Editor’s Pick

Kasto system helps automate machining centres

Storage system and sawing machine manufacturer Kasto, through its UK and Ireland subsidiary, is expanding into a new area of activity with the launch of the UNITOWER cnc. This tower storage and retrieval system automates the transfer of plates carrying fixtured workpieces to machining centres, as well as the return of machined components to the store.

Suitable for automating one or more machines of virtually any make, the tower can hold fixtured components of considerable size on multiple levels in a compact footprint to a height of up to 20 m. Operators are able to prepare fresh fixtured workpieces on plates at separate adjacent set-up stations while machining is in progress. In this way, costly downtime is eliminated and productivity and profitability are raised by allowing the entire system, including high-value machine tools, to operate for extended periods.

Each shelf measuring 3 x 1.5 m in the tower accommodates one or two plates, depending on the size of the fixtured workpiece, while load height is anywhere up to 1.7 m, subject to a maximum supported weight per shelf of 5 tonnes. The plates have a zero-point clamping system on the underside for precise location on the pallets of twin-pallet-change machining centres, which saves the cost of having multiple expensive machine pallets in the system.

An overhead gantry crane in the tower automatically accesses a plate loaded with fixtured workpieces, which is transferred to the locations assigned by the controller via shuttle units and roller tracks configured to suit the application. In comparison with a paternoster system, the gantry crane has the advantage that only the targeted shelf is moved, rather than all of them, ensuring fast access times and saving energy.

More information www.kasto.com

Subcontractor takes control with XYZ bed mill

Manufacturing parts used in everything from bakeries and canning lines to subsea submersibles, betting shops and poodle parlours, Leeds-based Industrial Plastics Supplies makes products that are used in the unlikeliest of places and is now aided in its production with the acquisition of a new XYZ RMX 4000 bed mill.

“The need to invest in a CNC milling machine came after we looked at our costings and lead times,” reveals managing director Chris Luty. “Although we had two routers, there was a limitation on thickness of cut, which often left us with no choice but to outsource. Having done the sums, we decided to purchase a machine that could do thicker work in-house.”

Following a recommendation, Industrial Plastics Supplies contacted XYZ.

“XYZ came in to see us straight away, taking the time to look at our work and even provide some cycle time estimations using XYZ bed mills,” says Luty. “After a subsequent visit to the XYZ showroom in Huddersfield we decided to go for the RMX 4000. Delivering 5.75 kW to the ISO40 spindle through a two-speed head ensures the cutting capability is vastly superior to our routing machines.”

He adds: “The machine, moving at 10 m/min rapid traverse, has reduced our non-cutting times tremendously, while the defaults feature in the ProtoTRAK control allows us to set up the machine exactly the way we want to work. It fills in some of the prompts automatically during conversational programming and helps minimise any mistakes as we go. But still one of the greatest things on the ProtoTRAK control is the TRAKing feature. The ability to wind the handles, which in turn run the program, is so confidence inspiring.”

More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Automating material handling and storage

Architectural Grille manufactures in its Brooklyn, New York City factory an extensive range
of custom architectural metalwork from materials that include aluminium, brass, bronze,
steel and stainless steel. With such a wide variety of sheet metals to process, the company
wanted to streamline storage of its large inventory of materials, with an eye to optimising
material flow and maintaining operator safety.
For the solution it turned to KASTO, installing UNITOWER and KASTOecostore tower storage
systems. The systems were deemed the ideal way to alleviate the previous inefficient
manual storage arrangement. Architectural Grille has now significantly improved its logistics
processes, enhancing both efficiency and safety at its workstations.
More information www.kasto.com

Hexagon Launches Digital Factory-as-a-Service

Hexagon says it is transforming manufacturing agility following the launch of its digital
factory-as-a-service on 1 April 2025. The new service enables manufacturers to digitise their
factories in a matter of hours using millimetre-accurate 3D laser scanning, rather than the
weeks required by traditional methods.
Rapid access to detailed digital replicas allows plants to test different production scenarios,
integrate new technology and optimise space more efficiently. Already in use by major
automotive and aerospace companies for mapping and modelling brownfield facilities in
preparation for production increases or introducing new lines, the service has been shown
to deliver four times faster planning, a 70% reduction in site visits and a 23% cost saving.
More information www.hexagon.com/mi

Renishaw Renews Greenpower Partnership

Metrology and additive manufacturing specialist Renishaw has renewed its partnership with
the Greenpower Education Trust, a UK-based charity that ignites enthusiasm for STEM
subjects by engaging students in the design, build and racing of electric cars. This continued
collaboration reinforces Renishaw’s dedication to promoting practical learning experiences
and encouraging diversity in engineering through hands-on projects.
As part of the new three-year agreement, Renishaw is once again sponsoring the Castle
Combe heat of the Formula 24 and F24+ challenges, which will take place on 1 June at Castle
Combe Circuit in Chippenham. These challenges allow teams to construct and race either a
Greenpower kit car or a custom-built vehicle adhering to Greenpower’s safety regulations.
More information www.renishaw.com