40th anniversary technology exhibition success for XYZ

Devon-based XYZ Machine Tools rolled out the red carpet to customers, technology partners and other stakeholders at its recent 40th anniversary technology exhibition. Held over two days last month at the company’s 100,000ft² headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burlescombe, the event resulted in machinery sales worth over £500,000.

XYZ managing director Martin Burton said: “It was fantastic to see so many familiar and new faces at our technology exhibition. We wanted to celebrate our 40th anniversary in style and we were so pleased that 123 representatives from 65 existing or prospective customers took time from their busy schedules to attend. We received terrific feedback, and hopefully, there was something of value for everyone — the machine orders we have taken so far certainly seem to corroborate that aspiration.”

Multiple orders arrived during the event and in the subsequent weeks, for a variety of machines including the XYZ Proturn RLX 1630 CNC lathe and XYZ 1600 TMC (toolroom machining centre), both fitted with the ProtoTRAK RX touchscreen control.

In total, 25 XYZ machines were on display, with the XYZ UMC-5X simultaneous five-axis machining centre taking pride of place in the main exhibition area. The UMC-5X simulated the machining of a complex cola bottle mould mounted on its front-loading 600mm diameter trunnion rotary table. Ceratizit, one of 17 XYZ technology partners exhibiting at the event, provided both the cutting tools and fixture for the demonstration.

Another eye-catching display took place on the Siemens stand — the first public showing of its Adaptive Control and Monitoring function (ACM), which is part of the Siemens Optimize MyMachining software suite. Siemens used an XYZ 800 HD CNC machining centre to showcase the ACM software package, highlighting its ability to reduce cycle times.

This innovative function monitors the cutting forces of individually selected cutting tools and trains the control to optimise feed rates, delivering increased machine efficiency. The ACM software cut the cycle time for a demonstration component from 13min 41sec to 10min 39 sec — a 22% reduction.

Increased machine efficiency
Ideal for small-batch manufacturers seeking competitive gains, users also benefit from longer tool life and the potential for unattended operations due to greater process stability. The function is available as an option on all current XYZ milling and turning products fitted with Siemens 828D, 840D and Sinumerik One controls.

Elsewhere at the technology exhibition, Heidenhain showcased its TNC 620 contouring control on an XYZ 800 HD machining centre. The same XYZ model was also present on the Renishaw stand, which displayed its latest on-machine probing solutions. Continuing the control theme, Machine DRO showcased its digital readout equipment on an XYZ 2000 turret mill, while other exhibitors included: Star Micronics demonstrating its new SD26 Type E sliding-head lathe; Warwick Machine Tools displaying the Excetek V400G wire EDM machine; and LNS showing its new Quick Load Servo 65 bar feeder in conjunction with XYZ’s recently launched CT65 LTY-S twin/sub-spindle lathe which also featured Hainbuch collet chucks to hold the workpiece material.

Providing the perfect way to celebrate 40 years of product and service excellence, the XYZ technology exhibition proved an enjoyable and value-added event for all participants. Regular factory tours, a hog roast and complimentary goodie bags for visitors contributed further to a memorable showcase.