Robotic tool changer series expanded

Stäubli has expanded its MPS robotic tool changer series to cover all robots and payloads. Five new sizes are now available, covering payload capacities from 15 to 80 kg. Key characteristics of the new compact range include repeat accuracy of ±1.5 µm and a wide variety of available transfer technologies.

Automatic tool changing systems can significantly increase the flexibility and productivity of a robot. Indeed, for many manufacturing processes and applications across a wide range of sectors, automatic tool change systems are the only way to address the specific and individual operations required.

All Stäubli robotic tool changing systems are based on a modular product concept, with three different and efficient ways for customers to obtain their ideal tool changing system. The MPS Complete designation offers pre-configured complete systems ready for immediate use and available on short delivery times, while Stäubli’s MPS Modular option offers production-ready solutions tailored to meet individual customer requirements. The third option is MPS Customized, which is designed around the pre-requisites of each unique application.

Feed-throughs for pneumatics or vacuum are already integrated into the locking units of the new systems. For customers considering future flexibility and functionality, there are numerous additional modules available for the transmission of pneumatics, vacuum, signals, data transmission up to 10 Gbit/S, shielding, earthing, RFID tool coding and data storage. Combining these different technologies and modules as required makes it possible to configure a solution for the widest possible range of applications.

The location of the transmission modules is also highly flexible, allowing users to position them as required to suit the individual robot’s cable package, and order them using a simple code.

For further information
www.staubli.com

Made in Britain accreditation for Bowers

Bowers Group, which manufactures its bore gauges at a dedicated facility in Bradford, has recently achieved the Made in Britain accreditation. To maintain the quality and accuracy of its bore gauges, the company uses a measurement solution from within its own range of products: a Baty profile projector. As part of the Bowers Group, Baty also manufactures its profile projectors and vision systems in the UK, achieving its own Made in Britain accreditation last year. During the manufacturing process, Bowers Group uses the Baty R400 profile projector and complementary Fusion Software to ensure the accuracy of all parts.

For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Fintek celebrates 40 years of surface finishing

In a year when the pandemic has been at the forefront of news and posing severe challenges for component manufacturers, surface finishing specialist Fintek steps into its 40th year of trading on a high note. Land acquisition for expansion, new machine ranges from partner OTEC and AM post-processing machines from RENA Technologies, ensure the company continues its mission to serve the UK market with advanced surface finishing technologies. Founded by Jonathan Dean in July 1981, originally as Finishing Techniques, the company quickly established itself as a UK expert in metal surface finishing.

For further information
www.fintek.co.uk

Old men doing what old men do

After Andrew Monkhouse of Carlisle-based Complete Engineering Services (a Ceratizit customer) spent 10 days in Cumberland Infirmary recovering from Covid-19 back in January, he, along with co-managing director Alan Walker and long standing motorcycling friend Denzil Addison decided it was time to put a long-held plan into action and raise money for the infirmary and Blood Bikes Cumbria.

The plan is to ride the entire UK coastline in three legs on a trio of 30 year-old Honda Super Cub 50cc motorcycles. With less than 5 hp, a top speed of 37 mph (flat out with a tail wind), the machines can achieve around 100 mpg from the 1.1 gallon fuel tank. The trio are covering their own fuel and accommodation costs, meaning any sponsorship raised from individuals and companies will go directly to the infirmary and Blood Bikes Cumbria. Ceratizit UK & Ireland sponsorship brings added incentive as it will donate £1 per mile on a daily basis to keep the total ticking over.

Make a donation at
https://is.gd/tevusa

Hyfore offers pallet full of benefits

Streamlining productivity on machining centres has never been so easy with the arrival of the Midaco manual pallet changing system from Hyfore Workholding. This cost-effective system integrates into virtually any machining centre to improve up-time and spindle utilisation rates, while reducing costs.

The Midaco manual pallet interface incorporates a compact shuttle with telescopic legs that can be adapted to fit all machine tools, including those with swarf and coolant systems. Sitting on the guide rails are a receiver and pallet with precision retention studs to guarantee positional accuracy in the machine tool, while an ‘easy-flip’ cast iron handle precisely locks the pallet on to the receiver. As the low-profile receiver does not require an air supply, it is extremely versatile and compatible with vertical, horizontal and special purpose machine tools.

By creating a uniform pallet system outside the work envelope, the Midaco pallet changer enables operators to load, unload and inspect components – and set up jobs – whilst the alternative pallet is in the machine processing components. For batch, production and repeat components, this dedicated solution offers significantly improved production times. In addition, it is possible to easily interchange the uniform pallet configuration between machine tools or even departments.

Manufacturers can also opt for Midaco’s front-loading ‘side by side’ shuttle pallet system that is supplied with one cast-iron pneumatically-powered receiver, or cast aluminium pallets and one ‘side by side’ shuttle interface that allows the operator to switch pallets in seconds. With this system, the operator simply activates the pneumatically powered receiver that mounts to the machine table and clamps the pallet.

The system is available in a range of variations that include pallet sizes from 406 x 356 mm to the largest 1829 x 762 mm.

For further information
www.hyfore.com