Esab upgrades software suite

Columbus III version 1.6 CADCAM software for mechanised cutting has been upgraded by Esab Welding & Cutting Products.

The latest version includes the ability to calculate offers and orders for customers based on actual production data. An easy-to-use cost calculator enables fabricators to enter cost variables, such as costs for machine time per hour, cutting process (including associated consumables), preparation, programming and materials. After nesting parts using built-in design tools or importing a parts nest, Columbus III can calculate costs based on length, duration or weight of material cut. In addition, data can be exported to Excel and used for future cost calculations.
Additional newly developed functions include: keyboard shortcuts to move and rotate a parts nest in user-defined increments; rotating the parts nest and/or plate orientation to consider grain direction; a new colour to clearly delineate ‘Cut Rapid’ mode (fastest cut without regard for edge quality); and a ‘Direct Mode’ function that allows dragging lines over parts to provide quick and easy sequencing.
“Continuous improvement of the software reflects the input we obtain from our two-day Columbus III user group meeting, held annually at our Karben, Germany location,” says Holger Hahn, global product marketing manager, application software, Esab. “With our software developers connecting directly with users, we are able to make many enhancements each year, which helps maintain Columbus III as one of the most successful software suites for mechanised cutting.”
For further information www.esab.co.uk

HACO Kingsland reveals RPC line

HACO Kingsland has unveiled its new Robot Plasma Cutting (RPC) line. This advanced plasma-cutting machine with robotic head allows plasma cutting to be performed on I, U, L or T profile sections measuring up to 18 m in length.

The system also features a 300 A source for processing mild steel up to 50 mm thick, and a work table for plate dimensions measuring up to 3000 x 1500 mm.
Notably, the HACO Kingsland RPC combines all sheet cutting, structural steel profiling and tube processing operations into a single platform, without any requirement for mechanical set-up. Advanced automated programming is based on DSTV, IGES or STP files from any CAD system. A Windows-based control offers automated task and program management via the network. What’s more, HACO Kingsland has made available a choice of automatic, semi-automatic or manual control functions.
The new machine features an automatic door with integrated eye protection filtering windows. As a further safety attribute, a high-performance fume extraction system and integrated clean air supply is included on the HAC Kingsland RPC. Also offered is an integrated safety system with fences, doors, light guards, cameras and/or zone protection.
Along with capacity for profiles/tubes up to 18.3 m long, the machine can accommodate material measuring up to 920 mm wide and 420 mm high. Bevelling and multiple other cutting formats are available,
as is automatic raw profile or tube-length measuring.
For further information www.kingsland.com

Record month for Blum-Novotest UK

Blum-Novotest has recorded its best month in 18 years of UK trading. The company secured over £100,000 of orders for its ‘in-machine’ measuring technology, representing a 60% increase on the same period 12 months ago.

The majority of the new contracts focus on the firm’s DIGILOG family of touch-probe systems. Blum-Novotest is now looking to build on this positive start to the year by increasing its work with SME subcontractors through the appointment of Paul Hodgkinson as dedicated technical sales engineer for the UK.
David Mold, managing director, says: “New orders have been placed by both the dealer network and end-user customers, with interest coming from clients involved in the automotive, aerospace, medical and nuclear sectors. Whenever there is a need for repeatable quality, accuracy and quicker turnaround times, then we have the answer.”
For further information www.blum-novotest.com

Automation unveiled for fibre lasers

LVD has introduced automation offerings for its Phoenix FL 4020 and Phoenix FL 6020 large-format fibre laser cutting machines, including options for an automated load/unload system and a range of Compact Tower (CT-L) solutions.

The load/unload automation system available for Phoenix 4020 and 6020 fibre-laser models handles maximum sheet sizes of 4000 x 2000 mm (Phoenix FL 4020) and 6000 x 2000 mm (Phoenix FL 6020), and material thicknesses from 0.8 to 25 mm. Fast process cycle times are offered for complete loading and unloading: 65 seconds for Phoenix FL 4020 and 90 seconds for the Phoenix FL 6020.
LVD’s latest load/unload system is of robust construction to handle large pallets. Unprocessed material can be stacked to a height of 159 mm, while finished parts can be stacked as high as 240 mm. The system features a streamlined design that enables users to access the raw material and easily remove the unload pallet from above.
In addition, the Phoenix FL 4020 is available with six different versions of Compact Tower (CT-L) for loading, unloading and storage of raw material and finished parts. The CT-L enables automated production from stored raw material to stacked, cut parts in a compact, small footprint system.
CT-L versions for the Phoenix FL 4020 include a basic system with one tower in 5, 10 or 14-pallet configurations, as well as a two-tower CT-L system for high-volume applications. The second tower adds nine pallets to the CT-L 5, 14 pallets to the CT-L 10 and 18 pallets to the CT-L 14. Each input and output pallet has a capacity of up to 3000 kg and 240 mm of stacking height. Maximum sheet dimensions are 4095 x 2055 mm, 20 mm thickness.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Refurb for MTC conference theatre

Major refurbishment works at the Manufacturing Technology Centre’s conference theatre will future-proof the facility for years to come and make it one of the most technologically advanced venues in the region.

The major revamp of the conference theatre at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre on Ansty Park, Coventry, is taking place in partnership with Mustard Presentations. Works include a large-format projection screen with side repeater screens using ultra-high definition technologies, with twin laser projectors. Also set to feature is a high-tech lighting system and a state-of-the-art cinematic sound system with digital mixing.
For further information www.the-mtc.org