BUSINESSNEWS
EXHIBITION
Metalex 2005:
Heading For The Skies M
Metalex 2005, the 19th
etalex 2005 edition of the largest Machine e c o n o m y a n d featured Tools and Metalworking i n d u s t r y a r e some 3,300 consistently Technologies exhibition in growing. By the exhibits from 48 ASEAN which was held end of this year, countries all over from November 17-20 2005 t h e n a t i o n ’ s t he world, w it h over 50,000 visitors i n Ba n g kok , T ha i la nd, e c o n o m y i s having attended presented a diverse range expected to grow the event. The aim of technologies with an at 3.5 to 4 percent, of the show is to and approximately ex hau st ive con fer ence 4.5 to 6 percent in improve Thailand’s programme. Goh Tz’en Long the year to come. manufacturing reports from Thailand. capability and T h i s m idye a r’s position it as the Industrial Index of regional manufacturing hub. 144.54 has obtained a better position Sumonman Kalayasiri, Deputy when compared to the previous Permanent Secretary, Ministry of year’s 138.33 figure. Some of the Industry, commented on the macro most active economic accelerators view of the country’s economic and include the automotive and auto industrial scene as follows: “Despite parts, electronics and electrical many challenges within the country parts, garments and textiles as well and around the world today, Thailand’s as food industries. It simply means 16 equipment news Jan-Feb 2006
that there is plenty of room to grow in terms of business opportunity. Similarly, there is plenty of room for business opportunity to grow in ‘Metalex’ exhibition.” T he e x te n sive con fere nce pro g ra m me fe at u re d ove r 6 0 0
BUSINESSNEWS EXHIBITION
for Computer Aided Engineering Analysis. Also on display was the ATOS I (Advanced TOpometric Sensor) digitising system from GOM mbh. Using the system, an object can be measured in a short time and with high local resolution. The individual measurements are merged into a project and the measured data can be exported as point clouds, sections or STLdata. Additional hardware, such as mechanical measuring machines, translation units or robots, is not required. Konica Minolta showcased The ATOS I is the optimal choice if the VIVID 910 non-contact very short measurement sequences 3D laser scanner. and a robust data evaluation is needed and compromises can be accepted in the data quality and data density. Due to the compact sensor and system, the rugged design and the modern interface, the system can be easily integrated into industrial production processes. In the area of metal cutting, Mazak showcased its laser technology with a working installation of the Super TurboTechno: Facing The Music X 48 Mark II laser cutting machine. The At Metalex 2005, in the metal forming The ATOS I (Advanced TOpometric high rigidity table and the fi xed beam arena, there was an impressive display Sensor) digitising system. discharge length deliver superior cutting from the major press makers with live quality and accuracy at any table location. In addition, demonstrations of metal forming operations such as various materials with different material thicknesses can drawing, coining and stamping on actual press installations. be cut automatically without requiring the operator to Companies such as Amada, Aida, KM Press and Komatsu perform changes to the machine setup. made their presence felt with actual on-site displays. Mitsubishi showcased the HV Series hybrid 2D Aida displayed its Aida 1500 press with digitally laser processing machine. The machine’s simple beam controlled motion achieved via AC servo motor for high path is highly stable and its torque performance and long z - a x is stroke offers a n metal forming precision. expanded application range. Seyi displayed the SNS1Improved features of the H V 110 press while KM Press Series include faster processing showcased the KMC-160. speeds, increased machine tool Also on display was the rigidity and cutting-edge servo Ko m a t su H1F 6 0 hy b r i d control system. Cost performance AC servo press ideal for is enhanced through reduced operations such as drawing running costs, maintenance costs and coining. and longer consumable parts life. I n t he fields of non In the arena of CMMs and contact measurement and Aida 1500 press with AC servo contact probing and scanning, i n sp e c t io n , t he re we re Mazak laser technology. motor controlled motion. there were formidable displays a number of impressive from major manufacturers such as Mitutoyo, Zeiss, displays as well. Konica Minolta showcased the VIVID 910 Renishaw and Mora. On display was Renishaw’s Cyclone non-contact 3D laser scanner that is ideal for applications which is a purpose built machine for high speed data such as quality control inspection of production parts, acquisition, used in conjunction with Renishaw’s Tracecut tool and die verification, industrial design, rapid digitising software for reverse manufacturing. prototyping, reverse engineering and 3-D shape capture
conferences with topics ranging from new developments in 5 -axis machining to ‘SME’s Competitiveness Strategy by Industrial Engineering”. This is also the 3rd time that the ‘Automotive Manufacturing Summit 2005’ is being held in conjunction with the show. It served as a strategic platform Seyi displayed the SNS1-110 press. for the automotive industry and addressed issues ranging from alternative energy sources to the country’s present oil price hike. Another activity is the Annual Welding competition 2005, jointly organised with the Department of Skill Development, Training Center for International Welding, and the Thai Welding Society. There was also a welding demonstration by Aksorn Praung-Aakard, Gold Medalist from the International Young Welder Competition (38th Edition) at Finland.
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