Developed specifically as a self-contained drive system for adding an extra NC axis to a machine, the Tooltronic mechatronic system from Rugby-based Mapal Ltd (www.mapal.com) allows actuating movements to be carried out on both machining centres and special-purpose machines.

The unit, which is just one-tenth the size of its predecessors and is easily retrofitted into existing control panels, can control the machining of contours and non-cylindrical bores, for example, as well as accommodate wear compensation.