Twelve South Curve Mini Review

Universally compatible with iPad, tablets and e-readers, the Twelve South Curve Mini raises devices up to 6 inches for optimal viewing comfort and usability, whether streaming a show at home, working in a cafe, or having a second screen at hnad at your desk, conference calling or sketching, the precision hinges ensure a smooth transition to any desired angle. The hinges are strong and will not move to where you set them at.

Easily adjustable in both portrait and landscape modes, the stable slip-resistant base and silicone padding ensure sturdiness and prevent scratches.

The Curve Mini is made of anodised aluminium weighs just 0.24kg and folds completely flat so it can slip into the included travel sleeve for easy portability which can be tough to remove at first but will loosen up over time. It’s the perfect travel companion for creatives, remote workers or those who use their tablet for gaming and entertainment. Also this can hold laptops which I actually tested it with or you could use a foldable phone too and will have no issues with either.

In addition to its functionality, it also makes a stylish accessory. Available in three different matte colours: dune, slate and coastal blue to complement Twelve South’s Curve Nano Qi2-compatible smartphone stand.

Available now for £49.99 from Twelve South UK.

See our Twelve South Reviews

Video Review

JOURNEY launches ALTI Lift: A Fast-Charging, Dual-Sided Mat

The latest in tech and lifestyle company JOURNEY’s growing range of ALTI desk mats is set for debut.

ALTI LIFT, the fifth mat in the ALTI range, is JOURNEY’s first to include a phone stand feature.

The lift-up phone stand, which nests in the wireless charging panel’s recessing when inactive, delivers fast wireless charging while magnetically standing a phone in landscape or portrait mode.

JOURNEY said phone users can adjust the stand to optimise how they perform different work activities.

They can swivel the bi-directional base 360 degrees (180 degrees each way), and tilt the phone upwards or downwards for the most ergonomic-friendly view.

“There’s extra screen space for the work activities people perform on their phones,” said a JOURNEY spokesperson.

“Phone users can customise their phone display for video calls, streaming, and notification checks.

“It adds a new dimension of desk-based productivity.”

ALTI LIFT features a double-sided surface (felt and vegan performance leather), an interior hideaway pocket for loose documents, and black and beige colour varieties.

Its Qi2-certified wireless charging panel, which attaches to either side of the mat, simultaneously delivers up to 15W to Qi2-certified iPhones (including iPhone 12 onwards) and 5W for AirPods.

JOURNEY said ALTI LIFT marks a new stage in the wider ALTI series’ activation of desk-based productivity.

“We’re continuing to reimagine the traditional desk mat,” said JOURNEY’s spokesperson. “ALTI LIFT’s utility signifies there’s potential to make desk mats useful beyond the functions a traditional desk mat offers.”

ALTI LIFT is now available.

Revolutionizing Precision: Horizontal Boring Mills in the Era of Modern Manufacturing

Welcome to the cutting-edge world of Horizontal Boring Mills (HBMs), where traditional manufacturing meets the revolutionary advancements of Industry 4.0. From crafting intricate aerospace components to powering the energy sector, HBMs have evolved beyond their conventional roles. 

Now, integrated with smart factory systems and data-driven insights, they’re reshaping manufacturing processes, offering unprecedented levels of precision, efficiency, and automation. Prepare to be amazed by how these giants of industry are not just adapting to the new era but leading the charge in the smart manufacturing revolution!

A Handy Guide to Understanding HBMs

What Are Horizontal Boring Mills?

Picture a machine that’s a must-have in the world of manufacturing, especially when dealing with big, bulky items like engine blocks or ship parts. That’s where Horizontal Boring Mills (HBMs) come into play. These giants are all about precision. They drill accurate holes, create perfect tunnels, and shape large workpieces with amazing detail.

The Building Blocks of HBMs

Imagine a giant, robust machine with parts that sound like they’re straight out of a science fiction novel: beds, columns, spindles, and rotary tables. But in reality, these are the essential components of HBMs. 

The bed? That’s the machine’s foundation, offering a stable base for all the action. The column stands tall, holding up the spindle and the rotary table. The spindle is where the magic happens – it’s a rotating shaft that holds the cutting tool, adjusting up and down to get the depth of the cut just right. And the rotary table? It’s like a giant turntable, positioning the workpiece at various angles for precision work.

How HBMs Work Their Magic

Let’s talk about how these machines do their thing. HBMs work on rotary cutting principles – think of it as a super-fast spinning cutting tool chipping away at the workpiece. The spindle moves up and down, adjusting how deep the cut goes, while the rotary table spins the workpiece into the perfect position. This is how these machines make such precise bores, holes, and tunnels.

But wait, there’s more! HBMs come loaded with cool features and tech. Some have automatic tool changers – like a quick-change artist swapping out tools in a flash. Others boast advanced control systems, giving real-time updates and adjustments on the go.

The Leap in Precision and Control: A Game-Changer in Manufacturing

Revolutionizing Accuracy

Imagine a world where we can craft objects with almost unimaginable precision, down to less than a thousandth of an inch. That’s the realm where modern Horizontal Boring Mills (HBMs) operate. It’s like they’re equipped with a super-microscope, ensuring every tiny detail is perfect. This leap in accuracy isn’t just luck; it’s a combination of cutting-edge design, superior materials, and advanced calibration systems.

Take linear scales and laser interferometers, for example. These high-tech tools are like the mill’s sixth sense, detecting the slightest movements and making real-time adjustments.

The Control System Revolution

Now, let’s talk about the brains of the operation: the control systems. These systems, especially CNC (Computer Numerical Control), are the secret sauce. They’re like the mill’s personal orchestra conductor, ensuring every movement is harmonious and precise, transforming complex designs into reality with ease. 

But it’s not just about making intricate parts. These CNC systems are multitaskers, juggling multiple operations without breaking a sweat, boosting efficiency, and cutting down manual labor.

And we can’t ignore the safety aspect. Modern HBMs like the Horizontal Boring Mills  – HBM110-FH come with safety features that are always on guard. Think of them as vigilant sentinels, ready to shut things down at the first sign of trouble, safeguarding both the operator and the machine.

A Deep Dive into the Versatile Applications of HBMs

Elevating Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

In the high-stakes world of aerospace and defense, there’s no room for error. Precision is key, and that’s where Horizontal Boring Mills (HBMs) shine. These machines are like the expert sculptors of the manufacturing world, carving out intricate, critical components with the precision of a master. They tackle complex shapes and nail those tight tolerances needed for parts like engine components, landing gear, and even the backbone of aircraft – fuselage components.

But it’s not just about precision. These HBMs are also about efficiency. Imagine machining a massive part in one go, rather than shuttling between multiple machines. That’s a game-changer, saving time and streamlining processes in these high-demand industries.

Powering the Energy Sector

When it comes to energy, durability is the name of the game. HBMs step up to this challenge, machining hefty components like turbine casings and generator rotors with impeccable precision. These machines are not picky about materials either. Whether it’s exotic alloys or tough-as-nails hardened steels, HBMs handle them all, making them indispensable in various energy applications.

Transforming Heavy Machinery Manufacturing

In the world of heavy machinery, size matters. We’re talking about massive components that bear heavy loads and endure rough conditions. Here, HBMs are the unsung heroes, producing large parts such as gearboxes and engine blocks with unwavering accuracy. Their ability to manage such gigantic workpieces in one setup is a major efficiency booster.

Wrapping It Up

So, what’s the big picture? Horizontal Boring Mills have evolved from just being big, heavy machines to intelligent, precision-driven giants. They’re at the heart of modern manufacturing, turning complex designs into tangible, high-precision parts.

From soaring aircraft to robust energy systems, and sturdy heavy machinery, HBMs are behind the scenes, shaping the backbone of these industries. They bring together the magic trio of precision, efficiency, and versatility, making them invaluable assets in today’s fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing landscape. So, next time you see a plane soaring or touch a piece of heavy machinery, remember the role of HBMs in bringing those marvels to life!