November 2017
Pegasus Steel adds fifth Trumpf laser to increase production and quality
Pretty much every service centre processing sheet and plate looks for process flexibility from the machine tools it selects. These companies need to be process agile because of the nature of the work that they do for their clients. Service centres such as Pegasus Steel tend to be creative in ways that help streamline the metalworking process to maximise productive machining time and minimise costly non-productive time.
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EMO Hannover 2017 theme of “Connecting Systems for Intelligent Production” allowed exhibitors to showcase their smart solutions
The EMO Hannover 2017 theme of “Connecting Systems for Intelligent Production” lived up to expectations from the many exhibitors who were only too willing to show you how they have embraced the concept by implementing Industry 4.0 or the Internet of Things (IoT) in their products or future plans.
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Budget Sheet Metal experiences 46% growth
Budget Sheet Metal Engineering is a family-run business that specialises in the manufacture of sheet metal parts and finished products. “Growth in any type of market or industry does not come easily. You have to be innovative, be prepared to spend money on capital equipment to increase and improve your manufacturing capabilities, but more importantly, engage with your client.”
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BMW Group South Africa invests another R160 million to increase production capacity of the BMW X3 at its Rosslyn plant
BMW Group South Africa has announced that it will invest an additional R160 million into its Rosslyn manufacturing facility outside Pretoria to enhance production line speed. The enhancement raises the maximum production capacity by almost 10%, from 71 000 units to 76 000 units.
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B&R Metrology Solutions equipped for accuracy
Opens showroom to allow prospective buyers to come and view equipment in an operating environment. “While many companies invest heavily in CNC machine tools and related equipment, the implementation of new metrology strategies tends to happen more slowly. However, today the call for more accountability when manufacturing large or small components is getting louder.”
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Mecad launches SolidWorks 2018
Dassault Systèmes recently announced the launch of SolidWorks 2018, the latest release of its portfolio of 3D design and engineering applications. SolidWorks 2018 features an integrated, end-to-end solution for the design to manufacturing process that enables businesses of any size to rethink their approach to how parts and products are made and quickly bring innovative ideas to market in today’s experience economy.
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Harcliff gears up with CNC grinding
The focus of the company is design, engineering, manufacture, spare parts, maintenance and refurbishment of new and existing equipment. It offers grinding mills and components, scrubbers, open gearing, kiln and drier components, industrial gearbox rebuilds, Radicon, Benzlers, Elecon and Kumera gearboxes and drives and crusher wear and mechanical spare parts.
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New aspects in industrial 3D metrology, inspection and testing conference
GOM to present optical measuring techniques for industrial casting processing. GOM, a global industrial company that develops, produces and distributes software, machines and systems for industrial and automated 3D coordinate measuring technology and 3D testing, will hold a one day conference on 15 March 2018.
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BSI Steel may close KwaZulu-Natal branch
The group may restructure to centralise distribution from Gauteng office amid sector ructions. BSI Steel, an AltX-listed processor and distributor of steel products into sub-Saharan Africa, is reviewing the viability of servicing the market in KwaZulu-Natal through its Pietermaritzburg warehouse and offices, according to a SENS announcement and a report in Business Day.
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Caterpillar commits to local sourcing of components through R1.3 billion investment
Caterpillar, a leading US manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives has said it is to source components and related services in South Africa worth a total estimated value of R1.3 billion. The commitment is for a period of 10 years, in support of local enterprise and supplier development.
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Esteq launches Solid Edge ST10
New release offers robust enhancements for design, simulation and collaboration. South African reseller Esteq introduced the newest version of Solid Edge – ST10 – at a function at the CSIR, revealing a handful of improvements, including the introduction of convergent modelling (the ability to mash up mesh and b-rep). The release also offers the ability to scale parts models and provides correct modelling of holes across bends in sheet metal.
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Atlantis Foundries embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Atlantis foundries have embarked on a process that will pave the way to becoming a Smart Foundry by embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This project aims to combine various technologies available to gather and analyse process data, with the aim of improving product quality and cost efficiency.
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September 2017
Fiber laser cutting without compromises – Bystronic
The ByStar Fiber pushes the limits. With a fundamentally redesigned machine concept, Bystronic is redefining fiber laser cutting and thereby expanding the range of applications of the cutting technology. With its uncompromising high-end performance, the ByStar Fiber is aimed at users who want to rely fully on fiber laser technology.
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AHRLAC engineers develop machining concept that is now internationally recognised
Much has been written locally about the AHRLAC (Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft), a light reconnaissance and counter-insurgency aircraft developed in South Africa by AHRLAC Holdings. It is a joint venture between the Paramount Group, Africa’s largest privately owned defence and aerospace company and Aerosud Innovation Centre.
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Somta Tools flies South African flag at EMO 2017
This year marks the 11th time that KwaZulu-Natal based Somta Tools will participate at the international metalworking exhibition. Somta Tools will once again be flying the South African flag by exhibiting at the internationally renowned EMO exhibition, which is taking place from 18 to 23 September 2017 in Hannover, Germany.
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Successful Red Bud Industries seminar held for the first time in South Africa
Red Bud Industries, a leading manufacturer of high speed, cut-to-length, blanking, multi-blanking, stretcher levelling and coil-to-coil slitting machines held its first ever coil processing seminar in South Africa in June 2017 at the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel in Johannesburg.
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Opportunities abound for Eezi Laser
Eezi Laser was just recently established in March 2017 and only took delivery of its own sheet metal processing machines in June 2017. During this ‘downtime’ the partners had plenty of organisational and administrative tasks to complete but they were also not idle in the area of securing business for their fledgling sheet metal processing company, and this has enabled them to keep their new machines busy since they were installed.
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Large DMG MORI 5-axis milling machine investment gears up Titanus Slew Rings for new business
No matter if your work is in Gear Manufacturing, Machine Construction, Tool & Mould Construction, Energy Technology or Aerospace, a clear trend is the creation of highly complex, high precision & quality workpieces of large dimensions.
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IDC starts to sell off struggling Scaw units
For over a year now the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has been seeking strategic equity partners for its struggling steel subsidiary Scaw Metals, which reported a loss of over R1 billion for 2016. The restructuring of its steel subsidiary Scaw Metals into three standalone entities is now at an advanced stage with plans to secure strategic equity partners (SEPs) for each of the units said CEO Geoffrey Qhena.
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Okuma to present super multitasking machines and Smart Factory Solutions at EMO 2017
Okuma will display its latest machining solutions to provide supreme connectivity and productivity at this year’s EMO 2017. Okuma’s smart machines as well as the Laser EX series of super multitasking machines capable of turning, milling, laser hardening and additive manufacturing will make their European debut at the fair.
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DMG MORI to demonstrate the future of production technology live in Hall 2 at EMO 2017
From the 18th to 23rd September 2017 DMG MORI will again exhibit in the entire Hall 2, North Entrance, on an exhibition area of approximately 10 000m². DMG MORI will be showcasing around 80 high-tech machines at the EMO 2017 to demonstrate its latest innovations and integral technology solutions, right through to the digital factory.
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Tongtai Group presents new products at EMO 2017
The TTGroup will exhibit three innovative technologies. The first one is Anger Machinlng’s 2PLUS solution that opens new possibilities for different precision workpiece machining in 5-axis in volume production. The Anger 2PLUS is a new fully automated system, which enables the customer to achieve considerably greater variability with higher efficiency.
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Fair Friend Group to occupy entire Hall 14 at EMO 2017
FFG presents portfolio of machine tools and systems with a focus on smart production – occupies the entire Hall 14 to showcase 40 machines and manufacturing cells in the Group with 5 618m² of exhibition space. The Fair Friend group is known for its variety of renowned brands, covering the full range of metal cutting machinery for turning, gear making, milling, honing and grinding in all parts sizes and volumes.
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July 2017
TaeguTec’s cutting tools turn economic downturn into manufacturing upturn
While many economists, business analysts, government officials and investors are saying that things keep getting worse for South Africa, the reality is that the nation is a vibrant manufacturing powerhouse in the region whose potential exceeds most developing nations. Read more
Italian group invests R200 million in railway wheel machining plant
Lucchini RS, the Italian manufacturer of forged railway products, has invested R200 million in a new production facility in Germiston in Ekurhuleni and anticipates making a further investment of R1.8 billion in anticipation of further growth in their line of business in the regional market. Read more
Bekker Steel upgrades cutting operations
Plate preparation company Bekker Steel has been busy upgrading its plate cutting machines in order to boost quality and productivity. Additionally the company has added a 1 250 ton press brake to the bending department and installed a solar panel system that will cut the company’s electricity bill by one third. Read more
Machine Tools Africa exhibition looks set to become a regular event every three years
The decision to make Machine Tools Africa 2017 a standalone show received a positive response from exhibitors and visitors alike. Exhibitors were very enthusiastic about the quality of visitors and reported that a high number of sales leads were generated. Some major sales, made from the stands, were even reported. Read more
Dished End purchase could cost Hudaco up to R79 million
Hudaco, the listed industrial and automotive consumable products distributor, has acquired manufacturer Dished End for a maximum of R79 million. The company said it had acquired Dished End’s trading assets and liabilities effective from the beginning of May 2017. Read more
Industrial policy and the locomotive procurement – Corruption undermines industrial development
The procurement by Transnet of 1 064 locomotives was hailed as a boon for industrial policy. Transnet consolidated several years of procurement and sent the market signal that there was sufficient demand in South Africa for a major investment by locomotive producers and their suppliers. Read more
Automotive Masterplan to replace the Automotive Production Development Plan in 2020
In April 2017 the Automotive Masterplan lead and B&M Analysts chairperson Dr Justin Barnes said the achievement of a 60% level of localisation would make a significant impact on the South African economy, including the creation of 49 000 new jobs and an additional R68 billion in GDP. Read more
Highveld Steel plant reopens – structural mill began producing in April
“The reopening of the Highveld Steel plant in Mpumalanga is an example of what can be done with focus and partnerships. When the plant was closed two years ago, government worked with industry to find solutions that can restart operations. Arcelor Mittal saw an opportunity to provide blooms as input for the production of structural steel products and railway lines.” Read more
Automotive Export Manual 2017 shows some interesting stats
South Africa, as Africa’s largest economy and its most integrated in terms of capital and trade flows, represents the blue chip jurisdiction in the region. Although South Africa offers investors the benefits of a country with first-world standards in business infrastructure, it also offers emerging market vibrancy and opportunity, the ideal formula for growth and profitability. Read more
DMG MORI has called 2017 “the year of innovations for DMG MORI”
Company promises 18 world premières this year with eight launching at EMO 2017. In reporting its best quarterly order intake ever, German-Japanese machine tool giant DMG MORI has called 2017 “the year of innovations for DMG MORI” and is aiming to present 18 world premières this year. Read more
Mazak to unveil full Industry 4.0 solution at EMO 2017
Mazak’s Industry 4.0 infrastructure enables machine users to make the vital step-up from automated cell manufacturing to a completely connected Industry 4.0 factory of the future. Mazak’s iSmart Factory is centred on three key pillars, namely Smooth Technology, the new SmartBox, which provides faster data analysis with increased security; and the MT Connect standard communication protocol. Read more
The longest ever fiber laser built by Ermaksan
Ermaksan has built its longest ever fiber laser cutting machine. The Fibermak machine has a table size measuring 18.3 metres long and three metres wide and is powered by a 6kW source. Additional features of the machine include a 2-axis cutting head that can be moved in 45 degree left and right movements. This gives the machine the ability of linear bevel cutting at 45 degrees that aids fabricators during welding processes. Read more
May 2017
Sandvik Coromant unveils a revolution in turning
Cutting tool and tooling system specialist Sandvik Coromant has unveiled a revolutionary new turning concept that offers improved machining flexibility and the potential for significant productivity gains. The company’s PrimeTurning™ methodology and supporting tools provide manufacturers, particularly in aerospace and automotive sectors, with the industry’s first true ‘all directional turning’ solution. Read more
1 000th Doosan machine installed at PDC
The machine, a Doosan VC 510 vertical machining centre with a dual pallet, was installed at Pressure Die Castings (PDC), a manufacturer of brass, zinc and aluminium castings and components to the local and international building hardware, plumbing, lighting, automotive power and fire protection industries. Read more
The need for speed
Citing “short-term cash flow problems,” and flooding of the Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape province of South Africa where the record attempt will take place, Bloodhound SSC project director and former World Land Speed Record holder Richard Noble is confident 2017 is the year of milestones for the Bloodhound SSC. Read more
DCD Group exits the very heavy engineering industry
South Africa’s downward economic spiral is best characterised by the shutting down of heavy industries. Major steel and aluminium facilities have gone in recent years, including those belonging to the giant Russian Evraz group, India’s Tata Steel and BHP Billiton. Now, with South Africa’s ratings downgrade to junk status, things are likely to get much worse. Read more
Altair holds first South African Technology Conference
The first South African Altair Technology Conference took place at River Meadow Manor in Irene, Gauteng on 28 March 2017. This one-day event brought engineers and designers together from several industries to discuss the latest technology trends and developments around simulation-driven design and manufacturing in South Africa. Read more
Growing pains force Turnstar to more than double factory size
It was not so long ago that this fabricator provided turnstiles for most of the football stadiums used during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and over three million ticketed spectators passed through Turnstar turnstiles. In fact, next time you enter a major sporting venue in South Africa you will most likely be guided through a Turnstar turnstile to enter the stadium. Read more
South Africa’s giant Aeroswift 3D printer gearing up for commercial production
3D printing technology has been on the rise in South Africa recently, and while the country isn’t one of the most commonly talked about in the industry, South Africa has been working on some advanced 3D printing applications for years. In 2011, a government-backed project called Aeroswift was launched. Read more
DCD Protected Mobility awarded big US defence contract for Husky 2G landmine detection vehicle
According to Cornelius Grundling, general manager of DCD Protected Mobility, the contract is part of a US$132 million order awarded to its US-based strategic partner Critical Solutions International through the US government’s Special Defence Acquisition Fund (SDAF). Read more
EMO Hannover 2017 to set new standards
Exhibitors come to EMO Hannover from all over the world and from all segments of metalworking technology. With approximately 60% of exhibitors from outside of Germany, EMO Hannover is the world’s most international trade fair for metalworking. Experts from the industry know and recognise that fact – which is another reason why no other trade fair can match the international character of EMO Hannover’s visiting public. Read more
Fair Friend Group adds to European machine tool collection
Taiwan-headquartered Fair Friend Group (FFG) is acquiring Italian grinding manufacturers Meccanodora, Morara and Tacchella from IMT Spa, through its affiliate company Grinding Technology Srl, adding a further three European machine tool brands to the 14 it already boasts. Read more
Hurco develops honing-on-machining-centre process
American machine tool and controls firm Hurco has worked with honing specialists Bates Technologies to develop a high precision honing process that can be carried out on standard machining centers. Compared to purchasing and operating a dedicated honing machine, benefits include cost reductions and the ability to combine general machining with honing on the same platform, eliminating a separate set-up. Read more
Tongtai launches hybrid metal AM-subtractive machine
Optomec, a leading global supplier of production grade additive manufacturing (AM) systems for 3D Printed Metals and 3D Printed Electronics, announced an agreement with Tongtai Machine & Tool Company (TWSE: 4526.TW), one of the largest machine tool suppliers in Taiwan. The agreement enables Tongtai to integrate the Optomec LENS Print Engine and add 3D metal printing capability to its AMH-350 (Additive Manufacturing-Hybrid) vertical milling machine. Read more
March 2017
A success story through partnership
Formagrind is a subcontractor that is certainly playing its part in supporting the local manufacturing community. The company has recently won a significant order that has led to the delivery of two Hurco machining centers and new tooling innovations from Mitsubishi Materials. Read more
It’s not just about the machines at DMG MORI [VIDEO]
In this new world, improving customers’ manufacturing process efficiency requires a wide range of operational resources, establishment of a value chain, including peripherals, development of software to link these systems, design of human-machine interface and collection, analysis and protection of data. Read more
Turkish metal fabricating machinery manufacturer MVD Makina Sanayi A.S now represented in South Africa
“After initial meetings at EuroBLECH 2016 we then formalised our agreement with MVD Makina Sanayi A.S at the beginning of the year,” said Carlos Figueiredo, who has over 20 years experience in the marketing of sheet metal machinery in South Africa. Read more
Iscar South Africa celebrates golden anniversary
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Iscar South Africa, one of the country’s leading suppliers of precision carbide metalworking tools. The company distributes its products from its head office in Longmeadow Business Estate – North, its branch offices situated in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Vereeniging and via a comprehensive network of distributors. Read more
Secant Engineering invests in Soco fiber laser line for cutting of tubes and profiles
Over the years Secant Engineering, based in Springs, Gauteng, has endeavoured to become a fully fledged general engineering shop. The services that the company now offers to its customers include CNC machining, laser cutting, CNC bending, fabrication, cutting, welding and finishing solutions. Read more
WD Hearn celebrates 80 years in business
The company’s origins stem from 1937 when it was started by the well decorated Brigadier W.D. Hearn, the late Officer Commanding of The Queen’s Own Cape Town Highlanders. The Brigadier was one of the Frontiersmen from the Manchester Squadron who served with the 9th Belgian Lancers in 1914, receiving the Ysier Medal from the King of the Belgians. Read more
F & H Machine Tools appointed agents for Turkish sheet metal equipment manufacturer, Ermaksan
A relentless focus on R&D over the past 12 years has helped to speed growth and market share for Ermaksan, the Turkish sheet metal machine tool manufacturer. The family run company that was established in 1965 with five employees as a milling workshop manufacturing textile and leather processing equipment, generator and electric motor production equipment, now numbers 800 staff. Read more
Durma South Africa partners with Precitec Group to offer service, repair and replacement support for your laser cutting heads
Company also appointed agents for Lantek, the global software supplier of CAD/CAM, MES and ERP solutions for the sheet metal and structural steel manufacturing industry. Laser cutting is a subtle science, especially when cutting thick plate. It’s a balancing act between beam parameters, gas-flow dynamics, and the optics, all working together to make a clean kerf in a particular material grade and thickness. Read more
Mecad Systems recognised at SolidWorks World 2017 conference
South African SolidWorks reseller for the last 21 years have been recognised by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., the developer of 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software, at the recent SolidWorks World 2017 conference held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California, USA. Mecad Systems were honoured at the Awards Dinner, held during the conference, as one of the top resellers across the globe. Read more
1 000th Trumpf TruLaser 1030 fiber laser bound for South Africa
The customer is Federal Mogul Sealing in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Trumpf Inc. one of the largest manufacturers of fabricating machinery in the United States has announced that it has manufactured the 1 000th TruLaser 1030 fiber laser, less than 8 years after the first machine was assembled. The significant connection for South Africa is that the customer is Federal Mogul Sealing, based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Read more
Plan your trip to Machine Tools Africa 2017
Quality tools and machinery are the backbone of the South African manufacturing industry which is why Machine Tools Africa 2017 has been designed to showcase the very latest technology developments, machinery, products, services and solutions in this innovative sector. Read more
Lubcon greases, oils, pastes and sprays now available in South Africa
A global research project conducted by a bearing manufacturer shows that more than 50 per cent of premature bearing failures are due to over-lubrication, under-lubrication, mixing of incompatible lubricants, wrong lubricant and lubricant contamination. This has its significant impact on a country’s economy. Read more
January 2017
2017 release of Edgecam features nearly 50 updates
The new 2017 release of Edgecam introduces a Tombstone module for assembling pre-existing parts on a defined mounting device. A simple dialogue window enables users to add pre-machined part files, specifying the positions they are to be mounted on a tombstone or other multi-component work-holding device. Read more
OSG Invests in Somta Tools to become major stakeholder
OSG is regarded as a global leader in round cutting tools and is listed on the Tokyo stock exchange. Founded in 1938, the company had established an OSG group company presence on every continent with the exception of Africa. Now, with the investment in Somta Tools, OSG have a presence on every continent and strategically position themselves to better serve the African market. Read more
Efficient Engineering calls for more support from State-owned enterprises
The success of local content designation depends on active support by public and private sectors. The implementation and verification of compliance with government’s local designation rules across both public and private sectors is pivotal to the success of the policy. Read more
Emphasis on speed, integrated automation with digital interconnectivity and fiber innovation revealed at EuroBLECH 2016
At EuroBLECH 2016 the world’s sheet and plate machine manufacturers and software developers exhibited new products and innovations aimed at reducing the time between component development and final delivery. Fiber laser machines, with more power and capabilities to cut thicker material, lead the way. Read more
Connecting the Smart Factory and IoT feature at JIMTOF 2016
Culture is an important aspect of human existence. From impacting on our behaviour to our aspirations, culture plays a vital role in defining who we are. I have been fond of exploring and experiencing different cultures and I have been lucky enough to travel to a few countries, both so called first and third-world and those in between, and experience their culture firsthand. Read more
Industry supports Machine Tools Africa 2017 as sales exceed 70%
With a few months still to go and the two allocated exhibition halls largely booked, industry has demonstrated its strong support for Machine Tools Africa 2017, taking place at the Expo Centre in Johannesburg from 9-12 May 2017. Exhibition space sales have exceeded 70% of overall square metres available… Read more
DCD Marine enters voluntary business rescue
According to DCD Group Chief Executive Officer Digby Glover, DCD Marine was focused predominantly on the oil and gas market, which has contracted massively due to low global oil prices. The business rescue process allows the business some room to negotiate with stakeholders, so it can take appropriate actions that put the business in a more positive position. Read more
AMSA concludes manufacturing agreement with Highveld
A contract manufacturing agreement has been concluded between ArcelorMittal SA and Highveld Structural Mill (HSM) and Evraz Highveld Steel & Vanadium (Highveld). HSM is a newly formed subsidiary of Highveld. The agreement relates to wind-down proposals by the joint business rescue practitioners in terms of a business rescue plan. The agreement is still subject to certain conditions. Read more
‘Shaping Possibility’ into Hypertherm’s future
“We are moving away from a company that just designs and manufactures products. Going forward we are going to be providing application solutions for the end user and this is demonstrated by our brand new state-of-the-art stand at EuroBLECH 2016. The stand includes a high definition live stream and online connectivity with our regional headquarters in The Netherlands.” Read more
