INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Hypertherm overhauls Design2Fab software

Hypertherm, a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, has released Design2Fab 6, a major update of its sheet-metal layout software for HVAC duct, mechanical, kitchen, industrial roofing and other specialty fitting layouts.

The new version is the most significant Design2Fab update since the software was acquired in 2004, and features an entirely new interface and tools that include a modelling engine for 3D geometric renderings. Better graphics, fluid movement and real-time updates are just a few of the benefits end users will see. Other improvements include easier dimension entry, an unlimited number of zones, easy arrangement of fittings with drag and drop functionality, ProNest nesting software integration, and more.
Engineered to reduce the time it takes to develop and lay out flat patterns, Design2Fab allows users to create both HPGL and DXF output formats: a plotter can be deployed to print an HPGL layout for manual cutting, or a CNC cutting machine to produce fittings from DXF files. In addition, prior to CNC cutting, users can export DXF files to ProNest, ProNest LT or ProNest LTS nesting software for optimal material utilisation.
Current Design2Fab users with an active software subscription can upgrade to the new version at no additional charge and continue to receive unlimited technical support, as well as other benefits.
For further information http://kb.hyperthermcam.com

Tube line

Voestalpine Tubulars, based in Styria, Austria, has acquired a new heat treatment line and a hot tube-straightening machine from SMS group.

Voest Alpine Tubulars GmbH & Co Kg

The line is designed for seamless tubes with outside diameters between 60.3 and 273.0 mm, and can process steel grades with alloying contents of up to approximately 20%. Offering a maximum capacity of 25 tonnes per hour, Voestalpine is strengthening its position as a supplier of seamless tubes for oil and gas exploration. The heat treatment line consists of a walking beam type austenitising furnace, an SMS quenching head, a cooling table for normalising, a tempering furnace, a cooling bed and two sawing stations.
For further information www.sms-group.com

3D-printed gas turbine blade success

Siemens has received an award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for its technological achievement with the first successfully 3D-printed and tested gas turbine blades.

Siemens kann mit seinem umfassenden Wissen in den wesentlichen Bereichen wie der Werkstoffkunde, der Automatisierung, dem Fertigungsprozess und der Verfahrenstechnik die Hochleistungskomponenten mittels Additive Manufacturing herstellen.
Siemens is able to produce the high performance components using Additive Manufacturing due to his broad knowledge in materials sciences, automation, manufacturing and process know how.

The components were tested at 13,000 rpm and temperatures beyond 1250°C, and featured completely revised and improved internal cooling geometry manufactured using AM technology. Siemens’ project team worked with blades manufactured at the company’s 3D printing facility in Finspong, Sweden, and at Materials Solutions, the recently acquired company in Worcester, UK.
For further information www.siemens.com

Industry awaits SteelFab 2018

SteelFab 2018 gets underway next week (15-18 January) at the Expo Centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. As the region’s most prominent business event specialising in steel fabrication, SteelFab 2018 will boast a large number of steel industry professionals and decision-makers among its exhibitors and visitors, as well as an interesting seminar programme.

The 14th edition of the show will present modern technologies in steel forming, metal-cutting, finishing, milling and heavy machinery, as well as other related engineering applications. SteelFab attracts worldwide attendance and participation both from national companies and hundreds of foreign firms and leading international brands in the field. XYZ Machine Tools and Chester Machine Tools will be among the 54 UK exhibitors at this year’s event. Around 8000 visitors attended the 2017 show from 83 different countries.
For further information www.steelfabme.com

Kiwa HMCs exclusively at Dugard

Dugard recently announced that it is the new exclusive agent for Kiwa Machinery throughout the UK and Ireland. Based in Nabari, Japan, Kiwa is renowned for offering affordable yet state-of-the-art technology based on a strong R&D background.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Specialising in horizontal machines, Kiwa says that its expandable tool and pallet technology sets the company apart from the competition, allowing for tailor-made designs to meet specific customer requirements. The tool changer and multi-pallet systems are upgradable on a retrofit basis, from a two-pallet, 120-tool machine, to a six- or eight-pallet machine with 220 tools. This gives customers the flexibility to meet any future expansion requirements without having to buy a completely new machine.
Kiwa machines feature high speed rapids (up to 80,000 mm/min on the KH-400 model) as well as direct-drive (up to 15,000 rpm) and built-in (up to 20,000 rpm) spindle options. What’s more, the patented hybrid slideway design of the machines, which combine roller and boxways, gives Kiwa horizontal machining centres both speed and rigidity.
A compact footprint is yet another distinctive attribute, at just 1.6 m wide for a 400 mm cube HMC with 500 x 500 x 500 mm travels in the X, Y and Z axes (Kiwa KH-4100). Cost-effective multi-pallet options are available on most models, as well as horizontal 5 or 4+1 axis configurations for optimum chip clearance.
For further information www.dugard.com