Chancellor supports MTC Business Connect programme

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt,recently visited the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre as part of the Government’s national “Business Connect” programme.Accompanied by more than 50 captains of British industry, he highlighted the importance of advanced manufacturing to the UK economy:”Advanced manufacturing is one of our most successful sectors and key to driving UK growth, which is why I want to make sure we’re removing any barriers that might be holding business back.”

The visit agenda included presentations from the Chancellor, ministers and the MTC chief executive Graham Hoare, and a visit to the MTC training centre and apprentice workshop. Hunt was joined by: the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade; the Rt Hon Chloe Smith MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology; George Freeman MP, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation; and Nusrat Ghani MP, Minister for Industry and Economic Security.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Iemca adds third Maestro barfeed to range

A manufacturer of automatic barfeeds for CNC lathes, Italy-based Iemca, is adding a third model to its Maestro range. All are designed to maximise productivity on fixed-head lathes and offer unattended production around the clock. They are available in the UK and Ireland through sole agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

The two existing models can handle round stock up to 100 mm diameter. Both are capable of bar changeover in 31 seconds, as is the new Maestro 52, which is for smaller lathes running material up to 51 mm diameter, 42 mm hex and 36 mm square. It is possible to load bars up to 4.2 m in length to a maximum combined weight of 100 kg.

There are numerous interesting design features incorporated into the new barfeed, three of whichcarry patents. One protects ABACOS (Adaptive BAr COntrol System), a self-adjusting bar clamping arrangement designed to guide the material, damp vibrations and tighten on the pusher, all without changing the guide channel.

Another patented feature, the Vibra-Damp collet with interchangeable inserts avoids vibration. The collet restricts bar oscillation byreducing their amplitude and lowering bending and torsional stresses on the bar. The third patent concerns the HandyLoq quick-change collet system, which allows manual exchange within three seconds without the need to use tools.

Additional advantages of all Maestro bar feeders are Industry 4.0 data sharing as an option, and a choice of bar loading systems including an UP magazine that allows the presentation of material at an ergonomic height.
For further information www.1mta.com

Razor joins University of Sheffield AMRC as partner

Digital technology company Razor has joined the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) as a partner, cementing their long-standing collaborative relationship to drive digital innovations in manufacturing. Razor specialises in harnessing the power of digital technologies like automation, virtual reality, AI, machine learning and focused design thinking to turbocharge businesses, experiences and capability. The Sheffield-based firmis now looking to explore more opportunities for collaboration and accelerate the adoption of digital technologies within manufacturing.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

Bowers shows quality control and connective metrology

Bowers Group showcased a range of connective metrology solutions at the Control 2023 exhibition in Stuttgart earlier this month. Visitors saw live product demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity.

On display was a range of Bluetooth-enabled hand tools and height gauges working in conjunction with Sylvac’s Sylcom software, showing how connectivity can improve efficiencies and reduce errors. Visitors had the chance to see Bowers’ Made in Britain registered, digital external micrometer, DigiMic, which features advanced, built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Offering quick, simple and highly accurate measurements, the DigiMic can easily integrate into any Industry 4.0/SPC system.

The new Baty Venture Plus XT 80100 was also on display. Complete with the company’s standard zoom optics and programmable, segmented LED surface lighting, the new Venture Plus XT 80100 CNC boasts a 640 x 600 x 250mm measuring range. The use of a touch probe is optimised on a CNC system, meaning that measurements from data points taken using the probe can be combined with those taken using video edge detection for optimal inspection times.

The Baty SM350-FT2-E vertical light path 350mm/14-inch diameter screen bench profile projector wasamong other solutions on display, featuring a large, heavy-duty, high-precision work stage with 250 x 125mm measuring range.

Bowers Group also exhibited its oldest brand, Moore & Wright, presenting a range of handheld metrology instruments such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges and general workshop measurement tools.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Digital literacy will unlock power of data

Digital literacy and data engineers will be key to manufacturers unlocking the potential of data for their businesses, says the director for industrial digitalisation at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Professor Rab Scott delivered the message at ‘Power of data and digital in industry’, an event held at Barnsley Digital Media Centre to explore the initial outcomes and learnings from NextGen, a project to embed low-cost digital technologies at manufacturers across South Yorkshire and Wales.

FourJaw’s Chris Iveson and Connexin’s Rikki Coles also spoke at the event and, together with Scott, made a powerful case for how adopting a digitally-focused culture – and unlocking the power of data – can help productivity, save energy and reduce waste. Scott said ‘digital literacy’ is a crucial first step for manufacturers who want to start their digital transformation journey – and that step is one NextGen can help them take with confidence.
For further information j.stammers@amrc.co.uk