INTERNATIONAL NEWS

LVD makes bending automation affordable

LVD is introducing D-Cell, its most competitively-priced robotic bending cell yet. D-Cell combines a 50-tonne hydraulic press brake with a Kuka industrial robot and LVD’s proprietary programming software.

As manufacturers look to balance costs, quality, throughput and agility, LVD says that D-Cell offers the flexibility to handle production of a wide range of parts with fast throughput, in varying lot sizes, and at a minimised cost. At the heart of D-Cell is the versatile PPED press brake. A simple, cost-efficient design makes PPED practical and easy to use for a variety of bending jobs. According to LVD, the machine’s rigid construction, welded one-piece frame and servo-controlled hydraulic system ensure consistent bending results. It delivers 50 tonne of pressing force, has a 2000 mm working length, four-axis backgauge, and handles part sizes from 35 x 100 mm up to 400 x 600 mm with a part weight of up to 4 kg.

D-Cell features the same automatic programming software as LVD’s Dyna-Cell and Ulti-Form robotic bending systems. Using CADMAN software, D-Cell accelerates ‘art to part’ production in 20 minutes or less. It generates the bending and robot program automatically in 10 minutes and then takes just 10 minutes for set-up and first part production. No robot teaching is needed, making D-Cell easy to program no matter the user’s experience level. Also simplifying its operation: the system uses one interface, one controller for both press brake and robot.

A universal gripper designed by LVD handles different part sizes, bends up to three flanges without regripping and moves easily between tool stations. Its universal application saves investment in custom grippers, reduces changeover time and keeps production continuous.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Get set for Manufacturing World

The build-up is underway to Manufacturing World 2023, which takes place at INTEX, Osaka, Japan on 4-6 October. One of Asia’s leading manufacturing shows with over 1000 exhibitors, visitors must pre-register to gain admission. The organiser is expecting more than 33,000 people through the doors over the course of the three-day event.

The show, comprising nine concurrent exhibitions, will focus on solutions such as DX, AI and IoT, as well as additive manufacturing, factory automation, motion control, mechanical components, factory facilities/equipment and more. There is also a conference where visitors can learn about cutting-edge case studies from industry leaders. Speakers will include representatives from major blue-chip OEMs such as Toyota, Panasonic and Mitsubishi.
For further information www.bit.ly/3Z0MS0E

Gear hobber offers three configurations

When developing the AF160, maximum versatility was the key goal of the engineering department at the Swiss family enterprise Affolter Group, a specialist in high-precision gear-hobbing solutions. As a result, three gear-hobbing configurations are available.

With the optional quick-change system, machine operators can switch from one configuration to the next in only 30 minutes. In configuration I, both the C axis and the C’ prime axis are equipped with driven spindles. This set-up leads to increased cutting quality, more torque and higher rigidity. In addition, the set-up offers an A axis of±50° swing, making it ideal for the production of spur, helical, bevel, crowned and face gears.

With a tailstock on the C axis and a spindle on C’ prime axis (configuration II), the operator gets more flexibility. The A axis can move from -50° to +115°, making worm milling possible. This configuration is also suitable for all gear types mentioned above. In configuration III, the C axis remains empty and the C’ prime axis features a driven spindle. As a result, users can undertake thepower skiving of internal gears and the production of face gears.

TheAF72 part loader features a double gripper system for parallel loading and unloading, and a telescopic arm. Customers can select different configurations depending on the volume, product and application. It is possible to equipthe AF72 with up to five feeding rails, enabling users to preload more parts and let the machine work autonomously for more than 24 hours.

The AF160 is configurable for any application. Hobbing options include skiving by sensor detection, and integrating a deburring process into gear production with the addition of the AF54 deburring unit.
For further information www.affoltergroup.ch

Ceratizit buys Changzhou CW Toolmaker

CB-Ceratizit, a joint venture company of Ceratizit, part of the Plansee Group, has acquired 70% of all shares of Changzhou CW Toolmaker Inc. The privately owned company based in Changzhou, China, specialises in the design, production and sales of tungsten-carbide cutting tools for industries that include electronics, aerospace, rail, and mould and die.The acquisition is an important part of CB-Ceratizit’s growth strategy in Asia

Andreas Fritz, Ceratizit’spresident of the Asia-Pacificregional unit, says: “The expansion of the Ceratizit portfolio to include machining solutions for electronic components in the 3C sector (computers, communications and consumer electronics) is crucial for our success. By being able to draw on the high-quality production technologies and extensive manufacturing capacities of both CW and Ceratizit, we offer our customers significant added value throughout the full value chain.”
For further information www.ceratizit.com

Trumpf posts record revenue

In its centennial year, the Trumpf Group has generated considerable revenue growth. Based on preliminary calculations, revenue in the fiscal year 2022/23 (balance sheet date 30 June 2023) came in at €5.4bn (fiscal year 2021/22: €4.2bn).In the domestic market of Germany, revenue rose sharply by more than 30% to some €770m (previous year: €589m). In the US, Trumpf continued its strong growth of the previous year, posting revenue of some €900m (2021/22: €649m). The strongest Asian market was China with revenue of some €600m (previous year: €575m).
For further information www.trumpf.com