Free national manufacturing directory available

The High Value Manufacturing Catapult is making it easier for domestic manufacturers to connect with a new free-to-use UK Supply Chain Directory.Launched by the HVM Catapult as part of the Made Smarter Innovation/Digital Supply Chain Hub, the directory brings together hundreds of thousands of businesses across UK industry in one easy-to-search online resource. Businesses are also able to claim their company profile within the new UK Supply Chain Directory, allowing them to showcase key information and help attract new customers and suppliers.
For further information www.uksupplychaindirectory.com

Sodick introduces VN series wire EDM

For manufacturers that demand the epitome of precision, component quality and production efficiency, Sodick Europe says it has introduced its new VN series of linear motor-driven wire EDM machines. Presented as a high-quality enhanced range of standard EDM machines, the new arrival offers the added advantage of reduced power consumption and operational costs.

Available in two variants, the new VN400Q and the VN600Q can deliver a 20% decrease in power consumption when compared with standard models. With up to 70% of wire EDM energy consumption used by the dielectric treatment system, the Sodick VN series overcomes this issue with a new fluid control circuit that reduces the energy needed to drive the dielectric processing pump. Utilising an inverter to control the vertical flushing flow rate during machiningdelivers a 20% reduction in power consumption during machine standby.

As well as reducing power consumption, the newly developed energy-saving pump is integrated into the dielectric tank and, along with the LN3W/LP3W power supply unit, the Sodick VN series significantly improves nozzle flushing performance to amplify open cutting speeds by up to 15%. In addition, an intelligent monitoring circuit oversees the vertical flushing flow rate to provide further optimisation of the pump drive energy for flushing.

Also contributing to the efficiency of the Sodick VN series is the linear motor drive system with linear scales. Providing precise high-speed axis motion that is wear-free, it is possible to maintain extremely responsive speed, precision and repeatability for years to come. This performance sees a further enhancement with the latest K-SMC motion controller that governs axis movements and tracks spark-gap adjustments.
For further information www.sodi-tech.co.uk

SMEs form Resolve Engineered Solutions

A collaboration of four Cumbrian SMEs is embarking on a pioneering venture to establish ‘Resolve Engineered Solutions’.The joint venture brings together the expertise of Forth, React Engineering, PAR Systems and Cumbria Operations and Maintenance Service Ltd (COMS) to deliver end-to-end engineering services. It marks a significant step change in how the nuclear industry can access high-value capabilities. The four founding companiesenjoy recognition for their high-quality offerings and strengths. Through this collaboration, they will provide a holistic and efficient approach to tackling complex engineering challenges.
For further information www.resolve-engineered-solutions.com

Erodex invests £400,000 in latest automation

Erodex Group, a UK designer and manufacturer of graphite electrodes, tooling and fixtures is celebrating 50 years in business by investing £400,000 in automation at the company’s state-of-the-art graphite machining facility in the West Midlands.

This year marks 50 years in business for family-owned Erodex, which is looking to the future with the purchase of an automated pallet loading system to work in co-ordination with existing high-speed machining centres.As a result of the investment, the company expects to maximise efficiencies and output within the high-volume area of the business, creating capacity without the need to layer-in additional shift patterns.In addition, the alignment of existing machining capacity with automation provides Erodex with a portfolio that it has previously been unable to offer, thus creating new business opportunities.

The company’s facility in Wednesbury enables Erodex to machine its wide variety of graphite grades into highly complex components for a range of industries. It has also been a key driver in the significant growth witnessed by the Erodex Group in recent years, following a £1.75m investment in new machinery in 2021.

Steve Rolinson, director at Erodex Group, says: “Since the mid-1980s the Erodex Group has enabled customers to benefit from the capabilities of our ISO9001-accredited graphite machining facility, which is widely regarded as the best graphite machining facility in Europe.Continued planned investment as part of our continuous improvement programme – including that in automation – means we are well placed to capitalise on market opportunities moving forward. It also reinforces our position as UK leaders in the design and manufacture of graphite electrodes, tooling and fixtures for the aerospace and IGT sectors.”
For further information www.erodex.com

AE set for SAMPE build competition final

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) will host the final of its building competition at Advanced Engineering, which takes place on 1 and 2 November at the NEC, Birmingham. The contest aims to provide a practical composite engineering challenge through Young Engineers and Students (YES), where the entrants will be challenged to create a suitable structure and display it at the show.

This year, each team must apply their composites knowledge and creativity to design and construct a bridge capable of spanning a 1 m gap while resisting simple weights. The winner will be the bridge that meets specified guidelines and withstands the greatest load before failure. All teams will receive a sustainable composite material kit supplied by sponsors, ensuring equal terms for all participants.
For further information www.advancedengineeringuk.com