KMF invests in automated bending

KMF Precision Sheet Metal, the sheet metal fabrication arm of the KMF group, says it is continuing to prove that it is at the forefront of robotic automatic bending systems by investing in and installing industry-leading machinery. As part of plans which began in 2015 to be UK leaders in the introduction of robotic automatic bending systems, KMF Precision Sheet Metal committed to a rolling programme of technology investment.

The latest addition to its ambitious plans is a Trumpf TruBend Cell 7000 complete with wireless ACB (automatically controlled bend) technology, which has already begun delivering products in earnest.

Terry Stanway, KMF purchasing and facilities director, says: “The combined offerings from our current technology will ensure that we can now investigate lights-out production opportunities for larger volume demand, particularly for smaller components, where additional capacity is required.”

He continues: “The installation of the automatic bending cell represents the first phase of investment in 2021, during which we also expect to invest in further technology advancements with an upgrade to our existing automated twin laser cell system. From initial investigations, it is expected that this project is likely to result in production cycle reductions of up to 60% across a range of material types and gauges.”

For further information
www.trumpf.com

The keys to post-pandemic success

As industry in the UK and Ireland emerges from the grips of the pandemic, improvements in production efficiency will be essential to maintain competitiveness in a global marketplace.

However, according to 1st Machine Tool Accessories (1st MTA), the situation is more an opportunity than a challenge. Machine shops currently have time to carry out in-depth analyses of their processes and see where cost reductions are possible without compromising quality.

Unit production cost is everything and there are many ways of reducing it. For instance, one of the most recent agency lines taken on by 1st MTA is the range of electro-permanent magnetic work-holding and handling equipment from Walmag. The manufacturer asserts that swapping from the use of conventional vices to a magnetic solution allows five sides of a components to be machined in one hit, typically raising output by a quarter for no increase in production cost.

Walmag has gone so far as to calculate the comparative cost benefit of producing a part in one operation using magnetic work holding rather than in two operations using compressive clamping. The analysis is based on milling a 400 x 600 x 20 mm component on a VMC in a 30-minute cycle. The saving derives solely from being able to fixture the billet once in one minute instead of twice in eight minutes.

Based on £16.20 per hour to employ an operator and £43.20 per hour for use of the machine tool, the £5079.24 capital cost of the Walmag clamp and control unit is amortised in 49 days in single-shift operation, or in half that time for a double-shift pattern. After that, there is a net saving for the manufacturer of £103.95 per shift, assuming the machining of 15 workpieces.

For further information www.1mta.com

PMI hits near-record high

April saw a further acceleration in the UK manufacturing sector’s rate of expansion. Growth of output and new orders were both among the best seen over the past seven years, leading to a solid increase in employment. The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 60.9 in April, up from 58.9 in March and above the earlier flash estimate of 60.7. The latest reading is the highest since July 1994’s record high (61.0).
Manufacturing production increased for the 11th successive month in April. Underpinning the latest robust expansion of production was a similarly marked improvement in new business intake, while two-thirds (66%) of companies predict that output will be even higher in a year’s time. In fact, the overall degree of confidence currently stands at its highest level in seven years.

For further information www.markiteconomics.com

Virtual portal milling event

Soraluce will to showcase its portal and gantry milling machines live from the company’s factory in Spain at 09:00 UK time on 18 May. This 30-minute virtual event, delivered in English by David Gonzalez, commercial director at Soraluce, and Iñaki Iglesias, senior applications technician, is open to all who register. TW Ward CNC Machinery is the partner and exclusive supplier of Soraluce machine tools in the UK and Ireland.

The event will include practical examples showing the multi-tasking functionality of the machines, which are suitable for milling, turning and grinding. More specifically, attendees will have the opportunity to witness a comprehensive tour of a machine for a major customer from the rail sector. Delegates will be able to ask questions by participating in a live chat.

Register at
https://is.gd/rinusu

XYZ reports strong start to 2021

The year has started on a highly positive note for XYZ Machine Tools, which posted record sales for February and March. April has continued that trend with the figures defying the gloom that the Covid-19 pandemic has wrought, showing year-on-year UK sales growth of over 18%. XYZ achieved an order intake for April of 106 machines.

“We have robust plans in place to help XYZ Machine Tools continue this positive trajectory,” says managing director Nigel Atherton. “These include stepping up our machine orders with suppliers to increase stock levels; new machine introductions; partnering tooling specialist Ceratizit as it opens a new showroom in Sheffield; and opening our own showroom in Huddersfield later this year. The 5000 sq ft Huddersfield facility is located just off the M62 and will serve customers either side of the Pennines with training and demonstrations.”

For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com