Dugard Machine Tools (Hall 20, Stand 640) will be introducing a number of new machine tools on its stand. For instance, the company will unveil the Kitamura MedCenter5AX five-axis vertical machining centre for fast precise machining, as well as the larger Dugard GTX-620 five-axis machining centre.

Another MACH premiere will be given to the Hanwha brand of sliding-head turning centres. Here, the Hanwha XD38R incorporates the facility to rapidly switch from guide bush to non-guide bush operation. Also on the stand will be the SMEC SL2000ASY turning centre (pictured). Built upon the foundation of a single-piece Meehanite casting ribbed with a torque tube design, box slide-ways are present throughout the SMEC range, resulting in good vibration dampening and thermal displacement characteristics.

For further information
www.dugard.com

Hainbuch (Hall 20, Stand 447) will host new and established work-holding technologies, such as the Manok Plus system. This extended variant of the manual Manok stationary chuck differs through the use of adaptation elements. With the Manok plus system, many more clamping possibilities are now available in combination with the Mando Adapt mandrel-in-chuck (or the jaw module for even larger clamping diameters).

The Manok work-holding system is suitable for five-axis machining and stationary applications as the chuck operates with a pull-back action, so components are pulled positively against any internal stop to give power and rigidity while reducing vibration during heavy-duty milling operations. To improve set-up and changeover times, the Manok incorporates a manual fixture that easily changes the clamping heads in a couple of seconds.

For further information www.hainbuch.com

Aston Martin is to create more than 100 jobs at its St Athan site in Wales, following the launch of its new DBX707 luxury SUV. The DBX707 will enter full production later this quarter at the manufacturer’s plant in South Glamorgan, with more than 100 new skilled automotive technicians required to support it. Applications are open now via Manpower recruitment.

Tobias Moers, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda says: “As we ramp-up production of the DBX707, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to increase our team at St Athan and create more employment opportunities for the local community. Our DBX SUV is the first Welsh-built production car for nearly 50 years and these new positions are an opportunity to join a team delivering our incredible new DBX707 derivative that is setting new benchmarks for performance in the luxury segment.”

For further information www.manpower.co.uk

ABB has entered into an agreement with Scania to provide a range of robotic solutions for the auto giant’s new automated battery assembly plant in Sweden, which be fully operational by 2023. The plant will assemble battery modules from cells supplied by Northvolt’s battery factory in Skellefteå, with the completed packs delivered directly to the vehicle assembly hall. Multiple ABB robots will be involved in the assembly process, including IRB 390, 4600 and 6700 models.

This agreement will mark the first time ABB’s IRB 390 robot will find use in a battery production facility. Originally designed for the packing industry, the robot can mount contact plates in batteries at a rate of one plate every second, 24 hours a day. ABB’s RobotStudio simulation and programming software will enable full verification of the production line prior to deployment, which will significantly shorten lead times and support the quality process.

For further information www.abb.com

Roemheld has introduced a modular, sensor-based system that digitalises zero-point clamping by enabling a digital recording of its status. STARK.intelligence enables data on workpiece loading and unloading to be integrated directly into an automated manufacturing process. Information is also provided on the condition of the clamping equipment to facilitate its scheduled maintenance.

Each fixture is equipped with its own sensor box to measure position, temperature and pressure in real-time. A master unit receives data from several units and outputs the information to different devices via IO-Link. The device can be the machine tool’s control screen, computers in the quality assurance department or the service engineer’s smartphone.

It is possible to combine STARK.intelligence with various STARK zero-point clamping systems ready for easy retrofitting to machine tables and quick-release fixture plates. Due to the modular design, users are able to choose between individual components or a complete solution, which may include the integration of an RFID interface that automatically detects pallets and workpieces.

Another new Roemheld introduction is a range of compact bore clamps with a large clamping range for five-sided machining. The devices hold internally, exerting force both radially outwards and downwards against a support surface. The new models enable safe location in bores from 5.2 to 13.7 mm, so are suitable for clamping small workpieces. Bore size can be easily adjusted through interchangeable bushings while the clamping element remains in its fixture. Users can replace worn bushings within a few minutes. The support height is also easily adjustable to suit workpieces having clamping surfaces at different levels. An air blast helps to keep the bushing clean and ensures reliable operation.

For further information
www.roemheld.co.uk