Micro manufacturing technologies

For the first time ever in the UK, product designers and manufacturers will be able to see a variety of micro manufacturing machines and technologies under one roof. These machines can be seen in action producing precision micro components, giving visitors live demonstrations of their wide range of capabilities.

Users of plastics parts can find micro injection moulding services, moulding machinery, and tooling expertise. Machines on show include a Babyplast injection moulding machine, exhibited by AK Industries on Stand A4, which will be producing miniature components with intricate surface detail in plastics. Rondol Technology, on Stand B21, will demonstrate the all-electric energy efficient High Force 5 bench top micro moulding machine. Whilst, on Stand B12, Micro Systems (UK) will be giving a live demonstration of a two cavity micro-mould with auto-degating, which is seen running on a Battenfeld Microsystem 50 machine.

Companies sourcing small to micro metal parts will find precision machining, milling, laser cutting, laser welding, EDM, and photo etching options on display. Headline sponsor, Deckel Grinders on Stand A2/B1, is the UK agent for the KERN range of micro machining centres. Deckel will exhibit a micro milling and drilling machine, together with sample parts from a wide range of industries include aerospace, medical and optical. SmalTec, also a Headline Sponsor for the show, will give a live demonstration of the free form multi-axis contouring capabilities of its 3+ axis platforms. The GM703 platform will be demonstrating the multi-axial precision movement focusing on the resulting surface quality of Nano-Grinding with PCD. Simultaneously, the EM203 platform will be demonstrating the in situ feedback and logic-control capabilities of the SmalTec Micro-EDM system.

On Stand B22/C21, Spinner UK will take the opportunity to introduce two new machines from its REALMECA range: the RM3 - 7 Axis Mill -Turn Centre for the complete machining of components in one operation from bar materials; and the L200 Laser Centre for Ultra Fine Cutting and Welding in a single operation machine unit. Swisstec micro machining on Stand B18, will be operating the T15 modular micro-machining system, which will enable visitors to experience first hand its precision, speed, and finish of the cut surface. Rofin-Baasel UK, Stand A12/B11, will present the StarWeld Select, an exciting new product offering 100 W laser power and full CNC capability in a fully integrated laser welding system.

For manufacturers concerned about parts handling and QA issues, MM Live has a broad range of viewing and metrology equipment that has been specially designed for the micro manufacturing community. Imaging Associates will be showing on Stand B15, the latest technologies from Carl Zeiss including the recently introduced SteREO Discovery.v20 stereomicroscope and the CSM 700 “True Colour” Confocal Microscope. Nikon will be showcasing a selection of its innovative and versatile metrology and imaging solutions on Stand B6 including the iNexiv VMA-2520 powerful, multisensor video measuring system. Vision Engineering and Optimax Imaging and Measurement, on Stand C17, are demonstrating an impressive range of video and optical systems, designed to make the inspection and measurement of micro machined components easier. Meanwhile, the Olympus LEXT Confocal Scanning Microscope, will be shown on Stand A15, which provides high resolution 3D observation and measurement in real-time.

A number of exhibitors will also be present who offer micro manufacturing contract services. So whether you plan to purchase capital equipment or need a solution to an existing project, a day at MM Live is guaranteed to revolutionise your manufacturing capabilities. This impressive selection of cutting-edge micro technologies proves that MM Live really is the exhibition to visit for anyone involved in the manufacturer of precision components.

This article is courtesy of theengineer.