Too few aware of super deduction tax relief

In a new survey conducted by auction specialist BPI Auctions, only one in eight (12%) of those questioned said they were aware of the super deduction tax break. The support runs until 31 March 2023 and enables companies to claim a 130% capital allowance on qualifying plant and machinery investments, along with a 50% first-year allowance for qualifying special rate assets. The super deduction also allows businesses to cut their taxes by up to 25p for every £1 they invest.

David Boulton, managing director at BPI Auctions, says: “The super deduction tax break is a significant support to businesses across the manufacturing and engineering sectors, especially those that have been affected most in the past two years. If you’re looking to take advantage of the relief to upgrade your plant and equipment, disposing of used or old items through online auctions is an efficient and easy way to raise funds quickly.”
For further information www.bpiauctions.com

Knowledge exchange

Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School has entered into a strategic partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF). A community of industry experts, the AMF brings together the northeast’s manufacturing and engineering sector to engage with the wider business community. A key remit of the AMF is to exchange ideas and knowledge in order to generate business growth, share opportunities and champion advanced manufacturing. The move will facilitate the dissemination of current thinking directly into industry, while allowing new questions and areas for investigation to emerge.
For further information www.northumbria.ac.uk/nbs

New radial bristle brushes

With an extremely limited number of other suppliers for radial bristle brushes on the market, Tyrolit is now the exclusive industrial distributor of Sunburst radial bristle brushes in Europe. Since joining in partnership with US-based Dedeco in 2021, Tyrolit has the sole rights to sell Sunburst products in the UK and Ireland, bringing competition into a previously exclusive market, while adding an extended range to Tyrolit’s surface conditioning portfolio.

As a manufacturer of specialty abrasives since 1937, Dedeco introduced the Sunburst range back in 2017; whereby there was only one other supplier for these products anywhere in the world. These thermoplastic abrasive bristle discs and brushes are suitable for deburring, cleaning, finishing and polishing. They provide an alternative to wire and nylon solutions, while improving performance in a safer, more efficient and flexible way. These products are available individually or in assortments of multiple shapes and sizes, with sizes ranging from 36 grit to 1 µm.

The flexible bristles conform to contours, cracks and corners, while working equally well on flat surfaces. With durability for long working life, the blended bristles guarantee extended wear and a consistent, smooth finish. Bristle Brushes are not only more efficient than wire brushes, they also work faster, easily achieving a constant, quality finish with lighter pressure. Through a cool-running feature, the brushes generate minimal heat, reducing potential damage or distortion to the work surface. Applications include the removal of weld burns, discolouration, corrosion, grinding marks, stains, adhesives, paint and other surface contaminants.
For further information www.tyrolit.co.uk

Vollmer launches 5S campaign

At the first ever GrindingHub international trade fair for grinding technology in Stuttgart last month, sharpening specialist Vollmer presented its 5S campaign: sharp, smart, sustainable, social, strong.

Vollmer grinding, eroding and laser machines are backed up by smart and digital services, ensuring maximum sharpness. Thanks to sustainable technologies, the company plays its part in environmental sustainability. Social refers both to the increased importance of social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube, and to the social links between Vollmer and its customers, suppliers and employees, as well as its efforts to support young people. The company uses events and webinars to maintain a strong position as a technology leader, while continually improving the efficiency of its machines and services.

The GrindingHub 2022 exhibition also marked the world premiere of three new VGrind grinding machines, suitable for machining carbide tools. These machines apply the tried-and-tested technology of the VGrind range: they are also based on the innovative double-spindle concept, which enables precise and efficient multi-level machining thanks to two vertical spindles. By expanding its machine range in the area of tool machining, Vollmer can more precisely address the individual needs of its customers.

In addition, Vollmer has added two new machines to its range for grinding circular saw blades. These models are suited to machining tooth faces and tooth tops, as well as the flanks of carbide-tipped saw teeth with a wide range of geometries. The machines feature intuitive operation, enabling users to learn sharpening processes almost instantly. They can be combined with tried-and-tested Vollmer automation solutions for round-the-clock operation without manual intervention.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Okamoto delivers pace and precision

Blackpool-based Beechwood Engineering recently upgraded its surface grinding provision with the addition of an Okamoto ACC 64 GX surface grinding machine from UK agent DF Precision Machinery.

Explaining the reasons behind the machine’s installation, engineering director Stewart Churchill says: “By using the latest machine tool technology, our skilled staff are committed to ensuring that every component is manufactured to the highest possible standards. Also, as we expand, in order to remain at the forefront of technology, we continuously update our plant list.

“In addition to serving customers operating in the general engineering sectors we also have clients working in demanding industries such as the aerospace, automotive, medical, Formula One and nuclear,” he continues. “Surface grinding is often the last process our workpieces undergo and many of the components we manufacture have very exacting specifications relating to dimensional accuracy, profile precision and surface finish.”

As part of the company’s quest to upgrade its capabilities on a continuous basis, Beechwood recently looked at the available advanced surface grinders with a view to replace an older machine with a model that would improve surface grinding precision and efficiency standards.

“After narrowing our search down to two machines we chose to purchase the Okamoto ACC 64 GX surface grinding machine,” says Churchill. “In addition to being aware of Okamoto’s reputation for machine quality, we considered that the ACC 64 GX was able to deliver the speed, ease of use, and precision standards we were seeking. Also, it helped that the knowledgeable employees of UK Okamoto distributor, DF Precision Machinery, were extremely helpful from our initial enquiry, through to the machine’s installation and operator training.”
For further information www.dfpmach.com