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industrY news


nsk sees the benefits of using virtual reality to train staff


When producing high-quality ball bearings, machining accuracy requirements are extremely high, so NSK’s production sites make use of special high-precision grinding and honing machines. The challenge is to keep these machines running 24/7, while at the same time training employees in their operation. NSK, working in partnership


with Varity.me, has overcome the challenge by using VR technology. Now, no more production interruptions are necessary to carry out


training sessions because they now take place interactively in the virtual space. VR-supported training of the set-up process establishes a standard


procedure, which reduces cycle time errors, scrap rates and quality deviations. Importantly, operators can repeatedly practice and improve their set-up skills without having to dismantle the machine each time. Carsten Schleyer, responsible for the project at NSK in Munderkingen,


added: “The time required for training sessions in the virtual space is often only a third of that required for conventional training, largely because VR training can focus purely on procedures without having to handle real tools and workpieces.”


www.nskeurope.com


manufacturer uses metal 3d printing to produce complex automotive components


Automotive Trim Developments (ATD), a group of companies focused on the engineering and manufacture of complete interior trim and electro-mechanical assemblies to the automotive and other transport industries, has installed two EOS M 290 metal 3D printers. The printers mark a step change in ATDs ongoing evolution and


commitment to the highest engineering and manufacturing standards. Building on its extensive CNC manufacturing experience, ATD has now adopted new additive manufacturing processes, with EOS providing support at every stage for a rapid shift to active production. Brett Townsend, owner and managing director at ATD, says: “Metal


printing is often wrongly perceived as an immature process, and too expensive for production volumes but for us it has proven ideal. Our investment in additive manufacturing and EOS is one for the long term, and a relationship that has already enabled us, at speed, to move to high quality production of complex automotive components.”


www.eos.info


schaeffler expands linear business with acquisition of ewellix group


Schaeffler has signed an agreement with an affiliate of Triton Fund V for the acquisition of the Ewellix Group. The purchase, which is still conditional on regulatory scrutiny and approval, strengthens Schaeffler’s market position in the linear business. Ewellix is a market leader in multiple areas of technology,


including electromechanical industrial actuators and lifting columns as well as roller screws, for use in sectors such as robotics, medical technology and in mobile machinery. Schaeffler AG chief executive officer, Klaus Rosenfeld, said: “By


acquiring Ewellix, we are further strengthening our industrial business and are continuing to follow through on our strategy despite these volatile times. “This acquisition represents a further step in the diversification of our business as a global automotive and industrial supplier and will put us in an even stronger position to invest in attractive growth markets. The deal is another key milestone that will make the Schaeffler Group even better prepared for the future.”


www.schaeffler.com


fibox develops enclosures for medical environments


Medical locations fall under ‘Special Installations or locations’ in the latest edition of BS 7671. The regulation covers electrical installation but, importantly, also applies to design. ‘Design’ is defined as the process of


envisioning and planning the creation of objects, interactive systems, etc. Steve Jobs summed up ‘Design’ thus: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works”. The diverse medical environments in which


electrical equipment is located are often harsh and demanding, requiring electrical enclosures to withstand the long-term challenges of vibration, corrosion, water, and dust ingress. Added risks are the presence of vulnerable people and, in many cases, the vital necessity to maintain electrical supply. In short, electrical enclosures need to work and work well. Fibox has been producing electrical enclosures for over thirty


years. Its enclosures incorporate a Scandinavian practical aesthetic with sustainable, recyclable materials that ensure our enclosures will work well for many years, even in the harshest conditions. Sometimes, though, something special is needed. The company’s


Plastic Mechanics Division takes you from concept design through manufacture, test, warehousing, and delivery. At product lifecycle end, you can be assured that the materials can be recycled.


www.fibox.com


Fibox enclosures and custom housings for


medical and a thousand other applications


JulY/august 2022 design solutions 7


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