Festool automates tool-making department

In mould and die making, individual machining processes are increasingly being combined into automated production cells with integrated handling. The main advantage is a higher degree of machine utilisation, as the systems can operate unattended 24/7. Two prerequisites for the realisation of such autonomous systems are more intensive digitalisation of the processes consistent with Industry 4.0 and an increased level of investment.

One company that has followed this automation route is German power tool manufacturer Festool, which produces complex die-casting mould tools and plastic injection moulds for producing its products at a factory in Neidlingen. The toolmaking department has installed a robotic production cell based on machining centres manufactured by German firm, Roeders. Similar technology is available in the UK and Ireland through Roeders sole agent, Hurco Europe.

To implement the installation, Roeders supplied two of its RXP five-axis machining centres and RMSMain job manager software, which is linked to Festool’s IK Office enterprise resource planning system. In addition, the company also supplied a Fanuc R-2000iC handling robot running on a linear rail. Also located within the cell are a Hexagon CMM, an Exeron die-sink EDM machine and an automatic washing system from Mafac.

Within the cell, a Roeders RXP 601 DSH primarily machines graphite electrodes, while a larger RXP 950 DSH is used mainly for hard machining. Materials include 1.2343 hot work tool steel and sometimes 1.2379 cold work tool steel.

Raw material is rough machined in the hardened condition (54-60 HRc) and subsequently finished while remaining in the same fixture. Compared with the previous procedure of roughing in the soft state, then hardening and finally finishing in a second operation, the new method is significantly faster and less expensive.
For further information www.hurco.co.uk

Renishaw’s net zero plans

After committing in November 2021 to a net-zero target by no later than 2050, engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has announced further plans to achieve net zero for scope one and two emissions by 2028 and have fully measured scope three emissions by March 2023. The company’s newly expanded sustainability team will be working to educate internal and external stakeholders about how they can better understand their environmental impact and collectively assist Renishaw to meet its science-based targets.
For further information www.renishaw.com/sustainability

Yamazaki Mazak strengthens UK sales team

Yamazaki Mazak has strengthened its UK sales team with the appointment of a new dedicated sales engineer to support the company’s existing sales managers. Steve Livett joins from MSC Industrial Supply with the remit to develop new business opportunities across the entire Mazak range of machines, CNC controls and automation systems. Livett served an advanced apprenticeship and throughout his career has developed a skill set in milling applications, tooling and the development of CNC machining solutions for subcontract manufacturers. He will report to general sales manager Tony Creamer.

Productive added-value with high-speed mill

With the release of a 4 kW version of its MXCube, Datron is focusing on the high-performance machining of aluminium.

Since its initial launch in 2020, the Datron MXCube has gained a reputation for dynamics and precision. Its rigid structure and powerful high-frequency spindles with 4 and 8 kW power are tailor-made attributes for modern HSC strategies. Datron says that the combination of high chip volume and high surface finish therefore makes the MXCube a must-have for modern milling shops where unit costs determine the work cycle. As another point of note, the machine is a previous winner of the Red Dot award for its attractive design.

As of now, the Datron MXCube is also available with a 4 kW spindle and the automatic Datron Tool Assist tool changer offering 143 HSK-25 tool slots. At this performance level, it is particularly recommended for applications where a high number of sister tools is required. The Datron MXCube also convinces with its sophisticated chip management and is offered with an optional chip conveyor.

Datron says that MXCube is the right choice wherever high dynamics, high speeds and corresponding feed rates are required for the machining of aluminium and non-ferrous metals. In addition, the machine offers accessibility to all functional elements and thus simplifies not only the operation for the worker but also the maintenance for the service.

Like all Datron high-speed milling machines, the MXCube offers a large working area within a relatively small corresponding footprint.
For further information www.datrontechnology.co.uk

BMW opens automated pressing facility

BMW Group board member for production, Dr Milan Nedeljković, formally opened a new automated steel pressing facility at the company’s Swindon plant last week. The new press will produce steel panels for the Mini plant in Oxford at twice the rate of the equipment it replaces, with the steel blanks and finished panels handled by a new fleet of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs).

This facility is a technological first for the BMW Group and will be rolled out in other press shops around the company’s global network of manufacturing plants. In total, 23 new AGVs have been commissioned in the new facility, with more planned over the next few years. The new press comprises of six individual stations which can produce up to 18 parts per minute, more than twice the capacity of the previous press line. The time taken swap press tools is also significantly less, from 30 minutes, to a little over three minutes.
For further information www.bmwgroup.com