Page 8 - MetalForming March 2017

News Fronts
Mazak Optonics Corp., Elgin, IL, has announced that Modern Machinery Co., based out of Indianapolis, IN, and longtime Mazak distributor, will now represent the laser- cutting-systems supplier in Michigan, adding to its repre- sentation in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
Since that time, the compa- ny’s patented wrapped tubular stamping technology has grown to become about 90 percent of Middleville Tool’s business. In the past three years, employment has grown from 130 to 265 associates.
Trumpf Opens Silicon Valley Tech. Center
tomer’s individual require- ments and ideas onsite.”
Business Notes
Record Year for North American Robot Orders, Shipments
In 2016, the North American robotics market broke all-time records for orders and shipments, according to a report from the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). During the year, 34,606 robots valued at approximately $1.9 billion were ordered in North America, representing growth of 10 percent in units over 2015. The automotive industry experienced another strong year with orders growing 17 percent. Units shipped to North American customers also grew by 10 percent, with 30,875 robots valued at $1.8 billion shipped in 2016. Shipments into the automotive market grew 25 percent relative to 2015.
The fourth quarter of 2016 alone saw North American orders of 10,621 robots valued at $561 million, a growth rate of 18 percent in units ordered and 21 percent in revenue over the fourth quarter of 2015. Q4 shipments grew 33 percent on a unit basis with shipments of 8825 robots valued at $494 million.
Modern Machinery Adds Michigan to Mazak Distribution Map
offered contract manufactur- ing services since 1972, it sig- nificantly increased its capa- bilities in 2003 after it developed a proprietary process for stamping unique tubular metal structures.”
County, VA, is an applied research center invoived with adaptive automation, surface engineering and additive man- ufacturing. Hexagon is a metrology and manufacturing- solution provider.
Facilities
Atlas Technologies, Fenton, MI, is working on die-storage- system expansion for Wolf Appliance, a division of Sub- Zero Group Inc. located in Fitchburg, WI. Wolf’s original system was designed and built by Atlas Technologies in 2000, with Atlas supporting Wolf with custom-built die-change and die-storage equipment since that time. This new expansion project is expected to be com- pleted in the third quarter of 2017.
The application laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including continu- ous-wave lasers, short and ultra-short pulsed lasers, and beam sources and generators. It joins the other U.S. laser- application laboratories Trumpf has located in Detroit, MI, and Farmington, CT.
Atlas Technologies Expanding Die-Storage System for Wolf Appliance
Bayloff Adds Capital
to Boost Middleville Tool’s Mfg. Capabilities
With the capital infusion, “Middleville Tool & Die plans to expand the tubular-stamp- ing arm of its business, which manufactures exhaust and other tubular components for the automotive industry, as well as supplies the office fur- niture industry,” the article continues.
Trumpf has opened a tech- nology and laser center in Santa Clara, CA, placing the equipment manufacturer in close proximity to key cus- tomers and partners from a range of industries, including those from the consumer- electronics and e-mobility sectors.
The expansion includes additional die storage racks, upgraded control interface, and die-cart development and refurbishment.
The Bayer family, owners of Bayloff Stamped Products, recently purchased a control- ling equity interest in Mid- dleville Tool & Die Co., Mid- dleville, MI. With the new capital, Middleville Tool, with the founding Middleton family still holding a significant stake, plans to add manufac- turing resources without incur- ring large debt.
“Our new application lab- oratory for laser processing, micro-applications and coat- ing technology places us firmly at the heart of the U.S. technology industry and brings us close to our cus- tomers and partners in this region,” says Peter Leibinger, vice chairman of the manag- ing board of the Trumpf Group and head of its Laser Technology/Electronics divi- sion. “This means that we can examine each cus-
TN Fabricator Adds Waterjet Cutting, Expands Business
“The move gives Mid- dleville Tool the flexibility to invest in its manufacturing operations, which have been responsible for the company’s growth in recent years, “reads an article from MiBiz.com. “While the company has
The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) announced that Hexa- gon Manufacturing Intelli- gence has joined CCAM at the Affiliate Member level and will have a seat on CCAM’s Tech- nology Advisory Council. CCAM, located in Prince George
With the new system, Mur- rco debuted its waterjet cut- ting service in August 2016 and quickly has found work supplying Nashville-area home builders with ornamental iron products, including handrails,
6 MetalForming/March 2017
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Hexagon Joins
VA Advanced- Manufacturing Center
Franklin, TN, metal fabrica- tor Murrco Fabrication, known for constructing pit boxes used in motor sports, has expanded its markets and capabilities with the addition of a new CNC waterjet-cutting system from Jet Edge, St. Michael, MN.