In the steel construction realm, efficiency and automation stand as cornerstones for achieving top-tier quality standards promptly and reliably. Ficep, a global specialist in automated steel processing, meets these imperatives through its integrated solution featuring the Valiant drilling unit and the Katana bandsaw.

The Valiant + Katana system shines particularly bright in its swift process execution, empowered by automation and technology. This amalgamated approach reduces total processing time, outperforming scenarios reliant on specialist labour for finishing stages.

The process maintains a high level of control and predictability, aiding in streamlined production planning. With Valiant, processes such as drilling, automatic marking and milling operations come into play, leaving only welding ahead of the final painting phase. On the cutting front, Katana enables operators to execute both straight and mitred cuts up to 60° quickly.

These saws boast construction features tailored for high-speed performance, while upholding stringent cutting quality standards. Horizontal and vertical hydraulic clamps maximise workpiece stability, while robust motor power and bandsaw blade rotation speeds ensure efficient operations. Automated handling phases further enhance productivity.

The production momentum of this integrated system hinges on Ficep’s direct-drive spindles, channelling 100% of the motor power to the tool.

Notably, the integrated system’s installation stands out for its simplicity, requiring no expensive civil works. This translates to significant time and cost savings for customers, enabling quick production commencement and minimising downtime.

The Valiant + Katana system’s most significant advantage lies in its potential for full automation. With remote control via a mobile app, operators can monitor and manage the system from anywhere, optimising production efficiency even beyond regular working hours and during downtimes.

More information www.ficepgroup.com

The BIEMH machine tool exhibition in Bilbao, Spain, is always a special occasion to meet old friends and discover new talent. This year, MEP Saws of Italy was particularly excited to meet once more with Juanjo Fernández, known in the art world as ‘The Steel Studio’.

The Steel Studio is not only a producer of metal objects, it is an artist who transforms iron into real works of art. With his creations, Fernández has enchanted judges of international competitions and art lovers from all over the world. His works tell stories of strength and beauty, forging metal into shapes that evoke deep emotions.

At the heart of his creations is an MEP saw, an old but reliable manual Shark 280. According to MEP, these machines are not only industrial machinery, but real ‘magic wands’ that allow artists to transform raw metal into refined art.

“Each cut is a step towards the materialisation of my artistic vision,” says Fernández. “MEP saws give me the precision and creative freedom I need to bring my work to life.”
 

Recently, The Steel Studio decided to buy a second MEP band saw, this time a semi-automatic Shark 332-1 sxi evo, once again demonstrating confidence in the quality and reliability of MEP products.

The Steel Studio uses MEP saws to push the boundaries of imagination, creating works that are both powerful and delicate. MEP’s collaboration with The Steel Studio shows how technology can be at the service of creativity. The saws not only facilitate the production process but become an integral part of the artistic expression. This union is perfectly visible in the artwork, which capture the eccentric and creative spirit of the artist while posing within his creative space.

More information www.mepsaws.it

In a significant leap forward for the metalworking sector, German industrial cutting solutions manufacturer Roentgen has unveiled its latest innovation tailored for sawing nickel-based alloys. The Roentgen Fit Set and Fit bandsaw blade are engineered and manufactured to elevate cutting performance, extend tool life and eliminate the need for traditional run-in procedures. This results in saving valuable time and resources for metal manufacturers and engineers. The blades are available in the UK from KR Saws, joint venture between saw blade manufacturers Kinkelder and Roentgen. 

Nickel-based alloys such as Inconel 718 and 625 are known for their exceptional strength, corrosion resistance and high-temperature properties. These materials demand precision cutting solutions that can withstand the rigors of machining while delivering superior results consistently.

The Roentgen Fit Set and Fit Bandsaw Blade rise to this challenge with a blend of innovative technology and precision engineering. Designed with a keen focus on durability and performance, a key feature of the blades is their long service life. Utilising advanced materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, KR Saws says that the new Roentgen blades offer exceptional longevity, significantly reducing the frequency of blade changes and associated downtime.

Traditionally, new cutting blades require a run-in period to optimise performance. However, the Roentgen Fit Set and Fit bandsaw blades are engineered to deliver peak performance right out of the box, eliminating the need for time-consuming run-in procedures.

With a focus on precision and efficiency, the blades deliver clean, accurate cuts with minimal heat generation, resulting in improved surface finish and reduced material waste.

Energy savings are a further benefit. With the ability to reduce cut times, these proprietary bandsaw blades can reduce cut times and invariably reduce energy consumption for end users.

More information www.krsaws.co.uk

SEW-Eurodrive, a manufacturer and supplier of electric motors, gear units, gear motors and associated automation, has installed an advanced storage and sawing system. The system is now in place within a new high-bay warehouse integrated into a recently extended 62,000 m² production facility in Graben-Neudorf, southwest Germany. Both the automated store and sawing equipment were supplied by Kasto.

The order placed by SEW was one of the largest ever received by Kasto in its 180-year history. Within the 4000 m² warehouse is a Unicompact honeycomb storage system with 5140 cassettes offering a load capacity of 3 tonne, as well as an integrated KASTOcenter sawing centre with 450 locations for tube or bar.

Kasto’s Unicompact offers high-density 3D storage in a compact footprint to maximise the use of space. An overhead gantry crane at SEW-Eurodrive transports material to seven KASTOpick split outfeed stations, where lifting mechanisms separate and transfer the material to the infeed roller conveyors of the saws.

Eight automated KASTOvariospeed C 18 production circular saws process stock up to 180 mm in diameter. The heavy-duty, CNC production saws cut solid material – as well as tubes and profiles – to length.

The Kasto sawing centre comprises buffer storage for material and a KASTOtec SC 4 bandsaw with infinitely variable cutting speed. Stock that includes tool steel and challenging materials such as titanium and nickel alloys from 22 to 260 mm in diameter is cut into individual pieces. A KASTOsort robot handling system sorts and stacks the cut pieces. The solution independently selects grippers, containers and stacking patterns, while automated guided vehicles retrieve the boxes of cut pieces and transport them to their destinations in production.

A KASTOlogic warehouse management system (WMS) ensures seamless flow of material throughout the facility.

More information www.kasto.com

The LS Starrett Company, a manufacturer of sawing machines, precision tools and metrology
systems, has entered into a definitive merger agreement in a go-private transaction with an affiliate of MiddleGround Capital in an all-cash transaction for $16.19 per share.

MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm based in Lexington, Kentucky with over $3.5bn
of assets under management.
“We are pleased to reach this agreement with MiddleGround, which provides a meaningful
premium cash value to our shareholders,” says Douglas Starrett, company chair, CEO and
president. “Following comprehensive outreach to potential parties, our board of directors
determine that MiddleGround is the right partner for Starrett because of its deep
knowledge within the manufacturing industry. As a private company, the company will have
additional financial and operational flexibility to continue providing industry-leading service
and products to customers across our markets. We will also maintain Starrett’s proud
tradition among its employees, communities and other stakeholders.”
Adds John Stewart, MiddleGround’s managing Partner: “MiddleGround is thrilled to be
partnering with Starrett, a company that we have followed in the public markets for several
years. Most of MiddleGround’s operations team gained familiarity with Starrett products
over the course of their manufacturing careers, and we’re excited about the opportunity to
further position the company for its future on the front lines of innovation, advanced
manufacturing and reshoring.”
The transaction is expected to close this summer, subject to the requisite approval by
Starrett’s shareholders and other conditions. Following its completion, Starrett will become
a wholly owned subsidiary of MiddleGround and Starrett’s Class A common stock will no
longer carry a listing on any public market.
More information www.starrett.com