UK NEWS

Rapid growth underpinned by PSL Datatrack

Managers at subcontract specialist ADP Precision Engineering were on the lookout for a new production control system following accelerated growth of the business. The Newcastle-based company had been relying upon its Sage 50 accounting software to control production, supported by the manual input of manufacturing data into Excel spreadsheets and Word documents.

ADP recognised the need for software bespoke to the needs of the subcontract precision engineering industry and therefore selected PSL Datatrack, which would not only improve the administration of the company’s existing production processes, but also create a platform for the future.

Anthony Ingledew, ADP’s managing director, says: “We previously had to create a lot of manual documentation but, after the initial setup of PSL Datatrack, the result was a more centralised, efficient and streamlined system, which massively aids the flow of our the business.”

ADP acquired a number of PSL Datatrack modules covering sales, administration, purchasing, technical functions (including process layouts and work in progress), shop-floor data collection, finance and management. It is now possible to import invoicing data to Sage 50, which is now purely for accounting purposes.

One of the initial advantages for ADP was the time saved raising quotations, which became far more accurate and allowed quick adjustment for repeat business.

“We also found the training to be very clear and easy to implement, moving at a pace that suited us,” says Ingledew.“In addition, after-sales support has been excellent. There were a few things that we wanted to tweak, or add to certain reports, and these requests were dealt with in no time by PSL Datatrack.”
For further information www.psldatatrack.com

Demonstrating the value of data

Digital experts at AMRC Cymru are helping Welsh manufacturers become sustainable, efficient and ready for Industry 4.0 by demonstrating the immediate impact of the data they produce on the shop floor.The Factory+ framework, an open-access digital architecture that simplifies the handling of data across a manufacturing organisation, is now in place at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru. Developed by engineers at the AMRC’s Factory 2050 in Sheffield, Factory+ provides a synthesised way for machines to capture, analyse and exploit the data they generate.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

Yawei laser ideal for KelBie Engineering

KelBie Engineering specialises in designing and manufacturing stainless-steel commercial flue systems. The company recently opted to upgrade its plasma cutter to a fibre laser cutting machine. Press and Shear was on hand to help.

High-quality, high-specification flue products must meet the design parameters of various demanding environments.As such, KelBie Engineering needed a precision solution that could deliver high production standards.These standards cover a range of sheet-metal products and services, meaning any new machine needed to be diverse in its ability.
KelBie also offers a short lead-time service to the commercial market, so the machine needed to keep pace.

Having discussed these requirements in depth with experts at Press and Shear, it was decided that the best solution was to upgrade its plasma-cutting machine to a fibre laser cutterfrom Yawei.

The model selected was the Yawei HLB fibre laser 1530, which accommodates sheet sizes up to 1500 x 3000mm and features a 3 kW laser generator. Press and Shear recommended this laser profiling machine as it is cost-effective, with high productivity and low running costs.

Yawei is a brand already known for its quality. Features like the auto-focus cutting head of the HLB ensure a clean and quick cut every time, reports Press and Shear, helping maintain high levels of efficiency and flexibility.

By choosing to invest in the Yawei machine, KelBie also gained access to Press and Shear’s aftersales support. Most importantly, the company got a competitive price on the machine.
Having confidence in Press and Shear meant KelBie Engineering could be sure that the company made the right investment for its business.
For further information www.pressandshear.com

Automated self-pierce riveting and studding

Robotics specialist FANUC has supported robot integrator DForce Engineering with the design and installation of two complete automation cells for aluminium underbody components for a prestigious automotive manufacturer.

Leicester-based DForce Engineering has a portfolio of blue-chip clients in the automotive, nuclear and aerospace industries. Among its key customers is Sertec Group, a worldwide business in the automotive sector. The relationship has evolved from jig and fixture design to manufacturing, planning and software design, to full system supply. For its latest project, DForce sought the robotics expertise of FANUC UK.

With the arrival of a new vehicle concept, DForce’s client Sertec required two complete automation cells for the self-pierce riveting (SPR) and self-pierce studding (SPS) of aluminium underbody components as four complete sub-assemblies for its UK automotive production line. At the heart of each cell was a FANUC robot.

Says DForce director Gary Hill:“FANUC robots are a benchmark in the automotive industry. They were a natural choice for this project.”

According to Hill, FANUC’s ROBOGUIDE system was essential to achieving a rapid turnaround: “ROBOGUIDE was used to simulate both the robot’s motion and its application commands, significantly reducing the creation of new motion set-ups. It enabled us to design, test and modify both cells entirely offline, before and during the assembly process.”

As well as reducing design time, DForce wanted to make cost and space savings too, as Hill explains: “We proposed using the larger of the cells with the addition of RH and LH self-pierce studded assembly parts, running three different assemblies through one cell by using a FANUC R2000iC robot. This essentially cut the cost, floor area and cycle times for Sertec by delivering two cells instead of three.”
For further information www.fanuc.eu

Nukon fibre laser proves clear choice

Dunstable-based Steel & Glass Solutions, a specialist in architectural metalwork, has taken delivery of a new Nukon Rex 315 6 kW 2D fibre laser cutting machine from Nukon Lasers UK. The machine was ordered at the MACH 2022 machine tool exhibition in Birmingham, with installation postponed until Steel & Glass Solutions moved into new purpose-built premises.

“Traditionally we relied on outsourcing the laser cutting of high-end polished steel fabrications and steel cladding panels,” says production director Warren Few. “However, these would sometimes arrive with imperfections, meaning they would have to be sent back. Additionally, outsourcing our laser cutting meant we couldn’t always react quite as quickly as we would like to customer needs. We were also aware that having our own fibre laser cutting capability on site would help us to remain as competitive as possible in these times of high energy prices.”

He continues: “Before going to MACH, we had only given a cursory glance to Nukon’s fibre laser machines as, although built in Europe, the brand wasn’t on our radar. However, at the show, we couldn’t ignore the quality, speed and value they offered, or the exceptionally low running costs.”

Steel & Glass Solutions chose the Nukon Rex 2D fibre laser machine for its ability to cut intricate shapes and pieces with speed and precision, supported by fast, easy programming, which is essential for a business dealing with short product runs and complex projects. A Nukon 315 Series machine, the Rex is equipped with a 6 kW nLIGHT fibre laser, with advanced ‘cutline’ beam-shaping technology for high edge quality. The machine also features the innovative Nukon NLCH cutting head that is fully field serviceable, further reducing running costs and downtime.
For further information www.nukonlasers.co.uk