INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Plasma Cutters Feature Novel Arc-Starting Mechanism

Thermal Dynamics, an ESAB brand, has unveiled its Cutmaster X 90 and Cutmaster X 110, the first two units in its next-generation of heavy-industrial manual plasma cutting systems. A new arc-starting mechanism, which has no moving parts, initiates the arc within a few thousandths of a second after establishing airflow.

An all-new consumables design also allows users to replace only components that are wearing out, further improving the functionality, reliability and arc-starting capability of the consumable set. Furthermore, the new 1TorchFLEX features an articulating head that can flex from 30° to 90°(and then lock in place) to improve joint access for cutting and gouging (consumables for cutting and gouging are included). 

“The Cutmaster X arc-starting mechanism represents the biggest innovation in plasma cutting in decades,” says Kris Scherm, global product manager at ESAB. “Starting the arc in a few thousandths of a second improves cutting performance, and users rank fast arc starts and steady cutting power among their most requested features. Consumables life is also high on their list, and our new cutting tip, cup and cap design will allow users to keep more money in their pockets.” 

The Cutmaster X 90 (90 A at >50% duty cycle) has a rated pierce and cut capacity of 22.2 mm and a 44.5 mm sever capability, whilethe Cutmaster X 110 (110 A at >50% duty cycle) has a rated pierce and cut capacity of 25.4 mm and a 50.8 mm sever capability. The units weigh approximately 27.2 kg and automatically connect to 200-600V single- or three-phase primary power without manual linking. A new industrial housing protects the unit in rugged environments, and a large, crystal-clear digital display with intuitive menus makes operation and training easy.

More information www.easb.com

Flexxbotics Expansion

Flexxbotics, delivering digital solutions for robot-driven manufacturing at scale, is expanding with new offices in Newlab at Michigan Central in Detroit. Driven by growing demand for manufacturing autonomy with autonomous process control, the new facilities position Flexxbotics for even tighter collaboration with customers and partners across the Midwest.Newlab operates five innovation centres around the world that connect high-growth technology companies with industrial ecosystems for cross-sector networking and deployment.

More information www.flexxbotics.com

New Era of Physical AI for Industrial Robots

Factory robot and automation system specialist FANUC is formally partnering with NVIDIA to bring physical AI into mainstream manufacturing as part of a move to shape the next generation of smart factories. Under the agreement, FANUC robots will be integrated with NVIDIA’s advanced AI computing stack, including on-robot systems like NVIDIA Jetson and simulation platforms such as NVIDIA Isaac Sim.

For its part, FANUC has released support for the open-source robotics platform ROS 2, which allows programming via Python, lowering the barrier to building AI-driven robotics applications on top of FANUC’s industrial hardware. The partnership will also enable the creation of high-fidelity digital twins, where simulation can be used for training, testing and optimisation before committing to investment.

More information www.fanuc.eu

DMG Mori Sets Open House Date

Expertise in five-axis machining, freely scalable automation and integrated manufacturing processes for high precision and productivity in every manufacturing process will be the themes of DMG Mori’s forthcoming open house in Pfronten, Germany. The event is taking place from 26 to 30 January for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets, and from 2 to 6 February for all international guests. 

DMG Mori will show over 40 machines and more than 20 automation solutions. Several world premieres will provide the focus, including the new CTX 450 4A universal turning centre and theLASERTEC 65 DED Hybridpowder nozzle additive manufacturing machine, which is also capable of machining. Asecond-generation DMU 65 H monoBLOCK five-axis horizontal machining centreis a further highlight.

More information www.dmgmori.com

Five-Axis Machining Centre Options Include Ultrasonics

Occupying just 3.8 sq m of space on the shop floor, a compactfive-axis machining centre with a working volume of 220 x 370 x 290 mm is now available from DMG Mori. The new DMU 20 Linear can meet a wide range of applications, from the micro-machining of watch components, through EDM electrode and impeller production, to die and mould making.

A rigid, FEM-optimised cast bed and thermo-symmetrical gantry design have been coupled with Magnescale axis position measuring systems to ensure long-term stability and machining accuracy to within single-figure microns.

The A-axis trunnion swivels from +130 to -93°, allowing flexible machining strategies and enhancing the operator’s view of the workpiece. The C-axis table rotates at up to 150 rpm, optionally 1500 rpm, while offering a positioning accuracy of two arcseconds. Zero-point clamping is standard, with the customer able to choose Erowa, Schunk or another make. There is also provision for the vacuum clamping of delicate or thin-walled workpieces.

The machine features a Fischer spindle (HSK 32, 42,000 rpm) as standard, although HSK 32 or HSK 40 spindles up to a maximum of 60,000 rpm are available. If elevated levels of precision are necessaryin combination with long running times, a shaft-cooled version is available for the HSK 40 variant. The tool magazine offers 26 pockets, optionally up to 60 tools, suitable for flexible production requirements with frequent tool changes.

For machining hard, brittle materials such as glass, Zerodur or technical ceramics, the machine is available as a third-generation Ultrasonic 20 Linear. In this model, tool rotation is superimposed with an additional ultrasonic oscillation, reducing the force generated by the tool during machining by up to 50%.

More information www.dmgmori.com