MACH 2016, in association with the Manufacturing Technology Association, united more than 600 manufacturers at the UK’s premier machine tool exhibition. The Manufacturer rounds up a sample of what was on offer.
Bruderer UK exhibited collaboration with ZANI presses
Bruderer UK showcased its collaboration with ZANI presses, displaying presses from 200 to 1,000 tonne. Other displays included shop floor data collection to support overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), press and tool protection systems, and the bending and forming machine from Biegema, alongside advanced press accessories from precision tooling to cutting-edge coil handling and welding solutions.
The firm’s managing director, Adrian Haller commented: “MACH is a major event in our calendar and we always like to be able to launch something new to the market…this year is no different.
“There’s been a lot of interest in the 40 tonne range and the BSTA 410-110 addresses this demand, offering speed, precision and extra bed length capacity. It’s an irresistible combination, when you add in the latest high speed precision servo feeder technology.”
FANUC showcased the next generation of automation
FANUC UK showcased its range of robotics and automation solutions, including new in show the CR-7iA. The CR-7iA enables collaborative automation while working with lighter materials, with the ability to lift payloads of up to 7kg.
As a smaller addition to the collaborative robot family, the CR-7iA provided hospitality during the conference, serving a range of canned drinks to attendees. FANUC’s larger collaborative robot, the CR-35iA, capable of lifting payloads of up to 35kg, also made an appearance.
In addition, FANUC’s suite of CNC control systems, the 3OiB and OiF 15, demonstrated the breadth of CNC functions, while the iHMI platform displayed powerful CNC machining and motion control platforms. Visitors witnessed FANUC’s ROBOCUT and ROBODRILL perform in a number of different settings, demonstrating how these versatile products can cater to a multitude of business needs.
New film focused on Filtermist’s far-reaching air filtration capabilities
UK-based oil mist filters manufacturer, Filtermist International launched a brand new digital film to showcase the comprehensive Centralised Extraction Systems (CES) service offered by the company.
This type of extraction system is used by a wide range of manufacturers that need to remove contaminants including oil mist; smoke; dust, and fume from the air in their workshops.
The short film shows how the Swedish-owned company takes responsibility for the whole process – from initial specification and design, to supply, installation, commissioning and after sales support.
Hone-All demonstrated its X-Factor
Hone-All Precision Ltd demonstrated how its ability to offer a completely diverse manufacturing service has given the Leighton Buzzard business the ‘X-Factor’ through a challenging economic period.
The leading subcontract manufacturer for the oil and gas industry highlighted how its combination of investment in new deep hole boring technology and the manufacturing expertise of its staff has enabled the company to successfully diversify during the sector’s prolonged period of consolidation.
Over the past 18 months, word of Hone-All’s established industry reputation for delivering uncompromising levels of quality and service has reached the marine and hydraulics sectors.
The firm also promoted the additional capacity of its two new TIBO Tiefbohrtechnik deep hole boring machines, which have increased capacity and extend Hone-All’s maximum boring capacity to 250mm with a length of 3.1m.
2D CNC and Halbronn Group provided unmatched high-technology solutions
2D CNC Machinery Ltd and Halbronn Group, the leading distributor of machine tools and automation in France, have merged as part of a strategic technology alliance operating out of Hinckley under the UK company name and operational business on the home market.
Visitors to the 2D CNC Machinery stand not only saw and discussed, first hand, the impressive cost-to-performance ratios of some of the market’s leading five-axis machining centres and high-precision grinding machines, but they also heard how the Halbronn Group’s merger with 2D CNC instantly created an unrivalled single-source of high-technology machines and allied automation.
ETG – where technology talks
ETG majored on its expertise as an advanced machining systems supplier, highlighting its capabilities as a designer and manufacturer of turnkey and automated machine loading systems.
The firm’s ‘where technology talks’-themed stand featured 11 fully-operational high end machining centres, six of which were being featured for the first time in the UK, along with a Halter robotic loading and unloading system – also a first time exhibit for UK visitors.
A range of live demonstrations ran on Chiron, Nakamura–Tome, Stama, Quaser and Hardinge machines with a Halter ‘Load Assistant’ also operational. In addition, a further four Hardinge machines along with a Quaser were featured on other stands in the exhibition halls.
Citizen’s Wizard software took in more skills
Upgraded to fully support the latest additions to Citizen’s Cincom CNC sliding head and Miyano fixed head turn-mill centres, the UK-developed Alkart CNC Wizard 2016 offline programming was launched at MACH 2016.
CNC Wizard’s popularity, as a low cost programming aid, has brought it to a top-selling position in North America and has gained in excess of 1,500 users worldwide since 2008. It was originally developed and is continually updated at Citizen UK in Bushey to help, speed, and improve machining efficiency using simple and straightforward question and answer formats. Important in the software functionality is its operational strategy for both new and experienced users of Citizen and Miyano machines.
Meet HepcoMotion’s Flagship GV3
Demonstrating the depth of its product ranges, HepcoMotion took two stands at MACH 2016.
The first stand focused on the company’s core linear motion technology and the second on complementary system components, including Winkel bearings and ZIMM Screw Jacks.
Key products included Hepco’s core GV3 Linear Motion System that serves a diverse range of automation & linear applications. Suitable for a wide variety of environments from clean rooms to hostile conditions, GV3 is one of the quietest linear systems available. The linear system can operate with or without lubrication and a unique wiping action expels debris, keeping machines running and reliable.
How do TEG control their manufacturing tolerances?
TEG, a specialist in the provision of bespoke engineered solutions to fully accredited specifications, leveraged the advantages of pre-setting its cutting tools using a newly installed Zoller Smile 600. The investment has seen the company witness “significant improvements in quality”, with more than 98% of parts now coming off the company’s machine tools right-first-time.
Based at Mullingar – around 70km west of Dublin, Ireland – TEG provides tailor-made solutions for customers located in over 30 countries worldwide, typically to high profile, quality-driven sectors that include aerospace, pharmaceutical and biopharma. With sales offices in the UK and Germany, the company is a global concern with many accreditations.
Flowing through production
The family-run VULKAN GROUP has been in business for more than 125 years, focusing on diesel-engine applications in shipping and generator systems. Quick, intuitive and precise 3D scanning was the main focus when developing the ZEISS T-SCAN CS laser scanner.
The result is a manual device with an extremely high dynamic, enabling the capture of diverse surfaces with only a single setting – and at a data rate of up to 210,000 points per second. This means that the measuring uncertainty is 0.1 in an entire measuring range of 6.3 m³.
The ergonomics of the 1kg device also enables the operator to effortlessly reach workpieces which are difficult to access. The hand scanner is complemented by the ZEISS T-TRACK CS+ tracking camera. The camera follows the movements of the laser within the space and records the captured points in a virtual coordinate system. This allows the operator to select any measuring area within the range of the camera. The ZEISS colin3D data capture software generates a 3D model of the workpiece using the captured point clouds.
Ward CNC-supplied machines underpin continual growth at Graham Hart ltd
Graham Hart Ltd, an expert in the development, design and manufacture of high-integrity heat and mass transfer and specialised pressure equipment, has since its establishment in 1973 cleverly blended traditional family-firm values with the highest levels of design and manufacturing skills and machining technology.
The company – which is headed up by managing director Chris Hart – has blended class-leading pressure system design and development expertise with advanced manufacturing equipment and processes to provide clients with a complete service, from process design through to full equipment supply.
In every case of capital investment, said Hart, the necessity is to install technology that is truly fit for purpose. And it’s a policy that certainly applies to the company’s two most recent CNC machine investments – a Hartford double-column machining centre and a Hankook vertical boring and turning machine (VTL), both supplied by T W Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC), the exclusive UK distributor for these machine tool manufacturers.
Oil & Water Management
Having jointly more than 60 years of experience in many engineering disciplines, Oil & Water Management have the expertise to offer a full lifecycle approach to the supply and routine management and testing of all Industrial lubricants, including: metalworking; forging products; and process wash fluids, as per HSE Guidelines.
With the environment in mind, Oil & Water Management offer a range of management and waste minimisation equipment which gives companies process improvements, environmental benefits and so offers true cost savings.
The company philosophy is to offer, where possible, new and innovative processes and systems, which include media free filtration. Oil & Water Management is an agent and distributor for many recognised brands, all equipment supplied conforms to current EC guidelines and all fluids come complete with all necessary REACH, & COSSH data. Offering “Bespoke solutions giving you control”.
