Universal Robots is strengthening its commitment to customers during these unpredictable times by introducing free online meetings with expert consultants.
Businesses can now request consultations with local experts from anywhere in the world. Universal Robots believes that even in the most difficult times, businesses should have access to the tools needed to secure improved output and maximised productivity. The company is also launching a series of on-demand webinars, encompassing topics such as machine tending and welding.
For further information www.universal-robots.com
The manufacture of ventilator parts is driving demand for sliding-head lathes from Citizen Machinery.
For example, an existing customer in the West Country got in touch to say that a medical equipment OEM was requesting a fourfold increase in capacity to produce critical ventilator components. The subcontractor ordered two Cincom machines for urgent delivery. The first, a 32 mm capacity L32-XLFV, was installed two days later on 19 March. Citizen’s engineers worked around the clock to commission the machine so it could start making the ventilator parts. The second machine, a 20 mm bar capacity Cincom L20-VIIILFV, was installed on 27 March.
By then, in the space of a fortnight, Citizen had received further orders from another four customers for five more machines to be delivered at short notice for ventilator parts manufacture, and there is no sign of demand slowing.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk
An Essex-based manufacturer is using its expertise in cutting systems to design and make vital equipment to support frontline medical staff in the fight against COVID-19. Blackman & White has responded to the national call for urgent PPE by getting its CAD engineers to create a visor that is made from polycarbonate or acetate to make the most of its in-house cutting capabilities. DCIM/100MEDIA/DJI_0005.JPG
The firm is looking to utilise spare capacity in the demo room at its facility in Maldon, where Orion and Genesis V machines can use dual motion control routers and laser capabilities to produce 300 units a day. Bosses are now appealing for other businesses to support their efforts by: helping to source material that is currently hard to find or not of the right quality; assisting with product specifications; and identifying healthcare facilities in need of this vital safety equipment.
Eiko White, director at Blackman & White, says: “We can easily make 300 per day, but we’re struggling to source the right quality material; this is where we need help. The big stumbling blocks are 1 mm polycarbonate and 1 mm acetate.
“Our customers, who have been quick to come forward and offer their assistance, have been making do with alternatives, but supplies are drying up and, inherently, the costs are climbing,” she adds. “If we can get access to the right material, we can hopefully do our bit to protect NHS and care workers on the frontline.”
Blackman & White, which employs 28 people, is the UK’s only manufacturer of cutting systems, with all machines designed and manufactured from start to finish at its factory.
For further information www.blackmanandwhite.com
In response to the challenges facing the machining sector due to the onset of COVID-19, Orderfox.com – a major online marketplace where CNC machine shops can secure contracts – is offering free access to its digital platform until 30 April. As such, machinists can keep operations and production activities running to safeguard their long-term future.
CNC machine shops can easily make their capacity available to the entire manufacturing sector via Orderfox.com, using filters to specify technical and lead-time capabilities. Users can now communicate, submit quotes and manage incoming RFQs digitally and free of charge. Orderfox.com says: “If we stick together, we will win this battle and come out of the crisis even stronger.”
For further information www.orderfox.com
A consortium of significant UK industrial, technology and engineering businesses from across the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors, has come together
to produce medical ventilators for the UK.
The VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium is led by Dick Elsy, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Over the past two weeks the consortium has been working hard to investigate the production of a range of ventilator design options to meet a high-level specification for a rapidly manufactured ventilator system developed by clinicians and the MHRA.
For further information www.ventilatorchallengeuk.com
