Free training during disruption

XYZ Machine Tools is making use of the current quieter period to provide as much support to customers as possible, especially if they find themselves having to redeploy staff to cope with instances of self-isolation.

The offer includes free training, subject to the availability of XYZ’s applications team. XYZ customers can contact the company on 01823 674200 to discuss any additional training requirements or programming assistance, on either the ProtoTRAK or Siemens control system.
“We are living through extraordinary circumstances but, in time, some level of normality will return and the team at XYZ Machine Tools will be in place to help customers ramp up production,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director. “At that time, we will be here with machines in stock ready to help. Until then, we will endeavour to support our customers in other ways.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

CBE+ gains sponsor for SC21 programme

Precision engineering subcontractor CBE+ has been selected by UK aerospace OEM Leonardo for sponsorship on the SC21 operational excellence programme.

AW101 Brochure image

SC21 is a continuous improvement programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry by optimising the performance of its supply chains. Certification is only achieved after all SC21 framework requirements have been met, and covers elements such as delivery, quality, sustainable improvement, business and manufacturing excellence.
For further information https://cbeplus.com/

Ramping up

The medical division of global technology company Smiths is ramping up production of paraPAC Plus ventilators at its Luton site to meet increased demand from the UK and across Europe.

Smiths Medical is working with its supply chain to increase weekly production over the coming weeks. The company will also play a central role in the industrial consortium being formed by the UK Government. Smiths will provide IP and technical advice, and make available its paraPAC Plus ventilator to the consortium, so that additional UK sites and supply chains can be created to deliver the objective.
For further information www.smiths-medical.com

LK moves into CMM arm market

A manufacturer of static CMMs, LK Metrology, has for the first time diversified into the supply of 3D articulating arm metrology systems, otherwise known as portable arms, with the launch of a range of 24 machines called Freedom arm.

Within the range there is a six-axis model for touch probing and a seven-axis version for multi-sensor metrology, including laser scanning. Both are available in two accuracy levels, and the four products come in six sizes with a reach of up to 5 m. International sales and support is through the company’s offices in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and China, as well as via a worldwide distributor network.
“The solutions we can offer customers are greatly expanded by the range of arms,” says marketing manager Dave Robinson, who is based at the firm’s CMM factory near Derby. “Their portability makes them suited to line-side measuring and inspection in factories, while their compactness makes them ideal for use on machine tools, for in-process quality control.
“This new product platform is also particularly appropriate for reverse engineering applications, virtual assembly design environments and 3D modelling,” he adds. “Moreover, if very high precision tolerances do not have to be measured, a portable arm is a cost-effective way to progress from manual to CNC metrology.”
The two six-axis arms for tactile inspection are named Freedom Classic and Freedom Select, the former being the entry-level model and the latter the enhanced accuracy version, which is supplied with a calibration bar.
The addition of an extra degree of freedom provides infinite movement and enables laser scanning with a Nikon Metrology ModelMaker H120, MMDx100 or MMDx200. These seven-axis arms, again in two accuracy versions, are called Freedom Classic Scan and Freedom Select Scan.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com