Robot ends labour-intensive process

RARUK Automation has supplied Plymouth-based Oakmount Control Systems with a new FlexiBowl parts feeder and Shibaura THP700 SCARA robot. The two automated systems are now working in unison at a customer of Oakmount, where they are feeding, picking and placing a medical product into individual plastic packaging trays. Previously performed by a human operative, the end user is not only enjoying a faster, more repeatable process, but has redeployed its labour resource to a more value-added task.

The THP700 SCARA robot offers a 700 mm reach and a maximum payload of 10 kg.

For further information www.rarukautomation.com

Slug management made easy

GF Machining Solutions says that its new Automatic Slug Management (ASM) makes true uninterrupted and unmanned wire EDM operations a reality.

Left to their own devices, slugs will fall on to the lower head of an EDM machine. This effect can cause a crash or trigger alerts that cause the machine to stop. To aid prevention, CAM programs include ‘tabs’ to keep the slug connected to the workpiece during machining operations. Once completed, operators remove the tabs and slugs, but such manual intervention prevents true unmanned operation. At best, manufacturers can achieve rough cutting of parts overnight, but will need to wait until operators are available to remove the slugs and run trim and finishing passes.

With ASM, manufacturers can machine parts (roughing and finishing) overnight, and the technology is particularly suited to die-stamping applications and other small cavity operations. The process begins with a complete roughing pass that leaves no welds or tabs but sees the machine’s lower head prevent the slug falling into the tank while a device retrofitted to the upper head descends; this blows high-pressure air over the slug, which creates suction and allows the slug to be pulled from the part and deposited away from the machine.

Although ASM is slower than the manual alternative, the fact that it requires no human intervention means that manufacturers can load up machines at night with raw material and return the next morning to completed components.

For further information
www.gfms.com

BMW Hams Hall hits 20-year milestone

BMW Group’s Hams Hall engine manufacturing plant, located in Warwickshire, has reached a major milestone. Officially opening and starting production in 2001, the plant is marking 20 successful years of manufacturing three and four-cylinder petrol engines. A committed workforce of more than 1000 people support day-to-day operations at the site, around a third of whom are also celebrating their own 20-year or more contribution to the plant.

As well as engine assembly, a high-tech machining hall is a core part of the Hams Hall site, producing key engine components such as crankshafts, cylinder blocks and cylinder heads. Large investment over the past decade has meant the plant is also able to produce these parts for other BMW Group engine plants, with annual production exceeding more than 1 million components.

For further information www.bmwgroup.com

Private equity fund buys Formaplex

UK private equity fund Elaghmore has acquired Formaplex, an integrated manufacturer and supplier of lightweight component solutions to the global automotive, motorsport, aerospace, medical and defence markets. Established nearly 20 years ago, and with revenues in excess of £60m, Formaplex operates from four manufacturing sites based along the south coast of England. The company employs over 500 employees and, following the acquisition, CEO Mike Bryant will continue to head-up the operation.

Andy Ducker, co-founder at Elaghmore, says: “We believe that Formaplex has significant potential for continued growth in all of the sectors it serves. More and more businesses are looking to replace traditional component materials with lightweight solutions that increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. We look forward to being part of this growth by providing Mike and the team with financial and operational support.”

For further information
www.formaplex.com

Providing precision to A&M EDM

A recent rise in the volume of parts produced by Smethwick-based A&M EDM – one of the country’s largest specialist EDM companies – began to place a strain on the firm’s CMM provision. However, after evaluating solutions from three global metrology companies, the company has resolved its capacity issue by purchasing a Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex V CMM with an XYZ capacity of 900 x 1000 x 800 mm.

A&M quality inspector Steve Foster says: “The Crysta-Apex V was launched only a short time ago, therefore it was the most up to date and advanced CNC CMM of the machines that we considered, and the most suitable for our needs. As A&M’s machining facility continues to develop, the fact that this new CMM can integrate with advanced factory arrangements and interact with other systems makes it future proof.”

In addition to being suitable for today’s demanding inspection tasks, Mitutoyo’s new-generation CMMs are designed for the smart factory of the future and the connected production environment.

It helped A&M’s decision to invest that one of its major aerospace customers has multiple Mitutoyo CMMs. The company’s staff reported that its CMMs were efficient and reliable, and that it had received excellent service from Mitutoyo.

“The Crysta-Apex V’s intuitive operating system and the training we received from Mitutoyo UK has enabled our staff to quickly get up to speed,” says Foster. “In fact, the speed and accuracy specification of our new CMM has removed the potential for delays in our inspection department and is now helping to ensure the quality of our output.”

For further information
www.mitutoyo.co.uk