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Trumpf Records Most Successful Year In Company’s History

The TRUMPF Group was able to significantly increase sales, orders received and profits in the 2017/18 fiscal year that ended June 30, 2018.

Sales rose by 14.6 percent to 3.57 billion euros (fiscal year 2016/17: 3.11 billion euros) – the highest figure in company history since its foundation in 1923. Orders received increased 12.5 percent to 3.8 billion euros – from 3.4 billion euros in 2016/17. Operating income before taxes rose by 52.3 percent to 514 million euros (fiscal year 2016/17: 337 million euros). The net operating margin amounted to 14.4 percent compared to 10.8 percent one year earlier.

EUV lithography system during installation – when completed, the system will weigh around 17 metric tons and comprise more than 450,000 parts.

Driven by an ongoing strong global economy, TRUMPF was able to significantly exceed its projections in some areas, the company announced. The company’s largest business division, Machine Tools, increased its sales by 11.3 percent. The Laser Technology division achieved sales growth of 21.5 percent. EUV lithography for the exposure of microchips performed particularly well, increasing by 57.3 percent over the previous year to 250 million euros. TRUMPF’s planning for the current 2018/19 fiscal year envisages further noticeable growth in EUV lithography. Even today, sales in this strategically important business segment exceed those of most of TRUMPF’s foreign sales markets.

Once again, Germany was the largest single market for TRUMPF, with sales up by 15.6 percent to 719 million euros, followed by China (up by 13.0 percent on the previous year to 457 million euros), and the United States (up by 5.4 percent on the previous year to 444 million euros) in second and third place respectively. Year-on-year sales in Italy grew by 31.8 percent to173 million euros, making the country the fourth-strongest single market for the first time. In addition to these markets, TRUMPF intends to intensify its business activities in countries such as Mexico and Canada as well as in the Asian countries Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam in an effort to achieve average annual growth of 10 percent, the company announced.

In the current fiscal year, despite the general slowdown of the global economy, TRUMPF expects to generate business with a similar level of profitability.

The Group-wide workforce grew by 12.9 percent in the reporting period to 13,420 employees as of the June 30, 2018 balance sheet date and has since exceeded the 13,500 mark. In Germany, there were 6,778 employees, around 3,900 of whom were employed at the company headquarters in Ditzingen. This equates to an increase of 12.5 percent. Outside of Germany, the number of employees rose by 13.3 percent to 6,642.

In the past fiscal year, TRUMPF invested in emerging technologies such as EUV lithography or metal 3D printing (additive manufacturing), as well as driving forward the AXOOM digital business platform. Expenditure on research and development rose by 5.9 percent to 337 million euros. The company’s R&D ratio in relation to sales amounted to 9.5 percent. The number of employees worldwide working on new products for TRUMPF increased by 13.2 percent to 2,087.

The company’s capital expenditure totaled 216 million euros in the 2017/18 reporting period. Real estate and construction projects accounted for 43 percent of the total sum invested, technical plant and machinery for 18 percent, and office and business equipment for 33 percent.

Investments in other European countries accounted for 13 percent of the Group’s total capital expenditure, while 15 percent concerned the Americas. The smart factory demonstration center in Chicago is an outstanding example, representing an investment of 26 million euros. Another major investment project was the creation of the TRUMPF Group’s largest-ever production site, operated by the Chinese joint venture JFY. The total cost of this investment was 14 million euros.

Digitalization Sets The Tone At EuroBlech 2018

The 25th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, EuroBLECH 2018, ended after four successful show days.

A total of 56,301 visitors from around the world came to Hanover to get an overview of the latest innovations and digital technologies for sheet metal working and to invest in new manufacturing machinery. A total of 1,507 companies from 40 countries exhibited at this year’s show.

Exhibitors showcased an enormous variety of new machinery and innovative solutions and many of these were, once again, demonstrated live at the exhibition stands”, says Evelyn Warwick, EuroBLECH Exhibition Director, on behalf of the organizers Mack Brooks Exhibitions. “There was a noticeable technological advancement within the last two years. Exhibitors demonstrated how well the industry is prepared for digitalization and how these new technologies can be used within a manufacturing environment”, continues Warwick.

EuroBLECH 2018 ends with a record floor space of 89,875 net square metres and an impressive visitor figure, which of course is also due to the booming industry. Many exhibitors reported positive sales figures”, concludes Warwick.

A total of 58% of exhibitors came from outside Germany at this year’s show. This represents a further increase in international attendance by 4%. The preliminary results of the exhibition survey show that 37% of visitors came to EuroBLECH from outside Germany, resulting once again in good international visitor attendance. Major visitor countries, next to Germany, included Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, India, Great Britain, Poland, Austria and Belgium.

A great majority of the visitors came from the industry (73%), followed by visitors from workshops, trade and services. The most important sectors visitors belonged to include engineering, sheet metal & products, steel and aluminium construction, the automotive industry and its suppliers, electrical engineering, iron and steel production as well as rolling mills and heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

With 97% the percentage of trade visitors was again very high. Besides the high rate of international visitors, the exhibition could, once again, register a high percentage of visitors from top management with decisionmaking and buying capacity. The percentage of visitors involved in decision-making was almost consistent at 79%.

IMTS 2018 Largest Show Ever

A rapidly transforming industry sparked IMTS 2018 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, to set all-time records for show metrics. The 32nd edition of the show drew a record registration of 129,415 people and featured 1,424,232 sq. ft. of exhibit space representing 2,123 booths and 2,563 exhibiting companies. IMTS 2018 ran from Sept. 10 – 15 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

“Connectivity, the digital transformation of manufacturing, automation, additive manufacturing and a strong economy drove record numbers at IMTS 2018,” says Peter R. Eelman, Vice President – Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. “Digitization collided with a robust manufacturing industry to create our most dynamic show ever.”

Historically, years between IMTS lead to incremental machine improvements, which are now reaching physical limits. “The velocity of change has become different,” observes Tim Shinbara – AMT Vice President – Manufacturing Technology. “Analog technology yields linear improvements. Digital technology creates exponential growth and transforms how manufacturers and job shops operate.”

Notable growth areas at IMTS 2018 included an expanded Additive Manufacturing Pavilion that featured 51 exhibitors and covered 31,550 sq. ft., the strong partnership with HANNOVER MESSE USA and its four colocated shows and 510 exhibitors.

Peter R. Eelman, Vice President – Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS.

“IMTS witnessed an unprecedented degree of collaboration among exhibitors to develop additive manufacturing, automation and connected systems,” says Eelman. As an example, he points to the venture between 3D Systems and GF Machining, with their DMP Factory 500 metal 3D printing system unveiled to the public on the first day of the show.

Scott Harms, founder and President of MetalQuest Unlimited, has attended IMTS since 1996. After three days at this show, he was working on quotes for a load/unload robot, a shop floor CMM with an automation package, scheduling software and smart factory technology. He is also looking at cobots.

While Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner addressed the IMTS audience, he noted that Illinois is the 17th largest manufacturing economy in the world, which generates 600,000 manufacturing jobs, produces $100 billion dollars in manufactured products and creates the “most exciting and dynamic part of prosperity for everyone.”

“The machines that you see at IMTS 2018 are moving at the speed of digital technology. They’re able to take files and make something that you’ve imagined,” says LM Industries CEO and co-founder John B. Rogers, Jr.” The tagline of IMTS 2018 says it the best, Where dreamers and doers connect.

The HANNOVER MESSE USA co-located show hosted 510 exhibitors from around the world. At the center of HANNOVER MESSE USA was the Solutions Theater, which hosted more than 60 learning sessions that dove deeply into important topics such as IIoT, intelligent manufacturing and next-generation technology.

Dell Technologies, Microsoft and SAP joined other innovators in a new Digital Factory exhibition that showcased breakthrough products and solutions focused on integrated processes and IT solutions for plant operations. The show has increased its exhibition space by 26 percent over IMTS 2016 and by more than 440 percent since its first appearance eight years ago.

“We want all visitors to be more competitive in this global world. People need to connect and collaborate,” says Dr. Jochen Koeckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG, HANNOVER MESSE’s parent organization.

AMT President Douglas K. Woods adds that, “HANNOVER MESSE USA and IMTS bridge the gap between Silicon Valley technology and main street manufacturing. People find technologies here that change the spaces we work in.”

With digital technology, the pace of change makes it difficult to fully grasp the possibilities. IMTS 2018 directly addressed that issue with AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) on digital transformation, which featured demonstrations of how new science impacts manufacturing.

Cisco, an IT hardware company, exhibited at IMTS for the first time, bringing its expertise in the industrial security of data and connectivity to the ETC. Visitors learned about best practices to secure their plant floor and intellectual property. Security is now a top concern and manufacturing facilities need to manage modern security with legacy operating systems.

IMTS 2018 will be noted as the year of digital transformation, as exemplified by an automated cell linking a Hurco CNC, a Universal Robot arm and Hexagon CMM using the MTConnectTM standard.

“MTConnect is the building block that enables intelligent systems and decisionmaking based on data rather than instinct,” says Eelman. “Instead of asking ‘What’s a connected system?’, visitors now say to exhibitors, ‘Your systems use MTConnect, right?’”

Paul Gray, Hurco’s R&D Manager, notes that the only required connection between machines is an Ethernet cable. “Simple connectivity and software communication overcomes a major hurdle for job shops that focus on high-mix, low-volume and even custom parts,” he says.

Additive Advances

“Additive manufacturing is one of the most revolutionary technologies ever brought to IMTS, and that’s reflected in the ETC focusing on additive manufacturing,” says Eelman.

To show its speed and versatility, Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a die-in a-day demonstration that featured four stages of development: printing the die at Lincoln Electric, machining the printed die at Mazak, molding a part from the die at IACMI and 3D laser scanning the part at Quality Vision International.

“Traditionally it takes a minimum of six weeks to make molds, and it costs tens of thousands of dollars,” said Lonnie Love, Group Leader of Automation Robotics and Manufacturing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “We demonstrated every day of the show the ability to go from digital to actual production in less than 10 hours. This technology has practical uses that manufacturers can utilize now.”

This ETC also featured a “Knowledge Bar” hosted by America Makes where visitors learned about the development of education roadmaps, an online platform for members to exchange information and establishment of industry-wide additive manufacturing (AM) standards and specifications.

Multiple companies chose IMTS 2018 as their venue to debut high-volume AM systems, including HP and EOS. Stephen Nigro, President of 3D Printing, introduced the HP Metal Jet printer. Designed for high volume production, the HP Metal Jet has 50 times more productivity than any other binder jet or laser. EOS launched the M 300-4 system, a multi laser metal 3D printing system designed for digital industrial additive manufacturing.

Perhaps more than any other technology at IMTS, AM represents the opportunity for small and start-up companies, from the U.S. and abroad, to gain exposure to a large audience and grow their dreams.

Austin Kron, Business Development Manager for first-time exhibitor BeAM Machines Inc., Strasbourg, France, believes AM will continue to generate company creation and growth as it becomes more industrialized, meeting production levels required by manufacturing. He cites one customer with certified aerospace repair job that has more than three thousand parts in flight.

“Every building in McCormick Place featured AM technology,” says Eelman. “Four years ago when we produced the Strati vehicle on the show floor, large-scale AM was a novelty. At IMTS 2018, AM technology was part of the manufacturing processes used to produce the entrance hall impact units.”

Smarter Solutions

ATHENA, the industry’s first voice-operated assistant, debuted at IMTS in the Makino and OKK booths, as well as in AMT’s ETC where visitors could control a 5-axis DMG Mori CNC.

“With 5-axis milling technology becoming more prevalent, operators need to know more to be highly productive,” says Dan Bagley, VP Marketing & Sales at iTSpeeX. “People don’t operate machines. People produce parts in a cell, and the machine is an actor in that cell. ATHENA provides intelligent assistance to machinists to allow them to operate multiple types of controls.”

Index previewed its iXworld, an online portal with four distinct service areas under a single interface. FANUC’s FIELD system, an open platform that collects machine data in real time, was connected to more than 300 machines from 144 companies at the show. SAP focused on how to use blockchain to improve trust and transparency from source to consumption. After meeting at the previous show, Infor and FORCAM collaborated to create a bi-direction interface between FORCAM’S plant floor information-gathering solution and Infor’s backend ERP solution. Fraunhofer demonstrated the first 5G network in the world, which can record data at frequencies 10 to 100 times faster than LTE.

Trumpf Makes The World’s Most Flexible 3D Laser System Even Faster

The TruLaser Cell 7040 is an inherently powerful and flexible machine, offering the largest range of beam sources and highest laser power on the market and capable of executing multiple machining processes.

To make the machine even more efficient, TRUMPF has worked on cutting down nonproductive time. This encompasses any activity before or after processing that does not add value to the process – re-tooling or loading and unloading, for instance. “When companies are making batches of products that change on a frequent basis, the cost of this non-productive time really adds up,” says TRUMPF product manager Thomas Kirchhoff.

The TruLaser 7040 saves time thanks to its smart optic set-up station, a swivel-mounted apparatus mounted on the machine frame that automatically orientates the optics within the work area. This improves accuracy, resulting in consistently reproducible, high quality cutting results.

Two different beam sources allow the machine to process a broad range of materials, including steel and light metals, without the need for timeconsuming re-tooling.

It also enables the operator to start producing batches much faster than before, since hardly any time needs to be spent on set-up. As a further improvement, TRUMPF engineers have also included optimized cutting parameters for both beam sources in the machine control system. Thanks to these integrated laser technology tables, operators need only select the material and thickness and the machine will automatically choose the right cutting parameters for settings such as power and gas pressure. That eliminates the need to hunt for the best parameters manually and enables operators to start the process quicker. What’s more, it increases machining quality and decreases scrap rates by locking in the optimal parameters right from the very first part.

In a bid to further boost productivity, TRUMPF experts have also drawn on the latest generation of TRUMPF lasers. The range of compatible products includes highly efficient TruDisk lasers up to 5kW as well as tried-and-tested CO2 TruFlow lasers offering as much as 6kW of laser power. During laser cutting, X-Blast technology ensures increased process reliability by enabling the nozzle to machine the sheet metal at twice the distance. That results in fewer collisions, guaranteeing higher quality, burr-free cutting results even in the case of highly complex components.

The TRUMPF experts have also set out to significantly boost part quality by integrating BrightLine Weld, a technology developed by TRUMPF for low-spatter laser welding. “With this technology, not only do we get a better quality of weld seam, we can also triple welding speed and achieve a major boost in overall productivity,” says Kirchhoff. The developers have also incorporated doors made of glass fiber composites into the new design. These are almost half the weight of their steel equivalent, shaving the time needed to open and close the doors by three seconds. That can help achieve time savings of up to 35 percent per processing cycle.

Last but not least, TRUMPF has taken operators’ needs very much into account in this new version of the TruLaser Cell 7040. Programming and teach-in are easier because operators can now see inside the machine without having to make unnatural movements. This improvement stems from a moveable, swivel- mounted control panel that operators can quickly adjust to their height and stature. The white paint finish and balanced lighting give operators a clear view of the work area at all times.

For more information contact Retecon – Tel: 011 976 8600

Micro3Feed New Fast Feed Milling Indexable Small Size Tools

The new cutters have been designed to replace solid carbide endmills, providing the advantages of indexable tools to deliver an excellent cost benefit solution.

The new family, MICRO3FEED, is intended for productive rough milling compact parts, small-in-size cavities, pockets, etc., at high feed rates. MICRO3FEED should be applied in die and mold making and the manufacture of miniature parts and small components, among other applications. The new family is ideal for use in low power machining centers and turn-milling machine tools.

The cutters carry single-sided trigon inserts with three cutting edges and feature a maximal depth of cut 0.6mm, a 17° cutting edge angle, a positive rake angle and ramping-down capability. Coolant holes are directed to each individual cutting edge, for an efficient coolant supply through the cutter body.

The MICRO3FEED cutters are available in the following configurations: FFT3 EFM endmills in 10, 12 and 16mm diameters and FFT3 EFM-MM endmill heads with a MULTIMASTER threaded connection in 10, 12 and 16mm diameters.

The cutters carry FFT3 WXMT 030206 inserts that are secured by a central clamping screw. The inserts are available in two carbide grades for machining different workpiece materials: ISO P (steel, ferritic and martensitic stainless steel), ISO K (cast iron), ISO S (high temperature alloys) and ISO H (hardened steel and cast iron). The radius for programming of FFT3 EFM…-03 is 1.1mm.

For more information contact ISCAR South Africa – Tel: 011 997 2700

The New Studer Favorit

STUDER is expanding its product portfolio and bringing a new machine series to the market – the favorit. 

With centre distances of 400, 650, 1000 and 1600mm, the favorit line is suitable for short to long workpieces and can be used universally. It comes in a completely new design and scores especially with its price-performance ratio.

This CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine is designed for grinding in individual and batch production and can be automated. It can subsequently be easily adapted to other grinding tasks using various accessory kits such as in-process gauging, balancing system, contact detection and length positioning.

The favorit is a very cost-effective machine. As with all STUDER cylindrical grinding machines, the proven solid Granitan® machine base ensures the highest precision, performance and reliability. The full enclosure ensures an optimal view of the grinding process. The wheel-head, which can be automatically positioned every 3°, can take one beltdriven external and internal grinding spindle respectively.

Thanks to a 370mm long X-axis the dressing spindle can be placed behind the workhead or tailstock, without colliding with the grinding head. Geometrical clarifications are now a thing of the past. The dresser position can be manually adjusted in the T-slot.

The STUDER favorit has an integrated coolant tray and a machine base with temperature control. Potential deformations of the slide on the Z-axis are eliminated. At the same time the “active temperature control” option brings the machine to operating temperature faster.

The practical STUDER grinding software with its proven StuderPictogramming means that even less experienced users can quickly and practically program grinding and dressing cycles. The modern and user-friendly design is complemented with a touch-screen panel, which allows the operator to easily and directly control the machine. Service doors at the rear and on the right of the machine ensure high ergonomic efficiency during machine operation. Development, production, assembly and inspections of STUDER products all takes place in a processoriented manner and complies with the stringent directives stipulated in VDA 6.4 and ISO 9001.

For more information contact Retecon – Tel: 011 976 8600

Timesavers 42 Series Rotary Brush Machine

This add-on machine is placed in front of the machine, and serves to remove burrs from the underside of workpieces before they enter the main deburring process.

The advantage of this is that deburring can be done with one single pass – in half the time it previously took. In the world of fabrication today, there is overwhelming demand for increased speed of production, while still meeting quality requirements. The 42 series meets these requirements in full. With modern fibre laser technology, in some clients’ fabrication centres, the output of newly cut components has reached unprecedented rates. With the add-on machine, Timesavers has therefore ensured that the process of deburring and edge-rounding effectively eliminates any production bottlenecks and increases productivity and profitability accordingly.

In addition, the add-on machine allows the 42 Series to be more easily integrated into fully automated processing lines.

Not only does the 42 series offer improved deburring, rounding and finishing in one processing step, it is also able to process a large variety of sheet thicknesses and metal types. This machine is very versatile, as it can deburr and grind small parts from 30mm to large parts up to 1600mm, while being capable of processing a large variety of materials including stainless steel, aluminium, zincor, zinc and laser film products.

The machine features a centrally installed and user-friendly control panel and an automatic table opening of 0 – 100mm. To ensure a perfect finish, the machine has a carousel rotating brush head equipped with eight brushes, four rotating to the left and four to the right. The frequency-controlled conveyor belt feeds at speeds ranging from 0.2 to 8 m/min. Window panels and a well-lit interior make it easy to keep a visual check on processing.

The brushes have an extremely long service life of approximately 3,000 hours. However, when brushes or belts need to be replaced, there is a quick replacement system for virtually uninterrupted production. To monitor feed status, the machine is equipped with LED beams on the infeed and outfeed and the vacuum table has an automatic cleaning cycle.

While the most common finish achieved by the Timesavers wide belt machine is the straight line or grain finish for decorative or aesthetic purposes, some customers may require a random, circular or orbital scratch pattern. Timesavers offer machines for each of these requirements and will run samples to demonstrate the required finish results accordingly.

Alternatively, the component can be given a finish with the surfaces prepared for painting or for receiving a specific micro-finish. If any customer has a specific deburring challenge, the First Cut and Timesavers teams are always ready and willing to consult, in order to find an optimal deburring or grinding solution.

Many Timesavers customers have found that switching from time-consuming manual deburring to an automated Timesavers machine has not only saved them a substantial amount of operational time – but substantial costs as well.

Ultimately, for unmatched high-end finishes, the 42 Series is the ideal solution for the fabricator or manufacturer dedicated to supplying their customers with premium standard, quality-cut and finished components.

For more information contact First Cut – Tel: 011 614 1112

GF Machining Solutions’ Form Family Of Die-Sinking EDM Machines

The AgieCharmilles FORM X, FORM S, FORM P and FORM E series advance their forebearers’ software and technical innovation, such as the renowned AC FORM human-machine interface and GF Machining Solutions’ legendary EDM know-how.

Whether the requirement is a single machine for straightforward use or full automation, these new, easily integrable FORM solutions position users to meet every challenge, with greater flexibility and machining accuracy to eliminate costly manual operations.

These eco-friendly solutions offer Econowatt technology to save energy, a variety of Industry 4.0-oriented connectivity features to support manufacturers’ digital transformation and eTracking software for EDM process monitoring and full traceability.

From faster rib machining to micromachining, the AgieCharmilles FORM family of DSEDM solutions is evidence of GF Machining Solutions’ continued and significant investments to advance DSEDM research. The result is that AgieCharmilles FORM series users achieve performance like never before in machining with graphite and copper. Perfectly repeatable machining of micro cavities is just one example of the manufacturing challenges expertly resolved by this range of DSEDM solutions. In parallel, this series’ iGAP technology enables the rigidity of plastic injection molded end products with deep, plastic reinforced ribs; it ensures fast, accurate machining of rib cavities with superior respect for the required demolding taper and VDI homogeneity throughout the cavity surface.

Manufacturers requiring maximum use of their AgieCharmilles FORM machine can exploit the range’s eConnectivity features and MTConnect capability to stay informed of the machine’s status. Moreover, the FORM E 350 allows switching between DSEDM to drilling EDM, allowing extended use of the machine. Automation is another way AgieCharmilles FORM series machine users can extend their productivity: In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, unattended manufacturing is a must, so the AgieCharmilles FORM E, P, S and X series solutions can be connected to external robots and offer integrated pallet as well as electrode changing solutions.

AgieCharmilles FORM X – extreme and uncompromising accuracy

Extreme accuracy, highest precision in mass production, and unparalleled productivity come together as future-shaping solutions with the AgieCharmilles FORM X series. This series’ TECFORM ensures highest accuracy and reproducibility on both big and small parts. This is due to the fixed table and stiff machine base delivering perfect positioning accuracy along the entire axis travel. The result – high precision throughout the machining area.

Furthermore, manufacturers’ mass production of highly precise micro parts is assured by the AgieCharmilles FORM X series precision-enhancing qualities. High quality, automated mass production is easily within reach, thanks to these machines’ dynamic thermostabilization.

As manufacturers face ever-shorter delivery time, the AgieCharmilles FORM X series delivers high running time – no manual intervention necessary – thanks to its vast Automation capabilities. These include accommodation of linear, rotary or robot pallet and electrode changers, as well as smart features such as Part Express and Job List management. Users can ramp up their profitability by automating their production, thanks to the AgieCharmilles FORM X series’ ability to accommodate two front-oriented machines on each side of the robot.

AgieCharmilles FORM S: big success in micro-profiles

GF Machining Solutions’ AgieCharmilles FORM S solutions open new fields for miniaturization, optimize productivity, ensure lasting accuracy, and have the automation readiness to position users for the future.

New fields of miniaturization are opened by the maximum respect for details provided by these solutions’ Intelligent Speed Power Generator (ISPG) evolution and specific micro technologies. The latest-generation ISPG makes it possible to use a smallerthan- ever spark gap to remove minute amounts of material in order to achieve finest geometric details.

At the same time, AgieCharmilles FORM S 350 users achieve more with less by using fewer electrodes to achieve greater detail. Behind  this achievement lies this solution’s process, enabling such a small electrical current that electrode wear becomes insignificant. Consequently, only few electrodes are needed to machine cavities and this represents a significant advantage over similar products.

High, lasting accuracy is made possible by a specific controlled process during production of the AgieCharmilles FORM S series, so the machine retains stable accuracy across its lifetime. Stable performance is ensured by this solution’s standard thermostabilization equipment.

Moreover, the AgieCharmilles FORM S 350 is Automation-ready and GF Machining Solutions has a perfect automation configuration to meet every need, whether the requirement is a simple linear tool changer or any kindof robot in any cell.

AgieCharmilles FORM P

As the preferred choice for automated parts production with adapted investment cost, the AgieCharmilles FORM P series puts perfect results and high productivity at the user’s fingertips.

Perfect results are enabled by the intuitive, easy-to-learn and easy-to-use die-sinking EDM process ensured by GF Machining Solutions’ AC FORM human-machine interface (HMI). Designed for productivity, the FORM P series leads the way in high running time without manual intervention, thanks to the series’ multiple Automation choices from a linear, rotary or robot pallet or electrode changer as well as smart features like Part Express and Job List management.

Manufacturers’ speed and productivity are advanced by GF Machining Solutions’ diesinking EDM embedded in the FORM P series’ EDM process management. The ISPG, in association with the TECFORM EXPERT system, maximizes surface finish and homogeneity by generating the ideal EDM spark settings.

AgieCharmilles FORM E

This multifaceted performer delivers best value for the investment in the production of molds and parts. It offers superb accessibility, automated dielectric management, extended Automation capabilities, everevolving technological improvements and the availability of GF Machining Solutions Customer Services’ rConnect world of digital services.

Automatic dielectric management increases machining time while reducing human intervention. Filling and emptying the work tank is now automatic, and the dielectric height can be adjusted while running a program. Furthermore, the AgieCharmilles FORM E series offers extended Automation capabilities, including linear and rotary tool changers for machines produced in Switzerland. In addition, the FORM E 350 can accommodate an external robot.

Thanks to GF Machining Solutions’ continuous improvement of EDM technology, AgieCharmilles FORM E users get the EDM performance necessary to address their daily challenges. With rConnect, GF Machining Solutions continues to push technological boundaries to deliver the future of services— today. As the machine tool industry’s most in-depth digital service platform, rConnect represents this GF Division’s Industry 4.0 vision of intelligent and high-performing services. AgieCharmilles FORM X, S, P and E series machines are all rConnect ready.

For more information contact Retecon – Tel: 011 976 8600

4 000th FAW Rolls Off COEGA Production Line

FAW’s assembly plant has become the bedrock for further investments in the Eastern Cape.

Inaugurated in July 2014, the plant was the first large-scale investment made by a China-based company in the region. In fact, it is still one of the largest foreign direct investments ever made in Coega.

FAW’s plant currently provides employment for 120 people on a permanent basis, contributing positively to the overall unemployment rate in the province.

The plant has increased production to include almost all FAW commercial vehicles sold in the sub-Saharan region today. It has produced 1 061 vehicles in the past 13 months alone which are either sold locally or exported into southern Africa.

To date, a total of 16 different models have been assembled at the plant in Coega, ranging from the ever popular 8.140 to the landmark vehicle, a 420hp FAW 33.420FT truck tractor, which is the newest model in the company’s extra-heavy commercial vehicle range and is the successor to the popular FAW 28.380FT.

Total FAW exports reached 159 units in 2016, which rose to 212 units in 2017, establishing FAW as the second largest commercial vehicle exporter in South Africa. This is further testament to the brands promise to build quality vehicles in South Africa for Africa.

Latest Metals And Engineering Production Figures – SEIFSA

Speaking after the release of metals and engineering production figures, Ade said although the annual growth in output is comparatively lower than that of June 2018, the data is encouraging as production is still trending positively.

SEIFSA Chief Economist Michael Ade.

He said the performance in July – which officially kick-starts quarter three – were against the backdrop of generally subdued domestic demand triggered by the technical economic recession and a plummeting exchange rate is welcome.

“Given that the contribution of the broader manufacturing sector to quarter-two GDP was lower than expected, the performance by its important cluster of industries will provide more impetus for a subsequently higher manufacturing contribution to domestic growth,” Ade said.

In line with the broader manufacturing sector, which increased by 2,9% in July 2018, the latest preliminary seasonally-adjusted data released by Statistics South Africa captures an increase in output in the M&E cluster in July 2018, when compared with July 2017. After accounting for heterogeneity through the sectoral contributions, the data indicated that production in M&E sub-components increased by 3,4% on a year-on-year basis, and by 3,2% on a month-on-month basis.

Ade said that despite welcoming the slow progression in production, SEIFSA notes that specific concerns which have the ability to inhibit the contribution of the cluster to quarter-three GDP still remain. These include high prices of both domestic and imported intermediary inputs, volatile variable costs (including fuel and energy costs) and exchange rate.

Ade said although a weak exchange rate favours exports, the net effect after accounting for higher intermediate input prices can significantly offset gains from exports. He said the tumbling Rand/Dollar exchange rate, which weakened to as high as R15.24/$ recently, adds to the cost of imported inputs and is generally counter productive.

“Moreover, with business confidence currently below the neutral level of 50, which is a rare and perturbing development, businesses may be compelled to pass on cost increases, thereby rendering their products less price competitive,” Ade said.

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