For machine-tool makers, achieving manufacturing efficiency depends on fast and accurate quality-control processes. With traditional error testing methods beginning to hinder operations, Takam Machinery recently turned to Renishaw’s XK10 alignment laser system to deliver precision, efficiency and speed.

In an increasingly competitive global market, the more traditional methods of identifying potential geometric and rotational errors, including granite squares, dial gauges and autocollimators, were impeding Takam’s manufacturing and quality-control processes.

To resolve the inefficiencies and inconsistencies from a range of traditional error-measurement tools, Takam is benefiting from Renishaw’s XK10 alignment laser system. An all-in-one digital measurement solution suitable for a range of different CNC machine tools, the XK10 comprises: a launch unit for primary laser transmission; wireless transmitter and receiver units; a portable display unit; and a fixturing kit. An additional kit allows users to carry out parallelism measurements.

The XK10’s compact size, wireless connectivity and versatile fixturing means it is suitable for use in many different configurations, enabling error measurement across all types and sizes of machine tool. It can check that linear rails are straight, square, flat, parallel and level, and check spindles and chucks to assess the direction and coaxial correctness of rotary machines.
Huang Zhifeng, factory manager at Takam, says: “The system has increased overall testing efficiency by at least a factor of three compared with previous traditional testing tools. For example, we needed two operators working for more than four hours just to measure the linearity, flatness, verticality and parallelism of a 20 m gantry-type machining centre. But since we brought in the XK10, a single operator can complete the process in less than two hours, so the workforce can be allocated far more flexibly than before.”

For further information
www.renishaw.com

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has opened a state-of-the-art ‘Turnkey & Automation Centre’ at its campus facility in Leamington. The facility gives Mills a dedicated area to demonstrate its latest industrial and collaborative robot (cobot) automation solutions, and provides a focal point for the company’s successful turnkey and process improvement business which, over the past few years, has grown exponentially.

Says Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s technical director: “More and more manufacturers, as a route to improving their productivity and increasing their efficiency and effectiveness, are taking a much more holistic and comprehensive view of their manufacturing operations. And, rather than just acquiring a new machine to increase capacity, they are investing in turnkey solutions, many of which include advanced automation systems.”

For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

After extensive liaison with the Welsh Government, TVR says its Ebbw Vale factory renovation and enhancement programme has received the green light, and that preliminary site works will begin in mid-January. Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd is the principal contractor for a significant programme of works that include replacement of the main building’s roof, recladding of the building’s exterior, extensive groundworks and preparation of a prototype build area at the side of the intended main production space.

Les Edgar, chairman of TVR says: “This is a fantastic milestone in our mission to rejuvenate an iconic British brand, and we are all excited to witness the renovation of our new home in Ebbw Vale. We have hundreds of faithful depositors worldwide who are patiently waiting to take delivery of their Griffiths. Our partners at the Welsh Government have shown stoic support and I must extend my personal thanks to all those who share our vision of helping develop a sustainable automotive sector in south Wales.”

For further information
www.tvr.co.uk

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has supplied Birmingham-based Burcas Ltd, a privately-owned specialist engineering subcontractor, with a new large-capacity vertical machining centre. The machine, a Doosan Mynx 9500/50 with a Doosan-Fanuc control, was installed at the company’s 32,000 sq ft facility in October 2021 and is being used primarily to machine specialist tooling, prototypes and a range of precision components for the nuclear sector.

When not being deployed to machine parts for the nuclear industry the Mynx 9500/50 also machines high-precision tungsten carbide and HSS sheeter and slitter knives/blades for Burcas’ paper and packaging customers, located both nationally and overseas.

Says Mike Burrows, Burcas’ owner and managing director: “Although the new machine purchase was driven almost entirely by an increase in demand from customers in the nuclear sector, we never lost sight that it would also become a major machining asset for our future aerospace and oil and gas business – when both return to something resembling normality.”
Having canvassed the market and discussed its requirements with a ‘hit list’ of potential machine-tool suppliers, Burcas ultimately decided to invest in the Mynx 9500/50.

“The Mynx 9500/50 is our first Doosan machine and, since its installation, it hasn’t missed a beat,” says Burrows. “It is versatile and reliable, and its cutting performance is impressive.

“In addition to the machine we’ve also been impressed with Mills CNC. From the outset they adopted a proactive role and, even a tricky installation that necessitated the craning in of the machine through the roof, was professionally managed and executed.”

He concludes: “The new Mynx 9500/50 investment is another example of Burcas’ commitment to continuous improvement and of us striving to be the best we can.”

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk

The MTA’s first ever virtual AGM held earlier this month saw the association name its new president: Andy Hodgson, strategic lead – digitalisation at Siemens. Hodgson has played an active role in the MTA for many years as a board member and served as the technical committee chairman for the past two years, stepping down to take on this new role. He will serve a two-year term as president.

Hodgson, who has a wealth of experience in the manufacturing technologies sector, as well as first-hand experience of industry digitalisation, says: “It’s a great honour to be appointed as president of the MTA and I hope that I can build upon the successes we have shared and bring the projects we have started to fruition. I look forward to steering the association, supported by the board, through the troubled waters that still lie ahead with a pandemic still upon us and Brexit just around the corner.”

For further information
www.mta.org.uk