Gripper technology supports cobot applications

The adoption of collaborative robots across multiple sectors continues apace as increasing numbers of manufacturers realise the potential these robots offer to provide a cost effective and productive solution. Just as these robots have evolved in recent years to provide greater reach and payload capabilities, so too have the gripper technologies they use. Why? Well, not only to cater for a wider range of applications, but also to ensure that the gripper design and functionality complies with ISO TS 15066, which provides guidance for cobot use.

New additions to the Schmalzrange include the FXCB/FMCB area grippers, which support handling with cobots. Applications include end-of-line packaging, and pick-and-place tasks. The design of these gripper systems, which uses 3D printing as part of the manufacturing process, complies with ISO TS 15066, while the FXCB variant also includes integrated vacuum generation. Additional features of the range encompass communication technology via IO-Link, and an integrated NFC (near field communications) chip.

The Schmalz FQE series offers flexible handling of workpieces, regardless of size and geometry from different pick-up positions. Also designed for use with cobots, these gripper systems provide solutions to handling applications across multiple sectors that include the automotive, glass and electronics industry, in addition to end of line packaging and intralogistics tasks.

The ‘X’ variant of this area gripping system comes compete with an energy-efficient, fully integrated pneumatic vacuum generation system, while the alternative ‘M’ variant is for operation with an external vacuum generator. With their low weight and low noise levels, together with their smooth rounded design, the grippers are also suitable for human–robot–collaboration applications, meeting the ISO TS 15066 standard.
For further information www.schmalz.com

Teenage girl wins Young Engineer of the Year

Ranita Ariyibi, a 15-year old student at Colchester County High School for Girls, has scooped been crowned UK Young Engineer of the Year 2023 for her invention of a device that enables hearing and deaf people to communicate more easily.InterSign acts as electronic interpreter between British Sign Language (BSL) and English, meaning it can see a sign then give the meaning in English – both spoken and written on screen. Similar to smart speakers, it has the additional advantage of being able to take action. So, signing ‘help’ could trigger the device to call emergency services or a family member.
For further information www.bit.ly/3pyHHYC

Partnership drives industrialisation of laser texturing

The laser processing group at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has joined forces with 13 research organisations and leading companies across Europe to design and deliver the next generation of laser texturing systems.The SYNTECS project is driven by sustainability and digitalisation principles to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity, and aims to increase the uptake and industrialisation of the technology among European manufacturers.

Component surface treatments offer a valuable way of improving the end results in areas such as roughness, scratch resistance and microbial resistance. Although used in manufacturing for decades, increased industrial demands for more complex, customised and better performing components have resulted in a growing need for multi-functional surfaces.

Laser surface texturing techniques provide an alternative way of achieving functional surfaces, but the full potential of the technology is limited due to the scanning technology and the digital architecture used.

MTC laser processing technology manager Tian Long See says the SYNTECS project will address these challenges by developing a versatile, low-cost laser texturing approach to generate surfaces with multi-functional performance responses, combining the two most promising scanning techniques – direct laser writing (DLW) and direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) into a single module.

“The hardware development will be supported by a sophisticated digital design module that will accelerate the design and optimisation of functional surfaces by considering the sustainability aspect of the component during the design stage,” he explains.“This will enable greener manufacturing fit for the future.”

Supported by funding through the EU’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme for research and innovation, the project consortium will develop a fully integrated versatile laser texturing system that reduces design and production time with a ‘right first time’ approach.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

XYZ UMC-5X takes to the skies

The Rolls-Royce Precision Machining Facility in Derby is using a new UMC-5X five-axis machining centre from XYZ Machine Tools to bring in-house the manufacture of fixtures for intermediate-pressure turbine blades.Tool-room managerThomas McAllister says: “We chose the UMC-5X for its price-performance metrics and use it extensively for 3+2 machining. It providesus with accuracies of 10 µm.”

He continues: “The machining process requires compound angles and we typically braze supporting pads on each fixture, machining these to suit the individual blade. For the UMC-5X we specified: a Blum tool setter and RMP 600 Renishaw probe; the kinematics option on the control; and the linear roller system for the best area of contact and fastest axis travel. We manufacture about 40 complex fixtures each year. The UMC-5X will pay for itself in less than 12 months.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Ownership scheme extended

All staff at a manufacturer of round, flat and profile wire are now shareholders thanks to a recently completed MBO.Directors Tom Mander, Andrew Du Plessis and Adam Shaw bought Alloy Wire International (AWI), which has two sites in the West Midlands and Yorkshire, with the new management team immediately extending the firm’s employee ownership scheme to include all 33 employees.The ‘people first’ approach is certainly paying dividends with AWI going from £1m in 2000 to £12.8m at the start of 2022, and impressive sales putting it on course for nearly £18m by the close of the year.
For further informationwww.alloywire.com