IAP measuring equipment made available in UK

A new range of measuring equipment by India-based Innovative Automation Products is now available in the UK and Ireland from Master Abrasives. The Innovative Automation equipment for grinding processes covers optical, air, co-ordinate and other areas of metrology.

Ian Meredith, applications engineering manager at Master Abrasives, says: “Adding measuring equipment to our range of products means we can offer a more complete package for grinding processes alongside machines, abrasives and coolant nozzles. I visited Innovative Automation Products last year and was impressed with their manufacturing capabilities and portfolio of solutions. As a result, we have agreed to become their official UK and Ireland representative, and our showroom is now equipped with their 2D height gauge, air gauge and profile projector.”
Innovative Automation Products offers a 1D and 2D height gauge that are manual or motorised with a measuring length of 325, 625, 1025 or 1150 mm. A 3D CMM is also available as manual, motorised or CNC type. The air gauges are available with single or multi-channel, and single or double displays. Both vertical and horizontal profile projectors are available: the V400-HP with a screen diameter of 400 mm is on display in Master Abrasives’ showroom.
Innovative Automation Products’ V400-HP profile projector combines optical non-contact measurement and inspection with a measuring range of 250 x 150 mm. The vertical light-path arrangement is suited to the inspection of parts such as cutting-tool inserts, machined components and shafts weighing up to 10 kg.
For further information www.master-abrasives.co.uk

New face at MTC

The MTC has appointed Vicki Sanderson as HR director, who is looking to use her role to inspire more women into the engineering profession.

Sanderson officially started the role – a newly-created position with a seat on the MTC board – on 8 January, having held similar positions at Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, and Domino Printing Sciences. “I hope that in my role I can play an active part in bringing more female engineers to the MTC,” she says. “I’ll also be looking at ways to outreach, increase diversity and promote STEM, which I am passionate about.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

AML buys ICS

ICS Robotics and Automation, a UK robotic welding and automation specialist, has been acquired by global robotic automation company AWL Group.

The management team at ICS says that the company will continue to operate as an independent entity under its own name, but with customers benefitting from advanced joining and laser-welding technologies, and the global supply network that AWL offers. ICS has been providing robotic welding and automation solutions throughout the UK and Ireland since 1989, supporting industries such as automotive, yellow goods, medical and general manufacturing.
For further information www.ics-robotics.co.uk

Fives grows machine service offer

Fives Machining Systems Inc, a global machine tool and manufacturing solutions provider, has acquired Konecranes Machine Tool Service division, a USA-based provider of machine-tool service.

Konecranes MTS division has facilities located in Erlanger, Kentucky and Massillon, Ohio, both of which will remain key operating locations. “Our mission is to be the primary service and solutions provider for machine tool productivity enhancements and service support to aerospace and industrial manufacturers,” says Steve Thiry, president & CEO of Fives Machining Systems.
For further information www.fivegroup.com

Virtual machining workshop at AMRC

The AMRC, along with the Twin-Control Consortium, is staging a virtual machining and optimisation workshop on 1 March at its Knowledge Transfer Centre near Rotherham.

The aims of the event are: to share recent developments on virtual machining and optimisation; discuss how industry is currently using it and where the gaps are; and demonstrate the latest developments on a machine tool at the Factory of the Future workshop. Keynote speakers will share their experiences of virtual machining technology for process optimisation. The event will also include a social lunch for discussion and networking.
To register email g.cigala@amrc.co.uk