Laser cutting expert moves to Ficep UK

Well-respected laser cutting system specialist, Lisa Cooper, has joined Ficep UK as business development engineer in a move that will see her switch from aftercare to sales.Cooper gained 30 years of experience working in machine aftersales at Bystronic, primarily supporting customers with laser cutting, press brakes, tube laser cutting and plate storage systems. Her appointment coincides with Ficep UK’s recent introduction of the Cutlite Penta Plus 30kW laser system, an asset which Cooper will further support the growth of in the UK.

“Becoming business development engineer is a new challenge for me, yet I’m looking forward to drawing on my knowledge of systems and the market to add value to the process,” she says.“It’s an exciting time to be joining Ficep UK as the company continues to innovate and explore new systems such as the new Cutlite Penta Plus laser.”
For further information www.ficep.co.uk

Phantom high-speed cameras adopt EMVA 1288

Vision Research, manufacturer of Phantom high-speed cameras, has made a major update to its published product specifications. By incorporating EMVA 1288 testing standards to measure sensor characteristics, a scientific overview of image performance is now available. This further enables users to choose the best camera for their challenging applications.

EMVA 1288 has long seen use in measuring the performance of machine vision cameras, but Vision Research is the first manufacturer to apply it to RAM-based high-speed cameras.
As a result of providing EMVA 1288 report summaries, Vision Research will no longer be including ISO 12232 measurements for its products moving forward. ISO 12232 has been used by high-speed camera manufacturers to indicate sensitivity; however, it has limited usefulness in practice. Significant indicators of image quality are not included, particularly when it comes to capturing images with high contrast and in low-light situations.

Kevin Gann, VP of R&D at Vision Research, explains: “We’ve always had a strong focus on image quality and EMVA 1288 provides a deep understanding about how a camera will perform in a particular application. It also provides consistency when comparing cameras and includes data about the imaging trade-offs inherent in the sensor design. As the leaders in high-speed imaging, we felt incumbent to implement these measurements across our primary product lines so that our customers can truly understand their camera’s image performance.”

Quantum efficiency, temporal dark noise, dynamic range and absolute sensitivity threshold are among the parameters specified in an EMVA 1288 report. Referencing these in addition to pixel size, resolution and throughput provides the information necessary to compare cameras in terms of image response.
For further information www.phantomhighspeed.com

Vision Engineering Group names new MD

Microscope, 3D inspection and metrology specialist Vision Engineering is appointing Sam Crossley as the company’s newmanaging director, a role that will draw upon his extensive global leadership and financial experience.Previously a member of the senior leadership team at Rotork, which employs over 3700 employees in 39 countries, Crossley has comprehensive market knowledge in the oil and gas, petrochemical, mining and automation markets. Current managing director Mark Curtis will continue to head the board as CEO, focusing on strategic development and wider group growth opportunities.
For further information www.visioneng.com

ALFED relocates headquarters

ALFED, the Aluminium Federation, has relocated its corporate headquarters to the Bragborough Hall Business Centre in Northamptonshire. With state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by picturesque views and excellent transport links, the location is the perfect base for ALFED’s growing team.Demonstrating its commitment to the future, the new site offers breakout areas to host member training sessions and modern, bespoke workspaces for the ALFED team. A step-change from the company’s previous base in Halesowen, it represents the next chapter in the organisation’s journey.
For further information www.alfed.org.uk

World Machinery to stage open house event

World Machinery is hosting an open day at its Bridgnorth headquarters in Shropshire on 19-20 July. The company will use the event to showcase the latest Bodor fibre laser cutting technology, including a 30 kW, 3000 x 1500 mm P3 model. World Machinery will also promote a Bodor T230A tube laser cutter for round, square and rectangular tube, as well as a Bodor i7 compact fibre laser cutter with 6 kW resonator. Several press brakes will also be on show, including a GHBend 1132ES pump-control model (110 T x 3200 mm) and a GH-3512 up-stroking machine with double side quick-release clamp as standard.
For further information www.worldmc.co.uk