THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

SW debuts two new machines

Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW) is presenting two new products from stand C04 in hall 12: the two-spindle BA W03-22 CNC machining centre and the BA profile, a new machine concept for machining profiles. Furthermore, SW is showing the BA space3, currently its largest model for machining battery housings, and offering insights into current trends in manufacturing such as friction stir welding and giga-casting.

‘Innovate Manufacturing’ is the theme of this year’s EMO, which also captures the essence of SW’s ‘Smart Manufacturing Solutions’ corporate claim. “For us, innovative and smart manufacturing are two sides of the same coin,” says André Harter, head of marketing and business development at SW. “Both allow us to respond individually and efficiently to our customers’ needs.”
For further information www.sw-machines.com

Customer service key to XYZ success

Aftersales service is an absolute priority at XYZ Machine Tools. Managing director Nigel Atherton says: “We have around 25,000 machines in use in the UK and our primary objective is to keep them all cutting metal and earning money for our customers.”The company has 17 service engineers located around the country with the 150 most commonly required spare parts in their vans. At XYZ’s Devon headquarters there are a further eight people dedicated to service.

XYZ keeps around 90% of spare parts on the shelf ready for next-day delivery. The company resolves more than half of service calls over the phone, rising to 90% for programming and software queries. XYZ schedules any required visits so that the nearest service engineer can arrive the next day to coincide with the delivery of any spares not stocked in the van.Live tracking of the vans’ locations ensures XYZ normally resolves warranty breakdowns within 48 hours or less and non-warranty breakdowns within 72 hours maximum.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Energy efficiency in press brake operations

In the sheet metalworking and manufacturing sector, where large machines like pressbrakes are used extensively, optimising energy consumption has become a priority. Energy-efficient press-brake operations not only contribute to a greener planet but also lead to cost savings and increased productivity.

Modern press brakes are equipped with advanced drive systems that minimise energy wastage. Servo-electric and hybrid drive systems used in ACCURL pressbrakes (available in the UK from Axe & Status) offer precise control over motion and energy consumption, as they only consume power when needed during the bending process.

Intelligent motion control systems in press brakes also play a crucial role in energy optimisation. These systems can adapt the machine’s speed and force based on the specific bending requirements, resulting in more efficient energy utilisation.

Energy-efficient press brakes such as ACCURL machines feature idle and standby modes that automatically reduce energy consumption when the machine is not actively engaged in bending operations. During periods of inactivity, these modes limit power usage, helping businesses save on electricity costs and reduce their environmental impact.

As a further point of note, regular maintenance of press brakes is essential to ensure optimal energy efficiency. Clean and well-maintained machines experience fewer mechanical losses and operate more efficiently.

The role of operators is also vital in achieving energy efficiency in press-brake operations. Well-trained operators who understand the machine’s features and energy-saving functions can make informed decisions to maximise efficiency during production. Streamlining the bending process can also contribute to energy efficiency. By optimising machine tooling set-ups, reducing unnecessary tool changesand consolidating bending tasks, businesses can minimise downtime and improve overall energy utilisation.
For further information www.axestatus.com

LAS set to enter space sector

Doncaster-based Laser Additive Solutions (LAS), a rapidly expanding subcontract provider of laser processing and additive manufacturing services, is targeting customers in the UK’s burgeoning space sector following its investment in aTruPrint 3000 additive production system from Trumpf. If things go to plan, the machine could be the first of many metal 3D printers at this progressive manufacturing business.

“Upon our enquiry, Trumpf alerted us to the availability of a quick-delivery TruPrint 3000 machine,” says managing director Peter Brown. “Although pre-owned, the machine had very low running hours, almost untouched. A powder-bed system had been in my thoughts for a number of years; this was clearly the opportune moment to make the leap.The space sector is constantly seeking manufacturing solutions for lightweight structures that are not easy to build with other technologies.”
For further information www.trumpf.com

Machining centre choice made pure and simple

Mills CNC has supplied Pure Innovate Manufacturing, a project management and engineering solutions provider, with a new high-performance machining centre.The machine, a DN Solutions DNM 5700 is now in-situat the company’s new and spacious ‘Innovation’ facility in Wallingford, just a few days after relocating its operations there. It is the first machine tool acquired by the company in its four-year history.

The DNM 5700 acquired by Pure Innovate is a three-axis vertical machining centre equipped with FANUC iPlus control and 15” touchscreen iHMI. Further features include an 18.5kW/12,000rpm directly-coupled spindle, 30-position ATC, large worktable and fast rapids. Mills CNC supplied the machine with through-spindle-coolant capability and a Renishaw tool and workpiece probing system to increase machining flexibility and improve process efficiencies.

Pure Innovate is the brainchild of managing director, Carl Joy, who says: “Having our own dedicated machining resource at the Innovation facility improves our flexibility and responsiveness.We’re can produce prototypes [including any iterations] quickly and efficiently – and means we’re not only able to deliver high-quality, fast turnaround machined prototypes, but also the processes developed and used to machine them.”

He continues: “To increase the scope and scale of our Innovation facility in the future, we are actively looking at investing in new technologies, like simultaneous five-axis machines, and developing our in-house capabilities further through processes such as additive manufacturing and composite machining.Nothing is off the table.”

Joy took the decision to invest in a DN Solutions DNM 5700 for a number of reasons.

“Pound for pound, the DNM 5700 is the ideal machine for us,” he states. “The machine is fast, flexible and accurate. It will enable us to machine high-precision prototypes and pre-production parts quickly.”
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk