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Process efficiencies keep
knifemaker at cutting edge
Engineers from the University of
Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing
Research Centre (AMRC) helped the
‘Aston Martin of the knife world’
explore new cutting technologies
and develop process efficiencies for
its handcrafted bespoke blades.
Savernake Knives approached
the AMRC for assistance in
developing the manufacturing
strategy of its custom knife blades,
which are machined directly from
Sandvik knife steel billet in the soft
state, then hardened, ground and
polished. The company wanted to
simplify the process to harden the
billet before machining, followed by
grinding and polishing steps.
The AMRC, a member of the High
Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult
network of research centres,
successfully demonstrated a
proposed process on a
representative machine tool,
developing better cutting strategies
for machining, exploring cutting
technologies and reducing the
overall time of the knifemaking
process.
Savernake is now taking forward
a slightly modified version of the
recommendations for tools and
manufacturing processes that came
from the AMRC.
Manufacturer seals deal with AA to
transform breakdown rescue service
A presswork and prototyping
specialist has joined forces with the
AA to develop a game-changing
innovation that will transform the
breakdown service for drivers.
AE Oscroft, which employs 50
people in Redditch, has used its
engineering expertise to create a
new freewheeling hub that allow
patrols to safely tow vehicles that
can’t normally be ‘lifted and towed’
on two wheels, including 4x4s and
the increasing number of electric
vehicles in the UK.
Recovery professionals can fix
the hub to the rear wheels of
stricken vehicles so they can be
towed by a standard van rather than
having to wait for a flatbed recovery
vehicle, increasing the speed of
response and reducing the time
motorists are left stranded on busy
roads and motorways.
The new innovation has its own
high-speed bearing, enabling the
wheel to turn independently from
the car and works in conjunction
with the standard and heavy-duty
multi-fit wheel for larger vehicles.
AE Oscroft has recruited two new
engineers to cope with expected
volumes, is manufacturing 1850
sets for the AA as part of its first
orders, but is also hoping to export.
briefs
A software upgrade by Unison Ltd – the UK manufacturer of all-electric CNC tube
and pipe bending machines – is set to bring performance enhancements in the
region of 25% to tube manipulation cycle times on the company’s Breeze range.
Although the upgrade will be of greatest benefit to Unison customers
who are involved in high-volume tube manipulation activities, Unison
believes all customers who choose to upgrade will benefit.
The software upgrade will be available as an additional cost option to
all users of Unison Breeze machines that are equipped with the
company’s latest Unibend control system. It will also be included as
standard on all new Unison Breeze machines going forward.
Unison’s managing director Alan Pickering, said: “By painstakingly
scrutinising virtually every aspect of the Unibend control system, we have
been able to incorporate significant speed improvements, reduce the
pause time between process movements and incorporate a number of
other time-saving features.”
In trials using the latest version of Unison’s Unibend software, Breeze
machines ranging from 16 mm to 80 mm tube diameter capability
achieved speed enhancements of 21.04% when operating at 50% speed
and 25.70% at full speed.
Precision engineering firm A&M EDM has achieved the Thrive at Work
accreditation for improving the health and wellbeing of its employees.
West Midlands-based A&M EDM specialises in the rapid manufacture
of high value, low volume components and precision tooling for
automotive, aerospace, Formula 1, marine and other engineering sectors.
A&M participated in a West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
Thrive at Work pilot to maximise workforce potential by reducing sickness
absence, improving staff retention and increasing the productivity of
happier, healthier staff.
Director Melvin Wingfield, said: “Thrive was the catalyst for A&M to
enhance the wellbeing of our most valuable asset, our 70 employees. We
have a traditional manufacturing workforce, who participated in activities
to improve their awareness of mental health, healthy eating and exercise.”
A&M used the Thrive toolkit to raise staff awareness of mental,
musculoskeletal and physical health and encourage healthy lifestyles
through diet and exercise.
The programme ran from 2019 into 2020 with extensive evidence
gathered through staff engagement. Initiatives included a new staff forum,
in-house gym and access to a mental health counselling service.
Machinery Classified - March 2021, issue 2 7
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