Blade tech testing

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has signed an agreement with wind engineering specialist Bladena to test blade reinforcement technology in an attempt to extend the operational life of offshore wind turbines. The full-scale testing programme at ORE Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth will use an 88-m blade to carry out unique full-scale torsional load tests – the first of its kind conducted by ORE Catapult and understood to be an industry first. It will show how Bladena’s reinforcement technology performs under the twisting forces it could experience out at sea.

More information https://ore.catapult.org.uk/

Textures now available

Protolabs is introducing new textured surfaces for prototyping and series production.From the automotive and aerospace industries to medical technology, the new service provides more control of surface texture when 3D printing, opening the possibility to create leather-like structures or geometric patterns. The leather-like surface structure in particular opens new application possibilities – especially in the automotive industry. Additively manufactured leather structures could therefore soon become a sustainable and more animal-friendly alternative to conventional leather.

More information www.protolabs.com

UK’s top young innovators wow Parliament

The UK’s top young STEM innovators and finalists in ‘The Big Bang Competition’ were invited to Westminster recently as part of EngineeringUK’s annual ‘Big Bang at Parliament’ event, where they met MPs and showcased their impressive projects. A total of 20 students from eight schools across the country attended the event, which celebrates young people’s creativity and innovation in STEM. They were joined by parliamentarians, guests from the engineering and technology community, and Siemens, which supports the event. Entries to The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition 2026 are now open.

More information www.thebigbang.org.uk

Doncasters investing $52m in German plant

Doncasters, an international manufacturer of high-precision alloy components made for the most demanding conditions, will invest $52m in its Bochum, Germany site, representing one of the most significant capital programmes in the company’s history. Doncasters says the three-year initiative will establish Bochum as one of the world’s most advanced facilities with the capability of producing the most complex large industrial gas turbine castings in production today, while also supporting capacity growth and long-term development. Work has already commenced inside the factory to prepare for new state-of-the-art equipment.

More information www.doncasters.com

EMO show to remain in Hanover

EMO, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology, is set to remain in Hanover following rumours about a potential move elsewhere in Germany. Says EMO general commissioner Carl Martin Welcker: “We were convinced by the commitment of the Lower Saxon policymakers to develop the structural and technical infrastructure of the exhibition centre on an ongoing basis over the coming years.”

In consultation with European association Cecimo, owner of the EMO brand, and with Italian sister association Ucimu, organizer of the EMO in Milan, the VDW has agreed the locations of the EMO cycle until 2031. The trade fair will take place in Milan in 2027, Hanover in 2029 and Milan again in 2031. “After that, we’ll return to the tried and tested cycle,” confirms Welcker. 

More information https://emo-hannover.de/en