Insphere joins NAMRC

Insphere, a specialist in metrology, has become a member of the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, primarily to support the ongoing development of its on-machine measurement and verification technology.

The Bristol-based company been working with the Nuclear AMRC, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, since early 2018, on the development of its Baseline system.
Able to provide full verification of a large machine tool in less than one hour, Baseline facilitates regular checks and delivers confidence in performance prior to cutting metal. The Nuclear AMRC hosted the product’s launch in March 2019, after Insphere engineers worked with the centre’s metrology and machining team to test and develop Baseline on its largest machine-tool platforms.
“Becoming a member of the Nuclear AMRC confirms our ongoing commitment to develop innovative methods of improving machine-tool performance through the use of metrology data,” says Ben Adeline, Insphere chief executive. “This will form a critical part of our company’s strategy to develop state-of-the-art products for the advanced manufacturing community.”
As a tier-two member of the Nuclear AMRC, Insphere is able to work closely with the centre’s researchers, tap into other machining and metrology research projects, and build links with manufacturers in the supply chain for nuclear and other quality-critical industries.
Engineers from Insphere are now installing the Baseline system on the Nuclear AMRC’s Soraluce FX12000 horizontal boring machine, and will provide ongoing technical support as part of the company’s membership. Capable of working on parts up to 12 m in length and 5 m in diameter, the Soraluce is the largest machining platform available for collaborative R&D in the UK.
For further information https://namrc.co.uk/

Free training during disruption

XYZ Machine Tools is making use of the current quieter period to provide as much support to customers as possible, especially if they find themselves having to redeploy staff to cope with instances of self-isolation.

The offer includes free training, subject to the availability of XYZ’s applications team. XYZ customers can contact the company on 01823 674200 to discuss any additional training requirements or programming assistance, on either the ProtoTRAK or Siemens control system.
“We are living through extraordinary circumstances but, in time, some level of normality will return and the team at XYZ Machine Tools will be in place to help customers ramp up production,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director. “At that time, we will be here with machines in stock ready to help. Until then, we will endeavour to support our customers in other ways.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

CBE+ gains sponsor for SC21 programme

Precision engineering subcontractor CBE+ has been selected by UK aerospace OEM Leonardo for sponsorship on the SC21 operational excellence programme.

AW101 Brochure image

SC21 is a continuous improvement programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry by optimising the performance of its supply chains. Certification is only achieved after all SC21 framework requirements have been met, and covers elements such as delivery, quality, sustainable improvement, business and manufacturing excellence.
For further information https://cbeplus.com/

Ramping up

The medical division of global technology company Smiths is ramping up production of paraPAC Plus ventilators at its Luton site to meet increased demand from the UK and across Europe.

Smiths Medical is working with its supply chain to increase weekly production over the coming weeks. The company will also play a central role in the industrial consortium being formed by the UK Government. Smiths will provide IP and technical advice, and make available its paraPAC Plus ventilator to the consortium, so that additional UK sites and supply chains can be created to deliver the objective.
For further information www.smiths-medical.com