Automated sheet-metal part production

At the recent EuroBlech exhibition in Germany, Bystronic showcased new solutions that in the near future will enable the company’s automated production line for the end-to-end manufacture of sheet metal parts to be expanded with value-added modules for the effective pre-processing of components.

For instance, prior to laser cutting, the latest ByFlex system is able to drill holes as well as deburr, thread-cut and countersink. The integration of these functions allows users to incorporate extra machining operations within the production line for added efficiency. In addition, a labelling function marks the parts with a code that can be scanned at downstream stations for reliable identification.
Newly developed software architecture, called Shop Floor Control System, was also launched by Bystronic for monitoring and controlling a complex production facility, which might involve an automated manufacturing solution such as a production line networked with stand-alone sheet metal handling and machining stations. Laser cutting systems, press brakes, automation equipment and machines from third party suppliers can all be included. The software assumes the centralised control function and helps users to optimise production flow continuously so that throughput and delivery times are met.
Within Shop Floor Control System, each integrated element provides real-time information on the current order status, scheduled maintenance and updates, or any malfunctions. All information is displayed on the control screen, enabling decisions to be made regarding any problems or warnings that arise.
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Get set for Expo Manufactura

The most important manufacturing event in Mexico, Expo Manufactura 2019, is set to take place on 5-7 February at the Cintermex venue in Monterrey.

Established for 25 years, last year’s show saw the strengthening of networking activities, while a strategic alliance was made with A3 (Association for Advancing Automation) resulting in a conference day focused on automation and robotics, as well as a 40% increase in the Automation and Robotics Pavilion for the 2019 edition.
Further pavilions set to take their place this year include those for plastics, additive manufacturing and medical device manufacturing. More than 300 exhibitors and 12,500 visitors are expected at the show. There will also be an international conference programme focusing on topics such as Industry 4.0, technological trends in manufacturing, and automation and robotics.
For further information www.expomanufactura.com.mx

FG DDL now available from Mazak

The new direct diode laser (DDL) version of Mazak’s Fabri Gear machine range made its European debut at the recent EuroBlech 2018 exhibition in Germany.

Mazak has fast-tracked the development of the DDL FG to complement the company’s existing CO2 machine, due to the productivity potential that laser users can derive from DDL technology.
DDL is suited to cutting both thin and thick materials, and is also capable of cutting high reflectance material, such as copper and brass. Moreover, the machine is equipped with a 4 kW DDL resonator that can achieve a 20% productivity improvement. This gain is derived from its use of nitrogen, a reduction in piercing time due to a beam-on approach pierce, and an increase in cutting speed thanks to its higher light harvesting. What’s more, the DDL is capable of rapid traverse rates of 100 m/min in the X axis, 36 m/min in the Y axis and 30 m/min in the Z axis. If production is interrupted by an alarm, the ‘Quick Program Restart’ function makes it possible to quickly restart the machine, reducing downtime.
The machine is also equipped with a new 3D head, developed with an independent Z axis and tapping units. Furthermore, new laser light shielding covers have been developed to cover both the loading and unloading sides of the machine.
High productivity is matched by quality of cut, with cutting quality for thick mild steel comparable to a CO2 laser, reports the company.
Mazak says that the Fabri Gear range has long been popular in the construction industry due to its ability to cut round, square and rectangular pipe or tube often used in building projects.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Waterjet cuts costs at valve specialist

Hobbs Precision Engineering, a subcontract machining business that primarily manufactures components for Hobbs Valve, has recently invested in an Optima 320 twin head waterjet machine from Kerf Developments.

Revealing why the company opted for a waterjet machine, Hobbs Precision Engineering’s machine shop manager Craig Llywellyn says: “We identified that we could produce over 1500 clamp-ring parts in-house every year, something that would reduce our subcontract reliance, valve unit costs and improve overall production scheduling and lead-times – and waterjet was the only feasible option. Laser or plasma cutting would introduce heat, which would impact the properties and conformity of our parts. We investigated the options and the Kerf Optima 320 had the best build quality, software, productivity performance and value for our business.”
The clamp-ring components are manufactured from aluminium bronze and a range of stainless steels that vary from 316 to super duplex, with dimensions from 50 to 1200 mm diameter, in thicknesses from 4 to 12 mm.
“By bringing the production of clamp-ring parts in-house, we have reduced our subcontracting costs by over £30,000 per year,” says Llywellyn. “Furthermore, we have gained greater control over our processes and quality, while reducing the lead-time for these parts from four weeks to just one day. Triple offset butterfly valves are bespoke products that are not volume manufactured, so the ability to stock material and produce clamp rings when required gives us the flexibility and reaction time required for components which are produced in volumes from 1 to 10-off.”
Hobbs Precision Engineering has also applied the machine to the production of end plates for the butterfly valves, a move which has reduced subcontracting costs by an additional £20,000 per annum.
For further information www.kerfdevelopments.com

MTC events division celebrates success

The Manufacturing Technology Centre’s events and conferencing division – MTC Events – is celebrating after turning over more than £2.6m in just two years.

Profits from MTC Events are put back into the manufacturing apprenticeship programmes at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) at Ansty Park, Coventry.
MTC Events has seen significant growth over the past 18 months, and has hosted events for major manufacturers and business organisations covering the manufacturing, aerospace and construction sectors, and related supply chains. The facilities available are capable of hosting events of up to 500 people, down to boardroom-sized meetings.
For further information www.the-mtc.org