Hydro Components recently invested £9.6m in the refurbishment and re-opening of its manufacturing plant based in Bedwas, Wales.

This work involved the introduction of three Mecal Kosmos four-axis machining centres and one Mecal Geos MDT five-axis machining centre, the first of its kind in the UK, along with the restructuring of the entire plant. All four machines were supplied by Addison Saws.
“At first, Hydro needed to outsource the CNC machining element as issues with their previous machinery meant they lacked the functionality to produce the parts themselves,” recalls Mike Grogan, Addison Saws’ regional sales manager. “Hydro began to use a local subcontracting company operating three Mecal Kosmos machining centres, which were ideal for producing the required parts. However, it soon became apparent that bringing the operation back in-house would be more beneficial in terms of turn-around time, overall cost and allowing greater control over the manufacturing process.”
After the successful installation of the Kosmos machines, Hydro’s production manager at the Bedwas plant was interested in setting up a single step automated production line, eliminating the need for the company’s additional saws. And, after in-depth discussions, Hydro placed an order for the new five-axis MC 302 Geos MDT 8.6 m CNC machining centre.
Addison Saws then flew key members of the Hydro production team out to Mecal’s factory in Italy to view the machine in action. Along with seeing the factory, the management team was reassured knowing that the Mecal software could handle the bespoke program required for complex parts.
For further information https://addisonsaws.co.uk/

Rotech Laboratories has purchased its third Cosen SH-4030 semi-automatic bandsaw machine from UK agent Sawcraft.

The investment was made to facilitate increased production demands at the company’s testing laboratory in Wednesbury. Rotech provides an extensive schedule of UKAS-accredited tests, and is NADCAP certified for cleanliness verification. The company offers a large range of materials testing services to many sectors of industry. Major test work includes failure analysis, product finish testing, microstructural evaluation, mechanical testing and weld testing.
Operations manager David Skeldon, who has worked with Sawcraft for many years, say that “they are very happy with the past performance of the SH-4030 model, as well as the level of service and aftersales support provided by Sawcraft, which made this the obvious saw of choice to purchase”.
The Cosen SH-4030 has the ability to cut up to 300 mm diameter round bar and 400 mm wide plate. Heavy-duty, robust construction makes the saw suitable for applications such as large billets, dies and plate material. Saw features include variable blade speed control, hydraulic clamps and a 3.75 kW blade motor.
The design incorporates an oversize hydraulic cylinder that supports the saw frame with a universal ball joint, accomplishing a smooth and consistent down-feed throughout the entire cutting cycle. Unlike many other semi-automatic models, the SH-4030 includes a split front vice, which is essential for accuracy when cutting small workpieces, says the company.
For further information www.sawcraft.co.uk

Behringer Saws displayed an array of its automatic bandsaws, including the HBE Dynamic series and its Eisele automatic mitre circular saw, the PSU-450M, at Houstex in Houston, USA last month.

The HBE Dynamic series was developed to be the every-day saw due to its affordability, versatility and efficiency. This compact automatic bandsaw has a multitude of features designed to improve performance and precision, such as a servo-driven ball-screw blade feeding system and pressure sensors. As a result, the saw provides automatic, precise, constant down-feed control and adjustment to continually optimise the cutting process. The ball-screw driven material feed gripper eliminates backlash and ensures precise material positioning and repeatability, says Behringer.
With optimised sawing parameters, newly designed clamping system and PLC controls, the PSU 450M circular cold saw is suited to both single-piece cuts and mass production. The PSU has cutting capabilities up to 218 x 66 mm, and offers mitre cutting in both directions. Further features include a servo-driven axis for precise material length positioning, integrated gripper feeding unit, up-stroking saw design and more. The saw can process solids, tubes or any type of unique shapes.
Behringer provides a wide variety of automatic band, plate and high-specification circular cold saws to corporations, service centres, job shops and manufacturers throughout the world.
For further information www.behringersaws.com

Towards the end of 2018, around 250 students began their studies at the Faculty of Wood Technology and Construction at the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences.

The budding engineers not only benefit from theoretical lessons, but from shared knowledge that is geared towards practical applications. To achieve this ambition, the Rosenheim students collaborate closely with companies from the wood industry, including sharpening specialist Vollmer. The machine-tool specialist develops grinding and erosion machines for sharpening circular saw blades.
“Our many partners enable us to give students an insight into the every-day work of the modern wood industry at an early stage of their studies – whether that involves innovative wood construction, materials technology or tool machining,” states Prof Frieder Scholz from the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences. “With Vollmer, we are supported by a company which teaches our students about the precise machining of circular saws – a process that takes place right at the very beginning of the wood industry’s value chain.”
Last year, 15 students from the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences travelled to Biberach to spend a week at Vollmer. At the sharpening specialist, the trainee engineers learned through theory and practice about which critical factors are required to ensure the precise machining of circular saw blades. The practical placement week is part of the Wood Technology Master’s programme and is designed to give students a chance to experience the every-day work of the modern wood industry at the company itself. At Vollmer, the international group of students – hailing from India, Pakistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Iran and Germany – found out about the role that tool sharpening plays in the wood industry, and in research and industrial projects.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

A new range of ‘Jig Saw Blades’ designed to deliver optimal performance when cutting a variety of materials, including metal, has been introduced by Lenox.

When end users were asked what they look for in a blade, clean cuts, long blade life and durability were the top priorities. For common metal-cutting applications, such as sheet metal or steel tubing, Lenox bi-metal Jig Saw Blades feature ‘Power Blast Technology’, a high-speed blasting process that strengthens the blade to reduce breaks, as well as proprietary T2 Technology to provide fast, efficient cutting. For tough metal cutting applications, like steel plate or stainless steel, the updated offering features Lenox Power Arc curved Jig Saw Blades. The curved profile of the blade optimises the angle of attack for fast cutting and provides up to two times longer life than the company’s previous generation blade.
“At Lenox, we continue to advance our product portfolio to meet the demands of the end user,” says Brian Morrison, senior product manager at Lenox. “When developing the new Lenox Jig Saw Blade portfolio, we strived to exceed the expectations of our customers, incorporating proven, industry-best technology from our other product categories to offer superior cutting.
Additionally, the new Jig Saw Blades are manufactured in the USA with global materials. We are proud to manufacture high-quality products domestically.”
For further information www.lenoxtools.com