XYZ Machine Tools helps to keep vans safe

Exeter-based Van Guard Accessories has invested in a new XYZ 750 TMC vertical machining centre with ProtoTRAK RMX control and 20-station carousel tool changer. The machine enabled this progressive manufacturing business to bring in-house the manufacture of prismatic parts for its ULTI Lock hook-lock, which is the first ‘Sold Secure’Gold level hook-lock for vans.

The first part on the new machine was the lock’s face plate. Fixturing was designed so that 22 face plates could fit on onepallet. Previously, countersinking of the face plates to three different depths took place manually, requiring 15 minutes per part. To subcontract this operation cost £1.10 per component, so in-house machining was easy to justify with a cycle time of 30 seconds per plate and a payback on the machine of less than three years.

Director of operationsLeigh Andrewssays: “The ULTI Lock has been a raging success; we’re making between 4000 and 6000 per month. Typically, each van will have two or three hook-locks, one on the rear door and two on the side door. We’re preparing more fixtures so that we can introduce the machining of other parts in-house. Currently we’re only using 50% of the XYZ 750 TMC’s capacity, so we have plenty of machining time available for different parts. Furthermore, with the machine’s swarf conveyor, we’re able to recover more money from recycling the swarf while at the same time maintaining a clean machine and clean coolant.”

Van Guard chose the XYZ 750 TMC as Leigh Andrews had experience of the machines at a previous company.

“Although we’re new to CNC machining, the graphics and ease of use of ProtoTRAK made the crossover from manual to CNC machining easy,” he concludes.

For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

VISITORS FLOCK TO SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING

The 26th edition of Southern Manufacturing & Electronics concluded earlier this month at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. Attracting over 460 exhibitors, the show set out a plethora of manufacturing solutions, including many in live demonstrations, for its highly engaged visitors.

XYZ Machine Tools (www.xyzmachinetools.com), for example, performed live cutting demonstrations on seven machines, including the company’srecently introduced TMC toolroom machines for low-to-medium volume and tool-making applications. These machines, which use the same platform and linear rails as XYZ’s established LR VMC range,leverage the easy-to-use ProtoTRAK control for the rapid programming and set-up of 1-off and small-to-medium batches.

As well as two TMC machines and the RMX 2-OP second-operation machine, XYZ also demonstrated its the XYZ 800 HD vertical machining centre with Siemens 828D control and ShopMill.In addition, visitors to the stand could see the XYZ ProTurn RLX 355, a solution for low-to-medium volumes.Featuring the ProtoTRAK control, it is a fast way of getting parts cut in a machine that offers 1000mm between centres. For more component, the XYZ CT 52 LR turning centreon showprovides 52mm bar capacity, linear rail technology and a Siemens 828D control.

Elsewhere at the event, MACH Machine Tools (www.machmt.co.uk) showcased two DynaPath-controlled milling machines, including a new three-axis model. The MACH MDT-1 turret-type mill, one of the company’s best-selling models, shared centre stage with a new MDV 800 three-axis CNC vertical machining centre that only recently made its UK debut at the company’s open house in January.

While the MDT-1 turret-type mill, with its rigid design and build, powerful spindle and good-sized working envelope offered obvious appeal to visitors, large and small, it was the new production-oriented MACH MDV 800 vertical machining centre that pulled in the crowds.

The new MDV-series, comprising the MDV 800 and MDV 1100 machines, is a high-performance range of machining centres that MACH Machine Tools says delivers excellent cutting performance and improved process efficiencies. In addition to the DynaPath WinDelta CNC control, the machines feature a BT 40 air-cooled, high-torque (11-15 kW) 8000 rpm spindles as standard.

Mills CNC (www.millscnc.co.uk) provided visitors with a display of two new machine tools from DN Solutions. The compact DVF 4000is the latest addition to Mills’ best-selling DVFseries of five-axis simultaneous machining centres, providing component manufacturers with a ‘one-hit’ machining solution.The machine features an 18.5kW/12,000rpm (BT 40) directly-coupled spindle as standard, and a 400mm diameter, built-in rotary, tilting table with a zero-backlash roller gear cam design for improved process reliability.A 60-tool servo-driven ATC and integrated thermal compensation deliver increased productivity and part accuracies, and roller LM guideways ensure fast processing speeds.

Also on the Mills CNC stand and continuing the one-hit machining theme was a Lynx 2100LSYB multi-tasking turning centre.This 8” chuck/65mm bar capacity Lynx 2100LSYB is a productive multi-tasking turning centre equipped with a 5” chuck, 6000rpm sub-spindle, a Yaxis (±52.5mm) and driven tooling capabilities (6000rpm).

Another supplier keen to show its solutions for one-hit machining was Matsuura (www.matsuura.co.uk). Following the success of its MX-330 PC10, Matsuura has introduced the MX-420 PC10 five-axis VMC configured with 10 pallets and 90 tools for larger workpiece machining. A fully automated MX-420 PC10 made its debut UK appearance at Southern Manufacturing, machining live throughout the show and demonstrating just how flexible the 10-pallet changer can be during unmanned operation.

From a tooling perspective, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC, www.itc-ltd.co.uk) presented its latest product lines and introduced its new e-commerce platform.The online portal provides enhanced accessibility to the company’s exponentially growing product lines. This informative and easy-to-navigate e-commerce platform allows manufacturers to create an account and place orders, browse through stock and see everything ITC has to offer, including from partners such as Widia, Big Kaiser, Kemmler and Bass.

Exhibition visitors seeking out the latest software solutions found CGTech (www.cgtech.co.uk)shining the spotlight on its latest Vericut CNC simulation software. Vericut is now in use at over 7000 companies in more than 60 countries, simulating machining and correcting errors to eradicate potential crashes prior to actual cutting. The latest version, Vericut 9.4, focuses on increased connectivity between the actual machine and the virtual simulation.

With the machining process complete, attention of course turns to measurement and inspection, with a plethora of solutions on display at Southern Manufacturing. The Mantis 3rd generation stereo microscope from Vision Engineering (www.visioneng.com), for example, attracted plenty of attention. Building on the original award-winning Mantis design, the company says that the latest additions to the range deliver superior image quality, expanded field of view and an integrated digital camera for maximum efficiency when capturing, reporting and analysing.

Many other metrology companies offering metrology equipment or services were present at the show. Aberlink (www.aberlink.com), for example, demonstratedits Fulcrum manual CMM with a particularly simple user interface. The company says it can start measuring parts within minutes of being switched on, even if the operator has no previous experience.

Keyence (www.keyence.co.uk), which is known for its sensors, 3D imaging, machine vision, microscopes and metrology systems, showed its latest VHX-7000N digital microscope with 4K resolution, while another metrology specialist, LK (www.lkmetrology.com), launched a high-accuracy CMM and demonstrated its Freedomindex table. The latter is said to speed component inspection by up to 40% when using a portable, multi-axis measuring arm.

The next Southern Manufacturing & Electronics exhibition will take place under the auspices of Easyfairs, which in January acquired the show from European Trade & Exhibition Services.

Matt Benyon, group CEO of Easyfairs, says: “Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is a perfect strategic fit for our growing portfolio.As part of an established stable of industry-leading events, the event’s future development and its loyal exhibitor and visitor base, which has been built up over the past 30 years, will be in very safe hands.”

For further information www.industrysouth.co.uk

Building giant press brakes at Ursviken

The sheet metal solution and service providers at Ursviken have a reputation for thinking big. Indeed, the team is currently constructing the largest press brake in the industry. The Optima will have a bending length of 73 ft, a bending force of 5500 US tons and stand 33 ft above floor level. This enormous press brake will be anchored in a pit 20 ft deep. According to Anton Nordqvist, technical sales support for Ursviken, it will take operators more than 1 minute to walk around the machine. Seven front and back gauges, 11 sheet followers and approximately 500 ft of linear rails are key components of the design/build, with the company expecting completion in first quarter of this year.

“A single, large press brake can give a manufacturer more flexibility to bend bigger, longer parts because you aren’t limited by a C-frame configuration,” explains Jamie Sims, general manager at Ursviken Inc.

The new press brake showcases the company’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions that redefine the capabilities of the metal fabrication industry. Notably, the machine features state-of-the-art automation technologies that significantly enhance productivity, precision and ease of operation. Automatic upper tool changes, variable die tooling and fully programmable front and back gauges are just a few examples of the cutting-edge features that contribute to the machine’s performance. 

Nicklas Jakobsson, CEO at Ursviken Technology, says: “The sale of the largest press brake ever built showcases our dedication to providing our customers with the most advanced and innovative solutions available in the market.” 

Ursviken says its milestone machine is the latest in a line of industry firsts that include automated sheet flipping technology, integrated CNC crowning, CNC variable die tools and the company’s proprietary FlexiCrown CNC crowning system.

For further information www.ursviken.com

Significant step forward for Clijsters BVBA

Clijsters BVBA has commissioned a new SafanDarley H-Brake 700T Ultra. This hydraulic press brake has a capacity of 700 tonnes and can bend sheets up to 7 m long. The investment marks a significant step forward in Clijsters’ production capacity.

The decision to invest in the new press brake stemmed from the need to replace an old machine. Managers at Clijsters BVBA searched for a modern press brake that would better meet its specific production needs. After extensive research and consultation, the company chose SafanDarley, partly because of the company’s ability to provide tailor-made solutions.

SafanDarley adapted the new hydraulic press brake to Clijsters BVBA’s specific requirements. Providing significantly improved accuracy and precision, the H-Brake will play a crucial role in increasing production efficiency and delivering high-quality products that meet Clijsters BVBA’s strict standards.

One of the added options is SafanDarley’s advanced laser angle measuring system: E-Bend L-Blue. This dedicated angle measurement system allows Clijsters BVBA to measure the angles of the material that requires bending in real time using laser technology. Measurement data is then automatically used to control the press brake, minimising human error and raising production quality to a higher level.

Eric Clijsters, director of Clijsters BVBA, speaks enthusiastically about the investment: “The purchase of our new press brake marks an important milestone. We’re always delighted to increase our production capacity and invest in the latest technologies. This modern press brake allows us to meet the ever-growing demand of our customers while ensuring the highest quality.”


Frank Clijsters, co-owner of Clijsters BVBA, adds: “We are convinced that this new press brake will enable us to serve our customers even better and exploit new business opportunities.”

For further information www.safandarley.com

Innovative bending solutions showcased by RAS

At November’s Blechexpo exhibition in Stuttgart, RAS showcased its extensive range of cutting-edge sheet metal machinery solutions. Among the highlights was the RAS MEGAbend, the Multibend Center ECOauto, the FLEXI2bend, and advanced beading, flanging and folding machines. RAS machines are available in the UK from Press & Shear.

The MEGAbend stood out with its high performance and precision, capable of bending steel measuring up to 6 mm thick. According to Press & Shear, its advanced features set new benchmarks in sheet metal processing.

Also on display, the Multibend Center ECOauto demonstrated its innovative automation functions, significantly boosting production efficiency, while the FLEXI2bend was showcased as a versatile tool for various bending applications, highlighting the diversity of the RAS product line. Beading, folding and flanging machines completed the portfolio, highlighting the expertise of RAS in forming technology.

The company’s exhibition stand was a showcase of more than just cutting-edge sheet metal machinery; it was a testament to modern design and thoughtful product presentation, including live demonstrations. These demonstrations, alongside the stand’s structured layout, allowed visitors to gain a hands-on understanding of RAS’s innovative offerings and see the machinery in action.

Blechexpo was marked by active engagement, with visitors showing keen interest in the machines on display. Technical discussions at the stand reflected a dynamic exchange on the latest trends in sheet metal processing, with positive feedback underscoring the alignment of RAS with industry needs.

The trade fair marked a significant milestone for RAS. It provided an excellent platform to showcase the company’s latest technologies and innovations to a broad audience. The positive reception has bolstered the optimistic outlook of RAS for the future.

For further information www.pressandshear.com