Streamlining AM simulation

Additive manufacturing (AM) expert Renishaw is collaborating with Simufact to enhance the success of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) builds through accurate simulation and streamlined AM preparation.

The collaboration includes the integration of Renishaw’s QuantAM build preparation software into Simufact Additive 2020. Also, the two companies are working together on improving the simulation of complex material metallurgies found in the process to enable the successful prediction and compensation of stress and distortion during printing operations.
Included within Simufact Additive 2020 is an integrated Renishaw QuantAM API for build job preparation and export, which provides the user with an error-free data transmission from Simufact Additive directly to Renishaw systems. This functionality also improves productivity because the entire work process, from design to printed part, is possible within the software. QuantAM API now enables multi-laser build file preparation for Renishaw’s RenAM 500Q quad-laser machine.
For further information www.renishaw.com

MTC appears on best companies list

Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has been listed at number 57 in the ‘75 Best Companies to Work For in the Midlands – 2020’.

The achievement comes hot on the heels of the Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For in 2020’, which listed the MTC at number 77 nationally. Dr Clive Hickman, chief executive at the MTC, says the accolade reflects the efforts taken to make sure the MTC is a great place to work, and that employees are engaged, valued and looked after: “We make great efforts to ensure the MTC is a happy and satisfying place to work, while at the same time challenging our people to fulfil their potential.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

More staff at Ward CNC

After a year of high business growth, Ward CNC is ramping up its staff levels with several key additions to the team.

The latest employees are being announced to underpin the current growth trajectory, but also to support the company’s ‘More Than Machines’ philosophy, which is dedicated to further enhancing its commitment to customer service, from initial introduction and application requirements, through to sales, delivery, installation, training, spares, consumables and technical support.
A key appointment sees Ward CNC appoint Richard Hunter Rowe (pictured) as its head of sales operations. Joining the company in January, Rowe is a member of the senior management team and his role is to devise national sales strategies and operational support plans. He will ensure the sales team is positioned to deliver growth objectives and fiscal budgets, as well as shaping future strategic objectives.
For further information www.wardcnc.com

Removing 3D-printed parts from base plates

The MEBA3D 335 is said to be a fast and cost-effective solution for the removal of 3D-printed parts from their base plates. Well before 3D sawing became a trend, MEBA had developed a concept for separating 3D-printed parts from the base plate that offers fast process times and good cutting results, with low operating and cost expenditure. The MEBA3D 335 concept is based on the straight cut saws of the MEBAeco product family, which are designed to offer high efficiency and optimum cutting results.

This metal-cutting bandsaw is equipped with a special clamping device for mounting plates that can be precisely aligned in order to release the 3D printed workpieces exactly on the customer’s own mounting plate. MEBA’s saw can be fitted with a housing in the working area of the saw that protects against dust, and with an additional suction device, if required.
Compared with conventional production processes such as wire EDM, MEBA says that its 3D saw concept is extremely uncomplicated, with just a few operating steps: simply clamp and saw. Acquisition and maintenance costs are also said to be significantly lower, while the long service life of the saw blade is another factor that helps keep costs low.
Utilisation and amortisation of the saw are further enhanced by the fact that MEBA3D 335 saws can also be used for standard sawing operations with a minimum of changeover effort.
An additional advantage of the MEBA 3D system is that, in many cases, existing MEBA saws are compatible and can be upgraded easily and economically. The system was successfully demonstrated to visitors at the Formnext exhibition in Frankfurt during November.
For further information www.meba-saw.com

Top reasons for a bandsaw upgrade

The benefits of upgrading an old bandsaw machine are numerous, considering the advances in the design and functions of modern bandsaw machines, reports Saws UK in a new guide that highlights the top five advantages of newer models.

First up is higher bed height. Most horizontal bandsaws today have a higher bed height so users do not stoop to operate them – much better for health as this reduces the likelihood of a back injury.
Second is swivel bows: many newer machines have swivel bows for mitring as standard, while some of the more premium models include both a left and right mitre facility. For those who do not perform much mitring, and the material is not too big, it is even possible to flip the material upside down to do the opposite mitre on one-way machines.
Blade speeds are a further consideration. Most newer bandsaws include variable blade speeds, unlike many older bandsaws which only have two – the lower to cut stainless steel and tool steels, and the higher to cut mild steel, aluminium and soft alloys. This factor means modern bandsaws can cut more materials more easily, often via a frequency inverter. As a result, users can finely tune the speed of sawing to give the best cut and economic blade life on all materials.
Increasingly, micro-blade lubrication systems are being used by those who do not want coolant on the floor, points out Saws UK. These systems can be retrofitted at any time.
The final point on the list is automation: newer machines offer advanced automation solutions, meaning users can program them to batch-saw easily and efficiently, and even leave machines running overnight, massively increasing productivity and saving costs over time, even if the upfront outlay is greater.
For further information www.sawsuk.com