Trumpf to expand smart factory

Trumpf Group will add 55,800 sq ft to its production building for the manufacture of laser cutting, bending and welding machinery at Farmington, Connecticut. The project is part of ongoing recovery efforts related to damage sustained after an aircraft crashed into the production building in September of 2021. Trumpf will invest an estimated $40m into the project, which will include a smart factory that demonstrates advanced automated and connected precision sheet metal production. Completion is expected in May 2024.

“North America remains our most important business market outside of our domestic market in Germany,” says Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, CEO of the Trumpf Group. “This project is an important step toward the next generation of manufacturing for Trumpf and our customers across the United States.”
For further information www.trumpf.com

Blum touch probes prove their long service life

Employing measuring systems in the working area of a CNC machining centre is still an unfamiliar idea for some quality experts. With its probes in use at German company Scherzinger Pumpen, Blum-Novotest is demonstrating that automated measurement not only works effectively in this harsh environment and in two-shift operation, but does so reliably and accurately over many years.

“Our core competencies in manufacturing are in milling, turning and grinding, as well as logistics and assembly,” reports Mario Maier, head of process planning at Scherzinger Pumps. “We machine metal as well as plastic and, in so doing, achieve a high level of quality and reliably tight manufacturing tolerances. Blum touch probes and laser light barriers, which we use in many machining centres, help us to accomplish that. The probes have an astonishingly long service life.”

At Scherzinger, the Blum TC50 infrared probes primarily find use for measuring bores and for workpiece zero-point detection. The company machines housings for brine pumps, for example, from two sides by rotating the clamped components in the machine tool. As a point of note, the drive is located on one side, while the two gear wheels of the actual pump are located on the other side. Scherzingermachines the through-hole of the drive axis from the drive side in the first set-up. After finishing one side – there are five housings per set-up – the housings swivel by 180°to allow machining of the pump side.

To ensure that the two machining operations align precisely with each other, the probe (mounted in the machine spindle) measures the position of the through-hole on all five housings after swivelling. The measured positions are then taken into account during the second machining operation so that, for example, the threaded holes for the cover can be precisely aligned, drilled and cut.
For further information www.blum-novotest.com

Museum exhibit features MTC apprentices

Two MTC Training apprentices feature in a permanent exhibit at London’s Science Museum that aims to promote STEM (science, technology and mathematics) subjects to youngsters. ‘Technology Makes it Happen’, features a video of MTC Training apprentices Kieran Bullivant and Evadney Enock, who have recently completed their advanced manufacturing apprenticeships. In the video, the pair talk about their training and the opportunities that have opened up to them as a result. The exhibition is scheduled to remain in place at the Science Museum for at least 10 years.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

NCMT sponsors university racing team

University of Wolverhampton Racing (UWR) has gained a new official sponsor – machine tool supplier NCMT, best known in the UK and Ireland as the sole agent for selling the Japanese Okuma and Makino brands. The agreement was struck in mid-February 2023, in time for the first race of the Britcar Prototype Cup.UWR is the only student-run team that competes in the Prototype Cup using a Praga R1, a Czech-manufactured racing car eligible for the competition.

Jonathan Smart, managing director of NCMT, says: “We are delighted to start sponsoring UWR, which unlike all other student teams in the UK competes against professional racing teams. It gives their graduates the edge when trying to enter professional motorsport or other employment.Moreover, the Department of Engineering is especially committed to extending opportunities and promoting diversity in engineering and motorsport.”
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Gauge confirms accuracy of measuring machines

CMM manufacturer LK Metrology is introducing a range of UKAS-certified length and form artefacts complete with holding fixture, allowing users to verify the inspection accuracy of any 3D measuring platform. Customers can therefore have greater confidence in the results of an inspection, whether for metrology or reverse engineering, long after the annual calibration of the measuring machine.

Each CMM Checking Gauge (CCG) enables independent monitoring and verification of accuracy through regular intermediate checks on a CMM or portable measuring arm. An OEM can be certain that prototypes and production parts are within tolerance, while subcontractors are able to assure their customers that any machining and inspection carried out on their behalf is accurate. CCG demonstrates a commitment to a consistently high standard of dimensional quality control. Artefact measurement uncertainty is down to ±0.01 μm.

The gauge provides an efficient go/no-go check with measurement results for ongoing CMM monitoring. Three combinations of length bars, ring gauge, test sphere and fixture of different sizes are available to suit various measuring machine models. Regular use provides an early warning of changes in the inspection system and an opportunity to take pre-emptive action. Once identified, it is possible to address accuracy issues due perhaps to environmental changes or an unnoticed probe crash by scheduling an interim machine service or calibration, before downstream manufacturing processes are impacted.

CCGcomes in a carrying case with a program on a USB drive that runs in LK’s CAMIO measuring and reporting software. The program comprises DMIS measurement and alignment routines for bridge and horizontal arm CMMs, allowing the CCG cycle to run seamlessly on LK machines.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

USA flag [head] Accurate and easy way to perform Brinell tests

AMETEK Newage Testing Instruments, an established manufacturer and worldwide supplier of hardness testers and accessories, is launching its improved Brinell Optical Scanning System (BOSS).

Brinell testing is a widely used method for measuring the hardness of metals. There are several reasons why this method is so popular, including its suitability for all metal types and that it offers a very accurate and simple testing method.Manual reading is quite easy and straightforward, but here operatives come across the one disadvantage of the Brinell method: manual reading via microscope has a high risk of human error and requires training and concentration to achieve accurate results.

Since the formula for the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) calculation depends on the indent impression reading, these readings require high accuracy. That is why AMETEK Newage developed BOSS, which virtually eliminates operator influence on the test results.

BOSS uses a compact scanning head attached to a computer using the BOSS software to measure impression diameters in seconds and yield a measurement resolution of 0.01mm. BOSS software is used to set up the criteria for the reading, and perform the necessary BHN calculations to ASTM standards. The system even takes into account such anomalies as impression roundness and the surface finish of samples.

In this latest launch, the BOSS software now features an even better user interface that is intuitive in a familiar window-based environment and with faster and easier installation. The new configurable display shows the 10 most recent readings and features customisable measurement screens that users can configure to tailor the software to their specific application. An updated demonstration mode allows for multiple impressions, creating an improved sales and training experience.
For further information www.hardnesstesters.com