Ultimaker and MakerBot complete merger

MakerBot and Ultimaker, two specialists in desktop 3D printing, have completed their merger. Under the new brand, Ultimaker, the company aims to provide easy-to-use and accessible 3D printing hardware, software and materials for any application, driving the industry to a future state of responsible and sustainable manufacturing. The newly formed entity will invest capital to accelerate growth, drive new product innovation, further research and development, and strengthen its presence across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific through market expansions.
For further information, www.ultimaker.com

Recognition for apprentices

An advanced engineering and manufacturing apprentice from Telford was named as the region’s brightest vocational star last week. Torus Measurement Systems’ James Morgan overcame competition from more than 100 apprentices across the West Midlands to secure the ‘Outstanding Learner of the Year’ title at this year’s annual In-Comm Training Awards in Birmingham. The high-profile ceremony, which is backed by main sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), saw ‘girl power’ come to the fore again, with four out of the eight personal accolades won by females.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

MTC apprentices reach for the skies2

High-flying apprentices studying at MTC Training – the training arm of the Manufacturing Technology Centre – are getting the chance to build major components for an airworthy light aircraft in an initiative to give them valuable manufacturing experience. The apprentice team is celebrating after completing the first stage of the project – a critical structure for the left wing. They now plan to have both left and right wing assemblies complete over the coming weeks, along with the aircraft’s fuel tanks. Supported by the Department for Transport, Project Slingshot will result in the manufacture of an airworthy Sling 2 aircraft.
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Metal-forming event returns after 18 years

More than 120 of the world’s leading sheet metal pressworkers will be heading to Birmingham next month as part of a major global manufacturing event. The 20th ICOSPA (International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations) Congress will return to the UK for the first time in 18 years, with the emphasis on new technology, new skills and new challenges

Held over two days (19-20 October), delegates will meet to discuss innovative technologies transforming metal forming, how to deliver sustainable performance, and bridging the skills gap and remaining profitable in the face of economic struggles. They will hear keynote addresses from Francisco Riberas (executive chairman of Gestamp), Ian Harnett (chairman of Tevva Electrical Trucks), Antonio Costa (CEO of Kaizen Institute, pictured) and Gianfranco Ruggiero (senior product manager of AutoForm Group).
To book a space email ICOSPACongress@thecbm.co.uk

Webinar sets out potential of instant bonding

Designers and manufacturers can tap into a wealth of expertise on a webinar dedicated to instant component bonding. Scheduled for 12 October from 10:00 to 11:00, the event will be hosted by Dr Julie Joseph and Håkan Jacobson, both technology specialists at Henkel, which with its LOCTITE brand is a leader in this field. Attendees will see real world examples of how it is possible to join dissimilar materials – plastics, metals and composites –using instant adhesives. Those who attend the webinar will have the opportunity to receive a sample of Henkel’s latest adhesive, LOCTITE 402.
Register for the webinar at www.bit.ly/3L5eVVM