World’s first explosion-proof paint cobot launched

FANUC says it has launched the world’s first ever explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot (cobot) for industrial painting applications. Suitable for wet spraying, dry powder coating and multiple other processes that include adhesive dispensing, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT is designed to improve the precision of paint jobs, reduce waste, increase productivity and boost safety by protecting workers from paint fumes.

Approved for use in ATEX-certified Cat II Group 2G and 2D, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT enables human employees to work in the same painting area as the cobot without safety fences, thanks to a sensitive contact-stopping function. Ease of use is another of its key features.

“Few paint shop workers have extensive knowledge of robotics, which is where cobots can help,” states Claude Seiler, manager products and application – European technical support robotics at FANUC. “Our CRX-10iA/L PAINT, with its easy-teach features and drag-and-drop functionality, means no expertise in robot programming is necessary.”

According to FANUC, paint shop professionals can complete programs in minutes via an icon-based app on a tablet teach pendant

“Operators can manually move the cobot arm to the first position required, make a save point and continue through the paint path,” explains Seiler. “The cobot will ‘learn’ its entire range of positioning – it’s that easy. What’s more, users can save and apply paint paths to other parts.”

The IP67-rated FANUC CRX-10iA/L PAINT six-axis cobot offers a maximum payload of 10 kg and what is said to be the longest reach in its class of 1418 mm. Process flexibility arrives courtesy of its floor, upside-down or angle mounting option, while its novel under-flip motion means users can manipulate the paint gun in confined spaces. The cobot is fully compatible with almost all automatic end-of-arm guns.

More information www.fanuc.eu

Sales force expansion

Machine tool supplier Ward Hi-Tech is further expanding its sales force by welcoming Jon Mannion to cover the East Midlands region as sales manager. Offering many years of experience within the UK machine tool industry, Mannion says: “I’m delighted to join Ward Hi-Tech, a long established and well-respected UK machine tool supplier with a wide-ranging product portfolio and a great support team.” Ward Hi-Tech is the sole UK distributor for global machine tool brands that include Hwacheon, HNK and Kiheung from South Korea, as well as Dah Lih Machinery, SFM and Vision Wide from Taiwan. 

More information www.wardhitech.co.uk

£13m nuclear programme

The University of Manchester has been awarded a major grant to lead a new programme that will transform the lifecycle of graphite in nuclear energy. The five-year ENLIGHT programme (Enabling a Lifecycle Approach to Graphite for Advanced Modular Reactors) will develop critical technologies to support the deployment of next-generation nuclear energy technology and address two of the UK’s most pressing nuclear challenges: securing a sustainable, sovereign supply of nuclear graphite; and finding solutions to manage the country’s growing volume of irradiated graphite waste.

More information www.manchester.ac.uk

New Vocational Celebration Day launched

The UK skills sector is to hold an annual Vocational Celebration Day, a new initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the vital contributions of vocational training and skilled trades to the nation’s prosperity. The day, set to be observed every year on the first Thursday of August, honours those whose passion, expertise and dedication in vocational fields form the backbone of the UK’s economy and society. Devised and driven by former Sector Skills Council Enginuity and awarding organisation EAL, the first Vocational Celebration Day will take place on Thursday 6 August 2026.

More information https://enginuity.org/

MAG IAS names new MD and CSO

Machine tool supplier The Fair Friend Group (FFG) has appointed Bernd Hilgarth as managing director and chief sales officer (CSO) of group brand MAG IAS GmbH (MAG IAS). He will assume overall responsibility for the sales organisation of both MAG IAS and the Fair Friend Group, reporting directly to group CEO Dr Sebastian Schöning. Hilgarth has more than 30 years of experience in the machine tool industry. He began his career at Boehringer, followed by various management roles in renowned sector companies. Most recently, he held a leading sales position at the Chiron Group for over a decade.

More information https://ffg-ea.com/en/