UK launch event for Optimizer

Vericut Optimizer is a new software solution that maximises the potential of CNC machining programs. While Optimizer is similar to Vericut’s existing Force module, the big difference is Optimizer’s stand-alone configuration. Machine shops do not require Vericut to take advantage of this major machining advance. The official launch will take place on 3 October (10:00-14:00) at the headquarters of Grob Machine Tools UK in Stratford-upon-Avon.

At the exclusive ‘lunch and learn’ event, Vericut is partnering with Grob UK and Seco Tools to demonstrate how Optimizer elevates machining performance and minimises costs. According to Vericut,its new Optimizer solution slashes machining cycle times and delivers up to 100% more tool life. It also captures detailed performance data.

More information https://bit.ly/3Xqk1Cz

Vericut provides boost for major machining company

EMGE AŞ, a major machining company in Türkiye with more than 40 CNC machines on site, is now benefiting from the introduction of Vericut verification, simulation and optimisation software. This astute investment is helping the company to drive higher levels of efficiency and reliability in its extensive machining operations, which see the manufacture of around 1.5 million parts per annum from materials that include aluminium, steel, titanium and composites.

“After introducing 5S, Kaizen and lean production strategies, we decided to invest in Vericut as a means of reducing set-up times in our production processes,” explains Emre Uluhan, a mechanical engineer with responsibility for EMGE’s NC Programming Department. “This decision enables us to detect potential machining errors beforehand, simulate multiple operations in a single file, and execute them swiftly and reliably. Additionally, we can create specific simulation templates for new machines added to our inventory.”

Before Vericut, the process of simulating and verifying operations at EMGE was vastly different.

“We previously had to create separate simulation files for each operation, which led to inefficiencies due to the time required,” he says. “In contrast, using Vericut means we need just a single session to simulate programs of parts produced using multiple set-ups. Vericut operates so quickly and reliably that we observed an increase in our production efficiency from the very first moment of using it.”

EMGE reports a reduction in processing times for first article inspection (FAI) parts of 50% thanks to the confidence provided by Vericut simulations.

“I would recommend Vericut to any manufacturer that wants to prioritise machine efficiency, reduce part processing costs and avoid material wastage due to high material costs,” concludes Uluhan.

More information www.vericut.com

Strategic realignment at FFG

Machine tool manufacturer, the Fair Friend Group (FFG), has initiated a comprehensive strategic realignment to address the current global challenges in the machine tool industry and strengthen its competitive position. As part of this transformation, FFG has appointed Dr Sebastian Schöning as its new CEO.

Schöning, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, brings over 20 years of professional and management experience. Since 2021, he has served as the group’s COO and as the CEO of MAG IAS GmbH. In his new role, Schöning will spearhead global strategy development and lead the group’s operations. He will have support from Rong-Rong Liu, who has been appointed CFO and will be responsible for overseeing the group’s financial management.

More information https://ffg-ea.com

Coventry robotics firm secures €1.4m deal

Coventry-based Expert Technologies Group has won a multimillion-pound contract in Spain following a €1.4m financing deal involving UK Export Finance (UKEF). Expert Technologies designs and delivers robotic assembly systems, tools and special machinery that support automation in industry. The manufacturer has begun a new project with the Spanish arm of Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze (SEBN), a global supplier of parts for the automotive industry.

The project will comprise two brand-new automated auxiliary harness assembly lines for electric vehicles. Support from UKEF means that Expert Technologies Group has been able to access €1.4m in working capital from NatWest to help it deliver this contract, which will support up to 10 jobs within the group.

More information www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk

Genius Facades invests in automated panel bender

Genius Facades, a manufacturer of A1 non-combustible rain-screen façade systems, is taking its production capabilities to the next level by investing in a Trumpf TruBend Center 7030 fully automated panel bender. Adding to the company’s growing range of Trumpf machines, the speed and right-first-time capabilities of the new TruBend Center 7030 is helping Genius Facades keep pace with increasing demand for its aluminium rain-screen façades.

With a fast-expanding order book, Genius Facades has been investing heavily in new manufacturing technology for its two purpose-built factories in the Midlands. This progressive manufacturing business saw the acquisition of a new panel bending machine as the next step in the evolution of its production proficiency.

“We were keen to expand our in-house manufacturing capabilities to keep up with rising customer orders for our A1 non-combustible rain-screen facades,” confirms Richard Bland, production director at Genius Facades. “We looked to Trumpf in the first instance due to our long-standing and successful working relationship.”

In 2022, Genius Facades installed a Trumpf TruPunch 5000R XL punching machine and a Trumpf TruBend 5170 press brake, adding to a long line of Trumpf models at the company. Indeed, Genius Facades even has a 21 year-old Trumpf punching machine that is still fully operational, speaking volumes about the reliability and longevity of these machines.

“We knew that investing in a fully automated panel bender such as the TruBend Center 7030 would significantly increase our bending speed and offer excellent automation capabilities,” states Bland.

Panel bending is ideal for complex bending applications with radius bends, short sides or narrow profiles. Trumpf’s TruBend Center 7030 offers automatic part loading and unloading for forming panels up to 3 m in length. The machine features both rotary and two-axis part manipulators.

More information www.trumpf.com