First-rate contacts, new projects and concrete deals

Technical discussions, a strongly attended expert forum and a positive overall mood on all three days of the trade fair testified to the fact that the recently concluded 20th parts2clean exhibition fulfilled all expectations. More than 3000 trade visitors came to the event, the majority of them armed with tasks and projects, as well as a thirst for new information. This resulted in numerous high-quality contacts, new projects and even direct business deals for the more than 150 exhibitors (from 14 countries) at the event.

“We placed a stronger focus on the range of solutions offered at parts2clean for tasks where the highest cleanliness requirements need to be met,” reportedChristoph Nowak, project director at Deutsche Messe, “We thus succeeded in attracting more visitors from this segment of the industry to parts2clean.”

This was confirmed by Dr Günther Schmauz, board member at ACP systems: “With our high-purity snow-blast cleaning solutions, we were previously more of a niche supplier at parts2clean. At this year’s event, however, we were able to welcome a large number of trade fair guests from the fields of EUV lithography, including system partners and suppliers, as well as e-mobility.”

Rainer Straub, board of management and VPsales andcustomer service at
Ecoclean, expressed similar sentiments: “Parts2clean was significantly more successful for us this year than in 2022, certainly due to the ‘high-purity’ theme, which is a focal point in our programme.”

According to Manfred Holzleg, general manager of Safechem Europe “parts2clean always provides the opportunity to meet a diverse audience. This year, we were able to hold numerous discussions, especially with visitors from industries that are new to us. As a result, we can open up new fields of business.”
For further information www.parts2clean.de/en

Eight times faster shot blasting at ML Constructie

The lack of flexibility and unsatisfactory powder coating qualities at external job shops induced a Dutch manufacturer of industrial furniture to bring its coating operation in-house. Unlike its competitors, ML Constructie decided to also perform paint preparation by shot blasting in-house with an automatic shot blasting machine from Rösler. Compared with manual processes, the shot blasting cycle times are not only eight times faster, the
automatic solution also produces better qualities at lower costs.

Since manual blast operations are hard and exhausting, it is very difficult to find and keep the people for this kind of work. With the Rösler blast machine, however, employees must only place workpieces onto the respective fixtures and remove them after the blast process.

Another significant contribution towards a better working environment is the low noise emissions, which are considerably lower than manual blast rooms. Moreover, the automated shot-blast process is eight to 10 times faster, while another benefit is the blast machine’s two rails in ‘Y’ design. This configuration allows the operator to place workpieces onto the fixture at one rail branch, while workpieces from the other rail branch undergo blasting. Therefore, unproductive idle equipment times aremore or less a thing of the past. Last but not least, the overall blast cleaning quality is considerably better.

“In the automated shot-blast process, blast media gets into even the tiniest workpiece
corners,” says Ben Luizink, co-owner atML Constructie.”This is nearly impossible with manual shot-blasting operations. Furthermore, the Rösler shot-blast machine is very
tight and emits practically no dust. Since we are coating the workpieces in the same production hall, this is a huge benefit.”
For further information www.rosler.com

ModuleWorks partners with Mitsubishi Electric

ModuleWorks, a supplier of software components for the digital manufacturing industry, says Mitsubishi Electric has joined its Strategic Partner Programme. The Strategic Partner Programme initiated by ModuleWorks represents a commitment to driving the development of intelligent, integrated manufacturing solutions by fostering collaboration and innovation between ModuleWorks and key technology providers. Mitsubishi Electric, which is the latest addition to the growing network of partners,collaboratedpreviously with ModuleWorks on its shop-floor digitalisation strategy.
For further information www.moduleworks.com

GrindingHub will be bigger and more international

Five months before the event opens, it is already clear that the next GrindingHub will be bigger and more international. Some 375 companies from 28 countries have already secured a place at the trade fair for grinding technology, which will take place on 14-17 May 2024 in Stuttgart.

The increase in exhibitors from Asia is particularly impressive. The organiser has received just under 50 registrations so far. The first GrindingHub was still suffering from the after-effects of the pandemic, whereas freedom of travel today allows companies from all over the world to make their way to Stuttgart. This is particularly evident among the Chinese: the number of exhibitors from China has grown from four to 32. China is currently the largest national producer and largest market for grinding technology.

As another trend, more abrasives manufacturers will be represented in 2024 than at the launch event, for instance. The broad range on show – including everything from grinding machines themselves to appropriate software tools, process peripherals and measuring and testing systems – raises the appeal of the trade fair for users of grinding technology.

Martin Büsch, head of marketing for central Europe at Saint-Gobain Abrasives, says: “As far as we’re concerned, GrindingHub has established itself as the leading trade fair for grinding technology within a very short space of time. We therefore see it as an excellent and useful opportunity to engage with our customers, potential interested parties and top-class experts.”

Markus Heering, executive director at the VDW, adds: “The VDW will begin the layout planning shortly. We are delighted about having to open a fourth hall thanks to the increase in the number of exhibitors.”
For further information www.grindinghub.de

Nakamura extends next-level machining

Following hot on the heels of the new Nakamura-Tome SC-200II machine that recently launched as an evolution beyond its predecessor, the SC-200, Nakamura is now introducing the new SC-200IIL. This latest iteration is available in the UK from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

The SC-200IIL turning centre inherits many of the main specifications of the SC-200II and its concept of ‘next-level machining’. However, the SC-200IIL expands the distance between centres, evolving into a machine capable of producing long workpieces. This development allows users to select the R-side specifications from the sub-spindle or NT tailstock units. While the SC200II has a maximum turning diameter of 390mm and a 510mm distance between spindles, the new SC-200IIL increases this distance to 715mm between centres, with 800mm between spindles.

Like the SC-200II multi-tasking lathe, the SC-200IIL provides a powerful and stable machining platform under challenging conditions. Despite the machine being in the 8” chuck size class, it has a swing over the bed of 620mm diameter, providing a large machining area for a small footprint machine.This configuration also enables the machine to accommodate a 10” chuck if required. The output of the spindle motor is now to 15/11kW, with the option of an 18.5/15kW motor.

Similar to the SC-200II, the SC-200IIL has high acceleration rates that enable the operator to machine larger parts and expand the scope and variety of components considerably.

Nakamura-Tome CEO Shogo Nakamura says: “Since this machine is capable of processing large billets and bars that would normally require a machine one size larger, the SC-200IIL has arrived to deliver favourable changes to factory floors.”
For further information www.engtechgroup.com