UK NEWS

Staubli tool changer helps TPR take off

With a comprehensive portfolio of systems and modules, Stäubli robot tool changers continue to find their way into new and exciting projects across many different sectors. By way of example, when TPR Ltd set out to apply its digital robotic technology to a drilling project, the company turned to Stäubli for the robot tool changing systems.

Stäubli’s MPS 130 R20 robot tool changer and CombiTac connectors perform the tool changing operations, optimising the robot’s utilisation, and connecting the water, air, power and data signals.

True Position Robotics (TPR) provides smart solutions for robot drilling and inspection, designed to fit within a digital landscape. As part of the Innovate UK funded ADI (Automated Drilling & Inspection) project, TPR’s technology plays a key role in transferring robot programs (created offline) to the real robot, and guiding the robot in space to become a true digital twin.

The ability to obtain both the connector and tool changing technologies from a single source (Stäubli), as opposed to using hybrid technologies from different suppliers, is seen as beneficial because it guarantees the manufacturing processes, materials, tolerances – and ultimately – the product’s reliability and compatibility.

Stäubli’s MPS 130 R20 robot tool changer and CombiTac connectors perform the tool changing operations between the inspection systems used to define datums prior to machining, the drilling technology used to produce and countersink the holes, and finally the laser scanning system for final process verification.

Commenting on the Stäubli solution, TPR director Roger Holden says: “The main benefit is we don’t have to worry about the consistency or quality of the different services when we disconnect and then re-connect different tools. We can take that for granted as we have full confidence in Stäubli’s solution.”

For further information www.staubli.com

Chick work holding offers productivity and accuracy

Shipley-based TecnAir designs and manufactures an extensive variety of pneumatic cylinders, valve assemblies, linear drives, handling equipment, controls and other products.

What characterises this manufacturing activity above all else is the large amount of machining involved to produce the high-accuracy components. To this end, since the early 2000s the manufacturer has entrusted component clamping on its machining centres to Chick work-holding products, supplied through sole UK agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

Steve Watson, CNC operations manager at TecnAir, says: “Fixturing is crucial, as we cannot tolerate any movement or vibration. Chick products underpin the required level of accuracy in our factory. Not only do we get rigid work holding, which incidentally also prolongs tool life, but a high level of interchangeability of the various Chick clamping units also helps to minimise investment in the equipment.”

Supporting prismatic machining operations on the shop floor are 15 Chick QwikLOK units, which find employment on five vertical machining centres: three from Haas and two from Mazak. Six of the units are dedicated to pendulum machining of relatively short pneumatic cylinder bodies from aluminium extrusion in three operations – rear end cap machining, front end cap machining, and inlet and outlet port machining – on a Mazak VTC-530. The resulting high-density work holding has the effect of maximising the use of the available machining area and reducing the overall number of tool changes required.

In addition, there are 11 MultiLOK towers deployed across three twin-pallet, four-axis, horizontal machining centres: a stand-alone Doosan HC400 and two Mazak HCN-4000s linked by a Palletech automated storage and retrieval system for 16 machine pallets. Materials processed are mainly aluminium and stainless steel, plus some brass, with castings accounting for 30% of throughput. The company produces the remainder from either billet or extrusion.

For further information www.1mta.com

30th birthday for MecWash

MecWash Systems, a specialist in industrial parts washing technology, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Working alongside some of the most prominent names in manufacturing, such as Rolls-Royce, Brompton Bicycle, BAE, Eaton, JCB, Husco, Renishaw and Jaguar Land Rover, MecWash has developed component cleaning systems for the most complex applications. The UK based manufacturer says it has built unique insight and expertise for parts cleaning challenges across a spectrum of industries, including aerospace, automotive, fluid power, defence and medical.

For further information www.mecwash.com

ETG raises standard with ISO certificates

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has made it a double whammy by becoming ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. ETG, a machine tool and turnkey solution provider, has implemented the accreditations to demonstrate its commitment and compliance to environmental and quality standards. The company has also established a Quality & Environmental Management System (QEMS). ETG’s managing director Martin Doyle says: “ISO certification is a marker of our commitment to customer excellence and it will help identify opportunities to enhance our already impeccable service levels.”

For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Exhibition to host 10th annual skills awards

Enginuity, the charity dedicated to supporting UK engineering and manufacturing employers by finding new ways to close skills gaps and open opportunities, is celebrating its 10th annual Skills Awards during Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week on 5 June at the NEC in Birmingham. The awards recognise apprentices, pioneers of skills development and innovative engineers who are passionately and diligently tackling some of society’s biggest challenges. Winners of both the T Level Student Award and the apprenticeship categories stand to gain a £1000 prize, with two runners-up in each category receiving £500.  

For further information www.enginuity.org/skills-awards-2024