November 2021
Super effectiveness is required for machining superalloys
Superalloys – metal alloys, which reflect their complex alloyed structure, have become one of the main engineering materials for a long time. They feature extremely high elevated temperature strength, and therefore often are referred to as high-temperature superalloys (HTSA) or heat-resistant superalloys (HRSA).
EMO Milano 2021 declared a success with over 60 000 visitors from 91 countries visiting the exhibition
Promoted by CECIMO, the European Association of Machine Tool Industries, and organised by the operational structures of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems Manufacturers’ Association, EMO Milano 2021 registered more than 60 000 visitors coming from 91 countries.
Nissan unveils Intelligent Factory
Nissan has unveiled a production line at its Tochigi Plant, Japan featuring the Nissan Intelligent Factory initiative. This unique initiative supports the manufacture of next-generation vehicles using innovative technologies and contributes to the realisation of carbon neutrality. Nissan also announced a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 at its production plants around the world.
United Grinding partners with Titans of CNC for manufacturing education
United Grinding has partnered with Titans of CNC, the well-known global manufacturing education provider, to support specialised education for precision grinding in the manufacturing industry. The partnership includes the development of a grinding academy, designed to teach individuals new to the industry the basics of grinding in an easily digestible, digital format.
Jaguar Land Rover brings toolmaking in-house with £1.7 million move
Jaguar Land Rover has started manufacturing its own press tools in-house for the first time following a £1.7 million investment at its Halewood plant. The company previously outsourced the production of its press tools. The company says this new move will allow it to drive efficiency and quality, as well as give employees the opportunity to learn new skills while building and operating these tools.
Robot orders increase 67% in Q2 2021 over same period in 2020
Robot orders in the second quarter of 2021 were up 67% over the same period in 2020, showing a return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic demand for automation as manufacturers and other North American companies return to business. According to the Association for Advancing Automation, North American companies ordered 9 853 robots valued at $501 million in Q2 2021, up from 5 196 sold in Q2 2020, the peak of the pandemic.
Wohlers Associates publishes report on post-processing of AM and 3D printed parts
The publication details many time consuming and often expensive steps in post-processing parts made by additive manufacturing (AM). Examples include support material removal, the finishing of surfaces, colouring and coating and heat treatment. Organisations involved with AM have vast amounts of post-processing knowledge and experience, yet little systematic documentation is available.
Nidec buys Mitsubishi machine tool business and expertise
With the recent acquisition of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool, Nidec Corporation has added the company’s ability to design, manufacture, and sell machine tools, cutting tools, and related products to its already impressive portfolio. The Japanese motors and drives manufacturer Nidec has acquired the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool company, which designs and manufactures machine tools, cutting tools and related products.
UMATI demonstrate global machine tool data connectivity at EMO Milan
At the EMO Milano 2021 exhibition umati connected more than 50 machines from all over the world, almost half of them remotely using the updated umati dashboard. Connected via the standardised OPC UA for Machine Tools interface the presentation was part of an international programme which the VDW staged to promote the world language of production.
September 2021
BIEMH will come back stronger from 13th to 17th June 2022
Within a context of dynamism and the first signs of recovery, BIEMH-International Machine-Tool Biennial Exhibition is getting ready to return to Bilbao Exhibition Centre from 13th to 17th June 2022 with its usual essence, but reinforced. The event is an international benchmark and one of the leading industrial meetings in Europe.
Fanuc produces 750 000th robot
Fanuc Corporation, one of the world’s most prominent suppliers of automation technology, continues to expand its market-leading position with the production of its 750 000th industrial robot, which is more than any other manufacturer in this segment. At present, Fanuc produces around 8 000 industrial robots every month at its factories in Japan, although monthly capacity is available up to 11 000 units.
Aeva and Nikon to bring 4D LiDAR to metrology markets
Aeva, a leader in next-generation sensing and perception systems, has announced a strategic collaboration with Nikon Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of metrology and inspection equipment for the industrial automation and metrology markets. The companies will focus on bringing Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) 4D LiDAR with unique micron-level measurement capability.
Beneficial modularity
Modular systems have succeeded in finding their way into the lives of many people, from LEGO construction toys to IKEA’s modular furniture. In metalworking, typical examples of these systems are unit-built machines and modular fixtures. As for cutting tools, modular structures have proven their efficiency in this area as well, and various tool manufacturers have developed their own modular products.
South Africa’s trade surplus swells to R57 billion thanks to commodities boom
June’s trade surplus expanded to R57 billion from about R54 billion recorded in May, data from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) show. The trade balance exceeds market expectations, with the Bureau of Economic Research’s consensus for a surplus of R55 billion, while Investec expected a surplus of R48.6 billion.
NewCo acquires Consolidated Steel Industries Proprietary Limited (CSI)
The Competition Commission has conditionally approved the proposed merger whereby NewCo intends to acquire CSI. NewCo is a private company and is wholly owned by Rockwood Private Equity Proprietary Limited (Rockwood). The shares in Rockwood are held by four individuals. Neither NewCo nor Rockwood have any shareholding by historically disadvantaged persons (HDIs), nor do they have other BEE credentials.
Twiga unveils new armoured personnel carrier
After creating the Mamba-based Nyoka armoured personnel carrier (APC) and 82mm Mortar and R107 Rocket Weapon Platforms (WPs), Twiga Services and Logistics has launched the larger Nyati APC, which is now in production. Twiga says the Nyati is a well-protected 4×4 that uses modern main components while keeping unit costs low.
Automotive vehicle production more than doubles, but exports not keeping up
The automotive industry is facing supply chain challenges due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as “fragile” consumer confidence affecting passenger car and bakkie sales. Automotive business council Naamsa recently issued the second-quarter review of business conditions for the motor vehicle manufacturing industry.
Lack of raw materials, rising transport costs and recruitment worries set to stall SME manufacturing recovery warns latest barometer
The Manufacturing Barometer, which is run by SWMAS (South West Manufacturing Advisory Service) and supported by the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), reveals that nearly all of the 260 respondents (96%) are struggling with price changes within their supply chain.
Hardinge acquires J.G. Weisser GmbH & Co
Premium German machine manufacturer and solution provider adds to Hardinge’s portfolio of precision machining products. Hardinge and J.G. Weisser GmbH & Co. KG (“Weisser”), have entered into a definitive agreement under which Hardinge will acquire Weisser, enhancing Hardinge’s turning and milling platform with an attractive portfolio of products and technologies.
July 2021
Growing AM industry shows its true mettle in COVID-19 pandemic
When supply chains were severely disrupted in the early days of the pandemic, AM providers stepped in, demonstrating the responsiveness and value of the technology. Over the past decade, additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, has continued to grow and solidify its place within private industry, academia, and government.
Stainless competence
Stainless steel has long been one of the main engineering materials. Products made of stainless steel are common everywhere – in turbomachinery, cookware, aerospace engineering, surgery, oil and gas and in the food industries. Such a wide use of stainless steel is explained by the most important property of this material – its resistance to corrosion.
Volvo Cars is first car maker to explore fossil-free steel with SSAB
Volvo Cars is teaming up with Swedish steel maker SSAB to jointly explore the development of fossil-free, high-quality steel for use in the automotive industry. The collaboration makes Volvo Cars the first car maker to work with SSAB and its HYBRIT initiative, the steel industry’s most ambitious and advanced projects in fossil-free steel development.
BMW unveils new tungsten recycling programme, 60% CO2 emissions cut
The BMW Group is making raw materials considered to be so-called conflict minerals a special focus of its sustainability strategy. This includes ores where mining or trading is often associated with violations of environmental and social standards. Tungsten is an example of this. Once considered an irritating by-product of tin mining, since it “ate up” the tin ore, it took a few hundred years for carbide’s unique properties to be recognised.
Bystronic AG starts trading on the Swiss stock exchange
Bystronic AG started trading on the Swiss Stock Exchange from 3 May in what it said was a historic day for the company. At the Annual General Meeting on 21 April, shareholders approved the change of name from Conzzeta AG to Bystronic AG and it trade under the name BYS. The change of name is the result of the strategic transformation focusing on the sheet metal processing segment (Bystronic) and the divestment of all other business operations announced by Conzzeta in late 2019.
Hainbuch acquires Vischer & Bolli Automation
Hainbuch has acquired Lindau-based Vischer & Bolli Automation expanding its range of workpiece clamping devices in the stationary field. By acquiring the German manufacturer of high-precision workpiece clamping equipment, the company said it has not only expanded its expertise in the field of automation, but now offers an even wider range of stationary workpiece clamping devices including the zero-point clamping system for a quick change-over for 5-axis clamping.
Digital platform launches first service to compare prices on robots
Until today, there has been no easy way to compare prices on industrial robots and related services and products, but global robotics hub HowToRobot.com is now solving this issue. The hub is launching a service for companies with robots to get offers on anything from components to maintenance, robot programming, and training. With several offers to hand, businesses can for the first time compare prices in an easy way.
Fanuc to supply Ford plant in Cologne with 500 robots
Automation specialist and industrial robot manufacturer Fanuc has received another major order in the field of e-mobility. Scheduled for delivery in 2022, the company will supply the Cologne, Germany plant of Ford with around 500 robots to assist in the construction of electric car bodies. The Ford manufacturing facility in Cologne is currently undergoing transition into the Ford Cologne Electrification Center, a development and production site for electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz to use green steel in vehicles to reduce its carbon footprint
Mercedes-Benz AG is the first car manufacturer to take an equity stake in Swedish start-up H2 Green Steel (H2GS) as a way to introduce CO2 free steel into series production. Together with its steel suppliers, the company is retooling its supply chain to focus on the prevention and reduction of CO2 emissions rather than compensation. The partnership with HSGS is another step towards CO2 neutrality, which Mercedes-Benz is pursuing as part of Ambition 2039.
May 2021
Applying Logiq to drilling
Iscar’s recently launched Logiq campaign introduced new families of cutting tools targeted to address challenges in metalworking, from increasing efficiency and developing cost-beneficial small-size tool solutions to reducing machining vibrations. One of the issues confronting Iscar’s specialists was how to increase productivity in drilling? A significant breakthrough calls for another concept.
Multi-billion rand ‘mega project’ sparks major pollution concerns
A multi-billion rand industrial project planned for Limpopo has raised concerns of catastrophic pollution and environmental damage. Reuters reported that the Musina-Makhado Energy-Metallurgical Special Economic Zone (EMSEZ) will consist of a cluster of 20 steel and other metalworking plants which are fuelled by a coal-fired power station.
Tesla slams German bureaucracy, offers reform proposals
Tesla aims to produce 500 000 electric vehicles a year at its first European giga factory just outside of Berlin, which is slated to begin operations in July this year. Electric carmaker Tesla has said it was irritated by administrative delays to the construction of its new giga factory outside Berlin, and put forward its own reform proposals.
GrindingHub exhibition launched – focus on grinding
The first edition of the new leading trade fair and the centre for grinding technology, GrindingHub, will be held from 17 to 20 May 2022 in Stuttgart, Germany. A new event focusing on grinding technology is scheduled to be run every two years by the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), Frankfurt am Main, in cooperation with Messe Stuttgart and the “Machine Tools and Manufacturing Technology” industry sector of Swissmem (Association of the Swiss Mechanical, Electrical and Metal Industries) as promotional supporter.
Gleason-Hurth Tooling celebrates 125 years of gear technology
April 3, 2021 marked the 125th anniversary of Gleason-Hurth Tooling GmbH, and a proud legacy of innovation dating back to when mechanic and tinkerer Carl Hurth founded his first workshop on Munich’s Viktualienmarkt. Today, Gleason-Hurth Tooling GmbH is an important part of global leader Gleason Corporation, producing advanced workholding and precision tools for the world’s gear manufacturing industries.
Walter and Vargus join forces in Romania
Joint venture for the production of tool holders. Walter AG, headquartered in Tuebingen, Germany, and Vargus Ltd, headquartered in Nahariya, Israel, have established the joint venture VWR Cutting Tools S.R.L. The two precision tool manufacturers each hold equal shares in the new business. A joint production company that manufactures tool holders will be established at the Vargus production site Ploiesti near Bukarest, Romania.
From manufacturing on earth to searching for life on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover uses product made at Kennametal’s Langford site. When NASA’s six-wheeled Perseverance rover touched down on the red soil of Mars, ground control teams in California leapt to their feet in unbridled enthusiasm. But they weren’t the only ones bursting with joy. North of the border on Vancouver Island, Canada a team of mechanical engineers and metal workers were overwhelmed with their work landing on the red planet.
Global steel demand recovering in 2021
The World Steel Association forecasts that global steel demand will rise 5.8% this year to 1.87 billion metric tons, then a further 2.7% to 1.92 billion metric tons in 2022. Demand from automotive and construction sectors offer the best prospects for growth. These predictions follow a year of slightly declining (-0.2%) demand in 2020, with major consuming industries like automotive and construction beset by pandemic-related restrictions and supply-chain disruptions.
March 2021
Ford and its suppliers invest R20.13 billion in South Africa
A total of R20.13 billion is to be invested in South Africa by the Ford Motor Company and its suppliers for the production of the new Ranger and a bakkie for Volkswagen at Ford’s assembly plant in Silverton in Pretoria and the adjacent Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Andrea Cavallaro, director of operations at Ford’s International Markets Group, said the investment will create 1 200 jobs.
3DExperience World 2021: Dassault Systèmes to launch new SolidWorks offers from mid-2021
What was previously called SolidWorks World is now 3DExperience World, a name change that will take some time for SolidWorks devotees to adjust to but shows that Dassault Systèmes signalled a desire to transform SolidWorks from a largely independent subsidiary revolving around a single product into an integrated part of the larger ecosystem. Gian Paolo Bassi, SolidWorks CEO, Dassault Systèmes, said, “Any intent to transition SolidWorks to completely a cloud-based product?
Dormer Pramet completes acquisition of Miranda Tools
Dormer Pramet has completed the previously announced acquisition of Miranda Tools, a manufacturer of high-speed steel (HSS) cutting tools in India. With a corporate base in Mumbai and several manufacturing facilities in the state of Gujarat, Miranda is one of the leading domestic brands of drills, taps, milling cutters, tool bits and saws. Following six months of activity to finalise the acquisition, more than 580 employees will now become part of Dormer Pramet.
Japan machine tool orders up 9.7 per cent in January
Machine tool orders received by Japanese machine manufacturers in January 2021 rose 9.7 per cent from a year before to 88.6 billion yen, industry data have shown. The increase mainly reflected brisk orders from China, which apparently overcame the impacts of the coronavirus epidemic ahead of other countries. Orders from abroad jumped 21.6 per cent to 62.2 billion yen.
Mitsubishi Electric revises corporate philosophy system as it celebrates 100th anniversary
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has announced that on the occasion of its 100th anniversary this February 1, it has revised its corporate philosophy system to update the Group’s reason for existence as well as the core values and attitude that all employees are asked to embrace and cherish in serving customers and society as a whole. Mitsubishi Electric is profoundly grateful to many stakeholders who have supported the Group over the decades.
The Logic of development
In machining, a cutting tool is an element of a technological system that shapes a part by material removal. The system comprises a machine tool, a workholding fixture and a tool holding device. Shaping a part is performed by various machining processes that use different cutting strategies. The progress made in machining tools resulted in modern machines that enable combined and whole process operations; processes that were separated in the past.
January 2021
SVI Engineering launches new South African designed armoured vehicle
South African armoured product specialist SVI Engineering has launched a new armoured vehicle that aims to provide a more cost-effective solution for those seeking protection from both ballistic and general riot threats. Built around the Toyota Land Cruiser 79-series chassis and engine, the new Max 3 is available in both civilian and military configurations.
VWSA celebrates over 4 million vehicles manufactured in Uitenhage
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has celebrated a momentous milestone with over 4 million vehicles having been manufactured at its Uitenhage, Eastern Cape plant. The first of these vehicles was manufactured 72 years prior in November 1948, when the premises still belonged to South African Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD).
Localisation ‘Supermarket’ starts to get impetus
SAAM 2035 has set a target to increase local content from 39% to 60% and to transform and deepen the automotive supply chain. The Localisation Supermarket – both a physical showcase and online catalogue of automotive components that are currently imported and for which Tier 1 suppliers are seeking local alternatives – is giving impetus to the South African Automotive Masterplan’s (SAAM) targets to transform the automotive supply chain.
EMAG acquires Scherer Feinbau
For over 40 years, Scherer has developed efficient production solutions for the automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering and casting industries from metal cutting machining to parts handling and automation. Scherer has specialised in vertical CNC lathes for workpieces with turning diameters of between 160mm and 550mm and shaft turning centers for workpieces with turning diameters of between 250mm and 350mm.
Norway becomes first country where electric car sales outsell combustion cars
In 2020, 54.3% of new cars sold in the country were pure electric, compared with 6.6% in the UK. Norway has become the first country in the world where the majority of new car sales are pure-electric cars, spurred on largely by demand for Volkswagen Group EVs. In 2020, 54.3% of all new cars sold in Norway were fully electric, up from 42.1% in 2019.
DMG MORI selects Sigma Labs as preferred melt pool monitoring system for Lasertec SLM machines
DMG Mori has selected Sigma Labs as the preferred melt pool monitoring system for their Lasertec SLM machines, as part of a worldwide agreement. Engineering teams from both companies worked extensively to test the integrated solution to ensure that it meets the demanding needs of industrial manufacturers utilising DMG MORI’s family of metal 3D printers.
Thermwood builds massive metalworking machine to increase LSAM production
Thermwood has designed, fabricated and put into operation the largest machine it has ever built. The metalworking machine, dubbed internally as the M400, weighs 51 tons and is mounted on a special isolated, double steel reinforced concrete pad. It has a 5m wide and 11.5m long floor level steel table that by itself weighs 10 tons. The massive steel gantry, mounted on parallel walls, moves on four steel rails.
November 2020 crude steel production
World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 158.3 million tons (Mt) in November 2020, a 6.6% increase compared to November 2019. Due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of November’s figures are estimates that may be revised with the next month’s production update. In Asia, China produced 87.7 Mt of crude steel in November 2020, an increase of 8% compared to November 2019.
Aston Martin returns to Formula One after Le Mans success
The Aston Martin name is back in Grand Prix racing for the first time in six decades. The Aston Martin Formula One Team will make its race debut in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2021, marking a return to top-flight single-seater competition for the luxury carmaker. The British car manufacturer has enjoyed great success in sportscar racing in recent years.
BMW targets industrial-scale additive manufacturing
BMW is taking the next step in the systematic integration of additive manufacturing as it aims to scale it up to industrial levels. The car giant says it will establish the process in various areas – primarily vehicle development and production – to positive economic effect. BMW benefits fully from the advantages of the technology.
Corona leaving deep scars on the machine tool industry
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the third quarter of 2020 were 29% down on the same period last year. Orders from within Germany fell by 26%. 30% fewer orders were received from abroad. In the period from January to September, orders fell by 33%. Domestic orders were 27% down on the previous year. There was a 36% reduction in the level of orders from abroad.
Metav 2020 reloaded is now Metav digital: VDW launches new trade fair concept
“If anything good has come out of this difficult time, it is the stimulation of creativity,” stated Dr Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW, (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) at the Metav 2020 reloaded Preview in December 2020. The press conference was originally intended to pave the way for the Metav 2020 reloaded fair, which was scheduled to take place in March 2021. But the trade fair has now been completely reinvented as “Metav digital”. It will be held from 23 to 26 March 2021.
November 2020
Steel production trends to look out for to sustain the manufacturing industry
The manufacturing industry has been hard hit by the consequences of COVID-19, as reported in recent GDP reports, stating the sector suffered a 74,9% financial downturn. This sector-wide drop – including iron, steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery – has contributed a total of 11% to the overall 51% decline.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition awarded 60mm mortar contract
An international customer has contracted with Rheinmetall for an array of cutting-edge mortar ammunition. South African arms manufacturer Rheinmetall Denel Munition, a Rheinmetall subsidiary, will supply the customer with conventional 60mm, long-range 60mm and advanced 60mm patrol mortar ammunition. Under the agreement, this longstanding customer will take delivery of the products by the end of 2021. The order is worth a figure in the mid-single-digit million euro range.
Record 2.7 million robots work in factories around the globe
The new World Robotics 2020 Industrial Robots report shows a record of 2.7 million industrial robots operating in factories around the world, an increase of 12%. Sales of new robots remain on a high level with 373 000 units shipped globally in 2019. This is 12% less compared to 2018, but still the 3rd highest sales volume ever recorded. “The stock of industrial robots operating in factories around the world today marks the highest level in history,” says Milton Guerry.
Adidas shoe features a robot produced upper and 3D printed midsole
A proof-of-concept running shoe from Adidas features an industry-first textile upper and a 3D printed, lattice-style midsole with tunable cushioning properties. According to an Adidas video: Futurecraft.Strung “3D allows us to input athlete data in the precision placement of each thread in any direction we choose.” Special software lets engineers build and test different structures before sending the chosen design to the Strung robot.
DMG MORI advances its green credentials to the maximum. All machines to be produced carbon-neutrally from January 2021
As of January next year, DMG MORI says it will manufacture all its machines in a completely climate-neutral manner – from raw materials to delivery. This adds to the fact that the company’s products already provide the highest energy efficiency on customers’ premises, it adds.
EMO 2021 scheduled for October 2021 in Milan, Italy
EMO Milano 2021, one of the largest machine tool exhibitions in the world, will be held in Milan, Italy, from 4 to 9 October 2021. The date was announced during a virtual press conference. With Italy both a major supplier and consumer of machine tools and manufacturing equipment, holding the show is as important to Italy as it is to the attendees, according to Marco Saladini, Trade Commissioner-Chicago of the Italian Trade Agency.
Sandvik acquires Vericut developer CGTech
Sandvik has signed a deal to acquire Vericut developers CGTech, enhancing Sandvik’s ability to provide full machining solutions and increase its value proposition. CGTech will join Sandvik Coromant, a division within Sandvik Machining Solutions. The product offering includes Vericut, a machining simulation and optimisation software, which is machine tool manufacturer and cutting tool neutral and works stand alone or in conjunction with all major CAM suppliers.
CAMWorks adds Wire EDM tech from CIMTechnology
CAMWorks has signed up a partnership with CIMTechnology, a leading provider of Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) software gaining CAMWorks users exclusive access to it. CIMTechnology have specialised in Wire EDM for more than 30 years, with its technology previously sold through OEM partners as stand-alone systems or as technology added to current programming systems.
Doosan Machine Tools partners with Titans of CNC
Doosan Machine Tools has entered a new strategic partnership with Titans of CNC. As part of this partnership, Doosan Machine Tools will become the exclusive premier machine tool builder partner for Titans of CNC. Titans of CNC is focused on being the top global manufacturing education provider and over the past few years has reshaped the way manufacturing education is approached and delivered.
Trumpf sheet metal parts gets new business model
The Trumpf Group and Munich Re are entering into a strategic partnership to create a ‘pay-per-part’ model for sheet metal laser cutters. The goal is to enable customers to use a full-service laser machine without having to buy or lease any equipment, with the offering including access to a fully automatic laser cutting machine, a storage system, Trumpf’s production know-how, and the necessary service components, as well as equipment maintenance and the required raw materials.
September 2020
Transnet looks to localise the manufacture and supply of rail to reindustrialise the economy
As part of its strategy to localise rail manufacturing, Transnet SOC Ltd. has issued a Request for Information (RFI) relating to the local manufacture and supply of rails. The objective of the RFI is to assess the current market’s capabilities and capacity to manufacture, as well as determine the timelines and investments required to meet Transnet’s demand that is projected at approximately 77 000 tons per annum over the next twenty (20) years.
NEASA has withdrawn its urgent application in the Gauteng High Court to stop the implementation of a 10% import tariff and custom duties on coated flat-rolled products
“Early in August 2020 NEASA filed an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court to prevent Government from introducing more tariffs on nine new product codes, some of which are not even manufactured in South Africa,” said NEASA CE Gerhard Papenfus.
AMSA declares force majeure after Newcastle furnace breakdown
ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has temporarily shut down its Newcastle Works blast furnace after the unit suffered thermal damage and broke down. As a result, the firm has declared force majeure. The unit’s repairs will take an estimated three weeks, a spokesperson for the steelmaker said. “Every effort is being made to resolve the problem quickly and to restart production as soon as possible to limit the impact on customers,” the spokesperson says.
Transnet signs R400 million deal with Mozambican operator
State-owned rail engineering company Transnet Engineering (TE) and Mozambican state-owned railway operator Caminhos De Ferros De Mocambique (CFM) have signed a rolling stock supply agreement valued at more than R400 million. Under the terms of the agreement, TE will supply 300 freight wagons to CFM. The wagons will be manufactured at the TE Bloemfontein centre, creating local supply opportunities.
CIMdata publishes global CAM market analysis report
CIMdata, Inc., the leading global PLM strategic management consulting and research firm, has announced the release of the 2020 CIMdata CAM Market Analysis Report (MAR), the 28th annual study of the global Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) market. CIMdata estimates that based on end-user payments, the worldwide CAM software and related services market grew by 3.9% in the calendar year 2019.
Chiron Group acquires Mecatis SA, a specialist in small, high-precision machining centers
The Chiron Group acquired Mecatis SA with headquarters in Isérables, Valais, Switzerland. Mecatis is a specialist for small, high-precision machining centers, which are used in the watchmaking, medical, jewellery and micro engineering industry. Mecatis, established in 2007, designs, builds and maintains machining centers for the high-speed cutting of micro-technical components.
Take a break from the virtual and visit the Italian trade show 32.BI-MU
Exhibition is scheduled to take place from 14 to 17 October 2020 in Milan, Italy. Take a break from the virtual and go in person to the 32nd edition of the BI-MU trade show. Over 550 companies have confirmed their presence at this Italian trade show for machine tools, robotics and automation. It is scheduled for 14 to 17 October 2020 in the exhibition centre of Fieramilano Rho in Milan, Italy.
Tech Soft 3D and OPEN MIND collaborate on CAM solutions
Tech Soft 3D, a leading provider of engineering software development toolkits, and OPEN MIND, a leading developer of CAD/CAM software solutions worldwide, have announced that HOOPS Exchange, the industry’s fast and accurate CAD data access and reuse technology for manufacturing and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) workflows, will be integrated into hyperMILL and hyperCAD-S to ensure that all CAD and PMI data is transferred seamlessly between applications.
JIMTOF 2020 goes online
The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association and Tokyo Big Sight Inc. have decided to hold the JIMTOF 2020 exhibition online on the website for 12 days from 16 to 27 November 2020. JIMTOF 2020, which was scheduled to be held in December of this year, was cancelled, but it has been decided to hold an online exhibition in response to the need for new-product announcements and opportunities for business talks, say the organisers.
Machine tool orders gloomy
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the second quarter of 2020 were 46 per cent down on the same period last year. In the process orders from Germany fell by 36 per cent. 51 per cent fewer orders were received from abroad. In the first half of 2020, the level of orders fell by 35 per cent. Domestic orders were 28 per cent lower than in the previous year. The level of orders from abroad was reduced by 39 per cent.
DMG MORI results show decline in demand for machine tools
DMG MORI might have been bullish and positive when they sent out a press release with the headline of: DMG MORI with positive results in the first half year 2020, but in fact if you look at their figures you can see that they, like many others are down on sales, revenues and everything else. The whole industry is reporting lower earnings and it is nothing to be ashamed of – many are in the same boat.
Hannover Messe Hermes award goes to Trumpf
The company’s award-winning product supports the use of all location technologies, bundling position data to enable targeted optimisation of process flows. Machine tool manufacturer Trumpf has won this year’s Hermes award, one of the most coveted prizes in the international industry, for its open location standard product omlox. The award ceremony took place on July 14 during the Hannover Messe Digital Days.
July 2020
EcoCooling: A dry, clean and environmentally friendly method developed to lubricate metal workpieces
Dry cooling method to replace polluting metalworking fluids. Expensive metalworking fluids are no longer needed to cool and lubricate workpieces and cutting tools in the machine tool industry. Instead, there is now a proven green and clean method, EcoCooling, that uses only ionised and cooled air and has none of the environmental hazards and costs related to oil-based fluids.
Africa Aerospace and Defence show postponed to 2022
The exhibition, long seen as Africa’s premier aerospace and defence event, was set down for 16 to 20 September 2020 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion. The traditional weekend airshow was set to include large parts of the SA Air Force (SAAF) inventory as part of the commemoration of the force’s centenary. The show has been “deferred” to 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rheinmetall wins munitions plant engineering contract
Rheinmetall Group subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) has won a 13 million euro plant engineering contract. The contract encompasses modernisation of an existing production facility belonging to an established, longstanding customer. Due to begin shortly, the project is to be complete in 2021. Given its highly developed capabilities in plant engineering, the South Africa-based company enables customers and partners in over thirty countries around the world.
Perdekraal East Wind Farm achieves milestone
Construction of Perdekraal East Wind Farm has achieved a major milestone after a locally manufactured transformer arrived to be used on the project. The main transformer was transported by road from Pretoria. The 500MVA mega transformer was manufactured in South Africa as were the turbines used in the wind farm, a move that seeks to enhance local content percentage on the project.
AMSA seeks safeguards on steel imports amid demand concerns
Clarifies details of safeguard application for structural steel products. ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has approached the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) for safeguards on imports of structural steel products amid concerns over poor demand and rising steel imports. An AMSA spokesperson said that the safeguards would not only apply to the company, but to the entire local steel industry.
Technology is key at Ford
Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant uses an advanced Fits Gate system on its assembly line in Pretoria to measure the gap and flushness between all sheet metal components of the Ranger and Everest. Handheld laser measurement gauges are used by operators on either side of the vehicle who move from the front to the back measuring the bonnet, doors and tailgate.
IMTS 2020 cancelled because of COVID-19
IMTS 2020, which had been scheduled to be held in Chicago in September 2020, has been cancelled because of the pandemic virus Coronavirus (COVID-19). The state of Illinois has imposed health and safety requirements for holding conventions, including the availability of a vaccine for COVID-19 or an effective treatment protocol. The state has said it has a five-phase plan for reopening its economy.
Mikron aligns capacity and structures to changed market circumstances
Mikron is now specifying the capacity adjustments announced in its media release of April 17, 2020. Following the huge slump in demand for capital goods in the automotive industry, a trend that has been further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mikron is reducing capacity and simplifying Group structures.
Aluminium World Trade Fair postponed
Now to be held from 18 to 20 May 2021. Aluminium, the world’s leading trade fair for the aluminium industry, which was to take place in Düsseldorf from 6 to 8 October 2020, has been postponed to 18 to 20 May 2021 due to the serious consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The accompanying Aluminium Conference will also be postponed into the next year.
May 2020
Mazak opens museum dedicated to machine tools
The Yamazaki Mazak Corporation is celebrating the far-reaching impact machine tools have on everyday life with the opening of the Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Machine Tools in Minokamo, Japan. Opened to the public at the end of 2019 to mark the company’s 100th anniversary, the museum showcases the intrinsic link between Mazak’s history and the evolution of the technology.
Umati – on its way to becoming the global language of production
Mechanical and plant engineering sector propelling industry towards Industry 4.0. Machine tools and the individual mix of machines, equipment, robots and systems can exist in a common ecosystem, which is ideal for producing plug-and-play solutions. The VDMA and VDW are joining forces to promote the use and dissemination of OPC UA standards throughout the mechanical engineering sector under the Umati label.
Prima Industrie introduces Prima@Home streaming service
Prima Industrie S.p.A. has launched Prima@Home streaming platform to help connect with customers during the current pandemic situations. The streaming platform is designed to offer a complete range of services including live formats such as events, demos, webinars, presentations and training courses, live video demonstrations of the Group’s products, and the ‘on demand’ streaming of a wide variety of content.
Chiron enters AM with new metal 3D printer
The Chiron Group, a global manufacturer of CNC equipment, has made its first foray into the world of additive manufacturing with the development of its first 3D printer, the AM Cube, a laser metal deposition (LMD) system. Designed for manufacturing large and complex components, the AM Cube expands upon the company’s existing core competencies that focus on metal machining and automation.
Heraeus Amloy and Trumpf explore new opportunities for 3D printing of amorphous metals
Heraeus Amloy, a division of Heraeus, Hanau, Germany, and Trumpf, Ditzingen, Germany, have joined together to collaborate on the Additive Manufacturing of amorphous metals, also known as metallic glasses. The aim of the collaboration is to establish the Additive Manufacturing of amorphous parts as a standard production method on the shop floor by improving process and cost efficiencies.
New METAV date set: International fair for metalworking technologies to be held next year
METAV 2020 is postponed until March 2021. It will now be held from 23 to 26 March 2021. “We are delighted to have agreed a new date together with our partner, Messe Düsseldorf, so quickly,” says Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the METAV organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association). METAV 2020 was originally scheduled to take place from 10 to 13 March this year.
MACH exhibition rescheduled to take place in January 2021
The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which owns and runs the MACH exhibition on behalf of the industry, has taken the decision to reschedule MACH from April 2020 to January 2021. Given the spread of the Coronavirus, the MTA has decided that, in order to minimise the risks to visitors and exhibitors and to provide the best possible platform for both exhibitors and visitors, the event will now take place from 25 to 28 January 2021.
New date for wire and Tube Düsseldorf
The world’s leading international trade fairs for the wire, cable, tube and pipe industry, wire and Tube, will take place from 7 to 11 December 2020 at Düsseldorf Fairgrounds, Germany. This is Messe Düsseldorf’s timely response to the postponement of the industry highlights announced at the end of February. It was agreed in consultation with all partners involved in order to counteract the increasingly dynamic developments regarding the possible spread of the Coronavirus.
BIEMH postponed to November 2020 over Coronavirus concerns
The International Machine Tool Exhibition, or BIEMH, has been postponed from its original dates in May to November 23 to 27, 2020. The decision to postpone the Spanish event was in response to the World Health Organisation’s declaration of a public health emergency with the spread of the coronavirus internationally. The postponement also applies to the ADDIT3D, BeDigital, IMIC and Workinn events, which were planned to be held in parallel with BIEMH.
JIMTOF 2020 cancelled
Reasons for the cancellation stem from the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to 2021. The organisers of JIMTOF 2020, the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) and Tokyo Big Sight Inc., have announced that this year’s JIMTOF exhibition has been cancelled and will resume in 2022. Tokyo Big Sight is the exhibition venue to be used for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and Paralympics Games and JIMTOF 2022.
March 2020
Denel announces exit from Aerostructures Manufacturing business
The process of exiting the greater part of Denel’s Aerostructures Manufacturing Business is now at an advanced stage with major steps put in place to minimise the impact on job losses within the company. This follows the mutual agreement by Denel and its customers to transfer the manufacturing of aircraft parts to alternative suppliers as the business was no longer sustainable for Denel.
AMSA acquires South Africa’s only producer of heavy sections of long steel
The Competition Tribunal has unconditionally approved steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA’s) acquisition of the manufacturing and production of the structural steel and rail business of Highveld Structural Mill (HSM), a subsidiary of Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium. HSM, in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, is the only company capable of producing heavy sections of long steel in South Africa.
Trumpf Hüttinger acquires microwave tech firm HBH
Trumpf Hüttinger, laser and machine company Trumpf’s high-tech division, has acquired HBH Microwave, based in Stutensee, Germany. This acquisition adds semiconductor-based, solid-state microwave generators to Trumpf Hüttinger’s technology portfolio. These devices are used in industrial heating, drying, and plasma applications, as well as in communications and radar technology.
32.BI-MU from 14 to 17 October 2020 at fieramilano RHO, Milan, Italy
From 14 to 17 October 2020, fieramilano Rho will be the stage for the 32nd edition of BI-MU, the most important Italian exhibition dedicated to the industry of metal forming and metal cutting machine tools, additive and digital manufacturing, robots and automation, enabling technologies and subcontracting. It is the only trade show in Italy related to the sector that has a real international appeal.
Artificial intelligence (AI) monitors machine tool drives
Researchers developed a system for automated monitoring of ball screw drives in machine tools. In mechanical engineering, timely maintenance and replacement of defective components in machine tools is an important part of the manufacturing process. For ball screw drives, such as those used in lathes to precisely guide the production of cylindrical components, wear is determined manually.
Ford 3D printed development helps to thwart thieves
As car security systems become ever more advanced, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels. Ford engineers have used 3D printing technology to develop next-generation locking wheel nuts. Together with additive-manufacturing specialist EOS, Ford has created locking nuts with contours that are based on the driver’s voice. Like an iris scan or a fingerprint, a person’s voice can be used as a unique biometric identification.
Metalworking fluids experts Quaker Chemical Corporation and Houghton International combine operations
Quaker Chemical Corporation and Houghton International have combined to create Quaker Houghton, a global leader in industrial process fluids to the primary metals and metalworking markets. The combined US$1.6 billion revenue company employs 4 000 associates serving 15 000 customers worldwide. Quaker was founded in 1918 and Houghton in 1865.
BAE Systems and Renishaw to develop 3D printing capability for the defence and aerospace sector
BAE Systems and Renishaw have signed an agreement to work together on the development of additive manufacturing (AM) capability for the defence and aerospace sector. The collaboration is designed to help improve performance, reduce costs and speed up manufacturing processes on future combat aircraft.
German machine tool industry facing major challenges in 2020
A difficult international situation, a virus and trouble in different industries, it will not be an easy year for the machine tool industry. Find out why 2020 still holds a lot of potential. The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) is expecting production output to fall by 18% in 2020. The past year, by contrast, turned out much better than anticipated.
Luigi Galdabini appointed General Commissioner for EMO Milano 2021
Luigi Galdabini is the General Commissioner for EMO Milano 2021, the world machine tool exhibition, which will be hosted at the Exhibition Centre of fieramilano Rho from 4 to 9 October 2021. Luigi Galdabini will have the task of supervising the organisation of EMO Milano 2021, also participating in the promotion of the event through a roadshow of press conferences.
3D printing market continues to grow at a record pace, report says
According to the latest report by Amsterdam-based online manufacturing platform 3D Hubs, North America and Europe are the clear leaders in online 3D printing, representing together more than 95% of the global demand. US businesses account for nearly 50% of the global online 3D printing demand, while UK firms are the most avid 3D printing users in Europe, accounting for more than 12% of global online 3D printing.
January 2020
Nikon and DMG MORI cooperate to provide innovative machine tool solutions
Nikon Corporation and DMG MORI have concluded a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive business alliance. This business alliance will boost the establishment of Nikon’s material processing business by utilising the knowledge of DMG MORI as a leading machine tool company. The two companies will also cooperate to develop more advanced DMG MORI machine tools by applying Nikon’s measurement and camera related technologies.
Hurco partners with BMO Automation
Hurco has announced it is partnering with BMO Automation to provide manufacturers with a tested automation solution that requires minimal integration and increased productivity without disruption. BMO has been in the automation and digitisation business for the machining industry since 2008. “Our customers tell us that finding qualified machinists is the primary impediment to their company’s growth.”
31 BIEMH 2020 – Spain’s international machine tool exhibition
Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Bilbao, Spain from 25 to 29 May 2020. The organising team of BIEMH, Spain’s international machine tool exhibition, has presented the new campaign image for the event, which will be held from the 25th to the 29th of May 2020. The content of the image, both graphic and written, focusses on the value of BIEMH as an advanced manufacturing fair that can showcase ‘the technology that will change the world’, as their claim affirms.
METAV 2020 showing advances in 3D printing products and solutions
There has been a great deal of hype surrounding the benefits of additive manufacturing for several years now. Numerous companies have invested in machines and have been trying out the innovative manufacturing process. Such trials often represent a cost-intensive learning process, but the focus is now increasingly on achieving verifiable successes. The following practical applications show that the technology is gaining more and more ground in the machining production environment.
The largest manufacturing technology show in Korea – SIMTOS 2020 – to be held at KINTEX from March 31 to April 4, 2020
SIMTOS 2020 (Seoul International Manufacturing Technology Show 2020), Korea’s biggest manufacturing technology exhibition hosted by the Korea Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association(KOMMA), will be held at KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Centre) in Korea from March 31 to April 4 in 2020 under the slogan of “Capture the Future: 4th Industrial Revolution”.
Chiron Group opens digital machine tool plant
Greenfield investment was the largest from Chiron in more than 100 years. With a maximum annual production capacity of 400 high-precision machining centers, the nearly 14 000 m² Chiron Precision Factory in Neuhausen, Germany, is currently the most modern machine factory in Europe. Costing more than €34.5 million and completed in just 15 months, the greenfield building is the largest single investment in almost 100 years of Chiron’s corporate history.
MACH 2020 scheduled for April 2020
The UK’s national manufacturing show, MACH 2020, might still be four months away, but anticipation is building fast and the event is already set to be one of the industry’s highlights of the year. MACH is the longest-running manufacturing and engineering exhibition in the UK, showcasing the largest variety of manufacturing technology solutions in the country, all under one roof. It will take place at the NEC in Birmingham between 20 and 24 April 2020.
Schneeberger appointed new CECIMO President
The CECIMO General Assembly has elected Dr Hans-Martin Schneeberger as President for a period of two years. His term will focus on the setting of global standards and the uptake of artificial intelligence (AI). Succeeding Dr Roland Feichtl, Dr Hans-Martin Schneeberger has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the European association, which represents more than a third of the world’s machine-tool production.
Okuma and Dr Kaiser Diamantwerkzeuge jointly develop grinding system
Okuma and German grinding expert Dr Kaiser Diamantwerkzeuge GmbH, have jointly developed a grinding system that is said to offer a number of advanced wheel dressing functions. Dr Kaiser and Okuma can look back on a successful co-operation having previously created a special app to determine optimal dressing parameters. Now, Dr Kaiser has developed a vitrified CBN grinding wheel, a dressing spindle system and the related dressing tools for an Okuma GP25W x65 CNC grinding machine.
November 2019
DMG MORI gains digital know-how with stake in up2parts
With a strategic stake in the Bavarian software company up2parts, which specialises in artificial intelligence (AI), DMG MORI plans to acquire important know-how in the field of digitised manufacturing processes. up2parts’ AI-based geometric workpiece analysis makes it easy and quick to generate work plans and price calculations for individual components.
Blaser Swisslube at EMO 2019 with the latest technologies and Titan Gilroy
Blaser Swisslube’s brand ambassador Titan Gilroy of TITANS of CNC: Academy was the centre of attraction on the company’s stand at EMO Hannover 2019. Titan Gilroy is recognised for his free e-learning platform TITANS of CNC: Academy. Titan and his team have managed to educate machine operators, students and many more about CAD, CAM and CNC.
Chasis manufacturer KLT acquires Brits plant, eyes East London expansion
Chassis manufacturer, the KLT Group, has acquired the AVMY Steel Science pressing, welding, assembly and e-coating plant, in Brits, in the North West province, in an investment valued at roughly R30 million. The move forms part of the Indian group’s production expansion and diversification programme in South Africa, with more on the cards for 2021.
Aveng asset disposal process advances
Following the strategic review concluded in 2018 and as part of the non-core disposal process, Aveng has now announced that, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Aveng Africa (Pty) Ltd, it has entered into a binding term sheet, with Laula Consortium (Pty) Ltd., for the sale of the Grinaker-LTA Mechanical and Electrical Business (M&E Business), subject to certain conditions precedent. Laula is a black-owned company.
Taiwan machine tool industry needs upgrading to remain competitive
Taiwan needs to step up its investment in machine tool industry upgrades amid increased competition from China and South Korea that is bringing about a qualitative change in the sector, according to an industry expert. Eric Chuo, founder of Hiwin Technologies Corp., made the case for Taiwan to boost its machine tool manufacturing prowess through three approaches.
China’s Estun Automation acquires Germany’s Carl Cloos Welding Technology
Nanjing Estun Automation Technology Co. has announced that it has acquired Carl Cloos Schweißtechnik GmbH, or Carl Cloos Welding Technology, for €196 million (US $216.44 million). The Estun Group said it hopes to become a world-leading robotics company. Haiger, Germany-based Cloos Group was founded in 1919 and develops, manufactures, and delivers robotic welding systems.
Airbus: 39 000 aircraft needed globally in next 20 years
The world’s passenger and freighter aircraft fleet will more than double from today’s 23 000 to almost 48 000 in the next 20 years, according to Airbus. Until 2038 the aerospace giant predicts a 4.3% annual growth in air traffic, resulting in 39 210 new aircraft needed and 8 470 remaining from today.
September 2019
Okuma president Yoshimaro Hanaki recognised for his long-time contribution to the growth of the machine tool industry
Yoshimaro Hanaki, president and CEO of Okuma Corporation, has been awarded a Japanese medal of honour entitled: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. This award honours and recognises Hanaki’s long-time contribution to the growth of the machine tool industry and the benefits that Okuma’s activities have brought to society.
Bloodhound set for high-speed tests
The Bloodhound LSR car is set to undergo high-speed tests on a dry lake bed race track in South Africa in October 2019, in preparation for a land speed record attempt in late 2020. Following the successful 200mph UK runway trials at Cornwall Airport Newquay in October 2017, the team, which is based at SGS Berkeley Green University Technical College on the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park, will be targeting 500mph.
hyperMILL signs a cooperative agreement with CFturbo
Open Mind Technologies AG has now announced a cooperative agreement with CFturbo to provide a complete design-to-manufacture workflow process to produce turbo machines such as pumps, compressors, turbines, fans and blowers. CFturbo is acknowledged as an industry leader in the turbo machinery sector with its design software that takes businesses from conceptual design through to complete 3D model.
Sandvik acquires 30% stake in Italy’s Beam IT
Sandvik has acquired a significant stake in Italian metal additive manufacturing (AM) firm Beam IT to strengthen the company’s offer in metal additive manufacturing. “The investment is also in line with Sandvik’s strategic ambition to become a leading solution provider for the wider component manufacturing industry,” the news release says.
Cheap imports, ongoing challenges in the steel industry as well as a weak South African economy hit ArcelorMittal South Africa’s performance
ArcelorMittal South Africa’s operating profit decreased from a profit of R1 224 million in June 2018, the first half-year profit in almost a decade, to a loss of R222 million. This was largely as a result of lower sales prices and volumes, higher electricity, rail and port tariffs, and sharp increases in primary raw material prices, notably iron ore.
Ford’s expansion unleashes new potential for South Africa
Company says it is to add 1 200 jobs from August and introduce a third shift at the vehicle assembly plant in Silverton to the west of Pretoria. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) will employ 1 200 new employees from August 2019 to meet the growing international and local demand for the New Ranger, Ranger Raptor and Everest models.
July 2019
Elkana CNC Services appointed agents for Chiron CNC vertical milling and turning machining centers
Elkana CNC Services has announced that they have been appointed the agents to look after the sales, service and maintenance of the Chiron brand of machines in South Africa. The Chiron Group, headquartered in Tuttlingen, is a global company specialising in CNC controlled vertical machining and turning centers.
Macsteel collects two awards in recognition of significant advances in supplier development
It took two awards at the Absa Business Day Supplier Development Awards, which recognise and celebrate businesses committed to building a better South Africa via inclusive and transformed supply chains. Macsteel won the Small Supplier and Local Manufacturing Award in acknowledgement of companies who have developed an ecosystem of small suppliers, manufacturers or value-add services and products from the local industry.
Siemens acquires Esteq
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire assets of Esteq, a distributor of product lifecycle management, product design and simulation, and manufacturing operations software and services. Esteq is headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa, and has locations across the region serving the aerospace and defence, transportation, consumer products, energy, electronics, machinery, mining and minerals, and oil and gas industries.
Ford South Africa’s growth strategy targets crucial exports
Ford focuses on crucial bakkie and SUV exports. A struggling economy, political uncertainty, fragile consumer confidence, mounting pressure on disposable income, and diminished purchasing power as a result of higher interest rates and fuel price hikes, have all taken their toll on domestic new vehicle sales in South Africa. However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the automotive sector.
OPINION: 3D ready to give manufacturing sector a complete makeover
Unlike some may think, 3D printing is not just an innovative technology for rapid prototyping, modelling and manufacturing of specialised one-off products. It is an essential building block of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) that has the ability to alter the way in which manufacturing and consumption are connected.
Fanuc to build new plant to harness 5G and self-driving demand
Japanese industrial robot maker Fanuc plans to spend 3.5 billion yen ($28.3 million) on a new plant it hopes will help it capture business opportunities related to 5G smartphones and self-driving cars. The company intends to increase production of what is known as nano-level processing equipment, in an effort to meet demand for moulds for high-precision camera lenses used in the phones and vehicles.
Sandvik creates first 3D printed diamond composite
Sandvik Additive Manufacturing has created the first ever 3D printed diamond composite for a wide range of industrial uses. The newly developed process means that this super-hard material can now be 3D printed in highly complex shapes without the need for further machining. Although a composite, most of Sandvik’s material is diamond.
FutureAM project discovers superalloys for additive manufacturing
A team of engineers has been refining laser powder buildup welding over decades to allow more materials to be applied in additive manufacturing. Engineers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Fraunhofer IWS; Dresden, Germany) have refined laser powder buildup welding over decades to allow more materials to be applied in additive manufacturing.
Renishaw and Wenzel collaborate on shopfloor coordinate measurement solutions
Renishaw’s Equator gauging system is to be controlled with Wenzel’s WM Quartis metrology software for programming and evaluation purposes. The move comes as part of a co-operation deal between the two companies and will be incorporated into the Wenzel product portfolio.
May 2019
Denel looking to stop manufacture of A400M components
Denel and Airbus have reached a mutual agreement to transfer the manufacturing of aircraft parts for the A400M military airlifter out of Denel, subject to fulfilling applicable legal prescripts. As part of its turnaround strategy, Denel is looking to halt production of historically loss-making A400M components for Airbus.
Area plan of EMO Hannover 2019
Club of Metalworking card allows you free public transport within Hannover. Even though the floor planning for EMO Hannover 2019 is still in full swing, the trade fair’s organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) has already published the first details.
Components demand a good sign for South Africa’s automotive industry
Growth is set to be bigger after 2021 when government policy demanding more than 50% local content kicks in. Promising growth in demand by vehicle manufacturers for South African made automotive components cannot hide underlying challenges faced by the local components industry, says Dave Furlonger writing about a report in Business Day.
Metal-cutting machines are a long way from being ripe for the scrap heap
EMO Hannover 2019 will show how smart technologies meet the production requirements of electro-mobility. The mobility concept for individual transportation will in the relatively near future be a combination of progressively downsized internal combustion engines and electric drives, say some, while others predict that electro-mobility will secure jobs or even create new ones.
Disruptive technologies offer major opportunities and headaches for manufacturers
New study finds some manufacturers are ready to leverage cutting edge technologies while others fall behind. New research finds that manufacturing leaders are worried about disruptive technologies – robotics, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and analytics – and yet few are doing much about it.
Nissan to manufacture Navara pickup in South Africa
Nissan has announced a R3 billion investment in its facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria to prepare the plant for production of the next generation Nissan Navara pickup. The move expands the role of the plant as a Light Commercial Vehicle manufacturing hub for Nissan. The Navara will join the popular NP200 and NP300 models, which are already built at Rosslyn and sold in the domestic market.
Toyota receives NAACAM award
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has announced that it received a recognition award for being the most supportive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in promoting the objectives of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) Show.
Mazak celebrates 10th anniversary of European technology centre
Yamazaki Mazak will celebrate a decade of success for its European Technology Centre (ETC) in 2019. The facility, which is located at its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, UK first opened its doors in 2009, and has since hosted in excess of 33 000 visitors.
Wohlers report 2019 on additive manufacturing now available
Takes a look at significant growth in 3D printing materials segment. The Wohlers Report 2019 has been released for those wanting to gain a special view of additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing worldwide. Wohlers Associates feels that this report has been more carefully and thoroughly researched and written than any other.
Bloodhound project back on track for world-record
The Bloodhound LSR project has been officially re-launched, with a new base, a new livery and a new owner vowing to let it “off the leash”. The British car made its first appearance since the project went into administration outside new headquarters at SGS Berkeley Green University Technical College (UTC) on the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park.
AM capabilities shown by Renishaw collaboration
Gloucestershire-based Renishaw has collaborated with two advanced-technology companies to demonstrate the advantages of additive manufacturing (AM) in the production of spinal implants. Its work with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and nTopology shows how streamlined the transition from design to AM can be when working with the right partners.
Gleason to acquire Faessler honing business
Gleason Corporation has announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Daetwyler Industries AG and MDC Max Daetwyler AG to acquire all assets of Daetwyler’s Faessler gear-honing business. Under the Faessler brand, Daetwyler has been producing gear-honing machines, related work-holding and tools for the high-precision hard finishing of gears.
March 2019
Sandvik Coromant plant recognised as advanced Industry 4.0 site
The World Economic Forum has officially recognised the Sandvik Coromant production unit in Gimo, Sweden as an advanced Industry 4.0 facility. Gimo has been selected as a “lighthouse” site, namely one that comprehensively deploys a wide range of Industry 4.0 technologies and uses cases at scale, while keeping humans and sustainability at the heart of innovation.
DMG Mori AG reports record figures for 2018
Germany-headquartered DMG Mori AG, part of Japan-headquartered machine tool giant DMG Mori Co, reports record figures for order intake, sales revenues, EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) and free cash flow. Order intake rose by 8% to €2 975.6 million, with sales increasing by 13% to €2 655.1 million. EBIT went up by 21% to €217.1 million – an EBIT margin of 8.2% – and free cash flow improved by €11.8 million to €154.2 million.
Mazak Integrex AG series has won ‘One of the Best Products in Japan in 2018’ award
The Mazak Integrex AG series, integrating multi-tasking machines with gear cutting, has won the One of the Best Products in Japan in 2018 awards. This is the 61st time the awards have been held and they are organised by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Ltd, one of the leading industrial newspapers in Japan.
Record-breaking year for the Italian machine tool industry
Based on the ISTAT data processing by UCIMU, in the first eight months of the year (latest available survey), the main destination countries for the Made in Italy products of the sector were the following: Germany 246 million euro (+11.6%); China 237 million euro (+7.1%); United States 223 million euro (+9.5%); Poland 143 million euro (+49.8%) and France 135 million euro (-4.6%).
Lamiera – Italy’s metal forming exhibition takes place in Milan from 15 to 18 May 2019
The exhibition area of Lamiera is growing and expanding. The international exhibition dedicated to sheet metal machines and to innovative technologies related to the sector, will take place at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy from 15 to 18 May 2019. In addition to the traditional halls 13 and 15, pavilion 18 will also be occupied and has been named the Innovation Hall.
Airbus terminating A380 programme in 2021
Emirates announced it will only take 14 more A380s instead of the 53 it had on firm order. The order is revised and now includes 40 A330-900s and 30 A350-900s, according to a new heads of agreement. “As a result of this decision we have no substantial A380 backlog and hence no basis to sustain production, despite all our sales efforts with other airlines in recent years. This leads to the end of A380 deliveries in 2021,” Airbus CEO Tom Enders said.
VWSA to reach record production this year, says Schäfer
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) should this year produce a record number of vehicles at its Uitenhage plant, in the Eastern Cape, says CEO Thomas Schäfer. He says the local arm of the German car manufacturer should produce 161 900 vehicles, of which 108 000 are scheduled to be exported. VWSA produced 126 413 vehicles in 2018, and exported around 75 900 units.
Paramount Group secures contract with United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its next generation armoured vehicle
Paramount Group, the South African-based global defence and aerospace company, has unveiled its next generation armoured personnel carrier, and announced it has received a contract from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at IDEX 2019, the largest defence and security Expo in the Middle East.
Ford’s Silverton vehicle assembly plant in Pretoria has started production of the refreshed 2019 Ford Ranger
“Following the investment of over R3 billion in our local operations and extensive upgrades to our plants over the past 18 months, we are delighted to see the first of the new Ford Ranger models coming off our production line,” said Neale Hill, Managing Director, Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.
January 2019
New motor industry plan aims to boost local content to 60 per cent
South Africa is likely to adopt new plans for the country’s car industry in December, which aim to increase the local content of assembled cars to 60 per cent by 2035 from around 38 per cent now, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies has said. The new plan, which will come into effect in 2021, seeks to provide stability for one of the country’s main manufacturing sectors, where carmakers have invested billions upgrading factories to supply the export market.
Trumpf acquires laser diode division of Philips
Trumpf has announced that it has acquired 100 per cent of Photonics GmbH from Philips, headquartered in Ulm, Germany. This opens up a new market segment for Trumpf in addition to its existing business with high-power diode lasers and expands its product portfolio. Laser diodes from Philips Photonics are used, for example, in smartphones, in digital data transmission, and in sensors for autonomous driving.
Sandvik acquires US based Dura-Mill
Sandvik Coromant, a division within Sandvik Machining Solutions, has reached an agreement to acquire the privately owned US-based company Dura-Mill Inc., a manufacturer of precision solid carbide end mills. The acquisition enhances an already strong position and product offering in North America and primarily within the Aerospace segment.
DMG MORI AG takes 30% stake in Indian software firm having additive manufacturing focus
DMG MORI AG, the €2.3 billion turnover German part of €3.3 billion turnover Japanese-German machine tool giant DMG MORI, has taken a 30% stake in Indian additive manufacturing software firm Intech. Already supplying software for use with DMG MORI’s Lasertec SLM series, the Indian firm develops software to support additive manufacturing and incorporates machine learning and artificial intelligence elements.
Gibela delivers its first South African-built commuter train to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)
The train was dispatched from Gibela’s new train manufacturing complex at Dunnottar, in Ekurhuleni, in December 2018 travelling to Prasa’s Wolmerton depot, north of Pretoria. Gibela’s CEO, Thierry Darthout says the train has taken 14 months to complete, with production beginning in September 2017.
Two South African entrepreneurs shortlisted for Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
Hybrid five-axis machine tool, developed by Dr Lukas du Plessis, one of the nominees. Now in its fifth year, and run by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation has shortlisted 16 startups from across Africa in a move to recognise their efforts to solve problems across sub-Saharan Africa.
