Blum-Novotest in control with UK ‘Laser’ measurement technology debut at MACH

A new laser measuring system will be given its UK debut at MACH 2018 and is promising to reduce the time taken to measure cutting tools by 60%.

Blum-Novotest, which has 95% of the global machine tool market for this technology, will provide live demonstrations of the LC50, the next generation of the laser and the latest addition to the hugely successful DIGILOG family.

It will be fitted to a Fanuc Robodrill on stand H18-420 and delegates will be able to witness firsthand how the premium laser optics, new design shutter protection system and HPC nozzle provides ‘ultra-reliable’ in-machine measurement data.

The East Staffordshire-based company expects this new product to generate over £500,000 of new orders over the next two years, with the main interest coming from manufacturers supplying high value parts to the automotive, aerospace, F1 and aerospace sectors.

“This is the first time anyone in the UK will have seen this laser measurement system in action and I’m sure interest is going to be huge,” explained David Mold, Managing Director of Blum-Novotest in the UK.

“By evaluating the analogue signal rather than the digital one, we can take thousands of measuring values of all cutting tool edges per second, resulting in highly dynamic measurement of all tool parameters. In essence, this technology is 60% quicker than conventional in-machine measuring”.

He went on to add: “Even the coolant influence is bypassed by automatically filtering out dirt and the coolant residue on the tool.”

Blum-Novotest is one of the global leaders in production metrology, employing 534 people and turning over £77m across its 16 subsidiaries.

Its UK operation was founded in 2000 by David and originally started life in a small office in Lichfield. As the firm’s reputation grew in aerospace and automotive, sales started to increase rapidly and a move to bespoke offices and a state-of-the-art demonstration room in Burton-upon-Trent followed in 2015.

Today, the company delivers its solutions to some of the world’s largest aerospace primes, car manufacturers and a host of CNC machine tool suppliers, including the Engineering Technology Group, Whitehouse Machine Tools and Yeovil Machine Tools.

“LC50 is targeted to customers who really need to control the whole machining process and who want to implement Industry 4.0 standards in their manufacturing operations as it allows them to control the variables of cutting tool, workpiece and temperature,” continued David, who oversaw a record performance in 2017.

“Laser control systems accounted for 65% of our turnover last year and I would expect this to increase with this new technology being rolled out across existing and new clients in the UK.”

He concluded: “There’s no reason why we can’t do in excess of £500,000 of orders between now and 2020.”

For further information, please visit www.blum-novotest.com or follow @Blumnovotestuk on twitter. You can visit Stand H18-420 at MACH 2018.

FANUC UK to Demonstrate Open-Network Capabilities at MACH 2018

FANUC UK will demonstrate its next-generation automated capabilities, alongside its latest advances in robotics, RoboMachines, drives, and controls, at its fully-connected stand during this year’s MACH exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.

“Our theme this year is ‘Connectivity’,” says Andrew Armstrong, FANUC UK’s sales and marketing manager. “Alongside a selection of our most recent product launches, many of which will be making their UK debut at MACH, we will also be demonstrating FANUC’s capabilities within the emerging markets of artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 and the IoT.”

The stand, which will include a range of robot models across FANUC’s collaborative, SCARA, and machine-tending portfolios, will be connected via a single software platform: the MT-LINKi. This scalable operation management tool, which was first unveiled at EMO last year, will collect, monitor and display the data of every machine on the stand, in an easy-to-digest format for all visitors to see.

“The MT-LINKi represents an easy and cost-effective way to connect and monitor machines on the factory floor,” says Andrew. “The technology is scalable, with a connection capability of up to 100 machines per server. The data, which can be collected via a dedicated Collector PC software, can then be used to optimise production processes, maximise machine usage, or diagnose potential problems, all without having to visit the factory floor.

“This software will be joined by FANUC’s Zero Downtime technology, which was also unveiled at EMO. The ZDT will demonstrate FANUC’s abilities within condition monitoring: an arguably quick and easy win for manufacturers looking to adopt Industry 4.0.”

Three of the cells connected by MT-LINKi will showcase FANUC’s RoboMachine capabilities within electronic discharge machining and vertical milling.

The ROBOCUT C800iB, which is the largest of FANUC’s wire EDMs, will be making its UK debut as part of a gear-cutting and hole-drilling cell, and will be equipped with both a FANUC CCR rotary table, and a bonding alloy Pentron attachment.

The C800iB is suited to high-capacity, complex cutting requirements, and is capable of working, without human interference, for extended periods of time. This is due to its automatic wire feeding functions and Core Stitch technology, a software that allows operators to plan cutting jobs, and increase unmanned machining hours.

The two ROBODRILL cells will demonstrate FANUC’s industry partnerships for enhanced capability. The a-D21LiB model will be integrated with a NIKKEN 5AX-DD200BF2 direct drive 5-axis unit to cut a special-edition World Cup trophy out of brass.

The a-DiB5 ADV, which represents the latest advanced series of the ROBODRILL machining centre, will be paired with a FANUC robot, and equipped with a Renishaw Equator. The Equator will demonstrate a no-fault-forward functionality, by analysing machined parts and correcting any perceived decline in part quality, without disrupting production.

Andrew Armstrong says: “We’re particularly excited about our ROBOCUT and ROBODRILL cells, which will provide a full demonstration of FANUC’s automated, connected capabilities. We’re also pleased to be partnering with Renishaw and Nikken, amongst others, for MACH 2018. This will show how FANUC can offer bespoke services and enhanced capabilities, depending on the customer’s requirements.”

Also making its UK debut will be a laser cutting cell featuring the latest integrated CO2 and fibre laser systems from FANUC. As well as offering high performance and reliability, FANUC CO2 and fibre lasers are compact, easy-to-use and cost-effective. They also use the same hardware systems, which means the laser source can be swapped out when required for maximum flexibility.

Andrew says: “The FANUC brand often gets aligned to one of our product portfolios, whether that’s CNC or robots. We hope that visitors to MACH will realise the true extent of what we can offer, from our robots and RoboMachines, right the way through to our enhanced machine-to-machine capabilities.”

FANUC will be exhibiting in Hall 19, stand 610, from 9th to 13th April. Sales representatives will be available for one-to-one meetings and consultations. To book an appointment, please visit http://www.fanuc.eu/uk/en/mach2018-book-your-meeting.

For more information on the exhibits at FANUC’s stand, please contact marketing@fanuc.co.uk.

Tornos Caters for Complexity with Simple Solution at MACH 2018

Tornos will demonstrate world leading turning solutions on its return to MACH on stand H19-312 with a debut appearance for the Swiss GT and a return to MACH for the unique SwissNano micro turning solution.

The Swiss GT 32 is an extremely powerful and sturdy turning centre that boasts 6 linear axes, two C-axes, three positions for driven tools and a maximum capacity of 40 tools including 14 driven tools. This gives the Swiss GT 32 unsurpassed levels of flexibility and capacity with an outstanding cost/performance ratio. The Swiss GT 32 is also available with B-axis that enables angular machining on both the main and counter headstocks. On machines with B-axis, the number of driven tools is increased to 16, with a total tool capacity of 36.

Simple and ergonomic, the Swiss GT range offers easy access to all tool positions. It is easy to use and maintain thanks in particular to its automatic lubrication unit, a swarf tray and a high volume removable oil tank. The GT Series is available in three diameters, the 32mm Swiss GT 32, the 25.4mm Swiss GT 26 and the 13mm Swiss GT 13. Each is specifically designed to drive your successful production of long and short turned parts.

The Swiss GT is built for power and speed. The machine is driven by a synchronous motor with liquid-cooled spindles running at 15,000rpm with up to 10kW of power on both the main and counter headstocks. This not only ensures the highest precision, it allows you to save precious seconds. The spindles and guide bush is equipped with ceramic roller bearings to guarantee thermal stability, precision and durability, even at high loads. The direct drive guide bush provides high-speed, accurate machining, thereby reducing cycle times and improving surface finishes. The Swiss GT line features a 20-bar pump with two independent filters and to boost efficiency on short parts, the Swiss GT 32 can be converted to run without a guide bush in less than 15 minutes.

Just as with all of the new Tornos products, the Swiss GT series is supported by the Active Chip Breaker function developed to help customers manage the swarf formation and ultimately improve unmanned running capability on materials like Aluminium, Titanium, Plastic and Steel where stringy swarf can cause major production problems.

Tornos’ TISIS software simplifies machine programming and once the machine has been virtually equipped with the correct tool holders, it is possible to define the specific geometry for each tool and to test the program or parts of it by 2D simulation or use TISISCAM to write the program for you. Tornos will be giving MACH visitors a demonstration of the full capabilities of its TISIS platform including Industry 4.0-enabling TISIS process monitoring software at the show. TISIS machine communication and programming software is a manufacturers’ portal to the production efficiencies envisioned by Industry 4.0. Make sure you get a look at the future by visiting the Tornos stand at MACH 2018.

An engineering cornucopia of new and enhanced products from Leader at MACH 2018

As one of the UK and Ireland’s premier workholding and manufacturing ancillary specialists, Leader Chuck Internationals stand at MACH 2018 (H18-2) will feature an engineering cornucopia of new and enhanced products specifically developed and selected to improve the efficiency, productivity and accuracy of just about any machine shop.

Managing Director, Mark Jones, explains: “While some of the products we support are straightforward, requiring no services to demonstrate their capabilities, others demand compressed air, electricity or both. Having secured services for the stand visitors to the show can witness the potential benefits available from our product partners when combined with the comprehensive fixturing knowledge available from Leader staff.

“For example, freeze clamping plates from the world’s leading specialist AMCC have proven to be an excellent alternative to magnetic fixtures of non-metallic and non-magnetic components. Visitors will be able to see the plates in action as it is the only way to fully appreciate the holding strength available with ice.”

Autogrip’s range of through-bore and closed centre standard and long stroke 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-jaw power chucks are designed to operate at up to 8,000 rpm. While the Lexair Tri-Grip collet closer is designed for use on either vertical or horizontal machining centres, to maximise the raw material loading capacity. Extending the capability of any machining centre is Exact Machinery’s range of precision CNC rotary tables and indexing units. This range of CNC tilt and turn rotary tables features high rotational torque, dynamic accuracy and easy installation and maintenance.

New products in the Leader portfolio include a line up of small self-contained pneumatic jaw and collet chucks from Jato, and an extensive range of dynamic balancing and monitoring solutions from Italian specialists Balance Systems. The dynamic display is crowned by the ZeroClamp zero-point clamping system that represents the foundation of all the automation products being offered by Leader.

A new partner for Leader, being shown for the first time in the UK at MACH, OMIL is specialist supplier of automation and robot components. Its wide range of products allows the company to operate in a number of key sectors, including machine tools, assembly machines, transfer machines, gantry-robots and in the general mechanical and electromechanical engineering industry.

Static but fully functioning vices from OrangeVice, Homge and PiranhaClamp will be available, the latter offering unbeatable clamping force characteristics with the spindle able to withstand well above 1,300 Nm², with only 3 mm clamping depth, open construction for chip removal, extremely low height and no pre-stamping required. Added to these is the CARVEsmart Quick Change Vice Jaw System that has been developed to simplify set-ups for production and toolroom vices.

A superlative range of world-leading quick-change collet chucks and mandrels from Hainbuch have been available from Leader for nearly 25 years, and the company’s latest engineering solutions will be on show on stand H18-2. They will feature alongside Hewa range of 2-jaw self-centring indexing chucks, Maprox high precision collet chucks and miniature multi-jaw chucks for watch makers and metrology applications, and MicroCentric high accuracy air and diaphragm chucks. Designed for the Converting and Paper industries, Core chucks are the focus for Panzeri, and examples of its lug-type, axial and torque-activated as well as pneumomechanical chucks can be seen.

Said to be the world’s most comprehensive drill chuck programme for the precision engineering and industrial market, a sample of the advanced range of keyed, keyless and hybrid industrial and medical drill chucks from Llambrich is also on show. Details of Turin-based tailor-made workholding and component manipulation specialist, Rotomors’ capabilities will also be highlighted, as Leader exclusively offers these solutions to manufacturing and precision engineering companies in the UK and Eire.

Innovating products, technologies and magnetic systems focused on safety and time efficiency are offered for grinding, milling and turning applications by magnetic fixturing specialist Walmag.

Supporting workshop accuracy and efficiency the RotoRi range of chuck jaw boring rings can precisely aid the ‘truing’ of jaws fitted to manual or power chucks. The RotoRi sets have been specifically designed to be used to bore, turn or grind jaws very accurately under a clamping pressure that reflects that required to hold the workpiece.

“As well as workholding and automation solutions our stand will also feature ancillary items intended to support the goals of efficiency and productivity, such as the recently launched Piranha Clamp Cooling Line range. A system for precise coolant supply, it is manufactured from high-strength anodized aluminium to withstand pressures of up to 80 bar (1,160 psi) and can be installed on all common tool holders and CNC machines using threaded connectors,” says Mark Jones.

Details of the high quality single and multi-spindle bar feeding solutions designed and manufactured by Cucchi Giovanni will also be on the stand. Mark Jones concludes: “A bar feeder seems like a relatively simple device. It is the most common automation accessory for high volume turning, it provides a reliable way of delivering material to the machine tool for extended periods of time, saving an operator from continually loading stock into the chuck. However, bar feeders differ from one to another, and the feeding solutions developed by Cucchi Giovanni make them more suitable to high efficiency workshop environments.”