INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Manipulate workpieces of up to 2000 kg

The new Centrick manipulator from Roemheld enables the tilting and turning of heavy workpieces up to 2000 kg in weight. Integral articulated arms can continuously rotate workpieces and tilt them up to 90°.

This latest addition to the Modulog range of assembly and handling technology can tilt and turn products of any shape. According to Roemheld, the manipulator is ergonomic, space saving and efficient. Unlike conventional tilting and turning fixtures, the Centrick moves a component close to its centre of gravity, so the working height remains more constant. A small swivel radius ensures high stability and, if the manipulator is moved, holding brakes maintain a stable assembly position.
The Centrick from Roemheld is quiet to operate, with very low power consumption. Moreover, the manipulator can be easily integrated into assembly lines and is compatible with Industry 4.0 assembly processes. The company says that times can be reduced for assembly and materials handling, while safety is increased and downtime cut.
For further information www.roemheld.com

New VP/MD announced at Proto Labs

Rapid prototyping specialist Proto Labs has named Bjoern Klaas as vice president and managing director of its European operations effective from 1 December 2017. Klaas will replace John Tumelty, who will facilitate a smooth transition until his retirement at the end of December.

Proto Labs launched its manufacturing services in the UK in 2005 and has since expanded to serve all of Europe with additional manufacturing operations in Germany and Finland. The company’s European region reported revenues of £50m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2017, representing growth of 20%.
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

Increased business expected at ADIPEC

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ADIPEC is one of the world’s leading oil and gas events. Taking place on 13-16 November, the event spans over 135,000 sq m and hosts more than 2000 exhibiting companies from 135 countries (25 country pavilions will be present).

Situated at a crossroads of east meets west, ADIPEC is the largest oil and gas exhibition and conference in Asia, Africa, Europe and the MENA region, attracting 100,000+ trade professionals across the world. As always MTI will be present at the show (Stand 121018), where it will be busy handing out copies of its latest issue to event visitors.
For further information www.adipec.com

Clausing MillPWR CNC mill unveiled

600 UK has announced the latest addition to its Clausing range of machine tools, the MillPWR CNC mill. The machine is fitted with an Acu-Rite conversational-based control system from Heidenhain, which is available in four languages: English, French, German and Spanish.

According to 600 UK, the MillPWR mill allows users to create and program complex parts in minutes, manufacture one-offs and small-batch parts, and routinely mill prototype and test components. Scales with a resolution of 1 µm resolution are fitted as standard.
The MillPWR Acu-Rite control uses a 12.1” screen, displaying graphics in either 2D and 3D line, or 3D solid formats. Operators can also upload, edit and run G-code and DXF files, enabling the use and transfer of programs directly to and from the machine. There is 2.5 GB of internal memory and the ability to store and modify up to 99 part programs. For external storage, USB and Ethernet capability are also available as standard.
The MillPWR CNC mill is supplied in three models, with table sizes from 230 x 1245 mm and 254 x 1370 mm. Motors offering power of 2.2 or 3.7 kW are employed, giving spindle speeds of up to 4350 rpm. Spindle tapers of either R8, ISO30 or ISO40 can also be supplied.
For further information www.600uk.com

Efficient five-axis HMC from Makino

A new addition to the Makino family of five-axis machining centres is announced by UK and Ireland agent, NCMT. With a working volume of 730 x 750 x 700 mm, the a500Z horizontal spindle model features a rigid structure and low inertia, which is said to endow it with production efficiency similar to that of a four-axis machine.

A one-piece base casting, slant-bed design and three-point support offer high stiffness and stability, while the swivelling table has minimal overhang. High positioning accuracy is aided by the short distance between the A-axis pivot point and the workpiece. Also assisting precision is a thermally symmetrical structure that is combined with heat removal from the 303 Nm HSK-A63 Makino spindle and core-cooled ballscrews, while direct-drive motors on the rotary axes are fitted with cooling jackets.
The ability to use inertia-active control during simultaneous five-axis metal cutting allows users to accelerate and decelerate workpieces measuring up to 630 mm diameter by 500 mm high, and weighing up to 400 kg. Additionally, the standard automatic tool changer accommodates up to 60 cutters and achieves a chip-to-chip time of 2.4 seconds.
With regard to chip and coolant control, contrary to conventional five-axis trunnion table set-ups, the a500Z has a wide trough located beneath the table. Coolant flow from a washing system that encompasses the pallet loading area prevents chips accumulating by ensuring they fall directly into the trough.
Automation is available for both pallet and parts handling, including the MMC2 and VIP, which employ six-axis robots. Standard automation systems available on the market can similarly be integrated with the machine.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk