Sodick EDM replaces two machines at Cranden

A new Sodick ALC400G CNC wire eroder from Sodi-Tech EDM is performing the work of two previous machines at Cranden Diamond Products, a manufacturer of precision diamond and CBN grinding wheels. Cranden Diamond is also enjoying a significant boost in precision with its new Sodick machine, helping this dynamic international business to meet the growing demands of its customers.

Since the pandemic, increasing tensions in various global locations have led to an increase in defence industry work, for both aerospace and marine applications. Some of this work involves challenging composite materials.

“We’re seeing a growing number of military vehicle components made from Kevlar, for example.” reports Stuart Cleary, operations director at Cranden Diamond. “Kevlar is extremely difficult to process after moulding, so it requires grinding to final shape using either diamond or CBN wheels. To manufacture these tools, we electroplate crystal particles to very precise engineering profiles that we generate in the grinding wheel.”

Part of the manufacturing process requires the application of wire EDM. Seeking an increase in precision for this critical process, Cleary researched the market for a new machine to replace one of the company’s two ageing models.

“I shortlisted two potential machines, one of which was the Sodick ALC400G,” he says. “We ultimately opted for the Sodick because Sodi-Tech EDM has an in-house team of service engineers who know the machines back-to-front.”

Installed in July 2023, the original intention was to replace one existing EDM with the new Sodick ALC400G.

“Although we bought the machine to enhance precision, its productivity performance surprised us,” explains Cleary. “We soon found it doing the work of both our previous machines. We’re so impressed that we’re already in discussions about buying another wire EDM and we wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else than Sodi-Tech.”

For further information www.sodi-tech.co.uk

CEO of the year

One of industry’s leading business figures has put manufacturing on the map by securing a notable regional award. PP Control & Automation’s Tony Hague was named as CEO of the Year at the Business Desk West Midlands Awards, beating off competition from some of the area’s biggest names from wide range of sectors, including marketing, tourism and leisure. Under his leadership and commitment to investment in automation and technology, PP C&A has grown from 27 staff and £2.5m sales to a £36m+ turnover business, working with 20 of the world’s largest machinery builders.

For further information www.ppcanda.com

Call for 15% GDP target for manufacturing

The head of manufacturing body Make UK has called for all political parties to commit to an industrial strategy carrying an explicit target for industry to account for 15% of UK GDP, with the potential to add an extra £150bn to economic output. Addressing the recent Make UK National Manufacturing Conference at the QE2 Centre in Westminster, CEO Stephen Phipson also set out five key priorities for the next government, and called for a fundamental review of defence policy and procurement policies that favour the UK’s defence manufacturing sector.

For further information www.makeuk.org

Mastercam agrees to acquire Cimquest

Sandvik is acquiring US company, Cimquest, which will become part of group company Mastercam, a specialist in CAM software. Cimquest is a Mastercam reseller located in New Jersey. The deal will add talent, technology and diversity to Mastercam’s ecosystem of solutions. Mastercam has no plans to change relationships with any external vendors, customers, or other resellers as a result of this agreement. Rob Hassold, owner of Cimquest, states, “We’re very excited to sign this agreement of acquisition with Mastercam and Sandvik. Joining the Mastercam team will enable us to continue to focus on what we do best: serving our customers.”

For further information www.mastercam.com

£200k robotics and automation training cell

Companies in Telford, Shropshire and Herefordshire are set for a manufacturing boost, with In-Comm Training due to launch a new robotic automation cell. The independent training provider is investing more than £200,000 through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and the Marches Education Partnership into creating a dedicated seven-axis robotic training capability that will help firms upskill or reskill workers. Hundreds of individuals will have access to robotic programming, maintenance and automation courses that will give them the skills needed to help their employers take advantage of new opportunities.

For further information www.in-comm.co.uk