Beakbane is returning to the EMO international machine tool exhibition – to be held in Hannover from 16 to 21 September – with its biggest stand yet.

The Kidderminster-based company has taken part in every EMO exhibition since 2007 and on Stand B62 in hall 7 it will highlight key items from its comprehensive range of machine protection products.

Leading machine tool OEMs from around the world use Beakbane products to protect axis drives, slideways, precision mechanisms and, of course, operators, from moving parts, flying chips, debris and corrosive coolants.

Beakbane works in partnership with the customer to develop tailor-made systems to suit the dimensions, duty cycle, operating environment and performance characteristics of the machine. These are then tested in-house to prove fitness for purpose over a typical lifetime duty simulation.

Typical solutions for machine protection include telescopic metal slideway covers, folding concertina covers for axis drives, slideway wipers to ensure reliable long-term performance, armoured aprons, roller blinds and lightweight heavy-duty lamella covers.

Applications cover all types of machine tool including machining centres, milling machines, boring machines, lathes, grinding machines, laser and waterjet cutting machines, routers and woodworking equipment.

Beakbane also offers a contract design and manufacturing service for metal fabrications and composite structures. The two can be combined to incorporate brackets, reinforcements, location points and lightweight core in tough, light, impact-resistant composite protection panels.

Design facilities include Solidworks 3D CAD capabilities and are complemented by production processes including punching, laser profiling and precision forming. This is backed up by expertise in plastics, fabrics and composites, and follow-on operations that include welding, mechanical and electrical assembly, and finishing.

Typical items manufactured for machine tool customers include guarding, enclosures and door kits, as well as heavier fabrications for items such as machining centre tooling magazines.

The company has been accredited to ISO 9001 since 1994 and is used to working to JIT and ship-to-line requirements for international machine tool manufacturers including Yamazaki Mazak and Heller.

Established in 1954, Beakbane is also one of the world’s leading suppliers of flexible bellows and couplings for a wide range of applications in industries as diverse as medical equipment, transport, water treatment and power generation.