FANUC lands global robot deal with Volvo

FANUC has signed a contract with Volvo Cars to supply industrial robots to the automotive manufacturer’s plants across the globe, including its new battery production facilities in Europe, Asia and America.The first phase of the deal will see FANUC supply more than 700 robots to a planned new manufacturing site in Kosice, Slovakia, where Volvo Cars expects the first vehicles to roll off the production line in 2026. During the same phase, FANUC will supply robots to sites in Ghent, Belgium, and Daqing, China.

Volvo Cars plans to produce only electric vehicles from 2030 and achieve CO2 neutrality by 2040. Its new carbon-neutral Slovakian manufacturing facility will be the company’s first site to exclusively manufacture electric vehicles. Ralf Völlinger, general manager of the Robot Business Division at FANUC Europe, says: “The fact that our robots consume little energy, are extremely durable and enjoy unlimited maintenance makes us an attractive partner for companies that want to operate sustainably.”
For further information www.fanuc.eu

In-Comm Training wins £429,000 funding

An independent UK training provider has secured a £429,000 boost for delivering advanced engineering and manufacturing skills.In-Comm Training, which already supports 865 apprentices and over 2500 learners, has been awarded ‘Higher Level Skills’ funding by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in a bid to help industry bridge the skills and competency gaps.

Accessed via the Training & Manufacturing Group (TMG), up to 126 learners in the WMCA area will be able to tap into modularised units for the first time, giving existing workers the most flexible opportunity yet to upskill.These bespoke courses will take place at technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, giving individuals the opportunity to study specific modules of the Level 3-5 Engineering & Management programmes tailored to ensure job progression and sustainable employment.
For further informationwww.bit.ly/3tJgdkD

New factory for ASG AMF

As a precision engineering company manufacturing components and assemblies for research facilities,scientific equipment and the semiconductor industry, ASG AMF Engineering has invested in an additional factory. The company will retain its existing premises for machining, creating additional space for future investment. The move enables ASG AMF to increase the size of itsclean assembly facility,chemical cleaning capabilities and welding processes. It also allowed the firm to invest around £400,000 in automated thermal spraying equipment and expand itsUHV cleaning facility.
For further information www.asg-group.co

Tyrolit buys Acme Abrasives

At the end of September 2023, grinding and dressing tool manufacturer Tyrolit acquired all stock of Acme Holding Company. Acme Abrasives is a specialist abrasives manufacturer and provider based in Michigan, USA, and becomesTyrolit’s seventh manufacturing plant in the US.The acquisition is a strategic move that will further expand Tyrolit’s product portfolio for the steel and foundry sector, as well as the rail industry. The company will now integrate Acme wheels into its portfolio of grinding and specialty abrasive solutions for industrial clients.
For further information www.tyrolit.com

Hydraulic chuck offers runout of less than 1µm

Big Kaiser, a specialist in precision tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industry, is introducing its Hydraulic Chuck Ultra Precision. The new chuck, which is suitable for machine shops that require the lowest possible runout in high-precision milling, is available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

With Big Kaiser’s hydraulic clamping system for high levels of concentricity, the company guarantees runout of less than 1 µm at 4xD. This ultra-low runout does not drift, even after intensive use, whereas some shrink-fit holders become less accurate after each clamping, reports ITC.

Clamping with the new hydraulic chuck is easy and safe, requiring only an Allen key. This design makes it straightforward and quick to change tools in the machine. With no hot-clamping machines required, users can extend the life of the tool holder indefinitely, reducing costs and minimising the environmental impact of holder replacement in comparison with shrink-fit holders.

As part of Big Kaiser’s HDC (hydraulic chucks) series, the new chuck provides precise clamping in 3, 5 and 6mm diameters.

“Based on our decades of experience and know-how, the new ultra-precision chuck delivers the excellent accuracy that our customers demand,” says Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales andmarketing officer for Europe at Big Kaiser. “Shrink-fit holders may cost slightly less up front, but when you factor in the time wasted and the cost of heating and cooling equipment, it’s clear that hydraulic chucks are a more economical option over their lifetime.”
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk