THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Event to showcase laser technology

The MTC is opening up its doors to showcase the latest laser technologies at the Laser Matters 2022 conference, which will take place at the organisation’s Coventry facility on 14 September. This free-to-attend event aims at encouraging businesses to explore the very latest laser technologies. Exhibits will include a new industrial-scale robotic cell equipped with a 10 kW fibre laser, a state-of-the-art waterjet-guided laser machine and a powerful 300 W picosecond laser.

MTC technology manager Tian Long See says: “Delegates to the conference will be able to see the latest laser technology advancements, understand how the technology can boost productivity and effectiveness, and meet laser industry leaders and early adopters to discuss the potential for their businesses. This is a great opportunity to explore the world of laser technologies and understand how it can help manufacturing businesses in many ways by speaking to one of our engineers at the event.”
For further information www.bit.ly/3Ab4Amk

Pre-IMTS news from Sunnen Product Company

Sunnen Products Company says it is advancing the state of honing technology with its new SV-3000 series vertical honing systems. The SV-3000 features a new Beckhoff-based industrial control with proprietary Sunnen2 software, designed to include EtherCAT industrial communication for fast response time and increased process control. Sunnen will introduce the new SV-3000 series at IMTS 2022 (Chicago, 12-17 September).

The control system includes a large touchscreen and the capacity to program custom part load/unload operations, eliminating the need for a second control for automation. Through the touchscreen, operators can make simple, intuitive adjustments of spindle speed, stroke rate and tool feed during the honing cycle. Tool selection, set-up mode, handling, expansion/retraction of tools and more are all adjustable via the touchscreen. Operators can also use a hand-wheel for stroke adjustment.

Sunnen’s SV-3000 series incorporates synchronised servo stroke and spindle motors that enable constant crosshatch finishes along the length of the bore. This concept eliminates the ‘flattening’ of the crosshatch angle at stroke-reversal points, which is important in many cylinder wall applications where optimal piston ring sealing and performance is required. The drive technology also includes a load-sensing feed system that helps to maximise productivity and produce 0.00025 mm tolerances on a range of small-diameter parts.

Sunnen solicited input from global customers during the two-year design and development of the SV-3000 series, completely rewriting the software for these next-generation hones using the latest programming languages and technologies. The intuitive nature of the control means new operators can train quickly to process complex or difficult-to-hone parts.

SV-3000 machines uses OPC, a widely accepted industrial communication standard that enables the exchange of data between multi-vendor devices and control applications without any proprietary restrictions.
For further information www.sunnen.com

Resource centre for machine builders

Machine builders and companies looking to bring new technologies to market are set to benefit from a new resource centre launched by PP Control & Automation (PP C&A). The UK strategic manufacturing outsourcing specialist has pooled all its expertise and knowledge into an easy-to-use online hub that will provide crucial insights into the benefits of outsourcing and how it can overcome common pain points.

Free of charge to access, the content will be a mix of downloadable documents, podcasts and videos that will address key strategic outsourcing questions through a combination of guides, customer case studies and thought leadership pieces. There will also be specific white papers on UL standards, production and engineering topics, and industry analysis and trends.
For further information www.ppcanda.com

Apex becomes Renishaw partner

Edinburgh-based CMM support and equipment supplier, Apex Metrology, is the latest partner of Renishaw’s Channel Partner Programme, which aims to enhance levels of local customer service and product support. This partnership agreement sees Apex Metrology become a ‘Premium Partner’, supporting the installation and integration of Renishaw’s CMM product range, including the UCC range of retrofit solutions and providing access to the portfolio of gauging, styli and fixturing products. Apex Metrology is the first company from Scotland to join the programme.
For further information www.renishaw.com

Biomass proves inspired decision at XYZ

To help save energy, as well as the environmental and financial impact of disposing of over 100 tons of wood (pallets) every year, XYZ Machine Tools installed a Froling TX200 250 kW woodchip biomass boiler with Untha wood-chipper at its Tiverton site. Feeding a silo that can contain 10 days of wood chippings, the £180,000 investment is resulting in annual savings of around £100,000 as a result of eliminating costs for transport, landfill, and the gas bill, as well as a rebate for the energy saved.

These savings were at a time prior to the current spike in energy costs, so savings generated now may well be £25,000 per year greater. The rebate is due to the system at XYZ Machine Tools qualifying for the Government’s Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme (now closed to new applicants). The RHI provided businesses with a cash incentive for every kWh of heat generated, which requires monitoring along with the volume of wood used. Companies that qualified for the scheme receive a quarterly index linked rebate over a 20-year period.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com