INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Nikon expands X-ray CT system range

Nikon IMBU is adding three new models in its VOXLS range of X-ray CT (computed tomography) systems for non-destructive inspection. The introduction of the 30 series fills a specific need in the industry for users seeking an automation-ready system with the versatility to meet a wide range of industrial applications.

The VOXLS 30 C 225, 30 C 320 and 30 C 450 models are now available to order and have maximum source energies of 225, 320 and 450kV respectively for examining parts of various densities and sizes. They also have a more compact footprint than Nikon’s 40 Series while maintaining advanced features traditionally exclusive to larger, more expensive solutions.

The systems are for automated operations that include quality control in factories producing lithium-ion batteries or additively manufactured components. The automotive, aerospace, medical and pharmaceutical industries are additional target markets, with many further applications in materials science, natural sciences and academia.

Dr Andrew Mathers, X-ray and CT product manager, says: “Automation at multiple levels is a major focus of the new 30 series, from batch CT providing efficiency gains for technicians to full factory integration with robotic handling and automated inspection via Nikon’s OPC UA Interface.”

At the core of the series is a metrology-grade, granite-based manipulator coupled with rigid steel towers, which provides a thermally stable and solid construction. High-precision motors, ball-screw drives and encoders ensure precise positioning and accurate movement of all axes, including the synchronous vertical motion of the X-ray sources and detectors.

To facilitate automation even further, the systems feature motorised bi-parting radiation doors that open and close in less than five seconds, behind which the cabinet interior can accommodate items up to 1000 mm in diameter by 1370 mm tall.
For further information https://industry.nikon.com

United Grinding opens Singapore facility

The United Grinding Group has intensified its business in Southeast Asia by established a subsidiary in Singapore. Despite having a presence in the region for many years through representatives and the Walter Ewag Asia-Pacific subsidiary, the new United Grinding subsidiary in Singapore bundles and intensifies the company’slocal activitiesfor grinding, eroding, laser and measuring machines.“The ability to offer the group’s bundled technology and application know-how from a single subsidiary provides customers with many advantages,” states Stephan Nell, CEO of the United Grinding Group.
For further information www.grinding.com

Boost productivity with double-sheet sensors

The automotive supply chain consistently faces pressure to increase productivity and reduce costs. A risk to productivity on press lines is the potential for the accidental feeding of two or more sheets (rather than one) into a press.There is also a danger of this causing expensive damage to the press tools.

According to Plus Automation, a master distributor for smart sensor specialist Contrinex in the UK & Ireland, double-sheet detection systems designed to prevent this issue are costly, limiting their use to high-volume production cells. Their high price also typically prevents their use in assembly operations, where it would be ideal to verify the presence of two sheets.

Plus Automation says that Contrinex smart sensors offer a far more affordable way to detect the presence of individual sheets and double-sheet conditions, triggering an alarm and halting production to prevent press damage.On a production line that runs a large variation of sheet materials and thicknesses, the PocketCodr is key to simplifying the configuration of smart sensors. The PocketCodr app running on a tablet monitors and quickly configures sensors during the commissioning of a new product.

In a real customer application, the combination of Contrinex inductive smartsensors with the PocketCodr sensor configurator is offering flexible and reliable double-sheet detection solutions for a manufacturer of pressed metal parts. The compact yet robust metal-bodied M18 sensors sit either side of the in-feed conveyor. Not only do they sense the presence of each sheet, allowing the automatic initiation of press operation, they also detect an unwanted double-sheet condition, triggering an alarm before damage occurs.

PocketCodr puts the monitoring and configuration of the smart sensors into the hands of the engineer on a tablet or phone and removes the need for any coding.
For further information www.plusautomation.co.uk

Large order for rail wheel production line

India-based Ramkrishna Titagarh Rail Wheels has placed an order for a wheel roller, two forging presses, automation, dies, a rotary hearth furnace and heat treatment, from Schuler and Andritz Metals. Like Schuler, Andritz Metals is part of the international Andritz technology group. Schuler says the order is in the upper double-digit million euro range

Ramkrishna Titagarh Rail Wheels is a joint venture between one of the largest suppliers of forged parts in India and the nation’s biggest manufacturer of railroad wagons in the private sector. The world’s most populous country plans to invest over $700bn in its rail network over the next few years.

“Schuler has already proven its expertise in the manufacture of railroad wheels with numerous production lines installed on the Asian continent,” says Naresh Jalan, managing director of Ramkrishna Forgings. “It was important for us to select a supplier whose equipment stands for high quality.”

Christian Palm, director hydraulic presses at Schuler, adds: “Forged railroad wheels are best at handling the extreme stresses of heavy acceleration and deceleration. We’re pleased to help take rail transportation in India to the next level with this production line.”

The forming of rail wheels takes place in four steps before they enter machining. First, a 10,000 ton hydraulic forging press produces a disc-shaped pre-form from a heated billet in two stages, receiving its final diameter in a wheel roller. Then, the second 5,000-ton press calibrates the rolled-out wheel before axial offsetting and piercing of the hub.
For further information www.schulergroup.com

95,000 expected at METALEX 2023

The 37th edition of METALEX 2023, the ASEAN region’sleadingmachine tool and metalworking technologies event, will take place inhalls 98-104 at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) on 22-25 November. The event will see a 10% expansion on the previous show, featuringcirca 2500 brands of machine tools and metalworking technologies from 50 countries.

The organiser RX Tradex (formerly Reed Tradex) says it has tens of thousands of industrialistsfrom more than 40 countries pre-registered to visit the exhibition, which this year takes place under the theme of ‘The Innovators’. In total, the organiser expects around 95,000 visitors to attend and estimates the event will generate no less than THB7bn in trade value. In addition to the exhibition, the event will host 35 informative seminars.
For further information www.metalex.co.th