Nuclear AMRC to support SMRs

The Nuclear AMRC will work with Rolls-Royce on the next phase of its small modular reactor (SMR) development programme, and help prepare critical components for commercial production in the UK. In unison, the pair will develop the manufacturing capability for a variety of advanced processes, using the state-of-the-art machining, joining and testing facilities of the Nuclear AMRC’s research factory in Rotherham. The centre will also support the design of a new UK factory for large SMR components.

Following this development, the Nuclear AMRC will continue working with Rolls-Royce to create a fully integrated pre-production proving facility for SMR manufacturing. The proving facility will produce large-scale prototypes of the reactor pressure vessel and its closure head.

For further information www.namrc.co.uk

Suppliers return to Hurco open house

Hurco’s UK and Ireland subsidiary will stage its traditional Christmas open house at its High Wycombe headquarters on 7-8 December. Visitor numbers at these end-of-year events are always high because, in addition to having 12 machines cutting metal in the showroom, supply partners will exhibit for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year there will be 16 specialist stands covering tooling, work holding, CADCAM software, metrology, automation, mist extraction, rotary tables, angle heads and machine tool finance. As a result, visitors to the event will be able to discuss a wealth of auxiliary items to extract the best from their Hurco machine tools.

For further information www.hurco.co.uk

Multi-million aerospace contract

ÉireComposites, a design, manufacturing and testing company based in County Galway, has signed a new multi-million euro contract with Spirit AeroSystems to provide structural components for commercial airliners and business jets. The contract will enable the creation of 40 new jobs over the next three years, while securing 60 existing positions. The new jobs will be a combination of engineering, quality and high-tech manufacturing roles.
Awarding this contract highlights the continued commitment by Spirit AeroSystems to Irish suppliers following its recent acquisition of Bombardier’s Belfast operations. The scope of the contract involves complex composite component manufacturing, including assembly, part trimming and non-destructive testing services for a number of key business and commercial aircraft programmes.

For further information www.eirecomposites.com

Automated steel storage and processing

Steel stockholder Weser Stahl, based in Stuhr-Brinkum, Germany, has automated its operation to meet increasing competition from international suppliers. The key element of its in-house logistics is a recently installed storage, sawing and robotic handling system supplied by Kasto. Weser Stahl’s new system provides unattended material flow through the facility, from storage of the raw stock to provision of the sawn sections for shipment. The system has proved so successful that plans are in place to install another at Weser Stahl’s site in Plettenberg.

Weser Stahl relies on modern machinery and equipment, and has a number of bandsaws and circular saws supplied by kasto over many years.

The new KASTOcenter varioplus 4 measures almost 8 m in height, providing 1398 storage spaces for material up to 7 m in length. Each compartment has a usable loading height of 50 to 430 mm and can take a maximum material weight of 4 tonnes. A storage and retrieval machine (SRM) moving at speeds of up to 60 m/min handles the bar. Two KASTOvariospeed circular saws (150 mm diameter capacity) and one KASTOtec FC 4 bandsaw (430 mm capacity) are connected to the storage facility.

Weser Stahl relies on automation for material removal. The KASTOtec saw is equipped with a turning and stacking system, while the two KASTOvariospeed saws each have an industrial robot that automatically removes sawn sections and stacks them on to pallets, as required for each order.

“In this way, we have created a continuous material flow that can function fully unattended if necessary – and around the clock,” says sales manager Stieven Harder. “The result is an enormous increase in efficiency and performance, as well as more ergonomic working conditions for our employees.”

For further information
www.kasto.com

Laser simplifies cleaning operations

The traditional methods used to remove rust, debris or other surface contamination from components typically involve either physical contact with the part through brushing, scraping, polishing and shot blasting or, alternatively, through the use of dry ice or chemical substances. All of these approaches have their own drawbacks as they are either abrasive, which can potentially damage the base material, or in the case of chemicals, somewhat aggressive.

Laser cleaning, however, offers a highly efficient, contact- and consumable-free alternative that is gaining popularity across a range of applications and market sectors. TLM Laser offers a number of laser cleaning systems as UK and Ireland distributor for 4Jet Technologies.

Recently launched, and now complementing the current 200 and 500 W variants, is the new M100 handheld unit. Based upon a fibre-coupled, maintenance-free, solid-state, near-infrared laser at 1064 nm wavelength, this compact system delivers 100 W of laser power. Weighing in at less than 5 kg, the handheld unit is ergonomic in design and optimised for manual use.

Potential applications for this technology include the cleaning of moulds, tools and fixtures, as well as paint and coating removal operations, and the pre-treatment of surfaces prior to welding, gluing or other coating applications.

Connected to the portable supply unit by a 5 m cable, it is possible to manipulate the manual unit easily using the two-handle configuration. Focal lengths range between 160 and 420 mm, depending upon lenses, while the 2D integral laser scanning head delivers a 100 x 100 mm scan-field.

For further information
www.tlm-laser.com