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BWM Group is looking for passionate and ambitious apprentices to help ensure high standards across its brands. This year sees 95 places available across the UK, in roles such as engineering, maintenance, human resources, purchasing and communications, with a start date of September 2022. This number includes around 80 apprentices in the production network, including: MINI Plant Oxford, the home of the MINI Electric; Plant Swindon, which produces steel pressings and sub-assemblies for both MINI and BMW; Plant Hams Hall, which manufactures MINI and BMW engines; and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood.

For further information
www.bmwgroup.com

CADMAN v8.7 adds powerful features

LVD has released CADMAN v8.7, the latest update of its software suite, which introduces several key features such as the ability to integrate foreign operations like tapping, chamfering and painting. There are also updates for CADMAN-JOB (MES), CADMAN-SDI (Smart Drawing Importer), CADMAN-P (punching), CADMAN-L (laser cutting), CADMAN-B (bending) and Touch-i4 (sort and validate). LVD’s software suite helps streamline the sheet-metal fabrication process to make smart manufacturing possible.

The latest version of CADMAN is able to integrate foreign operations – defined as non-core and secondary operations – including tapping, deburring and grinding. This update helps enhance the sheet-metal fabrication process flow by allowing CADMAN to control, monitor and log an order from raw material to finished part. Foreign operations are now visible in the CADMAN-JOB overview screen, and can be tracked and traced in the production process for real-time transparency. Using a single system (CADMAN) keeps the user interface consistent and helps improve process efficiency.

CADMAN v8.7 can now manage the complete sheet-metal production process without the need for an ERP system. Users can create work orders within CADMAN-SDI for transfer to CADMAN-JOB.

Notably, CADMAN-L can destroy internal contours using a spiral cut, avoiding possible collisions and saving processing time. The latest version of LVD’s punching and laser-cutting CAM software maximises material usage with the option to ‘expand parts’. When the sheet is not completely used but there is not enough material to create a remnant, CADMAN can automatically spread components over the entire sheet, providing larger margins between parts for increased stability during cutting.

For further information www.lvdgroup.com

MTC engineer wins funding for laser research

Manufacturing Technology Centre principal research engineer Dr Sundar Marimuthu has been awarded a prestigious UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship. Marimuthu, part of the laser processing team at the MTC, has secured a grant of £1.5m over four years to develop next-generation laser-based manufacturing processes for processing composite materials.

Most existing laser-based manufacturing technologies are for metals and alloys, and are incompatible with composites. Marimuthu will develop two laser-based technologies into fully-fledged manufacturing solutions, underpinning the large scale industrialisation of advanced composite solutions.

The first of these technologies will be a waterjet-guided laser process for cutting, drilling and machining composite materials. Secondly, Marimuthu and his team will develop a solution based on ultrashort pulsed lasers. While the capability of ultrashort pulsed laser machining is proven using low-power lasers for a limited number of niche applications, its low material removal rate limits its viability in the wider manufacturing sector. To address this issue, the MTC and its partners will be developing a high-power ultrashort pulsed laser machining process that will offer productivity and quality in line with industrial requirements.

Skills and technologies developed through this fellowship will support UK industry to exploit the widespread innovation of composite materials in a variety of fields, including zero-emissions transport. Marimuthu says that the two emerging laser technologies – waterjet-guided lasers and ultrashort pulsed lasers – have the potential to transform the use of advanced materials in UK industries.

“The exploitation of these laser technologies will have a significant impact on the ability to machine advanced materials which are essential to develop zero-emission transportation, a key aim in meeting the net-zero ambitions of the Government.”

For further information
www.the-mtc.org

Bystronic now owns 100% of Antil

Bystronic is increasing its existing 70% stake in Antil SpA by acquiring the remaining 30% minority stake for around CHF13m. The company is thus strengthening its portfolio in the field of automation in line with its Strategy 2025. In the summer of 2018, Bystronic acquired 70% of Antil, based in San Giuliano Milanese. Since then, the company has integrated Antil’s operations, doubled sales to approximately CHF40m at good profitability, and increased the number of employees from 110 to 200. Antil’s portfolio includes loading and unloading systems for laser cutters and punch presses, and automated sheet-metal storage systems.

For further information
www.bystronic.com

Pandemic recovery package for Scotland

The Manufacturing Skills Academy at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is launching a scheme that will support manufacturing businesses with the upskilling of their workforces as they recover and grow following the pandemic. As part of the campaign, the Manufacturing Skills Academy will help manufacturers take advantage of new market opportunities during Scotland’s recovery from Covid-19. By highlighting the skills required for emerging manufacturing sectors, the team will help employers and employees upskill and diversify, while working to futureproof businesses.

For further information
https://is.gd/ewojin