THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Grob UK open house opens this week

Registration is now open to attend the Grob Machine Tools (UK) open house event on 13-14 November 2024 at its facility in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. This event will be an opportunity to see live demonstrations of the company’s latest machining and pallet handling automation solutions running alongside its industry 4.0 systems. The aim is to highlight Grob’s expertise in sectors that include aerospace, automotive and medical. Also in attendance will be 21 technical partners exhibiting technologies such as tooling, work holding, metrology, CADCAM and coolant.

More information www.bit.ly/4hvvWIA

United Grinding to buy GFMS

The United Grinding Group has signed an agreement with Georg Fischer AG to acquire its GF Machining Solutions (GFMS) division. Together, United Grinding and GFMS aim to become a global leader in precision machining. The transaction is valued between CHF630 and 650m (£560-578m) and is expected to close in Q1/Q2 2025 subject to regulatory approvals.

With roughly 2000 employees at more than 20 locations, United Grinding Group is a major manufacturer of grinding and other machine types with brands that include Mägerle, Blohm, Jung, Studer, Schaudt, Mikrosa, Walter and Ewag. Acquiring GFMS will add brands such as AgieCharmilles (EDM), Mikron (milling) and System 3R (automation) to the product family.

More information www.grinding.com

December open house at Hurco

Hurco’s annual end-of-year open house exhibition will take place on 3-4 December (08:30-16:30) at its High Wycombe showroom. Lunch is provided, along with refreshments throughout the event. Taking centre-stage this year will be a full display of Hurco’s many five-axis machine configurations.

As many as 20 of Hurco’s technology partners will also have their own stand offering tooling, work holding, CADCAM software, metrology, automation, mist extraction, rotary tables, barfeeds, angle heads, probes and machine tool finance. This gives existing and potential Hurco customers the opportunity to discuss their complete requirements.

More information www.hurco.com

IFR names new president

FANUC Corporation’s chief technical advisor, Takayuki Ito, has been elected as the new president of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), which represents 3000 organisations in over 20 countries. Ito has more than 40 years of experience in the robotics industry and was previously IFR vice president.

“I’m proud to continue the work of my predecessor, Marina Bill, who has been a great ambassador for the world of robotics,” he says. “We are witnessing rapid change in the automation of industrial and service applications around the world. Together with Jane Heffner of Mobile Industrial Robots as the new IFR vice president, I look forward to our mission.”

More information www.ifr.org

Mazak names open house dates

Yamazaki Mazak’s annual UK open house will take place on 3-5 December. themed ‘Team Mazak’, this year’s event will spotlight close customer relationships and how collaboration can enhance productivity and profitability. Attendees will witness first-hand Mazak’s commitment to supporting customers at every stage, including pre-sales, installation, training and post-sales.

The open house will boast a line-up of over 20 machines, all in live-cutting action, and four automation systems. Customers are even promised a sneak peek of the company’s new laser machining area to showcase how automation has improved productivity in Mazak’s own factory.

More information www.bit.ly/4fcVNUh