Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the third quarter of 2022 were 9% up on the previous year’s figure. Orders from Germany rose by 3%, whereas those from abroad were up by 12%. Demand rose by 26% in the first nine months of 2022. Domestic and foreign orders contributed in equal measure to this figure, accounting for growth of 25 and 26% respectively. Orders received by the German metal-forming technology sector in the third quarter of 2022 were also up, by a total of 7% up on the previous year. Orders from Germany fell by 1% whereas those from abroad were up by 10%.
For further information www.vdw.de/en

Hexagon is partnering with Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), a national research and development centre, to provide software that will help meet a Swedish initiative to advance the use of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and accelerate the adoption of innovative and sustainable processes in European industry. The new application centre for AM will be overseen by a consortium of industry leaders and provide manufacturers with access to a host of AM technologies, including software solutions from Hexagon for AM and quality control.
For further information www.ri.se/en/am-center

Mia Bökmark is the new vice president of product management and R&D at Seco Tools. She reports to Stefan Steenstrup, the company’s president, and is now a member of the Seco Management Group. Together with the organisation, Bökmark will create a stronger connection to customer needs and accelerate the development and deployment of new products, services and solutions. She holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and, prior to her most recent job as executive management advisor in her own company, she held managing positions within SKF for almost 30 years.
For further information www.secotools.com

OGP has launched the SmartScope E7 multi-sensor measurement system into the UK market. Featuring an easy-to-use interface designed for use with a single-operator, the SmartScope E7 cuts down on lengthy training and unnecessary downtime, while delivering a range of features that the company says can transform inspection processes. Suitable for operators functioning at all skill levels, and businesses and subcontractors at all available budgets, the SmartScope E7 makes light work of things that matter most.

OGP UK manager Graham Shaw says: “The SmartScope E7 joins the OGP portfolio as the first in the new E-series range – and as an ideal benchtop solution for the shop floor. One of the most dynamic features of the E7 and the SmartScope range is functionality where complex software is packaged up in an easy-to-use interface.”

He adds: “The system benefits from full integration of the E7 with the Measure-X software package, which is a game-changer in terms of repeatability and reproducibility. There are huge time- and cost-saving benefits, including geometric functions for tolerance and reporting that set the benchmark for the industry.”

Maximising efficiency and repeatability through its sturdy design, the E7 comes equipped with fast video detection, multi-sensor versatility and automatic focus with a 5x digital zoom able to apply instant magnification. The new fixed-lens IntelliCentric optical system delivers high-resolution imaging while the all-LED coaxial illuminates all angles. Suitable for an array of applications, from complex critical components to high-volume measurement of parts at high speed, the SmartScope E7 will be of interest to multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical and more.
For further information www.ogpuk.com

MEP Saws, which is represented in the UK by ADS Precision, has recently supplied a circular sawing machine to a Finland-based manufacturer of sterilisers and water purification equipment for the pharmaceutical industry. Among the challenging main raw materials used in condensers for steam generators are 14×1 AISI 316L tubes, with about 60 km of tubes used per year. These tubes must be straight, round, and scratch- and burr-free.

The customer already had a circular sawing machine to execute bundle cutting on this material. However, it was not precise and operators had to change the blades continuously to ensure cut quality.

To remedy the situation, the company opted for an MEP Tiger 352 Sx Evo semi-automatic circular sawing machine, which is suitable for steel cutting from -45° to +60° with blade rotation at four speeds. Taking into consideration the requirements of the customer’s sector, together with MEP’s local dealer, it was decided to offer the Tiger 372 Sx Evo, a higher performing version of the Tiger 352, and carry out cutting trials on the customer’s material to show the advantages.

Following tests carried out on a bundle of nine AISI 316L tubes with a diameter of 14 mm, the customer was impressed by the quality of the cutting surfaces and by one of the main machine features: the infinite variable saw blade speed through inverter (instead of the four fixed speeds of the Tiger 352 Sx Evo).

Regarding final customisation, the material loading roller conveyor was equipped with V-rollers covered in Teflon. Teflon clamping jaws were also supplied instead of traditional steel ones. Further customisation included a larger diameter steel circular blade flange and a change of material feeding direction from right to left.
For further information www.adsprecision.com