UK NEWS

Metrology on wheels

Bowers Group is introducing its new mobile metrology showroom, delivering precision measurement demonstrations to businesses across the UKand the Republic of Ireland. Designed to provide an on-site, direct experience, the new facility gives customers the opportunity to explore industry-leading precision measurement solutions within their own working environment.The mobile metrology showroom is part of Bowers Group’s drive to providing accessible, practical, expert-led demonstrations, ensuring customers are able to see in-person how the latest innovations can enhance their inspection processes.

To arrange a visit rclark@bowersgroup.co.uk

RARUK Automation enters partnerships

RARUK Automation, known for supplying the Universal Robots range of collaborative robots (cobots) and other automation solutions in the UK, is entering new partnerships with SICK and Inbolt. The collaborations will allow RARUK Automation to unlock new cobot applications for UK manufacturing businesses.

For instance, the End-of-Arm-Safeguard (EOAS) from SICK creates a protective field around the cobot’s end effector, preventing it from coming into contact with human workers operating in the same area. Meanwhile, Inbolt’s GuideNOW is an AI-based 3D vision system that enables real-time cobot guidance.

More information www.rarukautomation.com

Automation investment delivers major benefits

Mills CNC has recently supplied Ayrshire Precision, a precision subcontract specialist, with two new SYNERGi systems.The systems, both derivations and highly-customised versions of Mills’ standard SYNERGi ‘Sprint’ solutions, were installed at Ayrshire Precision’s 1300 m² facility in 2023, the first retrofitted to a DN Solutions Puma 2600SY lathe in March, and the second, also retrofitted, to a Puma 2100SY in September.

SYNERGi Sprint automation systems are compact, flexible and cost-effective.They are suitable for integration with DN Solutions’ lathes, machining centres and turn-mill machines to create automated manufacturing cells.The basic elements of a SYNERGi Sprint system comprise: a FANUC industrial robot;two- or three-jaw pneumatic grippers (end effectors); a part loading/unloading grid plate; industrial safety guarding; and SYNERGi software and a 17” touchscreen HMI for programming and monitoring.

Chris Hepburn, Ayrshire Precision’s managing director, says: “We liked the design and build of the SYNERGi Sprint system:it was simple and straightforward.We asked Mills to put forward their plans and proposals for two SYNERGi Sprint cells – one incorporating our existing Puma 2600SY for larger parts, and the second incorporating our Puma 2100SY for smaller components.

“The investment in our two SYNERGi cells is paying dividends. We have two inherently flexible automated cells that, to a large extent, not only help us future-proof our small turned part operations but also increase our overall capacity.Although initially there was some anxiety concerning our move towards automated production, the results have exceeded expectations. Working in collaboration with Mills has enabled us to benefit from unmanned production and become more productive and profitable as a consequence.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

GM CNC launches NP26 in UK marketplace

GM CNC is introducing the NP26 horizontal turning lathe, the most advanced addition to the NP series. Known for its compact design and high performance, the NP26 takes productivity further by offering increased bar capacity, larger swing and upgraded chuck size – all while maintaining a space-saving footprint. With a swing over bed of 740mm, a distance between centres of 640mm and an increased bar capacity of 75mm (optional 77mm), GM CNC says the NP26 delivers big performance in a small package. The 87mm diameter spindle bore further enhances its capability to handle larger components.

Compared with the NP16 and NP20, the NP26 stands out with a range of upgraded features. It is the only model in the series to offer a programmable tailstock, providing greater precision and automation for complex turning tasks. The FANUC 0i-TF Plus control system with a 10.4-inch screen comes standard, but an optional 15-inch screen is available exclusively for the NP26, enhancing user visibility and programming convenience. According to GM CNC, the compact footprint of just 2877 x 2282 x 1990mm ensures it fits into any production environment while delivering the power and precision of a larger lathe.

The NP26 comes equipped with standard accessories such as a hydraulic chuck with soft jaws, rear-disposal chip conveyor, fully enclosed splash guarding, tool holders, coolant flush on the Z-axis cover, and a three-step warning light. The addition of a programmable tailstock further enhances the machine’s versatility.

For those looking to customise their setup, the NP26 offers an array of optional accessories, including a manual or automatic tool presetter, swing-type parts catcher, Kitagawa power chuck, high-pressure coolant system, bar feeder interface, automatic door, and even a robot system for automated loading and unloading.

More information www.gm-cnc.com

Direct route to success with SMEC turning centre

When Direct Engineering & Site Services Ltd opened its doors in Sheepbridge, it was a small fabrication shop. Fast-forward 28 years and the Chesterfield-based company operates from a 3716 m²premises with five divisions that deliver diverse services to customers throughout the UK and Europe.

Direct Engineering specialises in the installation of material handling equipment, vacuum conveying and chiller pipework systems. Dugard has frequently supported the company via its range of machine tools, with the latest acquisition being a SMEC SL 3000LM turning centre.

Ray Woolley, managing director of Direct Engineering, says: “We started in 1997 as a fabrication company that initially machined on a smaller scale. As time progressed, we saw the need to expand our operations as our customers requested more machining services, so we invested in CNC machines.”

He continues: “We’re presently undertaking quite a diverse range of work for industries from marine, automotive and pharmaceutical to power and the water utilities. We machine everything from plastic, brass, and aluminium to stainless, duplex, composites and more.”

To accommodate this variety of materials, the versatility of the Dugard SMEC SL3000LM machine is paying dividends.

“Each material has its challenges regarding how it cuts, but Dugard helped us with a machine breakdown and quickly got us up and running,” says Woolley.“For that reason, we continued our relationship with Dugard. We’ve had a lot of good productive advice from Dugard on how to deal with this diverse range of materials.”

The latest SMEC SL 3000LM is not the first Dugard at the Derbyshire company. Direct Engineering has a range of machines from Dugard, including the SMEC PL2500, PL35 and PL45 turning centres.

“Dugard has provided sound advice on the best machine tool options for our needs,” concludes Woolley.

More information www.dugard.com