INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Servo press is smart, fast and safe

Schuler will present its newly-developed servo press to the public for the first time at the EuroBLECH trade fair in Hanover on 23-26 October.

The 400 ton press, which is suitable for both progressive and transfer mode, can travel at an oscillating stroke of up to 70 strokes per minute thanks to the dynamic servo drives.
Schuler has designed the control of the machine in the style of an intuitive smartphone app: operators can select from predefined movement profiles or program them freely. This functionality significantly reduces the inhibition threshold for exploiting the machine’s potential. Thanks to the kinematics of the knuckle-joint drive, forming at the bottom dead centre is also slower in itself, which means that readjustment via the servo drive is not always necessary.
The ‘Smart Assist’ software guides the operator step-by-step through the set-up process, supported by small videos and text modules. In addition, the electronic assistant optimises the transfer and slide profiles to maximum output depending on the clearance profiles – a complex process that previously took a lot of time.
Schuler’s process monitor integrated in the control unit offers extensive monitoring options. Here, overload protection can be assured across the entire course of the press-force profile and the whole movement profile; a minimum and maximum force can be defined for effective protection of the die. Response times of the electronically designed overload protection device are in the range of a few milliseconds, which is faster than with a hydraulic overload protection device. The press can be used again immediately after an overload has been detected.
For further information www.schulergroup.com

25 years of Omax

Omax Corporation is celebrating 25 years of waterjet technology. A special event took place on 27 July at the company’s Kent, Washington facility to mark the occasion, featuring the latest advancements in waterjet machining, live cutting demonstrations and tours of the company’s manufacturing factory.

Visitors were shown the entire process of how a waterjet machine is created. They were also shown where Omax’s largest waterjet machines are assembled, in addition to how direct-drive pumps are built.
For further information www.omax.com

Degree for a digital future

Tooling specialist Walter is preparing people for an Industry 4.0 future via a new Bachelor of Science course at Baden-Württemberg Co-operative State University (DHBW) in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.

Industry 4.0 means that mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology are growing closer together to form an intelligently networked production scenario, says Walter. According to the company, the interlocking of the analogue and digital world requires a lasting change of attitude, not just in companies, but also in universities.
The new co-operative Bachelor of Science in Business Information Studies will commence in autumn 2018, combining scientific study with Walter’s practical experience. Students will switch between the university and Walter AG every three months. In this way, they will gain knowledge, professional experience and so-called soft skills in equal measure. After a three-year study programme and a thesis, graduates will complete their education with the academic title Bachelor of Science.
For further information www.walter-tools.com

Small but powerful machine tools

Yamazaki Mazak is ramping up the promotion of its Primos range of machines for UK machine users.

The new campaign, which has the strapline “You don’t have to be big to be powerful”, promotes the QT-Primos series, a range of compact turning centres, and the VC-Primos 400 SG, a compact vertical machining centre. Aimed at entry-level users, all machines in the Primos range can be characterised by small footprints, circa 20% less than equivalent machines in their class, says Mazak.
The QT-Primos 50 SG CNC turning centre is designed for mass production environments, but with minimum floor-space requirements, while the QT-Primos 150 SG is a similar compact machine equipped with a servomotor-driven drum turret that features high-speed, non-lift turret indexing. The new campaign also includes the VC-Primos 400 SG, a compact vertical machining centre equipped with a 12,000 rpm spindle and 30-taper interface.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

METALTECH promises even more growth

After a successful 24th edition of METALTECH in May, the show is set for yet another growth spurt in 2019 with the impending move to MITEC and new owners UBM promising a wave of enhancements.

METALTECH 2018 was the largest in the exhibition’s history, featuring over 35,000 sq m of floor space serving 2000 exhibiting companies and some 14,125 visitors. In addition, the show’s business matching service staged close to 200 meetings between buyers and suppliers.
The announcement of the exhibition’s move to MITEC, Malaysia’s largest and most modern exhibition centre, means exhibitors will be able to utilise larger-volume halls and advanced facilities, with visitors enjoying a more convenient, integrated and innovative experience. Relocating to an upgraded venue for 2019 coincides nicely with METALTECH’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Next year’s event is set to run from 22-25 May 2019, and 90% of 2018 participants have already rebooked their places.
For further information www.metaltech.com.my