production world
EDM Award winner
GF AgieCharmilles’ new Cut 20 wire EDM machine won the the ‘Best Physico-
Chemical Machine Tool’ category at the recently-held MWP Awards (Tuesday,
April 22 2008). The standard-entry, competitively-priced Cut 20 machine made its
world premiere at EMO 2007 and was launched in the UK immediately after the
Exhibition in September. In just under 8 months sales of the machine in the UK
exceeded expectations making it the fastest-selling wire machine in its class.
Says Steve Sylvester, managing director at GF AgieCharmilles UK: ‘The
positive response to the Cut 20 from the market (precision toolmakers and
component manufacturers) made the decision to showcase the machine on our
Stand at MACH - a relatively straightforward one to make. This latest accolade is
particularly pleasing. We know that our Cut 20 is a world-beater and the fact that
this has now been recognised by the independent MWP Awards panel of judges
justifies, still further, our confidence in the machine. Although the MACH show
is now over precision manufacturers can see the new Cut 20 being put through its
paces at our demonstration facility in Coventry. www.gfac.com
The MWP 2008 Awards Grand Prix Winner FSG
Tool and Die’s team on stage with compere Jason
Manford and overall sponsor Bank of Scotland’s
Mike Hankin. Find full details of winners and
sponsors at: www.mwpawards.com
AILU micro/nano workshop
New headquarters for Aberlink
New website from Sescoi
TO support its new generation ERP system, WorkPLAN
Enterprise, Sescoi has gone live with a dedicated website
which provides in depth information about the capabilities
and benefits of the new software. WorkPLAN Enterprise is a
comprehensive management system developed for custom
manufacturers such as mould and die makers, and
companies producing special machines, prototypes and
patterns. It gives extensive control and up to the minute
information without the
complexity normally
associated with ERP
The website explains in
detail how the software
covers all aspects of the
business.
www.workplan-enterprise.com
THE Association of Laser Users is holding a one day workshop - 'Industrial and research opportunities in laser micro and nano
processing' on Wednesday 4 June at Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington UK. Laser technology is vitally important in the micro
and emerging nanoengineering fields, providing high-resolution, accuracy, speed and flexibility; in particular, its utilisation in
the engineering of micro features is key to the technical and commercial success of many mass-produced components
ranging from photovoltaic cells and panels, inkjet print heads and flat panel displays, to MEMS components, circuit
fabrication and micro-hole drilling. In this annual workshop, industrial users of laser processing technology, suppliers of laserbased
equipment and researchers in new laser technology come together to present their applications. Full details can be
found via the events link on: www.ailu.org.uk
TO help satisfy the increasing worldwide demand for its growing range of
high-quality CMMs and optical measuring devices, UK manufacturer,
Aberlink has moved to a new Global Headquarters in Eastcombe, near
Stroud. With easy access from the M5, the new purpose-built premises will
house all of the company’s manufacturing, administration, training and
showroom facilities. The production unit is four times larger than the
company’s previous manufacturing facility. This follows the opening of
Aberlink’s satellite in Korea and the company’s 10,000th unit.
The company was formed in 1994 by Marcus Eales and Gavin Bailey. Since introducing its first CMM Machine, the
Axiom, Aberlink has enjoyed average year-on-year increase in turnover of over 28%. A steadfast commitment to R & D
has ensured a steady stream of commercially viable company product launches, such as the ‘shop-floor proof’ Extreme
CMM. With another three major product launches due later this year, Aberlink’s owners claim they now sell more
CMMs than any other UK-owned manufacturer. www.aberlink.co.uk
08 MWP may 2008
Steve Sylvester, managing
director AgieCharmilles (right)
and Max Swinbourne, Product
Manager EDM (left) are seen in
front of the Cut 20 machine which
won the MWP Award for ‘Best
Physico-Chemical Machine Tool’.
Export sales
boost West
Yorkshire
engineer’s
record
turnover
STRONG export sales
particularly to the US and
Ireland have helped Otleybased
Craftsman Tools
boost its annual turnover to
record levels. For the
financial year ending 1
December 2007, it has
posted a turnover of £6
million, an increase of 30%
the previous year, and well
ahead of schedule.
The company is at the
forefront of work and
toolholding technology as
well as supply chain services
to the engineering sector,
and operates a satellite
office in Chicago, which
trades as Chevin Tools.
Managing Director
Robert Johnson says: ‘This
is really positive news not
just for the business but for
the engineering sector as
well. The main factors in
our continuing success are
that we are very focused on
sales and marketing, and on
providing first class
customer service. We also
invest heavily to keep up to
date with in the latest
technology, whether that
be machinery for the shop
floor or our IT systems, and
we also look to employ the
best people.
‘Over the past year we
have increased our
employee numbers to 56,
with five of those being
apprentices. We also now
have a dedicated member
of staff to train up our
apprentices, and we have
recently invested £60000 on
a vertical machining centre
and a CNC lathe specifically
for them to begin their basic
training on.’
www.craftsmantools.com
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