Smart FMS from SW combines trio of core technologies

Machine tool manufacturer Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen (SW) has opened a new chapter in automation systems with the launch of its Smart FMS (flexible manufacturing system), designed to enable flexible, resource-saving and sustainable workpiece processing regardless of batch size.

Presented for the first time at the Automatica and EMO exhibitions last year, the Smart FMS concept combines three core technologies: the Sfix automated clamping system, the S-cell mobile robot cell, and a pallet-changing system.

Unlike traditional production lines built around fixed processes, Smart FMS enables the flexible machining of different workpiece types and batch sizes without lengthy changeovers. This capability helps manufacturers improve machine utilisation, reduce set-up times and lower material and energy consumption.

The Sfix system simplifies workpiece clamping by replacing individual fixtures with a modular set up built from standardised components. In the Sfix-cell, a robot automatically assembles the required clamping device in just a few minutes using CAD data and SW’s patented Sfix plate.

Michael Kreuzberger, product manager at SW, says: “Sfix makes the clamping process plannable and reproducible. This significantly reduces set up and storage costs and increases process reliability, especially with frequently changing components.”

The S-cell system adds mobile automation to the process. A mobile platform carrying an industrial robot moves autonomously around the production facility, loading and unloading workpieces between machining, cleaning and assembly stations without rigid interlinking.

Combined with SW’s SmartFlow orchestration software, the system uses AI-supported planning to adapt dynamically to changing production requirements without manual intervention.

Kreuzberger adds: “Companies are looking for solutions that are flexibly scalable and do not require long changeover times. The Smart FMS provides exactly this foundation, regardless of industry, batch size or workpiece variant.”

More information www.sw-machines.com

Subcontractor automates high-accuracy prismatic machining

A bespoke robotic handling cell has been retrofitted to a DMG Mori five-axis vertical machining centre at the Redditch factory of Optimal Manufacturing, helping the subcontract specialist automate the production of high-precision prismatic components and achieve reliable 24/7 unattended machining. Supplied by Whitehouse Machine Tools, the Tezmaksan CubeBOX robotic handling cell is unusual in that it exchanges components mounted in vices on pallets, rather than handling billets, castings or forgings directly.

Joint owners and directors Will Cooper and Tom Slimm selected this approach because many parts require tolerances of less than 10 microns. They believed handling individual components would not provide the repeatability needed, particularly where second operations were involved. Instead, workpieces are fixtured in vices mounted on zero-point pallets and loaded into a DMG Mori CMX 70 U five-axis machining centre.

Tezmaksan modified its CubeBOX Blues DR MAX system so that the three storage shelves, each holding four vice-mounted parts, could slide horizontally towards the robot and back again. This capability allows the 70 kg payload robot to safely access the lower shelves and handle the fixtured workpieces efficiently.

Commissioned in August 2025, the cell quickly proved its value when Optimal secured a large stainless-steel valve manifold order for an oil and gas customer. The company ran the system continuously for three months.

“It was ideal for automation,” states Cooper. “We ran the cell 24/7 for three months, unattended every night, allowing us to produce the parts economically while enhancing our reputation for short lead-time deliveries.”

Slimm adds: “With some machining cycles lasting well in excess of two hours, and our ability to gain 14 hours’ production overnight virtually for free, this type of easy-to-use automation is a big asset for any manufacturing organisation.”

More information www.wmtcnc.com

Instro AI and AMRC showcase commercial impact of AI

Instro AI Solutions has announced the results of its collaborative generative AI trials with AMRC Cymru, demonstrating measurable operational improvements and clear commercial impact for participating UK engineering firms, including cutting response times by more than two thirds.

Over the past year, Instro AI worked with AMRC Cymru, part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, to deliver structured proof-of-value trials with engineering companies. Each programme was designed around defined business outcomes, with results reviewed alongside AMRC Cymru to validate performance.

Measured results included Colchester Machine Tool Solutions achieving 67.3% faster technical query response times, reducing average response times from 5.5 minutes to 1.8 minutes. Elsewhere, sliding-head lathe manufacturer Star Micronics recorded 44.6% faster engineering decision-making during technical support tasks, with engineers using the system more than 1200 times to diagnose alarm codes and locate technical information.

Instro AI delivers a sector-customisable generative AI platform designed to transform how knowledge is accessed and applied across organisations by staff, partners and customers. The system automatically ingests complex documentation including manuals, technical documents, training materials, compliance information and customer records, providing instant, accurate and context-aware responses to operational and commercial questions.

A key finding across all trial participants was that the greatest challenge was not the AI technology itself, but fragmented manufacturing data spread across documents, systems and service records.

Pritesh Patel, industrial digitalisation technical lead at AMRC Cymru, says the trials demonstrated that the biggest hurdle for manufacturers is often legacy data rather than AI adoption itself. Phil Sanders (pictured), commercial director at Instro AI Solutions, adds: “These outcomes demonstrate how generative AI is moving beyond experimentation and delivering measurable operational improvements across engineering support, enquiry handling and technical decision making for organisations of all sizes.”

More information www.instro.ai

Renishaw names CFO

Renishaw has appointed John Shipsey as chief financial officer and executive director. He joins with significant board and executive leadership experience, having undertaken the role of CFO in various companies, including Dyson, Smiths Group and Featurespace. Shipsey also held finance and strategy roles at Diageo earlier in his career and served as a non-executive director of Dechra Pharmaceuticals. CEO Will Lee says: “John’s breadth of financial and executive leadership experience, combined with his deep understanding of the industrials sector, will be invaluable to us as we work towards our strategic targets.”

More information www.renishaw.com

AM cell at Rolls-Royce

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, has opened a new additive manufacturing (AM) development cell at Rolls-Royce’s Defence Assembly and Operations facility in Bristol. Housed in a custom-built 350 m² space, the humidity, temperature and air pressure are carefully optimised to ensure consistent quality. The AM machinery manufactures aerospace components layer by layer using metal superalloy powders; constructing complex metal components by melting layers of powder using laser beams. As well as weight savings, the parts developed in the cell will enable quicker delivery.

More information www.bit.ly/42rFEFv