Manufacturing Update - October 2021 by jetdigitalmedia

MANUFACTURING UPDATE www.manufacturing-update.co.uk

October 2021

3 & 4 November 2021, NEC Birmingham The UK’s leading annual gathering of engineering supply chain professionals

SAVE THE DATE I found the event a great networking opportunity to meet industrial professionals from different backgrounds with different products. Kat Clarke, Wing Manufacturing Engineer, Airbus

10,000+ engineering professionals in attendance

500+

exhibitors showcasing their products/services

200+

hours of free-to-attend industry content

Benefit from co-location with: AERO ENGINEERING

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

PERFORMANCE METALS ENGINEERING

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CONNECTED MANUFACTURING

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MANUFACTURING UPDATE At the forefront of digital marketing, Manufactuing Update strives to bring its readers the latest in industrial manufacturing, in a format that provides the best usability and ease of use for it’s readers.

October 2021

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Jodie Little 01843 448 443 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk

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Tim Johnston 01843 448 443 tim@manufacturing-update.co.uk

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Manufacturing PDATE

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SPARE PARTS FOR PRODUCTION MANUFACTURING Often Production stores are the largest single application in a manufacturing environment and when you have several different items all being produced on the same production line, downtime just isn’t an option. As a result, these production lines will need to be changed. This makes the change parts store mission critical in the healthy running of the production line.

In manufacturing its normal for production lines to have maintenance stores, many are electro-mechanical, and thus prone to break down. This is where the maintenance store really comes into its own as it ensures that spare parts are available to keep the production line back up and running. The cost of loss production means that companies will look for the best solutions to guard against production line downtime. Automation offers a simple and over time less expensive solution. A vertical lift system for example utilises all the available space (up to ceiling) and is designed to make the maintenance store more easily accessible as its located at a more convenient location, which speeds up the production. Also, automation guarantees near on 100% stock accuracy with no line downtime. This is useful when stores need to understand what’s to remain and what is to be changed for different production runs such as increased production capacity, gained by feeding product to the process faster and more accurately. Usually, spare parts are supplied to customers directly from manufacturing operations. These spare parts can be stored separately, in stock rooms, or in finished goods. Either way they require efficient storage and picking to ensure a faster customer response. An added opportunity that some manufacturers are benefiting from is to take a centralised production store approach by positioning smaller holdings at Point of Use. This again can offer benefits depending on how your production is set-up. Automation also ensures that parts are handled as few times as possible as parts can be easily damaged, so it is essential that care is taken in transit between store and production line. The flow of materials in and out is critical as it dictates production capacity.

Manufacturing PDATE

Automation also benefits the finished goods to shipping process - Items need to be stored before completion for Work in Progress buffers or stores – this makes access extremely easy and has become popular in many UK manufacturing facilities. These buffers and stores should be situated as close to the production line as possible in a space efficient way with little workflow impact. Kardex in the UK has been working with Manufacturers for more than 30 years and we have created a white paper that shows some other key points, especially in regard to the warehouse. To learn more about Kardex visit us at www.kardex.com

October 2021

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Lifting Products to Manufacture GIS Crane Systems in the UK control (CNC) cutter allows Lifting Products to profile its own, 40mmthick steel plate—double the thickness of jib crane base plates. Subsequently, welding jigs were installed for repeat assembly processes. Manual and CNC lathes, a press brake, milling machine, and water-cooled welder are among other new tools that complete a state-of-the-art machine shop suite.

Lifting Products Limited will provide a full line of slewing jib cranes, light crane systems, and crane track.

UK-based Lifting Products Limited will provide a full line of slewing jib cranes, light crane systems, and crane track from Swiss manufacturer GIS AG.

Manufacturing PDATE

Lifting Products will receive jib crane and other parts from Schötz, Lucerne, but will manufacture the range for the first time in the UK. GIS-owned Lift Turn Move (LTM), meanwhile, a supplier of lifting and rigging equipment to the industrial and entertainment event markets, will continue to be the UK supplier of its electric chain hoists, control systems, and additional material handling equipment. James Porter, formerly of LTM, and managing director at Lifting Products, had earmarked the UK as a potential hotbed for the full range of GIS products, but cited transportation costs as a barrier to entry for heavier equipment. However, the company has invested in infrastructure, primarily to facilitate onboarding of the GIS range of profiles and components for the jib crane and GISKB ranges. Over- and underbraced jib cranes will be offered from 125kg capacity at 2,000mm reach to 1,000kg capacity at 5,000mm reach. Customisations will be available upon request. The company’s first jib crane build was for installation at the Holywell, Flintshire facility for handling steel sheets from the rack to load a plasma cutter. The new computer numerical

October 2021

Porter said: “The combination of Swiss-designed products, that have been in use in some of highest specification manufacturing plants for over 30 years, combined with UK manufacturing, provides a solid base to support our customers with. While these are new products for the UK market, they have been tried and tested for many years, and we can call on that know-how to provide a comprehensive offering to the UK domestic market.”

Lifting Products partnerships Erich Widmer, sales and marketing manager / deputy managing director, at GIS, said: “with or UK subsidiary LTM and their long-standing focus on the supply of GIS electric chain hoists and travel trolleys we have a solid base in the UK already, but Lifting Products can now support that existing offering, aided by the infrastructure to stock, cut, weld and paint. It’s well known that the two companies work closely together and LTM will supply the GIS hoists to go with Lifting Products’ crane systems. The collaboration strengthens the GIS brand in the UK; customers benefit from being able to buy GIS-designed jib cranes and lightweight track systems, in addition to GIS electric chain hoists and trolleys.” David King, managing director at LTM, added: “This is a win-win situation allround, for GIS, LTM, Lifting Products and, most importantly, the customer and end user community. We have had great success providing [GIS] chain hoists to the UK market and, three years after GIS acquisition [of LTM], the partnership with our colleagues at Lifting Products continues its legacy here in the UK.”

Lifting Products has, since inauguration in 2016, based its growth on high-profile partnerships. It initially serviced the UK and Irish market with Haacon equipment, focussing on off-the-shelf and bespoke winching, jacking, and handling equipment for water treatment, nuclear, offshore, waste, and other specialist markets. This expanded to Haacon’s container lifting and levelling systems, principally in the military sector. Lifting Products is also agent for Koester winches and Wittler safety brakes and cranks, common in agricultural machine making. Porter said: “We are already stocking GIS parts and can react quickly to customer demands, which will likely come from automotive, aircraft, utilities, construction, rail, and manufacturing. There is a standard range, but almost every jib crane built so far has some custom work involved. The track systems are standard parts but, again, they need to be machined to exact customer specifications. We have manufactured over 30 jib cranes in the last four months and supplied several lightweight crane systems, which, prior to our official [GIS] launch, gives me great confidence.” Porter joined LTM in 2008, before setting up Lifting Products in 2016 but his relationship with GIS goes back further to employment with Chester Chain, where he used to service and install the Swiss-manufactured electric chain hoists. With around 120 employees, GIS AG of Switzerland is a well-known manufacturer of complete crane systems including hoists and vacuum lifters. The company has been developing and producing electric chain hoists for more than 55 years. Over the decades, numerous special versions have been realised to meet the needs of a wide range of market segments. With the current electric chain hoist models GP for industrial applications and LP for the entertainment industry, GIS has taken a pioneering role in the highly competitive market of lifting and handling technology. GIS hoists and crane systems are in use by the hundreds of thousands worldwide - stationary or mobile - indoors or outdoors.

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Lamonde Automation Limited Quality Products: Expert Advice

Manufacturing by Zinc Alloy Die Casting Martin Gagné, International zinc Association Manufacturing products by zinc alloy die casting is an outstanding choice for countless decorative and functional applications. Zinc die casting alloys have high strength, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, the best surface quality for decorative finishes, high fluidity, ultra thin wall capability and can be cast with low draft, while the zinc die casting process provides high casting productivity, long die life, low energy consumption, and net shape casting. For example, die cast zinc alloys can be cast to a thinner wall section when compared to other metal alloys or casting processes because of zinc’s excellent fluidity during the casting process. The figure to the right shows a zinc alloy die cast business card. The company logo, contact information, and design details are all cast in place. No other fabrication steps are involved. The superior fluidity of zinc alloys allows for ultra thin walls and the precision casting of the most intricate details in any design. The energy efficiency of zinc castings, achieved through weight reduction applies across the whole casting cycle life from melting, casting, and transport of finished parts, to end-of-life collection and recycling. Zinc alloy die casting has the ability to meet all design requirements cost effectively. The International Zinc Association (IZA) maintains a website dedicated to zinc alloy die casting where product designers can find information on all aspects of designing for zinc die casting along with relevant case studies. The website also hosts an Engineering Database of mechanical properties for zinc die casting alloys to help designers realize their project in the most efficient way by combining the precision and the cost-effectiveness of the die casting process with the exceptional mechanical and physical properties of zinc alloys.

Manufacturing PDATE

www.diecasting.zinc.org.

October 2021

Thin wall sections are easily cast in zinc.

As many product designers are unaware of the range of mechanical properties available in zinc or the speed and flexibility of the zinc die casting process, the IZA offers a free design seminar which covers every aspect of designing for zinc alloy die casting including the specifications for zinc die casting alloys, the various casting processes that give such flexibility to using zinc, the physical and material properties of zinc, surface finishing of zinc castings, and also the design concepts important for producing parts from liquid metal. Please contact us for a seminar or for any other information about manufacturing by zinc alloy die casting. www.diecasting.zinc.org

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE UK’S LARGEST ENGINEERING DESIGN EVENT @EngDesignShow

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Seeing is Believing James Mann, Enterprise Business Development Manager at Getac discusses why manufacturers are increasingly turning to Augmented Reality technology to solve operational challenges in the post-COVID landscape. Despite the concept of Augmented Reality (AR) first appearing almost twenty years ago, it’s only recently that hardware and software have reached a point where commercial AR is finally becoming a reality. That said, the timing couldn’t be better. With the COVID-19 pandemic still imposing unprecedented restrictions on global movement, this exciting technology could well hold the key to many of the operational challenges manufacturers now face.

Manufacturing PDATE

WHAT IS AR? AR combines elements from the real world with digital representations. Unlike virtual reality (VR), it does not fully immerse the user in a digitalised world, but rather integrates digital information in the perception of the user, enriching the real-world representation with virtual elements and providing context relevant data. Doing so combines the advantages of both concepts (digital and real-world), allowing for hands-free operation and removing the need for an additional device for entry or display purposes.

WHAT ARE ITS PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR MANUFACTURERS? One of the applications with enormous potential is the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery over large distances. With the manufacturing industry suffering from a growing skills shortage, many organisations have a relatively small pool of skilled experts that they rely on to lead repair operations all over

October 2021

the world. However, ongoing COVID restrictions mean they are currently unable to physically travel, which leaves virtual consultation the only option available. Adoption of AR technology can significantly enhance the quality and capability of long-distance repair work, enabling experts to remotely connect with less skilled technicians from anywhere and walk them through complex tasks step-by-step. Such an approach also offers numerous side benefits. Not only does it enable better knowledge sharing between skilled and lesser skilled employees, helping to reduce skill gaps, it also helps manufacturers cut their carbon footprints (and expenses) by eliminating unnecessary employee travel. At a time when the combination of growing skill gaps and global travel restrictions is putting increasing pressure on manufacturers everywhere, AR technology offers a timely, technology-based solution. As adoption continues to grow (IDC predicts worldwide spending on AR and VR will grow from $12.0 billion in 2020 to $72.8 billion in 2024), it offers one of the best ways to share expert knowledge in a cost efficient and environmentally conscious way. To find out more about Getac’s manufacturing and AR solutions, please visit www.getac.com/en/industries/industrial-manufacturing/

EPLAN Platform 2022:

collaboration and partnership Ken Christie, country director for EPLAN UK, has already accompanied 13 new releases since 2008. But none like this: the EPLAN Platform 2022 has a completely new technical basis, a new design and many additional functions. He reveals more in the below interview. What was the reason for the further development of the EPLAN Platform 2022? For a long time, a complete overhaul of the software has been planned and being prepared by our development team. As we changed to a subscription model this year, it was a suitable time to implement other innovations. With the move to subscription, we’re strengthening relationships with our customers, and with an exchange and partnership-like cooperation, we get straight to the point with regard to software requirements. The new Platform has become more intuitive, more flexible, and overall, more productive. It is also integrated into a whole range of accompanying measures and solutions, such as our partner program and the developments in the cloud. In other words: it’s a complete package!

Let’s focus on usability. EPLAN Platform 2022 It’s in your hands!

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What do the innovations mean for the software users? That depends on whether we are talking to existing customers or new customers. Whilst existing customers can benefit from the optimised interface for better working, new customers can quickly

become productive with our software as it’s easy to use. However, to suit both existing and new customers, the intuitive interface is based on operating concepts that are well known to users, which offers a high recognition value. This can be seen in the integrated ribbon bars or the backstage view, which most

people are already familiar with from other established software products. Overall, this significantly improves user ergonomics. Users can also benefit from improved workflows as we have brought together all developments from over the

years in the context of “insert” with the new insert centre. This will mean new customers can start with little effort and existing customers will clearly see the advantages after a short period of getting used to it. Initial feedback from the beta tests indicates that this is correct.

What were the challenges during the development? Our solutions are not simply an ECAD system, but are often a kind of “backbone” for engineering and product development for companies. They are deeply integrated into the customer’s infrastructure and strategy and can be planned over years in terms of investment. This goes hand in hand with a huge responsibility. We really want to tailor our solutions specifically to the needs of our target markets. However, this will only be a success if we work very closely together and enjoy the trust of our customers. For further information on the new EPLAN Platform 2022, please visit www.eplan.co.uk/itsinyourhands

Shape the engineering of tomorrow. Ease of use, strong performance: Let the new EPLAN Platform 2022 inspire you! You can look forward to a completely new user interface with a practical dark mode, a flexible new ribbon, a backstage view and much more. Furthermore, our complementary cloud-based services open up new possibilities for collaboration across teams.

Discover more: www.eplan.co.uk/itsinyourhands |53

Nicomatic launches new DBMM Series micro connectors for space-constrained mil-aero, missile and radar systems Space-saving, lightweight design with integrated backshells, 360 degree EMI shielding and mechanical protection Nicomatic, the leading manufacturer of high performance interconnect systems, is launching its new DBMM hi-rel connector range at DSEI 2021. On display for the first time on Stand H2-872, the new DBMM Series combine the advantages of Nicomatic’s 2mm pitch metal DMM connectors with a completely new design of integrated backshell to provide 360 degree EMI shielding in an ultra-compact form factor. The new DBMM Series is particularly suited to applications where space and weight are at a premium, such as missile systems, military aircraft and radar systems. Rugged DBMM connectors conform to MIL-DTL-83513G performance specifications and allow designers a wide choice of contact arrangements compared to other mil-spec connectors such as Micro-D or Sub-D. Contacts can be signal (LF), power (HP) and coax (HF), with hundreds of thousands of different combinations possible. The development of the new DBMM Series as part of Nicomatic’s standard range came about as the result of a number of voice-of-customer requests for custom interconnects based on the performance parameters of the DMM Series.

Manufacturing PDATE

The DBMM range with its new type of backshell measures only 15mm in depth compared to a standard backshell plus

www.nicomatic.com

www.nicomatic.com 14

October 2021

separate DMM connector, which measures 35mm in depth in the smallest available combination. As well as its ultracompact form factor, the new DBMM range is extremely lightweight. Easier handling is another advantage, especially important in critical hi-rel applications. A further advantage is the lower price point of the DBMM Range compared to DMM connectors with separate mono or split backshells. Two models are currently available in the new DBMM Series: the DBMM220 with 4 to 32 signal (LF), power (HP) or coax (HF) contacts, and the DBMM320 which offers between 6 and 48 (LF), power (HP) or coax (HF) contacts. Both models are available for straight to cable fix in either male or female orientation with D53B jackscrews. Specialising in micro connectors for civil and military aerospace applications, Nicomatic has an impressive track record of innovation and customer problem-solving spanning over 40 years, resulting in its products being selected for multiple aerospace and military applications worldwide. Nicomatic has invested substantially in R & D over the past two years, typically reinvesting over 15% of total revenue into new product development.

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Abacus Flooring Solutions Ltd Celebrate first successful year in business

Just one of many recent installs from Abacus.

Manufacturing PDATE

o many Abacus Flooring Solutions Ltd are now a household name within the industrial and commercial flooring industry here in UK. It’s hard to believe due to the number of highprofile projects and their already wellestablished brand that Nick and Amanda Megson have just recently celebrated their first year in business. Although 2020 had many challenges for all sectors Abacus Flooring Solutions surpassed their anticipated yearly revenue and have seen month on month growth in all aspects of their company. Whether it’s the employment of staff in various areas of the country, a continuously growing pipeline of work and current plans to move into to a new warehouse and office space things have gone superbly in year one. This is the product of long hours, unmatched quality or work and many miles on the motorway. Abacus currently have a major project taking place in Darlington, 7 completed jobs in Wales and have covered every corner of the UK working with multiple industry leading clients.

October 2021

To coincide with this, Abacus have also been nominated for a Leicestershire business award for “environmental impact”. Nick and the team at Abacus have designed a resin floor screed made of a variety of recycled plastics and most notably, toilet seats. This has grabbed the attention of many organisations in the sustainability industry. With over 30 years’ experience it is of no surprise that Abacus are thriving. Managing Director Nick Megson had this to say about their first year in operation “Completing our first year has brought only one challenge and that is the staffing. Our projected turnover increased by 300%. We managed everything including our cash flow without any borrowing. Now having moved to a new warehouse with offices, we must look at expanding our workforce. We will continue to look for our own work and manage it the way we have, by using a network of specialist sub-contractors. We will continue with our commitment to the environment and our 5-year plan is to have electric vehicles. I will continue to grow the business, but

this can only work with the support of our Customer Base, our Suppliers, SubContractors. We will continue to provide the highest standards of Customer Service.” Abacus Flooring Solutions are changing the industry with the latest innovations, sustainable materials and customer service which is reflective in award nominations, business retention and the continuous flow of outstanding testimonials from their clients. If you’re looking to renew your industrial work environments flooring with a sustainable, hassle-free and the trusted expertise possessed by Abacus call today on 07904 396962 or email nick@abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk You can count on their experience.

www.abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk

Precise process monitoring

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Cobots have now been developed to a point where the only thing differentiating them from their human coworkers is soft-skills. Developing adaptive capabilities like decision-making or problem-solving in cobots is challenging for engineers, but progress is inevitable. With state-of-the-art sensors, actuators and software, cobots are now capable of experiencing physical sensations that allow them to feel and identify the object being touched. Here Neil Bellinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, discusses the advantages of tactile technologies for cobots.

The sense of touch

Tactile technologies for cobots

rom the first cobot in 1996, which was designed for basic pick and place applications and which communicated with the operator using motion resistance, cobots have come a long way towards supporting humans’ work in a safe way. They are now able to detect objects and people in their environment using vision sensors and slow down or stop functioning in case of an unintended contact. Modern cobots also possess the ability to take corrective actions and minimise risks, but sophisticated models take a further step in imitating human-like problem solving. Touch sensing technologies are quickly evolving to increase both the applicability and safety of cobots, especially in demanding applications that require handling delicate materials safely and precisely, such as healthcare.

Preventing collision

Manufacturing PDATE

There are currently several tactile sensors used in cobots, including piezoelectric, piezoresistive, capacitive, and elastoresistive types. Piezoelectric technologies are used for gathering data from the cobot’s joints and transmitting it to the controller. On the other hand, capacitive sensors can act as proximity sensors, allowing the cobot to slow down when it detects the presence of an obstacle. Most detection sensors are placed outside of the cobot, such as area sensors, that enable the machine to slow down or stop when human workers are close to it. Although collisions might still happen, these technologies ensure that the impact is minimised. To make navigation more reliable, tactile sensors may be embedded at the end of the cobot arm, just like in a human arm, and equipped with artificial intelligence to avoid collision at all times and allow the cobot to move more efficiently.

Precise object handling Tactile sensors can also be used to identify the features of objects and recognise defects and changes. For example, early research from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering used embedded tactile sensors with conductive fluid to simulate human touch, resulting in a robot differentiating between the texture of wool and that of cotton.

October 2021

Modern touch sensing systems use tactile sensors to gather different information about an object, such as shape, size, texture and transmit an electrical signal to the controller. They then measure the real characteristics of the objects producing accurate information. This is helpful for defect detection at a deeper level, by being able to spot issues with the texture of objects. These sensors are also valuable for precise object placement, when loading parts into a fixture for machine tending. The sensing technology can find the exact part location and correct changes in the position or size of the raw stock material by measuring the insertion force. With a more effective sense of touch, cobots could be used in applications where they interact with more fragile or deformable objects. One possibility could be using tactile technology in surgical cobots to enhance precision and accuracy. For this to be successful, multiple tactile sensors would have to be integrated using AI and machine learning. Advancements in tactile sensors for cobots allow humans and machines to perform increasingly complex tasks in a collaborative environment to achieve more productivity and accuracy. An agile work environment that plays on the strengths of automation is key to a successful business. At EU Automation we encourage the development of automation technologies and help manufacturers reduce downtime by sourcing components safely and timely. Find out more about our services at www.euautomation.co.uk.

Reduce unscheduled shut downs, reduce maintenance costs and improve plant safety with our Valvescan Diagnostic Monitoring System. Our revolutionary system is an end-to-end solution that captures data from every valve operation, analyses it and provides targeted alerts on the valve health without any requirement for involvement from plant personnel or any potential impact on the asset real-time control integrity. It is a true IIoT solution for automated valves. This system is not only a pioneering development in valve monitoring, it is also; ● Cost effective and easy to install ● Works with all existing valve systems ● Enables data retrieval and transmission to the cloud ● Provides a ‘real time health’ check on the valve and alerts when performance drop off is detected

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Altair Future.Industry Experience Explores What’s Next in Advanced Manufacturing Ford, Samsung Mobile, BMW, and Altium among featured keynotes Altair will host a global digital experience, Future. Industry from October 19 to 21, 2021. From bigbrand thought leaders to early-stage, start-up entrepreneurs, Altair will showcase innovative companies leveraging the power of convergence; simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI), transforming the way they design, operate, and compete – now and in the future. The featured keynote on day one will be Sheryl Connelly, chief futurist at Ford, who will explore how consumer and lifestyle trends will affect organizations in the future. Skilled at identifying and analyzing global consumer trends, Connelly was named to Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” has been a speaker at TED and TED Global, and has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Financial Times, and more. The free, three-day virtual experience will feature insightful and compelling presentations from companies including: • Aptiv - evolution of designing smart connected products • Alstom - the future of digital transportation • Leonardo SpA - connecting physics and realworld data for meaningful digital twins • Samsung Mobile - enabling design for manufacturing characteristic verification • Altium - enabling board-level simulation • BMW - designing for sustainability with engineering automation

Day two puts Altair’s most successful customers in the spotlight. It will feature interactive tracks with dedicated customer presentations focused on smart, connected products, sustainability, tomorrow’s engineer, and manufacturability. Day three is dedicated to current users and people who are interested in getting started with simulation, showcasing practical applications of Altair technology and how to deploy it throughout the product development cycle. The three-day event is an excellent opportunity to network with peers and to get insights into the latest industry trends, as all sessions will include live interaction with Altair and industry experts. All sessions will be presented in English with live audio translation available in French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish to support a global audience. “Future.Industry is designed to serve as a venue to discuss how we can – together – create a smarter, more connected, and sustainable world,” said James R. Scapa, founder and chief executive officer, Altair. “We look forward to hosting the world’s brightest minds from all industries as we share, challenge, and explore the best practices that will inspire our future.” Sponsors include Intel, SAE, Tech Briefs, Automotive Engineering, Develop3D, Scientific Computing World, Engineering Update, NAFEMS, CIMdata, Engineering.com, and Center for Automotive Research. For more information and to register for Future.Industry, visit events.altair.com/future-industry-2021/

Jim Scapa, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Altair will talk about “The Convergence of AI, Simulation and HPC” at Future.Industry 2021.

Altair’s global digital experience, Future.Industry takes place from October 19 to 21, 2021.

Tel: 01296 611660 Email: rk@pmgb.co.uk www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk 26 Faraday Road, Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP19 8RU

Additive Manufacturing and Medicine When additive manufacturing (AM) and medical technology are discussed, numerous examples come to mind. The production of medical devices are perhaps the first examples, but AM is increasingly becoming vital in the production of implants and new prosthetic technology. The advantages of AM are mainly to be found in the production method. The technology allows for geometries and complex shapes that cannot be produced in any other way. As a result, cavities and special surface structures can be realized, while the process also allows much shorter production times than other manufacturing technologies.a One of the areas of application in which this flexibility can be put to good use in medicine is the manufacture of implants for use in the human body. Since implants must remain in the body for as long as possible, it is particularly important that legal quality requirements such as the ISO 13485 standard are met during production. The core claim of this ISO standard is that the medical products produced are safe for use in the human body as well as being effective.

Manufacturing PDATE

Orbital implants or even entire skullcaps can be created using AM. This ensures compatibility and long retention time in the human body and are usually made of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V – a completely biocompatible material. The implants often have

integrated grid and sponge structures which are easier to produce by AM. For moving parts, like joints or knee implants, Cobalt-Chrome can be used. In medicine, time is often a decisive factor. For example, if a cranial bone implant is required, it must be available to use on the patient as quickly as possible. Since AM eliminates the need for special tools, production can take place as soon as the manufacturer receives the CAD model. These days, implants that don’t need to be custom-made are increasingly being produced on-demand by AM. Take implants for use in the spinal column for example; since the number of variants is quite high, but the required number of pieces per variant remains low, it is more economical for hospitals to rely on AM for these implants. The required implants can then be delivered as needed and thus expensive storage costs are avoided by the hospital. AM is already an indispensable part of medicine, helping to improve or save human lives every day. And the possibilities and advantages that this technology promises to open up to mankind in the future is truly exciting.

October 2021

The new Interroll Split-Tray Sorter Fast, flexible sortation for everyone Interroll introduces the new Split-Tray Sorter: the perfect solution for small and mid-sized items. Efficiency and low maintenance make this new sorter attractive for those looking for lower operating costs and quicker return on investment. It is an ideal solution for the 3PL , E-Commerce, Fashion and CEP industries. Easy to install and reliable with its proven mechanical components & integrated control solution Lightweight and energy-efficient - with a single motor every 40 meters Compact but dense footprint with plenty of destinations Extremely quiet with only <70 dB(A) noise levels

Interroll Limited Unit 1a Orion Way Kettering, Northants NN15 6NL Tel. +44 / 15 36 31 27 70 Email: gb.sales@interroll.com

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UK machinery manufacturers are missing out on robot deals, warns HowToRobot.com CEO Eighty percent of UK machinery manufacturers are missing out on getting the best deal from robot and automation suppliers because they don’t check global market prices when buying, servicing or upgrading industrial robots, says new research from global robot hub HowToRobot.com.

he research shows that only 20% of design and production engineers get more than one quote when developing robotics systems, while the majority of those surveyed normally ask just one local supplier for help. Additionally, the research indicates that although many companies recognise the need to implement robotics solutions to improve productivity and consistency, or to reduce operating costs, they often lack the vital knowledge of where to start or how to select the best partner to help them achieve their goals.

Manufacturing PDATE

Søren Peters, HowToRobot CEO, says: “The demand for robotics and automation systems is growing rapidly, creating a complex market dynamic. We’re seeing many new players, from component suppliers to specialised systems integrators and service companies, entering the market. New technologies are emerging, which command price premiums, while at the same time a growing number of products are becoming commoditised, with prices falling. Yet a significant percentage of end users lack the knowledge, time and resources to be able to capitalise effectively on the opportunities available.” HowToRobot also reports that a worrying number of companies invest heavily in robotics or automation technology for development purposes, but this technology is never subsequently converted into commercial or production solutions. “There is still limited understanding of how best to develop a robotic solution that genuinely meets commercial needs”, adds Peters. “Additionally, many companies discover that the cost of such a solution can quickly escalate: a robot arm may look competitively priced, but by the time a support platform, ancillaries, software, maintenance and support are built into the equation the true cost can be considerable.”

October 2021

Peters adds, “We see too many cases of manufacturers buying a robot without knowing the full cost of operating, maintaining and upgrading it. Having a clear understanding of market prices and access to specialised knowledge and skills makes it significantly easier for manufacturers to reap the benefits of robotics. Without a global market overview, it will be like going into the supermarket with a blindfold on.” One of the challenges for UK manufacturers is finding a centralised resource that gives them access to the information, products and services that they need to help them develop successful robotics and automation systems. This is where a platform such as HowToRobot comes into play, as it creates a marketplace where suppliers and end users can come together to exchangve ideas and start to build commercial relationships. HowToRobot is the world’s largest robot hub connecting end-customers with more than 15,000 robot and automation suppliers. Companies can receive quotes from suppliers on robot and automation solutions, components, spare parts, training, maintenance and repair service and expert consultancy.

SICK’s Master Data Analyzer Stops You Storing and Shipping Fresh Air

simple-to-use track-and-trace system that collects measurements and images of incoming stock or packaged goods and turns them into valuable Master Data is being launched in the UK by sensor manufacturer SICK with a free trial offer. The SICK Master Data Analyzer is already deployed at hundreds of retail logistics hubs worldwide capturing 100,000s of products every hour. Now UK operators are being given their first opportunity to see for themselves how easily the system records and integrates data into warehouse management and ERP systems. The SICK Master Data Analyzer is a Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning (DWS) system with the option of associated image capture, supplied as an all-in-one static or mobile operator station. It promises significant returns on investment through more consistent track and trace of products, reduced packaging sizes, and space-saving efficiencies both during storage, and when loading goods for onward transportation. Says Mark Harris, SICK’s UK product manager for Systems & Auto Ident:

Threats to Cost-Efficiency “The greatest threat to both cost-efficiency and environmental performance in logistics, comes from storing or shipping fresh air because packages are oversized, or because they are stacked in bays or packed into transport inefficiently. Equally, the danger of the wrong, or incomplete, products reaching a customer can mount up to significant cost through returns or customer penalties. “Not only does the SICK Master Data Analyzer provide the data building blocks to eliminate these inefficiencies, it has also been shown to increase operator capacity by more than 20%. A study conducted with one major international retailer demonstrated a significantly reduced cycle time in inputting data of a wide range of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) entering the customer’s facilities.”

The system then merges the barcode, dimensions and weight into a single data string which is output immediately in a format that can be imported into any management software, such as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The SICK Master Data Analyzer can also be supplied with an IP Camera so that an image of the product can be associated directly with the object’s barcode, part number, or European Article Number. A correlating physical image of each SKU or package is saved in the system, enabling the shipper to check back to verify that the correct item was delivered, and identify any in-transit tampering or damage. The SICK Master Data Analyzer has a volume measurement accuracy of 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 mm and weight determination with an accuracy of ± 5g and can work to a maximum objects size of 800 x 600 x 600mm.

Free Trial Offer “Recording basic data accurately, consistently and quickly is the starting point of any efficient warehouse or logistics operation. Armed with these valuable Master Data building blocks, operators are better equipped to drive logistics processes more efficiently and save costs,” Mark Harris continues. “That’s why we are offering a one-week trial to any operator on a first come first served basis. We want customers to see for themselves how easy it is to start collecting Master Data. Whether you use one unit, or many across a site, we are confident you will begin to make cost and storage savings immediately.” For more information or to book your free trial contact Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk.

www.sick.co.uk

Manufacturing PDATE

Unpack, set-up and connect the SICK Master Data Analyser to begin capturing the weight, length, width, height, image and the bar code of goods or packages in a single step. The trolley-mounted mobile version is powered by a rechargeable battery and transmits data via WLAN so it can be moved to the best location for efficient input of data.

Simple to Operate Simply place the item to be measured on the toughened glass weighing plate and use the hand-held scanner to read the barcode. Slide the Measuring Light Grid (MLG) frame across the object in either direction to reliably capture the dimensions. A consistently stable measurement is produced whatever the shape of the object, and even if it has a highly reflective surface, such as a foil.

October 2021