INTERNATIONAL NEWS

World’s first explosion-proof paint cobot launched

FANUC says it has launched the world’s first ever explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot (cobot) for industrial painting applications. Suitable for wet spraying, dry powder coating and multiple other processes that include adhesive dispensing, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT is designed to improve the precision of paint jobs, reduce waste, increase productivity and boost safety by protecting workers from paint fumes.

Approved for use in ATEX-certified Cat II Group 2G and 2D, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT enables human employees to work in the same painting area as the cobot without safety fences, thanks to a sensitive contact-stopping function. Ease of use is another of its key features.

“Few paint shop workers have extensive knowledge of robotics, which is where cobots can help,” states Claude Seiler, manager products and application – European technical support robotics at FANUC. “Our CRX-10iA/L PAINT, with its easy-teach features and drag-and-drop functionality, means no expertise in robot programming is necessary.”

According to FANUC, paint shop professionals can complete programs in minutes via an icon-based app on a tablet teach pendant

“Operators can manually move the cobot arm to the first position required, make a save point and continue through the paint path,” explains Seiler. “The cobot will ‘learn’ its entire range of positioning – it’s that easy. What’s more, users can save and apply paint paths to other parts.”

The IP67-rated FANUC CRX-10iA/L PAINT six-axis cobot offers a maximum payload of 10 kg and what is said to be the longest reach in its class of 1418 mm. Process flexibility arrives courtesy of its floor, upside-down or angle mounting option, while its novel under-flip motion means users can manipulate the paint gun in confined spaces. The cobot is fully compatible with almost all automatic end-of-arm guns.

More information www.fanuc.eu

MAG IAS names new MD and CSO

Machine tool supplier The Fair Friend Group (FFG) has appointed Bernd Hilgarth as managing director and chief sales officer (CSO) of group brand MAG IAS GmbH (MAG IAS). He will assume overall responsibility for the sales organisation of both MAG IAS and the Fair Friend Group, reporting directly to group CEO Dr Sebastian Schöning. Hilgarth has more than 30 years of experience in the machine tool industry. He began his career at Boehringer, followed by various management roles in renowned sector companies. Most recently, he held a leading sales position at the Chiron Group for over a decade.

More information https://ffg-ea.com/en/

Stronger, cheaper 3D-printed titanium

Engineers from RMIT University in Australia have produced a new type of 3D-printed titanium that is about a third cheaper than commonly used titanium alloys. The team used readily available and cheaper alternative materials to replace the increasingly expensive vanadium.

RMIT has filed a provisional patent on its innovative approach as the team considers commercial opportunities to develop the new low-cost approach for aerospace and medical device industries. RMIT’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing (RCAM) PhD candidate and study lead author Ryan Brooke says testing of the alloy shows improved strength and performance compared with standard 3D-printed titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V). 

More information www.bit.ly/3V4U4Yt

Over 900 Exhibitors Confirmed for BIEMH

With seven months to go, more than 900 exhibiting companies have already confirmed their participation in the 33rd edition of the BIEMH international machine tool exhibition, where they will showcase advanced technology and present cutting-edge innovations in manufacturing. From 2 to 6 March 2026, Bilbao Exhibition Centre will host this major industry event.

As a benchmark event in advanced manufacturing, BIEMH 2026 will feature a specific area devoted to automation, robotics and digitalisation, key sectors for driving industrial efficiency, flexibility and competitiveness. Following their prominent role in the last edition, these technologies will once again occupy a prominent place in this year’s show, within a specific area that will bring together the latest applied solutions.

More information www.bit.ly/45a67cW

FANUC Secures Top 1% Sustainability Ranking

FANUC Corporation has received a ‘Platinum’ rating for sustainability by EcoVadis, placing it in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally. Achieving a score of 82/100, the recognition reflects FANUC’s commitment to responsible business conduct and sustainable innovation. EcoVadis, a global sustainability ratings platform, conducts its assessments using internationally recognised standards, including the United Nations Global Compact, ILO conventions and ISO 26000. It evaluates organisations across four key performance areas: environment; labour and human rights; ethics; and sustainable procurement.

More information www.fanuc.eu