Goodwin boosts in-process checks

Staffordshire-based Goodwin International manufactures components for a range of sectors, including the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, power generation, aerospace and renewable industries.

From large primary circuit reactor components standing at 4 m in height and 5.5 m in diameter, to machined and welded assemblies of up to 100 tonnes in weight, Goodwin International is able to manufacture a multitude of large, high-specification components.
As a result of the size and the demanding dimensional tolerances of many components, the company makes use of one of the largest capacity CMMs in the UK. However, given the problems associated with transporting large, heavy workpieces to
the CMM, the company also uses a range of Faro portable CMMs with both tactile measurement and scanning capabilities to perform regular in-process checks.
A growing order book and increasing need for the scanning and dimensional inspection of large components – and comparing them to CAD models – prompted Goodwin International to purchase a
4 m version of Faro’s recently launched Quantum FaroArm, used in combination with a FaroBlu Laser Line Probe HD (High Definition).
Goodwin International’s quality control manager Mark Woolmer says. “Having compared several options, I came to the conclusion that Faro’s 4 m Quantum ScanArm was the ideal portable CMM for our needs. It shares many of the qualities of our existing portable CMMs, although the new Quantum ScanArm boasts the latest FaroBlu Laser Line Probe HD and delivers even faster scanning times. In fact, its speed and ease of operation means that, without compromising on accuracy,
we have cut our scanning inspection times in half.”
For further information www.faro.com

Land Rover Schools Technology Challenge

More than 100 future engineers from schools in 15 countries will meet in the West Midlands for the Land Rover 4×4 in Schools Technology Challenge world finals.

Students will compete to design and build miniature remote-controlled 4x4s over four days (13-16 April 2019) at the University of Warwick, near Jaguar Land Rover’s headquarters in Whitley.
Thousands of young people have taken part in the competition since 2006. Moreover, the Land Rover 4×4 in Schools Technology Challenge was extended internationally in 2015 and now runs in 20 countries. The world finals will bring together all the national champions, with students travelling to the UK to compete for the world champion’s trophy. Student teams around the globe are now preparing for the finals and working hard to produce a world-beating, remote-controlled, scale model off-roader which incorporates lessons learned in their national final competitions.
For further information www.4x4inschools.co.uk

40 years of Renishaw apprentices

Renishaw is currently recruiting for a record 68 apprentices across its sites in Gloucestershire and Wales.

The 2019 intake will be the 40th cohort to join Renishaw, which has taken apprentices every year since 1979. Applications for a range of roles, including engineering, software, embedded electronic design and development, and IT, are now open until 1 March 2019.
As well as gaining on-the-job experience and nationally recognised qualifications, apprentices at Renishaw receive a tailored induction programme and in-house training to ensure they get the best possible experience. Apprentices are also eligible for Renishaw’s comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 9% non-contributory pension, private medical insurance and a competitive salary.
For further information www.renishaw.com/apprentice

XYZ appoints commercial director

XYZ Machine Tools has appointed Trevor Harreld as its new commercial director. Harreld first came across XYZ Machine Tools in the mid-1990s while working as audit manager for a firm of local chartered accountants, Francis Clark.

Graduating in mathematics from Lancaster University, and gaining teaching qualifications from Cambridge University, Harreld has had a long career in finance. His CV includes working for chartered accountancy firms, as well as roles as finance director in the construction and support services sectors prior to setting up his own consultancy business.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Strong machine tool sales figures

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has reported strong sales figures for 2018.

When the order books closed, just before the Christmas break, Mills had taken orders for 440 new Doosan machines during the past 12 months and delivered 431 machines in the same period. The success is being attributed to the latest machine tool introductions and an exceptional MACH 2018 exhibition, combined with continued growth in demand for large-capacity Doosan machines and turnkey solutions.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk