United Machining says its advanced laser technology is transforming the design and manufacture of high-quality textured shoe moulds. The laser process delivers high accuracy and repeatability, combined with design and manufacturing flexibility, predictability and reliability.

To meet the growing and evolving demands from designers of footwear brands for increasingly fine and complex surface structures, United Machining’s laser texturing technology offers a new and cost-competitive way to deliver geometric and natural textures. The process, based on United Machining’s knowledge of high-quality surface finishes, allows manufacturers to achieve structured and fine textures in competitive lead times compared with conventional design and manufacturing processes.

United Machining’s laser texturing technology is a completely digital and repeatable process that reduces manual operations, allows unlimited design flexibility and supports manufacturers in shortening time-to-market. It is these commercial advantages that have alerted the footwear sector to the potential of three- and five-axis laser technology.

The dimension of the laser spot is 0.05 mm, allowing the creation of fine, intricate and complex surface structures that are beyond the scope of conventional technologies. United Machining’s proprietary software helps manufacturers reduce manual operations and a reliance on specialised, manual expertise.

Freedom of design, thanks to the characteristics of this laser solution and the digital processes involved, enables manufacturers to design and apply all kind of textures on parts and mould inserts – a source of market differentiation. In the past, when manufacturers wanted to develop their own bespoke textures, the traditional route forward was to outsource the work, which often impacted lead times and, on occasion, could affect quality.

The use of laser technology means an end to tool breakage issues and the delivery of a safe, flexible and reliable texturing process.

More information www.gfms.com

German maritime propulsion specialist Schottel GmbH has modernised its manufacturing operations with the installation of a roller conveyor shot-blast machine from Rösler. Integrated directly into the company’s steel sheet processing line at its Dörth facility, the RRB 22/5 system has improved efficiency, automation and process reliability.

Founded in 1921, Schottel is a global developer and manufacturer of ship propulsion and manoeuvring systems, offering outputs from 50 to 30,000 kW. As part of an ongoing modernisation programme, the company replaced manual blast room operations with a continuous-flow automated system capable of handling a wide range of flame-cut steel components and plates.

A key requirement was achieving a surface roughness depth of at least Rz 70 µm to ensure optimal adhesion of anti-corrosion coatings used in harsh maritime environments. Rösler developed a bespoke solution based on its standard RRB 22/5 platform, enabling partially automated processing of steel plates up to 5 m long.

The machine incorporates six 15 kW Gamma 400G turbines, delivering high blasting performance with lower energy consumption. Compared with conventional turbine designs, the Y-shaped throwing blades increase blasting efficiency by up to 20% while extending wear life, reports Rösler. A quick-change blade system also minimises maintenance downtime.

Before final approval, Schottel conducted extensive trials using representative workpieces at an existing Rösler customer site operating a near-identical system. Tests confirmed the required surface finish and coating adhesion performance while demonstrating lower wear rates and reduced operational costs.

 

“The results of the blast trials and the positive feedback from the reference customer absolutely convinced us that the RRB 22/5 meets all our quality demands,” says Frank Steinert, manufacturing manager at Schottel.

More information www.rosler.com

As part of its sustainability strategy, AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has launched Eco+ Services, a suite of technical, digital and data-driven solutions designed to help manufacturers measure, understand and improve the sustainability of their coating operations.

Combining digital tools, technical expertise and verified environmental data, Eco+ Services provides manufacturers with practical insights into coating performance, energy consumption and carbon footprint. The initiative is designed to help businesses translate sustainability targets into measurable operational improvements while enhancing process efficiency and environmental transparency.

“Customers today are looking for more than high-performance coatings,” says Jorrit van Rijn, marketing director of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. “Manufacturers want partners who can help them run more efficient coating operations and better understand their environmental footprint. Eco+ Services gives customers the insights they need to improve performance and make informed decisions about their operations.”

The new offering focuses on three key areas: application optimisation, energy savings and access to verified environmental data. Application optimisation includes Flightpath Pro, an AI-driven solution developed in partnership with CoatingAI that optimises spray gun settings using cloud-based data analysis. The system helps manufacturers reduce overspray and defects while improving coating consistency and lowering material consumption.

Energy-saving services include carbon footprint and curing line assessments that identify opportunities to reduce energy usage and emissions. Eco+ Services also provides verified environmental reporting tools, including third-party certified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the Interpon D powder coatings range.

“Our technical expertise has always been central to how we support customers,” declares van Rijn. “By combining specialist knowledge with digital tools and environmental insights, Eco+ Services helps manufacturers improve coating performance, reduce carbon footprint and gain clearer visibility of their environmental impact.”

More information www.akzonobel.com

Aesculap AG has automated the deburring of its ‘Rapid Action’ surgical saw blades using ultrasonic technology from UltraTEC innovation GmbH, available in the UK through Vollmer. The contact-free process removes burrs and fibres from metal components using ultrasound, enabling greater consistency and unmanned production.

Part of the B Braun Group, Aesculap AG manufactures around 28,000 medical products, including delicate surgical instruments produced at micron scale. The company selected UltraTEC’s automated system to replace the manual deburring of its Rapid Action saw blades, which are manufactured from high-grade stainless steel for use in surgical cutting applications.

“We consistently pursue technological openness to remain competitive,” says Manuel Welte, process manager – engineering & processes at Aesculap AG. “The UltraTEC system proved to be the most suitable solution for our application thanks to its technical expertise and solution-oriented approach.”

The ultrasonic deburring process uses a high-frequency sonotrode oscillating 20,000 times per second inside a water tank. These vibrations remove burrs from the saw blades without damaging the cutting edges. The A25 S system from ultraTEC can process different saw blade types automatically within a 60-second cycle.

Previously, up to six employees manually deburred the blades using brushes, abrasive cleaners and scrapers. The new automated process integrates directly into Aesculap’s existing production chain using a pneumatic handling system and dedicated workpiece carriers capable of holding up to 180 parts.

Dieter Münz, managing director of UltraTEC innovation GmbH, says: “The result is a perfectly deburred saw blade that retains its sharp cutting edges while enabling reliable automated production.”

More information www.vollmer-group.com/en-uk

AkzoNobel has introduced Eco+, a new designation that brings together its most sustainable powder coating solutions from the Interpon and Resicoat portfolios under a single, clearly defined framework. The Eco+ portfolio is designed to help customers more easily identify coating technologies that deliver measurable sustainability benefits while maintaining high performance.

Eco+ products are powder coatings that provide verified improvements in key sustainability areas while also supporting operational efficiency. The solutions are designed to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and lower carbon emissions, while extending product lifespan and improving process productivity. By consolidating these technologies under one designation, AkzoNobel aims to provide greater transparency and confidence when selecting sustainable coating solutions.

To qualify for Eco+ status, each product must demonstrate measurable sustainability performance against clearly defined, data-backed criteria. Every product included in the portfolio delivers at least one of six recognised sustainability benefits. These include reduced energy consumption through lower curing temperatures and faster curing cycles, increased productivity through single-layer systems and fewer processing steps, and reduced waste during manufacturing and application.

Additional benefits include lower material consumption through improved coverage and right-first-time performance, extended product lifespan through highly durable coatings, and reduced carbon footprint through smarter raw material selection, including bio-attributed resins.

According to AkzoNobel, powder coatings are already among the most sustainable coating technologies available. With Eco+, the company aims to make it easier for customers to understand where sustainability can deliver tangible value, whether through improved efficiency, reduced energy use or longer service life.

The Eco+ portfolio spans multiple industries, including architecture, automotive, domestic appliances and general industrial manufacturing, providing solutions such as low-temperature curing coatings, enhanced corrosion protection and highly durable finishes.

More information www.bit.ly/3OYj8kf