Empowering growth with cutting-edge machinery
MTD Audiobook
NDT Equipment Limited, a valued customer of Close Brothers Asset Finance, has secured finance to upgrade its machinery and handle an increasing workload. Customer background Founded in early 2022 by Daniel Lenton and Katie Loydall, NDT Equipment Limited specialises in manufacturing fully traceable ultrasonic calibration blocks. These blocks ensure the accuracy and reliability of ultrasonic flaw detection equipment and are essential for identifying flaws in metals, composites, and other engineering materials. They serve a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, nuclear, aerospace,...
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Paris mood reflects defence sector spending spree
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With civil aerospace primes targeting production rates of 75 per month by 2027, and NATO members increasing defence spending to over 2.5% of GDP, business is brisk in the aircraft and defence sectors. The Paris Air Show in June showcased several UK companies that are investing during strong business conditions, says Will Stirling. Bathed in blazing sunshine, Paris Le Bourget Airport hosted the 55th Paris International Air Show from 16 to 22 June. A large UK pavilion featuring over 50 exhibitors joined thousands more. Aerospace is on the rise – the aerospace, defence, security, and space...
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Innovating for aerospace manufacturing
MTD Audiobook
The aerospace industry stands at the intersection of extreme technological demands and cost-efficiency requirements. With aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing projecting the production of 42,500 new jets over the next 20 years, the need for precision machine tools and cutting tools has never been more critical. Aircraft construction is an intricate process that involves a complex array of materials, each presenting unique machining challenges. Aluminium alloys dominate the industry, comprising approximately 60% of aircraft components, while titanium and advanced composites...
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Machining with CBN and PCD inserts
MTD Audiobook
In the realm of modern manufacturing, precision and efficiency are paramount. ISCAR consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation with its Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) and Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) tools. These advanced materials are transforming how industries approach machining to provide significant advantages. PCD tools are renowned for their hardness and wear resistance, making them perfect for machining non-ferrous metals, composites, and abrasive materials. ISCAR’s PCD tools are designed to provide precision and superior surface finishes, essential in industries such as...
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CERATIZIT’s advanced milling solutions
MTD Audiobook
The machining of advanced materials presents challenges that demand specialised tooling solutions. CERATIZIT has now developed two milling systems that meet the specific requirements of difficult-to-machine materials: the MonsterMill ISO-S for nickel-based alloys and titanium, and the MaxiMill S-Power for cast iron applications. A Monster That Conquers Nickel-Based Alloys The machining of nickel-based alloys such as Inconel, Hastelloy, and Waspaloy present significant challenges. CERATIZIT’s redesigned MonsterMill ISO-S range addresses these challenges through a carefully engineered...
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Machining strategies for aerospace milling
MTD Audiobook
Machining aerospace alloys presents challenges to tool performance. A comprehensive strategy is essential to achieve optimal performance while avoiding process-limiting issues. These alloys are ideal for high-stress components due to their strength and heat resistance. However, their poor machinability stems from high strength and low thermal conductivity. Effective strategies encompass optimising cutting parameters, utilising advanced tool materials and coatings, and employing efficient cooling and lubrication techniques. Implementing precise toolpaths and chip evacuation can...
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Ceramics optimise aerospace machining
MTD Audiobook
As nickel-based alloy parts become increasingly prevalent in the aero sector, the demand for optimised cutting tools grows. Nickel-based materials exhibit poor machinability, adhere to cutting tools, and consist of abrasive particles within the alloy. These issues result in poor productivity when using carbide tools. Henri Sevonen, Senior Industry Segment Manager – Aerospace for metal cutting specialist Sandvik Coromant, explains how new ceramic end mill technology has emerged to meet these requirements. Most aerospace parts are made from heat-resistant super alloys (HRSAs) and...
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Complete machining alleviates the shortage of skilled labour
MTD Audiobook
With skilled labour in short supply everywhere, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain or enhance productivity in metal-cutting production without complete automation. Companies will gain a competitive edge if they pay greater attention to the customer’s perspective during these ongoing labour constraints and contemplate comprehensive machining solutions. The pressure in metal-cutting production is gradually intensifying due to a decreasing number of qualified individuals in the labour market. The labour situation is likely to deteriorate as the current skilled workforce...
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Vertical integration powers next-day precision tooling
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In an industry where precision and timely delivery are paramount, Guhring UK stands out as a manufacturing powerhouse. The company’s Birmingham facility exemplifies a vertically integrated approach to cutting tool production that sets new standards for service, quality, and responsiveness in the precision cutting tool sector. “We’re very proud of the facility,” explains Chris Bush, National Sales Manager of Guhring UK. “We’ve got Guhring-made machines to make our Guhring tools – this ensures quality, consistency and complete process control.” This single-site integration...
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Hexagon advances digital manufacturing with AI-powered solutions
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The future of manufacturing is increasingly digital, collaborative, and intelligent. This was the clear message at Hexagon’s recent ‘The Future of Shop Floor’ event, held in partnership with Mills CNC at their Technology Campus. The event demonstrated how artificial intelligence, cloud-based platforms, and data-driven insights transform traditional manufacturing operations, resulting in measurable improvements in productivity and profitability. Opening the event by introducing Nexus, the company’s cloud-based platform designed to tackle the collaboration crisis in...
info_outlineDedienne Santé, a French medical device manufacturer specialising in hip prostheses, has significantly improved its quality control process by implementing three advanced Hexagon CMMs. These technologies have enhanced measurement accuracy and reduced inspection times by 20%, setting new standards in medical device manufacturing.
Founded in 1986 and based in Mauguio, France, Dedienne Santé is a leading SME specialising in surgical products, particularly dual-mobility hip replacements. As a manufacturer of high-precision prostheses, the company must adhere to strict industry standards, where any deviation can lead to serious consequences. Ensuring complete conformity at every stage of production is essential.
Improving quality control
with precision technology
To enhance the quality control process for its hip prostheses, Dedienne Santé aimed to automate the dimensional measurement of critical components such as the cup (half-sphere part), liner, femoral head and stem. These parts must be measured precisely during production and final inspection to ensure conformity with strict medical standards.
Previously, these measurements were conducted manually, which required significant time and effort. Dedienne Santé collaborated with Hexagon to address this challenge and provide reliable, accurate, and swift measurement solutions.
To meet Dedienne Santé’s needs, Hexagon deployed one GLOBAL Scan+ CMM and two retrofitted CMMs. These machines are equipped with highly accurate HP-S-X1 scanning probes and rotating probe heads, which are ideal for measuring roundness and sphericity. The systems also feature PC-DMIS metrology software that simplifies the measurement process, along with an Eco Mode that automatically shuts down the system when not in use, promoting energy savings.
The user-friendly software, combined with automated and visual execution methods, enables operators to assess part conformity with just a few clicks. “We chose Hexagon CMMs for their ability to measure dimensions and circularities down to a hundredth of a millimetre. The scanning sensor is essential for checking our prostheses, where high precision is crucial,” says Alexis Lecomte, Quality Control Manager at Dedienne Santé.
Significant gains in productivity and precision
The implementation of Hexagon’s solutions has brought multiple benefits to Dedienne Santé. It has increased precision as the CMMs meet the high-precision demands of the medical sector, ensuring each part conforms to stringent dimensional standards. The automated measurement process has resulted in a 20% reduction in inspection times, allowing operators to focus on other value-added tasks. For example, operators can run the inspection program and return to machining the parts, optimising the workflow.
The intuitive PC-DMIS software simplifies the inspection process, enabling operators to perform quick self-checking and automated in-process inspection and final control, improving ease of use.
“Hexagon’s solutions have significantly improved our productivity. For instance, inspecting a hip replacement cup now takes 20% less time, and we can perform inspections without constant supervision,” adds Lecomte.
Dedienne Santé values Hexagon’s precision, speed, and simplicity, as well as the ongoing support they receive. They also appreciate how Hexagon helps maintain high-tech manufacturing capabilities at their French Mauguio facility, ensuring they meet evolving production requirements.
“We must partner with suppliers who can help us maintain fast, productive manufacturing in France. Hexagon plays a key role in supporting our operations and ensuring we stay competitive in the global market,” says Ludovic Toledo, CEO of Dedienne Santé.
Dedienne Santé’s Commitment to Sustainability
Dedienne Santé is also committed to sustainable development and reducing its carbon footprint, as evidenced by its Coq Vert label, which recognises its efforts to minimise greenhouse gas emissions throughout manufacturing. With Hexagon’s solutions, Dedienne Santé can further its commitment to sustainability while maintaining top-tier manufacturing quality.
“We’re proud to have earned the French Tech label and the Coq Vert label, which reflect our ongoing dedication to innovation and sustainability. Hexagon’s support is crucial in helping us meet these high standards,” concludes Toledo.