The Bumotec 191^neo is just as versatile as its predecessor, but it makes operation easier, above all thanks to the new human-machine interface (HMI). 

Concentrated expertise - in an ergonomic package

"How can we advance a very reliable, powerful and extremely modular machining centre that already offers a perfect solution to the many challenges of machining precise small parts with high added value?" That is the question a Starrag team of experts from production, process engineering, quality, application, service engineering and design were faced with.

The answer is apparent from the very first glance at the Bumotec 191^neo. The newcomer combines concentrated expertise in a very ergonomic housing. With its large glass panes and optimally positioned access doors, it offers a good view of the various areas of the machine and improved access for operators. A light strip provides information about the operating status immediately. Thanks to the ergonomic design, staff can switch between screens with a simple finger movement.

The progress of ongoing machining operations, the configuration of programming or the monitoring of production can be tracked in real time. All in all, the turn-mill centre is intuitive and easy to learn to use. A clear advantage in view of a job market in which highly qualified, skilled personnel are in short supply.

Precision machining with 12 different facets

Starrag supplies the machining centre in versions with vice ‘P’, multiple vice ‘PRM’, counter spindle ‘R’, counter spindle/vice combination ‘RP’ and with a bar capacity of 42, 50 or 65mm. The Bumotec 191^neo is not just one machining solution, but twelve different machines on a single platform. According to Starrag, it is only with this variety that the special requirements of typical users from medical technology, the luxury goods industry and micromechanics can be optimally fulfilled both from an economic and a technological perspective. 

Unproductive downtime significantly reduced

The Bumotec 191^neo operates with excellent stability, reliability, and productivity even without user intervention. Thanks to the reduction in tool change time by about 15%, it exceeds cycle time expectations and thus reduces unproductive downtime. 

The increased torque of the Starrag milling spindle and the electric motor-controlled pick-up unit, which is 12% faster than before, are strong points in favour of the newcomer.

The Bumotec tool magazine with over 90 tool positions as standard has a broken tool sensor working in parallel, just in case. When used in combination with a Bumotec pallet system or a robotic automation cell, continuous production around the clock can be achieved that only needs to stop for preventative maintenance, if that.

According to Starrag, customer requirements of all kinds can be met thanks to the modular design. Different peripheral devices such as temperature-controlled high-pressure systems, chip conveyors and bar loaders are available. Users can machine numerous complex and demanding workpieces in a single setup because the Bumotec 191^neo can not only turn, mill, grind, and polish, but can also handle less frequent machining operations such as gear hobbing, engine turning, and diamond cutting.

Machining centre with built-in remote control 

The newcomer offers the proven reliability and production stability of the Bumotec s191. It is geared to the challenges of the digital transition and can be used in combination with the latest production technologies.

www.starrag.com

Benefits of Two-Way Radios for Warehouses

Two-way radios overcome these challenges with ease and lend themselves well to such environments. Delivering real-time communication at the touch of a button without the need for cellular connections or Wi-Fi, walkie talkies are a superb value for money alternative to mobile phones or tannoy systems. 

Warehouse two-way radios are ruggedised to protect them against drops and knocks and IP rated to withstand dust and moisture ingress. They can be vehicle-mounted, hand-held or body-worn to suit each individual worker's personal preferences and work type. 

Revolutionising Communication and Efficiency on the Factory Floor

In industrial settings maintaining communication has traditionally been challenging. Walkie talkies allow workers to coordinate and communicate, either on a one-to-one or a one-to-many basis, using the same easy-to-use device, even in large, hazardous and potentially very noisy settings.

Improved Communication for a Connected Workforce

Without two-way radios, workers are required to communicate either in person, by text message or telephone. All of these methods of communication require a time commitment, and there is no guarantee that the recipient will be able to respond immediately, introducing further delays which, should the communication relate to a safety issue, will be unacceptable.

Instead, two-way radios offer an alternative solution that entirely eliminates delays and is guaranteed an immediate response, resulting in smoother operations and more rapid decision-making. With wide-area radio frequencies capable of penetrating thick walls, multiple floors and metal structures, workers can remain connected at all times.

By connecting the workforce with two-way radios, quality control issues can be resolved, production updates communicated, shifts coordinated and machinery malfunctions handled. Two-way radios are the right tool for warehouses, ensuring that the right people get the right information at the right time.

Enhancing Safety and Emergency Response

Industrial settings are required by law to provide a safe environment for their workers, and two-way radios are vital to identifying and resolving hazards, accidents and near-misses, in addition to requesting an emergency response when a situation cannot be resolved or contained without expert help.

Two-way radios offer unique features that are unmatched by other forms of communication, such as the ability to transmit and receive messages without a Wi-Fi, data or cellular signal, to penetrate thick walls and metal structures and to communicate on a one-to-one or one-to-many basis. Many two-way radios offer enhanced safety features to improve safety outcomes.

Two-way radios are a crucial tool in the safety toolbox, being used to identify hazards, coordinate a response, organise an evacuation and account for workers.

Optimising Workflow and Efficiency

Manufacturing businesses must be efficient in order to remain cost-effective, so identifying ways of streamlining workflows and eliminating production delays is essential. Two-way radios assist with this process by providing supervisors with a means of relaying real-time instructions, receiving production updates and coordinating workers across the production line. 

Improved communication prevents duplication of effort and can reduce resolution times. By removing the need for workers to leave their workstations to obtain production updates, workplace productivity is improved, and businesses can operate more effectively.

Enhanced Team Collaboration and Problem-Solving

The manufacturing sector is continually looking for ways in which to improve its efficiency and quality of output, and investing in effective communication is a proven strategy that can help organisations to achieve their aims.

By issuing intuitive communications devices that enable the workforce to exchange ideas, troubleshoot and make appropriate decisions, collaboration and problem solving are improved, challenges are more easily overcome, and customer satisfaction is enhanced.

With many workers operating across shift patterns and departments, two-way radios are an effective way of breaking down barriers and allowing them to access the information they need.

Two-way radios enhance safety in the workplace

Many two-way radios designed for use in industrial facilities come equipped with advanced safety features, including Push-to-Talk, Advanced Noise Cancellation, Emergency Button, Lone Worker Feature and Man Down Function.

These features extend the utility of a two-way radio beyond that of a mere communications device, making it instead a vital piece of PPE designed to safeguard workers in hazardous roles.

Push-to-Talk (PTT) Functionality

PTT allows users to communicate instantly at the single press of a button. With no delays involved in unlocking a device, programming in a number or writing a text message, users are able to radio for help immediately, improving their safety outcomes.

The PTT button is easily accessible, even for workers who may struggle with a more complicated user interface. This simplicity sets the two-way radio apart from the competition. 

Advanced Noise Cancellation

Background noise is a continuous presence in industrial settings, so the noise-cancelling technology in two-way radios is fundamental to clear, accurate communications. By processing out ambient noise so that only the user's voice is transmitted, instructions and safety alerts are relayed with fewer interruptions and misunderstandings.

Emergency Button

An emergency button allows workers to send a distress signal, alerting supervisors and safety personnel that they need immediate assistance. It is an invaluable function that removes the need for speech and allows help to be dispatched to the correct location.

Lone Worker Feature

Workers who work alone in isolated or remote areas should regularly check-in with supervisors to confirm their safety. A missed check-in could signify a major issue, so the lone-worker feature periodically prompts the user to confirm they are safe.

Should the worker fail to respond to a prompt within a specified time, a supervisor can be alerted and a manual check conducted.

Man Down Function

The man down function is designed to alert supervisors and safety professionals to an injured, unconscious or incapacitated worker. By detecting a prolonged lack of movement and automatically calling for support, this function can save lives.

The investment marks a strategic step in Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ long-term commitment to robotics and humanoids, while supporting Alva’s accelerated scaling as an independent global supplier of market-leading electric motors.

The robotics industry is entering a new era of rapid growth, with new generations of robots requiring actuation systems that are smaller, lighter, and more precise. Motor performance - especially torque density, control accuracy, and compact form factor - is becoming a defining factor for what robots can do in real-world environments and how quickly they can be adopted.

Alva addresses this challenge with their patented FiberPrinting manufacturing technology, enabling exceptionally compact and lightweight motors that maintain high torque density, efficiency, and control precision. These characteristics are critical for applications like robotics, where minimal volume, maximum force, and predictable control are essential. As a result, Alva Industries is rapidly gaining recognition as a trusted supplier to the world’s most ambitious robotics innovators.

Through this investment, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is strengthening access to a leading motor technology that complements its growing robotics ambitions within areas such as robotic hands and humanoid platforms.  The companies will collaborate on advancing actuation solutions for robotics, combining Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ system expertise and global scale with Alva’s breakthroughs in motor design and manufacturing.  

"We see Alva as one of the most promising motor technology companies in the robotics ecosystem. Alva’s FiberPrinting technology is a key competitive asset for next-generation robotic actuators, opening new possibilities in motor performance and design. This investment gives us access to an important technological foundation for our future robotics and humanoid business, and we look forward to exploring new market opportunities together with Alva," said Samsung Electro-Mechanics CEO Duckhyun Chang. 

"Samsung’s investment is a strong endorsement of Alva’s technology and team," stated Oliver Skisland, CEO of Alva. "We see significant potential in this collaboration, without it limiting our work with existing or future customers. We are on a mission to power a new generation of robots that are stronger, safer, and more reliable."

The investment will be used to scale manufacturing capacity and expand product offering to deepen Alva’s existing and new engagements with leading robotics developers worldwide.

www.alvaindustries.com

Millie Childs developed the idea while she was a pupil at Light Oaks Junior School, taking part in Primary Engineer, a national STEM competition that challenges pupils to design creative solutions to real-world problems.

Her invention, Rainbow Glasses, features a pair of glasses with interchangeable or adjustable coloured lenses designed to reduce visual stress and improve reading comfort for people with dyslexia.

As part of the competition, engineers from Thales UK in Cheadle selected Millie’s design to turn into a working prototype. After months of research and testing, the team produced an LED-based solution that allows the lenses to shift between red, green or blue depending on the user’s needs.

Millie, now a Year 7 pupil at Co-Op Academy Swinton, has gone on to win a Gold Award in the Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal, the sister award to the UK’s most prestigious engineering prize, the MacRobert Award.

Her former teacher, Rob Entwistle, collected the award on her behalf during the ceremony in London last week.

This week Millie returned to Light Oaks Junior School to talk about her invention and inspire the next generation of young engineers.

Millie, 11, said: "My dyslexia has always made reading a challenge, so I wanted to invent something that could make it easier. Seeing the engineers turn my idea into real glasses has been incredible. The thought that they might one day help other people with dyslexia is something I’m really proud of."

Millie’s mum, Sarah, added: "Millie has loved every second of this experience and it has really motivated her. She has been excited through the whole journey and she is so hopeful about the future. Her grandad was an engineer and this is the sector she has always wanted to work in, and her dreams have been made into a reality."

Teacher Rob Entwistle said: "Millie’s idea stood out from the moment she presented it. She wanted to help others who faced the same challenges she did. Watching her idea grow from a drawing into a working prototype has been inspiring."

Zandra Wilkinson, headteacher at Light Oaks Junior School, said: "Primary Engineer's competition is an incredibly powerful activity for our pupils. It shows them that their ideas matter, that engineering is creative, and that they can solve real problems in the world around them.

"We are unbelievably proud of Millie. She has shown our whole school community what is possible, and we could not be more delighted for her."

Primary Engineer’s annual UK competition asks pupils aged 3–19 the question “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”. All entries are read and graded by professional engineers, with every pupil receiving a named certificate. Regional exhibitions and awards ceremonies then showcase shortlisted designs, with winners invited on stage to receive their awards.

Millie was recognised as one of the winners at the Greater Manchester event in 2024, one of 25 regional UK awards, and her idea was selected to be built into a prototype and revealed in July 2025.

Sam Hassan, bid and programme management graduate at Thales, said: "We had an amazing time working with Millie’s Rainbow Glasses idea. Over seven months we researched, planned, built and tested the design to create a prototype that met her expectations. Our journey included weekly meetings, input from researchers at the University of Georgia, delivering STEM lessons in Millie’s school and a visit from Millie and her friends to see the final prototype.

"When we unveiled it we were thrilled to see the reaction, and even had a member of the NHS asking whether this might progress further."

UK schools can register for this free competition by visiting: leadersaward.com/the-competition

The milestone marks a sustained and successful partnership between Impact and one of the leading materials handling brands across the world, which has been defined by a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality and customer-focused solutions.

Impact Handling was appointed as the exclusive distributor for Cat Lift Trucks in 2010 by Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe - now known as Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe B.V. (MLE) - the manufacturer and European distributor of the brand in Europe. Impact was identified as an ideal national partner to strengthen Cat Lift Trucks’ presence in the UK due to its values and national network. 

Since then, it has flourished, going from strength to strength over the years, underpinned by a shared synergy in teamwork and meeting customers’ evolving needs. Such is the extent of its success that Impact is credited for further cementing Cat Lift Trucks as the go-to materials handling solution in the UK. 

Together, Impact and Cat Lift Trucks have, over their 15-year relationship, delivered solutions that go beyond just the standard equipment supply offering, instead looking at providing a level of support that caters to today’s market demands, rather than those of years gone by.  

"Impact Handling isn’t just a distributor to us; they are a partner in every sense of the word. They don’t just supply Cat Lift Trucks products to the UK, they deliver complete solutions to meet specific customer requirements, rather than what they think they need - a customer-centric ethos which made them stand out in the early days of our partnership," said Hans Seijger, chief business development officer at Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe B.V.

"While the Cat Lift Trucks product portfolio caters to a wide range of customer needs, when unique operational requirements arise, that’s where Impact comes in, through providing complementary solutions and bespoke adaptations they ensure customers receive a solution tailored to their own operations. It is Impact’s ability to deliver that has been a game-changer for us over the years. In many ways they’ve pioneered this approach, which 10-15 years ago was relatively uncommon among their competitors within the industry.

"Despite undergoing change over the years, Impact Handling’s DNA has remained the same. A steady, experienced management team ensures the relationship between our teams continues to thrive, and the culture they have built regarding customer care is ingrained across the organisation from top to bottom, even in the event of personnel changes. They bring a family feel that truly resonates with us and that level of continuity is what we value most. As such we’d like to extend a big thank you to the entire Impact Handling team for their commitment and professionalism over these past 15 years."

Looking ahead, Seijger says the next phase of the partnership will be an evolution rather than a reinvention, with the focus being on embracing digital innovations, driving sustainability, and continuing to put customers at the heart of everything they do.  

Founded in 1985, Impact Handling has grown to become one of the leading providers of materials handling equipment in the UK, with its network expanding nationally as the business grew over the decades. 

It now has 13 strategically located depots across the country, from which it supplies and services a full range of materials handling solutions, alongside providing tailored services, maintenance, and bespoke equipment adaptations to cater to the specific requirements of its customers.

As the UK distributor for Cat Lift Trucks products, the materials handling specialist offers a full range of acquisition and support solutions including purchase, hire, lease-purchase, buy-back/re-hire and full-service contracts.

From the outset of the partnership, Impact has looked to champion Cat Lift Truck products by aligning its business model around the brand to deliver not only high-performance machinery, but comprehensive service and support packages that complement the existing range, namely through having the in-house capability to adapt equipment to individual needs. 

This flexible approach has enabled customers to benefit from the renowned durability and engineering excellence of Cat Lift Trucks while also enjoying the agility and bespoke support for which Impact Handling is renowned. 

Such is the history of the relationship that Aprolis Group, which acquired Impact Handling in 2021, itself has more than five decades of experience in materials handling distribution in Europe and is a long-term partner and distributor for Cat Lift Trucks in France, Italy, Spain, and Luxembourg. 

Commenting on the successful partnership Impact Handling has with Cat Lift Trucks, Steve Shakespeare, CEO of Aprolis UK commented: "Over the past 15 years our relationship with Cat Lift Trucks has given us a real opportunity to consistently provide our customers with greater choice and truly high-quality equipment tailored to their needs, and we’ve grown extensively because of it. 

"The company has undergone much change during this time, most recently with Impact being acquired by Aprolis Group in 2021, and a big part of the growth that the company has achieved has largely been driven by having the weight of the Cat Lift Trucks brand behind us. The secret to the success of our partnership is down to synergy in values. We’re totally aligned on understanding the market, anticipating customer needs, and how best to deliver value that is tailored to those requirements rather than just providing an off-the-shelf offering. 

"We are at the coalface of it all, so we can offer feedback on customer needs. Through our partnership with Cat Lift Trucks, we are able to come up with a solution from a product and service perspective that is flexible and bespoke to the end user. Equally, we don’t shirk away from challenges, such as those experienced on a geopolitical scale in recent years, but rather continually work closely together to agree on practical solutions to overcome these obstacles to keep everything moving forward," Shakespeare concluded.

impact-handling.com

The approximately $1bn acquisition enhances Vertiv's thermal management services capabilities and strengthens its position as a global leader in next-generation thermal chain services for liquid cooling systems.

"We are excited to officially welcome PurgeRite to Vertiv, expanding to deepen our fluid management services capabilities," said Gio Albertazzi, CEO at Vertiv. "PurgeRite's specialised expertise in fluid management services complements our existing portfolio and enhances our ability to provide end-to-end product and service support for customers' high-density computing and AI applications where efficient thermal management is critical to performance and reliability."

High-performance computing (HPC) and the AI factories require liquid cooling technology to operate, and it is crucial to deploy and maintain clean fluid loops to maximise cooling performance. Achieving this starts with optimal flow at commissioning by establishing ultra-clean, air-free, chemically stable coolant, and preserving that balance to maintain performance throughout the system’s lifecycle. 

The integration of PurgeRite's capabilities with Vertiv's existing thermal management portfolio is expected to offer significant customer benefits, including enhanced system performance through improved heat transfer and equipment efficiency, reduced risk of downtime through operational excellence, and expanded service scale supporting global operations with consistent quality.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, PurgeRite has established itself as an industry leader in mechanical flushing, purging, and filtration for mission-critical data centre applications, including strong relationships with hyperscalers and Tier 1 colocation providers. It brings engineering expertise, proprietary technologies and the ability to scale to meet the needs of challenging data centre schedules, enabling complex liquid cooling applications across the thermal chain from chillers to coolant distribution units (CDUs). The company's services will join forces with Vertiv's existing liquid cooling offerings to deliver end-to-end thermal management solutions from facility to room and row to rack.

Vertiv.com

With more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial scale-up, and high-volume production, Bergan brings deep operational expertise and a proven track record in developing efficient, high-performing industrial organisations.

Bergan’s leadership is recognised for its strategic clarity, strong analytical capabilities, and seasoned executive judgement - qualities that have consistently supported scalable growth and strengthened operational structures throughout his career.

"Thomas brings an exceptional combination of operational depth, strategic insight, and a people-first leadership style that aligns strongly with Alva’s mission," said Oliver Skisland, CEO, Alva Industries. "His experience in building high-performance teams and scaling industrial operations will play a critical role as Alva prepares for its next chapter of growth."

As COO, Bergan will oversee operational strategy, production scalability, and cross-functional execution across Alva’s technology and product platforms. His appointment strengthens the company’s capabilities as it advances toward broader industrialisation and global market expansion.

"I have worked within manufacturing for over 25 years, both scale-up and high-volume production, and I look forward to contributing with my experience and together with a great team ensure Alva Industries will meet the expectations and utilise the high potential that is in both the people and the product," stated Bergan. 

www.alvaindustries.com

AuCom will showcase the series from 25 to 27 November 2025, at SPS - Smart Production Solutions (Stand 326, Hall 3A). The 1 kV VFDs impress with high torque at low speeds and a durable, compact design.

"Extreme temperatures, high humidity, explosion hazards, or constant vibration - none of these pose a problem for the 1 kV frequency converters," said Thomas Zirk-Gunnemann, CEO of AuCom Applied Motor Controls. "Whether in mining, the steel industry, the energy sector, water management, marine applications, or the chemical, oil, and gas industries - companies in these fields benefit from the strengths of the HM Series."

Precise control, grid-friendly, and energy-efficient

Wherever performance and precision are needed in drive applications, the HM VFDs impress. The series covers a power range from 45 to 1250 kW (31–750 A, 1000–1300 V). The energy-efficient NPC three-level topology achieves a frequency conversion efficiency of up to 98 % while reducing harmonics. Available in 2- and 4-quadrant versions, the VFDs allow fast braking as well as regenerative feedback into the grid. The integrated Active Front End (AFE) ensures minimal grid disturbances.

The powerful vector control for synchronous and asynchronous motors - with or without encoder - enables precise control and high torque even at low rotational speeds, making it ideal for drives in conveyors, cranes, and winches.

The robust design of the HM Series, featuring laminated busbars and film capacitors, is also exceptionally compact, allowing installation in pressure-resistant and confined enclosures such as those used in mining. The CAN interface enables master-slave operation for multi-motor systems. In addition to the LED keypad, the optional touchscreen ensures easy parameter setup. Remote monitoring is possible via Ethernet or app.

The AuCom team warmly invites you to visit Stand 326 in Hall 3A at SPS and looks forward to inspiring discussions.

www.aucom.com

88% of the companies questioned by personalised workwear specialist MyWorkwear would like to see a U-turn by the chancellor, with nearly two thirds (63%) stating that NICs and minimum wage increases have already had a negative impact on their performance. 

Almost half of firms (45%) are worried that they will struggle to survive the next five years. And, in a stark message to the government, more than three quarters (77%) of management teams said they would not vote for Labour if a snap-election was held tomorrow.

"We work very closely with thousands of businesses in the manufacturing sector to provide their PPE and workwear and it’s fair to say that it’s been a challenging year for the industry,” explained James Worthington, co-owner of MyWorkwear.

"Our data shows that when manufacturers looked back to the Autumn Statement in 2024, only 48% said their business fortunes had improved since then, whereas 52% said that there had either been no change or things had worsened.

"With the budget looming on the horizon, the results indicate that the current government can’t afford to get on the wrong side of business again with new tax rises and more regulation," he continued.

128 business leaders were questioned as part of the Business Confidence Report by MyWorkwear. 

The survey showed that some companies were still prepared to invest in branded workwear, with it being voted the least likely internal cost businesses were having to reduce.

It also highlighted that branded workwear was the second most popular brand awareness tool being utilised by companies, second only to digital marketing.

For further information or to access the full survey, please visit: https://www.myworkwear.co.uk/content/89-the-myworkwear-business-confidence-report-2025

Building on the acclaimed Heckert HEC series, the Heckert X80 features a workpiece-side swivel unit, allowing for high-dynamic 5-axis machining from a single clamping position.

The Heckert X80's lightning-fast 65 m/min traverse rate and industry-leading changeover times enhance productivity. Pallet changes are completed in just 21 seconds, whilst the tool changer provides chip-to-chip times of only 8 seconds. Standard 800 by 1000 mm pallets incorporate Starrag's precision-engineered concave surfaces with 6 µm curvature depth, ensuring stable positioning of large parts.

The Heckert X80 offers X, Y, and Z axis travel of 1450 by 1300 by 1300 mm while requiring 18% less installation space than its HEC Series predecessor. It accommodates workpieces with a core contour diameter of 1200 mm and a maximum height of 1000 mm, supporting loading masses of up to 1200 kg. Within robust dimensions of 8.5 m by 4 m, the X80 delivers exceptional space utilisation without compromising performance.

The Heckert X80 provides a range of spindle options that cater to specific application requirements, from 12,500 rpm hollow shaft spindles to 15,000 rpm motor spindles, as well as various gear spindles that offer increased torque for heavy machining.

Starrag's innovative tool change system offers both lightweight and heavy-duty versions. The lightweight option accommodates tools weighing up to 22 kg, while the heavy-duty version supports tools weighing as much as 50 kg. The maximum tool dimensions are 800 mm in length and 340 mm in diameter. Tool magazine options include timing belt magazines with 45 or 60 positions for HSK-100 tools, chain magazines accommodating up to 120 HSK-100 tools, and tower magazines supporting up to 440 HSK-100 tools.

Turning technology is integral to the machine concept and available as an option. Using specially developed assemblies and software modules, both classic and complex turning operations can be performed with machining centre productivity levels. Unlike turning centres, the machine benefits from versatile setup options, including vertical workpiece clamping and mid-operation clamping via the pallet changer.

For optimal operator experience, the Heckert X80 boasts Starrag's ergonomic 24-inch touchscreen HMI paired with a powerful Siemens SINUMERIK ONE control system. The touch-sensitive display responds to gloves and features a scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean surface. Operators can access PDF construction plans and sequence sketches while maintaining visibility in the workspace through an integrated camera. New hardware and rapid sensor technology enhance automation capabilities via extended 13-channel clamping hydraulics and optimised standard interfaces for pallet storage systems and robot cells.

Efficient chip management employs a thermo-symmetric design and steep-angled fixed plates, enhanced by an internal coolant supply operating at pressures of up to 80 bar. This setup ensures effective cooling and chip evacuation, with an additional flushing capability of up to 280 litres per minute for applications that generate a high volume of chips. The Heckert X80 integrates with Starrag's comprehensive automation solutions, including Fastems FPT round pallet store systems, linear storage systems, and robotic cells, catering to production requirements from small to large batch sizes.

The new Heckert X80 utilises the proven four-axis Heckert H-series machine envelope. Instead of the NC rotary table from the H-series, X-series models feature a robust rotary/tilt table developed and manufactured in-house at Starrag's Chemnitz plant. The tilting unit incorporates two equally sized bearings and a thermally stable design, enabling five-sided, highly dynamic machining of complex components.

Ensuring pallet compatibility across the new Heckert X80, smaller X70, and larger X90 models was essential for developers. Pallets are interchangeable with Heckert H series machines and older Heckert HEC 630/800 X5 machines. The Heckert X80 is now available as part of Starrag's expanded X-series line of five-axis machining centres. The Heckert X-series includes the smaller Heckert X50 and the larger Heckert X80 and X90 variants, offering enhanced work envelopes and capacity.

www.starrag.com