Author: a.manzo

Xiris is pleased to announce the establishment of a web page designed for Weld Educators. This web page highlights the proven benefits of using Xiris’ Weld Cameras in the classroom, providing educators with access to all of Xiris’ relevant resources including whitepapers and our weld video library with over 300 videos.

Weld Cameras are an excellent solution to overcome the limitations of traditional welding education by allowing students to watch welding lessons without having to crowd around the instructor. Xiris’ Weld Cameras with High Dynamic Range technology captures all details of the welding process in one clear image providing ongoing content for high-quality weld instruction.

Xiris Automation Inc. specializes in developing optical equipment used for process and quality control across a number of specialty industries. With an extensive product line, Xiris provides some of the

world’s most dynamic manufacturers with the ability to detect, recognize, and interpret quality defects in their manufactured goods.

Xiris is pleased to announce the establishment of a web page designed for Weld Educators. This web page highlights the proven benefits of using Xiris’ Weld Cameras in the classroom, providing educators with access to all of Xiris’ relevant resources including whitepapers and our weld video library with over 300 videos.

Weld Cameras are an excellent solution to overcome the limitations of traditional welding education by allowing students to watch welding lessons without having to crowd around the instructor. Xiris’ Weld Cameras with High Dynamic Range technology captures all details of the welding process in one clear image providing ongoing content for high-quality weld instruction.

Xiris Automation Inc. specializes in developing optical equipment used for process and quality control across a number of specialty industries. With an extensive product line, Xiris provides some of the

world’s most dynamic manufacturers with the ability to detect, recognize, and interpret quality defects in their manufactured goods.

Absolute micro-tightness against the hydrogen medium: this is the predicate given by TÜV Rheinland to the VOSS Lok 40 tube connection system from VOSS Fluid. This is also confirmed by recent certifications by the DVGW (German Association for Gas and Water) and the international shipbuilding classification society DNV-GL. With the TÜV Rheinland certification, VOSS Lok 40 has thus received certificates from the most important national and international certification companies.

The certification in the field of hydrogen was particularly impressive for the VOSS Fluid developers. In addition, hydrogen is considered an extremely sensitive hazardous good due to its high flammability. That is why the demands placed on VOSS Lok 40 are correspondingly high. The purely metal-sealing tube connection system is based on the principle of tube forming established in hydraulics and represents an economical alternative to clamping ring systems due to its extremely high micro-tightness. It reliably seals hydrogen applications up to 70 MPa (700 bar) operating pressure and temperatures from -40°C to +120°C. The TÜV Rheinland inspectors subjected the product to a series of demanding tests in accordance with EC 79. In addition, the tube forming solution meets the tightness requirements of the European regulation ECE R110. It is thus approved for special components used in motor vehicles with CNG drive. The DVGW also tested vibration, tensile strength and pressure pulse strength. Thanks to certification in the hydrogen sector, VOSS Lok 40 is also well-suited for use in alternative drive systems.

The international shipbuilding classification society DNV-GL also carried out a repeat assembly, as well as tests for tightness, vacuum, pull-out test, combined pressure pulsation and vibration. VOSS Lok 40 passed all tests with flying colors and showed maximum leakage reliability and pressure resistance. The certifications apply to the operation of high-pressure and low-pressure tube systems on seagoing vessels.

For 26 years, the storage and sawing technology from KASTO has provided dependable service to the hydraulics specialists Liebherr-Components Kirchdorf GmbH. However, to reliably meet the increasing demands in the cylinder production in the future, the company decided to modernise and expand the system. KASTO retrofitted the existing bar storage system and one of the two sawing machines with state-of-the-art technology. Moreover, the high-performance KASTOtec bandsaw and a custom-made handling solution using robot support ensure efficient and ergonomic processes.

Excavators and wheel loaders, bulldozers as well as crawler and mobile cranes, have one thing in common: They require hydraulic drives to carry out their work. This machinery must often carry extremely heavy loads – in such cases, the hydraulic systems which generate strong forces and high torques are ideal. Furthermore, the technology behind it is precise and robust making this machinery suitable for the harsh operating conditions of construction sites or mining industry. All around the globe, hydraulic drives are used in countless applications ensuring that anything that should be moved, will move.

New saw increases efficiency and cutting quality
For years, Liebherr-Components Kirchdorf GmbH has relied on KASTO for storage and sawing technology: An automatic cantilever arm and cassette storage with 733 spaces and a large bandsaw from the KASTOhba series have provided reliable service for 26 years. “Unit recently, a production circular saw from KASTO, which was just as old, was still running,” recalls Stefan Lützel from Industrial Engineering of Liebherr Components. “Since then we have granted this saw a well-deserved retirement.”

The reason for this was an extensive modernisation of the sawing technology initiated by the company in 2016. At that time, those responsible decided to purchase a new saw to increase efficiency and cutting quality further and to be able to process larger diameters. The old circular saw was replaced with a high-performance bandsaw from the KASTOtec SC 4 series. This is strictly designed for separating larger workpieces, in particular, solid and difficult-to-cut materials. It features a cutting range of 430 millimetres and can operate with HSS as well as carbide bandsaw blades. The saw is also equipped with the KASTO Performance Cutting (KPC) package. This includes features such as an improved band guide and vibration absorption for an even higher cutting performance.

Together with KASTO, Liebherr Components developed a custom-made solution to automate the handling of the cut pieces. An industrial robot moves between the two saws on a linear axis. This robot is equipped with several exchangeable magnetic grippers to pick-up various workpieces from the material disposal of the sawing machine. The robot arm can easily lift up to 350 kilos. Along the linear axis, there are 18 storage locations for pallets and containers. The location of each load carrier is stored in the control system of the robot – thus, the robot can deposit each part precisely and gently on the specified location. Afterwards, the employees transport the cut pieces for further processing using forklifts or lift trucks.

Everything from a single source
As the general contractor, KASTO was responsible for implementing the entire project: from the modernisation of the existing saw and storage technology to the reconstruction of the new bandsaw through to the installation and setup of the linear axis and industrial robot. KASTO experts were also responsible for the integration of the various machine control systems into a uniform and easy-to-operate system. “It was a major advantage for us to have a single contact partner for all of our questions without having to coordinate between different suppliers,” emphasizes Lützel. “Especially, because we had to carry out the reconstruction works during ongoing operation, without disrupting it too greatly.” With this in mind, KASTO divided these tasks into several phases. In August 2016, the retrofit was conducted; in December, the KASTOtec was delivered and setup. The specialists connected this to the industrial robot in January 2017 before integrating the existing KASTOhba into the new system in the following December. “Thanks to the excellent coordination by KASTO, everything ran absolute smoothly,” added Lützel.

The positive changes in the production at Liebherr-Components Kirchdorf GmbH can be clearly seen – and they certainly can be heard: “Before, our saws were equipped with so-called filling buckets – from which the cut pieces fell into the containers – that made a horrible noise every time,” explains Stefan Lützel. Whereas, the robots place the workpieces accurately and quietly – this improved the work environment in the plant significantly. The new handling method has a further advantage: “We also process chromed materials that are sensitive to impact,” explains Lützel. “If these are simply dropped, they are easily damaged. With the robots, we no longer have this problem.”

Working ergonomically using robots
The KASTO solution has made improvements in other respects as well: Liebherr Components is now able to process material cuts up to three metres in length. The new sawing technology has resulted in a higher cutting quality than before, shorter cutting times, and a significant increase in the efficiency of the overall process. “The new system enables us to optimize our cutting process. As a result, we have less waste, and we can maximise the use of the material,” describes Lützel. The automated handling ensures an ergonomic work sequence: The employees can enter the cutting orders via an operating panel. Then the operating gantry crane of the storage system automatically (unmanned) transfers the required bar to one of the two saws. “From storing of the raw material through to the complete cut and sorted cut pieces, we do not need to carry out any manual tasks,” describes Lützel. This not only protects employee health but also enables the system to continue to run independently after working hours.

Since it has been in full operation, the system runs reliably without any noteworthy disruptions. If a problem should arise, all of the components can be serviced remotely. The KASTO experts can access the control systems online remotely and quickly assist from the headquarters in Achern, Baden. “This service is likewise very important to us to ensure high system availability,” says Lützel. Furthermore, Liebherr-Components Kirchdorf GmbH signed a long-term maintenance contract with KASTO: In regular intervals, technicians of the sawing and storage technology manufacturer are on-site to check and maintain the system. “Thus, we are provided with optimum support even after the purchase and setup,” Lützel is pleased to say.

“Survive and thrive in the extremes” theme showcases Victrex’s strength in harnessing innovation with investment to develop advanced polymer solutions for future challenges.
As Victrex celebrates the invention of PEEK polymer 40 years ago, the company was at OTC 2019 in Houston to emphasise how it has developed its polymers to final parts product range. James Simmonite, Director Energy at Victrex comments, “In PEEK´s 40th anniversary year, we can take a look back and see just how Victrex’s PEEK innovation has changed sectors, such as Energy and how Victrex has transformed into a global material, technology and solutions provider. ‘Power to progress polymers’ could be our mantra today.” Today´s remarkable list of VICTREX PAEK and PEEK-based innovations covers polymers, films, fibres, pipes, composite and gear solutions. In addition, strategic investments and development partnerships with leading companies, such as Magma Global Ltd. in the energy industry, are further propelling the industry and company.

In the oil and gas sector for example, Magma´s m-pipe® technology serves as one of the prime examples of utilizing an invention such as VICTREX™ PEEK thermoplastic composite to innovate. This subsea pipeline solution has been designed to reduce exploration and production costs and risks for demanding risers, jumpers, flowlines and downlines applications. At the end of 2016, Victrex invested a minority interest in Magma to further facilitate its adoption. Outstanding properties make m-pipe a cost-effective alternative to traditional steel and non-bonded flexible pipe. It requires minimal maintenance and, since it is not subject to corrosion, has a longer lifetime than steel.

Sealing solutions: Designed to improve efficiency and service life
Victrex recently launched a new cryogenics polymer, VICTREX CT 200. Specifically designed for dynamic sealing applications. This series exhibits improved sealing over a wider range of temperatures, compared to commonly-used materials such as PCTFE. It does so at low temperatures because of its greater ductility, and at high temperatures due to its superior creep resistance.

VICTREX CT polymers have also been shown to maintain better dimensional stability, with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than incumbent material. The higher thermal conductivity of these Victrex polymers enables a fast response to temperature changes, ensuring the material is always engaged with the counter-surface. In addition, laboratory testing indicates that they may require less torque to actuate since they have a lower static and dynamic coefficient of friction compared to PCTFE. This results in less wear, higher performance and a potential for cost savings.

Seal rings, thrust washers, bushings and bearings made of PEEK are also used in many applications where they must withstand extremely high pressures, high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and corrosive environments and consequently help to improve service life and reliability to eliminate costly downtimes. A case in point is thrust bearing pads for pumps; even after more than three years of operation, there is only minimal wear due to the tribological wear properties of VICTREX PEEK. In addition, power loss was reduced by up to 30%.
Proactive investments in the future open the door to further innovations including 3d printing
Continued improvement in application performance to accelerate innovation is an integral part of strategy and success at Victrex. Proactive investment in the development of next-generation thermoplastic solutions have, for example, resulted in:
– The completion of a multi-million world class ‘Polymer Innovation Centre’ in November 2017 to address materials innovation as well as different aspects of polymer R&D;
– The acquisition of Kleiss Gears (2015) and the fibre manufacturer Zyex (2017);
– A joint venture called TxV Aero Composites (2017) to manufacture Aerospace parts;
– UD Tape Composites Manufacturing
– Investments in PtFS (Production to Functional Specification), an innovative tooling design and processing technology from Surface Generation (2019);
– Minority share in Bond High Performance 3D Technology (2019) to help customers with an accelerated route to market for 3D printed PAEK* parts, building on the inherent strength of existing Victrex´s polymers and setting the path to produce functional, high strength parts which contribute to maximising performance of components.

High-performance VICTREX PEEK polymer supports multiple requirements
The inert properties of the versatile PAEK polymers are one main reason for their success. This family of polymers is ideally suited to extreme and demanding environments. While alternative materials can meet specific needs, PEEKs are located at the top of the polymer pyramid and can support multiple requirements. Their properties include light weight, high strength, and high resistance to wear, high temperatures, fatigue and aggressive chemicals. Together, these outstanding properties contribute to enhanced fuel efficiency, extended part life, greater comfort (smooth operation, less noise), more design freedom and greater cost efficiency. A second important reason is that Victrex strategically focuses on this particular family of PAEK HPPs, and is committed to innovation, success and delivering total solutions to customers.

In the first quarter of 2019, the UCIMU index of machine tool orders showed an 8.5% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index was 127.7 (base 100 in 2015). The overall outcome was due to the reduction registered in the collection of orders, both in the domestic and in the foreign markets.

In particular, foreign orders highlighted an 8.2% drop versus the period January-March 2018. The absolute value of the index stood at 124.3.

Even on the domestic front, the Italian machine tool manufacturers registered a downturn in the order collection, down by 9.8%,
compared with the first quarter of 2018. The absolute value of the index was 129.1.

Massimo Carboniero, President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, stated: “The outcome of the first quarter leads to a careful consideration, because now, in addition to the evident, reduced order collection in the domestic market, started in the first quarter of 2018, there is also a decrease in the orders collected abroad”.

“With reference to the domestic market, the order downturn is not surprising after the exploit in 2017. We expected such reduction and, by observing the results of 2018 and of this first part of 2019, we can affirm that the values are back to the typical levels of the Italian market”.

“This said, however we should consider that the manufacturing industry in our country still needs to invest in new production machinery and technologies. Therefore, it is necessary that the Government authorities confirm the technicalities concerning the reinstatement of Super-Depreciation, as presented in the Growth Decree”.

“Actually, for the SMEs, Super-Depreciation represents the simplest instrument to foster the replacement and upgrade of industrial machinery. For this reason, it matches well with Hyper-Depreciation, which, on the other hand, supports and encourages the spread of innovation with regard to the digital aspect”.

“Some years ago, the Italian manufacturing industry, as well as the whole country, started a progressive process of renewal and transformation, aimed at improving the competitiveness of Made in Italy product offering. It would be risky to interrupt this path halfway, also and mostly considering the employment situation”.

“Italy needs to strengthen and increase the value of its manufacturing production, safeguarding its enterprises, its know-how and employment. To do this, we need tools that may incentivise investments in technology. Only in this way, by adding innovation to innovation, we will strengthen our leadership in those fields that are often “niche sectors”, where our product offering is significantly preferred to that of our competitors”.

“Abroad, the data collection regarding our index – added the president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE – shows a slowdown. The atmosphere of political instability, the concurrence with the European Elections, the stagnation of some markets, such as Germany, and of some sectors of destination that are particularly relevant for Italian machine tools, such as the automotive, as well as the protectionist closure of some important markets, make the activity of Italian manufacturers abroad certainly less easy”.

“For this reason, we ask the Government authorities to consider an increase in tax incentives for the Italian enterprises that take part in leading sector exhibitions held in non-EU countries. Actually, the participation in trade shows, especially in far-way countries, represents the best marketing tool for a SME. Indeed, over 50 Italian companies exhibited their technologies at the most important exhibition organised in China that took place in the middle of April. Their goal was to take advantage of the demand of local users and of neighbouring countries, which is certainly among the most dynamic ones in the international scenario”.

“But all this is not enough – concluded President Carboniero –. Therefore, within the internationalisation activity of 2019, UCIMU, together with the Ministry of Economic Development, Embassies, ICE-Italian Trade Agency and the national sector associations, organised a series of bilateral forums in Russia, India and China, conceived to encourage the dialogue between the countries involved in each forum and concerning their respective economic-political-institutional country system and their industrial systems”.