Mid-range press brake with ATC

With over 300 ATC (Automatic Tool Change) press brakes installed throughout Europe and more than 1000 globally, Amada is bringing the company’s proprietary ATC technology to its mid-range line-up for the first time. Previously only available on high-end press brakes such as the Amada HG-ATC and its predecessor the HD-ATC, the new Amada HRB-ATC mid-range model responds directly to market demand for a solution of this type using original Amada tooling.

The HRB-ATC features a full size ATC, offering exactly the same number of tool storage racks as the company’s high-end HG-ATC press brake. Furthermore, the machine comes with a package of Amada tools based on an assessment of the customer’s manufacturing requirements. Importantly, the HRB-ATC is completely compatible with Amada AFH/Promecam standard tool sets. As a result, any existing customer using these tools can load them manually to the new machine if desired.

A CNC press brake with ATC capability brings many advantages to companies that want to increase the amount of time their press brake is engaged in actual bending activities. The ATC can reduce set-up times by up to 80% in comparison with an operator loading a tool manually, which is a clear benefit for subcontractors or companies that undertake several tool layout changes a day.

With its ATC and rapid set-up potential, the new press brake is suitable for those processing small batch sizes. Subcontract fabricators serving markets such as refrigeration, kitchen equipment, retail display, furniture and construction, for instance, will benefit.

The machine is initially available as a 100 tonne/3 m model, with a 220 tonne/4 m model planned for release later this year.

For further information
www.amada.eu

Cold bending under heavy load

CNC tube and pipe bending machines from Schwarze-Robitec have long since proven themselves in shipbuilding and the offshore industry. Therefore, after successfully using a CNC 220 HD (Heavy Duty) for the past two years, Norwegian company Framo has once again opted for a tube and pipe bending machine from the HD series. The CNC 80 HD processes tubes and pipes of various geometries for Framo’s piping systems with precision and speed.

From its headquarters in Bergen, Norway, Framo offers numerous solutions for demanding pumping operations on ships and offshore installations.
The single-stack CNC 80 HD is suitable for continuous use under heavy loads, bending tubes and pipes up to a diameter of 89 mm with a maximum wall thickness of 7.6 mm. In addition to smooth stainless-steel pipes, it is even possible to process high-strength duplex steel with dimensions of 65 x 5 mm. Both the CNC 220 HD and the CNC 80 HD have an integrated flange pipe device that eliminates the need for any subsequent flanging of pipes, reducing costs and boosting productivity.

Even before the bending process begins, Schwarze-Robitec uses special software to determine the perfect cut length. Certain factors, information on the material and empirical values are included in the calculation. The specification of the ideal cut length eliminates the need for subsequent reworking and corrective work steps. After the bending process, the tube or pipe is immediately ready for installation, shortening production times and reducing material costs.

For further information
www.schwarze-robitec.com

Subcon 2021 opens its doors

Subcon, the UK’s premier subcontract manufacturing supply chain show, opens its doors this week at the Birmingham NEC, where it will run from 14 to 16 September. For over 40 years, the show has continued to deliver high-quality conference content alongside a variety of UK and international exhibitors.

This year, Subcon will be co-located with The Engineer Expo and the Manufacturing Management Show. Together, the three shows will deliver a relevant event for the manufacturing and engineering industry, with visitors benefiting from free access to all three events. MTI magazine will be present on Stand C63, from where its friendly team will be distributing MTI’s Subcon show issue. Please call by and pick up a copy.

For further information
www.subconshow.co.uk

3D printing partnership for Matsuura

Matsuura Machinery Ltd has entered a reseller partnership with 3D printer manufacturer, Desktop Metal. Roger Howkins, managing director at Matsuura UK, says: “Our partnership with Desktop Metal further enhances and complements our existing 3D printer product range, giving customers an even greater choice. Matsuura’s experience and knowledge in the additive manufacturing sector spans many years, so customers looking to explore this market can expect
to receive high levels of support from our additive team.”

For further information www.matsuura.co.uk

Hurco machining centre raises productivity

A Hurco Hawk CNC knee-type milling machine has been the mainstay of prismatic machining at the Warsash, Southampton factory of boat fittings and accessories specialist Sea Sure Ltd since it was purchased second-hand in 2012. However, the rising level of demand for all Sea Sure products, but in particular the SHOCK-WBV range of shock mitigation systems for boat seats, led the company to supplement the Hurco Hawk by approaching the same supplier for a new VM10i three-axis, vertical-spindle machining centre with a 660 x 406 x 508 mm working volume and 12,000 rpm spindle.

The machine arrived earlier this year and required the Hurco engineer to dismantle the top of the machine, so that it would fit through a door of restricted height, and rebuild it over a period of three days.

Graham Brown, managing director, says: “The improvement in productivity has been dramatic. Previously it took 40 minutes to machine a stainless steel rear mounting block on the Hawk, for example, whereas we produce them in pairs on the VM10i in 11 minutes – over seven times faster. We now fixture a complete kit of 10 and 15 mm thick billets of waterjet-cut aluminium tooling plate and other raw material for one of our shock mitigation products so they can all be machined in one hit on the new Hurco.

“It saves set-up time and shortens overall cycles due to fewer tool changes,” he adds. “Just half an hour is needed to machine everything under the spindle, and that includes thread milling more than 40 holes of 4 mm diameter.”

For further information
www.hurco.co.uk