20,000 expected at Metaltech

Metaltech 2017, a major machine tools and metalworking technology exhibition for the ASEAN region will be held on 24-27 May at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The theme of the show will be the future of manufacturing, with topics such as Industry 4.0 and smart factory innovations set to feature heavily. Metaltech is expected to draw a record turnout, with 2000 participating companies from 38 countries over 35,000 sq m of gross exhibition space. Some 20,000 regional and international visitors are anticipated over the event’s four-day duration.

The exhibition will also feature its established co-event, the Automation Technology Exhibition (Automex), which is now in its 10th year. Attracting exhibitors and visitors from around the world, Automex is a showcase of the latest technologies in automation and manufacturing processes, featuring a variety of robotics, assembly and machine-vision solutions.
For further information www.metaltech.com.my

Sandvik Coromant partners PARC

Sandvik Coromant has signed a strategic research agreement with PARC, a Xerox company, which will provide the cutting tool specialist with a footprint in Silicon Valley and expert resources for R&D in the field of digital manufacturing. Sandvik Coromant will also acquire all IP and technology related to PARC’s software for process planning and automated cost estimation for subtractive manufacturing. The strategic research agreement
will be governed by a joint steering committee featuring representatives from both companies.
For further information www.sandvik.coromant.com

‘Captain Picard’ glimpses metrology future

The man who piloted the Starship Enterprise was given a glimpse of the scientific future at the University of Huddersfield recently. Actor Sir Patrick Stewart – who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation on TV and film – is emeritus chancellor at the university. On his latest visit he was shown some of the scientific and technological research taking place.

Sir Patrick visited the university’s Future Metrology Hub, a £30m research centre that is aiming to transform UK industry by developing sensors embedded into machinery, leading to increases in accuracy. The hub – heavily backed by the EPSRC – is based in the university’s Centre for Precision Technologies. On his visit, Sir Patrick met the hub’s director professor Xiangqian Jiang and senior lecturer Dr Haydn Martin, plus many of its multi-disciplinary researchers who are harnessing new developments
in metrology and miniaturisation.
For further information www.hud.ac.uk

Open house

For three days during mid-June (13-15), visitors to the Trumpf 2017 open house will be introduced to what’s new in the company’s punching, laser and bending technologies, and be invited to take part in a programme of seminars focussed on smart production. The event will mark the UK launch of the TruMatic 1000 Fiber, a laser machine that comes with additional punching and forming functionality; the first model is due to be installed at a Bedfordshire fabricator in May.
For further information
www.uk.trumpf.com

Bamforth joins XYZ

XYZ Machine Tools has announced the appointment of Howard Bamforth to the role of export sales director, with the key focus of developing the potential for XYZ’s range of ProtoTrak-controlled machines across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Bamforth has 28 years’ experience in the machine tool business, including time working on machine design and development, project engineering, customer service/satisfaction and sales, both through distribution and direct with customers. He joins at an exciting time for the company, with XYZ just concluding what looks like being its seventh consecutive year of record sales.
For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com