Digital switch will boost Omnitool production

Irvine-based Omnitool – a family-run precision engineering business working in the oil and gas, renewables and nuclear sectors – is boosting its production capacity and plans to expand into new markets, create new jobs and cut emissions following the introduction of new digital tools and expertise.With £188,000 funding support from Innovate UK, Omnitool is working with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to develop the skills required to implement its digital upgrade. The business hopes that the move will see machine idle time cut in half and production capacity increased by 10%.
For further information www.bit.ly/44R55PL

Ward CNC names head of strategic sales

Following recent enhancements to the company’s sales,after-sales andservice teams, TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC) is appointing Phil Hopkins as itshead of strategic sales.
Hopkins started his career as a CNC machinist in the aerospace industry and developed into a production project engineer before moving into sales, where he has enjoyed a highly successful career. His main focus at Ward CNC will be selling and promoting the company’s Soraluce portfolio of machine tools and value-added services into existing markets, as well as identifying potential new applications and customers.
For further information www.wardcnc.com

Creaform releases VXelements 11 scanning software

Creaformhas launched VXelements 11, which the company describes as an upgrade with an impressive array of new features and increased performance levels.The biggest change in VXelements 11 involves VXinspect, VXelements’ dimensional inspection module. VXinspect has been segmented into two distinct modules: VXinspecAnalysis and VXinspectQuality Control. Creaform says it has completely rethought and optimised both based on two distinguished phases of the manufacturing quality control process: VXinspect Analysis is an intuitive and user-friendly inspection software that streamlines designs and manufacturing dimensional root cause analyses, whileVXinspecQuality Control is a complete 3D inspection software for advanced quality control applications in subsequent production phases.

VXelements’ scan-to-CAD module for reverse engineering and additive manufacturing workflows, VXmodel, is now compatible with Fusion 360, acloud-based CAD software for product design and development. Fusion 360 has become part of the line-up of seamless integrations with other CAD solutions, including SolidWorks, Inventor and Solid Edge. Users can transfer CAD files directly from VXmodel to Fusion 360 for easier reverse engineering processes.

With the goal of improving flexibility and simplicity, Creaform has extended interoperability between VXscan-R, its digital twin environment software module,and new robot brands and models such as UR10, and FANUC CRX-25i and M-10iD/8L. VXscan-R also enables users to record trajectories directly from teach pendants with some collaborative robots.

In preparation for the new release, Creaform carried out extensive usability and ergonomics improvements to VXelements’ application modules, making the platform more intuitive to enhance the user experience by operators of all skill levels.
For further information www.creaform3d.com

Moore & Wright supportsuniversity racing team

The University of Wolverhampton Racing Team (UWR), which competes in the annual Formula Student competition,is using Moore & Wright metrology tools from Bowers Group.
Formula Student places rigorous demands on participating teams, requiring them to design, constructand race a single-seat race car. The process is one in which precision engineering plays a vital role in ensuring both optimal performance and vehicle safety.

As part of the annual event, the UWR team faces the challenge of creating a car from scratch that not only meets rigorous performance standards, but also adheres to strict design and manufacturing tolerances. Bowers Group has been a valued sponsor of the University of Wolverhampton Racing Team for many years.Through its sponsorship, Bowers Group supplies both the UWR team and the School of Engineering with the tools needed to maximiseracing performance and enhance practical learning.

Paul Bates, technical andbusiness resource manager at the University of Wolverhampton, says: “The Moore & Wright tools available in our metrology suite offer hands-on experience for our students, including those in the Formula Student project. It helps them understand precision measurement and the importance of accuracy.”

He adds: “These tools play a significant role in our Formula Student team’s daily work. They rely on them for accurate measurements, and it’s notable that many team members have even purchased their own sets. That speaks volumes for the quality and reliability of the tools.”

The team uses a Moore & Wright caliper, for example, to measure components, check brake discs, assess wheel alignment, verify engine machining and ensure safety cage integrity. It is also gauges wheel hub dimensions and ensures the accurate fit and finish of multiple components.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

SteelBuy hits £1m sales

SteelBuy, an easy-to-use online marketplace where businesses can buy and sell metals quickly and securely, has recorded over 300 transactions and £1m+ sales in revenue since it launched at the start of the year.Users from across the UK are leveraging the technology to achieve faster and more efficient deals for their mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium, with all the logistics and invoicing managed through the encrypted platform.Within seconds,sellers can post their material with product specifications, test certificates and price per tonne ready for consideration by potential buyers. All transactions are anonymous.
For further information www.steel-buy.com