INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Cobot show

On Stand CM28 at Advanced Engineering 2017 (NEC, 1-2 November), visitors to the stand of Universal Robot (UR) distributor RARUK Automation will be able to see how humans and robots can work collaboratively.

UR now offers three ‘cobot’ arms in its range, each categorised according to their payload limits. The smallest and most recent addition is the table-top UR3, which is virtually noiseless and compact with a footprint of just 118 mm. Total weight is only 11 kg but payload is 3 kg and, in common with other UR arms, has ±360° rotation on all wrist joints and infinite rotation on the end joint.
For further information www.rarodriguez.co.uk

Micro-abrasive waterjet machines on show

On Stand L1 at Advanced Engineering 2017 (NEC, 1-2 November), micro-machining specialist Rainford Precision will premiere the new line of Finepart micro-abrasive waterjet machines.

Visitors to the stand will find an intriguing new method of cutting common aerospace materials such as CFRP, glass, ceramic and aluminium alloys.
In comparison to conventional methods such as milling, wire erosion or die sink EDM, the Sweden-built Finecut waterjet system eradicates the issue of heat generation through machining. By processing parts without generating high temperatures, the waterjet series eliminates any structural or metallurgical concerns. Finecut machines have a micro-fine jet of just 0.2 mm with a positional accuracy of ±2.5 µm and an adjustable jet pressure from 500 to 4000 bar.
For further information www.rainfordprecision.com

Wire EDM duo unveiled

Sodick used last month’s EMO exhibition in Germany to unveil two new wire-erosion machines, the Sodick ALC800G and VL600QH. The newly announced ALC800G incorporates all the features and benefits of Sodick’s Premium wire range, as well as offering
a three-sided automatic door and 1500 x 1040 mm work tank. A high-column (optional) version of the machine provides an extended Z-axis stoke of 800 mm.

Meanwhile, the new VL600QH, which incorporates an extended Z-axis stroke of 500 mm – making it suitable for tackling tall workpieces – is a development of the VL600Q linear motor driven wire-cut EDM. The latest machine retains all the features and benefits of the earlier model, including the FJ-type automatic wire threader with ‘pop-up’ functionality for increased reliability.
Other machines on the stand included a Sodick Premium ALC600L wire EDM, an AG60L die-sink EDM equipped with a robot and the entry-level AD55L die-sink EDM. The latter incorporates a plethora of Sodick innovations, including linear motors on X, Y, and Z axes, as well as the K-SMC Sodick Motion controller, 1 Gbit/sec communication technology, SGF nano-wear generator and ceramic work-zone.In addition, the symmetrical structure of the AD55L has been specifically designed to provide improved rigidity in order to help maximise machine performance. Sodick is represented in the UK by Sodi-Tech EDM.
For further information www.sodi-techedm.co.uk

Schulman opens Turkish manufacturing plant

A Schulman Inc, an international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and powders, has opened a manufacturing facility in Turkey.

At the new plant, which is located in the greater Istanbul area, A Schulman will produce approximately 18 million kg of premium additive, white and natural master batches for food and industrial packaging customers. Previously, the company supplied customers in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa from plants in Northern Europe. The new facility will help A Schulman to service customers in the region in a more efficient manner. A stronger local presence will also help deliver greater market share, says the company.
For further information www.aschulman.com

Nosag Polska acquisition completed

William Hughes is expanding its European operations with the acquisition of Nosag Polska. Based in Tychy, Poland, Nosag Polska is a manufacturer of seat mats, wire frames and bent wire parts, predominantly for the automotive industry.

Nosag has been established in Poland since 2005, and with over 150 employees supplies its products to all major car interior and car seat manufacturers. ”There is much synergy between Nosag and William Hughes in terms of products and markets,” says managing director Max Hughes. “By combining our manufacturing, technical and logistical resources we are confident there will be many benefits for our expanding automotive customer base.”
For further information www.wmhughes.co.uk