MACH 2016The introduction of a number of new products by the Sheffield-based tooling and work-holding specialist WNT (UK) Ltd (www.wnt.com) is reported to have generated a lot of interest at MACH 2016 — particularly in the company’s 4910 milling system, in which the body and the inserts have been designed to ensure a precise 90deg cutting profile.

Moreover, the precision-ground Dragonskin-coated inserts are double-sided, feature eight useable cutting edges and have been designed to be extremely stable and free-cutting, thereby ensuring smooth running and a minimum of strain on machine spindles — even at high feed rates. These attributes are most evident when machining thin-walled or unstable components.

The cutter bodies are nickel-plated for durability. UK and Ireland sales manager Glenn Stanton said WNT’s new tool-vending system was also generating a lot of interest.

“The new system — Tool-o-Mat 840 — can store up to 840 tools, with control being provided by a PC-based touch-screen interface. This allows the detailed monitoring and reporting of tool usage, along with the automatic re-ordering of tools, with WNT managing all the ‘back office’ requirements and replenishment
for customers.

"MACH 2016 was the first public appearance of the system, yet 28 had been ordered by the end of the show. We had more than 1,200 visitors to the stand, and their overall positive attitude was very encouraging, providing an optimistic outlook for UK manufacturing in general.”