INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Centric vices for restricted vices now available

A new range of four double-acting, self-centring (centric) vices of particularly compact design for demanding clamping applications in restricted working areas – often found in milling, drilling, grinding, electric discharge machining and fixture building – is now available from Roemheld (UK).

The H 4.400 Power Clamp is available in two sizes of base, 64 or 100 mm square, which is contoured below the jaws to provide good accessibility to all five sides of a clamped component and promote free chip evacuation during machining. Jaw actuation is either hydraulic or pneumatic. The small and large hydraulic versions deliver 4.8 and 20.3 kN of clamping force respectively, while the pneumatic variants are rated at 4.0 kN and 14.0 kN.

The double-acting piston with backlash-free transmission of force to the two base jaws means that all models are suitable for internal or external work holding. Jaws move synchronously and concentrically, enabling precise workpiece positioning to within 5 µm. The high rigidity of the vices and their hardened surfaces ensure long-term wear resistance, minimising the need for maintenance.

A standard feature is a connection for positive air pressure to protect against the ingress of liquids and dirt particles. A comprehensive range of options is available, including various quick-change jaws and mounting options, monitoring of clamping stroke and part position, zero-point adaptation, sensors for process monitoring, a port for centralised lubrication, and RFID chip recognition for tracking and data management. These and other accessories allow customisation possibilities and integration into diverse production environments, including those involving automated part handling.

More information www.roemheld.co.uk

Quick-change system for static turning tools

A system for exchanging static turning tools quickly and easily in the turret of a fixed-head turning centre has been introduced by German manufacturer EWS Weigele, whose products are sold in Britain exclusively by GEWEFA UK. The new Varia.VXT quick-change system joins the Varia.VX range introduced a few years ago for the rapid exchange of driven tools in lathes. Existing users of the latter tool holders can utilise a special VXT interchangeable insert to allow the cost-effective incorporation of fast static tool changes into the same turn-mill centres and multi-tasking lathes.

Designed specifically for repeatability, precision and stability during turning operations, the VXT mechanism is particularly compact, enabling machining to take place very close to the turret and subsequently allowing extra flexibility when programming cutting cycles. The holder also exhibits high rigidity, which is important when cutting with the component rotating to prevent deflection of the tool tip and discourage chatter.

At the heart of the tool-holding innovation is a double-cone flex system with widely spaced support points. Elasticity designed into the second cone in the rear part of the adapter, combined with additional clamping screws in the shank area, gives the system its damping properties, minimising vibration and maximising tool life. The dual face and taper fit of the tool holder in the EWS interface, which is mounted in the turret, ensures not only high torque transmission but also precise orientation of the tool tip.

Repeatability of tool positioning is ±2 µm and transmissible torque is up to 160 Nm with the VXT3 interface, or 200 Nm with the larger VXT4, although these figures are likely to be revised upwards following ongoing tests. Maximum through-tool coolant pressure is 80 bar.

More information www.gewefa.co.uk

TÜV Rheinland becomes EC ‘Notified Body’

With the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the European Commission (EC) is setting new standards in the protection of people and technology. TÜV Rheinland, a global provider of testing, inspection and certification services, is now playing a key role in this: the EC has now officially recognized the company as a ‘Notified Body’ for testing and certification according to the new machinery regulation, which enters force on 20 January 2027.

“The main changes to the Machinery Directive relate to the digitalisation and connectivity of machines,” explains Thomas Koester, global head of the Technical Competence Centre for Industrial Machinery at TÜV Rheinland. “The focus is on AI, cybersecurity, human-robot collaboration and the networking of machines via the internet.”

More information http://tuv.li/1lb6

All-in-one iiQWorks for digital manufacturing

KUKA’s central iiQWorks software platform supports the entire automation process and enables seamless data exchange across all planning and production stages. With the help of digital twins, working with robots is now easier and faster than ever before. Offline programming and virtual commissioning provide innovative automation solutions aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0.

The Kuka iiQWorks engineering suite eliminates the barriers between different production steps and makes robots easier than ever to deploy by programmers, start-up technicians, sales engineers and project managers. In combination with the new KUKA operating system iiQKA.OS2, iiQWorks allows users to create a complete digital twin of a KUKA robotic system. This enables users, for example, to conduct feasibility studies, expand existing facilities, and plan new ones with high precision – whether for brownfield or greenfield projects.

The central element of the engineering suite is iiQWorks.Sim: with the simulation software, KUKA robots can be programmed offline, namely without access to a real robot. A digital twin provides a realistic simulation of the planned application. This capability simplifies the process of planning, designing and optimising the robotic cell. At the same time, users retain full control of the process in all phases.

iiQWorks offers various advantages. First of all, it ensures fast and reliable planning processes by mapping all the key steps of the digital customer journey centrally in iiQWorks: from initial information to configuration and maintenance of the company’s own automation solution. Thanks to the digital twin, robot programs and cell layouts can also be checked in advance for practical suitability, cycle times and process stability. In this way, iiQWorks accelerates time-to-market, giving businesses a competitive edge.

More information www.kuka.com

Welding robots aid digitisation at automotive plant

Panasonic Factory Solutions has enabled automotive manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Bilstein, a global specialist in automotive shock absorbers, to digitise its damper shopfloor in Romania utilising Panasonic’s Tawers G4 welding robot systems. The Tawers G4 will upgrade and replace two older welding robot cells, which after a decade of reliable operation are now coming to end-of-life. One of these welding robot cells has been completely upgraded to the G4 System, with its de-installed components used as spare parts to prolong the life of the second-oldest robot cell.

As one of the biggest employers in Romania’s Sibiu county, Thyssenkrupp Bilstein manufactures OEM damper assemblies and components for the automotive aftermarket sector. Panasonic’s Tawers G4 Welding Robot System enables Thyssenkrupp Bilstein to increase speed, flexibility and usability on its production line, helping it to maintain a crucial competitive advantage and achieve its digitisation goals.

In total, six Panasonic Tawers welding robot systems are operating in the plant. The G4 features increased controller processing speeds, and optimised communication between the controller and the robot. When compared with previous models, the newly integrated transformer has enabled the G4 to be smaller, saving space and costs without compromising reliability. Furthermore, the G4’s teach pendant touchscreen simplifies programming on the production line.

The Tawers G4 features its DTPS offline programming software, enabling remote digital access to real time production and system operating data. This means engineers can reprogram all parts or some of the parts of the welding process while the robot is still running in production. Undertaking these activities outside of the shopfloor provides flexibility and saves a huge amount of time.

More information https://eu.connect.panasonic.com