ABB rebrands mobile robots

ABB has launched its first rebranded autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) following its acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics in 2021. Since adding AMRs to its portfolio, ABB says it has become the only company with a comprehensive and integrated offering of robots, AMRs and machine automation solutions. ASTI’s solutions now carry the name ‘Flexley’, indicating the flexibility of operations that the AMRs offer. The first models, Flexley Tug and Flexley Mover, cover applications that include towing, trolley transportation up to 2000 kg, and lifting and transporting racks, containers and pallets up to 1500 kg.
For further information www.amr.robotics.abb.com

Tschudin and United Grinding enter partnership

Tschudin AG, a global specialist in high‐precision centreless cylindrical grinding machines, and the United Grinding Group, a manufacturer of precision machines for grinding, eroding, lasering, measuring and combination machining, are entering into a strategic partnership involving cross‐ownership. The aim is to provide customers with even more comprehensive support by offering complementary grinding solutions and using shared sales networks.

Thanks to this new strategic partnership, the customers of both companies will benefit from a complementary product portfolio. The companies will continue to operate independently in financial terms, but benefit from additional synergies in sales.

“The United Grinding Group is strongly positioned globally,” states Urs Tschudin, shareholder of Tschudin AG. “With the foundation of our Tschudin sales company in China in 2019, we further expanded our international presence. We want to continue on this path.”

Iwan von Rotz, CEO of Tschudin AG, adds: “We can do that even better thanks to this strategic co-operation with United Grinding. By using shared sales channels, we can better reach our customers and further grow our market share. The partnership thus brings advantages to both parties.”

Stephan Nell, CEO of the United Grinding Group, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Tschudin as a strong partner that ideally complements our range with its centreless grinding machines. As part of this strategic partnership, we can provide a complete range of cylindrical grinding machines to our customers. We look forward to a close, long‐term working relationship.”
For further information https://tschudin.swiss

Robot integration for CNC applications

Over the past few years, Fastems reports that the number of CNC applications utilising automated guided vehicle (AGV) or autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technologies has multiplied – and demand is continuing to rise. “Today, the majority of our focus industries are using AGVs or AMRs in some way,” says Mika Laitinen, solution sales director at Fastems. “Whether in aerospace, defence, machine building, medical or subcontracting, there are automated vehicles in many production shops.”

He adds: “When it comes to CNC automation and AGVs or AMRs, they can be of great help in reducing manual transfers and forklift operations, reducing buffer sizes, increasing the automation level, and making production flows more predictable and reproducible.” In addition, Fastems’ Manufacturing Management Software brings higher intelligence for AGV use by overseeing all production orders and resources, and scheduling every piece of this complex puzzle for timely customer deliveries.
For further information www.bit.ly/3rh4SDT

Compressor manufacturer installs rotor grinder

One of North America’s premier rotary screw compressor manufacturers has ordered a new TG 350E CNC rotor grinding machine from UK-based PTG Holroyd. The machine takes its place alongside a previous-generation TG 350 model that has been in reliable daily operation at the compressor rotor manufacturing facility since 2008.

Valued in excess of $1.7m, the new TG 350E rotor grinder is currently in build at PTG Holroyd’s Rochdale technology centre, from where it will ship in spring 2023. The machine will precision-grind screw rotors of up to 350 mm in diameter and 1800 mm in length, bringing even higher levels of flexibility to the company’s manufacturing strategies.

“Although we’re not able to name this North American customer, it is nonetheless rewarding to know that the positive experience gained by using one of our machines over so many years played a significant part in their decision to order a second PTG Holroyd machine,” says PTG Holroyd sales director Mark Curran.

With the PTG Holroyd TG series, advanced automation means reduced set-up time, while it is also possible to save a significant amount of production time due to the fact that each machine’s diamond dressing discs are continuously dressed during the semi-finish grinding cycles.

The TG range starts with the TG 50E, a machine designed to precision-grind components of up to 50 mm in diameter and 610 mm in length, with models offering stepped increases in capability up to the production of helical components measuring 450 mm in diameter and 2020 mm in length. Equally suited to prototyping, batch and volume production, TG machines are primarily for the finish-grinding of helical screw components such as worm screws and rotors (after milling to a rough or semi-finished state).
For further information www.holroyd.com

The Big Bang Fair returns

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair will be returning to Birmingham’s NEC next year. Taking place on 21-23 June 2023, the fair is the largest celebration of STEM subjects in the UK and is free to attend. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities and workshops to explore what the world of STEM has to offer. Over three days, students will also get to hear first-hand from real-life scientists and engineers about the endless possibilities and exciting careers in STEM. There will be particular focus on the environment and making the world a better place.
For further information www.thebigbang.org.uk