Ask the robotics experts

On the stand of Kawasaki Robotics (Stand 472, Hall 6), the company will provide an opportunity for visitors to take advantage of a confidential robotics advice service.

Show visitors who might be thinking of automating but are uncertain about whether it is necessary, viable, affordable or achievable, can meet with a Kawasaki Robotics expert for an independent assessment. To ensure that any advice provided is indeed absolutely independent, show visitors need not provide their name or company name when they meet with the Kawasaki Robotics experts, just their job function.
Ian Hensman of Kawasaki Robotics, who together with fellow industry stalwart Malcolm Akers, will be providing the service throughout every day of MACH 2020, says: “What matters here is independence and anonymity. This is not about selling robots, it is about providing experienced insight into the advantages and possible pitfalls in potential applications, and offering overarching guidance and advice in such a way that potential users can better validate their ideas before investing too much time, money and resource into taking things further.”
For further information https://robotics.kawasaki.com/

Fast saw-blade production from Vollmer

Vollmer will be demonstrating its circular saw-blade production expertise in Hall 20 on Stand 550 with the Vollmer CHX840/HS CNC grinding machine and the Loroch Evolution K850-M.

The latter is designed for the production of metal-cutting saw blades. Incorporating a 19” touchscreen CNC, the K850-M enables blades to be programmed in minutes with data input directly at the machine via the colour display. Suitable for processing HSS saws, solid-carbide saws and friction saw blades, the Loroch Evolution K850-M has a direct-drive grinding wheel configuration that reduces power loss and eliminates undesirable vibration that can impact blade quality.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Robotic loading and unloading

After the 2019 launch of the manual Swift Klamp HSK work-holding system for use on machining centres, 1st Machine Tool Accessories has introduced a new robotic loading and unloading arrangement based on the same principle.

The automatic system, which maximises spindle uptime, uses a deeper clamping head to accommodate the low pressure (35 bar) hydraulics, and a mounting plate with dedicated adapter to suit three-, four- or five-axis vertical or horizontal machining centres. Pneumatic detection of correct seating of the head ensures accurate machining and the elimination of scrap, while air blow from the underside prevents swarf from entering the mechanism during exchange.
Just as with the manual Swift Klamp system, the automated variant is available in HSK-A40, HSK-A63 and HSK-A100 sizes. Depending on the equipment, skills and requirements that a potential customer may have, a package is configured by 1st MTA that could include: a workpiece stocker; a six-axis industrial robot with gripper; the Swift Klamp work-holding system with head, multiple work holders, control unit and pump; an engineered interface to the machine tool comprising electrical control circuitry and plumbing of the hydraulic and pneumatic channels through the table; and a tombstone if necessary.
The Swift Klamp system per se uses a rigid HSK face-and-taper interface, normally used for holding cutting tools, to provide a high-precision, secure, low-interference, quick-change method for clamping workpieces. Sitting on top of the interface are multiple options for holding the workpiece, including a vice, flange clamps and side clamps. Alternatively, a dovetail interface with compact clamping surface allows enhanced tool access. Billets must be pre-milled with a slot to match the holder profile using a solid-carbide cutter provided specifically for the purpose.
For further information www.1mta.com

Momentum builds for MACH 2020

Showcasing live, digital production systems in one space, under one roof, hundreds of millions of pounds worth of business is set to be discussed, secured and completed at MACH 2020 (Birmingham NEC, 20-24 April).

Attracting 25,000 visitors and in excess of 600 exhibitors, MACH is the platform to connect UK manufacturing engineers, decision makers, buyers and specifiers with suppliers of new technology, equipment, services and processes.
MACH is owned and organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association, which says the show is not just a five-day exhibition, but rather creates a large pipeline of high-quality leads and opportunities that will keep sales team busy for a long time after the event has ended. Exhibitors attending the last MACH in 2018 report that their expectations were exceeded, and the show was a resounding success, raising their profile, creating tender opportunities and generating in-market sales leads.
For further information www.machexhibition.com

Latest hyperMILL in the spotlight

Open Mind will provide manufacturers with an opportunity to witness the advances achieved in the latest release (Version 2020.1) of hyperMILL on Stand 440 in Hall 17.

HyperMILL 2020.1 introduces a raft of newly developed features that include enhancements to everything from slot-rib probing, 3D optimised roughing, 3D profile finishing, and 3D and five-axis corner rest machining, through to five-axis blade tangent milling, additive manufacturing and automatic contour feature splitting. In addition, Open Mind has incorporated further improvements to the settings wizard and toolpath display, as well as the five-axis tube finishing and five-axis contouring functions.
Major features added to the latest 2020.1 release arrive via the NC code-based hyperMILL virtual machining simulation solution, the digital-twin concept and the hyperMILL automation centre. Creating a fusion between the virtual and real world, hyperMILL virtual machining creates a virtual representation of the actual machine tool. In the modern manufacturing environment, the ability to create a virtual representation or digital twin of a machine is becoming increasingly important. By using hyperMILL’s virtual machining it is possible to design a more efficient and safer set-up, says Open Mind.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com