Manufacturing

Manufacturing industry ‘optimistic’ about post-pandemic recovery

July 9, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

More than 60 percent of professionals in the UK manufacturing industry expect the sector to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and return to business as usual by mid-2021, according to a new survey by SteelScout.

However, they highlighted issues in the wider supply chain which might impact the recovery, with almost 30 percent unable to access the materials they need and 36 percent adding that it is taking longer just to receive a “winning quote”.

One key driver behind the confidence in recovery is that 62 percent of respondents reported having orders waiting to be fulfilled once lockdown rules have eased. [Read more…] about Manufacturing industry ‘optimistic’ about post-pandemic recovery

How is Robotics Shaking Up the Tire Industry?

July 7, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Robots will be playing a key role in kickstarting the economy in the post-Covid-19 world, as stated in a survey by Automatica.

This will be the case in a plethora of industries, including warehouse operations, plastic injection molding, and tire manufacturing and design. Take the example of tire giant Goodyear.

The company is currently using data, AI and “digital twins” to create more reliable, sophisticated tires that will usher tires into the future. [Read more…] about How is Robotics Shaking Up the Tire Industry?

Acieta launches new robotic machine loading cell

July 2, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Industrial automation specialist Acieta has launched a new, high-speed robotic machine loading cell. (See video below.)

The company says the system will enable manufacturers to solve labor and capacity challenges.

The global coronavirus pandemic has made it a challenging time for companies to recover fast and get production back up to speed to stay competitive in the market. [Read more…] about Acieta launches new robotic machine loading cell

BMW opens new $17 million additive manufacturing facility

June 30, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

BMW has officially opened its new “Additive Manufacturing Campus”.

The new centre brings together production of prototype and series parts under one roof, along with research into new 3D printing technologies, and associate training for the global rollout of toolless production.

The facility will likely 3D print parts for the Rolls-Royce Phantom, BMW i8 Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works GP, which contains no less than four 3D-printed components as standard. [Read more…] about BMW opens new $17 million additive manufacturing facility

Magna celebrates ‘significant milestone’ in contract manufacturing

June 30, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Magna is celebrating what it regards as a “significant milestone” in its progress as a contract manufacturer.

The company recently built the ArcFox α-T sports utility vehicle – a battery electric vehicle – through its Zhenjiang, China joint venture contract manufacturing facility.

The $40,000 α-T symbolises the first time Magna’s complete vehicle manufacturing has expanded beyond Europe, where the company has built vehicles for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and others at its Graz, Austria facility. [Read more…] about Magna celebrates ‘significant milestone’ in contract manufacturing

Hitachi and Microsoft to offer digital solutions for manufacturing and logistics

June 26, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Hitachi and Microsoft have a “multi-year strategic alliance” to accelerate the digital transformation of the manufacturing and logistics industries across Southeast Asia, North America and Japan.

The first solutions will be available in Thailand in July 2020.

The two companies will work together to meet the growing demand for predictive maintenance and process automation in remote areas and support enterprises as they tackle the challenges infused by the Covid-19 pandemic. [Read more…] about Hitachi and Microsoft to offer digital solutions for manufacturing and logistics

Okuma unveils new bridge mill CNC machine

June 25, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Okuma has unveiled a new bridge mill CNC machine – the M8-80V.

The management team of Okuma America Corporation is pleased to announce an expansion to its robust line of CNC metal cutting machines with the debut of a new bridge-style machining center – the MB-80V.

This new product offers extreme machining flexibility due to its uniquely-combined vertical and double-column machining capabilities. [Read more…] about Okuma unveils new bridge mill CNC machine

Mazak launches new laser processing machine for small and medium diameter tube

June 25, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Yamazaki Mazak is launching a new high-productivity laser processing machine specifically designed for the high-speed, large lot cutting of small and medium diameter tube.

The new FT-150 FIBER is a compact laser processing machine that benefits from an ergonomic design, with the operator area, loading station and unloading station all located on the same side.

Equipped with a 3.0kW fiber resonator, the FT-150 FIBER can process single workpieces up to 6,500mm in length and 150kg in weight, with a maximum tube diameter of 152.4mm. 8,000mm and 180kg options are also available. [Read more…] about Mazak launches new laser processing machine for small and medium diameter tube

Sinomach unit produces China’s first products for stainless steel cold rolling mills

June 25, 2020 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Tianjin Electric Research Institute, a subsidiary of Sinomach, has independently developed a high-power three-level AC-DC-AC frequency converter, which passed a test run in the high roller mill modification project of Taiyuan Iron & Steel Group Co (TISCO).

It marks the first application of a domestic medium-voltage frequency conversion system in the Sendzimir mill and fills in the gap in the application of domestic products in high-end stainless cold rolling mills.

The original automation and transmission system of the unit in the TISCO Stainless Steel Cold Rolling Mill was supplied by a foreign producer in 2002. [Read more…] about Sinomach unit produces China’s first products for stainless steel cold rolling mills

Vitesco Technologies celebrates 25 years and its new ‘high degree of automation’

June 12, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

In the scenic setting of Frenštát pod Radhoštěm at the foot of the Beskid Mountains, the Vitesco Technologies site is celebrating its 25th anniversary as well as its “high degree of automation” which is enabling the company to produce advanced technologies more efficiently than ever before.

In May 1995, the site started producing electronic components for the automotive industry, initially with 100 employees.

Today, the Czech site with its workforce of approximately 3,000 is one of the largest employers in the region and is also one of the largest electronics plants owned by Vitesco Technologies, the Powertrain Technologies group sector of Continental. [Read more…] about Vitesco Technologies celebrates 25 years and its new ‘high degree of automation’