Grinder of the Year

Young talent can now register for the Grinder of the Year competition and put their theoretical knowledge and practical grinding skills to the test. Alongside the Grinder of the Year 2024 title itself, training vouchers of up to €3500 are also up for grabs alongside many other attractive prizes. Apprentices, journeymen and women, as well as career-changers, can apply up to 26 February 2024. The campaign has been launched by GrindingHub, the trade fair for grinding technology, in cooperation with the Australian grinding machine manufacturer and principal sponsor Anca.

For further information www.grinder-of-the-year.de

E&DZone sponsor

Global metal-cutting specialist Sandvik Coromant will once again bethe headline sponsor of the MACH 2024 Education & Development Zone. Having sponsored the zone since its introduction at MACH 2012, Sandvik Coromant’s continued support demonstrates its commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers to join the manufacturing technologies sector. With over 3000 students in the age range of 11-18 expected to attend the event this year, MACH 2024 promises to provide lots for them to see and experience with interactive activities organised by key contributors.

For further information www.machexhibition.com

Made Smarter drives £22m investment

SME manufacturers have invested £22m in technology, backed by Made Smarter’s adoption programme in the northwest. Some 300 businesses have now secured £6.5m matched funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative, adopting technologies as diverse as robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI).These 350 technology projects, supported by £16m private sector investment over the past five years, are forecasting the creation of almost 1600 new jobs and over 2850 upskilled roles. They are set to add £242m to the economy over the next three years.

For further information www.madesmarter.uk

Exhibitors sign up early for BIEMH

Four months before it starts, the organiser of the BIEMH 2024 machine tool show says 985 exhibitors have already booked space at the event. BIEMH, which will take place for the 32ndtime at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre on 3-7 June, will present the latest in innovation, technology, knowledge and business opportunities. Itsexhibition space will cover everything from cutting-edge machinery,tooling, accessories and components, to machine tools, metrology and production services. In addition, automation, robotics and digitalisation will consolidate their position as a prominent part of the event.

For further information https://biemh.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com/en

World-first welding technology

Engineers from across Europe met in Flimby, Cumbria last month to demonstrate welding technology that will transform the way repairs take place in the shipping industry.Forth Engineeringinvited 12 partners from across Europe to showcase RESURGAM (Robotic Survey, Repair and Agile Manufacturing), a project that combines in-water friction stir welding technology with artificial intelligence and robotics.

The new technology will ultimately allow ship owners to repair vessels in the water, eliminating the need for a dry dock, thusimproving safety, cutting costs and saving time. Forth will share outcomes of the demonstration with the consortium and continue to work towards a solution that will be ready for roll-out across Europe and beyond.

For further information www.forth.uk.com