Current discussions about 5-axis machining centres are ongoing. Whilst some sceptics claim that more challenging programming or higher demands on the machine and the control speak against the technology, insiders emphasise the benefits of faster machining resulting in savings potentials plus higher precision and reduced tool wear due to shorter milling paths. That is also why Heller placed the focus on this particular technology during WerkTage 2014, being already the 7th edition of this (…)

With a long roster of powerhouse customers - including Cisco, Intel, Sony, Toshiba, LG, Samsung and Pegatron - the Concraft Group is known for its commitment to highest innovation in pursuit of precision and productivity. That is why Concraft increasingly turns to GF Machining Solutions’ Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) solutions for renowned performance, flexibility and ease of use. Based in Taiwan, Concraft employs about 1,900 people in China and Singapore, Concraft was founded in (…)

LBR iiwa – intelligent industrial work assistant – is KUKA’s new lightweight robot. Equipped with industrial duty mechanics and drive systems, it is sensitive, yielding, precise, flexible and can be used to automate delicate, complex assembly tasks that were beyond the capabilities of robots to date. Design based on the human arm LBR iiwa has seven axes and was designed to replicate a human arm. It can be operated in position and yield control mode, and thanks to integrated sensors, the (…)

Come July, world-leading machine tool manufacturers will converge at the first EMTE- EASTPO machine tool exhibition held from 14 – 17 July 2014. Over 650 international exhibiting companies have confirmed their participation at EMTE-EASTPO. The show is a strategic east-west partnership of two established machine tool show owners from Europe and China. Leveraging on the partners’ strong track record, EMTE-EASTPO brings together advanced technology, cutting-edge innovations and high performing (…)

At the EPHJ trade fair, Recomatic/Bula Technologie will be presenting several new products which meet specific customer needs, particularly for watchmaking customers. A few customers have already seen some of these new products and were favourably impressed by what they saw. So much so, that the company has even sold several machines before the official launch at EPHJ. We went to Courtedoux to meet Mr. Marco von Gunten, who has been Sales & Marketing Manager for the last 3 months. The (…)

For precise positioning tasks in precision fabrication and automation, PI (Physik Instrumente) now offers the M-417 stage with a repeatability of 0.5 µm over a 500 mm travel range. The drive of the M-417 comprises an efficient ActiveDrive DC motor with integrated 24 V amplifier that acts on the ball screw. Thanks to this structure, the stage achieves a velocity of 100 mm/s and is at the same time designed for high duty cycles. The recirculating ball bearings allow for a very high guiding (…)

More innovation, more companies and more products. With a total of 1314 exhibiting companies from 27 countries (12% more than at the last event), leading international brands, new sectors, almost 800 high-performance machines, 300 innovations and technical seminars, the 28th International Machine-Tool Exhibition is set to be a big event, with big solutions, for doing big business. Encouraged by signs of recovery in the domestic market, machine-tool companies will be making a strong show at (…)

Two key factors for surface technology; now as a standard feature - thanks to intelligence. The new Sonopower Digital 3S is Weber Ultrasonics’ response to stricter requirements in the field of surface technology in terms of both process stability and profitability. The 3 kW ultrasonic generator has a whole host of innovative features and a control system based on a 32-bit processor architecture that lends it intelligence. This intelligence enables it to automatically make numerous (…)

Visitors to the Siams trade show in Moutier certainly noticed the new Alfatool factory located on the Rue Industrielle, a few blocks away from the exhibition park. And if they were impressed by the quality that emerges from the building, what would say the lucky ones who had the opportunity to visit it? Meeting with Mr. Yvan Pratillo, the head of this dynamic SME specialised in the manufacture of cylindrical microtools (complete interview in our next issue). The company, which this year (…)

The continuous optimisation of manufacturing processes for mechanical components is one of the key success factors of the Swiss watchmaking industry. While traditional machining and stamping processes will continue to play an important role, emerging technologies such as laser machining, 3D printing and plasma etching are pushing the current limits to new heights of quality and performance. In order to capture this outstanding potential, Richemont and EPFL are creating an academic chair in (…)