Sodick EDM aids vital medical work

Belfast-based Crossen Engineering, a specialist in both toolmaking and parts production for injection moulding and pressing/stamping operations, has invested in a new Sodick AD35L spark-erosion machine from Sodi-Tech EDM. The machine, which arrived in December 2020, is now busy producing mould and press tools for a range of important medical projects.

“Medical work has high demands in terms of accuracy, complexity and turnaround time, which we know from experience is ideally suited to the attributes of Sodick machines,” explains managing director Paul Crossen.

The medical sector is proving resilient for Crossen Engineering. Among current projects is the manufacture of aluminium prototype mould tools for colostomy draining solutions, walking aids to improve mobility among arthritis sufferers, and bespoke wheelchair parts for children with disabilities.

“Also, during the pandemic, the demand for PPE has been strong,” says Crossen. “For instance, we’ve already made three injection mould tools for face shields, producing the finished parts on site. We received an order near the beginning of the pandemic to supply 70,000 face shields a week to our local NHS facilities as part of the HeroShield project, which is still running, but on a reduced level.”

The Sodick AD35L was an ex-demo model that arrived on site in Belfast within four weeks of order placement.

“Since installation, the machine has been busy producing mainly medical moulds, both prototype and production [aluminium and tool steel],” says Crossen. “P20 tool steel was used for the mould that makes the mobility product, for instance. The level of surface finish we require, along with mould complexity, means the AD35L is a great solution.”

For further information
www.sodi-techedm.co.uk

New machine acquisition model

Machine tool manufacturer DMG Mori has extended its end-to-end digital solutions by introducing a new way for existing and prospective users to acquire its machine tools, apps, other software and value-added services. The new PAYZR business model, powered by Industry 4.0 platform ADAMOS, offers a digital point of sale at dmgmoristore.com from where customers can configure and order equipment-as-a-service and software-as-a-service.
PAYZR (pay with zero risk) is a hybrid system based on pay-per-use rather than ownership. It allows manufacturers to acquire a new machine tool by paying a monthly subscription plus a fee per spindle hour used. The cost of both depends on the machine selected, its specification and the duration of the contract. Included is a package that comprises supply, commissioning, training, service and maintenance, as well as insurance covering a machine crash and loss of earnings while the machine is out of action.

For further information
www.dmgmoristore.com

UK sales manager appointed at Colchester

Due to continued growth in the UK market, Colchester Machine Tool Solutions is appointing Keith Clowe as UK sales manager. The move is to support ongoing development of the company across the UK with regard to products such as CNC turning centres and lathes, vertical machining centres, and the company’s most recent introduction, TYKMA laser-marking machines.

Joining Colchester Machine Tool Solutions in 2017 as sales manager for the West Midlands and South Wales, Clowe has developed many key accounts across the region that he will continue to support on an ongoing basis. His background in engineering and project management allows Clowe to provide technical support and expertise to customers across a variety of applications.

For further information
www.colchester.co.uk

Trailer factory

Schmitz Cargobull, a European manufacturer of semi-trailers, is opening a new factory in Manchester to build customised vehicles for UK and Irish operators. CEO Andreas Schmitz says: “The UK is a key transport and logistics market for us, as well as an important semi-trailer and rigid truck market. With the new plant we are moving closer to our customers and ensuring that we can address their needs by offering the most reliable chassis and a proven locally-produced body.” Manufacturing at the 7,500 sq m facility in Wythenshawe will start this summer with a capacity of 50 units per week.

For further information
www.cargobull.com

125 years of Krebs & Riedel

The cornerstone of the Krebs & Riedel grinding wheel factory in Bad Karlshafen was laid some 125 years ago. Today the family-owned company operates worldwide as a manufacturer of individually manufactured precision grinding wheels and impresses with innovation and solution-oriented application technology advice.

Above all, customers from the automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering, medical and wind power sectors rely upon the high-precision products manufactured by Krebs & Riedel. In addition to conventional grinding wheels, cutting wheels, cup grinding wheels and grinding segments with ceramic and synthetic resin bonds, Krebs & Riedel also manufactures CBN and diamond tools with ceramic bonds, as well as honing rings.
The medium-sized family business with over 250 committed employees has an annual turnover of €31m. Krebs & Riedel has subsidiaries in China and India, and a distribution network in more than 30 countries worldwide. The company emphasises the importance of research and development, and works closely with several research institutions.

In the history of Krebs & Riedel there have been many crises in which the management team has withstood external influences. For instance, the company survived two world wars and the Great Depression of 1929. In 1965, Bad Karlshafen was hit by the Heinrich flood after which various buildings were demolished. In 2008, the bankruptcy of Lehmann Brothers plunged the world into a severe economic crisis and many thousands of people lost their jobs. In 2020, Covid-19 prompted another global economic collapse but, despite the pandemic, the company is positioned for the future. Important investments in sustainability management and the expansion of the Bad Karlshafen plant are ongoing.

For further information
www.krebs-riedel.com