UK NEWS

Ticking to perfection at MACH 2024 show

SolidCAM UK says the company validated its admission of being one of the most powerful CAM systems in the world at its stand at the recent MACH 2024 exhibition in Birmingham.

Customer Sinclair Harding (UK) kindly displayed one of its refined clocks on SolidCAM UK’s stand throughout the week-long event. At MACH, attendees could see for themselves the result of hard work through studying and preserving original production techniques, blended with the introduction of new modern technology.

“If I’m going to call myself a clockmaker, I decided we’re going to make pretty much all of the parts in-house for each clock,” says Bob Bray, the company’s managing director. “A combination of traditional clockmaking and modern technology allows us to produce a clock with soul and character.”

This maker of fine clocks, based in Emley, West Yorkshire, machines a remarkable 99% of its parts in-house, which the company states would not be possible without its CAM software, training and support. Despite continuing to use the firm’s previous CAM software alongside, owing to the newer SolidCAM simultaneous five-axis capabilities, Sinclair Harding is now producing parts that it could only dream of before.

“Before SolidCAM we didn’t have the control over tool paths and operations like we do now,” says Bray. “SolidCAM allows us to control factors like step overs, lead in and lead out, where we can get the best quality surface finish on something where traditionally we probably wouldn’t be able to achieve a good finish.”

Utilising SolidCAM means that when Sinclair Harding does all of its hand finishing, the company saves a lot of time.

For further information www.solidcam.com

Sheet metal factories ready for change

Lantek found that manufacturers in the sheet metal industry were ready to integrate all their production and business systems at the recent MACH 2024 exhibition in Birmingham. By demonstrating its Lantek Expert software, which is capable of nesting and programming parts for hundreds of makes and models of cutting machines, visitors could see how to increase business efficiency and reduce workloads by automating and integrating their operating systems.

Commercial director Adam Ball says: “Sheet metal is a niche industry and, at Lantek, we’ve been working and developing solutions in this sector for more than 35 years. Over 32,000 companies use Lantek to drive their sheet metal machinery and many of them already depend entirely on Lantek software to run every aspect of their business.”

Advances in how companies work can be introduced in stages, making it easy to implement Lantek’s technology gradually with the minimum disruption. By adding IQuoting, for example, companies can achieve consistent and highly accurate pricing in a few minutes. This takes the subjectivity out of the task as well as the tedious calculations involved and, when hundreds of quotes are necessary, saves many hours of work.

New at MACH, Lantek demonstrated machine connectivity. This capability enables real-time feedback from the workshop on the status of machines and parts, and the time taken during manufacture. Not only does this make it easy to find parts in production and check delivery date targets, it also keeps track of costs to make sure every component is profitable.

Lantek’s Integra software brings the whole system together, connecting to existing accounting and business systems, delivering MES capability, controlling stock levels, subcontracted parts, non-CNC operations and traceability of material and more. For more information www.lantek.com

HyperMILL sparks productivity gains

With a growing machine shop boasting over 40 machine tools, subcontractor Future Advanced Manufacture (FutureAM) soon found its existing CADCAM system lacking capability in several areas. The Cheltenham-based business subsequently turned to Open Mind Technologies and its hyperMILL CADCAM system.

The shop floor at FutureAM has a diverse mix of machine tools that include three- and five-axis machining centres, and multi-axis turning technology from brands such as Doosan, Mazak, DMG Mori, XYZ, Colchester, Hardinge, Correa and many more.

Oliver Allen, head of R&D at FutureAM, says: “With our previous CADCAM supplier, five-axis machining was more a bolt on to their CAD system whereas with hyperMILL, the five-axis suite is incorporated in the system and Open Mind provide full support. Our previous supplier could not offer that.”

And there are many more benefits, as Justin Talboys-Cotton, a sales manager at Open Mind Technologies, reveals: “Previously, FutureAM had no graphical simulation and they were running programs to the best of their knowledge on the machines. By adopting hyperMILL Virtual Machining, the company now has a full digital twin of the machines running NC code simulation. It doesn’t stop there: FutureAM have also invested in the Optimizer module, which will automatically work out the best and most optimal solution to fit the required tool path within the machine envelope. With their previous supplier, the business was limited to just milling only. HyperMILL has now also given this customer turning capability – all in one supply.”

Adds Allen: “Now that everyone here is using hyperMILL, it’s very apparent that our productivity levels are increasing and efficiency is improving, with the company subsequently making more money.”

For more information www.openmind-tech.com

DISCOVER NEW MANUFACTURING PARTNERS AT SUBCON – THE MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS SHOW

Subcon 2024, scheduled for 5-6 June at the NEC in Birmingham is a major event for manufacturing buyers across all sectors. As a cornerstone exhibition for the industry, Subcon provides an opportunity to source new manufacturing partners and solutions from a variety of leading exhibitors. With over 150 subcontractors and outsourced engineering services, Subcon is packed with possibilities for everyone.

This year’s event promises a refreshed and innovative format, with new developments introduced to adapt and enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic programme featuring interactive CPD-accredited workshops, cutting-edge product demonstrations and insightful keynote presentations. Additionally, visitors can engage in meaningful discussions via roundtable sessions to foster collaboration and idea-sharing.

Whether the aim is to benchmark capabilities, seek innovative solutions or simply look to stay ahead of industry trends, Subcon represents a gateway to the future of manufacturing.

Visitors can meet with over 150 UK and international suppliers under one roof, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions available from sectors such as CNC machining, metal fabrication, component parts and more, all dedicated to advancing the capabilities of supply chains.

Thousands of new products and innovations will be on display across the full range of advanced engineering technology, systems and services – from additive manufacturing and metrology solutions to frictionless bearings, cables and controls, and everything in between. This is a show geared to helping manufacturers increase capacity, optimise productivity, improve flexibility and remain competitive.

New for 2024, Subcon has significantly enhanced its conference and workshop programme with the introduction of a variety of different session formats that take place within three specialist areas designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and professional needs within the manufacturing industry: the Innovation Zone; Workshops and Learning Space; and the Manufacturing Insights Theatre. Additionally, the programme is now officially CPD-accredited, ensuring attendees can gain valuable professional development credits while engaging with top industry experts and cutting-edge technologies.

Visitors can explore insightful keynote presentations and engage in lively panel discussions at the Manufacturing Insights Theatre. This forum features thought leaders discussing the latest trends and challenges in manufacturing. Each session includes interactive Q&A segments, making it a dynamic platform for learning and engagement.

In addition, Subcon visitors can dive into hands-on learning with roundtable discussions and sector-focused peer-to-peer meetings in the Workshops and Learning Space. Tailored to address specific industry challenges, these sessions offer practical insights and networking opportunities, facilitated by industry experts.

Also present at the show will be the Innovation Zone, an area is dedicated to hands-on demonstrations, showing visitors how new technologies and products operate in real-time. It is the perfect place to see the newest innovations in action and discover how they can enhance manufacturing processes.

And there is plenty more besides. Further new features include motorsport simulators and a prize draw. Visitors to subcon can compete in professional motorsport simulators operated by FP Zero, allowing them to dive into the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing right on the exhibition floor. The fastest lap will not only boast bragging rights but will also win a PalmerSport driving day experience valued at over £600.

For those needing a quiet spot for a meeting or just to catch up on emails, Subcon now has dedicated spaces set up for exactly that. With these work/meeting spaces, visitors can meet with peers or to take a break and grab a coffee.

All visitors, exhibitors and speakers are invited to unwind at a drinks reception complete with entertainment, starting at 17:00 on the first day of the exhibition.

Registration for Subcon 2024 is completely free, offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge innovations and participate in a variety of sessions designed to drive the capabilities of manufacturers forward. Register at www.bit.ly/3UXpLCv

In other news, the shortlist for the Manufacturing Solutions Show Awards is now available. The awards celebrate the best of UK and international manufacturing, and showcase the latest solutions to hit the market while simultaneously honouring some of the industry’s best talent.

Several categories are up for grabs, including UK Manufacturing Partner of the Year, where the nominees include Stoke-based Grenville Engineering, Leeds-based Kirkstall Precision Engineering and WEC Group, based in Darwen. Further categories include Start-up of the year, International Manufacturing Partner of the Year, Product Innovation of the Year and

Outstanding Industry Contribution. The latter will see the following shortlisted nominees battle for the title: Dr Muftooh Siddiqi, senior lecturer in manufacturing at Aston University;

Megan Ronayne, head of industrial technologies and manufacturing at Innovate UK KTN;

Nipuni Karunaratne, managing director at Ivy Tech and digital technology manager – model factory at Rolls-Royce; and Sarah Black-Smith, general manager of motion control and sustainability lead at Siemens Digital Industries.

There is a highly experienced panel of qualified industry experts who will be judging the awards. The organiser will announce the winners at Subcon 2024 within the Manufacturing Insights Theatre on Thursday 6 June at 13:00. This event is free to attend and open to all visitors, so do not miss the chance to see who triumphed.

For further information www.subconshow.co.uk

FANUC set for take-off

FANUC UK will showcase a suite of next-generation automation solutions at Farnborough International Airshow (22-26 July) to enable higher rate aircraft and aerospace manufacturing. Spanning the entire supply chain – including solutions for the burgeoning eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) sector – visitors to stand 4900 can witness demonstrations covering a wide a variety of key applications essential for the aerospace sector. These will include dispensing, polishing, inspection, machining and drilling, helping manufacturers to meet increasing order levels by boosting productivity.

For more information www.fanuc.eu