Group Rhodes embraces VR technology – MACH 2022

Group Rhodes, a leading UK designer and manufacturer of metalforming, composite and bespoke machinery, will be showcasing a number of new innovations at MACH 2022 alongside group companies Rhodes Interform and Atkin Automation. The stand will feature as part of the MMMA Metalworking Village.

Rhodes Interform will be demonstrating its latest machine designs through Virtual Reality (VR), enabling visitors to experience the company’s new game engine architecture and take an interactive journey into the latest innovations in the company’s metalforming and composite portfolio.

Group Rhodes has recently introduced VR throughout its group companies, allowing customers to not only visualise project technology but also to assess practical aspects of the installation such as machine access, serviceability and equipment positioning.

Mark Ridgway OBE, CEO of Group Rhodes says: “MACH 2022 is a superb platform for us to demonstrate our extensive capabilities in the composite and metalforming industries. Our experienced Rhodes Interform and Atkin Automation staff will be discussing how we can help manufacturers to meet their equipment requirements, using our expertise gained from almost 200 years in the metalforming industry.

“We are also looking forward to highlighting through VR technology some of our latest innovations and the major benefits they offer to companies operating in the metal and composites sectors.”

Alongside Rhodes Interform, sister company Atkin Automation will be promoting its large portfolio of coil processing machinery, which includes a comprehensive range of servo roll feeds. The current models reflect 40 years of design experience and accommodate material widths from 30mm up to 1,500mm and thicknesses from 0.2 to 8mm. Grit blasted roll diameters of 60, 70,100,127 and 160mm cater for all applications.

All Atkin feed units feature torque shaft upper roll pivots with a Regen grip system and backlash free servo gearbox transmission. Controls are via a user friendly colour touchscreen control system with a facility to store relevant feed data including pitch length, speeds and cam angles (with optional electronic cambox) against an alphanumeric part code. The system can be upgraded to include multi-pitching software with tool ‘gag’ control.

At MACH22, Atkin will be demonstrating the RF70-300 Servo Rollfeed (70mm diameter rolls x 300mm wide). It offers a manual height adjustable press mounting bracket, pneumatic pilot/strip release system and electronic cambox. Entry rolls and material side guides come as standard with this machine, with options of motorised height adjustment and bespoke press or floor standing brackets. Soft and surface sensitive materials can also be accommodated with the inclusion of either chrome or Febrofen coated rolls.

As well as equipment manufacture, Group Rhodes will also be highlighting its comprehensive aftermarket service, delivered as the OEM for Rhodes, Atkin Automation, Fielding, Berry, Chester, John Shaw, HME, Bentley, Cowlishaw Walker, Kinghorn, Steco, and other manufacturers’ equipment.

Group Rhodes
www.grouprhodes.co.uk
Hall 6, Stand 616 (within MMMA Metalworking Village)