Mapal, a global leader in tooling solutions and manufacture as well as in tool servicing and regrinding, has expanded its worldwide portfolio of Walter multi-axis tool grinders with the installation of Helitronic Power Diamond two-in-one (grinding and erosion) machine at its UK site in Rugby.

Supplied by Walter Ewag UK, a member of the United Grinding Group, the newest machine brings to seven the number of Walter machines that Mapal operates in the UK – with the latest investment joining another Power Diamond and a Helitronic Power at the company's Rugby site, plus four Walter Helitronics at Rainey, Mapal's daughter operation in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Wayne Whitehouse, managing director of the Rugby and Lisburn plants, says the latest Power Diamond was installed to meet a continually rising order book – for both new tools and regrinds, especially for PCD-tipped carbide tooling up to 350 mm long for which the machine is ideally suited with its capability of 'two-in-one' tool erosion and grinding in a single set-up.

Mr Whitehouse continues: "The UK companies' continued investment in Helitronic tool grinding/re-grinding technology is not only based on a corporate worldwide relationship of utilising the quality and performance of Walter machines but also, especially in terms of our UK operations, the fact that the machines have superb 'local' back-up and support through Walter Ewag UK.

"Service and support are critically important if we are to consistently meet our customer demands," he says.

Established in 1993, Mapal UK specialises in technical solutions offering an extensive range of both standard and bespoke tooling ranging from solid carbide tools to customer specific solutions. Along with its sister company Rainey, it also offers an efficient regrinding and repair service.

It shares a particular focus on tools for the aerospace and automotive sectors with Rainey, which has been offering tool manufacturing and re-grinding since 1995.

The Walter Helitronic machines continue to enhance both companies' reputations, with the Power Diamond in particular being equipped with a host of technology features for cost-competitive PCD machining, including:

- Walter's Tool Studio software with integrated functionality for the efficient and effective design, programming and simulation of PCD tool erosion; and

- Fine Pulse Technology that sets new standards in terms of PCD tool surface and cutting edge quality, as well as process reliability - surface finishes are like that of a polished (ground) tool, and even coarse-grained PCD types can be fine-finished with perfect surface qualities.

Mapal's latest Walter machine – the two-in-one (grinding and erosion) Helitronic Power Diamond – will help the company meet a continually rising order book for both new tools and regrinds, especially PCD-tipped carbide tooling up to 350 mm long.