UK launch event for Optimizer

Vericut Optimizer is a new software solution that maximises the potential of CNC machining programs. While Optimizer is similar to Vericut’s existing Force module, the big difference is Optimizer’s stand-alone configuration. Machine shops do not require Vericut to take advantage of this major machining advance. The official launch will take place on 3 October (10:00-14:00) at the headquarters of Grob Machine Tools UK in Stratford-upon-Avon.

At the exclusive ‘lunch and learn’ event, Vericut is partnering with Grob UK and Seco Tools to demonstrate how Optimizer elevates machining performance and minimises costs. According to Vericut,its new Optimizer solution slashes machining cycle times and delivers up to 100% more tool life. It also captures detailed performance data.

More information https://bit.ly/3Xqk1Cz

UK metals sector makes call for minister

The metals sector has made an overwhelming call for a ‘Minister for Manufacturing’ to back its vital role in supporting jobs and the UK economy.More than 62% of companies who took part in the ‘State of the Metals Industry’ annual report called on the Government to introduce a dedicated political power to represent their interests in Whitehall, with more than half throwing their considerable weight behind the introduction of the elusive ‘Industrial Strategy’. Further findings reveal 68% of metals companies feel they are recruiting from a limited talent pool, while 58% find it difficult to attract new workers.

More information www.ukmetalscouncil.org

Around 80,000 expected at MAKTEK

The eight edition of MAKTEK Eurasia,a major international exhibition for metal-cuttingmachine Tools, metal-forming machinery, tooling,metrology, CADCAM software and many other manufacturing technologies will take place on 30 September to 5 October 2024. Taking place at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Centre in Istanbul, the show will provide access to the latest technologies, innovations, industry trends and co-operation opportunities.

The previous edition of this biennial exhibition in 2022 saw 1000 exhibitor span 14 halls across 120,000 m² of floor space. In total, nearly 80,000 visitors were in attendance. According to an organiser survey, nearly 62% attended the show to see new innovations, while almost 49% visited to make contact with new suppliers.

More information www.maktekfuari.com/en

MACHINES FROM XYZ OFFER CLASSIC PERFORMANCE IN VINTAGE CAR PARTMACHINING

Thetford-based RKE Engineering and its sister company ROTOSHIM are benefitting from the
arrival of a new ProTURN RLX 1630 lathe, supplied by XYZ Machine Tools. The machine joins
four other XYZ models on site, including an RMX 2-OP portable machining centre. Technical
partner and founder Craig Harvey is a career-long fan of XYZ’s ProtoTRAK®-controlled
machines thanks to their ease-of-use and reliability. A core activity of the machines at RKE
Engineering is the production of parts for pre-war vintage cars, including iconic classics such
as Ford Model A and Model B automobiles.
RKE Engineering was established in 2018 as a precision subcontract machine shop, taking on
a wide variety of projects. As a machinist at his previous company, Harvey became familiar
with XYZ machines and their ProtoTRAK® controls. This experience led him to choose XYZ as
the preferred machine for RKE.
“From the outset we were always going to invest in XYZ machines,” he says. “The machines
work well and are so easy to use. We have five XYZ models now, all bought from new with
the exception of a pre-owned Edge 2000 turret mill. Even though that machine is nearly 25
years old, it gives me virtually no problems whatsoever, which speaks volumes about the
reliability and longevity of XYZ machines.”
Core business at the six-employee company is largely R&D work, alongside maintenance and
repair jobs. Production machining is typically the territory of ROTOSHIM, which produces
vintage car parts, including shock adsorbers, oil pumps, water pumps, pulleys and flywheels.
“We invested in the new ProTURN RLX 1630 because we needed another lathe to undertake
our shock absorber work,” explains Harvey. “We originally started making dampers for
vintage cars to fill dead time in the workshop, but it soon turned into a beast of its own. We
supply parts to customers around the world now. I knew the RLX 1630 would fit the bill
perfectly, offering enough performance to undertake both our production and R&D turning
work.”
The XYZ ProTURN RLX 1630 offers 400 mm swing over bed, 760 mm between centres, a 54
mm bore and a 2500 rpm spindle benefiting from constant surface speed capability.
Complementing the machine is the ProtoTRAK® RLX control, with users able to enjoy rapid
production of programs thanks to its conversational programming software on the 15.6-inch

touchscreen. The machine is helping RKE Engineering and ROTOSHIM increase capacity,
efficiency and output due to its ability to operate either manually or under full CNC control.
“I love the ease-of-use that ProtoTRAK® controls provide,” says Harvey. “New operators get
up to speed very quickly. I can also step in if required. It doesn’t happen often but with
ProtoTRAK® it’s like riding a bike – you never forget. I’m not sure I could say the same if we
used any other type of control.”
Business at RKE Engineering and ROTOSHIM is currently strong, with vintage car work
performing particularly well. The company manufactures parts that are no longer
commercially available for classic vehicles, including three variants of the Ford Model A:
1927-31; 1932; and 1933-34.
For example, the design of the ROTOSHIM lever-arm shock absorber uses the essential
elements of telescopic dampers: steel shim stacks control fluid flow, while pressurised oil
prevents cavitation. These elements combine to allow damper tuning and provide the
optimal ride in accordance with vehicle weight and spring stiffness. The company supplies
the dampers pre-set without any need of adjustment – just bolt on and drive.
“One of our operators machines the aluminium damper body from a drop forging on the
XYZ 2-OP,” explains Harvey. “We complete these high-precision components, four at a time,
in two operations using just eight tools. During machining, our operator can walk away and
get on with something else. This approach makes it a very cost-effective part for us.”
A full in-house design and consultancy service supports an overhaul of all vintage car
components to improve characteristics such as strength and performance. This combination
of traditional engineering excellence with modern, forward-thinking solutions is a real
market differentiator. Importantly, all ROTOSHIM products undergo a stringent QA process,
including testing to failure under extreme conditions.
“Our passion lies in enhancing the driving experience by pushing the boundaries of classic
car part technology to meet modern standards for vintage car enthusiasts.”
A recent case-in-point involved a racing shock absorber for an Austin 7. With the help of its
new shocks, the Austin 7 was able to ride the apex of bends much better and break the lap
record in its class by 12 seconds. The car went on to win several first places in a series of
significant races.
“Due to achievements like this I can honestly say we never lose a customer,” concludes
Harvey. “The XYZ machines are a big part of that success. Having these machines in-house
means we can offer a wider range of services and attract the best staff, which in turn
promotes growth.”
More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Keyprod strengthens production monitoring solution

Software provider, Keyprod, a subsidiary of JPB Système, has introduced new efficiency-enhancing features to its production monitoring solution, which enables manufacturers of all sizes and from any sector to reduce machine downtime.

The user-friendly, cloud-based Keyprod system connects, tracks and measures the effectiveness of all manufacturing process elements, including existing software, machinery and associated applications. This capability provides a consolidated, real-time vision of production operations to analyse different quality and performance indicators, such as overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Feedback from customers indicates that the use of Keyprod can deliver an increase in OEE of up to 15%.

The new Keyprod features include a global loss analysis dashboard that offers manufacturers a comprehensive breakdown of inefficiencies and production losses. By analysing performance data, Keyprod identifies various sources of losses, such as machine failures, micro-stoppages and defects. This targeted insight enables corrective action to optimise OEE, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs.

Keyprod also offers a new alert systemthat allows operators to respond instantly to production anomalies. Real-time notifications enable swift intervention to prevent minor issues from escalating, ensuring production continuity and enhancing team responsiveness to unforeseen events.

Furthermore, an advanced planning feature transforms factory operations to analyse historical and current data. Use of this featureleads to more accurate and adaptive production scheduling, optimised workflows, reduced production lead times and improved on-time delivery.

Keyprod’s plug-and-play Keynetic and Keyvibe devices can be magnetised to production machines and installed in less than 10 minutes without necessitating machine downtime or cable connections. The scalable web platform also adapts to changing industry needs by incorporating new technologies over time.

More information www.keyprod.com