The cost of entry into productivity-boosting Industry 4.0 technology is now under £200 following the introduction of a secure cloud-based smart app by tech start-up FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics. Following the launch of the app – and easy to install MachineLink sensors – manufacturers can access Industry 4.0 levels of data analytics that are able to unlock five-fold increases in shop-floor productivity. Early adopters include Chesterfield-based CBE+, Sheffield-based Edward Turner & Son, and Kent-based Cajero.

FourJaw co-founder and CEO Chris Iveson says: “We designed the app and hardware to be simple to install and even easier to use. Installation takes less than four minutes. This gives operators and managers immediate visibility of business-critical data on a tablet, smartphone or laptop. The beauty of the system is that it can be deployed on any machine, of any model or age.”

For further information www.fourjaw.com

A fabrication and mechanical engineering specialist is setting its sights on rapid expansion after securing a string of new contracts, including a £1m framework extension for Northumbrian Water. Deritend Group, which employs 14 people at its purpose-built workshop in Middlesbrough, has secured a deal that involves the design, fabrication, coating and site installation of load-bearing platforms and other structural fabrications.

The company is now looking to bounce back from the challenges of Covid-19 lockdowns by maximising recent investment from GE Renewables and the announcement of a Teesside Freeport, not to mention transferring its technical manufacturing expertise into new opportunities in nuclear, oil and gas, chemicals, and renewables. This strategy will involve investment in training and workshop equipment to allow the business to compete in highly compliant sectors, as well as the recruitment of a new lead administrator and two new apprentices.

For further information www.deritend.co.uk

The new Tschudin Cube 350 centreless grinding machine is using NSK’s RA series of low-friction, high-rigidity roller guides, which are helping to generate excellent levels of surface finish on machined workpieces.

Tschudin’s Cube 350 operates using the centreless cylindrical grinding method, where the drive design has a major impact on performance. Deploying linear drives in three axes (X-axis/control wheel adjustment, U-axis/grinding wheel adjustment and W-axis/workpiece adjustment) lays the foundation for obtaining both high productivity and flexibility. All drives must operate with micron-level accuracy. In the case of linear drives, this ethos also applies to the guide elements.

As a result, Tschudin has been using linear guides from NSK’s RA series in its centreless cylindrical grinding machines for many years. Thanks to their proven reliability, these high-performance products are now also demonstrating their worth in the Cube 350.

RA series roller guides offer high maximum load capacity and rigidity, thus delivering the traverse and repeat accuracy necessary in machine tools such as the Cube 350. Moreover, these capabilities are particularly desirable in applications that require superior surface finish.

The RA guideways run with high precision and low vibration, while at the same time meeting tough rigidity requirements. Rigidity is always a key factor in centreless grinding, where pressure and counter-pressure constantly exert on the workpiece, the grinding wheel and the regulating/control wheel. The RA guideways absorb these permanent forces to deliver traverse and repeat accuracy, as well as a prolonged service life.

For further information
www.nskeurope.com

The Engineering Industries Association (EIA) is joining the MTA (Manufacturing Technologies Association), where it will sit as an independent identity under the MTA umbrella brand. MTA CEO James Selka says: “On-boarding into the MTA family will help ensure the EIA’s long-term sustainability and, by bringing key elements of the engineering and manufacturing community closer together, ensure member businesses receive enhanced support and enjoy a stronger, more influential voice into government.”

Karen Finegold, who now heads up the EIA, adds: “I believe EIA members will experience a huge benefit with this development. The services offered by the EIA will be enhanced by joining an allied association; the close links with the MTA have made this a natural progression.”

For further information www.mta.org.uk

The new Guhring 222 system of grooving and parting-off tools incorporates an extensive line of indexable inserts and tool holders to ensure suitability for all material types and applications. Guhring’s 222 designation derives from the tool’s two cutting edges with an effective depth of cut up to 22 mm. The 222 system is available with a tool holder or as a blade type to suit the demands of the end user.

Notably, the dedicated nickel-plated tool holder extends tool life and longevity, with three internal channels to suit the specific set-up of the machine and coolant supply. High-pressure coolant delivery supplies the work zone via two channels positioned above and below the cutting edge. This design increases tool life and performance, while supporting chip breaking and evacuation.

The tool holders are available in left- and right-hand designation, with tool body dimensions from 12 x 12 mm to 25 x 25 mm, making the 222 system suitable for everything from small compact turning centres and sliding-head machines, through to large, more robust machine tools. Tool holders are available in overall body lengths from 108 to 152 mm, depending upon the tool selected. Rigidity and performance receive a further boost thanks to a tool design that incorporates a new clamping screw design and insert support, which guarantees maximum insert clamping torque and stability during machining.

Like the tool-holder designation, the nickel-plated blade-type tool holder is available with and without through-coolant, with a blade length of 120 or 150 mm, a height of 26 or 32 mm and a width of 2.25 mm depending upon the selected tool.

For further information
www.guhring.co.uk