Productivity boosting machining events

The events are to be held at six venues around the UK during March and April 2009, at hotels in Poole, Basildon, Nottingham, Preston, Glasgow and Belfast. How to boost productivity and achieve faster metal removal rates on difficult-to-machine materials are among the topics to be explored. NCMT, Makino’s machining centre agent, and cutting tool specialist ATI Stellram have joined forces for the events, in which they will present the latest techniques for milling titanium alloys. The road shows follow a successful collaboration between the two companies, in which they have developed a number of innovative strategies. NCMT and ATI Stellram will explain how they have overcome some of the problems typically associated with machining the new generation of speciality metals now being more widely used in key sectors such as aerospace. The amount of titanium used in modern aircraft is increasing dramatically due to its high strength and low density. For example, in the latest, extra wide body version of the Airbus A350, 14 per cent of its weight including engine components is titanium. In the production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Lockheed Martin has identified machining of titanium as a significant cost driver. NCMT’s engineering director, Adrian Maughan and ATI Stellram’s global aerospace manager, John Palmer, will be among the guest speakers at the presentations. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about Makino’s new MAGT4 horizontal-spindle machining centre, which boasts 1,500 Nm of torque and a 4 m by 2 m working area, and the smaller MAGT2, set for launch later this year. ATI Stellram will highlight its new, low-vibration 5230VS chevron milling cutter with 35 indexable inserts that is more stable and smoother under cutting pressure; and its 7792VX high feed cutter which delivers better machining times and chip removal rates. It will also preview the launch of a new range of solid carbide milling cutters. The presentations are scheduled to run from 5-7pm and refreshments will be provided. Dates and further details are available from David James (davidjames@ncmt.co.uk/tel: 020 8398 4277) and John Bannister (JBannister@ATIEP.com/tel: 01225 897100).