Software and robots from Anca

Visitors to the stand of Anca at EMO (Hanover, Germany) this week will find out how the company’s latest software product launch, Management Suite, aids customers keen on adopting Industry 4.0 strategies (Hall 6, Stand K59). Also in action on the stand will be company’s first Dual Robot technology.

Anca’s Management Suite provides customers with the technology to monitor the performance of their machines no matter where they are in the world. The software also enables companies to run smart factories by providing live production information that enables staff to make data-based decisions about operational improvements.
CNC grinders from Anca now have the capacity to integrate several manufacturing operations into a single production line using the company’s first multi-robot production cell solution. Using a single robot, TXcell can automatically load both the grinding wheel packs and the workpiece. However, with the addition of a second robot in the TXcell, the solution can also complete secondary operations unmanned.
A further innovation in the EMO spotlight will be the new TX Linear, which will be on show for the first time in Europe. Among the stand-out features are Anca’s LinX linear motors on the X, Y and Z axes, an updated Anca AM5X CNC and servo drive system, and a new user-friendly front panel with touch-screen and ergonomic tilt adjustment to suit different operator heights.
For further information www.anca.com

Delivering speed and accuracy to polishing firm

Prompted by increasing demand, Oldham-based North West Polishing Ltd is currently involved in further expanding its production facility and investing in new, highly efficient plant. As a major element in its latest expansion phase, the company recently purchased a VG T-300-3K polishing machine from Ellesco.

Managing director Andrew Marston says: “Having previously purchased polishing machines from other suppliers with somewhat mixed results, we turned to Ellesco. Together, we came to the conclusion that the T-300-3K polishing machine would satisfy our requirements. Following a trouble-free installation and operator training, our new polisher is now enabling us to process much greater quantities of products in a range of high-quality finishes. Furthermore, the speed of the machine ensures that we are able to deliver within the strict timeframes required by our customers.”

The VG T-300-3K uses three abrasive belt heads fitted with 300 mm belts, each driven by individual 7.5 kW motors. According to Ellesco, swapping from one abrasive belt grade to another is both quick and easy. The machine boasts pneumatic floating linishing heads that automatically compensate to ensure consistent pressure is applied to long, non-uniform workpieces. In addition, the T-300-3K provides powered adjustment for different thicknesses of bar and box-section products, while automatic belt tension removes unwanted oscillations.

With a through-feed conveyor, speed adjustment allows slow throughput for demanding applications such as heavy scale removal and pronounced extruder draw lines, through to fast throughput speeds for fine finishing and jobs where minimal heat generation is a requirement.

For further information www.ellesco.co.uk

Surface grinding quest provides perfect result

The Engineering Quest, which has manufacturing facilities in both Milton Keynes and Great Gransden, Bedfordshire, has extended its surface grinding capability with a Perfect PFG 4080 AH semi-automatic machine from RK International Machine Tools. This choice followed a strategic review of existing capacity and the changing requirements of customers, particularly in the oil and gas sector, where the company was witnessing increasing volumes.

Surface grinding at the Milton Keynes facility was mainly manual and this limited production to single components per set-up. With the addition of the semi-automation that the Perfect machine brings, along with its 400 x 800 mm maximum grinding area, it is now possible to load the table with up to 20 components, in some cases increasing productivity by 400%.
The construction of the Perfect grinder uses a spindle design featuring P4 class contact bearings that give runout of less than 2 μm. In addition, the spindle is a cartridge-type that is sealed and lubricated for extended life, while the use of Turcite-B on the slideways further aids precise movement, as well as the elimination of stick-slip.
“We took our time over the decision to upgrade our surface grinding capacity and our cell supervisor played a strategic role in the final selection; we need to know that staff will be happy with the equipment which we provide,” says managing director Steve Matheron. “The choice to go semi-automatic was driven by several factors, one to improve efficiency and two to provide a cost-effective solution that matches the way in which
we utilise machine tools.”
For further information www.rk-int.com

Online MAS helpdesk

Made in the Midlands has launched the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) as a dedicated online helpdesk and signposting service to support Britain’s manufacturing industry. The launch event was attended by over 150 Midlands manufactures. MAS was initially a Government initiative that was introduced as part of the Business Growth Service (BGS). However, in 2015 the service was ended as a result of funding cuts — much to the dismay of businesses and entrepreneurs. With the launch of the MAS helpdesk, Made in the Midlands hopes to create something that lasts and evolves. “This is the business community showing leadership,” says Jason Pitt, chief executive of Made in the Midlands. “At times of political uncertainty, as we have seen in recent years, this is vital. The UK’s industrial strategy needs to be strengthened, and businesses need to
lead the way and help the sector grow.”

For further information www.manufacturingadvisoryservice.com

Semta Skills Awards

An industry-backed set of engineering awards is now open for nominations – and the body responsible is urging talented individuals and companies to put themselves forward to be in with a chance of winning. Semta has been running its annual Skills Awards for five years. The 2018 awards – which will be hosted by BBC journalist, presenter and former Young Engineer for Britain, Steph McGovern – will take place on 1 March at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, with entries open until 30 November. Over 500 people attended the 2017 awards ceremony, including senior names from industry and politics.

For further information http://semta.org.uk/skillsawards