FANUC produces 1 millionth robot

Factory automation expert FANUC is celebrating a milestone achievement with the production of its one millionth industrial robot. The company, which supplies customers worldwide with a range of CNC systems, robots and machine tools, deployed its first robot back in 1974. Today, thousands of robots build new robots at FANUC’s headquarters in Japan, one of the most automated factories on the planet.

“Demand for our robots is currently at an all-time high,” says Marco Ghirardello, president and CEO of FANUC Europe. “Applications are expanding and we expect demand to continue growing significantly in the future. In order to support the automation needs of our customers, we will strive to improve further our quality, performance and supply capabilities.”
For further information www.fanuc.eu

Instantquoting for CNC machining services

Quickparts, a global parts manufacturing service provider, is relaunching its manufacturing customer portal, QuickQuote, now with expanded capabilities that include an instant quote service for CNC machining projects. The inclusion of an instant quote CNC machining service complementsQuickparts’ 3D printing instant quote service and request-for-quote (RfQ) service for all of the company’s other manufacturing technologies. Quickparts says the development marks a significant milestone in its commitment to providing limitless manufacturing services to its diverse range of customers.
For further information https://quickquote.quickparts.com

Reducing consumables spend:is it worth it?

Although it is understandable that consumable cost is often a target for savings, does the result justify the effort?With modern grinding machines costing anything up to £1m, the productivity or OEEof machinery and manpower can deliver multiple times the total consumable cost. Assuming the cost for a machine, labour and overhead is £150 an hour, how does this compare with consumable cost per hour? In recent tests using the latest generation of Viper wheels, Tyrolit was able to decrease cycle time by as much as 30%.
Considering consumable unit costs at approximately £25 each (Viper wheel) and machine platform at £150 per hour, a 30% time saving reduction is equal to £45, outweighing the cost of the consumable in just one hour.

Tyrolit says that its Toolscope modular assistance system is a revolutionary retrofit for any machine tool digitalisation project. The system creates measurable added value for customers through increased process transparency featuring numerous process options, such as OEE, collision detection, condition monitoring and more. This capability provides a window into machining practice and process, subsequently allowing customers to achieve consistent process quality by reducing scrap, downtime and cost.

As Tyrolit celebrates 25 years of partnership in the development of Viper grinding wheels, the introduction of a third generation is a complete game changer, reports he company. Tyrolit UK’s latest offering, the Viper Ultra Ceramic Hybrid wheel, uses its own ceramic blend but retains Tyrolit’s bond technology from its predecessors. Having only been on the market for 18 months, the results, its performance and the feedback from customers have been outstanding, reports Tyrolit.
For further information www.tyrolit.co.uk

Consistent gloss finishes in high quality

The field of surface finishing is characterized by demands for higher quality with increasing need for process consistency, traceability and resource efficiency. Frequently, this requires new finishing methods. With the DryLyte system, Rösler offers a system for electro-polishing metal components that require a perfect finish.

Contrary to traditional electro-chemical polishing, DryLyte is a dry process that utilises solid particles containing electrolytes. As a result, there is no need for acid baths or other process liquids. According to Rösler, the benefits of this technology include excellent surface finish, high geometrical consistency of workpieces, lower CO2 footprint and reduced costs for waste disposal. Furthermore, there is no more costly and complex treatment of used process liquids, while the finished workpieces emerge from the system perfectly clean.

The fully automatic DryLyte system simplifies and helps to standardise different surface finishing tasks such as deburring, surface smoothing, surface grinding, high-gloss polishing and even the post processing of 3D-printed components. Depending on the initial surface conditions und the specified finishing quality, it is possible to use dry electro-polishing as a stand-alone process or in combination with known mass finishing, shot blasting or other pre-grinding methods.

DryLyte technology applies the principle of electro-chemical material removal from the surface of components. However, the technology does not use liquid electrolytes but a multitude of polymer pellets in different sizes containing electrolyte media adaptedprecisely to the respective finishing task. In contrast with traditional electro-polishing systems, no hazardous vapours form that require energy-intensive exhaust systems and special protective gear for the operator. In addition, since electrolyte medium absorbs the material removed from the workpiece surface, no dust or metal particles escape into the environment, as happens with manual grinding and polishing operations.
For further information www.rosler.com

ETG grows team

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has appointed Deacon in the newly created role of prismatic product manager, recognising the importance of supporting customers that encounter the challenges of everything from three to complex five-axis milling. Deacon will provide advice on innovative machining solutions, creative programming and machining strategies, strategic work-holding technologies, and automation solutions. Over the past 30 years, he has worked as a senior application engineer, product manager, key account project manager and sales manager for prestigious machine tool brands.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com