Mapal (www.mapal.com) — a leader in tooling solutions and manufacture, as well as tool servicing and regrinding — has expanded its world-wide portfolio of Walter multi-axis tool grinders with the installation of a Helitronic Power Diamond ‘two-in-one’ high-performance rotary eroding and grinding machine at its UK site in Rugby.

Supplied by Warwick-based Walter Ewag UK (www.walter-machines.com), this latest machine joins another Power Diamond machine and a Helitronic Power at Mapal’s Rugby site.

There are also four Walter Helitronics at Rainey — Mapal’s sister operation in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Wayne Whitehouse, managing director of both the Rugby and Lisburn plants, says the latest Power Diamond was installed to meet a continually rising order book for both new tools and regrinds — especially PCD-tipped carbide tooling up to 350mm long, for which the machine is ideally suited with its capability of tool erosion and grinding in a single set-up.

Mr Whitehouse said: “The UK companies’ continued investment in Helitronic tool grinding/regrinding technology is not only based on a corporate world-wide relationship of using the quality and performance of Walter machines, but also the fact that the machines have superb ‘local’ back-up and support through Walter Ewag UK.

“Service and support are critically important, if we are to consistently meet our customer demands.”