THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

ABB robots to help build Volvo EVs

ABB is strengthening its long-standing partnership with Volvo Cars to supply more than 1300 robots and functional packages that will help build the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs). The move will support the Swedish car manufacturer in achieving its ambitious sustainability targets. ABB’s new, energy-efficient robot family and OmniCore controllers will help deliver energy savings of up to 20%at sites around the world.

This new agreement includes functional packages covering various production tasks, from spot-welding, riveting and dispensing to flow drilling and ultrasonic weld inspection. Each package is a ready-to-use, customer-proven combination of hardware, software and services that will see implementation at Volvo Cars’ facilities in Torslanda, Sweden and Daqing, China.

For further information www.abb.com/automotive

Hurco adds extra sales engineer in Midlands

CNC machine tool OEM Hurco Europe has appointed Joshua Adams to cover the postcodes DE, LL, LE, MK, PE, NN, ST, SY, TF and WS. This effectively splits the Midlands sales region for Hurco into two. Adams will report to Colin Brice, long established as the face of Hurco in the Midlands, who will now focus on the remaining postcodes in the region: B, CV, DY, WR and WV. Offeringa wealth of relevant experience, Adams completed his engineering qualifications at South Staffordshire College.He operated CNC mills and lathes before moving into sales of tooling and machine tools.
For further information www.hurco.co.uk

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