Nearly all of the respondents (99%) surveyed in HP’s latest Digital Manufacturing Trend Report believe that digital manufacturing technologies can lead to economic growth. As a result, decision makers are looking to transform their business models, with 77% of those surveyed indicating that they will invest in digital manufacturing technologies, such as industrial 3D printing, within the next 12 months. The medical, industrial and automotive industries were called out as those most ripe for innovation in additive manufacturing/3D printing over the next five years.

For further information www.hp.com

The tool room at one of the globe’s leading manufacturers of domestic, commercial and industrial cleaning equipment has received a boost in capability with the arrival of a Sodick AD55L CNC spark-erosion machine from Sodi-Tech EDM.

Chard-based Numatic International Ltd, manufacturer of the world-famous Henry vacuum cleaner, says its new Sodick AD55L CNC die-sink EDM has enhanced the site’s mould-tool repair, maintenance and modification services.

With so many of its products comprising plastic components, Numatic operates its own mould shop. Supporting the mould shop is a tool-room facility, which has the task of repairing, modifying and maintaining around 2000 different mould tools, ranging in weight from 100 kg to 15 tons.

“Obviously some tools become obsolete over the course of time, but these are usually countered by new arrivals – we’re expecting 96 new mould tools this year, for example,” explains toolroom supervisor Scott Connett. “Addressing issues such as tooling modifications and general wear and tear, are the most common tasks for our tool-room team.”
Numatic’s existing manual spark-erosion capacity was coming up to 20 years old and the gap in capabilities, compared with a new CNC machine, was plain to see.

“We looked at various spark eroders, but for us it was more about service and support,” says Connett. “So, even though the AD55L was our first Sodick, we chose it because Sodi-Tech EDM came top of our assessments in terms of aftersales service.
“We’ve certainly noticed the difference since it was installed,” he adds. “With our previous manual machine we would need three or four electrodes to achieve our desired end result, whereas on the Sodick we just use a roughing and finishing electrode. As you would expect, the machine is also much quicker.”

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

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands are working flat out on the transformation and conversion of plants to e-mobility. VW Passenger Cars has now ordered more than 1400 robots from FANUC for its production facilities at Chattanooga, USA and Emden, Germany, while Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has ordered a further 800 ABB robots for its Hanover plant. The robots are mainly intended for body production and battery assembly. All three plants are currently being prepared for the production of electric cars using highly
advanced facilities.

From 2022, the ID.4 is to be produced at Chattanooga and Emden, while the model known under the show car name of ID. BUZZ is to roll off the production line at Hanover. In total, the group plans to invest €33bn by 2024 with a view to becoming the world’s market leader in e-mobility. Several billion euros are to be invested at these three plants.

For further information www.volkswagenag.com

Swansea-based Axium Process has invested in two new Doosan CNC machines to meet increased demand. This capital investment means the company, which is a manufacturer of bespoke pharmaceutical processing equipment, can support the sector with higher volumes of precision-engineered components that are designed in-house.

The two new additions to the factory floor are a Doosan 220 Lynx twin-spindle CNC lathe and a Doosan DNM 5700S CNC vertical machining centre. Both machines will be used to produce an array of components, including parts for Axium Process’s filtration systems. Among the materials machined at the company are stainless steel (including duplex variants), Hastelloy, titanium and aluminium.

For further information www.axiumprocess.com

Industrial lubrication expert Rocol has launched UltraCut 370EP, a semi-synthetic fluid that can be utilised as a coolant for both cutting and grinding operations.

Developed in the UK, the new coolant contains Rocol’s proprietary EP (Extreme Pressure) additive package, ensuring it enhances medium to heavy-duty machining performance, while simultaneously offering surface finish and component quality enhancements, and extending tool life. Furthermore, the semi-synthetic, water-miscible metalworking fluid has been formulated for application on ferrous and non-ferrous materials, meeting stringent industry requirements and minimising the corrosion and staining of components with its residual corrosion protection. Featuring a special blend of additives, UltraCut 370EP is tolerant to tramp oil, retains a low level of foaming and is durable for use in both hard and soft water environments.

When mixed with water, UltraCut 370EP forms a translucent blue micro-emulsion that provides a clear view of both the component and work envelope during machining and grinding applications. The fluid can be applied in dilution ratios from 30:1 to 75:1, with ratios adjusted depending on the machine tool, workpiece material, water hardness, application and severity of operation.
With high dilution ratios possible, Rocol says that UltraCut 370EP will provide significant cost savings, with a single barrel capable of providing up to 15,200 litres of fluid. For grinding processes, the advised dilution with water should be 50:1 to 75:1, depending on operation severity.

UltraCut 370EP is free from components such as bactericides, chlorine, formaldehyde, nitrites, silicone and any animal-derived materials.

For further information
www.rocol.com