Having more ports than other rack systems on the market, the units are available for use not only on CMMs manufactured by LK in Castle Donington, UK, but on other makes of measuring machine as well. They organize the storage of tools and accessories and make them easily accessible, while reducing the risk of accidental damage, ultimately extending the service life of the equipment.

Support rails either 500 mm, 600 mm or 700 mm long are designed to carry one or more of the new rack modules, which are split into three categories. Several may be combined to provide comprehensive storage when using a mix of probe and sensor technology, as is so often the case when meeting today’s complex quality control requirements. To avoid the need for additional motors or cables, the motion of the CMM locks and unlocks the probe head autojoint to effect exchange. Irrespective of which type of rack is being used, there is no need for requalification after changeover.

The first new category is TSR, a multi-sensor tool storage rack having either 5 or 10 ports, with a cover to protect them as well as the probe interface. The unit is able to house any combination of laser scanners, touch trigger probes, surface finish probes and extension bars. The flexibility of the system enables seamless adaptation to a variety of inspection tasks and ensures that the optimal tool is used for each part of the CNC cycle, enhancing accuracy and productivity.

Three-port SSR stylus storage racks, on the other hand, are for automatically changing the styli themselves, including those for analogue scanning, making available a selection of stylus configurations and ball tip materials. Thirdly, there is a 3-port MSR module storage rack for holding and exchanging increasingly popular tactile scanning probe modules.

About LK Metrology

LK Metrology is renowned for innovative metrology solutions and services. The company’s products, including coordinate measuring machines (CMM), portable measuring arms and metrology software, are used worldwide to control and improve the quality of manufactured components. Its precision technology underpins the process chain from design, development, production and assembly through to quality assurance in global industries such as automotive, aerospace, defence, motorsport, energy, medical and contract inspection.

Established in England in 1963, LK Metrology has an impressive heritage in metrology dating back to the birth of CMM technology. Founded by CMM pioneer Norman Key and his father-in-law Jim Lowther, LK Metrology is credited with many of the CMM industry’s firsts including the first bridge-type design, first OEM to integrate computers, first to use a touch trigger probe, first to develop inspection software, first to use all air bearings and granite guideways, first to use carbon fibre composite spindles, first to use microprocessor-controlled drive systems, first to produce a truly thermally stable CMM and first to produce a high-accuracy horizontal-spindle CMM.

In 2018, LK Metrology was relaunched as an independent CMM manufacturer after several years as a division of Nikon Metrology. Headquartered in the UK, LK’s CMM development and production are at the company’s facility in Castle Donington. Sales and support offices are located in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and China, supplemented by a worldwide distributor network.

Over the span of three days, participants can network and learn from the best in the industry, including ZOLLER experts, loyal customers and other industry leaders. They will discover the latest developments in tool presetting, tool inspection and tool management technology and how the entire process chain of ZOLLER Solutions can increase productivity and efficiency in a connected and scalable way.

More than a dozen speakers are expected to present during the three-day event, which also includes daily German cuisine and an evening happy hour. ZOLLER President Alexander Zoller will provide the keynote address on his vision for success in smart manufacturing at shops of all sizes. Each day will also include tech talks, breakout sessions and live demos, including interactive demonstrations of the new ZOLLER Tool Balancing and Heat Shrinking Solutions, Toolholders and the »roboSet 2« 24/7 Tool Inspection Automation Solution.

Among the exciting sessions being offered this year are:

• Inspect your way to success
  • Presenter: Werner Lueken, Director of Inspection Solutions at ZOLLER Inc.
• Roadmap to success with ZOLLER Solutions
  • Presenter: Kevin Townsley, Quality Control Manager at Harvey Performance Co.
• Taking control of cutting tools
  • Presenter: Jeremy St. Pierre, Principal Manufacturing Engineering at GKN Aerospace
• ZOLLER Tool Management Solutions: Driver of digitalization
  • Presenter: Joseph Forsyth, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at Intech Medical
• ZOLLER Tool Management Solutions: Right tool, right place, right measurement
  • Presenter: Cedric Hasenfratz, National Sales & Partnership Manager at ZOLLER Inc.
• Partnering with ZOLLER to improve production efficiency
  • Presenter: Scott Volk, Executive Vice President and COO of MetalQuest Unlimited
• Smart cabinets: Working more productively and economically with efficient tool storage
  • Presenter: Cedric Hasenfratz, National Sales & Partnership Manager at ZOLLER Inc.
• WebTMS: The new easy entry into tool management
  • Presenter: Felix Kanbach, National Service Manager at ZOLLER Inc.
• Road to automation of your shop: Why ZOLLER Tool Management Solutions are the key
  • Presenter: Markus Lewandrowski, Lead TMS Implementation Manager at ZOLLER Inc.
• The connected toolroom: From wishlist to reality
  • Presenter: Dietmar Moll, Director of Business Development at ZOLLER Inc.
• Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0: The new frontier for the future of manufacturing
  • Presenter: Dietmar Moll, Director of Business Development at ZOLLER Inc.

The Open House & Technology Days event will also feature demos of the entire suite of ZOLLER Solutions. Participants can learn how to implement the industry’s best tools to maximize efficiency and control over their tooling and production processes.

Additionally, every attendee will have the chance to win door prizes, as well as access exclusive, event-only discounts on ZOLLER Solutions efficiency bundles. Guest entertainment — and the legendary ZOLLER hospitality — will also be on tap.

Registration is filling up quickly, so reserve your spot today. For a complete schedule of events and to register for the Open House & Technology Days event, visit solutions.zoller.info/en/open- house-2023/home.

More about ZOLLER

ZOLLER is the global leader in complete tool measuring, inspection and management technology. Started in 1946 in Germany by Alfred Zoller, the third-generation, family-owned company has since grown to include 85 sites around the world. Today, ZOLLER offers a complete portfolio of technology for tool presetting, measuring, inspection, balancing, shrinking, tool management and automation. The company founded its North American headquarters in 1997, and in 2018, the company moved into its brand-new facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The 44,000-square-foot facility houses the U.S. corporate offices and ZOLLER’s Industry 4.0 Tech Center for trainings and demos.

For Suburban Tool, the world-class Mazak HCN-10800 combines advanced technology and outstanding value with high performance and high productivity for achieving maximum performance when working with virtually any type of material. The machine features two-pallet changing automation along with axis travels of 1700mm in X, 1400mm in Y and 1525mm in Z together with fast rapid traverse speeds and a rigid, reliable 6,000-rpm spindle.

According to Kevin Heintz, Sales Engineer at Suburban Tool, prior to acquiring the larger size Mazak, the company had to farm out the work to suppliers. Doing so added an extra layer of cost and lengthened its job turnaround times. All of which effected competitiveness. With the new HCN-10800, the shop easily accommodates its biggest tombstones and can now quote jobs that it was unable to in the past. Suburban Tool’s HCN-10800 gives the shop a 1600-mm part height machining capability, and it upgraded to a 120-tool storage capacity.

To produce its larger size tombstones, Suburban Tool sought out newer technology and a machine that provided more size capacity than its two existing smaller Mazak HCNs. “The HCN-10800,” said Heintz, “will significantly open up new possibilities for producing other products in house besides just the large tombstones as well as free up additional capacity on our existing Mazaks.”

In addition to tombstones, Suburban Tool makes all its other products available to dealers and distributors. The company’s list of customers includes the United States Airforce, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, GE, Cummins, the Los Alamos National Lab and many others.

About Mazak Corporation

Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of productive machine tool solutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence, Kentucky produces over 100 models of turning centers, Multi-Tasking machines and vertical machining centers, including 5-axis models. Continuously investing in manufacturing technology allows the Mazak iSMART Factory to be the most advanced and efficient in the industry, providing high-quality and reliable products. Mazak maintains eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on applications, service and sales support to customers.

About Suburban Tool Inc.

Suburban Tool, Inc. has 50+ years experience in manufacturing the highest quality workholding products and inspection equipment. A significant part of Suburban’s quality is due to its experienced craftsmen adhering to precision standards. Suburban’s products are manufactured by using exacting procedures. These products are intended for use by knowledgeable and experienced people.

The flow rack features six levels for product presentation in a stair stepped setup and for picking operations. Each level has six lanes utilizing Creform’s wide Placon conveyor for product flow. Lane dividers are located on each side of the lane to allow the robot to easily identify each part location.

Each of the rack’s levels can be repositioned and with the stair-stepped design and can be raised or lowered without changing the length of the conveyor. This greatly simplifies adjustment. Position changes require only a simple hex wrench.

Placon rollers work especially well with totes that have soft bottoms or open cell designs. The 3″wide Placon rollers provide the extra support necessary to handle flow rack challenges and are supported by a wide selection of load and stop mounts. They are suitable for low friction for shallow flow angles. They are available in 1-5/8″ and ¾” diameters as well as various pitch centers to accommodate many applications. Stainless steel covered rollers are available where extra roller wear ability is necessary.

The dimensions of the flow rack pictured are 60″ T x 112″ D x 39.5″ W and is designed to hold up to 750 pounds. It features six swivel casters for structure mobility. It is built with red plastic-coated steel pipe and black plated metal joints per customer’s aesthetic preference and can be configured for ESD(anti-static) applications.

As with all Creform flow racks, higher capacity, sizes and configurations are possible. A wide variety of pipe colors are available, and accessories can include information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, hooks to hang tools and other supplies. Creform flow racks are suitable for warehouse or manufacturing plant use and can be built on wheels rather than feet. They are available as a kit or an assembled structure or in the component form for a complete DIY solution.

The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.

Now you can cut through mild steel up to 4 times faster, without heat build up or burrs…and less secondary re-work with KBC and Evolution.

KBC stocks Evolutions 14” and 15” Metal Cutting Chop Saws, (7.1/4” models are also available), with a no load speed of 1550 RPM, a high torque motor, a cast aluminum base with integrated wear plate and bench mounting holes. They also have a quick release vise with square threaded rod for fast and secure clamping and 0-45 degree miter capacity and an attachable V shape block for clamping of round and square tube. These Metal Cutting Chop Saws come complete with a 10 ft. power cord, base, clamp, and a blade that has fully hardened body plates with tungsten carbide teeth that generate almost no heat, sparks, or burrs – that keeps your teeth sharper for longer resulting in more cuts and a great workable finish.

Cutting capacity for the 15” Chop Saw is 5”x5” at 90 degrees, 3.1/2”x3.1/2” at 45 degrees, 5.7/8” round at 90 degrees, and 5”round at 45 degrees. Cutting capacity for the 14” Chop Saw is 4.3/4” x 4.3/4” at 90 degrees, 3.1/2”x3.1/2” at 45 degrees, 5.1 /8” round at 90 degrees, and 4.1/8”round at 45 degrees.

These Metal Cutting Chop Saws can go anywhere due to their compact design, head lock down pin, and carrying handle. Plus, they have an easy to clean chip collection tray and a quick change blade with integrated tool storage. The ambidextrous trigger means that they are easy to use for both right and left handed workers. Both models come complete with a 14” for Mild Steel blade with 66 teeth and a limited 3 year warranty.

14” Blades are also available for the following materials: Stainless Steel with 90 teeth, Aluminum Steel with 80 teeth, Multi Material with 36 teeth. A 15” blade is available for Mild Steel with 70 teeth.

Evolution has 25 years of metal cutting in The UK, USA, Canada, and more. KBC Tools & Machinery has over 55 years of metal cutting in The USA and Canada. This is a great combination of industrial experience, product, and quality service.

About KBC Tools & Machinery

KBC Tools & Machinery has been providing the metalworking industry with the best tools at the best prices since 1965: cutting tools, indexable tooling, fluids, work holding, abrasives, measuring & inspection equipment, toolroom accessories, hand tools, shop supplies, power & air tools, and machinery. KBC is proud to be certified as a WBE company in Canada and a WBENC company in The USA. KBC is one of the leading metal cutting tool and machinery catalog houses in North America with 3 locations complete with showroom in Canada: Mississauga, ON; Oldcastle, ON; and Delta, BC; and 4 locations in The U.S.A.: Sterling Heights, MI; Sterling Heights, MI Machinery Showroom; Elk Grove Village, IL; and Fullerton, CA; KBC Tools & Machinery – www.kbctools.com – All Metal…All The Time!

Due to the flexibility of the Creform system of pipe and joints, the custom configurable workstation with dimensions of 30″ L x 60″ W x 84″ H can be configured as stand-up or sit-down and set up in a straight line or a U-shape to support one-piece-flow assembly practices. This flexibility makes it easy to add or remove associates as manufacturing needs change. The station could be run with one person or two if more production is needed.

Creform workstation

The unit features a plastic work surface across the front and above the work surface is a shelf for part storage. A horizontal pipe at the top of the structure, is intended to provide a location for a work light and/or hanging tools. Below the work surface is an additional shelf for parts or supplies. Also, angled footrests are included for support if the operator is required to sit down during the shift. Parts or supplies replenishment can be performed on the back side of the structure preventing interruptions to the assembly.

The workstation lends itself to both complex assemblies with many parts or mixed model production for simpler assemblies. It boasts heavy-duty leveling feet that adjust to the flow of the floor surface, as well as pull-out drawers in two locations that can hold tools and supplies.

It is built with “white” colored plastic-coated 28 mm steel pipe and clamped together with metal joints and is available as an assembled structure or kit with pre-cut pipes for quick on-site assembly. In this case, Creform designed and fully assembled the structure.

The modular design allows a user to add only the accessories needed and configure the station that works best today and then change it tomorrow as needs change by taking advantage of the Creform System’s flexibility.

Workstations can be custom configurable with the Creform system of pipe and joints. They are available as an assembled structure or kit with pre-cut pipes for quick on-site assembly. Further, workstations can be mobile or stationary. For even heavier duty applications they can be built using Creform’s unique 42mm pipe and are available with options such as drawers and shelves for storage, various pipe colors, casters instead of feet, tools and cup holders.

Useful accessories for such a station include overhead light, computer screen, shelves, additional flow lanes, drawers, information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, and hooks to hang tools and supplies. All Creform workstations can be configured for ESD components when sensitive electronics need to be protected.

The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing custom solutions to enhance these programs.

Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for material handling structures has designed and produced a mobile heavy-duty flow rack for use in the body shop of a large automotive assembly plant. The flow rack is used to “flow” in production parts on their assembly line.The rack is built using Creform 42 mm pipe and joints for extra capacity and rigidity, as well as providing for flexibility and reusability by this long-time customer. The unit features wide Creform Placon® roller conveyor for excellent flow characteristics and strength, while the low-friction skate wheel conveyors allow for shallow flow lane angles that are suitable for both plastic returnable totes as well as cardboard boxes. The gravity flow rack assists in first-in, first out (FIFO) inventory management.

The flow rack is configured with a stair step design to improve access to parts in plastic totes presented at the two supply levels.  Each level features lane dividers to ensure that the totes are loaded within their lane and stay in their lane. Each of the flow rack’s levels can be repositioned or whole flow rack customized with only simple tools.

The flow rack pictured is 54″ W x 72″ D x 71″ T and has a load capacity rating of 800 lb. It features 4 in. casters—for easy movement when cleaning or repositioning, and six swivel wheels, two that feature brakes.

Besides lineside use, the Creform flow rack can be part of a supermarket storage area. It is ideal for picking individual SKUs that make up a manufacturing kit, typically appropriate for assembly applications.  The flow rack is also useful for general storage of pull-to-ship parts and point of use presentation rack within an assembly work cell.

Per the customer’s request, the unit is built with “Marine Blue” pipe color, but as with all Creform flow racks, a wide variety of pipe colors are available, and accessories can include information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, hooks to hang tools and other supplies. As well as built with feet, rather than wheels. Creform Structures can be built for ESD for anti-static applications. Available as a kit or an assembled structure or in the component form for a complete DIY solution.

The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.

At the midway height of the flow rack is a fixed shelf with a plywood surface to hold additional boxes parts, supplies or tools. While the end of the cart features a tall compartment to hold large items vertically. Parts are retained top and bottom for security. Each of the cart’s levels can be repositioned or reconfigured with only simple tools.

Wheels lend themselves to easily moving the structure for transportation from the warehouse to the production floor or even for housekeeping or just relocation. The push/pull handle on one side of the cart can be set at a comfortable ergonomic height.

The flow rack is built using Creform white/gray anti-static plastic-coated steel Creform pipe and silver nickel metal joints. The use of ESD components was a customer requirement. The flow rack lanes feature precision wide Creform PLACON^® roller conveyors with free-spinning rollers that ensure reliable and smooth flow.

The flow rack lanes feature precision wide Creform PLACON^® roller conveyors with 1 5/8″ sized rollers that ensure reliable and smooth flow. The unit’s dimensions are 49″ W x 24″ D x 64″ T and are designed to hold up to 500 lb. The cart features four 4 in. diameter casters with urethane wheels for easy positioning, stable and safe movement. Two fixed casters for easy steering control. Two casters feature brakes that can be engaged for secure positioning.

As with all Creform flow racks, higher capacities, custom sizes, and configurations are possible as are a wide variety of pipe colors. Accessories can include information sheet holders, label holders to identify lanes, tool storage, hooks to hang tools, and other supplies. Creform Structures can be built for standard anti-static (ESD) applications. A hitch can be installed for manned tugger or AGV towing.

They are available as a kit or an assembled structure or in the component form for a complete DIY solution.

The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency-enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.

Bernd joined ATG in July 2014 as General Manager of Weller Tools. He most recently served as VP and President of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) regions of ATG’s Global Power Tools and Hand Tools divisions.

“In multiple roles with ATG, Bernd has demonstrated the ability to grow market share, establish effective business processes and drive further efficiencies in our European business,” said Jim Roberts, CEO. “We look forward to Bernd‘s leadership of our strategically important power tools business.”

Prior to ATG, he held executive roles with Bühler Motor GmbH, a privately-held global manufacturer and marketer of motion control motors, actuators and mechatronic drive solutions. He served as VP for its Industrial and Healthcare business units; VP, Global R&D; and VP of its PMO office. While at Bühler he was named an Officer, and also served on its Board of Directors.

He holds an MBA from St. Gallen Business School in Switzerland and Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Technical High School Ansbach.

About Apex Tool Group, LLC

Apex Tool Group, LLC, headquartered in Sparks, Maryland, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-performance hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain and electrical soldering products for industrial, commercial and demanding do-it-yourself applications. ATG designs, manufactures, markets, and sells proprietary brands, including GEARWRENCH®, Crescent®, SATA®, Cleco®, Weller®, and APEX® and also designs and manufactures a number of private label tool brands for retailers. ATG sells its products through direct, retail, professional and trade channels to customers in over 115 countries, and serves a multitude of global markets, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail.