Staubli Fluid Connectors Powers end-of-arm tools

Driven by the potential for data networking of future-oriented manufacturing concepts under the heading of Industry 4.0, Stäubli Fluid Connectors is introducing a new end-of-arm tooling range in partnership with FIPA GmbH.

Both system developers and system operators will benefit from this partnership. From Stäubli’s perspective, the new arrangement not only reduces interface problems, but eliminates time-consuming co-ordination with various points of contact.

In short, the automation of material handling processes requires expertise and precise planning. Stäubli Fluid Connectors relies on many years of experience in the development of individual solutions and offers comprehensive support. From the analysis of framework conditions and application requirements, through the concept and CAD planning of the system, to the delivery of all components, Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers a complete service package.

The more durable an end-of-arm tooling solution is, the longer it can remain productive and generate revenue. In today’s environment a general scarcity of resources heightens this effect, therefore extended periods of use and operation are desirable from both an ecological and an economic point of view.

With the uncertainty of which robot applications will be required in the future, Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers a high level of flexibility inherent in its solutions. The systems should be adaptable to meet new requirements at any time, within the scope of a re-tooling or retrofit project, for example. In this way, durable products achieve long life.

Stäubli Fluid Connectors is represented by subsidiaries around the globe. This local presence is an important factor in ventures such as the new FIPA partnership. Of course, notwithstanding standardisation across borders and continents, it is also necessary to take country-specific directives and standards into account.
For further information www.staubli.com

Board level appointment at clamping specialist

Germany-based clamping and gripping specialistRöhm has appointed Martin Kaufmann, a former top manager from the Voith Group, to the management board as its new chief technical officer (CTO) and chief operating officer (COO). He replaces Dr Till Scharf, who has left the company. With Gerhard Glanz as managing director, Kaufmann now forms a dual leadership business model at Röhm GmbH.

“I’m very pleased that with Martin we’ve been able to gain an experienced expert for the further development of our company,” says Glanz.“We have a lot of potential that needs leveraging, which is where we can make excellent use of Martin’s know-how.

Kaufmann comes to Röhm with more than 15 years of management experience, which he gained at the Voith Group. Most recently, he was executive vice president and CEO of the Voith Turbo Industry Division with headquarters in Crailsheim. At Röhm, Kaufmann will primarily be responsible for the areas of production and technology, as well as the supply chain.

“I’m very much looking forward to the new task and will do everything in my power to ensure that Röhm can further expand its leading role as an innovative supplier of clamping and gripping devices,” says Kaufmann.“As the new products and solutions presented in recent months show, we not only have enormous innovation potential, but also the right spirit.”
For further information www.roehm.biz/en

Big Kaiser delivers quality to MS Feinmechanik

Founded in 2005 by Markus Schenk, MS Feinmechanik GmbH, based in the Bavarian town of Unterammergau,focuses its core technological expertise on milling.

Recent years have seen not only a dramatic rise in the volume of machined parts, alongsideincreasingly strict requirements on precision and final product quality. To keep on top of these growing requirements, MS Feinmechanik has taken the strategy of continuous investment in the latest machinery and tooling solutions, leading the company to invest in Big Kaiser technology (available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation – ITC).

“To manufacture high-precision components, the entire system must function flawlessly, with no weak spots,” states Markus Schenk, founder and managing director of MS Feinmechanik.“In other words, the machine, the clamping system, the spindle, the tool holder, and the tool itself – all have to merge into a tuned holistic system that outputs high-precision components.

To achieve this, MS Feinmechanik has five-axis Matsuura machining centres featuringBig-PLUS spindles. Depending on the Big-Plus holder application area, the company utilises a variety of clamping technologies, such as various collet systems, power chucks and hydraulic expansion chucks from Big Kaiser.

“Choosing the right tool holder has a defining impact on the lifetime of the tool and quality of the final product,” says Schenk. “For example, we use the hydraulic expansion chuck from Big Kaiser for a finishing cutter with a 16mm diameter and 80mm cutting edge length. We mill stainless steel parts with this chuck and you can see a visible difference both in terms of smooth operation and surface quality.”
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Refreshed Manufacturing Action Plan for AMRC Cymru

AMRC Cymru played host to the Economy Minister for Wales, Vaughan Gething at the launch of a refreshed Manufacturing Action Plan for Wales to embrace the fourth industrial revolution and support transformation of the manufacturing sector.The plan will support the Welsh manufacturing sector through a ‘perfect storm’ caused by a turbulent global economy, labour shortages, energy price rises and supply chain difficulties to help ensure it remains a leading manufacturing nation with a more prosperous, equal and greener economy. AMRC Cymru is part of the University of Sheffield AMRC.
For further information www.bit.ly/426xY9P

Manufacturing collective launches MANifesto

Eight manufacturing SMEs have responded to the lack of a coherent industrial strategy in the UK by launching their own MANifesto.The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), which comprises of seven subcontract manufacturers and an engineering design agency, has responded to the Government’s faltering strategic vision for industry by delivering its own blueprint for making the country globally competitive.

Bosses believe the four pillars of ‘Investment’, ‘People’, ‘International Trade’ and ‘Sustainability & Net Zero’ should lead the overarching approach and form the guiding principles for individual businesses inside the collective.MAN is now calling on the powers in Whitehall to facilitate growth by providing tailored support and removing some of the bureaucratic barriers currently in place.
For further informationwww.bit.ly/3B0gVdC