THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Industry 4.0-enabled barfeed

Among the latest announcements from 1st MTA at MACH was the availability of an Industry 4.0 connection for any new Iemca barfeed, allowing constant remote analysis of its condition and operation. Data is continuously transmitted via an internet link to a PC, tablet or smartphone.

An Industry 4.0-compliant Boss bar magazine with bundle loader was demonstrated at the show.
Other recent innovations include a 7” LCD touch screen as an alternative to the standard hand held control on most Iemca products; new software on the KID 80+ short magazine that allows synchronous component transfer between the main and sub-spindles at full speed to reduce cycle times; a new Elite barfeed that allows full-length, thin bars down to 0.8 mm diameter to be handled; the Master 80 HD UP, on which bars are loaded at an ergonomic height; and the rail-mounted Caddy rack and bundle system extensions to Boss barfeeds.
For further information www.1mta.com

XYZ ends MACH on a high

“From day one, our stand at MACH was extremely busy and over the week we took orders for 24 machines valued at more than £1m,” states Nigel Atherton, managing director at XYZ Machine Tools. “In addition to these firm orders we logged 640 enquiries, which will lead to more orders in the coming days, weeks and months.”

MACH 2018 saw a number of debuts from XYZ that helped to raise interest. Among these was Robo-Tend, a modular and mobile robot-based cell with vision system that is suitable for use on machining and turning centres. The HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printer was also shown by XYZ for the first time. According to XYZ, the system can improve 3D printing speeds 10-fold. From a machine tool perspective, the UMC-5X five-axis machining centre made its MACH debut, along with a number of other machining centres from XYZ’s Linear Rail and Heavy-Duty ranges.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

3D printing apprenticeships from MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is to launch the first apprenticeships in the UK dedicated to providing the skills needed for additive manufacturing.

MTC additive manufacturing apprenticeship programmes, which are set to launch in September, will provide a pipeline of technicians skilled in one of the fastest-growing advanced manufacturing technologies in industry. The MTC’s learning design manager Martin Dury says: “The manufacturing industry is crying out for this and we will be able to make it available in a format that allows people to learn while earning, funded by the apprenticeship levy.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Finance firm focuses efforts in Germany

Following a successful launch into Germany, Close Brothers Asset Finance GmbH has refocused its efforts on the engineering/manufacturing and print sectors.

This follows a detailed review of both the team’s activities and customer feedback since launch in June 2017. To support the strategy, the team has been bolstered by highly regarded and experienced sector specialists who have been working to bring Close Brothers Asset Finance’s products and services to a key European market.
“We have already learned a
great deal in our short time operating in Germany,” says Steve Gee (pictured), CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance’s Industrial Equipment division.
“It’s become clear that our historical business model of operating in specialist sectors translates very well in Germany’s SME market, commonly known as the ‘Mittelstand’, and we are gearing up for continued growth.”
For further information www.closeassetfinance.de

£3m technical academy opens

The West Midlands has received a major productivity boost with the launch of a £3m technical academy that will help bridge the skills gap and get the region ready for the next industrial revolution.

In-Comm Training unveiled the 24,000 sq ft training space in Aldridge last month. The project has been a true employer-led collaboration with no fewer than 12 manufacturers contributing investment, expertise and input into its creation.
Backed by £733,000 of Black Country LEP Growth Deal funding, the centre is fitted out with CNC machine tools, automation, a robotics line, metrology equipment and fluid power stations. Also housed will be material testing, material handling and grinding capabilities, as well as a 16-seat Mastercam and CIMCO CADCAM studio to help students develop their design for manufacturing skills.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk