ProtoTRAK proves game-changer for Roant

When Darren Chisnall created Warrington-based Roant Precision Engineering back in 2001, it was as a small precision subcontractor relying on a selection of manual machines.

Now, 19 years on, the company has just completed the takeover of its biggest customer, Eiger Torrance, a manufacturer of mixing, milling and de-aeration systems for the production of paints and printing inks. This investment will secure machining work for Roant Precision Engineering, as well as providing further growth opportunities for both businesses.
“We’ve had a 15-year relationship with Eiger Torrance, working on fabrication and machining of their range of products, and have invested in machinery over the years to support that work, such as the recent arrival of an XYZ XL 1100 large capacity lathe,” says Chisnall. “Therefore, when the opportunity arose to buy the company, it made perfect sense as it protected the future of our business and opened up even greater potential.”
The arrival of the XL 1100 is the latest in a long line of XYZ machines at Roant Precision, the first of which, an XYZ SM3000 bed mill, was a prize won at MACH 2002.
“That first XYZ machine changed how we approached work and was the start of our success,” says Chisnall. “The ProtoTRAK control has served us well as we expanded our machining capacity with more XYZ ProtoTRAK mills and ProTURN lathes. We did need larger capacity though, hence the decision to go for the XL 1100, which was bought specifically for Eiger Torrance work. However, once word got around that we had the capability to swing 1100 mm components weighing up to 4000 kg, we soon found work coming in from other customers.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Spot pyrometer enhanced

Ametek Land, a specialist in temperature measurement, has further enhanced its Spot family of non-contact infrared pyrometers with a number of new benefits.

Adapted for temperature measurements ranging from 50 to 1800°C, the Spot model range meets the individual process challenges for industries such as heat treatment, metal and industrial processing.
The extended functionality of the family allows users to control multiple Spot pyrometers and actuators from one PC. This functionality results from its expanded Ethernet Modbus connectivity and SpotPro software, which provides a single control point to configure, store and view data for up to 40 pyrometers and actuators. Users can see all of the most important data on one screen, resulting in a clearer understanding of performance processes, effectively helping companies realise industry 4.0 connectivity capabilities.
Ametek Land’s Spot pyrometer enhancements provide additional input and output functionality, which means that enhanced electronic intercommunication is available as standard for online background compensation and/or emissivity input and output. Furthermore, the Spot range of pyrometers now has an additional analogue 4-20mA input and two 4-20mA outputs.
A sharper and brighter video (112 x 110 pixels at 30 fps) is also available for viewing on the rear panel of each device, while a faster and clearer video (512 x 288 pixels at 30fps) can be streamed live to a PC via the pyrometer’s integral embedded web server. Both video options can be used in conjunction with the patented Spot LED alignment system for precision alignment and focus, even in applications where the target is enclosed.
For further information www.ametek-land.com

Inspection service prioritises medical parts

CMM manufacturer LK Metrology has introduced a subcontract inspection service in support of UK and Irish ventilator – and other medical component and equipment manufacturers – which may not have sufficient quality control resources in-house.

When the government launched its Ventilator Challenge UK, the consortium behind it asked multinational firms such as Rolls-Royce, BAe and GKN to identify and involve OEMs and subcontract machinists in the aerospace, automotive and other industries that could help boost the production of medical parts. Designed to meet the target of 30,000 extra ventilators needed by the NHS to cope with the surge in COVID-19 patients, the consortium sought manufacturers with spare machining capacity, as well as ISO accreditation and expertise in metrology, to ensure the high level of quality required when making parts for medical equipment.
Some firms lacked the metrology element of the requirement. This factor prompted LK Metrology to expand the existing contract inspection service run from its headquarters in Castle Donington and make it available exclusively for those registered to supply ventilator and other medical parts.
Dave Robinson, marketing manager at LK Metrology, says: “We understand that manufacturers in the medical sector are needed to help provide valuable components, products and systems to combat the pandemic. The majority typically require the use of CMMs to measure, reverse engineer and assure the quality of many complex and precision parts, including prismatic, rotational and freeform types. For that reason, we are offering them a series of metrology services that we believe can be of assistance during these anxious times.”
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Pailton invests in VMC

Coventry-based steering systems specialist Pailton Engineering has invested in a Haas VF-2SS machining centre to boost its production and design capabilities.

The latest purchase is part of the business’s long-term modernisation strategy, to improve manufacturing flexibility for its made-to-order steering parts. Chosen specifically for its wide range of tooling and automation capabilities, the machine combines multiple processes into one unit.
For further information www.pailton.com

Digital metrology hub introduced

In response to the current COVID-19 situation, Zeiss has created a new one-stop digital hub, so that customers can find everything they need from the company, from home.

The ‘Metrology Digital Hub’ houses useful information that includes: the Zeiss range of free and paid software options; e-Learning and webinars where customers can improve their skills on tool corrections, process optimisation and other topics; and helpful contact information.
Customers can also access the Zeiss Metrology Portal for any of their service, support and training needs. In addition, there is access to a digital magazine where a collated range of articles covering different industries and applications can be found.
Zeiss will soon releasing more information on upcoming e-Learning opportunities, as well as news on its latest product innovations, including invitations to digital events and new virtual means to learn about what Zeiss solutions can offer.
The world has never needed digital platforms so much to help connect people during this unprecedented time. The Zeiss metrology community is connecting people across the globe with social media using #measuringhero on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
CEO Dr Jochen Peter says: “The safety of our employees, customers and business partners is a very important priority for us, so we have adapted our operations and are mostly working from home offices at the moment. Nevertheless, we are confident that we will get through these challenging times, and we want to let our customers know that we continue to offer them our support.”
For further information www.zeiss.ly/digital-hub