Automation doubles subcontractor’s turnover

Located in Schwabmünden, Germany, family-run subcontractor Heinz Knöpfle GmbH is taking maximum advantage of the productivity potential of automation. The company recently installed five robot load/unload systems from Halter, whose range of LoadAssistant robotic machine tending equipment is available in the UK from 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

About 16 years ago, the company acquired its first machine from Mazak, which was automated a year later with a bar feeder. Despite Heinz Knöpfle employing just five people, there are currently 22 Mazak machining centres and lathes on the shop floor.

The subcontractor’s entry into robotic automation began in 2018 when second-generation managing director Christian Knöpfle became aware of Halter during a discussion with a Mazak sales manager. A short time later, the first turn-mill centre, a Mazak Integrex i-200ST, was coupled with a Halter Universal Premium.

All Halter automation solutions are compact, versatile robot cells in a variety of designs for CNC lathes, machining centres or both, as in the case of the Universal Premium. They have been developed for automated loading and unloading of rotationally symmetrical and prismatic workpieces. A wide variety of grippers is available, as well as grid plates that act as buffer storage for components.

While the robot loads and unloads a machine, an operator at the rear of the automation cell can replenish the system with raw material and remove machined components, without having to interrupt production.

The benefits of the first robotic cell were so convincing that Heinz Knöpfle has since invested in four further automation solutions from Halter – two additional Universal Premiums for a CNC turn-mill centre and a three-axis machining centre, a Halter Big for a Mazak i-200S turn-mill centre, and a Halter Turnstacker Compact 12 for a Mazak QuickTurn Nexus 250-II MSY lathe.

For further information www.1mta.com

Tips for buying folding machinery

When it comes to buying a CNC folding machine there are lots of things to think about. Bulldog Industrial is therefore offering some helpful tips to help smooth the process.

Firstly, there are many different types of CNC folding machines, which can lead to a lot of confusion when trying to decide what type of machine would be the best. For example, if seeking a hobbyist-type machine for smaller projects, an entry-level CNC folder will likely suffice.

If, on the other hand, the intention is to produce large quantities of products in high volume, a professional-grade machine will be necessary.
It is also important to think about whether the machine has to be portable or stationary. Finally, consider what type of software it comes with. Luckily, there are many different types of software for use with a CNC folder. The type of software ultimately depends on needs. If seeking software for a general purpose CNC machine, it might make sense to choose a folder that has many options available. Take into account the budget how often program changes will be required.

When buying a CNC folding machine, it is important to purchase one that is certified. Look for a manufacturer that will put a seal on the machine, and make sure the folder is ready to go right out of the box. Furthermore, verify that the machine has been tested by an independent third party.

Another tip is to find out how many hours have been clocked on the machine before it was sold. This ensures that the machine is new and has not been sitting around for long periods of time without use. The more hours spent on a machine, the more risk there is of something going wrong.

For further information
www.bulldog-uk.com

10 apprentice placements

Photochemical etching specialist Precision Micro has announced that it will recruit the largest-ever number of local school leavers to its apprenticeship scheme this autumn. Located in Birmingham, with a 44,000 sq ft manufacturing plant, Precision Micro will take on 10 new apprentices this year, more than trebling the number of available apprenticeship placements from its typical annual intake. The four-year placements are open to students between 16 and 21, and will provide successful applicants with a holistic experience across all of its business departments.

For further information
www.bit.ly/3MFHadi

Trusted and agile: perfect fit with Amada

Sudbury-based Daro Manufacturing Services, part of Daro Group, has recently installed its second Amada HFE3i press brake. Daro Manufacturing Service’s robust British design, development, fabrication and product assembly services are based on strong foundations of many decades of expertise. Being part of Daro Group, the company benefits from the wider support of the group’s central resources, such as strategic planning, sales and marketing, financial planning and management, and ongoing investment. So, when it came to updating its fabrication facilities, Daro knew what it needed and turned to Amada.

In 2018, the company installed a heavy tonnage Amada HFE3i-1703 eight-axis press brake. However, continued growth meant that extra capacity was needed to keep up with demand; again Amada was the first port of call.

“This is the second investment that Daro has made with Amada,” says head of sales Stuart Clarke. “Our first purchase was a 170 tonne, 3 m press brake to expand our heavy fabrication. Basing our decision on Amada’s reputation and the product’s attributes of durability and reliability has proven to be sound. Therefore, when it came to replacing the press brake for our lighter gauge sheet metal facility, we knew we were in good hands.

“Adding additional Amada plant gives us greater efficiencies and flexibility with staffing,” he adds. “The CNC control and quick-release clamping feature has not only helped us to achieve faster and more cost-effective production methods, it also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement.”

For further information
www.amada.eu

More Citizen sales managers

Due to unprecedented growth in the sales of Cincom sliding-head and Miyano fixed-head turning centres, which has doubled Citizen Machinery UK’s turnover since 2016, the company has increased the number of its area sales managers from five to six. Consequently, two promotions have been made within the existing business. Simon Fitzpatrick will serve Ireland, Scotland and territories in the north of England, while James Taylor will look after the southwest. At the same time, Tony Nolloth has been appointed UK & Ireland sales manager to coordinate the activities of all sales territories.

For further information
www.citizenmachinery.co.uk