Testing for an evolving industry

The company will be exhibiting its range of metrology and force measurement solutions in the metrology zone, while also running a stand in hall 4 to demonstrate its bandsaw blades and machines.

MACH provides the ideal platform to not only showcase new technologies, but to also generate discussion surrounding key trends affecting engineering and manufacturing such as the increasing uptake of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Employing relatively young techniques such as additive manufacturing may open new doors for manufacturers, but can also create new and challenging problems, such as difficulties with batch testing.

“Additive manufacturing is taking us out of the box we’ve operated in for years and moving us away from reliance on standard parts and standard techniques,” comments John Cove, marketing manager for Starrett. “Companies now have the capability to create designs that aren’t confined to predefined shapes and sizes and this can pose some tricky problems when they need to be measured.

“For example, we’ve had customers bring us new parts that were honeycomb in shape, asking for advice on how to submit them to force measurement and batch testing analysis, and frankly just how to measure them. The configuration of our machines and software, combined with the knowledge of our technicians, means that we have the answer to almost any problem like this. This allows us to support our customers in delivering products that are reliable, safe and effective.

“Our specialist technicians will be present on both stands for the duration of the show, performing live demonstrations, answering queries and discussing industry trends. Given the varied and longstanding experience of the Starrett team, there aren't many cutting and measurement questions we don’t have the answer to – so feel free to stop by during the show and challenge us.”

Starrett will also be offering a range of show offers for both its bandsaw range and metrology equipment from its stands at the NEC.

In the metrology zone, the company will show the latest enhancements to its range of optical profile projectors and video measuring systems, including the introduction of LED lighting on all profile projectors. Benefits from this change include an improvement to the quality of light, a predicted increase in service intervals from one year to approximately five years as a result of the change in bulb type, and a reduction in energy consumption, creating considerable savings in energy costs over the life of the projector. In addition, the heat generated by the LED bulb is a small fraction of that generated by a traditional bulb, making the projector much cooler, particularly after a period of continuous use.

Stand 4314 is in the heart of the bandsaw section of the exhibition and Starrett will be showing the latest in Starrett bandsaw machines and blades. A new machine is the S1005 portable bandsaw – ideal for tradesmen, maintenance engineers and general workshop use offering light weight and consistent high quality performance. The machine is supplied with the Univerz blade from Starrett, designed specifically to cope with the fatigue stresses caused by the small bandwheels used in small portable band saw machines.

At the other end of the range, the S4240 semi-automatic bandsaw machine has a cutting capacity of 300mm x 300mm and will mitre cut up to +75°/-45° and its rigid construction ensures that this machine can offer a smooth, controlled cutting speed with hydraulic feed pressure.

Starrett Advanz MC5 and MC7 are the latest additions to the Starrett carbide tipped bandsaw blade range and feature two innovative tooth profiles that form either five or seven chips. Advanz MC5 is ideal for tool steels, Inconel and titanium.

STARRETT www.starrett.co.uk
Hall 4, Stand 4314
Hall 5 Stand 5950