Leader Chuck offers OMIL gripping systems

OMIL’s series of gripping systems is now available in the UK from Leader Chuck International.

Within the range there are newly developed and enhanced products that are designed to improve efficiency, productivity and accuracy in a number of sectors, including machine tools, assembly machines, transfer machines, gantry-robots, as well as bespoke machining solutions.
End effectors for industrial robots can grip parts weighing up to 500 kg and up to 1000°C for die casting and forging, while applications for grippers used on automated assembly lines include automotive, domestic appliance, pharmaceutical, electronics, food and beverage, and packaging.
The range of pneumatic grips offered is as diverse as the industrial applications supported, from two-finger parallel to three- or four-finger self-centring, and two-finger radial. As an example of the level of engineering applied to its products, the OMIL GSO range of two-finger parallel grippers is manufactured to facilitate protection class IP67 for use in harsh environments. An oval cylinder is used for higher gripping forces, between
123 N for the smallest unit with 5 mm stroke, and 1640 N for the largest with a stroke of 32 mm.
For applications where larger and heavier workpieces require gripping, OMIL has a number of ranges that provide strokes up to 400 mm and gripping forces of 10,000 N at normal workshop pressure of 6 bar.
With regard to milling machine applications, a range of chucks for round parts and vices for prismatic components are available, while special machinery applications can encompass punching and forming machines, as well as measurement and inspection systems.
“Any company looking at specifying a new automation system or upgrading an existing installation should look at OMIL as a viable alternative to Japanese and German suppliers,” concludes Jones. “Not only do they offer the same performance at considerable cost advantage and complete interchangeability, but the benefit of flexibility allows solutions to be customised in line with each application.”
For further information http://leaderchuck.com/

3D Systems expands client list

Three global manufacturing companies – Nokia, RMS Co and GF Precicast – have invested in additive manufacturing solutions from 3D Systems to transform their production workflows.

Through the integration of 3D Systems’ Figure 4 or DMP platforms, these manufacturers are able to achieve design freedom, increase agility, scale production and improve overall cost of operations.
Nokia has added 3D Systems’ Figure 4 Standalone to its ‘Factory in a Box’ mobile manufacturing solution – demonstrating how manufacturers can stay ahead of the demands of industry 4.0. Meanwhile, RMS Co, a supplier to medical device manufacturers, has expanded the use of 3D Systems’ DMP platforms to apply metal additive manufacturing to new applications. Lastly, GF Precicast, a technology provider for the aerospace and industrial gas turbine (IGT) markets, has integrated 3D Systems’ metal additive manufacturing platform as a cost-effective alternative to the investment casting of super alloys.
For further information www.3dsystems.com

STL among first to achieve ISO45001

Redditch-based presswork and electrical contact specialist Samuel Taylor Limited (STL) is one of the first 100 companies in the UK to attain the conversion from BS18001 to ISO45001 for health and safety.

The feat also makes STL one of the first manufacturers to achieve ISO45001, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. ISO45001 helps organisations by providing a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions.
For further information www.samueltaylor.co.uk

ATL installs medical-grade cleaning facility

At a cost of more than £1m, Assembly Techniques Ltd (ATL) in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, is opening a two-story facility featuring a Class ISO8 cleanroom for component washing and drying.

At the heart of the new operation is a Pro 550 six-stage, ultrasonic, aqueous cleaning line from Turbex, which has taken over from an older aqueous washing system and will assist ATL in attaining ISO 13485 medical accreditation by the end of October 2019. Ultimately, the move will enable ATL to supply parts to the medical sector.
ATL director Nigel Downing says: “All of our metallic and high-end plastic components are supplied by external contract machinists, and a large percentage of those require degreasing and the removal of cutting fluid residue before assembly. The Turbex line is so efficient that nearly all components, including non-critical parts, can be processed using a range of semi-automatic washing cycles.”
For further information www.turbex.co.uk

AMRC creates bank of 3D printers

Linked to intuitive software, a bank of 3D printers has been built by AMRC engineers to show that the batch printing of bespoke polymer components is an affordable option, even for smaller manufacturers.

Using a fleet of 12 Formlabs Form 2 desktop 3D printers for the stereolithography (SLA) of polymer components, four Form Cure post-curing stations, four Form Wash cleaning stations, and buffing capabilities, the AMRC believes the new capability will spur the adoption of this technology across a range of sectors. The bank is installed on custom racking that connects each printer to Formlabs’ Dashboard software.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk