AZL opens up on lightweight processes

Earlier this month, the nine partner institutes of the AZL opened the doors of their machinery halls and research labs to provide an insight into development capacities in the field of lightweight production and composites.

At the RWTH Aachen campus, AZL presented the ‘iComposite 4.0’ self-optimising process chain: fibre spraying – dry fibre placement – adaptive RTM.
More than 100 participants from external companies as well as from the AZL network were able to experience updates on the latest lightweight production technologies and equipment. As well as plastics and composite materials, content included production technology, quality assurance, lightweight design, automotive production, and multi-material systems and process integration.
For further information https://azl-aachen-gmbh.de/

Faro appoints Burger as president and CEO

Metrology specialist Faro has appointed Michael Burger as its new president and CEO with effect from 17 June. Burger succeeds Dr Simon Raab, who will retire from his positions one day previous, on 16 June.

Offering over 20 years of experience as a global executive in the industrial technology sector, Burger most recently served as president and CEO at Electro Scientific Industries,
a supplier of laser-based microfabrication solutions. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University and a certificate from the Stanford University International executive management programme.
For further information www.faro.com

New factory opened by Soraluce

Soraluce has opened a new factory dedicated to the assembly of portal-type machining centres.

The factory, a short walk from the company’s existing plants in Spain’s Bergara region, has cost €9m and accommodates an assembly shop floor of 4900 sq m served by overhead cranes with capacities rated at up to 80 tonnes. These cranes are fed by the constituent machine parts manufactured by a range of suppliers and, crucially, by Soraluce factories that produce all critical machine components – including beds, bed ways and machining heads. The UK agent for Soraluce machines is Ward CNC.
For further information www.wardcnc.com

High-level fact-finding visit to MTC

The Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has hosted a visit by top level officials from the US state of Michigan, all of whom were keen to learn about the MTC’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing.

Included among the group were senior representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, along with manufacturing experts from the US Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation and the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The visitors were keen to learn about the MTC’s progress on light-weighting, in particular.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Die clamping without permanent hydraulic supply

A self-locking wedge clamp for safely securing dies on power presses and injection moulding machines, without the need for a permanent hydraulic supply, has been introduced by Roemheld UK.

Designed for clamping dies with straight edges, the element applies spring force for retention. A pressure of up to 160 bar is sufficient for release, which can be provided by the machine hydraulics.
Inclined at 6°, the clamping bolt approaches the die edge from the side, resulting in a self-locking connection, following which a spring applies frictional force that can be maintained over long periods of time. Inductive and optical position control deliver enhanced operational safety.
The robust, compact wedge clamp is coated to inhibit rusting and can withstand harsh environments including dirt and temperatures up to 160°C for high functional safety, even in the most challenging production processes. Tolerance for clamping edge height is ±0.5 mm, with spacer plates compensating for any deviation. Cylinder diameters are between 35 and 85 mm, while operating force is from 25 to 120 kN, depending on unit size.
In the standard range, the availability of four hydraulic connection variants provides flexibility for different assembly configurations. Modified wedge clamps can be supplied to suit customers’ specific applications. Additional versions are available for clamping on angled die edges, with permanent lubrication or multi-layer coating to improve wear properties. All clamping elements comply with the Euromap directives.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk