EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

On Assignment at EMO 2023

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland, is out in force at EMO 2023 this week (18-23 September), checking out new product introductions from the respective stands of both companies at the show.DN Solutions (hall 14,stand D06 andhall 9,stand G54), isshowcasing 20 machines. A key theme is flexible automation solutions, demonstrated by: a Lynx 2100LSYB compact turning centre integrated with a cobot; a Puma TW2600M twin-spindle horizontal turning centre with a gantry loader; an NHP 5000 HMC with round pallet system; and a DVF 4000 five-axis VMC with automatic workpiece pallet changer.

Zayer Machine Tools (hall 13,stand B52) ispromoting two of its latest, large-capacity milling machines: a Zero 4000 horizontal ram-type milling machine and an Aetos 3000 gantry-type mill equipped with a moving bridge, fixed table and fixed cross beam.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Renewable energy from used car batteries

JLR has partnered with Wykes Engineering, a specialist in the renewable energy sector, to develop one of the largest energy storage systems in the UK to harness solar and wind power using second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries. A single Wykes Engineering BESS utilises 30 second-life I-PACE batteries, and can store up to 2.5MWh of energy at full capacity. JLR provided the batteries from prototype and engineering test vehicles, and the company aims to provide enough batteries to store a total of 7.5MWh of energy – enough to power 750 homes for a day – by the end of 2023. 
For further information www.jaguarlandrover.com

Bowers achieves ISO 14001

In a significant step towards a more sustainable future, Bowers Group has attained the ISO 14001 environmental standard across its entire business. The achievement underscores the company’s commitment in its net-zero journey, environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.Managing director Martin Hawkins says: “By achieving this certification, we signal our commitment to upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility. This means not just reducing waste and minimising environmental footprint but also inspiring others to join this transformative path.”
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Customer service key to XYZ success

Aftersales service is an absolute priority at XYZ Machine Tools. Managing director Nigel Atherton says: “We have around 25,000 machines in use in the UK and our primary objective is to keep them all cutting metal and earning money for our customers.”The company has 17 service engineers located around the country with the 150 most commonly required spare parts in their vans. At XYZ’s Devon headquarters there are a further eight people dedicated to service.

XYZ keeps around 90% of spare parts on the shelf ready for next-day delivery. The company resolves more than half of service calls over the phone, rising to 90% for programming and software queries. XYZ schedules any required visits so that the nearest service engineer can arrive the next day to coincide with the delivery of any spares not stocked in the van.Live tracking of the vans’ locations ensures XYZ normally resolves warranty breakdowns within 48 hours or less and non-warranty breakdowns within 72 hours maximum.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

LAS set to enter space sector

Doncaster-based Laser Additive Solutions (LAS), a rapidly expanding subcontract provider of laser processing and additive manufacturing services, is targeting customers in the UK’s burgeoning space sector following its investment in aTruPrint 3000 additive production system from Trumpf. If things go to plan, the machine could be the first of many metal 3D printers at this progressive manufacturing business.

“Upon our enquiry, Trumpf alerted us to the availability of a quick-delivery TruPrint 3000 machine,” says managing director Peter Brown. “Although pre-owned, the machine had very low running hours, almost untouched. A powder-bed system had been in my thoughts for a number of years; this was clearly the opportune moment to make the leap.The space sector is constantly seeking manufacturing solutions for lightweight structures that are not easy to build with other technologies.”
For further information www.trumpf.com