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

Software prevents part tilt

The newly developed TiltPrevention function in Bystronic’s BySoft 7 software means users can now create cutting sequences that reduce the likelihood of parts tilting and causing a collision with the nozzle as it travels over the sheet.

If an impact does occur, the job has to be stopped while the situation is rectified, causing loss of production, potential scrap components and, in the worst case, damage to the cutting head.
From a traditional perspective, inclusion in the cutting program of micro joints or tabs to keep components in place has been a way of preventing parts from lifting, but this results in subsequent time-consuming shaking of the components from the skeleton after the nest has been cut. There is also the added complication that broken tabs leave burrs that may have to be removed.
The alternative approach from Bystronic is to use software that can guide the path of the laser head during the cutting process so that, as far as possible, it avoids risky sections in a cycle where parts could tilt. This function largely eliminates the need for micro joints.
A special algorithm calculates the likely mechanical behaviour of each part before it is cut from a sheet, taking into account a range of parameters, including the density of the material, the geometry and weight of the component, the pressure of the assist gas flow, and the positioning of the nested parts on the sheet. TiltPrevention then recommends the start and end points of the laser nozzle so that any tilting of the parts after cutting is prevented as far as possible. In addition, the function proposes the best possible route for the head over the metal sheet, creating an optimised cutting sequence for all components on the plan.
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Mazak inspires next generation of engineers

Yamazaki Mazak reaffirmed its commitment to the next generation of engineers with a third consecutive appearance at the ‘Get Up To Speed with STEM (GUTS)’ event, held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham last month.

Mazak took the opportunity to showcase the latest generation of its Smooth CNC via an interactive simulated control panel. To encourage engagement with the young audience, the company offered students the opportunity to solve an interactive puzzle on the CNC while wearing visual-assisted glasses and earpieces. Furthermore, participants could speak directly with a Mazak engineer based
at the company’s European headquarters in Worcester to help them solve the puzzle.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk