THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Creating the perfect customer journey

The Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo, taking place on 27-28 of February at London’s ExCeL, is an unmissable event for retailers seeking supply chain optimisation, withfree ticketsavailable to those wishing to attend. Faster deliveries and streamlined returns are a result of organisation in the supply chain that relies on coherent warehousing and distribution. The expo will guide retailers in improving these key elements to enhance the customer experience.

With hundreds of exhibitors in attendance, visitors can explore a range of cutting-edge solutions, from AI and machine learning, through learning transportation management systems, advanced planning systems and data analysis, to automation. These innovations promise to revolutionise the effectiveness of a product’s journey. Expo visitors can also listen and learn from inspirational speakers, comprising world-leading experts from the retail supply chain and logistics world.

For booking enquiries www.retailscl.co.uk/exhibit/#form

Bystronic unveils ByCut Star 3015 laser cutter

Bystronic is expanding its established ByCut Star range of laser cutters, launched at EuroBLECH 2022. This premium laser cutter series is now available in the 3015 format.

According to the company, the ByCut Star 4020 was already an eye-catcher.However, the smaller and completely new ByCut Star 3015 is its equal in every way. With the same features, Bystronic says the machine cuts sheets of 3 x 1.5 m with precision, speed and intelligence. 

The ByCut Star 3015 is, of course, also available with power up to 30 kW, which means higher cutting quality, greater production flexibility and productivity due to the combination of more laser power and smart features such as ‘Intelligent Cutting Process’ (ICP), ‘Nozzle Control Tool’ (NCT) with KerfScan and ‘Parameter Wizard’.

The technological leap from the previously available 3-20 kW levels to the new 30 kW level is considerable, opening new possibilities for users to optimise production and, as a result, remain ahead of ever-tougher competition. Furthermore, cutting thicknesses up 50 mm become a reality.

The cutting speeds of the ByCut Star increase significantly compared with 15 kW and MixGas for sheet thicknesses between 6 and 15 mm. Piercing times are also shorter for sheet thicknesses from 15 mm.

“With the new ByCut Star 3015, our customers receive a compact premium laser cutter with high power and smart features for consistently excellent quality and high productivity,” statesDaniel Brenner, product management systems, Bystronic.

Like the 4020 model, the new 3105 is built on one platform, thus offering the same modern, sharp contours that create a striking appearance. 

For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Mazak enjoys ‘packed’ open house




Yamazaki Mazak’s investment in its UK manufacturing facilities was one of the main draws behind a strong attendance at its recent annual open house.The event, themed ‘building for your future’, linked the increase in capacity at the company’s European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester with its ability to now offer significantly shorter lead times on key machines.In total the open house received over 700 visitors over the four days.

Jason Butler, sales director for Yamazaki Mazak UK, says the strong attendance proved Mazak’s strategy in the UK: “I’m very pleased, we had a packed European Technology Centre over each day with plenty of potential new customers visiting us for the first time. That says to me our message of continued investment in Worcester, which has led to increased production capacity and very short lead times on key machines, is really resonating with UK manufacturers.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

MACH Machine Tools goes top of the class




MACH Machine Tools, part of the Vigilance Group and a supplier of CNC and manual machine tools and machine shop equipment to UK and Irish component manufacturers and UK educational institutions and training providers, has recently supplied NETA Trainingin Stockton-on-Tees with three new CNC machine tools.The machines, all ordered at the same time, are equipped with the DynaPath control and comprise two MACH MDT-1 turret-type milling machines and a MACH MDL 1600 lathe.

Says Sean Johnston, NETA’s director:“Our MACH machine tools have helped elevate our status as an engineering training specialist with local and regional employers, schools and young people and the wider community. They have enabled us to further differentiate our offering in what is a competitive local training environment.”

NETA took the decision to invest in MACH machine tools for a number of reasons. Although initially considering a couple of machine tool manufacturers, a meeting between NETA representatives and MACH Machine Tools at the MACH 2022 exhibition meant a machine tool investment package comprising two mills and a lathe began to take shape.

“We liked the approach of MACH Machine Tools,”recalls Johnston. “In addition, we appreciated the build quality of the machines and, once the power and flexibility of the DynaPath control system was explained to us in more detail, we were convinced it was the right way to go.We were also particularly impressed with the control system’s 24/7 remote diagnostic capabilities. These factors, combined with the aftersales service and support, the competitive price, themachine’s availability, and the company’s desire to create a meaningful partnership, helped seal the deal.”
For further information www.machmt.co.uk

Adams slides into three-axis machining




Although a predominantly sliding-head turning machine shop, Adams Engineering (Ilkeston) Ltd has just purchased a Dugard 1000XP three-axis machining centre. Initially founded in the 1950s and run as a single-cam auto machine shop for decades, the business has more recently been taken over by Scott Burrow. Since the takeover, the company moved to new and larger premises three years ago and continued its machine acquisition trail.

Discussing why Adams Engineering has invested in three-axis machining, Burrow says: “Our first venture into milling was down to one of our customers. They kept pressing us to do milling work, so eventually we took the plunge. With the first machine we bought, we were initially just drilling and tapping prismatic parts and putting steps in plates.”

As word got around that the company was undertaking milling work, more enquiries flowed in.

“Due to rising enquiries we bought a larger machine, the Dugard 1000XP three-axis machining centre,” explains Burrow.

The ISO9001-accredited company wanted a machine with a sizeable capacity and a robust platform, which is exactly what the Dugard 1000XP delivers. As standard, the machine has X, Y and Z-axis travel of 1050 x 540 x 560mm to accommodate large parts. It also offers a 27kW BT40 spindle motor, a cartridge belt drive spindle and pre-tensioned twin-nut ballscrews.

“We just thought, why not go big.Today, we are doing work that takes up almost all the entire bed.”

The Dugard 1000XP has X, Y and Z-axis rapid feed rates of 44, 44 and 25m/min, with a cutting feed rate of 20m/min credit to the Mitsubishi CNC control system. Positional accuracy is 0.01mm, while repeatability is ±0.003 mm.
For further information www.dugard.com