UK NEWS

Mestec scores hat-trick of contract wins

A UK technology specialist is building on a record year by winning a trio of high-profile contracts and a prestigious global award. Mestec, which has seen sales grow by over 50% since its acquisition by Eyelit, will use its cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) solution to create smarter factories for clients involved in supercar customisation, advanced engineering and golf equipment manufacture.

The Bracknell-based business will work with the global brands to rapidly deploy technology that promises to improve performance across 80+ KPIs in a bid to improve productivity, OEE, quality and compliance.It comes at an exciting time for the firm after it won the Oracle ‘Global Leaders ISV of the Year Award’ at a ceremony that formed part of the recent Oracle CloudWorld in Las Vegas.
For further information www.mestec.net

Exploring the versatility of flat-bed lathes

According to machine tool supplier Axe & Status, flat-bed lathes have emerged as indispensable tools that cater to a wide range of industrial applications. These machines, known for their versatility, play a crucial role in shaping raw materials into intricate components that drive industries forward. Axe & Status, which offers a comprehensive range of flat-bed lathes, dives into the multi-faceted applications of these machine tools to show why they are a cornerstone of modern manufacturing processes.

Flat-bed lathes, also referred to as engine lathes, feature a horizontal bed that ensures stability and accuracy during machining. The true essence of flatbed lathes lies in their versatility. From small-scale workshops to large-scale industrial facilities, these machines are suitable for a broad spread of applications. As well as production volumes, these machines enable the rapid turning of prototypes, playing a pivotal role in iterative design processes and allowing engineers to test and refine their ideas before full-scale production.

Tool and die makers also rely heavily on flat-bed lathes to produce moulds, dies and special tools, while repair and maintenance tasks are another application to benefit, facilitating the refurbishment of worn-out components. In educational settings, flat-bed lathes serve as fundamental tools for teaching machining principles.

Flat-bed lathes offer exceptional precision, making them suitable for projects that demand high levels of accuracy across production runs. Furthermore, these machines can execute multiple machining processes in a single set-up, reducing production time and enhancing overall productivity.

Axe & Status offers an array of options that extend from manual lathes, which allow for hands-on precision and control, through to advanced CNC flat-bed lathes that bring automation and high-level accuracy to machining processes.
For further information www.axestatus.com

£30m AMIC contract

A construction contractor has been appointed to the Queen’s University Belfast-led Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100m Belfast Region City Deal project, with almost £80m coming from the UK Government. Henry Brothers has won the £30m contract to construct the 10,500 sq m ‘Factory of the Future’ building at Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey. By 2050, estimates predict that AMIC will have contributed more than £1bn to the local economy, directly and indirectly created over 1500 permanent jobs, and supported the training of 300 apprentices.
For further information www.bit.ly/3JmSICZ

Robot-loaded Nakamura just keeps running

UK subcontract machining companies do not get much bigger than Metaltech Precision in Somerset. As part of the Expromet Technologies Group, Metaltech’s 50,000 sq ft facility is home to more than 40 CNC turning centres, over 15 machining centres and a wide variety of conventional machines, fabrication equipment and metrology technology. The latest machine to arrive is a Nakamura-Tome WT-300 with an automated robot loading facility from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Operations manager Steven Ward says: “A customer approached us with a substantial contract that required machining a significant number of different parts in volume. Although we have existing fixed-head and sliding-head turning centres, we’re conscious of how we utilise our personnel and the hours available to us in a normal working week. Our Nakamura solution allows us to operate well outside of the normal operating window. The cell works on the basis that the Nakamura, with its performance monitoring and Hydrafeed Robojob system, allows us to palletise either billets or we can bar-feed the machine.”

With through-spindle bar capacity options for bar feeding of 65, 71, 80 or 102 mm diameter material and a maximum turning diameter of 270 mm, the twin-spindle, twin-turret Nakamura-Tome WT-300 accommodates the bar-turning and billet-loading demands of Metaltech. Available with an option of the 15/11 kW or 18.5/15 kW spindle motor on the main and sub-spindle, and a maximum turning length of up to 780 mm, the heavy-duty Nakamura-Tome WT-300 is an all-round performer.

Discussing if the automation route is the only way to remain competitive, Ward says: “You have two expensive assets in your business, one is machinery and the other is personnel. You have to consider how you best utilise both of those assets.”
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Post-EMO open house at Citizen Machinery UK

Manufacturers wishing to learn more about the latest CNC sliding-head and fixed-head turning centres from Citizen Machinery UK, but who perhaps were unable to attend the EMO 2023 machine tool trade fair in Hanover last month, can instead attend the company’s open house at its Turning Centre of Excellence in the West Midlands this week (3-5 October).

The event will mark the 40th year of fixed-head lathe manufacturer Miyano in the UK and Ireland, initially via the previous sales agent Macro Machine Tools. Since 2010, the brand has been a wholly-owned part of Citizen Holdings, which also offers Cincom sliding-head lathes as well as a range of turning machines incorporating auto-loading systems for rapid material and parts handling.

Managing director Edward James says: “We’ll not only be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Miyano’s presence in this market, but also seven years since the launch of our LFV (low-frequency vibration) programmable chip-breaking software. The technology has helped us to become the largest supplier of CNC bar-fed lathes in the UK and Ireland. There will also be a focus at the open house on the Miyano Eco Function, which ensures more efficient energy usage, saving costs and helping the machines to perform at peak efficiency.”

As usual, present throughout the event will be numerous partner companies involved in the supply of work holding, cutting tools, parts handling, bar feeds, production control software and more. Additionally, a ‘Red Letter Day’ prize draw will be open to all visitors, with the winner receiving a £1500 experience and hotel accommodation.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk