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Machine Tools

Turnaround strategy for production tech industry making headway

By: Tracy Hancock 7th June 2019 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... →

‘Unintended consequences’ killing industry – MTMA

By: Tracy Hancock 7th June 2019 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... →

Machine tools sector preparing local manufacturing for 4IR

By: Tracy Hancock 7th June 2019 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... →

PHILIPPA RODSETH A skilled workforce that can benefit from innovation and investments in new technologies is key to driving manufacturing competitiveness

Decline in machine tools indicative of manufacturing state

By: Halima Frost 8th June 2018 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... →

MACHINES ON DISPLAY Machine tools on display at the Machine Tool Africa Expo hosted by MTMA

Supplier expanding its tools range

By: Halima Frost 8th June 2018 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 &... →

RECENT RELEASE The Leadwell BC-600 5-axis Long Table Machining, is available in 3+2 and 5-axis simultaneous configurations

Technology revolutionises machine tools industry

By: Halima Frost 8th June 2018 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... →

Small machines with big capabilities

By: Halima Frost 8th June 2018 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... →

STABILITY PROVIDING ACCURACY The BX40i meets the needs of any high-speed machining application.

Laser machine in full production at fabrication company

By: Halima Frost 8th June 2018 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... →

Robotic solution for machine tools industry

28th April 2017 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. →

CONTROL CONCEPT Finding the right software structure is just as important as the hardware

Control and instrumentation play rugged role in industry

By: Simone Liedtke 28th April 2017 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... →

TRIED AND TESTED Companies still use more traditional tried and tested architectures for projects locally

New tandem horizontal boring to be fully operational in July

By: Simone Liedtke 28th April 2017 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. →

Photo by Petrus Saayman
FULLY AUTOMATED The tandem horizontal boring mill is fully automated and programmable

Expo to showcase latest developments in machine tools industry

By: Simone Liedtke 28th April 2017 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. →

MACHINE TOOLS AFRICA 2017 Interactive displays at the MTA will include live demonstrations and technical presentations

Distributor emphasises lubricant’s cost benefits

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 28th April 2017 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... →

Machines produce components for isotope facility

By: Simone Liedtke 28th April 2017 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. →

Machines produce components for isotope facility

New machines increase manufacturers’ product quality

14th October 2016 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. →

Photo by Bloomberg
AEROSPACE TOOLING The 5-axis machines from Okuma is well suited for the aerospace industry

Increased interest in machine tools trade exhibition

By: Victor Moolman 14th October 2016 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. →

Photo by Duane Daws
ELECTRA MINING AFRICA 2016 The 2016 Electra Mining Africa exhibition was the first show since 2014 without the Machine Tools Africa show

Manufacturer celebrates 60 years of service

14th October 2016 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. →

FIRST CUT First Cut is celebrating 60 years of service to clients across South Africa

New tool series launched at IMTS 2016

14th October 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. →

New cutting tools released onto the S African market

14th October 2016 Construction company Wirtgen South Africa (SA) launched two new cutting tools for cold recyclers and soil stabilisers to the South African market last month. →

CUTTING TOOLS Tools from Wirtgen ease the flow of reshaping roads

Opportunities for machine tools sector, despite decreased demand

16th October 2015 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... →

HANS-PETER NETH The Machine Tool Merchants Association chair applauds colleges and organisations for training young artisans

Machine tools trade exhibition returns

By: Nadine James 16th October 2015 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... →

MAKING A COMEBACK The largest African trade exhibition of its kind will take place in May 2017

Precision tool supplier expands milling cutter range

16th October 2015 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... →

MILLING CUTTERS Mapal's milling cutters aim to partly address the trend towards lightweight contruction

Government initiative boosts specialised tooling maker’s growth

16th October 2015 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... →

RENLAW TEAM Renlaw founder Walter Brunner says the company's hires staff because of their potential, not their skill

Tooling manufacturer celebrates 50 years

16th October 2015 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... →

GEDORE TOOLS. GEDORE SA's manufactures over 1 200 products in its manufacturing plant in KZN

Hydra Arc Group

16th October 2015 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... →

Energy storage system introduced

By: Nadine James 16th October 2015 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... →

GILDERMEISTER CELLCUBE FB10 -130 S&D Precision Toolmakers have acquired the latest in energy storage technology in order to save on electricity

Company launches tools suitable for African conditions

By: Pimani Baloyi 17th October 2014 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... →

GLL 2-15 PROFESSIONAL CROSS LINE LASER Bosch Power Tools South Africa maintains that the cross line laser is ideal for levelling professionals with limited levelling experience

Battery-powered tools launched onto local market

By: Pimani Baloyi 17th October 2014 Industrial machinery supplier Dowson and Dobson (D&D) Industrial has introduced a cordless, battery-powered tool developed by Taiwan headquartered pneumatic tools manufacturer Mighty Seven, to the Southern African market. D&D Industrial sales manager Johan van Rensburg tells Engineering News that... →

MIGHTY SEVEN CORDLESS DRILL/SCREWDRIVER The tool enables the user to adjust its settings for specified applications, allowing for optimum results to be achieved

Company strengthens local presence

By: Pimani Baloyi 17th October 2014 German headquartered multinational machine tools manufacturer TML Technik in July stated that it is strengthening its presence on the African continent through growing its distributorships in South Africa. TML Technik South Africa (SA) first opened shop in Benoni, Johannesburg in 2008 and now... →

TML TECHNIK MACHINERY The company offers machine tools that tackles its clients' challenges

Company to host first local machine tools conference

17th October 2014 Taiwan-headquartered nonprofit trade promotion organisation Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taitra) hosted the first conference and technology forum on machine tools in Midrand, Johannesburg, this week. Representative of Taipei Liaison Office-South Africa Pei-Yung Hsu states that the... →

Several orders pending for advanced wall-saw range

By: Ilan Solomons 18th October 2013 Professional sawing and drilling contractors have shown significant interest in the new Titan high-frequency wall saw, which is apparent in the several orders pending final financial clearance by companies, diamond tools and equipment manufacturer and supplier Diamond Products director Darryl... →

SPECIALISED PURPOSE The Titan wall saws are usually used for the specialised demolition of reinforced concrete structures and on walls and floors

Distribution agreement for Richards Bay to aid expansion

By: Ilan Solomons 18th October 2013 Industrial products supplier Dowson & Dobson (D&D) Industrial expects its distribution agreement with industrial products supplier Pneumatic & General Supplies for Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to expand its reach to industries that include the coal, agriculture, sugar and pulp and paper... →

NEW BEGINNINGS Richards Bay is an important geographical area for Dowson & Dobson Industrial, as it is home to numerous metal processing plants, the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, the sugar industry and large pulp and paper plants

Upgrade may be deemed field proven this year

By: Ilan Solomons 18th October 2013 Local lathe manufacturer FAS Machine Tools has upgraded its FAS Synchroturn computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathe to offer improved machining capability and is expected to be deemed field proven by the end of the year. →

FASTER MANUFACTURING The Synchroturn can accommodate up to four tools working simultaneously on a single workpiece

New user-friendly machine tools in South Africa

By: Ilan Solomons 18th October 2013 A modern computer numerically controlled (CNC) turning machine must be productive, flexible and easy to operate, says local machine tools distributor Retecon MD Hans-Peter Neth. He tells Engineering News that the new monoBlock and CTX ecoline series of machine tools from global machine tools... →

INTERFACE OPTIONS The CTX ecoline machine practice-orientated SLIMline user interface is available with Operate 4.5 on Siemens 840D solution line or Heidenhain CNC Pilot 640

Compromising on quality for cost short-sighted, says equipment supplier

By: Sashnee Moodley 19th October 2012 The South African machine tools industry is slowing down in certain areas, particularly in terms of supplying products and services to the steel industry, which has been significantly affected by the economic recession; therefore, many companies shift their focus from quality to pricing, says... →

New range of industrial screwdrivers available in SA

By: Sashnee Moodley 19th October 2012 Industrial equipment supplier Dowson & Dobson Industrial introduced a new range of battery-operated EC angle-head industrial screwdrivers, manufactured by Deprag Industrial, a subsidiary of Germany-based machine-building company Deprag Schultz at Electra Mining Africa in Johannesburg last month. →

SA tooling sector positioning for growth

By: Sashnee Moodley 19th October 2012 Despite some weakness in South Africa’s tooling sector, the industry is preparing for growth, says Toolmakers Association of South Africa (Tasa) Gauteng chairperson Ron MacLarty. →

A strategic overview of the production turning industry in SA

19th October 2012 A vast number of industries, including the automotive, appliance, electronics, bathroom fittings and other industries, and products make use of turned components. Some of these components are made in-house by the product manufacturer, while others are subcontracted to specialist repetition... →

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