Always at the cutting edge…

What is the common point between the first robot controlled by a PC (with Windows 95, as many would say : prehistory), the 4d simulator installed at Walt Disney’s Epcot® Park Florida, a global network of training in robotics and your car? They are all related to the Kuka Roboter company. And if we are far from the 1950s science-fiction stories and their humanoid robots (which are sometimes in revolt), reality is no less surprising. Meeting at Kuka Roboter Switzerland with Ms Meike Stuber, in charge of marketing and and Mr Martin Bertschi, Director.

The Kuka Roboter history is full of “world premieres” and discoveries that make the entire industry move forward. The German company is headed by innovation at the service of users and for more than 15 years already, design is an integral part of development with harmonious integration in human environment as objective. Today the company offers a wide range of modular robots that allows to deal with every situation… and its product range is constantly growing!

More than 240 solutions to implement
Kuka Roboter offers a palette of broad richness. From high precision robots with 4 to 7 axes able to manipulate loads up to 10 kilos to powerful robots that can operate parts of more than 1,000 kilograms. With such a variety of solutions, moreover in areas as varied as the food industry, nuclear energy, decontamination, manufacture of cars or more simply industrialization of machine tools, very many skills are to master. Integrators are perfectly aware of these different areas. As to their numbers, Mr. Bertschi says: “With the integrators we can deliver highly targeted solutions. They are approximately fifteen in Switzerland, 70 in Germany  and 40 in France for example. But we ensure cohesion at the global level and if the solution requires an integrator in nuclear power in a country where such a specialty doesn’t exist, we can count on the skills and experience of an Integrator from another country. Thus we provide between 7 and 10’000 solutions every single year”.

New in 2010: the Kuka college Romandie
Kuka, in collaboration with the laboratory of manufacturing and robotics of the Arc high school of engineering, has opened a Kuka College in the premises of the high school in le Locle. With a dozen robots and all teaching tools, the Kuka college provides many training courses:

• Operators of robots (command, use and security)
• Basic programming (course for novices dealing with programming by learning)
• Advanced programming
• Field bus (integration of robots, creation of communication and integration)
• Designer and manufacturer of automated cell (integration of robots into automation solutions, detailed learning on Kuka solutions).

For more information: ARC high school, engineering, UR- LPR, Hôtel-de- Ville 7, CH-2400 Le Locle, Vincent Giacomini, Tel. + 41 32 930 14 10, fax + 41 32 930 13 14

Can we do everything?
Very many applications are nowadays possible and used in laboratories, but out of reach of industrial companies simply in terms of profitability. Mr. Bertschi says: “If we draws a parallel with mobile telephony, we see that 20 years ago the mobile phone required a big suitcase and could only call (often imperfectly). Today, a simple mobile phone costs less CHF 100.- and advanced models are able to detect movements, accelerations, altitude, GPS positioning, play videos, show pictures and so on… Robotics follows a parallel development, each year solutions become more powerful and more accessible”. He concludes: “Robotics evolves constantly, for example, today robots communicate with each other and can interact intelligently, this evolution was simply unthinkable two years ago. Another example, we offer programming ISO for industry professionals who want to use this way. These are very different developments, but both meet market needs. We can do a lot today, please feel free to put us to the test! ”

Kuka is part of the strategic committee of European development of robotics. To learn more about it, visit www.robotics-platform.eu, info@robotocs-platform.eu

KUKA Roboter GmbH
Zugspitzstrasse 140
86165 Augsburg
Germany
Tel. + 49 821 797-4000
Fax + 49 821 797-4040
Info@Kuka-Roboter.de
www.Kuka-robotics.com

In Switzerland:
KUKA Roboter Schweiz AG
Industriestrasse 9
5432 Neuenhof
Switzerland
Tel. + 41 44 744 90 90
Fax + 41 44 744 90 91
Info@kuka-Roboter.ch

We will go into deeper detail of robotics and Kuka in Eurotec’s next issue.  (By the way you can secure its delivery to your desk by subscribing here).

Pierre-Yves Kohler

Digital precision boring head EWD 2-54

Setting accuracy 1μm Ø, max. spindle speed 20’000 r.p.m. With a direct electronic measuring system on the tool carrier and a resolution of 0.001 mm Ø, the precision boring head EWD 2-54 enables diameter corrections with an unmatched accuracy. With one single button for the functions “on” and “reset”, handling is simple and operating errors are practically eliminated.

The boring head with CK6 tool connection is designed for ultra precise boring operations in the range from Ø 2 – 54 mm with highest spindle speeds and with the same accessories as for the thousand times proven analogue precision boring head EWN 2-50XL. Also for the digital boring head, the existing concept to avoid imbalance, did not change. With the tool carrier placed in centre position, the boring head for itself is balanced. Tool holders made of carbide with adjustable insert holders permit diameter setting on the insert holder. The heavy tool holder remains in the centre position and does not create any imbalance. The imbalance created by the insert holder is in most cases insignificant, but can be completely compensated with a screw fit balancing ring if required.
Also on the EWD there is a variable length adjustment of the tool holders which ensures the shortest and therefore the most rigid tool assembly.

Optimized battery life
Further, there is an automatic switch off function which always stores the last displayed value, and an integrated power management for an optimized battery life.
The high quality coating of the tool body ensures a complete protection against corrosion. The built in electronic is safe form dust and high pressure spray water according to the protection category IP69K

PRODEX 2010, Halle 1.0, Stand B04

Heinz Kaiser AG
Präzisionswerkzeuge
Glattalstrasse 516
8153 Rümlang / Schweiz
Tel.: +41 44 817 92 00
Fax: +41 44 817 92 01
Info@heinzkaiser.com
http://www.heinzkaiser.com/

DestControl® reduces cost

H2o optimises VACUDEST® vacuum distillation systems. Rinsing water from surface finishing processes is often low in pH. Prior to feeding this water into conventional vacuum distillation systems it required up to date pH adaption in continuous feed neutralisation systems.

DestControl® measures the pH in the distillate and controls set points by feeding caustic soda directly into the heat exchanger of the vacuum distillation system. Thus the continuous feed neutralisation system is not required any more. This reduces investment cost and space required for the installation of the system. Lower labour involved and optimised caustic soda consumption reduces operating cost. Thus DestControl® is saving money.

To act where it matters
Due to post reactions inside the heat exchanger of the vacuum distillation system the pH can be reduced below limits, even if set properly in the upstream continuous feed neutralization system. DestControl® avoids this because it controls the pH where it matters, in the distillate. Thus DestControl® is creating higher operating safety. DestControl® keeps the distillate pH constant and ensures observation of set points and legal limits, be it because the distillate is disposed of into the public sewer system or reused in the production process. Process data are stored for several weeks and can be used for reporting to authorities if required. Thus DestControl® is reducing workload and cutting cost. DestControl® can be retrofitted to existing systems if required.

DestControl® benefits:

• Constantly high distillate quality
• Reliable compliance of legal limits
• Easy to use
• Lower operation costs due to optimised dosage of neutralisation agent
• Lower investment and less space required due to economisation of continuous feed neutralisation system

H2Owill present its clever solutions in water treatment at AMB in Stuttgart from September 29. to October 2. 2010. Halle 6 Stand C51.

H2O GmbH process water engineering
Wiesenstrasse 32
D-79585 Steinen / Germany
Phone +49 7627 9239-310
Fax +49 7627 9239-103
info@h2o-gmbh.com
www.h2o-gmbh.com

75 years of innovation…

At Prodex, Walter Dünner SA will be presenting a new ER collet equipped with a positioning device which comes in very useful when changing tools. This innovation, developed in collaboration with  Rego-Fix, provides an efficient solution to the recurrent problem of positioning when using an ER collet, and is a great gift to the market from the company Dünner, which is celebrating 75 years of innovation in the service of microtechnology this year. We met Daniel Dünner, director of the third generation, and Pascale, his wife, administration manager.

Collets during the cooling phase. There are a lot of different crafts at work in Walter Dünner SA’s workshops.

Walter Dünner was founded in 1935 with a single objective: to allow customers using automatic lathes to make the most of their production tool. This seemingly very simple view led the company to be the first to develop carbide guide bushes in 1938 and to supply constantly innovative solutions to the market.  This view has endured over the generations and is still the same in the company today. Walter Dünner SA is a reference in clamping innovation.

Exceptional products
Over the years, the manufacturer has developed a wide range of original solutions to make the most of the evolution in production equipment. Here are a few examples of products which are currently very much in demand.

• Ceramic guide bushes – unique know-how. Mr Dünner explains, “It took a while for the ceramic guide bush to find its place on the market, as it was radically new, but it succeeded in overcoming a certain inertia in the market. Today many companies realise that this is the only guide bush which can allow then to produce certain parts satisfactorily”.

• Large-opening collet – an efficient solution. The patented system of large-opening collets means a part can be clamped in counter-operation above a shoulder.

• Flexible guide bush – rubber in the service of machining. When working with materials including irregularities of up to 0.5 mm, this type of guide bush compensates for any material errors. It also ensures that the bar is clamped over all its length (50 mm).

Ceramic machining, vulcanisation and much more…
All the machining operations required to produce the Dünner range are carried out in Moutier, the company’s headquarters. The company has acquired the necessary know-how in ceramic turning and in vulcanisation. Mr Dünner explains, “We have invented the necessary machines and specific tooling in order to be able to design and produce the parts we sell”.

Constantly innovating for the customer
“We produce all our guide bushes and collets in Switzerland with raw materials also purchased in Switzerland. With constantly increasing raw material prices and the euro exchange rate which is once again very low, we are facing challenges which have nothing to do with technology”, says Mr Dünner. “But this problem is dealt with in the same way as technical problems, with the interests of the customer at heart, with the objective of creating a win-win relationship “.
With its 75 years of experience in innovation, Walter Dünner SA is in a good position to help production companies to take things a step further.

To be seen at Prodex in Basel, hall 1, stand E40

Walter Dünner SA
Route de Soleure 25
2740 Moutier – Suisse
Tél. +41 (0) 32 / 493 11 52
Fax +41 (0) 32 / 493 46 79
sales@dunner.ch
www.dunner.ch

We will come back on this anniversary in Eurotec’s next issue.

By the way, we already published some interesting stories about the company

• Pneumadraulic clamping: a revolution
• Extraordinary collets and guide bushes

Automotive industry in India? It’s here!

As demand continues to increase in India’s home market and OEMs look to grow their exports, they face the challenges of raising production and working towards global quality standards.
The balance of automation and low labour cost is constantly shifting and using the latest manufacturing technologies effectively is a central part of the plans of joint venture, domestic and foreign carmaker operations.

AMS India conference will take place on 6-9 December 2010 at Le Royal Méridien in Chennai, and will bring together domestic, foreign and JV carmakers, the principal tier suppliers, and the providers of all the technologies essential for vehicle manufacture and assembly. Attendance is at VP/production director and plant management level, and will be from within India and other key automotive production regions.

An event not to be missed
Register now to secure your place at the best-focussed and well-attended automotive manufacturing conference in India this year and save $250 if you register before 23rd October.
There is a special price for delegates based in India. Please see the registration page on the conference website for more details (here).

AMS India will offer you the chance to:

• hear specialist presentations from our keynotes
• learn about the latest technologies and techniques explained by users and vendors
• take the Ford India plant tour
• network with potential customers or suppliers in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere

(introductory cocktails, lunches, coffee breaks and the quality business dinner are all included in the delegate fee!)
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Subject matter will cover:

• OEM manufacturing strategies
• production and plant case studies, and the blend of labour and automation
• sessions on specific technologies, from stamping, powertrain in both i.c. and electric/hybrid, BIW and paintshop, to robotics, and testing and evaluation
• skills and human factors
• automation, and the planning & management of the digital factory
• heavy vehicle – truck and bus, and two- and three-wheelers

You can view the list of this year’s key speakers here.

For more information, contact Andrew Fallon
Publisher and Conference Director
+44 208 987 0931
andrew.fallon@ultimamedia.com

Cable carriers tested comprehensively

Kabelschlepp offers optimal solution after test run of several months under operating conditions. On Hannover Exhibition this year, Kabelschlepp presented solutions with a focus on customer individual solutions.  One of these was a powerful, robust and cost effective system required to cover the travel of three axes in a linear robotic system.

Kabelschlepp´s Uniflex Advanced 1555 cable carriers, which are especially quiet thanks to an internal noise damping system, convincingly withstood the high dynamic loads during the test run.

Comprehensive test
The customer requirement: A high performance linear robot that requires quiet cable carrier systems for the travel on 3 axes, which are able to endure the strong dynamic loads in operation. Further requirements of the cable carrier were a favorable price and a robust design, in order to maximize service life.
To prove that the cable carrier combines all these characteristics convincingly, Kabelschlepp implemented a test run simulating operating conditions for several months. The Uniflex Advanced 1555 cable carriers, which are especially quiet thanks to an internal noise damping system, convincingly withstood the high dynamic loads during the test.

Focused on activities
At this year’s April Hannover Trade Fair Kabelschlepp presented individual customer solutions in addition to the current product portfolio. The products presented included both new developments and improvements on existing solutions, as well as industry-specific special versions. They represent the company’s present focus of activities: to achieve a suitable, economical and reliable solution for every application – and therefore to implement decades of technological expertise for a fast time-to-market factor.
To discover the focus on solutions, visit the company at AMB Stuttgart, Hall 4, booth D 59.

Kabelschlepp GmbH
Daimlerstraße 2
D-57482 Wenden-Gerlingen
Phone: +49 (0)2762/4003-0
Fax: +49 (0)2762/4003-220
info@Kabelschlepp.de
www.Kabelschlepp.de

Tips for your goods

Every week we hear talking about globalization and open borders and yet, import and export of goods is always like a treasure hunt. To put the light on practices that can greatly simplify physical distribution of products, we can count on Rémy Saner, Director of Bluesped. We will regularly publish articles to bring you added value!

Bluesped is a freight forwarder specialized in Swiss and international shipping by road, air and sea.

Who travels regularly has already encountered these queues of trucks waiting at the border at the end of the afternoon. If the flow of goods is just in time, any loss of time can generate serious disorders for producers. Can we save time for customs?

Approved exporter
If the company has the status of approved exporter (EADA), the trucks containing its goods can pass the border in a much longer time frame than others (extra time from 5 pm to 10 pm). This status is specific to the company that exports, but the freight forwarder may accompany the customer in its obtaining.  Goods enter Switzerland without customs clearance at the border and the company can do it once the goods received.
This status is open to any Swiss company that has customers and suppliers outside Switzerland.

Challenge: administrative distribution
Today, physical distribution is the simplest; means of transportation are optimized and the difference is often done in the way to proceed and optimize the administrative part. The freight forwarder is a very skilled professional well aware of all administrates subtleties.
He provides primarily three benefits:

• time of transport (example above),
• financial gains (did you know for example that China is still exempt from customs charges as regarded as developing country?)
• important support (papers, customs software availability, and more)

The role of approved exporter interests you? Do not hesitate to contact your customs office, your freight forwarder or Rémy Saner at the address indicated below.

Bluesped logistics Sarl
Chemin des Pommerats 5
2926 Boncourt
Jura – Switzerland
Tel.: + 41 32 495 16 16
Fax: + 41 32 495 16 15
confirmation@bluesped.ch
www.bluesped.ch

PS: Yep that’s not such a technical element, but seeing these zillions of trucks stopped for the night at the boarders made me react… and thanks to Rémy, I found a first skilled answer.

There is more to come, stay tuned.

Pierre-Yves Kohler
Publisher

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A dynamic solution…

Of course all the tools are being transformed by the typical phenomenon of wear, but lapping-tools offered by Animex are expandable to optimize the lapping process (and compensate wear). Built in two parts, the lap increases its size by the action of an inner cone. Mounted on a micrometric screw (accurate to micron therefore), this 2% cone allows to enlarge the lap diameter with a step of the size of two hundredths of a micron (0,00002 mm). But it is not only this incredible accuracy that differentiates the company. Meeting with Mr Fischer, Director of Animex Technology SA and Mr  Grüter, Director of Swimatec AG, a partner company of Animex.

Manual lapping device expanding the lap in size with a resolution far below one micron.

Ultimate custom machining operation, the lapping is a simple process that consists in passing a small tool with a back and forth movement while expanding its diameter. Mr. Fisher says: “The principle of lapping is simple and tools are not expensive. “One sometimes have the impression that lapping is expensive because most standard solutions on the market are “Rolls Royce” ones. It is not always necessary to choose such an alternative”.

Lapping for everyone
To make lapping more affordable, Animex, which offers expandable laps, has developed a partnership with the machine builder Swimatec. This SME develops simple machines that beautifully complement expandable laps. Mr. Grüter says: “Lapping machines are always Taylor-made. Needs are indeed always very specific in terms of parts gripping, loading, handling or process”. Mr Fisher adds: “Our customer very often come and see us because he has a problem to solve. Therefore we offer him a complete solution that meets its needs”. And always these responses are the simplest possible, so customers can keep their budgets under control.

Animex and SwimaTec looking for resellers
Very present in Switzerland, France and Taiwan, Animex and SwimaTec are looking for resellers in the South of Europe. You are located in Spain or Italy and lapping solutions seem to be promising to you? You know the micro-technology markets and want to do business with a Swiss quality product? Mr Fisher and Grüter are waiting for your call or your message.

Animex Technology SA
Schulzstrasse 1
CH-2572 Sutz
Such. + 41 32 323 82 57
Fax + 41 32 323 82 58
Info@animextechnology.ch

Swimatec AG
Bahnhofstrasse 274
Postfach 321
CH-4563 Gerlafingen
Such. + 41 32 675 90 01
Fax + 41 032 675 90 03
sales@swimatec.ch
www.swimatec.ch

The world of subcontracting meets at MIDEST 2010

Whilst the economic situation remains precarious, the 40th MIDEST, one of the the world’s leading industrial subcontracting show, should open with exhibitor numbers and space up on 2009, which itself did well in a difficult situation. The results for these two shows demonstrate that subcontractors view their industry’s major event as more central than ever to their commercial future and to their image.

Between 2nd and 5th November, MIDEST should draw nearly 1,750 exhibitors to Paris Nord Villepinte. These are specialists in the processing of metals, plastics, rubber and composite materials, electronics and electricals, microtechniques, surface treatment and finishes, industrial fastenings and industry services. Innovative SMEs will appear alongside sector leaders on their own stands or on joint venture pavilions organized by the show’s hundred French or foreign, institutional or professional partners.

37 exhibiting countries
As always, French subcontracting continues to form the bulk of MIDEST and contributes 60% of the exhibitors, a figure that has held steady since 2009. Seventeen of France’s twenty-two regions are on hand with some 600 exhibitors occupying group stands totalling 6,500 m² in the joint venture sector.
Beyond France, exhibitors from 34 countries have already booked and the likelihood is that the number will eventually reach 37, the same as in 2009. Over a score will have official stands. Of these, Bulgaria is making its return, whilst South Africa is present for the first time.
French and international exhibitors will also be heavily involved in the Villages, which are enjoying increasing success. This year, the seven present in 2009 (Foundry, Materials treatment, Shaping metals, Plastics, Forging, European fastenings and Electronics) will be joined by two new ones: Machining and special machines and Rubber.

MIDEST 2010: request the program
In 2009, MIDEST achieved a significant 5.5% increase in visitor numbers to reach a total of 39,710 professionals, who came from all over the world to ‘feel’ the market, probe their suppliers, discover innovations, identify new service providers and prepare for their projects.
Once again, MIDEST is striving to ensure that these visitors enjoy a fruitful and effective visit, especially as this year’s show, the fortieth, is a symbolic milestone. A brochure featuring numerous reminiscences by some of the show’s pioneers, a history of its 40 years and a timeline for the industry has been specially produced to mark this occasion and it will be both mailed out and available to pick up at the show entrances. Special awards will also be presented to companies who have been continuously present since the launch of MIDEST.

From July onwards, visitors to midest.com have been treated to written or video interviews and a wealth of information about this event. It is also highly significant that more and more visitors have realized that this site represents a comprehensive international directory of leading subcontractors and a precious source of information. The number of visits to it over the first seven months of the year rose by more than 50% between 2008 and 2010 and online badge requests have now passed last year’s figure.

Added value program
The show constantly strives to improve the information it delivers to its visitors and to this end it is focusing on the railway supply industry this year. This is one of the driving forces of industry and subcontracting and it will form the subject of a round table, “Subcontracting at the heart of the railway sector”, and three major conferences bringing together major players in the sector.
Building on their growing success, the MIDEST Awards are returning for the fifth time. They provide the industry with the chance to discover exhibitors whose performance and strengths are out of the ordinary in five major categories (Innovation, Model implementations, International, Organization and Design offices).
Finally, MIDEST 2010 will host some sixty free lectures, some short, some extensive, which will provide a review of the latest technical, strategic or economic advances in subcontracting. It will also again be hosting its Technology Centres, where experts from CETIM (the mechanical engineering technical centre) and the CTIF (the development centre for the shaping of metals – Foundry) will help visitors fill out the gaps in their knowledge of innovative techniques and processes. This year, for the first time, they are being joined by the LRCCP (the rubber and plastics research and monitoring laboratory).

MIDEST 2010 will be held in conjunction with MAINTENANCE EXPO, the show for the full range of industrial and service sector maintenance solutions, and EXPOPROTECTION, the risk management and prevention show.

KEY FACTS
Dates: from Tuesday 2nd to Friday 5th November 2010
Venue: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre – Hall 6
Exhibitors: 1,750 exhibitors from 37 countries

Sectors:

• Metal processing
• Processing of plastics / rubber / composite materials
• Electronics and electricals
• Microtechnics
• Surface treatments and finishing
• Industrial fasteners
• Industry services

Expected visitors: 39,700 professionals from 78 countries

www.midest.com
info@midest.com

MIM has more than one string to its bow

MIM (Metal Injection Molding) combines both plastic injection and metal powders technologies. This machining process allows the realization of small and precise complex parts with an excellent surface finish for medium to large series. Its price-quality ratio is without any comparison. Main challenge faced by this process? The lack of knowledge about the possibilities of machining by MIM from potential customers. Meeting with Mr. René Breitenmoser sales and marketing Director of Parmaco AG Fishingen (Switzerland).

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“The problem of the MIM ? We must convince our customers about the potential of the process itself before highlighting our specific strengths” says Mr Breitenmoser. Although this technology exists for many years, it is still not trained a lot and the general knowledge about it is relatively low. Furthermore, achievable levels of quality and precision in MIM have widely  increased in recent years. Today, very many industries could benefit to produce this way.

Change of technology?
Why upgrade to MIM parts? Mr Breitenmoser presents us some parts. For example this system for the laser industry. The part was initially made of plastic, but with the increased powers of lasers, the plastic part started to melt. With a metal part, this problem has been resolved. For a laryngoscope part previously done by injection die casting, moving to MIM has allowed not only the realization of a part with a better surface finish but also with a better return on investment. Mr  Breitenmoser says: “Compared to plastic, MIM is always more expensive, but many functions are obviously not the same. We realize for instance many gears parts intended for home and/or professional electronics use where plastic is not reliable enough “.

Why not you?
Situated in the centre of the microtechnology area in Europe, less than 200 km from Stuttgart, Milan, Besançon or the Watch Walley, Parmaco is ideally located to help MIM widespread in Europe. If you need small complex and precise parts in medium to large series, Parmaco can certainly provide you a winning MIM solution.

Visit Parmaco at Swisstech 2010, Hall 2.1, Stand L 87

Parmaco Metal Injection Molding AG
Fischingerstrasse 75
CH-8376 Fischingen
Tel Switzerland. + 41 (0) 71 977 21 41
Fax + 41 (0) 71 977 21 22
Info@parmaco.com
www.parmaco.com

PS: We will go into deeper detail in of this technology in our next issue.