ETG presents agile Axile G8 machining centre

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) is introducing the new G8 machining centre from Axile. Since entering into an agreement with Axile to become the exclusive UK and Ireland technology partner, ETG is already enjoying a significant level of enquiries for the range of five-axis VMCs, heavy-duty double-column machining centres and mill-turn machine tools.

With a maximum loading capacity of up to 1300kg on a swivelling rotary table, the agility of the G8 enables the production of various large components. Also in the G8 Series is the G8 MT. This machine option offers both milling and turning in one machine, increasing operational flexibility, reducing set-up times and offering the potential to machine a wider variety of parts in a single set-up.

Axile builds the flexibility of the G8 and G8 MT upon a high-quality cast base that offers a structural foundation which optimises vibration damping and limits thermal behaviour.From an agility perspective, both models have direct-driven servo motors, double symmetrical and synchronised axes, linear scales with 0.1μm resolution,and double roller type linear guideways – all features that minimise backlash, vibration and elasticity.

Regarding specification, both the G8 and G8 MT offer a table size of 800 mm diameter with X, Y and Z-axis travels of 670 x 820 x 600mm and a maximum feed rate of 60m/min. The swivelling A axis moves to ±120° with a 360° continuous C axis. As standard, the built-in spindle come with a 20,000rpm asynchronous motor supplied with tools from two carousels that offer 32/64 position tool-change capability. The machine can also feature larger magazines with up to 120 positions.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

VMC for cost-effective machining of larger parts

Following the success of its M1 entry-level vertical machining centre, DMG Mori has introduced a larger version, the M2, with double the travel in the X axis at 1100 mm. The Y- and Z-axis travels are identical at 550 and 510 mm respectively, but maximum table load is nearly treble that of the M1, at 1700 kg.

The M2 retains the same fixed-table, travelling-column design, which minimises wear on the machine’s ballscrews and drives by not having to move the heavy table with its load to the spindle. Measuring 1400 x 600 mm, the clamping surface is sufficient to accommodate one large part or multiple smaller components set up in various fixtures (and even a 4th axis indexer) at the same time.

DMG Mori’s monolithic design of the thermally stable machine bed casting, which weighs 3400 kg, gives the M2 high rigidity and good damping properties. Minimal vibration, even when taking heavy cuts, protects the machine structure, provides long tool life and ensures good surface finish on machined components. The total installed weight of the machine is nearly 7 tonne in a compact footprint of only 7.3 sq m.

Users benefit from the choice of a 10,000 or 12,000 rpm inline spindle, of which the company has installed more than 4000 units worldwide, as well as a 24-pocket tool magazine and rapid double-gripper tool changer.

The M2 has roller guideways in all axes and machining dynamics are constant regardless of workpiece weight, report DMG Mori. A 20-bar internal coolant supply is optional. Control is via Siemens Sinumerik One touchscreen CNC, which has very few buttons, making it ideal for the new generation of setter-operators familiar with smartphones and tablets.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

60 start-ups from 12 nations at EMO

The EMO 2023 exhibition in Hanover, Germany (18-23 September) will once again feature a large start-up area on Stand E34 in Hall 9, presented jointly by EMO organiser the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) and the VDMA Start-up Machine. “Start-ups bring a breath of fresh air to well-established industrial sectors because they often function as pioneers and trendsetters in their field of business,” says Stephanie Simon, who is responsible for the project at the VDW. “That’s why established exhibitors are often more than interested in talking to young companies.”
Forfurther information www.emo-hannover.de/startups

Software platform boosts machine tending

Universal Robots, the Danish manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots), is releasing a new software platform specifically for machine-tending tasks. The name is PolyScope X and, through a customisable user interface, UR says it will add new levels of flexibility to high-mix, low-volume machine tending automation.With PolyScope X, machine shop operators can achieve changeover times of less than 10 minutes – far below what is possible today with any other software, reports the company.This capability will empower users to run more batches in a day and in a more strategic and flexible way.

PolyScope X arrives at a time when manufacturers all over the world are looking for increased flexibility to handle shifting and increasingly diverse orders. At the same time, the new software platform introduces a powerful reworked programming experience and toolset. This enables integrators and OEM partners to structure their program code in a way that makes each operation simpler to understand, maintain and troubleshoot.

“PolyScope X is a landmark development in machine-tending automation,” says Anders Billesø Beck, Universal Robot’s vice president for strategy andinnovation.“The simplicity of the user interface and the much faster changeover times will provide manufacturers with a whole new set of possibilities regarding how they automate their machine tending tasks.It will allow them to break some of the barriers that are holding them back today.”

PolyScope X for machine tending is initially available in Germany, the UK and Denmark.
For further information www.universal-robots.com

Exotec manufactures milestone 5000th robot

Exotec, a global warehouse robotics provider, has manufactured its 5000th robot, just three months after the production of its 4000th model. This is the shortest time yet between manufacturing milestones, signifying a growing business momentum driven by the increasing demand for warehouse automation. The 5000th robot carries the name ‘Monu’ (short for ‘Monumental’).

Romain Moulin, CEO and co-founder at Exotec says: “We continue to see a strong demand for scalable and proven warehouse robotic solutions. We have a track record of serving the world’s largest brands, which places Exotec at the heart of the explosive growth of the global warehouse robotics market, which is expected to be worth $16bn by 2031.”

In 2022, Exotec signed its first major UK customer – multichannel fulfilment and returns expert iForce – and is already deploying two additional large customer projects in the UK.
Exotec has made significant strides in making warehouse jobs easier and less physically demanding. To this day, Exotec robots have saved warehouse workers from having to walk at least 16 million miles, which is the equivalent of going to the moon and back 33 times.

This year, Exotec is continuing its track record of innovation by investing in R&D. Since its inception, Exotec has doubled its R&D spend every year, and the company also commits 10% of all sales towards the development of new products.As of today, Exotec holds 26 granted patents with 68 patent applications still pending. The company filed almost 50% of all patents in the past six months.
For further information www.exotec.com