DNE Global range extended with LC4 model

TheEngineering Technology Group (ETG) says that the success of DNE Global fibre laser cutting technology has been phenomenal since its introduction to the UK last year. Now, ETG is extending the line-up with the arrival of the LC4. The latest high-quality cost-effective fibre laser cutting machine has a larger capacity and a host of features that reach beyond the smaller LC3 variant.

The new LC4 machine is suitable for a wide range of applications, from thin to thick sheets of steel, stainless steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metals. Delivering greater profit per part with its low investment level, comparatively low operating costs and low maintenance requirements, the LC4 is available in four variants: the LC4 2000, 3000, 4000 and 6000 with each of the four models signifying the respective laser power from 2 to 6 kW.

The LC4 can accommodate sheets up to 4 x 2 m with a cutting area of 4120 x 2110 x 100mm, and a maximum workpiece weight up to 1300kg. Depending upon the selected model and material in-cut, the LC4 can cut sheets from 5 to 20 mm thick at high speed and with a changeover time of just 27 seconds. The maximum positional speed in parallel axis X/Y is 100m/min with a maximum positional speed of 140m/min.

When it comes to precision, the new LC4 has a bilateral repeatability positioning of one axis (R) of 0.5mm,offering an average bilateral deviation of one axis (M) of 0.1mm with an edge detection precision level of ±0.5mm. Regarding footprint, the compact machine has a floor area of 13.1 x 6.4m with a height of 2.74m.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Andy Haldane joins AMRC

Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane will chair the industrial board at University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) for the next three years. He brings a wealth of experience that will help shape and set the strategy for the AMRC and its 120 industrial members on where to put its horsepower and innovation to help grow the UK manufacturing sector. Haldane says that taking the post was a “coming together of topics” that have been at the centre of his career. He currently holds the post of chief executive of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

£450,000 investment

Hull-based Paragon Toolmaking has further invested in new machinery with a £450,000 spend set to accelerate production and increase automation when manufacturing precision tools. The investment includes a new CNC machine with a 3 x 2 m bed to cope with large die sets and plates, and work at twice the speed of previous machinery. Further investments include a new automated 700 x 1000mm surface grinder that will also help increase production speeds, freeing up operatives to work on other projects.Thesemachines follow the purchase of a new CMM last year.
For further information www.paragontoolmaking.com

OEMs back launch of ERS Hub

Hundreds of thousands of new skilled jobs require creation over the next two years if the UK is going to transition to zero-emission vehicles.Delegates at the first ever Electric Revolution Skills Hub (ERS Hub) conference heard how skills and training people are the two biggest barriers to ensuring the country leads the way in the global electrification race. Leaders from the sector believe that taking action now means theUK can still become a hotbed for the production and development of power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD), generating more than £12bn of domestic revenue by 2025.

More than 200 delegates gathered at the ICC Birmingham to hear this rallying call and celebrate the official launch of the ERS Hub, an integrated digital platform providing inclusive access to training, development and jobs. Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Hewland and an army of SMEs are already backing its introduction, with 150 companies and organisations set to benefit in the first year alone.
For further information www.ershub.co.uk

Investment proves key to growth and diversification

Milltek Sport has, for the past 40 years, being at the forefront of the design and manufacture of aftermarket performance exhaust systems, but with one eye on the future it has recently created a £3m Advanced Manufacturing Centre, adjacent to its Derby headquarters. At the heart of this investment are three machines from BLM Group that incorporate the very latest in fibre laser, robotics and bending technology.

While Milltek Sport’s core products will remain in demand for many years to come, the rise of electric vehicles influenced the company’s decision to invest, a move that is allowing it to appeal to new markets, such as heat shield manufacture for EVs. The three machines from BLM Groupinclude a BLM LC5 combination flat sheet and tube laser cutting system, and the BLM LT Free Hi-Flex five-axis, twin-robot, fibre laser cutting cell.

BLM Group’s LC5 integrates separatemodules for tube and flat sheet processing to enable a switch from tube processing to flat sheet instantly, without any need to reconfigure the machine. Milltek chose the 4kW (12kW optional) fibre laser for its machine, a choice that provides the capability to cut stainless steel up to 15mm thick. Adding to this versatility is the electric sheet pallet change system with dual shelves for sheet and tube.

Similarly, the BLM LT Free Hi-Flex five-axis robot cell features twin robot arms that can be operated individually, with a divider allowing one part to be cut by the 2kW fibre laser, while another is being set-up.Or, if the part demands it both robots can work in tandem.

Steve Pound, managing director of Milltek Sport, states: “We are seeing efficiency improve dramatically; up to 40% gains on some components.”
For further information www.blmgroup.com