production world
PROGRESSIVE UK manufacturing
companies are succeeding in global
markets by adopting high
technology processes and modern, knowledge-based management
philosophies. For companies who need to sustain their hard-won competitive
advantages the MWP Summit - with its focus on sustainability in every sense -
is becoming established as a critical diary date on the advanced
manufacturing technology calendar.
Designed as a one-day seminar and networking event for engineers,
technologists, directors and managers working in SMEs, this time it will be
held at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s ‘Factory of the
Future’ in South Yorkshire. The FoF, with its zero carbon footprint philosophy,
is a living demonstration of what can happen when intellect and creativity,
advanced technology, and commerce work together.
The day will include presentations from technology specialists on materials
and processes, from managers of successful SMEs on supply chain, training
and commercial issues, and from experts on environmental issues. There will
also be demonstrations of the work going on at AMRC, including the
potential for virtual reality to improve manufacturing methods and product
performance, and the award-winning Mantra project.
A Leicester-based laser cutting subcontractor
that claims to offer the most diverse profiling
service in the country has ordered a new
TruLaser 5030 CNC laser profiling centre from
Trumpf complete with single head technology
and 5kW TruFlow laser. Microkerf will now
process material ranging from 0.025mm shim
steel up to 25mm thick steel jobs. ‘The work we
process is extremely varied,’ states the
company’s Managing Director David Gattward.
With so many jobs featuring different
material thickness, the need to keep laser
cutting head changes to an absolute minimum
is paramount. However, although this is
possible using meticulously planned
production schedules, it does introduce a
certain degree of inflexibility to factory
throughput. ‘At present we have to organise our
production so that we cut all of our urgent thin
jobs, followed by all of our urgent thicker
work. By doing this we avoid constantly
changing heads on our existing 3kW laser
cutter,’ explains Gattward. ‘However, planning
can become more complex as a result, and it
does make things difficult when we are trying
Registration is open for the MWP Summit -
Thursday 6th November 2008 at AMRC Factory of the Future
Trumpf's head for automation helps Microkerf
to work with short lead-times.’
At present, Microkerf can limit its cutting
head changes to twice a day, each of which
takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
While this doesn't sound very long, it equates
to approximately 175 hours of lost production
time every year. Due to be installed during
summer 2008, the machine will help
Microkerf regain these lost hours and make
intricate production planning a thing of the
past. Thanks to innovative single head
technology featuring automatic nozzle
changes it is now possible to cut all material
thicknesses up to 25mm without swapping the
cutting head.
The merits of automatic nozzle change
technology werey proven in a trial that
processed 20 jobs with a large variety of parts
and materials with and then without the use
of the new nozzle changer. The new system
saved more than 60 minutes of handling and
waiting time.
The carrier plate of the changer can hold up
to eight nozzles arranged according to job
requirements. During the exchange process the
TM-1P CNC Mill £19,995
Simple. Innovation.
For details, or to view this machine locally call 01603 760539 or visit www.haas.co.uk
10 MWP july 2008
The programme has been devised by MWP and AMRC to ensure that you’ll
have a worthwhile and enjoyable day. And acknowledging the importance of
networking time at the event, we are engaging the services of James Nathan,
winner of this year’s BBC TV Masterchef contest, to provide lunch.
About the venue
The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with
Boeing, is a £60million manufacturing centre of excellence that’s regarded as
a world-wide authority on advanced-technology solutions for the machining
of new and exotic materials. The recent expansion into the carbon neutral
Rolls-Royce sponsored Factory of the Future, (part financed by the regional
development agency Yorkshire Forward, and the South Yorkshire Objective 1
Committee) is increasing collaborative research between the 40 strong
industrial partners and the AMRC’s sister research centres: the Composites
and Advanced Technology Centre (CAMTeC); Center of Excellence in
Customisable Assembly (CECA); and the Innovative Metals Processing
Centre (IMPC).
Call the MWP Summit booking line on 01527 880804 to reserve your place
www.mwpsummit.com
laser head and swing arm of the nozzle
changer assume the transfer position, before
the rotary clamp chuck of the swivel arm
removes the nozzle and relocates it on the
carrier arm. A new nozzle is retrieved and
inserted into the cutting head ready for the
next job.
www.uk.trumpf.com
NEW
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