CAM integrates turbomachinery design solution

A co-operative agreement has been struck between Open Mind and CFturbo that intends to provide a complete design-to-manufacture workflow process for turbomachines such as pumps, compressors, turbines, fans and blowers.

CFturbo’s software platform for interactive design enables the end user to start from scratch or redesign existing geometries like impellers, stators or volutes. Now, the collaboration with Open Mind will enable turbomachinery designers to take their design concept beyond the 3D model and through to complete CAM model for production.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com

Free automation event at MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry is to hold a free event aimed at helping business leaders make the right decisions when it comes to automating their factories.

The ‘Open Lab’ robotics and automation networking forum at the MTC on 18 September is designed for decision makers and end users who appreciate the need for robotics and automation, but are unsure of the best equipment to use, how to integrate it into their production lines, or how to measure the benefits.
End users, technology providers and suppliers are invited to the event, held under the auspices of the European-funded ROBOTT-NET project, of which the MTC is a partner. It is the fifth in a series of such events at the MTC. Anyone interested in registering for the event can do so via the web address below.
For further information www.the-mtc.org/openlab

Renishaw graduate scheme among best

This year’s JobCrowd rankings sees Renishaw again ranked among the top three graduate schemes in the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector.

The company is ranked second this year in its industry, and 45th in the top 100 companies for graduates across all UK sectors. The JobCrowd rankings are based on anonymous reviews from graduate employees at companies across the UK.
A total of 12 schemes are offered by Renishaw, which provide graduates with hands-on experience through a series of both rotational placements in different company divisions, as well as static schemes in key areas, ranging from electronics and manufacturing, to project co-ordination and software engineering. Applications for Renishaw’s 2020 graduate scheme begin in September 2019. The programme is open to graduates with a minimum 2:2 degree (or expected) in a relevant discipline.
For further information www.renishaw.com

Wing-rib machining solution

Walter GB recently joined forces with work-holding specialist Schunk Intec to host a showcase of best-in-class five-axis aerospace machining at the Knowledge Transfer Centre in Sheffield.

An audience of aerospace production specialists learnt about how the latest tooling and work-holding innovations could bring substantial benefits to the machining of aluminium wing ribs. Furthermore, they were able to see the results for themselves in the adjacent ‘AMRC with Boeing Centre’ where a demonstration part was produced on a Starrag Ecospeed machine.
The sample wing rib – measuring 1500 mm long by 280 mm wide and 80 mm high, and with pockets up to 50 mm deep – was jointly designed by Walter and Schunk Intec to specifically show the ability of their tooling strategies and work-holding technology in overcoming these difficulties in a controlled manner.
For further information www.walter-tools.com

VMC performance creates development opportunities

When Mounts and More originally started in 1996 it was intended to be a part-time enterprise, but the business quickly morphed from being a small distributor of products for wheelchair users, into a service and support centre for not only individual users, but hospital groups across the UK and Europe.

From this experience of being what managing director Ian Bullock describes as being the “middle-man” he began to develop his own ideas, which initially were passed straight back to Daessy, the Canada-based supplier of the equipment he was selling.
“As part of that agreement we were precluded from selling other products, but they gave us their blessing and support to start designing and making our own accessories and custom parts to complement the Daessy mounting system,” says Bullock. “As many of these designs were unique to our local requirements, it made sense to invest in our own manufacturing capability. Also, as a manufacturer, we would be able to access greater export support from the Government.”
Mounts and More’s core market is the supply of mounts to assist wheelchair users in the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The most familiar user of such equipment was the late Professor Stephen Hawking. Through its longstanding association with Daessy, Mounts and More has built a strong business supporting higher dependency wheelchair users, which equate to around 10% of the market, where funding is more readily available to purchase accessories that make life easier for these customers.

“The other 90% of wheelchair users find it increasingly difficult to access funding, which is why we are focussing on developing products that allow them to adapt off-the-shelf technology to meet their needs,” explains Bullock. “For example, a fully specified Eyegaze communication device can cost well over £10,000, but we’ve developed a bracket that allows an Eyegaze camera to be used with a Microsoft Surface Pro to create a basic Eyegaze device.”
To develop these products, Mounts and More initially invited quotes for machining work but could not find anyone interested. As a result, the decision was taken to invest in some machining capacity. Budget and space restrictions limited the choice and capability of the first Chinese machines, which also came with their own issues in terms of reliability.
These factors would open the company’s eyes to the potential of investing in more robust and quality machinery. Therefore, when additional floor space became available, Bullock and his son William, looked to invest again, with the first requirement being increased machining centre capacity.
Initial research by William Bullock identified the XYZ 750 LR as the ideal machine, and his investigation confirmed that the quality and performance of the XYZ machine, along with service and support, would meet requirements. Price was also a factor, with Yorkshireman Ian Bullock’s reaction being “how much?” However, with subcontractors now refusing to quote for the volumes needed, or giving extremely long lead times, he knew it was the right investment.
“We initially considered buying a used machine, but the security provided by a new machine in terms of the back-up we could call on if we had any questions related to programming and operating the machine, or in terms of service, convinced us that a new model was the way to go. With the arrival of the XYZ 750 LR we have got back control of production. We could no longer be dependent on others; we had to have the ability to make things ourselves.

“The machine also allows us to provide a much more bespoke service, as we can modify designs quickly to suit customer needs. New product development is enhanced as we can produce prototype parts when we need them. We have hundreds of ideas, such as our recently developed mini floor stand, which takes just 40% of the floor space required by conventional systems. This has proved to be a success and having the XYZ machine means we can turn ideas like this into reality, sooner rather than later.”
The speed and build quality of the XYZ 750 LR linear rail-type machining centre has brought significant productivity gains. An example of this are the riser blocks used on the new Mounts and More mini floor stand. Previously, on the company’s old machine, it took seven minutes to produce a one-off. Now, thanks to the 13 kW, 8000 rpm spindle and up to 20 m/min feed rates, four of these risers are produced each cycle in just over six minutes, a near 80% saving per part.
In addition to cycle time savings, Mounts and More is also seeing an improvement in surface finish thanks to the build quality and performance of the machine’s linear rail construction.
“We can certainly push the XYZ machine harder and faster than before, and achieve better quality products,” says Ian Bullock. “We can now manufacture bespoke systems and further develop our own product range with a view to expanding our market reach to beyond the 10% of the sector that we already serve.
“One unforeseen advantage of the XYZ 750 LR was the effect it has on customers,” he adds. “We regularly get visits from NHS trusts and wheelchair manufacturers, and the machine makes a distinct impression on them. We’re selling them a premium product and having the XYZ machine enhances that perception in their eyes.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com