PRODUCT REVIEWS
Combilift chalks up third Red Dot Award
Irish-based manufacturer Combilift, a global specialist in multi-directional and customised handling solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025 for its Combi-CB70E, high-capacity, electric-powered, multidirectional forklift. The Combi-CB70E was developed to meet the needs of heavy-duty, long-load handling in more sustainable ways.
This award completes a hat trick for Combilift, which previously won a Red Dot for the Combi-WR and‘ Best of the Best’ for the Combi-CB4.
“ The Combi-CB70E impressed the international jury with its new ergonomic design, environmental credentials and ability to enhance operator comfort and productivity in demanding industrial settings,” the company told ISMR.
The multidirectional Combi-CB70E is a seven-tonne capacity electric counterbalance forklift, specifically designed for handling long and bulky loads in confined or challenging spaces. Equipped with Combilift’ s patented Independent Traction Control System and large elastic rubber tyres, it provides all-terrain
Combi CB 70E seat.
capability while maintaining zero-emission operation.
The spacious gas strut suspension cab and floor-to-ceiling glazing offers enhanced visibility and comfort, while the Auto Swivel Seat( which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending upon the direction of travel) offers comfort for operators, even during extended shifts.
Over the last eleven months, Combilift has also received multiple international accolades for its products and leadership, including‘ Product of the Year’ and‘ Ergonomics Award’ at the UKMHA Archies Awards, as well as‘ Design
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Team of the Year’ and‘ Industry Leader’ awards from the UK’ s Engineering &
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Manufacturing Awards. n
www. combilift. com
The Combi-CB70E.
Surface roughness probe for components
Coordinate measuring machine( CMM) manufacturer LK Metrology, based in the UK, has announced the introduction of the SURFACER SRP. It is a plug-and-play probe, with a resolution of one micron, for seamlessly analysing the roughness of the surface of a component as part of a CNC measuring cycle on any CMM, provided it has an industry-standard probe head.
“ The sensor eliminates the need for secondary surface roughness inspection, either manually using a hand-held instrument or automatically at a separate metrology station. Manufacturers can conduct comprehensive inspection on a component in a single set-up in a CMM environment. This results in significant savings in time and cost. Engineered for ease of use and versatility, the equipment comes with its own downloadable application software, facilitating integration and eliminating the need for third-party software,” explained LK Metrology.
Swapping between touch probes, tactile scanning probes, non-contact laser scanners and the roughness probe gives users extended multi-sensor capability. The SURFACER SRP mounting is compatible with change racks, including the new versions introduced recently by LK, enabling
The new LK SURFACER SRP surface roughness probe in operation.
automated sensor changing and enhanced operational efficiency.
“ At the heart of the roughness probe lies a special body that accommodates three interchangeable, skidded, stainless-steel probe modules. One evaluates flat, conical and cylindrical surfaces while another measures concave, convex and spherical surfaces. The third is for inspecting grooves of more than 3mm wide by less than 10mm deep, or steps of similar height,” outlined the metrology specialist.
The CMM positions a stylus so that it is in contact with the part, after which the machine axes remain stationary while the probe moves the stylus across the surface under investigation. Wireless communication
with the CMM computer, via a Bluetooth-4.0 adapter, provides seamless data transfer for analysis, simplifying installation.
Dave Robinson, LK’ s marketing manager, concluded:“ By integrating surface roughness measurement directly onto the CMM, we are providing manufacturers with a powerful tool to streamline their inspection processes, reduce costs and enhance product quality. The ability to perform multiple metrology functions on a single platform eliminates the need for time-consuming transfers of components and ensures greater accuracy by maintaining part orientation between measurements.”
Measuring the relative smoothness of the surface profile of a metal or plastic component is fundamental after turning, milling, grinding, spark erosion, broaching or reaming, as it directly correlates to how well the component will function in service.
The small, fine-scale variations and imperfections in the surface( including peaks and valleys) are assessed by LK’ s SURFACER SRP, rather than larger-scale features such as waviness or form. n
www. LKmetrology. com
116 | ismr. net | ISMR September 2025