App remotely controls sawing machines

KastoApp facilitates the remote visualisation of Kasto sawing machines on the shop floor. The app displays the operational status of all networked machines equipped with the manufacturer’s proprietary SmartControl, AdvancedControl, ProControl or ExpertControl systems. Users can see the name, machine number and type of saw at a glance. If a machine is running in automated mode, KastoApp can also access the information stored in the program that is running. It provides users with exact information on relevant parameters such as the item, cut length, target and actual quantities, band feed rate, and cutting speed. If a fault occurs, the app displays a graphic of the relevant error message, enabling users to visualise the problem and react immediately to minimise downtimes.

Kasto also has a solution, KastoSort robot link, to automate production processes upstream and downstream of the sawing process and integrate them into a uniformly controlled material flow. Industrial robots can not only remove sawn parts independently, but may also perform additional tasks such as deburring, chamfering, centring, threading, marking, printing, sorting, stacking and picking.

This robotic solution can be further integrated with a container management or driverless transport system. Depending on the customer’s requirements, Kasto can integrate the robot control into either the saw’s CNC system, or its own KastoLogic WMS, or an existing ERP system, enabling users to monitor and control the process with a single interface.

Thanks to customised interfaces ranging from SAP, Infor and Microsoft Dynamics to customer-specific software solutions, the KastoLogic WMS can be easily connected to a higher-level host system within the company, as can individual Kasto sawing machine controls. The resulting communication structure significantly increases transparency.

For further information
www.kasto.com

Power tools support metalworking operations

Power tools and accessories manufacturer Fein (Hall 6, Stand 572) will be showcasing its new KBE 32 metal core drill, new additions to its beveller range and the MKAS 355 metal chop saw, demonstrating its commitment to supporting metalworkers by providing solutions to the everyday challenges they face. The new MKAS 355 metal chop saw is now available across the UK, delivering precise and rapid results when cutting metals either in the workshop or on-site. The cold cutting process means there is no heating of the material, resulting in the absence of metal dust extract to ensure maximum safety for users.

For further information www.fein.com/en_uk

Large entry-level CMMs

LK Metrology (Hall 19, stand 422) will launch two larger sizes of CMM in the company’s entry-level Altera C range. The original Altera C variants introduced in August 2019 were available in three sizes: 7.7.5, 10.7.5 and 10.7.7, the biggest having axis movements of 1000 x 650 x 650 mm. These two extra machines, designated 12.9.7 and 15.9.7, extend the inspection envelope to 1200 x 850 x 650 mm and 1500 x 850 x 650 mm respectively, and feature a new 900 x 700 mm ceramic bridge. The largest machine in the series, which will be on show at MACH, nearly doubles the previous maximum measuring volume, greatly expanding the range of applications for which the affordable Altera C is suitable.

For further information
www.lkmetrology.com

Automated and digitised sawing system

Meba has implemented one of the most complex projects in its company history: the sawing system at Günther + Schramm GmbH, a system service provider for steel, stainless steel and aluminium in southern Germany. In a tight planning phase of under one year, the two companies jointly developed and implemented a fully automated and digitised sawing system with roller conveyors, high-bay warehouse connection, short parts disposal and ground-breaking machinery innovations.

The starting point for the project was two outdated saw mills, a circular saw and a bandsaw, which were due for replacement. The very clear target from the customer’s side was: in principle, the process should remain the same as before, but output must significantly increase.

The high degree of automation and digitisation provided a clearly measurable increase in productivity possible for the steel distributor. In phase one, Meba evaluated the output quantity of the existing machines for two years: the new plant would be able to produce almost twice as much.

For Meba, the special features of this intensive project included the fully automatic system in conjunction with a high-bay warehouse, as well as the implementation of short parts disposal. The basis for the complete sawing system centres on two MebaMat 330 automatic machines. Both are technically identical, but arranged in a mirror image, left and right to each other. Orders generate automatically by work preparation via an SAP interface. Via networking and an interface, cutting values are also generated automatically, after which the integration of conveyor systems to the rack warehouse takes place.

Meba has complete access to all controllers, so that Günther + Schramm can be supported via modem in diagnostics and operation.

For further information
www.meba-saw.com

High-speed five-axis VMC

The show will mark the UK launch of the D200Z five-axis vertical machining centre from Japanese machine tool builder, Makino, which is represented exclusively in the UK and Ireland by NCMT (Hall 19, Stand 130). Visitors to the stand will be able to see the machine cycling through a reflector mould program.

The 30,000 rpm spindle and integral, direct-drive table provide quick, precise, full five-axis machining. This capability combines with high-speed SGI.5 motion control software in the Makino Professional 6 CNC to maintain tight tolerances and high quality requirements, and ensure accurate blending of 3D surfaces, even during simultaneous five-axis motion. Designed to maximise working volume and load capacity, the compact D200Z accommodates workpiece sizes up to 300 mm in diameter, 210 mm tall and weighing up to 75 kg.

For further information www.ncmt.co.uk