Yamazaki Mazak is launching a new laser-processing machine specifically designed for the high-speed, high-volume cutting of small and medium diameter tube.

The new FT-150 Fiber is a compact laser-processing machine that benefits from an ergonomic design, with the operator area, loading station and unloading station all located on the same side.
Equipped with a 3.0 kW fibre resonator, the FT-150 Fiber can process single workpieces up to 6500 mm in length and 150 kg in weight, with a maximum tube diameter of 152.4 mm. Mazak says that 8000 mm and 180 kg capacity options are also available.
The machine can cut a wide variety of materials used in the architecture, automotive, construction and furniture industries, including mild steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and aluminium.
Designed for maximum productivity, the FT-150 Fiber can perform multiple processes, including cutting, tapping, drilling and thermal drilling. In-process time is reduced as it negates the need for processes such as punching, deburring and hole tapping. Productivity is further improved thanks to a large-capacity bundle loader, which can automatically load raw material weighing up to 4 tonnes.
The FT-150 Fiber can also unload workpieces in a variety of ways, from standard solutions to automatic sorting systems for the efficient production of large-volume and multiple part models. Finished components up to 3000 mm in length can be unloaded (a 4500 mm option is also available) into parts buckets, or via an optional conveyor belt. The sorting system can sort and unload small, medium and large finished parts in four different areas.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Ford and its consortium partners have received government backing for the introduction of 5G connectivity to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.

A 5G mobile private network delivered by Vodafone Business will be installed this autumn in the new E:PriME (Electrified Powertrain in Manufacturing Engineering) facility on Ford’s Dunton campus in Essex. The Vodafone Business 5G solution is set to overcome many of the issues surrounding wireless connectivity in industrial settings, promising reduced delays, wider bandwidth, improved security and reliability, and faster deployment time.
Once installed, E:PriME Dunton will have the fastest possible connectivity alongside the consortium’s second network at welding research specialist TWI, based in Cambridge. Ford will focus on the connectivity of its welding machines. The batteries and electric motors within an EV require around 1000 welds. For a single EV product, the solution could generate more than half a million pieces of data every minute.
For further information www.ford.co.uk

Southern Manufacturing has confirmed that it will be returning to Farnborough International next year on 20-22 April 2021.

The show has been rescheduled from its regular dates in February to avoid conflicting with other events postponed from 2020, and to provide the greatest benefit to visitors and exhibitors as they bounce back from the effects of lockdown. The floor plan of the show remains unchanged.
Show director Phil Valentine says: “The first quarter of the exhibition calendar in 2021 is crowded with events postponed from their 2020 show dates, and inevitably this means difficult decisions for exhibitors and visitors alike about how to maximise the return on their time and investment over the months ahead. Consequently, we’ve taken the decision to move the event to April 2021.”
For further information www.industrysouth.co.uk

IMTS 2020, which was due to take place in Chicago this September, has been cancelled for the first time since WWII due to health and safety requirements imposed by the state of Illinois for holding conventions, which include the availability of a vaccine for COVID-19 or a highly effective treatment protocol.

IMTS will, however, offer two comprehensive digital programmes, IMTS Network and IMTS Spark, over the coming months to assist exhibitors and the manufacturing community. IMTS is fully committed to returning to McCormick Place as scheduled for its normal rotation on 12-17 September 2022. Visitors who have registered for IMTS 2020 have the choice of receiving a refund on registration or transfer their registration to a tax-deductible donation in favour of ‘Miles for Manufacturing’, where every dollar is given to programmes that prepare students for careers in manufacturing technology.
For further information www.imts.com

MA Exhibitions, which owns and runs Subcon, The Engineer Expo and The Manufacturing Management Show, has taken the decision to reschedule the events from 28-30 September to 26-28 January 2021.

The shows will now take place in halls 7 and 8 at the Birmingham NEC, running alongside MACH 2021, as well as Air Tech, Fluid Power & Systems, Drives & Controls, Plant & Asset Management and Smart Industry Expo.
According to the organiser, the absolute priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of all exhibitors, visitors and staff. The new January dates will facilitate the delivery of the best possible event experience for everyone involved. All existing exhibitor bookings will be automatically transferred to the new dates and a member of the team will be in touch over the coming days to discuss any questions.
For further information www.subconshow.co.uk