LAS set to enter space sector

Doncaster-based Laser Additive Solutions (LAS), a rapidly expanding subcontract provider of laser processing and additive manufacturing services, is targeting customers in the UK’s burgeoning space sector following its investment in aTruPrint 3000 additive production system from Trumpf. If things go to plan, the machine could be the first of many metal 3D printers at this progressive manufacturing business.

“Upon our enquiry, Trumpf alerted us to the availability of a quick-delivery TruPrint 3000 machine,” says managing director Peter Brown. “Although pre-owned, the machine had very low running hours, almost untouched. A powder-bed system had been in my thoughts for a number of years; this was clearly the opportune moment to make the leap.The space sector is constantly seeking manufacturing solutions for lightweight structures that are not easy to build with other technologies.”
For further information www.trumpf.com

Hurco Demo Deals Day

Three CNC lathes and 10 machining centres, two of which feature automation, are currently under power at Hurco Europe’s High Wycombe showroom. Unless sold earlier, all will be available for purchase exactly as seen at specially discounted ex-demo prices at a Demo Deals Day on 28 September. In addition to a Hurco ProCobot Profeeder twin-cart system fitted to a VM20i three-axis machining centre and an Erowa Robot Compact 80 pallet automation system integrated with a VMX30Ui five-axis model, accessories fitted to some of the machines on sale include Renishaw probing and Filtermist extraction units.
For further information www.bit.ly/3L3iUDl

Students complete sustainability challenge

Six students gave up time in their summer holidays to take part in an engineering sustainability challenge that has inspired them to pursue future employment opportunities. The aspiring engineers, all from Cumbria and either at college or having just sat GCSEs, spent eight days on a project looking at ways of reducing carbon emissions at Sellafield Ltd’s Engineering Centre of Excellence at Cleator Moor.The Summer Sprint project was the first of its kind and was set-up by Lorna Devine, Sellafield’s engineering development solutions lead, in collaboration with Lakes College and the Centre for Leadership Performance.
For further information www.bit.ly/3L3Tgyz

LVD makes bending automation affordable

LVD is introducing D-Cell, its most competitively-priced robotic bending cell yet. D-Cell combines a 50-tonne hydraulic press brake with a Kuka industrial robot and LVD’s proprietary programming software.

As manufacturers look to balance costs, quality, throughput and agility, LVD says that D-Cell offers the flexibility to handle production of a wide range of parts with fast throughput, in varying lot sizes, and at a minimised cost. At the heart of D-Cell is the versatile PPED press brake. A simple, cost-efficient design makes PPED practical and easy to use for a variety of bending jobs. According to LVD, the machine’s rigid construction, welded one-piece frame and servo-controlled hydraulic system ensure consistent bending results. It delivers 50 tonne of pressing force, has a 2000 mm working length, four-axis backgauge, and handles part sizes from 35 x 100 mm up to 400 x 600 mm with a part weight of up to 4 kg.

D-Cell features the same automatic programming software as LVD’s Dyna-Cell and Ulti-Form robotic bending systems. Using CADMAN software, D-Cell accelerates ‘art to part’ production in 20 minutes or less. It generates the bending and robot program automatically in 10 minutes and then takes just 10 minutes for set-up and first part production. No robot teaching is needed, making D-Cell easy to program no matter the user’s experience level. Also simplifying its operation: the system uses one interface, one controller for both press brake and robot.

A universal gripper designed by LVD handles different part sizes, bends up to three flanges without regripping and moves easily between tool stations. Its universal application saves investment in custom grippers, reduces changeover time and keeps production continuous.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

International award for Renishaw co-founder

Sir David McMurtry, co-founder and executive chairman of Renishaw, is the recipient of the I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Excellence Award 2023. The award, presented at the 72nd CIRP General Assembly hosted at University College Dublin, Ireland, recognises McMurtry’s outstanding contribution to innovation and research in advanced manufacturing over many decades. This year marks 50 years since McMurtry and John Deer founded Renishaw, which is a specialist in a range of engineering fields, including dimensional metrology and metal additive manufacturing (AM).
For further information www.renishaw.com