MTD Audiobook
Situated near Alva in Central Scotland, Qualtek Engineering serves everything from small customers to large international corporations with CNC machining services. Alongside its main manufacturing activities, Qualtek operates Bespoke Engineering, a specialist automotive division concentrating on restoration, classic cars, performance vehicles, and motorcycles. It is here that Microloc clamping technology is used. The nature of Qualtek’s work demands versatility that traditional workholding solutions struggle to provide. Ewan Montgomery, who oversees operations, explains: “It’s a very...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
As an automotive supplier manufacturing up to 20,000 parts per day, the Hirschvogel Group operates at the pinnacle of automated series production where optimised cycle times are essential. By using Vericut simulation and optimisation software, machining processes can be analysed and optimised for series production in advance. From Village Forge to Global Manufacturing Leader Founded in 1938 as a village blacksmith in Denklingen, the Hirschvogel Group has grown into a global leader in producing and refining highly formed steel and aluminium components for the automotive sector. With around...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
Machined Component Systems (MCS) PLC stands as a centre of manufacturing excellence in the heart of the Midlands, operating from its facility in Redditch. This innovative and progressive subcontract-machining specialist has built a reputation for delivering precision-engineered machined components to diverse industry sectors, including automotive, petrochemical, environmental, transport technologies, marine, healthcare technologies, and white goods. Founded by Warren Gray’s father, MCS has been under Warren’s leadership for the past decade. During that time, the company has transformed...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
Established in 1967 by Reginald Newnham and now under third-generation family leadership, Newnham Engineering Limited has undergone a remarkable transformation from traditional machining to cutting-edge 5-axis manufacturing. Through investments in DMG MORI machine tools, this West Sussex-based company has acquired a DMU 75 monoBLOCK, DMU 100 FD duoBLOCK, and a CMX 70 U. Operating from their modern facility on Lancing Business Park, Newnham serves demanding sectors including oil and gas, surveillance, F1, and specialised industrial applications. What distinguishes them in today’s competitive...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
A process for complete machining of stator housings for electric motors, developed by Chemnitz machinery manufacturer NILES-SIMMONS and tool manufacturer MAPAL, has reached series production. Suppliers and OEMs now use it to produce components for drives in battery-powered electric vehicles and hybrid models. Both manufacturers recently proved in a development project that highly cost-efficient and precise production of stator housings is possible on a pick-up lathe. The parts feature external ribs for cooling circuits and are installed in the larger motor housing. Whilst NILES-SIMMONS used a...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
Servicing manufacturers in the medical, oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, MOD, and F1 sectors, Rushden-based R&G Precision Engineering Ltd prides itself on the level of service it delivers to its customers. To meet its clients’ tight deadlines and quality demands, the company founded 50 years ago has invested in a series of multi-pallet machining centres from Matsuura. However, the shop floor at R&G Precision looked different four years ago from how it is today. Enzo Chiarelli from R&G Precision Engineering Ltd says: “We recall looking back to our first multi-pallet lights...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
According to Pralhad Thapa, Department Manager at Mitutoyo Europe, an expert in dimensional metrology and automation: “We are confident we can address these issues for our customers, providing unattended measurement solutions that are easy to operate and available at a reasonable price.” In a presentation, it was this opening gambit that embodies both the philosophy of the new SmartMeasure AL system and Mitutoyo’s commitment to precision. Building upon decades of expertise in CMMs, this turnkey solution addresses the fundamental pain points expressed by customers across diverse...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
At the core of lightweight, high-speed and energy-efficient electric and hybrid vehicles, composite materials play a crucial role in manufacturing advanced components. However, working with composites demands more than just selecting the right materials; it requires a new generation of precision tooling. The Composites Challenge Composites such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) and glass fiber composites (GFRPs) are not easy to work with. Their multi-layered structure, fiber orientation and abrasive nature make them resistant to traditional machining techniques. Unlike metals like...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Outlook, the clean energy transition and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) could lead global demand for fossil fuels to peak before 2030. As nations worldwide shift away from fossil-fuelled engines and towards an electric future, automakers are making a shift of their own, starting with their machine setups. Here, Swetapadma Mohanty, Senior Development Engineer, Gear Machining at Sandvik Coromant, explores the machining methods that will prove key to the automotive industry’s electric future. Another prediction made by the IEA is...
info_outlineMTD Audiobook
2025 is already proving to be a memorable, standout year for leading precision motorsport subcontract specialist, Northants Precision Ltd. In addition to acquiring two more DN Solutions’ Lynx 2100 lathes from Mills CNC, the company has successfully completed its relocation to larger premises, increased its headcount, and secured new machining contracts. Led by owner and Managing Director Daniel Green, Northants Precision continually aims for excellence. The machines, an 8” chuck, long-bed Lynx 2100LMB with driven tooling, and a 6” chuck, 2-axis Lynx 2100A, were installed at the...
info_outline
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 carbide substrate, advanced coating, and optimised geometry. The geometry has been specifically adapted to minimise heat and the polished chip flutes work in conjunction with an optimised coating to reduce friction.
The irregular cutting edge pitch, combined with a variable helix angle, effectively minimises vibration during operation. This design feature significantly enhances machining performance while helping to prevent catastrophic tool failure.
Microgeometry plays a crucial role in the tool’s performance. The precision-engineered preparation of the cutting edge reduces cutting forces while stabilising the edges. The design takes into account regrindability from the outset, offering clear advantages in the reconditioning process.
The DPX22S Dragonskin coating represents a significant technological advancement. Applied in 4 to 6 microns layers, the coating provides thermal stability through its specialised layered structure.
Four-edge cutters come in two different lengths with diameters ranging from 3 to 20mm, available with both HA and HB shank configurations. Five-edge variants offer diameters from 3 to 16mm with similar shank options, while the new six-edge configuration covers diameters from 6 to 16mm with HA shanks. Corner radii options range from 0.2 to 5mm for the four and five-edge variants, with the six-edge version providing 0.2 to 2mm radii.
Optimised Cast Iron Machining
Cast iron also presents its own set of challenges. Here, the MaxiMill S-Power series addresses these issues through a high tooth count design utilising double-sided indexable inserts.
The key innovation lies in the tool’s ability to support an optimal number of cutting edges. The 88-degree setting angle enables a high tooth count while preserving small chip spaces, accommodating 12 teeth on a 63mm diameter cutter.
The double-sided indexable inserts boast eight actual cutting edges crafted from carefully selected substrates and finished with DRAGONSKIN coatings. This design maximises insert utilisation while ensuring consistent performance throughout the insert’s lifespan. The inserts are peripherally ground to achieve precise tolerances and a superior surface finish.
Available in standard diameters ranging from 56 to 125mm, the MaxiMill S-Power accommodates maximum cutting depths of approximately 8mm while maintaining efficiency through its high tooth count. The system is optimised for GJS, GJV, and GJL cast iron grades, with recommended feed rates between 0.08 and 0.15mm.
The indexable insert range includes ISO P/K classifications with M cutting edge geometry, offering corner radii of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2mm to meet various application requirements. Grade options encompass CTPK220, CTCP230, and ceramic variants to suit specific material and operating conditions.
While the MonsterMill ISO-S addresses the thermal and mechanical challenges of aerospace-grade superalloys, the MaxiMill S-Power tackles a completely different set of problems encountered in high-volume cast iron production.
Where the MonsterMill ISO-S utilises advanced geometry and coating technology to withstand the extreme conditions of nickel-based alloy machining, the MaxiMill S-Power leverages mechanical design advantages to improve cast iron processing.