Facilitatingseamless digital manufacturing workflow

ModuleWorks, a provider of software components and solutions for CADCAM systems and CNC machining, has introduced the Manufacturing Data Exchange Specification (MDES). The new specification aims to enhance the efficiency of manufacturing workflows by enabling seamless data exchange across different platforms and processes.

MDES is a new, open data exchange specification for the manufacturing industry. It increases the interoperability of different hardware and software systems across all stages of the product lifecycle, from design and planning to production and quality control. The free-to-use specification enables any company to adopt MDES as a universal language for the digital representation of machining assets such as tool components, assemblies, fixtures, stocks and set-ups, as well as their mounting in machine tools.

Unifying the digital representation of machining assets in an open specification has the potential to simplify and accelerate data exchange by minimising the need for data bridges between different proprietary systems. This would also reduce software development costs and dismantle adoption barriers for new equipment, encouraging manufacturers to leverage the benefits of the latest technology on the market.

Yavuz Murtezaoglu, founder and CEO of ModuleWorks, says: “Over the past 20 years, ModuleWorks has been developing digital manufacturing software in partnership with CAM system developers, machine tool builders and CNC control manufacturers. This puts us in a unique position to understand the importance of a common data exchange specification for the industry, and to develop a specification that meets the needs of different stakeholders.”

The new specification is compatible with the existing industry standards ISO13399 (Cutting tool data representation and exchange) and DIN4000-190 / DIN4003-190 (Tabular layouts and 3D description of fixture devices).
For further information www.mdes.info

On Assignment at EMO 2023

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland, is out in force at EMO 2023 this week (18-23 September), checking out new product introductions from the respective stands of both companies at the show.DN Solutions (hall 14,stand D06 andhall 9,stand G54), isshowcasing 20 machines. A key theme is flexible automation solutions, demonstrated by: a Lynx 2100LSYB compact turning centre integrated with a cobot; a Puma TW2600M twin-spindle horizontal turning centre with a gantry loader; an NHP 5000 HMC with round pallet system; and a DVF 4000 five-axis VMC with automatic workpiece pallet changer.

Zayer Machine Tools (hall 13,stand B52) ispromoting two of its latest, large-capacity milling machines: a Zero 4000 horizontal ram-type milling machine and an Aetos 3000 gantry-type mill equipped with a moving bridge, fixed table and fixed cross beam.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Renewable energy from used car batteries

JLR has partnered with Wykes Engineering, a specialist in the renewable energy sector, to develop one of the largest energy storage systems in the UK to harness solar and wind power using second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries. A single Wykes Engineering BESS utilises 30 second-life I-PACE batteries, and can store up to 2.5MWh of energy at full capacity. JLR provided the batteries from prototype and engineering test vehicles, and the company aims to provide enough batteries to store a total of 7.5MWh of energy – enough to power 750 homes for a day – by the end of 2023. 
For further information www.jaguarlandrover.com

Bowers achieves ISO 14001

In a significant step towards a more sustainable future, Bowers Group has attained the ISO 14001 environmental standard across its entire business. The achievement underscores the company’s commitment in its net-zero journey, environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.Managing director Martin Hawkins says: “By achieving this certification, we signal our commitment to upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility. This means not just reducing waste and minimising environmental footprint but also inspiring others to join this transformative path.”
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

THS chooses Unison Breeze tube bender

Total Hydraulic Solutions Ltd (THS) of Rotorua, New Zealand, has purchased a new all-electric ‘Breeze’ 65 mm single-stack tube bending machine from UK-based Unison Ltd. THS modifies new excavators from global brands such as John Deere, Caterpillar, Hyundai and Kobelco to accept forestry harvesting equipment. The company also provides a wide range of maintenance and support services for users of hydraulic equipment.

Currently in transit to New Zealand, THS’s new Unison Breeze machine will manufacture small batch runs of heavy-gauge tubular components from either stainless steel, black schedule steel or carbon steel. It will replace an older hydraulic tube bender that has been in operation at the Rotorua site for several years.

While visiting Unison Ltd for factory acceptance testing of his company’s new Unison Breeze machine, joint owner of THS, Andy Bedford, said: “The obvious question people will ask is why we chose to travel halfway around the world to buy a new tube bender. The fact is, after considering machines from several manufacturers and dismissing those which failed to meet our exacting requirements for quality, reliability, repeatability and support, we were directed to the Unison website by a company we know and respect in Australia.”

He continues: “A conversation with Unison’s sales projects manager, Steve Chambers, then followed. Steve clearly understood our need for a robust single-stack machine that offered easy set-up, rapid programming and fast tooling changes.All of this is essential as, with small production runs, we typically need to change bend tooling up to 20 times a day. In our busy manufacturing facility, the near-silent operation of anall-electric machine was also highly appealing, while Unison’s intuitive Unibend CNC meant training future operators would be very straightforward.”
For further information www.unisonltd.com