Paperless shop floor

AMRC Cymru is set to become the first facility in the University of Sheffield AMRC cluster to run a completely paperless shop floor.Senior manufacturing research engineer Anmar Al-Qutayri devised theidea, which uses computer software and an interlinked touchscreen kiosk to house all the necessary documents for a shop floor to function safely.Al-Qutayri says the system is very easy to use: “One of the best things about it is you can store as many documents as needed, all in one place, and complete updates quickly without the need to use countless sheets of paper.”
For further information www.bit.ly/46orl4N

Excel Precision buys Homerosion EDM Supplies

Excel Precision Group, a major UK EDM specialist, has acquired Homerosion EDM Supplies Ltd,a UKsupplier of EDM consumables and spare parts that has provided an excellent service to the EDM industry for almost 20 years. As a result of the acquisition, Excel Precision Group has changed the name of Homerosion EDM to Excel EDM Supplies Ltd and set up a new website under that name. All other details remain the same, such as company registration number, VAT number and bank account details.

As Excel EDM Supplies, the company will continue to provide all customers with high-quality consumables and spares, on time.However, it will also be increasing both its product range and levels of inventory.As part of a structured growth strategy, Excel EDM Supplies is now able to offer pre-owned EDM machines and chiller units. The company also provides a range of tooling, work-holding equipment, training, design services, software solutions and service packages.

Ultimately, Excel EDM Supplies can support customers through every aspect of their EDM journey.Thousands of items are currently on the shelf ready for next-day delivery. Recent product additions include the company’s new brass and super brass wire. According to Excel EDM Supplies, super brass wire cuts up to 25% faster than standard brass wire.

As a further point of note, Amanda Caffery has joined the team as sales and administration manager for Excel EDM Supplies. Please note that Homerosion Ltd is not part of this acquisition. Martin Homer is still operating Homerosion Ltd and his contact details remain unchanged.
For further information www.exceledmsupplies.com

Engineering skills conference

Engineering and manufacturing leaders from across the West Midlands are set to descend on the inaugural Next Gen Makers Engineering Skills Conference at The Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology for an insightful day of discussion on 2 November.In partnership with MSC Industrial Supply, the free event will see leaders from across the region explore how to tackle the long-standing skills crisis currently posing a significant business challenge for engineering and manufacturing companies throughout the Midlands region.
For further information www.bit.ly/46oVKAg

NCMT appoints NE and Scotland sales manager

Andy Skee has joined machine tool supplier NCMT as sales manager for the northeast of England and Scotland. The company is sole agent in the British Isles for Makino machining centres and EDM machines, and for Okuma machining centres, CNC lathes and grinders. It is also the European agent for photo-activated adhesive work-holding systems manufactured by Blue Photon in the US. From previous roles, Skee has direct experience using Okuma twin-chuck vertical machines at a subcontractor specialising in subsea equipment manufacture, followed by several years in a similar role within the UK MoD.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

GFMS launches CUT F wire EDM machines

GF Machining Solutions has introduced a new range of wire EDM machines. The AgieCharmilles CUT F series comprises two models (CUT F 350 and CUT F 600), each equipped with the company’s proprietary Uniqua control, ISPS intelligent spark protection system, iWire intelligent functions and RFID smart wire system. Furthermore, at the heart of every machine is the proven high-end IPG-DPS generator.

According to GFMS, CUT F machines deliver improved performance and optimised precision. The range sits in-between the company’s established CUT E and CUT P series’ of wire EDM machines and features the tried and tested SparkTrack technology platform.

The new C-frame machines feature an enhanced design that improves thermal stability and vibration control, resulting in higher part accuracies and superior surface finishes, reports the company. Specific features include axis optical encoders (cooled via the work tank and dielectric fluid) and high-accuracy, high-grade ballscrews that improve positional accuracies.

CUT F machines come with an intuitive iHMI featuring a 19” vertical touchscreen, full keyboard and a mouse. The Uniqua platform interface supports offline and at-the-machine programming, and facilitates sequential and object-oriented programming. The control hasa powerful graphic tool with an integrated CAM system and is compatible with all major CADCAM programs.

Of particular note, the iWire function automatically identifies and adapts the wire speed to changing erosion height conditions during the EDM process and, by sodoing, eliminates wire breakage while reducing overall wire consumption per job – in some instances by as much as 29%.iWire technology works in tandem with ISPS, both of which are accessible from the Uniqua control.
For further information www.gfms.com