Mazak unveils nine machines at EMO

In its centenary year, Yamazaki Mazak headed to the recent EMO 2019 exhibition in Hanover, Germany, with plans for its biggest ever stand, hosting the largest number of machines and automation solutions ever exhibited by the company. At the show, Mazak gave seven machines their world debuts, alongside two further European debuts, with new Integrex multi-tasking, five-axis, hybrid and turning machines among those on display.

Exhibiting under its EMO 2019 theme, ‘Discover more with Mazak’, the company showcased 27 different machines in total, two more than for EMO 2017, along with 16 integrated automation solutions.
Richard Smith, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak, says: “Our theme for this year’s EMO spoke of our relentless focus on productivity, and was a call-to-action for machine users to discover the true potential of their machining operations. Never before did we commit to bringing so many machines and different automation solutions to EMO.”
The 3000 sq m Mazak stand was split into seven separate zones – Integrex multi-tasking, hybrid machining, five-axis machining, laser, vertical machining, turning and horizontals – with all 27 machines in live cutting action during the show. In addition, the Mazak stand featured demonstrations of Industry 4.0 solutions, including Mazak iSmart factory and Smooth Technology.
Integrated automation was a major focus, with a variety of different solutions on display, including Palletech and Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP), gantry loaders, and the AWC auto work changer. In addition, Mazak machines were integrated with a number of third-party automation providers, including machine-tending and bar-feeder solutions.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Breakthrough optical interferometry system

Firms will soon have access to technology that enables them to carry out the ultra-precise and ultra-fast measurements which will deliver the automation that is increasingly vital for manufacturing growth.

Now, a University of Huddersfield scientist who played a key role in the breakthrough has been awarded an Enterprise Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE).
Dr Hussam Muhamedsalih is a senior research fellow at the University’s EPSRC Future Metrology Hub. He and his colleagues have developed and patented a new optical interferometry system that can carry out accurate measurement in fractions of a second.
For example, the roll-to-roll process – crucial to meet the demand for devices such as smartphones and printable sensors – often has to go offline for vital accuracy checks. The University of Huddersfield technology will mean this is no longer necessary, leading to big efficiency gains and cost savings.
Dr Muhamedsalih’s Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship will help him to demonstrate the full potential of the device and to commercialise it. The fellowship provides funding of up to £60,000 over a year, mentoring and help with PR and promotion, plus lifetime membership of the RAE Enterprise Hub, paving the way for a spin-out a company from the university.
Earning the award was challenging. There is immense competition for fellowships and, after he had made the final shortlist, Dr Muhamedsalih was summoned to London for a tough session with five interviewers. He was delighted to receive a fellowship at the end of the process and, when the 12 months have elapsed, he will attend the Enterprise Hub’s 2020 showcase event.
For further information http://fmh.hud.ac.uk/

EMO attracts 117,000 visitors

EMO 2019, which closed last week in Hanover, Germany, attracted around 117,000 visitors across its six days.

EMO Hannover 2019 – Weltleitmesse der Metallbearbeitung.

“This EMO built on the success of our boom year in 2017,” reports EMO general commissioner Carl Martin Welcker. “In the context of subdued economic expectations over recent months, the moderate decline in attendance has to be viewed as a success. We’re particularly delighted at the further increase in foreign attendees. EMO once again proved solid as a rock, providing clarity for the further development of production technologies, even in uncertain times.”
For further information www.emo-hannover.de

JJ Churchill increases space

JJ Churchill has increased six-fold the space for its Tool Room Division. The company can now design and produce – from first principles – some of the aerospace industry’s most complex fixtures in a new, purpose-built facility.

Fixtures are a major bottleneck in the production of many aerospace components. Unlike most other companies in the sector, JJ Churchill has invested heavily in this capability to gain more control and guarantee quality. Company designers and machinists produce fixtures to within 20 µm.
For further information www.jjchurchill.com

Vision unveils DRV-Z1

Vision Engineering, a manufacturer of visual inspection and measurement technologies, has introduced its latest flagship product, the Deep Reality Viewer (DRV-Z1) microscope.

Designed at its Woking, UK headquarters, the DRV-Z1 enables the user to view high-definition 3D images under magnification without using a flat screen, or requiring operators to wear goggles or specialist glasses. Innovatively, by linking multiple DRV systems via wired or wireless technologies, users can share and manipulate 3D images of components or products in real time.
Vision Engineering says that the DRV-Z1 is set to transform supply network collaboration in manufacturing and quality, design and rapid prototyping, and even in the healthcare and medical sectors. The ability to simultaneously share and discuss full 3D images of critical parts, repairs or design enhancements without any delay offers tangible benefits.
In terms of transferring vital information and quality of view, colleagues across multi-site organisations, suppliers and their customers and designers and manufacturing engineers can use the DRV’s real-time connectivity to accelerate and improve both product design and client response.
Using Vision Engineering’s globally patented TriTeQ3 digital 3D display technology, the DRV-Z1 moves these advantages even further forward, combining improved ergonomics with real-time transfer of 3D product images for rapid and informed decision-making. DRV-Z1 systems are designed to address important quality control and production requirements in sectors including electronics, aerospace, automotive and medical.
Mark Curtis, managing director, Vision Engineering says: “This breakthrough technology sets a new industry standard, offering users an incredible 3D viewing experience, without the need for glasses or headsets. The ability to share high-definition images with other users anywhere in the world presents a huge opportunity to improve standards across key industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and automotive.”
For further information www.visioneng.com