New Rhodes Interform contractraisesthe roof

Rhodes Interform, a UK metal-forming machinery specialist, has secured a multi-million-pound contract to manufacture and supply a new mechanical punch press for Zentia, which specialises in complete ceiling solutions at its facilities in Gateshead.

The Rhodes DS2-315 geared press is a double-sided 315 tonne mechanical press, designed with a two-point suspension that allows for a larger working bed area, even distribution of nominal tonnage, and the accommodation of any offset loading. Installation will take place 2024. The entire process, including the design, manufacture, and installation of the press, will be handled by engineers at Rhodes Interform in Wakefield, including the removal of the press currently at the premises in Gateshead.

Mark Ridgway OBE, CEO of Group Rhodes states: ‘’It’s a privilege to supply Zentia with another high-specification metal-forming solution. As a market leader of complete ceiling solutions, Zentia requires the production speed and accuracy that the Rhodes DS2 mechanical press can provide.”

Neil Hunter, engineering and improvement manager at Zentia,adds: “The existing Rhodes press has been in service for 30 years and punched in excess of 300 million square metres of ceiling tile in this time. We’re looking forward to receiving the new increased tonnage press.”

Rhodes Interform is a division of Group Rhodes. Soon to be celebrating its 200th anniversary, the company offers a wide range of hot and cold-forming technologies for specialist metal-forming applications across several sectors. In addition, the company’s composite machinery produces structural components for the aerospace and automotive sectors.
For further information www.grouprhodes.co.uk

95,000 expected at METALEX 2023

The 37th edition of METALEX 2023, the ASEAN region’sleadingmachine tool and metalworking technologies event, will take place inhalls 98-104 at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) on 22-25 November. The event will see a 10% expansion on the previous show, featuringcirca 2500 brands of machine tools and metalworking technologies from 50 countries.

The organiser RX Tradex (formerly Reed Tradex) says it has tens of thousands of industrialistsfrom more than 40 countries pre-registered to visit the exhibition, which this year takes place under the theme of ‘The Innovators’. In total, the organiser expects around 95,000 visitors to attend and estimates the event will generate no less than THB7bn in trade value. In addition to the exhibition, the event will host 35 informative seminars.
For further information www.metalex.co.th

NIBE increases capacity with new press line

Heat pump manufacturer NIBE plans to increase the production of water heater components at its Markaryd, Sweden facility following the order for a new press line solution from AP&T.

“The demand for energy-efficient systems for heating and hot water production is growing steadily all over the world, and we continue to see a strong demand for our products,” says Henrik Broström, production technical group manager for sheet metal and welding at NIBE Energy Systems.“We’re now investing in new manufacturing capacity to future-proof the volumes we will need. The new production line from AP&T will manufacture stainless steel water heater ends and be an important complement to our existing lines.”

Stefan Persson, project manager at NIBE Energy Systems, adds: “In addition to manufacturing more units, the new line also ensures a stable production process with high repeat accuracy and availability.”

Together, NIBE and AP&T discussed and evaluated a number of different options before the final concept took shape.

“Our ambition was to develop a process solution optimised for NIBE’s specific needs and conditions that provides clear customer values,” explains Dan Barvö, key account manager at AP&T.“The line needed to be energy efficient, take up little floor space and be able to perform several steps with a few machines and tools.”

In the autumn of 2022, AP&T presented a fully developed proposal that met all of NIBE’s needs: a compact, energy-efficient, fully automated production line with a 500 tonne press for deep drawing, a smaller modular press, linear robots and tooling. Line commissioning will take place in 2024.
For further information www.aptgroup.com

Hydraulic presses suit engineering workshops

Machine Mart says that its range of Clarke Hydraulic Presses are ideal for engineering workshops. Eight models are available with pressing capacity ranging from 4 to 50 tonnes.

The best-selling Clarke CSA10BB 10 tonne hydraulic bench press is first choice when users need to tackle smaller pressing jobs, such as repairing small motors or removing and installing gears or bearings. Simple to use and effective, the Clarke CSA10BB requires minimal effort from the user to achieve fast, accurate pressing operations. The press comes with a hydraulic pump, ram with pressure gauge and connecting house. A seven-piece adaptor kit is available separately.

Moving up in capacity, the Clarke CSA20F 20 tonne hydraulic press relies on its heavy-duty welded-frame construction. According to Machine Mart, this press has smooth hydraulic action that ensures the positive and precise application of power to the workpiece for greater control and accuracy.Its 20 tonne capacity and 189mm ram travel also work together to make the CSA20F suitable for larger workpieces.

At the top end of the range is the Clarke CSA50 FPB 50 tonne hydraulic floor press. This standing shop press is suited to professional workshops and comes fitted with a large pressure gauge thatfacilitates accurate and easy reading when applying pressure. Smooth hydraulic action again ensures positive and precise power application, while the model also features both hand and foot operation, as well as a ratchet winch for adjusting the bed height. The CSA50 comes complete with hydraulic pump, ram, hoses, pressure gauge and V blocks. A protective polycarbonate screen is available to buy separately.
For further information www.machinemart.co.uk

Re-launch for AME after £6m revamp

Coventry University’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) has re-launched after a £6m investment. The AME’s ‘Faculty on the Factory Floor’ base in the city is now larger thanks to the huge cash boost, with the new nearly 2000 sq m of space boasting state-of-the-art equipment, new teaching and research facilities, six new laboratories, and a robotics and testing area.

AME was born out of a collaboration between Coventry University and Unipart Manufacturing that delivers teaching excellence andadvanced research. The institute has participated in projects with a total value of £110m and worked with 174 collaborators since its original launch. Its estimated value to the manufacturing and engineering economy since then is £500m and around 400 students have graduated to date.
For further information www.coventry.ac.uk/ame