Schivo acquires APN Global

Ireland-based contract manufacturer Schivo has acquired APN Global and its operating subsidiary APN Inc, a Quebec, Canada based provider of AFP valves, fittings and tubing technologies for analytical instrumentation and minimally invasive surgical devices. Schivo manufactures prototypes and production devices for the medical device and life science markets. Its capabilities include five-axis milling, micro-machining, laser cutting, welding, metal fabrication and cleanroom assembly. Yves Proteau, co-president of APN Global, joins Schivo’s leadership team as senior vice president of manufacturing and technology systems.
For further information www.schivomedical.com

Visual Components makes key acquisition

Visual Components, a developer of 3D simulation software, has acquired the robotics division of Delfoi, a global pioneer in robot offline programming (OLP) software solutions. The move gives the Finnish organisation a foundation to expand globally by complementing its existing simulation tools for production systems and virtual commissioning with OLP capabilities.

OLP gives manufacturers the opportunity to program robots on the factory floor, alongside Visual Components’ existing product offering of layout design, feasibility and validation of control logics, robot programs and processes. This functionality will essentially make a one-stop-shop for the digital transformation of production systems a reality. It will also enable manufacturers to benefit from significantly reduced downtime, while simultaneously improving the accuracy of robotic programming processes.
For further information www.visualcomponents.com

Renishaw joins Empowered Employers campaign

To help create an inclusive and diverse business community, Renishaw is partnering with the Empowered Employers campaign, led by Barnwood Trust, a Gloucestershire-based charity. Empowered Employers aims to help organisations consider attitudes and policies that enable meaningful work opportunities for disabled people, people with mental health challenges and neuro-divergent people. Partners of the Empowered Employers campaign will contribute to the conversation and support the campaign by raising awareness about barriers to disabled people in employment and to challenge existing misconceptions.
For further information www.renishaw.com

Careers take flight at MTC Training

Ambitious apprentices at MTC Training – the training arm of the Manufacturing Technology Centre – are celebrating after completing an important milestone in their early careers.
Learners have been awarded certificates that recognise their contribution to Project Slingshot, a collaborative initiative giving learners the opportunity to help build and fly an aeroplane. The event was the final milestone in the first year of their apprenticeship training at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre before returning to their employers to begin their on-the-job training in the second year of a four-year programme.

Project Slingshot is an Air League initiative to deliver STEM learning through building a fully flight-capable light aircraft. The programme is part of MTC Training’s comprehensive programme, which supports learners to develop the additional skills required for personal and professional success, alongside the technical expertise delivered within the core apprenticeship standard.
For further information www.the-amtc.co.uk

Simonds Saw introduces new bandsaw blades

US-based saw blade manufacturer, Simonds Saw, has launched a new range of bi-metal bandsaw blades that is available in the UK from Addison Saws. This newly-configured range of bi-metal blades raises performance in all metal-cutting market segments, and is a notable overhaul to the company’s bi-metal product offering.

Multiple rounds of testing, prototyping and optimisation with professionals in the field led Simonds Saw to develop four new bandsaw blades. According to the company, this new range excels at general-purpose cutting, production cutting, cutting of structural steel, and the cutting of tough exotic alloys.

“We fully expect our new product line of bi-metal bandsaw blades to have a global impact on the metal-cutting industry,” says Simonds Saw’s president David Miles. “We’re excited for loyal bandsaw users all over the world to put these new products to good use. Whether they’re cutting structural steel in Gary, Indiana or sawing titanium in Shanghai, China, we now have the optimal blade to maximise uptime and materials, in any application.”

This highly-specialised range of bi-metal bandsaw blades has been developed to meet the demands of any metal-cutting application. According to Simonds Saw, the range boasts increased benefits for the next generation of bandsaw blade operators worldwide.

Addison Saws is the UK’s exclusive Simonds retailer, with the full range available directly or from the company’s network of nationwide dealers. All bandsaw blades are hand-welded on site and to order, with many available for next day delivery or collection from Addison Saws’ Stourbridge site.
For further information www.addisonsaws.co.uk