method using vacuum as an alternative to conventional vises operated pneumatically, hydraulically or mechanically. This clamping system consists of a specially designed vacuum chuck and two clamping jaws, which are mounted on a rigid, but resiliently deformable support plate. When vacuum is switched on, the support plate is drawn into a trough and deformed in such a way that the clamping jaws tip towards each other and thereby clamp the work piece securely with (…)

Haas Automation is celebrating building and supplying its 150,000th CNC machine tool: a DS-30SSY dual-spindle turning centre with Y-axis. At a special handing-over ceremony to mark the occasion, Haas Automation Europe’smanaging director Alain Reynvoet attended the Manufacturing and Automation Expo 2014, Stockholm, to meet the owners of Swedish company Claesson Engineering – a general, precision engineering business founded by three brothers – and to present them with a commemorative plate (…)

The project DESIGN-MTS – Defining Social responsibility Interventions for a Grounded Networking in Machine Tools Sector was launched in July 2013 and has brought together partners from industry, academia and the research world to develop a multi-stakeholder platform in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The project has enabled partners to enhance communication on relevant practices in the sector, to encourage the exchange of best practices and to promote (…)

The watch industry is profiting to an increasing extent from the trend towards status symbols. Through increasing demand, the necessity for manufacturing faster is also increasing without having to compromise on the quality. These requirements for more efficient and faster machining possibilities require clamping solutions that are perfectly matched to the watch industry. With the new plate chuck of the "micro technology" series, Röhm makes it possible for the first time to machine both (…)

Micron-scale resolution – with today’s laser technology, resists for microcomponents can be produced cheaply and quickly. With a new compact laser system, individual trays are exposed directly. LPKF, in cooperation with the Slovenian company Aresis and the University of Ljubljana, is developing new low-cost, fast processes for structuring of microcomponents. Maskless UV laser direct imaging (LDI) of photosensitive polymers (photoresists) offers numerous advantages over classic mask (…)

Proto Labs, Inc., a leading online and technology-enabled quick-turn manufacturer, has announced the launch of its additive manufacturing service through the acquisition of privately held FineLine Prototyping, Inc. a leading provider of additive manufacturing services. The addition of additive manufacturing expands Proto Labs services to address a wider spectrum of need for the product developer. From concept models, to form and fit testing, to functional testing and short-run production, (…)

The recent THINK: Production 2014 event that was co-hosted by Tornos and Matsuura proved a resounding success for the Swiss sliding head lathe manufacturer. The three day event in Coalville, drew over 200 high calibre visitors with one of the Tornos highlights being the sale of an ST26 turning centre to Hullmatic. Balancing operations The acquisition of the Tornos ST26 comes off the back of a successful ST26 installation in September. The first ST26 was installed at Hullmatic as a direct (…)

EuroMold, the specialist trade fair for moldmaking and tooling, design and application development, will take place from 25 – 28 November 2014 in exhibition halls 8, 9 and 11 in Frankfurt am Main. This year the trade fair is again expecting more than 1,000 exhibitors, along with an increase in international representation, with around 40 countries represented. Traditionally, the majority of the companies are moldmakers and tool manufacturers. Furthermore, there is already a high level of (…)

Today Dixi Polytool opens its premises in le Locle. After several months of work and important investments, the company presents itself under a new image. In the spring of 2012, the company approached the architect’s office to redesign its 7’000 m2 of surface. The goals? Improve the thermal values of the building, improve working conditions and also act positively on the company’s image as well as prepare the implementation of Lean Manufacturing. All self-financed! A pleasing trend For (…)

The CoroChuck® 930 high precision hydraulic chuck from Sandvik Coromant has enjoyed considerable success since its launch in 2013. Now, demand from BIG PLUS users for a secure tooling performance in milling and drilling operations has led to the additional availability of the chuck for this patented spindle system. Ideal for meeting the demands for high run-out precision, extensive tests have shown this new hydraulic chuck provides the best pull-out resistance available on the market. The (…)