New-generation control from AP&T

AP&T has produced a new generation control system that is designed to simplify the utilisation of presses, automation equipment and production lines. The upgrade entails a comprehensive overhaul of the LOGOS user interface, as well as functionality and hardware.

“Our ambition is to make operation as simple as possible for everyone who uses our machinery on a day-to-day basis,” says AP&T vice CTO Christer Bäckdahl. “Consequently, we have listened very carefully to the opinions of customers and operators, and worked to satisfy their wishes in our development work. At the same time, we have put a great deal of effort into ensuring that operators who are accustomed to our machinery will feel at home in the environment.”
One thing that many users have asked for is larger screens. Now, operators have access to 22” screens with full HD for stationary PCs and 7” screens for hand-held mobile panels. Both have widescreen format (16:9) and high resolution. The number of pixels is 2.5 times higher than previously, while the graphics, which present a clear AP&T identity, have been developed to give a good overview of the displayed information and to facilitate navigation. This feature applies to the alarm view, for example, which gives a quick overview of the machine’s status.
The functionality itself has also been improved, at least according to Lars Prysander, who has been the development project manager and one of the programmers for the new system version.
“One of the many examples is that previously two clicks were needed to switch between the various machines connected to the system,” he says. “However, we’ve now added an extra menu with shortcut keys, which means only a single click is needed to switch from one unit to another.”
For further information www.aptgroup.com

AFRC partners with Hexagon

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), which is part of the University of Strathclyde, has agreed a tier-one partnership with metrology specialist Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence that will take the centre’s measurement and sensing capability to the next level, with many benefits predicted for Scottish firms.

Hexagon is supplying the AFRC with metrology equipment that includes a Romer Absolute Arm. This measuring arm is entirely portable, allowing AFRC engineers to take their expertise on the road to manufacturing facilities across Scotland. Providing precision measurement of full-scale assemblies, Hexagon’s equipment will allow AFRC engineers and researchers to address metrology challenges and validate existing measurement systems. In addition, the engineers can now fully explore the future of metrology, unlocking opportunities for wider industry by engaging with businesses of all sizes to share the centre’s newly introduced resources.
For further information https://is.gd/ezuhan

AZL opens up on lightweight processes

Earlier this month, the nine partner institutes of the AZL opened the doors of their machinery halls and research labs to provide an insight into development capacities in the field of lightweight production and composites.

At the RWTH Aachen campus, AZL presented the ‘iComposite 4.0’ self-optimising process chain: fibre spraying – dry fibre placement – adaptive RTM.
More than 100 participants from external companies as well as from the AZL network were able to experience updates on the latest lightweight production technologies and equipment. As well as plastics and composite materials, content included production technology, quality assurance, lightweight design, automotive production, and multi-material systems and process integration.
For further information https://azl-aachen-gmbh.de/

Faro appoints Burger as president and CEO

Metrology specialist Faro has appointed Michael Burger as its new president and CEO with effect from 17 June. Burger succeeds Dr Simon Raab, who will retire from his positions one day previous, on 16 June.

Offering over 20 years of experience as a global executive in the industrial technology sector, Burger most recently served as president and CEO at Electro Scientific Industries,
a supplier of laser-based microfabrication solutions. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University and a certificate from the Stanford University International executive management programme.
For further information www.faro.com

New factory opened by Soraluce

Soraluce has opened a new factory dedicated to the assembly of portal-type machining centres.

The factory, a short walk from the company’s existing plants in Spain’s Bergara region, has cost €9m and accommodates an assembly shop floor of 4900 sq m served by overhead cranes with capacities rated at up to 80 tonnes. These cranes are fed by the constituent machine parts manufactured by a range of suppliers and, crucially, by Soraluce factories that produce all critical machine components – including beds, bed ways and machining heads. The UK agent for Soraluce machines is Ward CNC.
For further information www.wardcnc.com