Automated steel storage and processing

Steel stockholder Weser Stahl, based in Stuhr-Brinkum, Germany, has automated its operation to meet increasing competition from international suppliers. The key element of its in-house logistics is a recently installed storage, sawing and robotic handling system supplied by Kasto. Weser Stahl’s new system provides unattended material flow through the facility, from storage of the raw stock to provision of the sawn sections for shipment. The system has proved so successful that plans are in place to install another at Weser Stahl’s site in Plettenberg.

Weser Stahl relies on modern machinery and equipment, and has a number of bandsaws and circular saws supplied by kasto over many years.

The new KASTOcenter varioplus 4 measures almost 8 m in height, providing 1398 storage spaces for material up to 7 m in length. Each compartment has a usable loading height of 50 to 430 mm and can take a maximum material weight of 4 tonnes. A storage and retrieval machine (SRM) moving at speeds of up to 60 m/min handles the bar. Two KASTOvariospeed circular saws (150 mm diameter capacity) and one KASTOtec FC 4 bandsaw (430 mm capacity) are connected to the storage facility.

Weser Stahl relies on automation for material removal. The KASTOtec saw is equipped with a turning and stacking system, while the two KASTOvariospeed saws each have an industrial robot that automatically removes sawn sections and stacks them on to pallets, as required for each order.

“In this way, we have created a continuous material flow that can function fully unattended if necessary – and around the clock,” says sales manager Stieven Harder. “The result is an enormous increase in efficiency and performance, as well as more ergonomic working conditions for our employees.”

For further information
www.kasto.com

Laser simplifies cleaning operations

The traditional methods used to remove rust, debris or other surface contamination from components typically involve either physical contact with the part through brushing, scraping, polishing and shot blasting or, alternatively, through the use of dry ice or chemical substances. All of these approaches have their own drawbacks as they are either abrasive, which can potentially damage the base material, or in the case of chemicals, somewhat aggressive.

Laser cleaning, however, offers a highly efficient, contact- and consumable-free alternative that is gaining popularity across a range of applications and market sectors. TLM Laser offers a number of laser cleaning systems as UK and Ireland distributor for 4Jet Technologies.

Recently launched, and now complementing the current 200 and 500 W variants, is the new M100 handheld unit. Based upon a fibre-coupled, maintenance-free, solid-state, near-infrared laser at 1064 nm wavelength, this compact system delivers 100 W of laser power. Weighing in at less than 5 kg, the handheld unit is ergonomic in design and optimised for manual use.

Potential applications for this technology include the cleaning of moulds, tools and fixtures, as well as paint and coating removal operations, and the pre-treatment of surfaces prior to welding, gluing or other coating applications.

Connected to the portable supply unit by a 5 m cable, it is possible to manipulate the manual unit easily using the two-handle configuration. Focal lengths range between 160 and 420 mm, depending upon lenses, while the 2D integral laser scanning head delivers a 100 x 100 mm scan-field.

For further information
www.tlm-laser.com

GKN tech centre

GKN Aerospace held an aviation industry forum to celebrate the opening of its new Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Bristol, UK. Entitled ‘Shaping a sustainable future of flight’ – the event brought together the wider UK aerospace ecosystem and helped promote collaboration in the industry. The 10,000 sq m centre will focus on sustainable aviation research and development, including hydrogen propulsion technologies, advanced composite structures for electric aircraft, additive manufacturing and industry 4.0 processes to enable the high-rate production of aircraft structures.

For further information
www.gknaerospace.com

Euromac opts for NSK linear motion

Euromac, a global specialist in the design and manufacture of punching and bending machines, is benefitting from NSK ball screws, linear guides and bearings in a new punching machine: the latest-generation XT with 1500 x 3000 mm capacity and new reinforced frame.

Euromac says that the XT sets the bar for innovation in the punching machine arena by being available in hydraulic, hybrid and electric variants. In each type, Euromac uses a different way of moving the main punching axis. In the electric version, for example, the technology holds its own patent. Here, acceleration of 90 m/s2 and stroke of sometimes less than 10 mm, means that impact load is a constant issue. With this thought in mind, there is a clear need for high-performance, robust and reliable linear motion products.

For the main punching axis on the electric Euromac XT, NSK therefore proposed its HTF SRD series ball screw with S1 ball spacers featuring grease-retaining attributes. These ball screws also make use of a special material named Tough Steel. Complementing the HTF SRD ball screw is the RA series linear guide with high acceleration capability.

HTF SRD ball screws take advantage of a novel end deflector recirculation system to achieve ultra-high speeds of up to 3 m/s, offering shorter cycle times and higher productivity. Importantly, this high-load ball screw ensures good rotational balance. NSK’s RA series of low-friction, high-load capacity roller guides provide high rigidity to deliver the traverse and repeat accuracy necessary in machine tools such as the Euromac XT.

After a year of comprehensive and successful testing, Euromac recently commenced volume production of its XT punching machines.

For further information
www.nskeurope.com

Laser cutter at TW Metals is ‘game changer’

TW Metals, a supplier of high-performance metals with a global turnover of £710m, has invested in a new 10 kW Trumpf TruLaser 3060 Fiber for one of its UK facilities. The company describes the large 6 m bed laser cutter, which is the first of its type in the UK, as a “game changer” as it has eliminated the time/cost issues associated with using subcontract resources and is now fulfilling next-day delivery demands.

The market segment occupied by the speciality distribution business unit of TW Metals has particular focus on materials for critical and hazardous environments, often in sectors such as nuclear, petrochemical, oil and gas, medical and automotive (a separate business unit serves the aerospace industry).

Mike Street, vice president Europe – speciality distribution, says: “The provision of machined or first-stage components is becoming an increasingly common request. We had a plasma cutter at our Longbridge site for this purpose, but knew a laser cutter would be ideal for our corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant nickel alloys, which extend from thin-gauge sheet up to 30 mm thick.”

David Ellis, head of operations – Europe, takes up the story: “We looked at nine machines, ultimately shortlisting two, one of which was the 10 kW Trumpf TruLaser 3060 Fiber. During demonstrations of the two machines, the TruLaser stood out. Certain nickel alloys are notoriously difficult to cut, but in the trials, Trumpf simply programmed the parts on the day we arrived and cut them beautifully, without any subsequent tweaking of parameters. Also, the price of the Trumpf package was more competitive.”

Adds Street: “Although the TruLaser is not yet fully utilised we’re filling it much faster than we anticipated. We have a budget for the machine and we’ve managed to exceed that every month so far.”

For further information
www.trumpf.com