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MANUFACTURINGTALK
The Independent Weekly Product Information
Guide
for Manufacturing, Production and Automation Engineers
=======================================================
ISSN 1475-2921 - Free subscription
Last week's delivered
circulation: 26,509
Published every Monday from the UK.
Issue 137: 10 November 2003
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8664
product announcements and technical articles
on our web site, all
fully searchable at
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/ - take a
look!
=======================================================
In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top Ten new
Products Selection
[1] HMC contours more accurately and
vibration-free
[2] High spindle speeds and feed rates feature
M-Cs
[3] Combining hard turning and finish grinding
[4]
Sliding head automatic uses three tools at once
[5] Value
engineering upgrades CNC lathe specification
[6] Punching centre
processes coils and blanks
[7] Solid state lasers perform
micro-machining
[8] Laser penetrates deeply with long focal
distance
[9] No moving parts ensure jam-free batch
shotblasting
[10] Intelligent measurement modules bridge
networks
* New Technical Articles and Case Studies
* ...And
take a look at these stories too...
=======================================================
Mike Page, Editor, writes:
Well, so interest rates have
gone up 0.25%. I suppose many - particularly the savers among us -
will welcome it. Those deeply into debt - well, one supposes it will
not get any better. I attended a MTA Seminar last week in which the
Oxford Economic Forecast unit projected future interest rates for the
UK to peak at 4.9% in 2005 and dropping back to 4.5% by 2007. A banker
associate reckons interest rates might rise to 5% by the end of next
year.
In the same time frames, the OEF forecasts that the
US Dollar: Pound will be 1.7 and 1.6 respectively, while the Euro will
be 1.46 rising to 1.5. I will produce a summary soon of the OEF's
findings, which include overviews of future trends in the automotive,
aerospace and general engineering sectors. China, as one would expect,
is the 'shining star' in terms of growth rates.
Compared
with interest rate 'ups and downs' some years ago, one could say
things look 'stable'. The OEF predicted that some manufacturing
sectors in the UK will improve over the next few years - but nothing
like in Italy or the US and probably won't reach 1995 levels. At
least, HM government is showing some signs of interest in
manufacturing - as witnessed by the story on the opening of a Centre
for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence near London by the UK's
Prime Minister.
It is a pity that certain UK banks and
financial institutions can not show the same willingness to support
manufacturing as they do with encouraging the UK populace to get
deeper into debt!
I hope you find this issue of our weekly
newsletter useful. In addition to the new products, news and ideas
featured here, there are hundreds more on our website and dozens more
being added daily, so do take a look if you can.
Alternatively,
the full stories behind all the summaries and headlines in this
newsletter can be retrieved by email alone: see details below.
In
the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we might make the
site or the newsletter better, email me directly.
Best
wishes
Mike Page, Editor
mailto:ne[-email
removed-]turingtalk.com
=======================================================
Looking
for an engineering directory of suppliers for specific
products/services? EngNet is the place to start.
http://www.engnetglobal.com/
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=======================================================
THIS
WEEK'S INDUSTRY NEWS
=======================================================
To read
more, use the web links. Or get the full stories emailed back to you:
just send a blank email to the address shown. It's a free service. Try
it! It works!
10,000 EDMS BUILT, 5000 WITH LINEAR
MOTORS
Sodick Thailand has just celebrated a major production
milestone by delivering its 10,000th machine and has also achieved its
target of manufacturing more than 5,000 linear motor EDMs
Sodi-Tech edm, 4 November 2003
mailto:snk1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/snk/snk107.html
UK
ENGINEERS ARE WORLD CLASS!
UK Skills urged more young people to
consider the benefits of training as they celebrated the achievements
of 31 young people who recently competed at the WorldSkills
Competition.
UK Skills, 6 November 2003
mailto:ukw1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/ukw/ukw101.html
TIME
TO DRAFT A NEW MACHINERY SAFETY STANDARD
For many years machine
designers, builders and users have used BS EN 954-1: 1997 as the key
standard for safety controls, but is the standard still relevent for
advanced systems?
Pilz Automation Technology, 6 November
2003
mailto:pil1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/pil/pil118.html
UK PRIME MINISTER OPENS MANUFACTURING CENTRE
The UK Prime
Minister, Rt. Hon. Tony Blair MP, officially opened the Centre for
Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) on Nov 6, at Dagenham,
Essex.
London Development Agency, 10 November 2003
mailto:frd1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/frd/frd100.html
=======================================================
OUR TOP
TEN NEW PRODUCTS SELECTION
=======================================================
1. HMC
contours more accurately and vibration-free
In its
commitment to technology, Mori Seiki has developed the industry's most
advanced horizontal machining center to date. The powerful NH4000
employs technologies never before combined, giving the customer the
best in dynamic characteristics and surface quality. Now users have
the ability to contour more accurately, accelerate among positions 38%
faster, and experience less residual vibration.
* Request
a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/mir/100/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/mir/mir100.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:mir1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
2. High
spindle speeds and feed rates feature M-Cs
Combining
advanced technology and high performance combined with exceptional
value features two machining centres with high spindle speeds and axis
feed rates. At EMO 2003, the two machining centres belonged to four
new Yamazaki Mazak Nexus machines introduced to bring the complete
Nexus range to 19 different models. The new machines are the Quick
Turn Nexus 250MS, the Quick Turn Nexus 350M, a Vertical Centre Nexus
510C-HS and the Horizontal Centre Nexus designated the HCN 6000.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/yma/133/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/yma/yma133.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:yma1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
3.
Combining hard turning and finish grinding
The combination
machining of high-precision hardened workpieces is gaining acceptance.
Since Emag introduced, at METAV 1998, the world's first combined
turning and grinding center, this new technology has spread far and
wide. The trend in modern manufacturing techniques is toward process
stream consolidation - approximately 200 combined turning and grinding
centers from Emag Reinecker's VSC series of vertical machines are in
use today.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/emb/108/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/emb/emb108.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:emb1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
4.
Sliding head automatic uses three tools at once
Following
a major upgrade, Star's SR-20R sliding-headstock lathe, which falls
mid way in the Japanese manufacturer's range in terms of
specification, will now turn, mill, drill/tap and carry out other
machining operations such as thread whirling and wobble broaching on
more complex components up to 20mm diameter in a single hit. Most
notable is an increase in the number of tools in the working area to
28, around a quarter more than equivalent competitive models.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/srm/103/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/srm/srm103.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:srm1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
5.
Value engineering upgrades CNC lathe specification
Following the resurgence in international demand for its manual
centre lathe range and the resulting value engineering exercise
carried out by Colchester Lathe design and production engineering
team, the Colchester Sales operation is now able to offer the newly
developed variable speed Master and Triumph VS centre lathes at GBP
11,950 and GBP 12,750 respectively. Providing outstanding value for
money, both machines feature an AC inverter 7.5kW electronic spindle
drive giving constant power.
* Request a free brochure by
post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/clc/141/0
*
Read more: http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/clc/clc141.html
or send a blank email to mailto:clc1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
6.
Punching centre processes coils and blanks
At EMO 2003 in
Pivatic introduced the Pivatic Punching Center for Coils and Blanks
(PC and B), where both coils and blanks can be fed. New Pivatic
Punching Center for Coils and Blanks (PC and B) enables punching,
notching, trimming and shearing from coils and blanks. Punching of
volume parts from coils is economical, fast and efficient. This is due
unique coil handling systems, versatile feeding system for coils and
blanks and easy-to-use PivaCam product programming.
*
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/ank/100/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/ank/ank100.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:ank1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
7.
Solid state lasers perform micro-machining
Oxford Lasers,
previously known for its copper vapour laser products, has just
launched a range of diode pumped solid state laser micro-machining
systems to complements its product range. Oxford Lasers offer 3
standard system platforms with a fully integrated and interlocked
workstation and PC controlled multi-axis part-handling with options
such as trepanning heads, optical taper correction systems, galvo
scanning systems and automated vision alignment systems.
*
Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/ofo/102/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/ofo/ofo102.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:ofo1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
8.
Laser penetrates deeply with long focal distance
At the
EMO exhibition the Rofin Laser Macro group presented the new
top-of-the-line CO2 laser from the series of its successful Slab
lasers: the Rofin DC 060 W. The diffusion-cooled new power class model
now delivers an average output power of 6kW and is mainly designed for
welding applications. The laser is ideally suited for welding tasks
requiring considerable weld depth or involving a long focal distance
(i.e. large scale remote welding).
* Request a free
brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/rfi/115/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/rfi/rfi115.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:rfi1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
9. No
moving parts ensure jam-free batch shotblasting
The DTC
batch-type shotblasting machine from DISA is specifically suitable for
de-scaling of forgings, and cleaning of tumble-proof grey iron
castings, steel castings, ductile iron and malleable iron castings.
The unique principle of the DTC is its polygon shaped trough, which
rocks back and forth about its longitudinal axis through about 120deg
ensuring gentle tumbling of the workpieces to be cleaned. There are no
moving plant components within the blasting zone, so no jamming of
workpieces.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/dsa/101/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/dsa/dsa101.html
or send a
blank email to mailto:dsa1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
10.
Intelligent measurement modules bridge networks
In a major
breakthrough in machinery monitoring and protection designed to
increase manufacturers' plant uptime and reduce maintenance costs,
Rockwell Automation introduces the Entek XMT Series of intelligent
measurement modules. The XM Series is a range of intelligent
measurement, relay and communications modules that collect real-time
condition monitoring data and can be mounted locally on key parts of
rotating machinery.
* Request a free brochure by post:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/rof/107/0
* Read
more: http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/rof/rof107.html
or
send a blank email to mailto:rof1[-email
removed-]ufacturingtalk.com
=======================================================
New
Technical Articles and Case Studies
=======================================================
HYBRID LASER AND ARC WELDING PROCESS USED BY SME
(TPS-Fronius,
5 November 2003)
An innovative welding process that basically
combines the advantages of laser and arc had been confined to large
scale users, but a recent application confirms growing SME
interest.
* Free brochure on LaserHybrid welding process:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/tps/116/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/tps/tps116.html
(or email
mailto:tps1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
COMPONENTS PLACED AT HIGH SPEED WITHOUT BREAKDOWNS
(Kaisertech,
10 November 2003)
A high-speed component placement machine is
placing chips from 1206 down to 0402 used in a company's central
heating electronic programmer and timer products.
* Free brochure
on Assembleon Topaz XII component placement machine:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/kai/118/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/kai/kai118.html
(or email
mailto:kai1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
HIGH STRENGTH STEELS PRODUCE LIGHTER WHEEL DISCS
(Corus Group
(Automotive), 10 November 2003)
Using advanced high strength
steels that are up to four times stronger than ordinary mild steel,
existing presses can be used to produce a disc 30% lighter than a
conventional wheel disc.
* Free brochure on High strength
steels:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/cwo/120/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/cwo/cwo120.html
(or email
mailto:cwo1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
9,000TH CADCAM CUSTOMER TAKES ON FIVE-AXIS WORK
(Delcam, 10
November 2003)
Goodrich Engine Control Systems, moving up into
four- and five-axis machining, has become the 9,000th customer for a
range of engineer-friendly CADCAM software.
* Free brochure on
PowerMILL CADCAM software:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/dea/156/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/dea/dea156.html
(or email
mailto:dea1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
=======================================================
...And take a look at these stories too...
=======================================================
HIGH PERFORMANCE DRILLS HAVE HIGHLY STABLE INSERTS
(Komet
Präzisionswerkzeuge, 4 November 2003)
Designed for high feed
rates and long tool life for reliable bore machining the inserts used
in these high performance drills suit interrupted cut and penetrating
angled castings and rolling skins.
* Free brochure on KUB Quatron
drill:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/kom/104/0
*
Read more: http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/kom/kom104.html
(or email mailto:kom1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
SOLID CARBIDE DRILL GEOMETRIES DOUBLE FEED RATES
(Kennametal Hertel, 5 November 2003)
Three solid-carbide drill
series, which are optimally designed for machining steel, SS and CI,
can reach twice the feed speeds of straight-fluted drills without any
problem.
* Free brochure on SE-Drills, featuring HP and HPC
geometry:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/ken/122/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/ken/ken122.html
(or email
mailto:ken1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
SPIRAL CONVEYORS EFFECT SMOOTH VERTICAL TRANSFER
(Astec
Conveyors, 7 November 2003)
A low friction chain slat arrangement
is used in spiral conveyors to provide continuous, smooth vertical
transfer of product in either direction from upper and lower
levels.
* Free brochure on Spiral conveyors:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/aey/100/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/aey/aey100.html
(or email
mailto:aey1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
TOOTHED COMPONENTS PRODUCED WITH FINE ACCURACY
(David Brown
Engineering, 7 November 2003)
Master gear and spline gauge
specialist offers high precision low volume production for toothed
components with sub 5 micron accuracy and the finest geometry
tolerances.
* Free brochure on Toothed components:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/dav/108/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/dav/dav108.html
(or email
mailto:dav1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
HOW TO PREPARE FOR LEAD-FREE SOLDERING
(Cemgraft Electronic
Manfacturing, 10 November 2003)
In a drive to conform with the up
coming WEEE and ROSH directives an electronics manufacturer is holding
a lead-free workshop for its partners and interested parties on the
4th December 2003.
* Free brochure on Cemgraft Electronic
Manufacturing:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/uxv/100/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/uxv/uxv100.html
(or email
mailto:uxv1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
SCANNING PROBE FOR CMMS HAS DUAL FUNCTION
(Renishaw, 4 November
2003)
Scanning probe uses innovative Renscan technology provides
a dual role: scanning for form and using touch-trigger sensing for
size and position.
* Free brochure on SP25M scanning probe system
for CMMs:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/rea/152/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/rea/rea152.html
(or email
mailto:rea1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
AUTOMATED TOOL SELECTION REDUCES MACHINING TIME
(Pathtrace, 10
November 2003)
The latest in free software provides users with
the optimum tool selection for machining, based on their currently
available tool selection.
* Free brochure on EdgeCAM Automatic
Tool Selector Lite:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/pat/164/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/pat/pat164.html
(or email
mailto:pat1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
ENHANCE QUALITY AND REDUCE INJECTION MOULDING COST
(Moldflow
(Europe), 4 November 2003)
Designing and manufacturing plastics
components is not without its challenges, and successful companies are
investing in technology to help them stay ahead of the competition and
eliminate risk.
* Free brochure on Moldflow injection moulding
seminar:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/mob/125/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/mob/mob125.html
(or email
mailto:mob1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
ONLINE ASSESSMENT LAUNCHED TO ASSESS SIMULATION
(Sim-Serv, 10
November 2003)
A free online interactive self-assessment service
will enable manufacturers to investigate the scope for improved
profitability by using simulation-based techniques to raise
efficiency.
* Free brochure on Free interactive simulation
self-assessment:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/sxv/104/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/sxv/sxv104.html
(or email
mailto:sxv1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
LATEST CAD COMPARISON INSPECTION SOFTWARE SHOWN
(Delcam, 7
November 2003)
Latest version of software for the inspection of
prototypes, tooling and sample parts against CAD data will be
demonstrated at the forthcoming Autosport Engineering show
*
Free brochure on PowerINSPECT software:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/rdx/da/dea/155/0
* Read more:
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/dea/dea155.html
(or email
mailto:dea1[-email removed-]ufacturingtalk.com )
=======================================================
Have you seen our other newsletters?
=======================================================
We also
publish other professional technical newsletters like this once a
week. All are free, so take a look:
Electronicstalk - for
electronics engineers
Email mailto:join-electronicsta[-email
removed-]o-talk.com for your copy
Engineeringtalk - for
mechanical/automation engineers
Email
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Laboratorytalk - for all lab and research personnel
Email
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copy
Processingtalk - for process engineers
Email
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copy
QA-talk - for quality assurance professionals
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Subcontractingtalk - for the subcontract manufacturing industry
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for your copy
*** Coming soon - join now ***
Buildingtalk -
for the building and construction industry
Email
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copy
CIMtalk - for automation engineers and the industrial IT
sector
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for your copy
Printingtalk - for printers and print buyers
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your copy
=======================================================
Engineering units converter - free
=======================================================
Many
engineers have found this free engineering units converter very
useful. Use it online or download it to your computer.
EngNet
Converter - Online: http://www.engnetglobal.com/tips/convert.asp
EngNet Tools Download:
http://www.engnetglobal.com/tips/toolsapp/default.asp
=======================================================
Engineering vacancies on the internet
=======================================================
There
are many recruitment websites out there, but Manufacturingtalk can
recommend the following as we have had a relationship with them for
some time:
Engineers Online:
http://www.engineers-online.co.uk/
GoJobsite:
http://www.gojobsite.co.uk/
Jimfinder.com:
http://www.jimfinder.com/
=======================================================
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