awards review
WINNER
CG Tech for Vericut 6
Best Software
‘In a world of increasing complexity it enables users to work in virtual world, knowing that when it transfers this into
reality it will do exactly what you expect’
VERICUT allows the CNC programmer to simulate, verify and optimise CNC programs in a virtual reality
environment. During simulation an accurate in-process model is created which can be measured, inspected
and even compared with a design model to detect over or under cutting. Feed rate optimisation is also
available, allowing for feed rates to be adjusted dependent on the precise cutting conditions. Vericut can be
used standalone or integrated with all the leading CAM systems including Catia, Siemens NX, PTC,
Delcam Powermill, Open Mind HyperMill, EdgeCAM, MasterCAM and GibbsCAM. Version 6 has
extended the product’s capability to include simulation and verification of multiple set-ups on either the
same or different machine tools; so it is now possible to simulate a first operation. www.cgtech.com
Best Tooling Product, Equipment or System
WINNER
Renishaw TRS2 ‘Tool Recognition System’ Single-sided Laser Tool Breakage Detector
‘A boon to unmnanned operation, this unit is crammed with technology to provide accurate and consistent operation under hostile conditions’
THE TRS2 is an innovative solution to the problem of reliably identifying broken cutting tools in the
harsh working environment of a CNC machine tool. The system uses laser beam reflections, with the
transmitter and receiver being contained within a single robust housing. This makes the TRS2 extremely
simple to set up and install in the machine’s working environment. The system also employs Renishaw’s
ToolWise active tool recognition technology to distinguish between cutting tools and other objects like
coolant and swarf, making it fast and reliable under real machining conditions. Unlike conventional noncontact
broken tool detection systems, with the TRS2 the transmitter and receiver modules are mounted
inside the same housing, so installing it within a machine tool’s working environment is very simple. The
laser beam can be focussed anywhere between 0.3m and 2.0m away from the unit. www.renishaw.com
Best Workholding/ Workhandling Equipment
WINNER
Kasto UK for the Unicompact Automated Bar Storage System
‘A comprehensive and modular storage and retrieval system that offers the levels of automation that are essential in an increasingly competitive global environment
THE multi-level, automated storage and retrieval systems, Unicompact which can be up to 25 metres in height, feature excellent space utilisation in new and
existing buildings, internally as well as externally, and are particularly suited to use by stockholders, extruders and manufacturers. These systems handle bar as
well as sheet sizes up to 5 tonnes per location. A gantry crane ensures speedy picking and deliveries on a ‘random
cassette’ basis, which decreases picking time by up to 30% in a high density, honeycomb matrix offering maximum
material storage. Using the principle ‘Material to Operator’ the system delivers the requested material rapidly to
outfeed/picking stations for further processing and/or shipping. An extensive variety of station designs increases the
efficiency of internal processing and commissioning of solids, tubes or profiles, be they of steel, non-ferrous metals,
plastic or even wood. KASTO is able to give a system uptime guarantee of up to 98%, thanks in part to a direct
modem link to the manufacturer’s service department, as well as in this case very good customer operatives and a
management team supporting and maintaining such an installation. www.kasto.com
Best Subcontractor - Assembly and Finishing
WINNER
Claro Precision Engineering
‘A precision parts and assemblies manufacturer that developed a deburring process for complex components, greatly reducing process time while improving consistency’
CLARO was founded in 1978 as a spin out from the GSPK Group and initially made press tools. Nowadays it manufactures low to medium volume
precision parts and assemblies for its clients. It combines in house services with a full range of specialist sub contract treatments and finishes to give
customers a comprehensive manufacturing service including Kan-Ban, parts kits and complex assemblies
which are tested, bagged and labelled and in a number of cases shipped direct from its factory to the
customer’s final customer. The company has a history of steady growth which has accelerated following a buy
in /management buy out in 2004. Claro won the GTMA’s national competition for Engineering Excellence in
Precision Machining in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. Its strengths are based in house expertise and technology
coupled with the depth and breadth of links with our customers and suppliers. www.claro.co.uk
20
MWP
SHORTLISTED
■ Renishaw for Productivity+ Active
Editor Pro Probing Software
■ Delcam for PowerMill
SHORTLISTED
■ Rigibore for the Smartbore
■ Eclipse Magnetics for the
Micromag Magnetic Filter
■ Dormer Tools for Unequal Helix
End Mills
SHORTLISTED
■ Pratt Burnerd International for
the XLS Power Chuck
■ Andreas Maier for the Hydraulic
Vertical Clamp
SHORTLISTED
■ Texol Technical Solutions
■ Fife Fabrications
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july 2008
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