Power tools manufacturer Bosch Industrial Power Tools maintains that local industry professionals stand to benefit from the use of its newly launched GLL 2-15 Professional cross line laser. Bosch Power Tools South Africa senior brand manager Juergen Lauer tells Engineering News that the tool was introduced to the local market this year, stating that it is part of the company’s commitment to supplying world-class power tools in Africa and to keep abreast of the local industry’s need for innovation and technological advancement. He says that the GLL 2-15 Professional cross line laser is versatile and flexible, making it the ideal levelling tool for professionals who have little experience using levelling instruments.
Company launches tools suitable for African conditions
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Energy storage system introduced
Tooling manufacturer S&D Precision Toolmakers last month activated its backup power supply system, the Gildermeister CellCube, which uses vanadium redox technology to store and discharge energy. Gildermeister Energy Solutions sales manager Andreas Feichtinger says that, in addition to mitigating production losses because of unexpected powercuts and load-shedding, the CellCube helps manage load and production peaks, ensuring that companies can buy electricity when it is cheaper – such as during off-peak times – and discharge the energy when electricity costs are high.
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Hydra Arc Group
Established in 1987, project services corporation Hydra Arc Group comprises associated companies that operate primarily in the petrochemicals, construction, mining and power generation industries. The companies that constitute Hydra Arc specialise in the fabrication of pressure vessels and piping, construction, refinery maintenance, specialised labour and training, and the supply of tooling and equipment.
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Tooling manufacturer celebrates 50 years
Since its established 50 years ago, tooling manufacturer Gedore South Africa (SA) has been hot forging and manufacturing quality hand tools, which come with a lifetime guarantee, having introduced hot forged, German-engineered hand tools into the South African market, thereby “revolutionising the industry”, says marketing manager Bruce Hodgkinson. He says Gedore SA’s products have become the tools of choice for professionals and tradesman because of their unrivalled quality and value for money.
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Government initiative boosts specialised tooling maker’s growth
Cape Town–based cutting tools manufacturer Renlaw in August announced a yearly growth increase of 35%, owing to the reinvestment of funds granted under the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) Manufacturing Competiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP), emphasising the potential for expansion in what is known to be an import-dominated sector. “In 2013, the DTI approved a grant to us which was pumped, along with our own funds, into the development of a highly specialised computer numerically controlled knife-processing machine, the S1G1,” says Renlaw director Mikko Brunner, who also designed the S1G1. “This machine has given us an enormous advantage over our competitors locally and abroad.”
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Precision tool supplier expands milling cutter range
Machine tools solutions provider Mapal has expanded its milling cutter product range to address the industry’s trending preference for lightweight construction. This has resulted in the development of new materials, which have, in turn, created new machining demands. Mapal aerospace and composites business unit manager Dr Peter Müller-Hummel compiled a report regarding the increased use of lightweight materials and the implications thereof.
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Machine tools trade exhibition returns
Exhibition organiser Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery last month announced the official launch of Machine Tools Africa 2017, an upcoming trade conference and exhibition that is expected to be the biggest Africa-based trade expo of its kind. The exhibition will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, in Nasrec, from May 9 to 12, 2017 in Halls 6 and 7, with the potential of expanding into additional halls.
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Opportunities for machine tools sector, despite decreased demand
Despite the first couple of months of 2015 showing steady order intakes across the industry, recent months have shown a notable decline in demand for machine tools, reports Machine Tool Merchants Association (MTMA) chairperson Hans-Peter Neth. He believes that this can be attributed to fewer large projects in the pipeline, in addition to the recent devaluation of the rand.
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New cutting tools released onto the S African market
Construction company Wirtgen South Africa (SA) launched two new cutting tools for cold recyclers and soil stabilisers to the South African market last month.
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New tool series launched at IMTS 2016
Supplier of production-grade additive manufacturing systems for three-dimensional (3D) printed metals Optomec launched a new tool series that enables low-cost, high-value metal additive manufacturing at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2016 last month.
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Manufacturer celebrates 60 years of service
South African manufacturer and distributor of cutting consumables and distributor of capital equipment First Cut, is celebrating 60 years of supplying cutting solutions to the South African industry.
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Increased interest in machine tools trade exhibition
With the machine tools market having grown significantly over the past few years, exhibition specialists Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery plans to expand Machine Tools Africa by extending it from one hall at the Nasrec exhibition centre, in Johannesburg, to two halls in 2017.
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New machines increase manufacturers’ product quality
Computer numerical control machine tool manufacturer Okuma’s new MU-4000V is excellent for 5-axis multi-sided machining and is well suited for the aerospace and die and mold industries.
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Machines produce components for isotope facility
Machine component manufacturer Precision Separators bought six computer numerical control (CNC) machines from machine industry company Hurco to manufacture and produce components for private company Klydon’s medical isotope facility MoF6.
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Distributor emphasises lubricant’s cost benefits
Southern Africa-focused bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) recently conducted a product focus designed to educate staff on the benefits of using reaming, tapping and drilling lubricant RTD, to strengthen its long-standing supplier-distributor relationship. The product from UK-based industrial lubricants manufacturer Rocol is distributed by BI from all its branches in South Africa.
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Expo to showcase latest developments in machine tools industry
This year’s Machine Tools Africa (MTA) is set to showcase the latest technology developments, machinery, products, services and solutions, says event management company Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery portfolio director Charlene Hefer.
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New tandem horizontal boring to be fully operational in July
Installation of the new tandem horizontal boring mill – which can perform multiple tasks simultaneously – will be complete and fully operational by July, enthuses project services corporation Hydra Arc.
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Control and instrumentation play rugged role in industry
The uptake of new information technology (IT) in industrial automation has traditionally been at a slower rate compared with that of the broader information, communications and technology (ICT) sector, says the Society for Automation Instrumentation, Measurements and Control (SAIMC) professional services portfolio head Petrus Klopper.
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Robotic solution for machine tools industry
When it comes to the automated feeding of machine tools, the choice of the right robot set-up and manipulator is a key element in the planning process, says Japanese robotics company Yaskawa.
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Laser machine in full production at fabrication company
Machine tool supplier Puma Machine Tools completed the supply of its high-end laser profile JinFangYuan (JFY) 4020 machine to a Wadeville metals fabrication company last month. The machine, with a Trumpf TruDisk 3001 laser source, will be used to cut processing plates for the manufacturing of transformer casings. Technicians on site have completed the installation of the JFY 4020, and the test cuts and final commissioning have also been completed, says Puma Machine Tools director Mike Lee.
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Small machines with big capabilities
Global machine tool supplier Hurco’s BX40i double-column, bridge-type machine, originally launched in 2016, has been upgraded to service a variety of trades, from general manufacturing to highly specialised industries such as the aerospace sector. The stability of the double-column design and the overall weight (9 100 kg) of the BX40i provides accuracy and high-quality surface-finish capabilities. While designed specifically for the mould-making market and aerospace industries, the BX40i meets the needs of any high-speed machining application that requires higher tolerances, while enabling the machine to operate at optimum spindle speeds.
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Technology revolutionises machine tools industry
Additive manufacturing, which includes the use of three-dimensional and computer-aided-design to make stronger and more reliable components for the machine tool industry, has revolutionised the machine tool industry, says machine tools supplier Reliable Technical Consultants (Retecon). Retecon sales director Mike Lee says Industry 4.0, which entails the automation and data exchange that allows for the computerisation of manufacturing, has also come to the fore in recent times.
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Supplier expanding its tools range
Machine Tool and Metrology equipment supplier WD Hearn will exclusively distribute and service coordinated measuring machines (CMM) from LK Metrology – formerly known as Nikon Metrology. WD Hearn have also been appointed sole agents for ANCA CNC Machines in South Africa who manufacture CNC Tool & Cutter Grinding Machines. Supplying these two international brands will augment WD Hearn’s portfolio, as it currently imports, sells and installs machines nationally. WD Hearn can also commission the CNC Machines and train employees on any machine it supplies at the client’s factory, as well as offer full aftersales support.
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Decline in machine tools indicative of manufacturing state
Although machine tools are the backbone of most industries, their market volume has decreased by 30% a year in the past three years, reflecting the state of the manufacturing sector, says Machine Tool Merchants Association (MTMA) chairperson Paul Savides. “It seems as if we are already 20% down year-on-year; the knock-on effect on the economy, particularly in terms of employment, is devastating.”
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Machine tools sector preparing local manufacturing for 4IR
Technological advancements in the local machine tools industry will help grow South Africa’s struggling manufacturing sector, says corporate association of manufacturers Manufacturing Circle (MC) executive director Philippa Rodseth. The manufacturing sector’s contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) has fallen from 24% in the late 1980s to just under 12%, with almost 400 000 jobs lost in the sector since 2008.
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‘Unintended consequences’ killing industry – MTMA
There is no improvement in demand from the South African manufacturing sector for machine tool imports, says Machine Tool Merchants’ Association (MTMA) chairperson Paul Savides, adding that government’s local content drive has been unsuccessful in increasing local manufacturing. He told Engineering News in June last year that market volume had declined 30% a year over the past three years, owing to the depressed manufacturing sector.
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Turnaround strategy for production tech industry making headway
Intsimbi Future Production Technologies Initiative (IFPTI) is making headway with its turnaround strategy for South Africa’s distressed tooling industry and is receiving substantial recognition locally and internationally, but many small, lower technology companies are still struggling, says IFPTI executive director Bob Williamson. Established in 2007, the IFPTI programme, formerly the Intsimbi National Tooling Initiative, is designed to meet the demands of future smart factories through phased intervention. This involves addressing the competitiveness of local precision manufacturing companies related to new production technologies and meeting the demand for high-tech future-orientated skills requirements.
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Tools supplier awarded tool kit contract
The Colliery Training College (CTC) in Emalahleni has awarded industrial equipment and tools supplier Industri Tools & Equipment the 2020 contract to supply tool kits, which are used during mining- and engineering-related skills training. “The CTC, which was established in 1964 specifically for the mining sector, has since diversified and artisan skills training are now available for many different trades,” says investment holding and management company Invicta Holdings MD Kriban Govender.
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System designed to monitor machine tool drives
With timely maintenance and replacement of defective components in machine tools being an important part of the manufacturing process, researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany developed a system for automated monitoring of ball screw drives in machine tools. In the case of ball screw drives, such as those used in lathes to precisely guide the production of cylindrical components, wear is determined manually.
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Company expands range to meet engineering demands
With the growing trend for companies to move away from manual machine operation to specialised mechanisation as part of cost saving programmes, industrial equipment supplier BMG has made a substantial investment in expanding its product range to meet specific demand in economical and highly complex applications. “BMG’s quality branded linear motion products have been carefully selected for excellent accuracy and smooth linear motion, easy integration, energy saving and environmental protection,” says BMG bearings, seals and gaskets division business unit manager Wayne Holton.
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Next-generation machine tool introduced
Automation company ABB has begun the introduction of its FlexLoader to the South African market. The FlexLoader, which next generation of machine tools, contains tending cells that are designed to feed machines and automate the handling of workpieces in production.
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Cloud processing offered for various applications
Automation company Siemens offers users the opportunity to close the gap between conventional local and cloud-based data processing, depending on individual requirements. With Edge computing, large volumes of data can be processed locally almost in real time.
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Company joins distributor group as Southern Africa supplier
Industrial equipment and tools supplier Industri Tools & Equipment has recently launched as, part of distributor and technical services solution provider Engineering Solutions Group, a subsidiary of investment holding and management company Invicta Holdings Limited to supply and support all industrial sectors in Southern Africa. Through the consolidation of six independent tooling companies – engineering tools and equipment supplier Man-Dirk, machine tool dealer Tool Quip & Allied, tools provider SA Tool, tools and allied engineering equipment supply company Sibuyile Industrial Supplies, tooling and filtration specialists Gem Tool and machine tools supplier F&H Machine Tools – Industri Tools & Equipment is well positioned to improve efficiencies and enhance productivity for a broad customer base.
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Drills designed for continuous use
Pneumatic drills which are lightweight and compact, with enhanced ergonomics have been designed for continuous use in the most demanding industrial applications. This range of pneumatic drills – with high power-to-weight ratios – is available in pistol grip, inline and angle configurations, over a range of speeds, power and chuck sizes, explains engineering solutions provider BMG.
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Machines make bending process easier
With the t-bend tube bending machines from engineering company Transfluid, it is possible to bend tubes in multiple dimensions and automatically. The highly efficient computer numerical control (CNC) technology ensures precision with all bending tasks, whether small or big.
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German machine tool industry sees 6% growth
German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW) expects production in the German machine tool industry to grow by 6% to around €12.6-billion in 2021. VDW chairperson Dr Heinz-Jürgen Prokop states that improvements in the economy raises the willingness to invest.
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New products added to portfolio, renew interest in metrology solutions
Measuring instruments supplier B&R Metrology introduced new products to its portfolio to counteract the decline in enquiries for metrology products as manufacturing and engineering companies navigate Covid-related impacts, and to pursue new sales tactics and increase its online presence. As a result, the company has continued to provide metrology solutions and services that meet companies’ requirements.
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Machine tools importers faced with challenges
Members of trade organisation South African Machine Tool Merchant Association (MTMA) have adapted to Covid-related impacts, such as importing delays, as 2021 progressed. However, unforeseen events, such as mass unrest in July last year and flooding along the South African east coast, have added to challenges experienced in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. The unrest and rioting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021 caused property damage and a loss of business confidence in those regions. This has added pressure to “already reeling manufacturing and industrial companies”, explains MTMA chairperson Joanne Canossa.
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