Editor’s Pick

Get set for Expo Manufactura

The most important manufacturing event in Mexico, Expo Manufactura 2019, is set to take place on 5-7 February at the Cintermex venue in Monterrey.

Established for 25 years, last year’s show saw the strengthening of networking activities, while a strategic alliance was made with A3 (Association for Advancing Automation) resulting in a conference day focused on automation and robotics, as well as a 40% increase in the Automation and Robotics Pavilion for the 2019 edition.
Further pavilions set to take their place this year include those for plastics, additive manufacturing and medical device manufacturing. More than 300 exhibitors and 12,500 visitors are expected at the show. There will also be an international conference programme focusing on topics such as Industry 4.0, technological trends in manufacturing, and automation and robotics.
For further information www.expomanufactura.com.mx

Grinder keeps pace with demanding schedule

A well-established Midwest-based manufacturer that cranks out millions of shafts each year, ranging from 38 to 203 mm in length, and up to 32 mm in diameter, has recently sourced a new centreless grinder from Total Grinding Solutions (TGS).

The machine was selected thanks to its ability to handle the company’s myriad of part sizes and diameters with minimal changeover time. Robustness was an equally important factor.
With hundreds of different component sizes to process, TGS incorporated two machine upgrades to ensure that parts were handled properly. First, a custom part-pusher assembly was placed alongside the load conveyor to ensure consistent part pick-up by the accompanying Fanuc robot. Second, an advanced vision monitoring system was attached above the load conveyor to check incoming parts for size and shape, and to eliminate any potential for misfeed. Since the initial order, the manufacturer has ordered two additional TGS machines with sophisticated automation systems.
For further information www.totalgrindingsolutions.com

SteelFab marks 15 years as major showcase

SteelFab 2019, which takes place on 14-17 January at the Expo Centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, will mark 15 years as a major technology showcase in the Middle East.

Today, SteelFab has emerged as the region’s premier trade show for metalworking, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication. This time around, strong macro-economic tailwinds are set to propel the growth of Middle East industry. Prominent among them is the rise in oil prices, which coupled with easier fiscal consolidation and tax reforms, will help the UAE, the most diversified economy in the GCC, to register growth of 3.8% in 2018.
At the event, first time machine tool exhibitors will include Haas and BLM, while a new UK pavilion will showcase companies such as Chester Machine Tools (pictured at the 2018 event), Kingsbury, Kitchen & Walker and Brierley. Dedicated pavilions will also be present for Germany and Taiwan. In total, around 300 exhibitors from 23 different countries will take part. Spanning six halls, over 7000 visitors are expected.
For further information www.steelfabme.com

Mazak recognised for environmental best practice

Yamazaki Mazak UK has won the Silver Environment Award at the International Green Apple Awards, for its efforts to reduce single-use plastic cups at its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester.

The national campaign by The Green Organisation recognises and rewards the greenest individuals, companies, councils and communities in the country, with the winners announced at a recent ceremony hosted by Liz Kendall MP at the Houses of Parliament.
Mazak competed against more than 800 other nominations in the Environmental Best Practice category, but the company’s project, ‘Reduce and Remove Single-Use Plastic Cups’, stood out. Historically, the Worcester factory was using 8000 disposable cups per month, but thanks to the efforts of Mazak’s Environment Team, this has been significantly reduced. There is now potential for the company to represent the UK in the Green World Awards 2019 and have 100 trees planted in its name as part of the United Nations’ Billion Trees initiative.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Latest Chester catalogue now available

Chester Machine Tools has published a new 340-page catalogue containing a wide selection of CNC machining centres and lathes, including new high-performance models and an increased range of conventional machines. The publication also includes a comprehensive tooling and accessories section.

With over 50 new products available, Chester has expanded its product portfolio to provide machine-tool solutions that meet the demands of modern industrial, manufacturing and educational establishments seeking the latest in machining technology. A copy of the 26th edition of Chester Machine Tools Industrial Catalogue can be requested by visiting the website. The catalogue is also available as an Android App for download via Google Play.
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com