Mazak has partnered with Rigibore to incorporate the ActiveEdge boring-bar system into its VCN-530C machining centre as an option.

This auto-compensating system that allows extremely high bore tolerances to be held on a machine automatically (the boring bars are manufactured at Rigibore’s headquarters in Cornwall).

ActiveEdge tooling has a separate drive mechanism integrated into the rotating tool, which can be adjusted “to within individual microns of accuracy” on a wireless closed-feedback system.

The tools enable multiple critical diameters to be machined simultaneously, significantly reducing cycle times and increasing process efficiency.

Typically, ActiveEdge users are working within a tolerance of about 0.002µm on bore diameters.

Alan Mucklow, managing director (UK and Ireland sales and service division) at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “We recently showcased the ActiveEdge technology at our ‘Manufacturing Solutions NOW’ Open House and got a fantastic response from customers working in boring-bar applications.

"Boring bar work has often slowed cycle times, due to the need for extremely high tolerances and manual adjustment by the operator.

"The option to specify the ActiveEdge technology with the VCN-530C offers the ability to maintain cycle times while improving the accuracy of the cut.”

Mazak Europe (www.mazakeu.co.uk) is now working with Rigibore and other Mazak manufacturing facilities across the world to integrate ActiveEdge technology into horizontal machining centres and Integrex machines; it will also offer a retrofit option.