Comau partners Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation and Comau are joining forces to give businesses worldwide tools that maximise manufacturing efficiencies through unified robot control solutions. Engineers will now be able to program their entire machine in one environment, including Comau robot arms directly controlled through Rockwell Automation’s Logix-based controllers. Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 automation system design software provides relief from the time-consuming and often difficult task of trying to coordinate traditionally separate machine control and robot systems so they work together using different software tools.

For further information

www.comau.com
www.rockwellautomation.com

Pioneering robot assistance

Sheffield Forgemasters has adopted collaborative robotic (cobot) assistance for foundry operatives, reducing exposure to vibration, improving safety and increasing productivity within its fettling operations. The company is one of the first foundries in the world to employ the 6A10 grinding cobot from French firm RB3D, which works with operators of heavy grinders to stabilise and take the weight of the grinder. The 6A10 is a robotic, electric-motor driven arm which is guided by the operator and does not require any programming.

For further information
www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Investment secures future growth

Supplying predominantly to the aerospace industry, the Bowmill Group has invested in three machine tools from Matsuura in the past three years.

The company’s journey with Matsuura started in 2019 after securing a prime contract that required a high accuracy yet flexible machine. As part of its research, Bowmill reviewed the MX-330 PC10 from Matsuura. The MX-330 PC10 offers full five-axis capability and probing, which is critical for the company’s required positional tolerances (3-4 µm). Notably, the MX-330 PC10 also has 10 pallets, allowing Bowmill to run several component variations through the same machine and utilising unmanned/lights out operations. Having seen the machine in real-time operation, and after rigorous evaluation, the company chose to invest in this machine for its main site in Poole.

After six months of running the machine, improving cycle-times and implementing flexible manufacturing sequencing, Bowmill decided to purchase a second Matsuura MX-330 PC10 (for its Tewkesbury site) in March 2020. The MX-330 PC10 features 10 pallets and 90 tools.

Some months later, the company needed a larger five-axis machine (500 mm cube) for Tewkesbury and, due to increasing customer demand, once again looked to Matsuura. Following the success of the first two MX-330 PC10, Bowmill decided to purchase a Matsuura MX-520.

MD Nick Epps says: “Despite the global situation, investing in the MX-330 PC10 and MX-520 machines has been key to the future success of our business. We’ve already seen significant improvement to cycle times and OEE data on numerous components, and this has been equally supported by the service and technical support from the Matsuura team, which has been exceptional.”

For further information
www.matsuura.co.uk

Major UK investment at Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak has continued its commitment to high-quality, home-grown machine tool manufacturing by making another substantial investment in production equipment at its UK-based European manufacturing plant. The latest multi-million-pound investment includes the installation of a twin-pallet Versatech V-140N/280 and a FJV-60/80 double-column vertical machining centre. These two models will manufacture large component parts for new Mazak machines built in Worcester, demonstrating the company’s trust in its own technologies.

“When it comes to selecting the best tools to manufacture our machining solutions, Mazak stands out as one of the few machine builders able to practice what it preaches,” states Stuart Astley, production director at Yamazaki Mazak UK. “We don’t just present our machine tools as market leaders to customers, we know their quality well. As such, they are always first-choice when we’re looking to expand the plant’s production capacity.”

For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Key European appointments at Anca

Tool and cutter grinding machine specialist Anca is making a number of key European appointments, strengthening its leadership team and commitment to servicing the region.

Edmund Boland takes the role of general manager Europe; Martin Winterstein – an external appointment – becomes sales manager Europe; and Jan Langfelder moves to global key accounts manager. Anca Europe has been operating for over 30 years, supported by a purpose-built technology centre in Weinheim, Germany, a UK facility, and local sales and technical support in most European countries.

For further information www.anca.com