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Durma Fiber Laser For Innovative Solutions

An integrated shuttle table maximizes productivity and minimizes material handling times. The shuttle table and pallet change system allows convenient loading of new sheets or unloading of finished parts, while the machine is cutting another sheet inside the working area.

The available shuttle table is fully electric and maintenance free; there are no hydraulic oils to handle and table changes are fast, smooth and energy-efficient.

An optional lateral automatic scrap conveyor allows the removal of scrap pieces from the working area without the need to interrupt the cutting process. The sideways operation of the short conveyors allow for easy maintenance and trouble-free running.

The Durma HDF/HDFL 3015 fiber machine achieves highest dynamics and fastest laser processing cycle times thanks to the combination of rigid mechanics and a state-of-the-art numerical control and drive system. Programmes can be loaded easily into the machine with a USB stick or over a fast Ethernet connection with the company network.

In the high-pressure auto-focus cutting head for the fiber laser the cutting lens is shielded from the laser process by an exchangeable low-cost protection window. The 1μm wavelength light is very sensitive to dust or other contamination produced in the cutting or piercing process, therefore the cutting head is being well protected in an additional cover to ensure that all critical parts remain as clean as possible.

The integrated capacitive distance sensor is capable of having the head follow height differences in the sheet even at the extreme high cutting speeds that can be achieved with the fiber laser technology, while state-of-the-art linear motors promote accuracy and increase productivity.

The CAD/CAM software provided has all the tools to import or draw parts, prepare and optimize automatically different geometries for the laser cutting process and make efficient nests.

The all-solid-state fiber laser technology reduces maintenance requirements, and offers the lowest possible running cost with a wall-plug efficiency of 30% and without the need of any laser gas. When the application requires a broader spectrum of material types to be cut and the maximum thickness range is limited, the fiber laser is the ideal solution and it will cut faster at lower cost than any CO2 laser at the same laser power.

For more information, please contact Spectrum Machine Tools – Tel: 011 865-4090.

Rapid Panel Bending With The New TruBend Center 7030

The new TruBend Center 7030 bends parts up to 30 percent faster than its predecessor – and its tool change cycles are up to 70 percent quicker.

For the first time, TRUMPF has also included the option of equipping the panel bender with a loading and unloading station. Panel bending machines such as the TruBend Center 7030 are particularly adept at fabricating complex parts with radius bends, short side lengths, and narrow profiles. When it comes to producing parts with these kinds of specifications, this alternative bending technology is quicker than die bending machines. TRUMPF has focused on making the TruBend Center 7030 faster than ever. The engineers achieved this by splitting the machine’s drive unit into two parts. Instead of equipping the machine with just one central hydraulic cylinder, the new design features one cylinder on the left, and one on the right. That increases axis velocity, and boosts the machine’s productivity. The new on-demand servo drive also saves energy by only running the motor when the machine actually needs it.

Automated loading and unloading

The operator can stack various piles of metal blanks on the right-hand side of the machine. A suction cup initiates the automated loading process by picking up a sheet whilst simultaneously checking that it has not taken two by mistake. This gripper device deposits the blank on a brush table, with a positioning bar ensuring it is aligned correctly. A loading carriage then moves the blank into the machining area, simultaneously removing the most recently bent part from the machining area, and transporting it to a conveyor belt. During this loading and unloading process, the TruBend Center 7030 continues to operate.

The new TruBend Center 7030 can optionally be equipped with an automated loading and unloading station.

Change tools faster – program parts within a matter of seconds

The task of changing bending tools is handled by the ToolMaster. As well as increasing its axis speed, the TRUMPF engineers have also added a feature that allows it to change multiple small tools at the same time. These improvements reduce machine setup time by up to 70 percent. The new TruBend Center 7030 also features the offline TecZone Fold programming solution that enables operators to program many parts in just a few clicks of the mouse. TecZone Fold takes a matter of seconds to generate the bending program and 3D simulation of the parts, including collision monitoring.

For more information, please contact Retecon – Tel: 011 976-8600.

Bystronic Xpert Pro Press Brake

Bending is an essential function in many engineering and industrial processes and the necessary equipment has to match customer requirements precisely. The new Bystronic Xpert Pro range provides manufacturers with precise bending solutions which offer consistently high bending quality.

A new press brake is a substantial investment and for this reason versatility is key. The Xpert Pro ticks this box, as it is able to carry out extended production runs and then easily switch to the production of an individual component.

Xpert Pro dynamic crowning
Xpert Pro dynamic crowning.

Contemporary bending requirements are furthermore complex and for this reason Bystronic offers customers an extensive selection of bending tools. However, Bystronic also reduces complexity through simple machine programming and state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software.

The latest Xpert Pro is available in the Classic, Performance and Dynamic editions, which allow customers to select a press brake suited to both their requirements and their budgets. The specifications are as follows – classic edition: maximum speed, 7.8in/sec. Maximum working speed, 0.393in/sec, performance edition: maximum speed, 8.8in/sec. Maximum working speed, 0.787in/sec. and dynamic edition: maximum speed, 9.8in/sec. Maximum working speed, 0.984in/sec. It is available in a range of bending pressures from 100 tons to 1000 tons, with bending length starting at 3.1m to a generous 10.2m length.

Xpert Pro from Bystronic, available locally from First Cut
Xpert Pro from Bystronic, available locally from First Cut.

Bystronic’s Xpert Pro press brakes continue to offer unmatched precision. The dynamic crowning with patented pressure reference technology allows for the system to adjust the curvature of the lower beam automatically during bending. This state-of-the-art technology effects corrections in real-time, making use of cutting-edge sensors which provide all required information to the press brake controller, so that automatic corrections can be made without disrupting production.

For fast, error-free bending, Bystronic’s ByVision Bending user interface offers intuitive ease of operation. A touchscreen allows for the fast processing of both individual orders and extensive order lists. What is more, it is possible to programme off-line and then import the data into ByVision Bending without disrupting current production.

Introduced at EuroBLECH 2018, Bystronic has also enhanced the Xpert Pro press brake to create the fully automated Bending Cell. The Bending Cell enables users to handle both short and long production runs – and changing order levels – efficiently and without errors and now enables automation of jobs that previously had to be performed manually. This includes automated tool changes and the transition between jobs which now enables the Bending Cell to operate autonomously 24/7.

For more information please contact, First Cut – Tel: 011 614-1112.

Amada Ensis Laser Technology

Amada ENSIS laser technology features unbelievable cutting capabilities, quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness. It has turned laser cutting into “laser processing”, thanks to the optimal beam manipulation capabilities that manipulate the mode shape according to material thickness being processed.

Simply put, a sharp mode is suitable to thin sheet processing, while a flatter mode is suitable to thick material processing. Standard machinery all work with a happy medium shaped mode which is set for both thin and thick cutting. Amada’s ENSIS is now capable of adjusting this mode shape automatically to the best suited shape for the material thickness being processed. This simply results in a far superior cut quality and higher processing speeds. An example of this is the capability of piercing a 25mm plate in one second on the 9kW ENSIS.

The Ensis Series is a revolutionary advancement in fiber laser cutting technology. The high speed fiber laser cutting system has the ability to cut thin materials up to 4 times fasterthan a CO2 laser.

ENSIS technology has now also been incorporated into the RI (Rotary Index) – pipe cutting / flat sheet cutting laser – ENSIS 3015-AJ(RI). This 3kW laser offers the best of both worlds with the conventional flat sheet shuttle table system as well as the rotary pipe index system all in one machine. The award winning system has proven itself the world over with its CO2 power source, so the ENSIS fiber source can only capitalize on that reputation. Simple new features such as the probe feeler for pipe centering also make operation far more efficient, especially where raw materials are of inconsistent quality. ENSIS is available with a 3kW, 6kW and 9kW power option.

Additional features which are standard on the ENSIS all add to the efficiencies, such as the free roller bearing table to allow easy sheet positioning on the cutting table, Oil shot to prevent spatter build up, WACS (Water Assisted Cutting System) to reduce the thermal effect of cutting, automatic nozzle cleaning – ensuring consistent cutting head capacitance for non-contact processing, X Axis conveyor, and the Amada AMNC 3i control which shows “Real time’ part drawings as well as many other standard features.

ENSIS systems are very forgiving when processing with air as an assist gas. Again, reducing gas costs considerably due to the reduction in oxygen and nitrogen consumption.

Additional streamlined processing options available from Amada are automation options which are all fully retro-fitable to the equipment. Sheet manipulators (MPL) or a tower system (ASF) allow for material storage and the automatic loading/unloading of sheets or cut parts from the machinery. This results in a further saving of labour and consistent work flow, as the systems can run un-manned. Job scheduling ensures that the correct jobs and quantities are processed in order of preference and a full history is held for future reference if required. The advantage is now that small batch runs are possible from various lots of materials. Automatic nozzle changing further enhances set up or change over speeds.

For more information, please contact Amada – Tel: 011 453-5459.

EML-AJ Series, Punch/Fiber Laser Combination Machine

AMADA is the first manufacturer in the sheet metal processing industry to succeed in developing punch/laser combination machines. They are all-in-one machines capable of integrating multiple steps for processing sheet metal such as cutting, punching, forming and tapping.

They offer two series of punch/laser combination machines – the LC-C1AJ Series of compact machines, which is capable of energy-saving, low-cost process integration and the ACIES-AJ Series, which features v-mix, v-lot production, uninterrupted operation and high-quality punch processing. These combination machines are highly rated by customers. To compliment these technologies, AMADA has launched the EML-AJ Series combination machines capable of performing high-quality punching and laser cutting and displaying enhanced comprehensive capabilities featuring high productivity and many automated features for uninterrupted operation.

EML-AJ Series combination machines come with all of the punching functions inherent in single-function punching machines. Combined punches and dies are supplied with a Z-turret with different diameters of 1010mm upper and ø1200mm lower or a high capacity turret of ø1200mm upper and lower. These machines include the same punching force of 300 kN as AMADA’s best-selling EM Series turret punch presses. The EML-AJ Series also achieves a 25% improvement in stroke frequency (number of hits per minute) compared to conventional machines, making it the fastest punch processing machine available from AMADA.

With the EML-AJ Series, AMADA has improved the quality of the laser beam with a 3kW fiber laser oscillator combining high oscillation efficiency with new optics. It employs assist gas rectifying technology for higher quality processing than conventional machines, while increasing cutting speed by a factor of three. The series also features an energy-saving operation, with power consumption reduced to one-third that of conventional machines.

The EML-AJ Series allows up to 24 hours of continuous operation by combining a wide range of optional automation solutions, such as automated Punch and Die Changer (PDC), nozzle changer, laser scrap unloading device and a cleaning function for cutting plates. As a result, customers can build a system to meet their needs with uninterrupted operation.

Main features of the EML-AJ Series

  • Fiber laser cutting processing function – delivering high productivity, high quality and low running costs

In a fiber laser cutting process, this series can reduce the height of dross (residual melt attached to a cut edge) by approximately 50% and improve the surface roughness of a cut edge by 1.3 times *1, as well as achieve three times faster cutting *2, while reducing power consumption to one-third of conventional machines.

When the punching and laser cutting process are performed simultaneously, the EML-AJ Series is twice as productive with a 50% cut *2 in running costs compared to conventional machines.

  • Punching function – improved stroke frequency when punching small diameter holes

When punching small diameter holes (ø31.7mm or less), the EML-AJ Series can improve the stroke frequency by 25% compared to conventional machines by optimizing the control method of the servo motor drive allowing high-speed punching and a significant improvement in productivity.

  • Improved productivity with an advanced automatic tool changer

Models equipped with an automatic Punch and Die Changer (PDC) have undergone an evolution to allow automatic replacement of tools in the processes of loading materials while laser cutting allowing high actual operation rates and further improvements in productivity. In addition, the model supports AMADA’s original ID tooling and can manage individual tools. As a result, the tool life can be monitored to improve the quality of punch processing and prevent setup errors that can occur when manually changing tools.

*1 In the case of SPCC (Cold strip steel sheet) of t3.2 mm
*2 In the case of SECC (Electric galvanized steel sheet)

For more information, please contact Amada – Tel: 011 453-5459

Denel Committed To Profitability And Operational Sustainability

Whilst noting recent observations by some stakeholders concerning the appointment of Mr Daniel du Toit as the new Group CEO, the urgent priorities for the current board is to return Denel to profitability and operational sustainability.

Du Toit was appointed after a thorough, transparent and rigorous recruitment process that searched internally and externally for the most suitable candidate. Du Toit emerged as the top candidate which the Board recommended to the Minister of Public Enterprises and which was subsequently approved by the Cabinet.

The new CEO will be part of a broader team that will not only be diverse but will be truly representative of our country’s demographics.

The Denel Board is confident that Du Toit is the right person to lead Denel in the next phase to revitalise the organization and to restore confidence amongst investors, clients, partners and suppliers. Ms Monhla Hlahla, Denel Board Chairman says, “the decision to appoint Du Toit was made with our eyes open to the racial and gender imbalances in our country and in the knowledge that we are accountable to the country on the decisions we make as a board.”

Du Toit is a distinguished industry leader with wide ranging experience in the defence, technology and aerospace environments, predominantly in the private sector. During his five-year tenure at Denel, he will build on the turnaround strategy introduced by the Board in 2018 and lead the efforts to restore Denel’s position as a global technology leader and one of the top defence companies in the southern hemisphere.

Strong Support For 2019 Futuroad Truck And Bus Expo

Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the organizers of the Futuroad Expo, are already receiving strong support from the commercial vehicle industry for SA’s premier truck and bus show.

This event will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, from September 18-21 2019. This biennial event will be co-located with the sixth edition of Automechanika Johannesburg, Africa’s largest trade fair for the automotive aftermarket.

Futuroad, which is taking place for the second time in SA, is the only international trade fair of its kind to be staged on the African continent and targets a visitor audience from across Sub-Saharan Africa. “In 2017 we started road shows into Africa to promote the event and attract visitors to the show. As a result of these, we had an 80% increase in African visitor attendance to the show, with many of our Futuroad exhibitors commenting that they made sales to this audience, during the event”, says Joshua Low, Group Exhibitions Director for Messe Frankfurt SA. “Based on the success of these we are increasing the number of countries for our road show, from 4, to 7 countries in 2019. These include: Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana. We decided on these countries, based preliminary on feedback received from our exhibitors,” adds Low.

This makes Futuroad the ideal platform for exhibitors to grow their business footprint, particularly as government and the large commercial vehicle companies are targeting increased automotive exports to grow the local economy, especially into Africa.

Road transport is the lifeblood of South Africa, despite government efforts to shift more freight from road to rail. Currently road transport moves more than double the amount of freight that goes by rail.

The truck market in South Africa has been bucking the trend in terms of vehicle sales in 2018, with sales up 3.3% year-to-date after the first 10 months of the year. The truck and bus sales forecast for the year has now moved up to 26 000 units, at a time when the country is in an official recession. The forecast at the beginning of the year was 25 400 units. This means that truck and bus operators are buying vehicles to renew their fleets despite the gloomy economic environment. The Futuroad Expo will thus be an ideal opportunity for these fleet operators to compare the various makes and models of trucks and buses at a single venue over a period of four days.

“We received excellent feedback from our exhibitors who participated at Futuroad expo 2017 and as a result, we already sold more space than we did in 2017 with brands such as Volvo, UD FAW, Tata, Eicher, Powerstar and MCV Buses already signed for the event. Adding to this, we have commitment from some of the other major players in the industry, with an additional 4 800 sqm in space committed for the show,” says Low.

Nkomazi SEZ To Boost Mpumalanga

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says the recent designation of the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mpumalanga will contribute significantly to the economic and industrial development of the Nkomazi region and the province at large.

Davies designated the Nkomazi SEZ as the 10th Special Economic Zone in South Africa recently. The Nkomazi SEZ will be developed as an agro-processing hub, supported by logistics and other related services.

To date, the special economic Zone programme has attracted 115 private companies with a total value of R11.6 billion from private investments leveraging on the R4.6 billion of public investments. The SEZ programme has created more than 14 020 direct jobs as well as many multipliers.

According to Davies, the introduction of SEZ Tax incentives, which include the reduced 15% Corporate Tax Incentive, Employment Tax Incentives, Customs and excise incentive and Accelerated Depreciation of Building allowance have brought a much needed investment confidence into the programme and the country.

“Taking advantage of the Tax incentive package and the SEZ investment pipeline, the dti target is to increase the number of investments into the zones and double the rand value of operational investments from R11.6 billion to R23 billion by the end of 2019,” says Davies.

Last month President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the 124.5-hectare area, Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Atlantis, Western Cape Province. The Atlantis SEZ is designated for the manufacturing of green technologies, alternative waste management, energy efficient technology, alternative building material and many other clean technologies.

COEGA SEZ Serves As A Springboard To The Rest Of Africa

With Asia being the largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows in the world, Africa has also seen a significant growth in FDI inflows.

United Nations Investment Trends Monitor (UNCTAD) demonstrates a resilient FDI flow to developing economies. The report highlights a 3% increase in FDI flow to developing economies, with Africa having registered a modest increase of 6% in 2018 (US$40 billion, up from revised US$38 billion in 2017).

The report further tracks South Africa’s steep fall in FDI inflows since 2014, comparing it to the registered strong recovery demonstrated by South Africa, with inflows amounting to US$7.1 billion in 2018 compared to US$1.3 billion in 2017. Such was driven by large investments in mining, petroleum refining, food processing, information and communication technologies and renewable energy.

In an effort to encourage growth in FDI flows for the Sub Saharan region, the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has dedicated much of its long-term strategy to focus on investment opportunities, which will secure a firm position for Africa globally. As a result, Coega SEZ is recognized as the leading SEZ in Africa and a gateway to world markets.

The SEZ’s strategic location and adjacency to the deep water Port of Ngqura has seen it become a springboard to investors looking to explore the greater African market. “Our location is unique – it provides an opportunity for potential investors to penetrate the African market,” says Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC unit head brand, marketing & communications.

This has led to the Coega SEZ becoming home to various leading Fortune 500 companies seeking access to a wider market. The CDC, currently home to 43 operational investors with an investment portfolio in excess of R7 billion boasts a number of investors playing in the African market.

“The story of First Automotive Works (FAW) SA is one we are very proud of. We celebrate the success they have had in the African market with some of their trucks proving to be customer favourites in Tanzania and the wider SADAC market,” highlights Vilakazi.

At the back of this, the Coega SEZ has also seen the latest inclusion of another Fortune 500 company seeking to penetrate the African market, BAIC SA. The investment valued at R11 billion, once operational will enhance the diverse portfolio of export orientated investors at the Coega SEZ.

Late last year, the Coega SEZ announced the recent inclusion of HELLA – a Germanbased lighting and electronics specialist. HELLA announced its intentions to embark on a strategic decision with their operations in Sub-Saharan Africa that will enable them to serve as the gateway into Africa. The R30 million investment is set to start operating out of their new facility middle of this year.

Airbus Delivers The 400Th A320 Family Aircraft From FALA

Airbus has delivered the 400th A320 Family aircraft from its Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) in Tianjin, China.

The A320neo was delivered to national flag carrier Air China, based in Beijing. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF latest generation engines, the aircraft features a comfortable two-class cabin layout with 158 seats. The milestone is a tribute to the excellent industrial cooperation and partnership between Airbus and the Chinese aviation industry.

The Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) is a joint venture between Airbus and a Chinese consortium comprising Tianjin Airport Economic Area Zone & Tianjin Port Free Trade Administrative Committee and China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). Airbus and the Chinese Consortium hold 51% and 49% of the shares of the joint venture respectively. Airbus has four A320 Family production facilities around the world, including Toulouse – France, Hamburg – Germany, Tianjin – China and Mobile – United States.

Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15% fuel savings at delivery and 20% by 2020. With more than 6,200 orders received from more than 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60% share of the market.

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