INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Laitila invests in punch-laser combination machine

Laitila Coating already had two turret punch presses, but now arrived the need for a machine that could combine punching and laser technology, with the company opting for a Combi Sharp 1225 from Prima Power with Compact Express automation.

Managing director Kai Salo and production director Petri Kallio from Laitila Coating Oy visited Prima Power’s Seinäjoki factory prior to the purchase.

“We wanted to see what the machine is capable of and what its limits are,” explains Salo.“Tests confirmed the ability of the machine to cut burr-free 6 mm copper, which we use in electrical conductors, for example. Initially, the discussion focused on 1kW fibre model, but after more assessmentwe upgraded to 3kW, which is better suited to our purpose.

“This machine investment will be the missing piece we have needed for a long time,” he continues.“In recent years, we’ve been determined to push a strategy whereby our company offers customers a more versatile and wider package under one roof: mechanics as finished products with surface treatment. The sheet metal side has needed an update to make us even more credible. Now we can offer both punching and laser cutting for sheet-like products alongside the already existing waterjet cutting.”

The work situation in Laitila has grown steadily and the future looks very promising.”

“We know that our company’s service capability and efficiency will improve, and we have all the conditions to do well in the market,” says Salo.“We want to grow profitably and continue to invest as much as possible. We’ll continue to be a credible and significant partner in sheet metal work, alongside the former busbar production.”
For further information www.primapower.com

New laser cutting and software from LVD

At last week’s Blechexpo international trade for sheet metalworking in Stuttgart, LVD unveiled its new large-format Phoenix FL-6525 laser cutting machine and CADMAN-Flow software solutions for optimal process flow.

The Phoenix FL is LVD’s flexible, all-around laser cutting system. The company says the machine offers top-of-the-line versatility and capacity with a large cutting range up to 6510 x 2600 mm, and a bevel-cutting option. Its large-format configuration makes cutting oversized sheets easy and efficient, while high dynamics ensure consistently high-quality cutting results in thin-to-thick materials. The bevel-cutting head provides precise control of the angle and depth of the bevel to cut intricate contours or weld preparations.

LVD’s Phoenix FL-6525 is available with 6, 10, 12 or 20 kW laser power, while the bevel-cutting option is available for 10 and 12 kW systems.

The company says that its new CADMAN-Flow empowers the smart factory. CADMAN-Flow is a single point of entry to LVD’s complete software suite: software for smart drawing importing, laser cutting, punching, bending, robotic bending and MES. Via one entry, users can import and verify parts and assemblies, create smarter CAM programs, import production orders, reduce tooling set-ups, and retrieve production information from the touch controls. The result? Improved speed and flexibility of the process flow from 3D file to machine code to final product.

At the core of CADMAN-Flow is the new CADMAN-B v9, the next generation of LVD’s flagship CAM software. According to LVD, CADMAN-B v9 calculates bending solutions faster and more efficiently than ever before, even optimising and reducing tool changes to maximise throughput.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

FANUC lands global robot deal with Volvo

FANUC has signed a contract with Volvo Cars to supply industrial robots to the automotive manufacturer’s plants across the globe, including its new battery production facilities in Europe, Asia and America.The first phase of the deal will see FANUC supply more than 700 robots to a planned new manufacturing site in Kosice, Slovakia, where Volvo Cars expects the first vehicles to roll off the production line in 2026. During the same phase, FANUC will supply robots to sites in Ghent, Belgium, and Daqing, China.

Volvo Cars plans to produce only electric vehicles from 2030 and achieve CO2 neutrality by 2040. Its new carbon-neutral Slovakian manufacturing facility will be the company’s first site to exclusively manufacture electric vehicles. Ralf Völlinger, general manager of the Robot Business Division at FANUC Europe, says: “The fact that our robots consume little energy, are extremely durable and enjoy unlimited maintenance makes us an attractive partner for companies that want to operate sustainably.”
For further information www.fanuc.eu

Hydraulic chuck offers runout of less than 1µm

Big Kaiser, a specialist in precision tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industry, is introducing its Hydraulic Chuck Ultra Precision. The new chuck, which is suitable for machine shops that require the lowest possible runout in high-precision milling, is available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

With Big Kaiser’s hydraulic clamping system for high levels of concentricity, the company guarantees runout of less than 1 µm at 4xD. This ultra-low runout does not drift, even after intensive use, whereas some shrink-fit holders become less accurate after each clamping, reports ITC.

Clamping with the new hydraulic chuck is easy and safe, requiring only an Allen key. This design makes it straightforward and quick to change tools in the machine. With no hot-clamping machines required, users can extend the life of the tool holder indefinitely, reducing costs and minimising the environmental impact of holder replacement in comparison with shrink-fit holders.

As part of Big Kaiser’s HDC (hydraulic chucks) series, the new chuck provides precise clamping in 3, 5 and 6mm diameters.

“Based on our decades of experience and know-how, the new ultra-precision chuck delivers the excellent accuracy that our customers demand,” says Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales andmarketing officer for Europe at Big Kaiser. “Shrink-fit holders may cost slightly less up front, but when you factor in the time wasted and the cost of heating and cooling equipment, it’s clear that hydraulic chucks are a more economical option over their lifetime.”
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Suction cups that hold fast to sheet metal

In many sectors that require sheet metal handling, vacuum suction cups have become an essential element of safety, reliabilityand productivity. With the company’s new CTC high-performance bell-type suction cups, Covalsays it is bringing manufacturers the best of both flat and bellows suction cups to enhance system efficiency.

The main feature of new CTC suction cups is the bell shape. This design has the strength and anti-slip qualities of flat suction cups, with the added abilities of bellows suction cups to grip complex or angular shapes.The CTC cup series has large deflection capability, adapting easily to gripping a variety of workpiece shapes.Furthermore, anti-slip cleats make it easy to move heavy, oily sheets quickly and efficiently, while their central stops ensure the tight gripping of thin sheets without deformation.

Typical applications include feeding machines such as folders and cutters, or picking up sheet metal or parts for transfer to stamping presses and storage. CTC suction cups are particularly suitable for use in the automotive sector, in processes that include stamping, fitting and assembly, for example. The company says it has long-standing partnerships with major car manufacturers, supplying them with products that meet their quality and productivity expectations.

CTC bell-type suction cups are available in four diameters from 40 to 100 mm and various mounting configurations (3/8G male or female and 32 mm square), to suit all types of application. Coval makes all of them from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for resistance to wear and oil.
For further information www.coval-international.com