Become a tool process engineer

The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre has become the first provider of its kind to deliver a degree apprenticeship for the level six tool process design engineer standard, developed to meet the direct needs of the members of the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM). The new apprenticeship, which sees a BEng in Manufacturing Technology delivered as part of the offer, is the result of collaboration between the AMRC Training Centre and the CBM, addressing the skills requirements for toolmakers, which are in extremely short supply.
For further information www.bit.ly/3ZB3JWR

Amada enhances mid-range press brake market

With thousands of HF-type press brakes installed throughout Europe, Amada is bringing higher accuracyto its mid-range line-up for the first timewith the company’s new auto-crowning device. Previously only available on high-end press brakes such as the Amada HG, the new HRB Auto Crowning mid-range model responds directly to customer demand.

The HRB Auto Crowning press brake features a new system, compensating for deflections in the upper and lower beam after the application of pressure. There is also an extended open height of 520mm and stroke of 250mm for all standard-stroke models. The new auto crowning device is CNC controlled through the AMNC 3i control in conjunction with the DigiPro digital protractor device, making it suitable even for non-skilled operators.

Amada’s auto-crowning device brings many advantages to customers who need higher accuracy, in addition to a stable and reliable bending process. Production of kitchen equipment, furniture, electronics and assembly components are just some examples of parts that can benefit from these new features.

The HRB Auto Crowning machine can also be equipped with an optional automatic sliding foot pedal. When a program has several bending stations along the beam, there is no longer any need to keep moving the foot pedal manually. It is not uncommon for some press brake operators to move the foot pedal 100 times a day, which over a year equates to a lot of wasted time. Amada’s sliding foot pedal allows automatic movement, boosting productivity.

The machine is available through a wide range of sizes, from 50 tonnes/2 m up to 220 tonnes/4 m, including the long-stroke versions, which increase the open height from 520 to 620mm.
For further information www.amada.eu

Morgan Rushworth release XPH hybrid press brake

The new Morgan Rushworth XPH Hybrid press brake features fast, accurate and responsive bending with much lower energy consumption and less hydraulic oil than a traditional hydraulic press brake. Anovel electro-hydraulic servo-drive system replaces the standard hydraulic system and reduces power consumption by around 60% while the machine is idling and 45% during the bending cycle.

Notably,HAWE Hydraulik SE in Germany produces the hybrid electro-hydraulic system with independent units fitted to each of the left and right cylinders. The system delivers around 30% faster approach and return speeds than a standard hydraulic machine, reaching speeds of up to 200 mm/s.

Technology of this type is gaining interest as organisations seek to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy costs. The self-contained electro-hydraulic system requires significantly less oil than a traditional hydraulic press brake, greatly reducing waste oil from future servicing. Much lower energy usage can result in real cost savings in the current climate. Furthermore,the machines are a lot quieter to use as there is not a hydraulic pump running continuously.

Morgan Rushworth hybrid press brakes are fitted with the advanced but user-friendly ESA VIS-875W CNC touchscreen control. Users easily and intuitively enter the required profile by tapping on the touchscreen, quickly creating the bending program. The CNC control is mounted on a height-adjustable arm for ease of use.

The company regularly featuresthe XPR Hybrid press brake atits dealer showrooms throughout the UK.
For further information www.morganrushworth.com

MTC to host National Manufacturing Summit

The third annual National Manufacturing Summit will focus on digital manufacturing and how to accelerate a digital revolution to transform the UK economy. Hosted in Coventry by the Manufacturing Technology Centre on 29-30 March, the hybrid event sponsored by Lloyds Bank will feature live, face-to-face presentations and discussions, as well as an interactive virtual audience.

Professor Chris White, director of the Industrial Policy Research Centre (IPRC) at Loughborough University, formed in collaboration with the MTC, says: “The agenda will be broad, engaging and interactive, covering a wide range of manufacturing issues. However, the over-arching theme will be the acceleration of digital manufacturing and the drive for productivity through digitalisation and automation.”
For further information www.nmsummit.co.uk

LVD launches 60-ton electric-drive press brake

The new LVD Dyna-Press 60/20 high-speed electric-drive press brakeprovides 2 m of working length and a five-axis back-gauge to handle a wide range of applications at bending speeds up to 25 mm/s. A 60/20 Pro model is further equipped with LVD’s Easy-Form laser system for greater control of the bending process to achieve high output at a high level of quality. The Pro model also offers an optional custom-made crowning system.

Dyna-Press press brakes consume low amounts of electricity and deliver fast cycle times to bend more parts per minute, more efficiently, at a lower cost per part. A streamlined design uses two heavy-duty ball screws to drive the force transmission from the servomotors to the pressing force of the ram. Fewer components means less maintenance.

Operators can use the machine for air bending, coining, hemming and bottoming. Furthermore, Dyna-Press 60/20 offers flexibility in tooling, accepting universal, Wila or US style-punches and universal, LVD or US style-dies. The Pro version offers pneumatic Wila clamping for the European market and hydraulic clamping for the US market.

LVD’s 60/20 Pro is available with a crowning system custom-made for each machine, distributing the appropriate force to ensure the bend angle remains consistent over the full length of the part. Like all Dyna-Press models, LVD says that the 60/20 is easy to operate with minimal training. The 15-inch Touch-B touchscreen control features an intuitive graphical display. Operators can create 2D designs and simulate in 3D on the screen, while the controller is compatible with LVD’s CAM software, CADMAN-B.

Dyna-Press press brakes are available in 24, 40 and 60 tons.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com