Asco integrates Jetcam

Asco Power Technologies, based in Welcome, North Carolina, manufactures automatic transfer switches, switchgear and other power management products. The company has used Jetcam Expert nesting software since receiving it alongside a Finn-Power 880 CNC punch press back in 1997. Notably, the software’s performance provided a stark contrast to the different nesting software systems being used to drive other machines in Asco’s facility at the time.

James Hunley, fabrication specialist recalls: “We used a range of nesting software systems supplied alongside machines at the time, with varying issues. One was particularly slow and not user-friendly – more of a CAD system than software designed for punching.”

After using Jetcam Expert alongside the other systems, Hunley realised that it was outperforming them in every way.
“We started to wonder what else it could drive,” he says. “It was the most user-friendly, and financially it was cheaper than other systems. Why, when we can do things faster in Jetcam, would we not use it for everything?”
The decision was made around 2005 to standardise on Jetcam Expert for all new machines.

“We’ve run a number of benchmark comparisons over the years and each time Jetcam outperformed other systems, both in terms of overall speed of programming and nesting efficiency,” says Hunley. “Programming was up to 75% quicker, while nesting efficiency could be as much as 14% better. In addition, the machine path optimisation allowed jobs to run faster with code generated by Jetcam.”

He concludes: “Over the years I’ve dealt with maybe six or seven other systems, and Jetcam is superior to all of them.”

For further information
www.jetcam.co.uk

Defence industry ‘meet the buyer’ event

Make UK Defence is staging a ‘meet the buyer’ event targeted at businesses from the emerging technologies sector. The virtual event on 16-17 June aims to connect defence and space companies with innovation from the research and start-up ecosystem, early TRL levels, and aid with supply chain development for the future. Using the Swapcard platform, the event already features buyers from Aquila, Babcock, Defence & Security Accelerator, Leonardo Electronics, Leonardo Helicopters, QinetiQ, Raytheon, RBSL, Teledyne e2v and Thales, with more to announcements soon.

For further information
https://is.gd/qodono

Bystronic floats on SIX

For the first time, the shares of Bystronic AG can be traded under the ‘BYS’ ticker symbol on the SIX Swiss Exchange, helping the company to establish itself on the capital market as an independent and future-oriented company. At the AGM in April, shareholders approved a change of name from Conzzeta AG to Bystronic AG as the result of the strategic transformation focusing on the sheet-metal processing segment (Bystronic) and the divestment of all other business operations announced by Conzzeta in late 2019.

The listed registered shares of Conzzeta AG were subsequently transferred to Bystronic AG. In addition, the Conzzeta board of directors is now the new board of directors of Bystronic. CEO Alex Waser said: “This is a historic moment. I am proud to share this special day with our customers, investors and the entire Bystronic team around the globe.”

For further information www.bystronic.com

Esprit for Profit unlocks tool potential

Esprit for Profit is a new, special edition of the software that works for tools which require specific tool paths generated only with CAM systems.

Tool manufacturers offer innovative tools with high potential to save time and money and to machine difficult parts and materials. These tools could be valuable for machine shops, but unfortunately it is not always easy to unlock their full potential.

“Esprit for Profit enables production to easily access all the benefits of these innovative tools,” says Luca Ruggiero, sales director for EMEA at DP Technology, the parent company of Esprit.

Offered via yearly subscription, Esprit for Profit does not require users to purchase a full CAM system or an extra add-on. The software is available for milling with Esprit’s ProfitMilling cycle or for turning with the high-speed ProfitTurning cycle.

The ProfitMilling cycle offers improvements in cycle time, boasting a reduction of up to 75% compared with traditional milling strategies, says Esprit. The cycle can also extend tool life by up to 500% thanks to a patented method of cycle optimisation that produces consistent chip loads and reduced cutting forces. The optimised, high-speed tool-path patterns reduce the need for rapid machine accelerations and abrupt changes in direction, which would otherwise negatively affect chip loads and increase cutting forces.

Esprit’s ProfitTurning cutting strategy features a tool path that maintains consistent chip load and cutting forces, allowing for increased machining speeds. This cutting strategy results in reduced cycle time and cost per part, providing increased productivity. In fact, ProfitTurning delivers a 25% reduction in cycle time and a 300% increase in tool life compared to traditional strategies, reports Esprit.

For further information
www.espritcam.com

Addressing the inadequate workwear issue

Many workers in hazardous environments could be wearing protective workwear that is not fit for purpose, according to workwear supply and laundry provider, Elis. Elis works with thousands of businesses around the UK, advising them on their protective clothing requirements, supplying the workwear and providing support through regular laundry and maintenance services. The company estimates that around 60% of business are using at least some workwear that is incorrect or insufficient.

Elis helps customers assess the hazards involved and makes recommendations to ensure that protective workwear meets the relevant requirements. The company runs a nationwide service (supplying garments on a rental basis), with in-house PPE expertise and a national network of industrial laundries and delivery fleets. All protective clothing PPE requirements are covered, including high visibility and protection from welding sparks, electric arc flash, chemicals, heat and flames.

For further information https://uk.elis.com/en