Helander selected for SiG programme

Tewkesbury-based Helander Precision Engineering has been selected for Sharing in Growth (SiG), the government-backed supply chain competitiveness programme.

The company applied to join SiG as part of a strategy to grow its aerospace activities into a key strategic market, alongside nuclear and oil and gas. With SiG’s support, Helander now plans to expand its turnover in aerospace, with a strategy to secure 100 local jobs by taking turnover to £22m by 2022. The intense four-year £250m SiG training and development programme focuses on leadership, culture and strategy. Helander’s initial priorities on the SiG programme will include designing a new factory layout to increase efficiency.
For further information www.sig-uk.org

DIN-standard ballscrews from NSK

NSK has launched a new generation of DIN-standard ballscrews for machine tools. Manufactured in shaft diameters from 32 to 63 mm, and with leads from 10 to 40 mm, the new high-speed, low-noise ball screws for European machine tool applications offer a speed factor of 160,000 dn.

This performance level means they can be used without restriction for high-speed machining applications where very accurate positioning is also required. The ballscrews conform to DIN 69051 (ISO 3408) with regard to both dimensional and tolerance classes.
For further information www.nsk.com

Landmark order

SLM Solutions Group AG, a supplier of metal-based additive manufacturing (AM) technology, has signed the company’s largest ever multi-machine contract.

Some 50 machines of the SLM280 series, the most successful model in the company’s product range, will be sold
via a sales partner in China. The machines will be sold up over the course of three years through to 2020. To the knowledge of SLM Solutions it is one of the largest orders for AM machines ever placed in China.
For further information www.slm-solutions.com

Swiss-type lathe unveiled

At last week’s open house in Hove, Dugard lifted the wraps on its new Dugard 52 Swiss-type lathe, a turning and milling centre with multi-axis synchronous control. Featuring a double spindle and front and back tooling systems, the machine can be used with or without the guide bush (depending on part length).

The rotary guide bush design reduces bar vibration, improves machining accuracy and has a maximum part length of 350 mm (42 mm maximum turning diameter). When not using the guide bush, the bar end is shorter, saving vital production costs. Further features include roller type linear guideways on all axes, 6000 rpm maximum spindle speed and Mitsubishi M80 control.
For further information www.dugard.com

Etching specialist boosted by German growth

Birmingham-based photoetching supplier Precision Micro has seen a huge uptake in demand for its services from German-based companies in the past three years. By the end of 2017 Germany is forecast to represent more than 40% of the company’s turnover, making it the largest geographical market that the company supplies. Notable contracts include a five-year agreement with automotive giant Continental for the supply of fuel delivery flexures and supply agreements with automotive interior trim manufacturers. In the medical sector, the company has secured new business for implantable medical devices including craniomaxillofacial implants.
For further information www.precisionmicro.com