The European Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin Rover is due for launch from Baikonur, Kazakhstan in summer 2022, with a target to land on the surface of Mars in March 2023. Once there it will set about identifying signs of water-rich minerals, which could indicate past life. Key to these investigations will be the optical bench which, as the ‘eyes’ of the rover will contain two stereo cameras, a mono high-definition camera and array of electronics. Known as the ‘Pan Cam’ this device was developed and manufactured by the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, the home of UCL’s Department for Space & Climate Physics.

The optical bench comprises a box with separate top and bottom, machined from 5083 grade aluminium, which are joined together using electron beam welding techniques. Machining was completed at the laboratory’s workshop in Surrey using an XYZ MiniMill, the smallest vertical machining centre available from XYZ Machine Tools.

Due to the complex design, there were some extremely fine details to machine, such as an O-ring groove around the lid, measuring just 0.35 mm wide, as well as numerous M1.6 threaded holes.
The success of this project convinced Simon Hemsley – head of the mechanical workshop – of the value and flexibility provided by machining centres with tool-change capabilities. So much so that an order has just been placed for an XYZ 500 LR linear rail vertical machining centre. This machine, which has been part funded through the Government’s Research Capital Investment Fund, comes with the latest Siemens 828D control featuring the optional advanced programming software package that includes ShopMill technology.

For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com

Royston-based DGF Engineering Ltd has recently bought its first CNC machining centre from Dugard. The subcontract manufacturer works with customers to undertake everything from design and consultation through to prototypes, small batches and production-run machining.

With the three-axis machining centre marketplace being extremely competitive, Liam Fernard, son of company founder, explains why the business opted for the Dugard 1000 machine with its Mitsubishi M80 CNC and capacity of 1050 by 640 by 660 mm: “Firstly, we wanted to move away from our current supplier, as we weren’t particularly happy with the service. With regards to the Dugard machine, it’s robust, durable and ticked all the boxes. We do quite a lot of large workpieces, so the 1 m bed is perfect. In addition, the training from Dugard was excellent and really comprehensive.”

The Dugard 1000 will machine parts for sectors such as scientific and laboratory equipment, gas analysis and chemical detection, and telecommunications and optical fibre, as well bespoke components for the automotive and agriculture industries.

Like any subcontract business that frequently undertakes repeat work, DGF Engineering was asked if transitioning parts from one machine to the new Dugard 1000 with the Mitsubishi M80 CNC would be an issue.

“There have been no problems whatsoever,” says Fernard. “There might be compatibility changes that we may need to make with existing programs, but they are very small tweaks. The programs will be as they are on any other machine. I was initially dubious about the touchscreen control, especially in the engineering environment with dirty fingers, but it works really well and makes things a lot easier.”

For further information
www.dugard.com

Automation specialist and industrial robot manufacturer FANUC has received another major order in the field of e-mobility. Scheduled for delivery in 2022, the company will supply the Cologne plant of Ford with around 500 robots to assist in the construction of electric car bodies.

The Ford manufacturing facility in Cologne is currently undergoing transition into the Ford Cologne Electrification Centre, a development and production site for electric vehicles that will serve the entire European market. In 2023, the carmaker expects its first purely electric high-volume passenger model to roll off the plant’s production line. Ford says it will only offer battery-electric passenger cars in Europe from 2030.

For further information
www.fanuc.eu

Belfast-based Crossen Engineering, a specialist in both toolmaking and parts production for injection moulding and pressing/stamping operations, has invested in a new Sodick AD35L spark-erosion machine from Sodi-Tech EDM. The machine, which arrived in December 2020, is now busy producing mould and press tools for a range of important medical projects.

“Medical work has high demands in terms of accuracy, complexity and turnaround time, which we know from experience is ideally suited to the attributes of Sodick machines,” explains managing director Paul Crossen.

The medical sector is proving resilient for Crossen Engineering. Among current projects is the manufacture of aluminium prototype mould tools for colostomy draining solutions, walking aids to improve mobility among arthritis sufferers, and bespoke wheelchair parts for children with disabilities.

“Also, during the pandemic, the demand for PPE has been strong,” says Crossen. “For instance, we’ve already made three injection mould tools for face shields, producing the finished parts on site. We received an order near the beginning of the pandemic to supply 70,000 face shields a week to our local NHS facilities as part of the HeroShield project, which is still running, but on a reduced level.”

The Sodick AD35L was an ex-demo model that arrived on site in Belfast within four weeks of order placement.

“Since installation, the machine has been busy producing mainly medical moulds, both prototype and production [aluminium and tool steel],” says Crossen. “P20 tool steel was used for the mould that makes the mobility product, for instance. The level of surface finish we require, along with mould complexity, means the AD35L is a great solution.”

For further information
www.sodi-techedm.co.uk

Machine tool manufacturer DMG Mori has extended its end-to-end digital solutions by introducing a new way for existing and prospective users to acquire its machine tools, apps, other software and value-added services. The new PAYZR business model, powered by Industry 4.0 platform ADAMOS, offers a digital point of sale at dmgmoristore.com from where customers can configure and order equipment-as-a-service and software-as-a-service.
PAYZR (pay with zero risk) is a hybrid system based on pay-per-use rather than ownership. It allows manufacturers to acquire a new machine tool by paying a monthly subscription plus a fee per spindle hour used. The cost of both depends on the machine selected, its specification and the duration of the contract. Included is a package that comprises supply, commissioning, training, service and maintenance, as well as insurance covering a machine crash and loss of earnings while the machine is out of action.

For further information
www.dmgmoristore.com