£1.2 machinery investment at KMF

Precision sheet-metal firm KMF has invested £1.2m in two new laser-profiling machines.
The Trumpf TruLaser 3030 (L95) new-generation machines will increase cutting speeds, reduce operating costs and allow the processing of a greater range of materials. The company has replaced two existing lasers, comprising an early technology fibre machine and a traditional CO2 laser, both of which have been operational in a 24/7 capacity since early 2012.

With more capacity to cut through heavier gauge and a larger range of sheet-based materials, both new lasers allow a cutting thickness of 25 mm in mild steel, 20 mm in stainless steel and 20 mm in aluminium. The machines also cut up to 8 mm thick copper and brass.

Commercial director Keith Nicholl says: “The new lasers mean our machines are operating much faster, and we can continue to offer competitive solutions at a time when resource costs are rising. Not only are the machines faster, they’re also more accurate and allow us to build on our reputation for producing consistent-quality products in large numbers. After an incredibly productive start to the year – and in line with our continued growth – the new lasers are certainly helping us to accommodate our customers and their ambitions.’’

The machines join a full array of high-end Trumpf sheet-metal processing equipment at KMF. Laser profiling is the first stage in the processing of sheet metal-based products, so any gains are felt throughout the manufacturing process.

“We’re delighted that the new lasers have been installed,” says Nicholl. “With these now in place, we hope to continue offering our customers competitive solutions.”
For further information www.kmf.co.uk

Green iron and steel

A world-class industrial consortium composed of EIT InnoEnergy, Engie New Ventures, Plug, FORVIA, GROUPE IDEC and Primetals Technologies, have launched GravitHy – a future market leader in green iron. The sustainable iron company will support growing demand for zero-carbon steel, while contributing to Europe’s ‘Fit for 55’ package ambitions to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries. The founding shareholders of GravitHy plan to build, own and operate its first green iron plant in Fos sur Mer, France, mobilising €2.2bn worth of initial investment and creating over 3000 jobs in the process. Construction will commence in 2024 with production beginning in 2027.
For further information www.gravithy.eu

Spain places order for Eurofighter Typhoons

A major new order by Spain to expand its frontline fleet with 20 new Eurofighter Typhoons underlines the importance of this aircraft’s role as the backbone of European defence. The announcement, which was made at the recent ILA Berlin International Air Show, will see the number of Typhoon aircraft in Europe increase to 545, delivered or on order. BAE Systems leads the overall design, development, manufacture, upgrade and support for Typhoon aircraft in the UK. The company is responsible for manufacturing more than a third of the components for every Spanish aircraft, including the aircraft’s front fuselage and tail, under a contract worth in excess of £500m.
For further information www.baesystems.com

Free online courses at the Grinding Academy

United Grinding and Titans of CNC, a manufacturing group of part-makers, influencers and educators, have collaborated to launch the all-new Grinding Academy. Much like Titan’s existing machining and aerospace academies, the Grinding Academy will offer free online courses that teach and train the next generation of machinists. Titans of CNC has four United Grinding machines on its shop floor in Texas: a Blohm Panomat XT profile grinder; Studer Favorit and Studer S41 cylindrical grinding machines; and a Walter Helitronic Vision 400 L tool grinder. These will be the first machines used to create content for the Grinding Academy.
For further information www.titansforgrinding.com

AWI donates to Acorns Children’s Hospice

A leading hospice that cares for more than 900 families every year is the latest recipient of the ‘Wired for Good’ campaign run by Alloy Wire International (AWI). The UK manufacturer of round, flat and profile wire has donated £7500 to the crucial work of Acorns Children’s Hospice to help it continue providing respite, short breaks, end-of-life and emergency care across its three locations in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester. Bosses at AWI have been long-term admirers of the charity and the way it provides a homely environment where children can take part in a range of fun and therapeutic activities, from arts and crafts sessions to hydrotherapy.
For further information www.acorns.org.uk