THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Portable metrology and AQC on show

MACH will provide the launch-pad for two new business divisions from Measurement Solutions, each dedicated to applications within the quality control sector (hall 19, stand 22). The Portable Metrology Division, which focuses on portable hand-held measuring systems, will be showing the latest Creaform measurement and scanning systems. In particular, the MetraScan 3D, which is able to scan parts from 300 mm up to 10 m in size, can deal with any material or surface, including castings, sheet metal, composites, machined surfaces and plastics.

MSL’s new Metrology Integration Division is dedicated to providing metrology solutions based on AQC applications, irrespective of whether the requirement is for a traditional CNC CMM or an in-process industrial robot. As part of the launch at the exhibition, MSL will be showing an automated robot cell with a 3D scanner, fully programmed and directly operated through a Metrolog X4 i-Robot.
For further information www.measurement-solutions.co.uk

12 machines on DMG stand

Digitisation and complete machining with CNC technology will be presented by DMG Mori (hall 20, stand 490). In total, 12 machines will be on display.

dmg, pfronten, hausausstellung, maschine, dmc_80_fd, gesamt, geschlossen, celos, 2014

Among them will be the company’s latest DMC 80 FD DuoBlock universal machining centre (equipped with a pallet changer), which offers improvements of 30% in the core characteristics of precision, performance and efficiency, says DMG Mori.
The DMC 80 FD DuoBlock is capable of performing heavy-duty cuts on rotational parts – for instance in aerospace applications – with its HSK100 B-axis interface and PowerMaster 1000 spindle, which provides power of 77 kW, a maximum speed of 9000 rpm and torque of 1000 Nm. Additionally, DMG Mori offers the integration of grinding technology for the DMC 80 FD DuoBlock, guaranteeing surface finish to Ra <0.3 µm. For further information www.dmgmori.com

Smart machining event success

A machining solutions provider staged an ‘Irish’ first when it hosted its Smart Factory Machining event last week. The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) threw open the doors at its County Kildare showroom on 6-8 March to provide around 140 delegates with an insight into the latest CNC machine technology, turnkey solutions, automation and shop floor data systems.

Working in partnership with cutting tool partner Guhring, there was a host of live demonstrations on a Hardinge V710S three-axis mill, a Quaser MF400UH five-axis machining centre and a Nakamura WY150 twin-turret, twin-spindle lathe with Y-axis functionality on both turrets. Visitors also witnessed a Hyfore workholding and tooling display, and the Halter U20 LoadAssistant in action, unloading and loading billets to a simulated lathe with three-jaw chuck – the first time this technology has been showcased in Ireland.
For further information www.etgireland.ie

TDI Challenge 2018 – entries open

The MTA has launched the 2018 edition of its competition for design, technology and engineering students: the Technology Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge sponsored by Close Brothers. Previous winners and participants have used the TDI as a springboard into the industry, with last year’s winner in the 17-19 age category, Halimah Ershad of Forest School in London, receiving an undergraduate scholarship to the Dyson School of Engineering.

TDI 2017, Mazak, 5th July 2017, MTA

The TDI Challenge 2018 has four categories, and is open to anyone in the UK who has created an impressive design, technology or engineering project within school: individual student aged 14-16 (GCSE/KS4/BTEC L2); individual student aged 17-19 (A-Level/BTEC L3); student group (three to six members) aged 14-16 (GCSE/KS4/BTEC L2); student group (three to six members) aged 17-19 (A-Level/BTEC L3). The competition is free to enter, and students can win prizes including an iPad, GoPro, UE Boom Speaker, drone plus many more. Closing date for entries
is 11 May.
For further information www.mta.org.uk/tdi

MAN creates 125 jobs after record year

An industrial collective is casting aside the shadows of Brexit by recording its best ever year, with a £10m increase in sales, paving the way for 125 new jobs. The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), which comprises eight subcontract manufacturers and an engineering design agency, has taken full advantage of the positive exchange rate and a desire to utilise British innovation to win contracts across the automotive, aerospace, electronics, renewables and medical sectors.

All nine firms have experienced growth over the past 12 months and benefitted from sharing best practice, purchasing power and working together to target new clusters. The expansion now means that MAN employs a 1000-strong combined workforce across 15 factories and boasts an order book that is fast approaching £90m, with 40% sent overseas.
For further information www.man-group.co.uk