INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Solvay composites for Boeing 777X

Solvay has signed an agreement with Boeing for the supply of advanced composites and adhesives in support of 777X airplane production.

Solvay will be supplying a range of material technologies, including out-of-autoclave structural carbon-fibre epoxy prepreg, flame-resistant interior phenolic prepreg, lightning-strike protection surfacing film and structural adhesive. These materials will support applications across the entire 777X programme, including the vertical and horizontal stabilisers, nacelle, landing-gear doors, wings, and interior structures.
For further information www.solvay.com

Double-column machines extend range

Broadbent Stanley has extended its range with large-capacity double-column machining centres from Taiwan-based Starvision. The machines are available with X-axis travels up to 36 m and 5.7 m in the Y axis, as well as five-face or full five-axis capability. The range covers boxway machines, linear-guide machines, moving-beam, moving-column and five-axis variants, which can be equipped with a range of milling heads.

“The addition of the Starvision range complements our existing range of bridge mills and will open up significant opportunities across the sectors that we serve,” explains managing director Graham Thomas. “We have probably had 10 enquiries in the past 12 months for machines of this size, so the market appetite is there. A quote has already been raised for the first Starvision machine and we are hopeful of a successful outcome soon.”
For further information www.broadbentstanley.co.uk

Tube profiling on flat-bed fibre laser

Bystronic has introduced a rotary axis for processing tube on its ByStar Fiber flat-bed laser cutter, which offers up to 10 kW of power. The new equipment enables users to switch between sheet and tube processing in a few simple steps.

Factory-fitted by Bystronic, the rotary axis, together with retractable tailstock, enables tubes from 30 to 315 mm in diameter (and in a variety of lengths) to be profiled. The operator inserts tube either from the outside through a hatch in the ByStar Fiber’s housing, or directly into the machining area through the sliding door along the side. Part unloading is said to be similarly rapid.
Also supplied is a tube-cutting software module, which is an expansion to the proprietary BySoft 7 programming software. The module allows users to design parts for tube processing, input existing CAD files, perform editing routines and generate cutting plans.
To support fast set-up times for processing a variety of tube profiles, Bystronic has integrated an assistant function into its ByVision user interface. The new function guides users through each operating step via the ByStar Fiber’s touch screen.
For manipulating longer tubes, Bystronic offers a rotary-axis box, akin to a bar magazine on a lathe. This detachable accessory is mounted on wheels and enables tubes up to 3 m long to be fed through the hatch in the machine housing and positioned accurately. With an additional extension box, tubes up to 6 m
in length can be processed.
For further information www.bystronic.com

Fibre laser features 8 kW source

LVD has launched its Electra FL 3015 8 kW fibre laser cutting machine. Designed to cut a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials as fast as the thermal process allows without dynamic compromise, the Electra 8 kW can maintain 2 G acceleration speed during operations. The Electra FL also features a new cutting head, new ‘smooth lead-in’ feature, advanced drive system and the latest generation of LVD’s Touch-L control.

Among the capabilities of the new cutting head is automated adjustment of focus position and focus diameter (zoom focus). Zoom focus control can improve piercing times, cutting speeds and cut performance in all material types and thicknesses, says LVD. This functionality can also increase throughput and reduce the need for operator intervention. The ability to change the focal point allows Electra to pierce 20 mm material in just 2 seconds.
The ‘smooth lead-in’ feature guarantees a much faster but stable lead-in after piercing thicker material (greater than 6 mm) with nitrogen. According to LVD, this capability results in an average 15% reduction in part-cutting times.
Two levels of automation are available: the FA-L load/unload system or CT-L compact tower. The latter offers loading, unloading and storage of raw materials and finished parts.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

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