THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Unlocking untapped factory capacity worth £129bn

A new report from FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics reveals that UK manufacturers could collectively unlock hidden production capacity worth up to £129 billion in additional annual output without significant investment in new equipment or staff.The report, Return on Information, reveals that large manufacturers using best-practice production data approaches, such as real-time monitoring across the factory floor, typically achieve a 16% increase in output, while SME producers usually attain 30%. It estimates that industry-wide adoption could unlock up to £67bn per year for large UK plants and £62bn for SMEs.

More information www.bit.ly/41C6ydi

Four-Axis Chip Breaking for Next-Level Efficiency

MACH 2026 will be the first major UK exhibition at which patented LFV (low frequency
vibration) chip breaking from Citizen Machinery (stand 20-260) will be demonstrated with
four-axis simultaneous capability. Integrated into the operating system of the control driving
the axis motions of Citizen Cincom sliding-head lathes, and more recently selected Miyano
fixed-head models, LFV breaks stringy swarf into manageable chips.
Now, the technology has been developed to start and stop in four separate axes at the same
time, namely the X and Z movements of both the main and sub spindles. Four-axis LFV is a
major step forward, as it greatly enhances flexibility, reduces cycle times and eliminates
operational bottlenecks, since there is no need to stop the machine to remove tangled
swarf, however complex the program.
More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

FANUC to showcase next-generation automation

Industrial automation expert FANUC will host a live demonstration of an automated drilling
cell developed by Airbus and incorporating FANUC robot technology. Visitors to stand 18-
449 can also see first-hand a new generation of CNC, the FANUC FS500i-A, which enables
complex manufacturing environments to meet high precision and adaptability demands. In
addition, FANUC will showcase its in-house robot system building capabilities.
The centrepiece of the UK stand will be the robotic drilling system, which employs a FANUC
M-800iA/60 six-axis robot, as well as a drilling effector controlled by a FANUC CNC and a
mobile platform, both designed and built by Airbus. Designed for aerospace components, it
has improved drilling accuracy and increased productivity for the aerospace giant, while
releasing operatives to work on more creative and value-added tasks.
More information www.fanuc.eu

XYZ Turning Machines in the Spotlight at MACH 2026

Covering a floor space of 240 m², the XYZ Machine Tools stand (20-160) at the MACH 2026
exhibition (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April), will have something that appeals to every

workshop. Akin to a classic rock band gig, there will be some new stuff, the trusted
favourites and something a little bit different.
Several machines in the XYZ range are controlled by the Siemens 828D controls, aimed at
giving manufacturers a distinct production advantage. The XYZ 65 LTY-S twin/sub spindle
CNC turning centre is a case in point, allowing shops to get parts off the machine complete.
Supplied with a 65 mm main spindle bar capacity and providing a maximum turned diameter
of 380 mm and mated to the 12-station BMT65 driven-tool turret, the LTY-S offers the
opportunity to turn, mill and drill complex parts using its X, Z and Y axes.
XYZ says the simple transfer cycle provided by the Siemens Shopturn software makes
second-end work a breeze once the work sits in the sub spindle with all the functionality
offered on the main spindle. Transition to the sub spindle ensures greater productivity with
enhanced accuracy and provides the opportunity for lights out running.
Continuing the turning machine theme at MACH will be the XYZ CT52LR, which provides
manufacturers of two-axis turned parts a cost-effective solution when it comes to machine
investment. Taking up only 2 x 1.5 m of floor space and built using the latest linear-rail
technology, the CT52LR still benefits from a 10-station turret, 150 mm diameter three-jaw
chuck and a tool-setting arm that allows users to get the most from this 52 mm bar capacity
turning centre.
More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Fronius opens Tech Centre

Welding technology specialist Fronius UK has opened a Technical Competence Centre at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Catcliffe. Located four miles from Sheffield city centre, the new centre offers customers the opportunity for bespoke welding trials, demonstrations, training, servicing and hands-on technical problem solving. The expansion strengthens support for Fronius customers nationwide, complementing sites in Milton Keynes and Kilmarnock. Professionals from manufacturing and fabrication are invited to attend the official opening in Catcliffe on 7 May and experience the latest in welding innovation. More information www.bit.ly/3NHymK1