MACH 2014 to see more machines and bigger presence for the Engineering Technology Group

ETG will also demonstrate the end-to-end service it offers customers, including: spares, service and maintenance support from Engineering Solutions; machine monitoring and productivity optimisation software from FactoryWiz; turnkey and applications engineering; and the specialised financial services of ETG Finance Solutions. One of the highlights of the stand will be the live machining of an aluminium aerospace cleat on the new Handtmann HBZ TR 80 5-axis horizontal machining centre. Handtmann's customer used to machine the part in three operations in 1 hour and 20 minutes – the HBZ TR 80 is said to machine it from billet in one operation in just 14 minutes. ETG says that the live demonstrations will prove the TR 80 as a fast, rigid, trunnion-type 5-axis horizontal machining centre suitable for machining aluminium or titanium at metal removal rates of up to 12 litres a minute. At the machine's heart is a 'Power Cube' design in which the X, Y and Z axes are integrated in the frame with no travelling column. X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 45 m/min and 0.6 g accelerations are combined with 35 rpm A and C swivel-table axes. The company's 'dynamic' package option takes linear axis speeds up to 60 m/min with accelerations of 1.0 g. According to ETG, the major benefits of the HBZ TR 80 come from its horizontal 5-axis machining approach. Combined with the Power Cube design, 5-sided machining can be completed in a single set-up. Swarf is removed rapidly from the machining zone. This avoids the dangers of re-machining the swarf and excessive heat build-up in the component. ETG will have a second stand at MACH 2014. On Stand 4301 in Hall 4, the company will highlight the capabilities of its workholding and automation specialist Hyfore, and the online accessories and workholding source ShopHardinge. Finally, the stand will also herald the return to the UK market of the Bridgeport turret mill.