THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Automation can be the key to success

The adoption of robotics and automation in UK manufacturing has the potential to improve productivity, efficiency and quality across multiple sectors, delegates discovered at a Manufacturing Technology Centre conference: ‘Robotics and Automation – A New Perspective’. According to speakers at the conference, the adoption of robotics and automation offers the potential to overcome problems such as labour shortages, skills shortages and low productivity.

More than 300 delegates from a wide range of industries shared insights into the transformational benefits of cutting-edge robotic technologies and heard how automation can improve productivity and drive global competitiveness for UK businesses. Topics covered at the conference included overcoming barriers to adoption and meeting the challenges presented by automation.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

XYZ machines reduce cutting times for impellers

Sheffield-based Straaltechniek UK has been manufacturing equipment for the surface preparation industry since 1982 with its range of blasting and shot-peen machines.A key element of the blast wheel is the impeller, which is made from D2 tool steel. Originally manufactured in several operations on a lathe and then a machining centre, this component has six side apertures making it an ideal part for production on a turn-mill machine.

Ryan Doxey, machine shop supervisor, says: “We installed the XYZ TC 320 LTY in November 2022 as it has a full C axis and driven tools on a Y axis, so we can virtually finish one impeller from a solid billet in a single operation. Significant savings in handling, set-ups and faster machining combine to give us a valuable reduction in cycle times. There are a large number of different impellers as, we not only make blast wheels for our own machines, but also retrofit and refurbish machines from other manufacturers, bringing them up to the latest modern efficiency standards. We carry out all the programming on the shop floor and the Siemens 828D ShopTurn Touchscreen control is a favourite with our machinists.”

As well as the XYZ TC 320 LTY, the company also has a XYZ VL 425 lathe with ProtoTRAK control, which turns the blast wheel itself.

“The blast wheels can be up to 405 mm diameter, and we program them on the ProtoTRAK control on the shop floor with sufficient capacity to hold them in soft jaws to complete the machining,” explains Doxey.“The ease of programming on ProtoTRAK and the reliability of this machine gave us the confidence to invest in the XYZ TC 320 LTY and ShopTurn.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Zeus Engineering focuses on the future

Zeus Engineering, a precision subcontract specialist based in Airdrie, is increasing its machining capacity and capabilities by investing in a new DN Solutions VT 1100M vertical turning lathe (VTL) from Mills CNC. The machine, which incidentally, is the first CNC VTL acquired by the company in its 57-year history, arrived at Zeus Engineering’s 12,000sq ft facility in November 2022.

The machine is producing large, heavy and often awkward-shaped components, such as rings, discs, pump housings, flange couplings, bearing carriers, valves and differentials, from a range of castings, forgings and fabrications, as well as from solid billet and plate. Industries served include rail, off-road vehicle, oil and gas, power generation, food, and renewable energy.

Being part of the AGZ Group, the company can also provide its high-quality design and machining services, where appropriate, to the two other associate companies in the group: Argon Engineering and Gillrick Metalwork.

Says Scott McHutcheson, Zeus Engineering’s operations director:“We’re always looking to improve our in-house machining capacity and capabilities, and regularly review and analyse our performance to ensure we meet, and exceed, our customers’ expectations.”

The acquisition of the VT 1100M lathe means that, over the past 14 years, Zeus Engineering has invested in five new Doosan machines from Mills CNC, including two Puma series lathes.

“We have a good relationship with Mills CNC and like their proactive, value-added business approach, which to all intents and purposes, is very similar to our own,” says McHutcheson. “The Doosan machine tools they sell and support, like the VT 1000M, are reliable and deliver excellent cutting performance.”

The 32” chuck VT1100M is equipped with box guideways, a 55kW/850rpm/6385Nm spindle, a 12-station indexable turret and 11kW/3000rpm driven tooling capabilities.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Iemca adds third Maestro barfeed to range

A manufacturer of automatic barfeeds for CNC lathes, Italy-based Iemca, is adding a third model to its Maestro range. All are designed to maximise productivity on fixed-head lathes and offer unattended production around the clock. They are available in the UK and Ireland through sole agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

The two existing models can handle round stock up to 100 mm diameter. Both are capable of bar changeover in 31 seconds, as is the new Maestro 52, which is for smaller lathes running material up to 51 mm diameter, 42 mm hex and 36 mm square. It is possible to load bars up to 4.2 m in length to a maximum combined weight of 100 kg.

There are numerous interesting design features incorporated into the new barfeed, three of whichcarry patents. One protects ABACOS (Adaptive BAr COntrol System), a self-adjusting bar clamping arrangement designed to guide the material, damp vibrations and tighten on the pusher, all without changing the guide channel.

Another patented feature, the Vibra-Damp collet with interchangeable inserts avoids vibration. The collet restricts bar oscillation byreducing their amplitude and lowering bending and torsional stresses on the bar. The third patent concerns the HandyLoq quick-change collet system, which allows manual exchange within three seconds without the need to use tools.

Additional advantages of all Maestro bar feeders are Industry 4.0 data sharing as an option, and a choice of bar loading systems including an UP magazine that allows the presentation of material at an ergonomic height.
For further information www.1mta.com

Digital literacy will unlock power of data

Digital literacy and data engineers will be key to manufacturers unlocking the potential of data for their businesses, says the director for industrial digitalisation at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Professor Rab Scott delivered the message at ‘Power of data and digital in industry’, an event held at Barnsley Digital Media Centre to explore the initial outcomes and learnings from NextGen, a project to embed low-cost digital technologies at manufacturers across South Yorkshire and Wales.

FourJaw’s Chris Iveson and Connexin’s Rikki Coles also spoke at the event and, together with Scott, made a powerful case for how adopting a digitally-focused culture – and unlocking the power of data – can help productivity, save energy and reduce waste. Scott said ‘digital literacy’ is a crucial first step for manufacturers who want to start their digital transformation journey – and that step is one NextGen can help them take with confidence.
For further information j.stammers@amrc.co.uk