Sustainable Materials Hub

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has invested in a new hub for sustainable additive manufacturing (AM), thus opening avenues for research and development to support the design and manufacturing of net zero products with end-to-end circularity.  

The new hub features polymer and ceramic AM machines to manufacture net-zero products alongside material reprocessing equipment that recycles waste AM materials and parts into feedstocks. Notably, a new Carbon M3 machine will enable processing of high-performance polymers for net zero products in sectors including aerospace, defence, and energy.

More information www.the-mtc.org

Sustainable tool packaging

Cutting tool specialist Walter is now supplying its products in packaging made from up to 95% recycled plastic. Known as PCR, a material that is fully recyclable, this new packaging strategy is an important step in increasing economic circularity to above 90%, a goal which the Tübingen-based company wants to achieve by 2030. “And that’s not all,” says Gerhard Schüßler, head of sustainability at Walter. “Our main goal is to be climate-neutral by 2050. It’s essential that we take every opportunity to reduce our CO2 emissions. On multiple levels, PCR packaging plays a part in this ambition.”

More information www.walter-tools.com

Dugard grows sales team

Dugard is once again strengthening its team with the appointment of a new area sales manager. Paul Roberts is now the company’s representative for southwest England and south Wales. He brings vast experience to the company, entering the industry almost 25 years ago as an apprentice toolmaker. Sales director Colin Thomson says: “Paul has a proven track record with a technical understanding and ability to solve problems for customers that will be a genuine asset to Dugard. He has spent several years working with manufacturers in the southwest, so his local reputation and insight will be of huge benefit.”

More information www.dugard.com

OrthoSolutions installs Hurco machines

Maldon-based OrthoSolutions, which designs, develops and manufactures implants and instruments used in surgical repair of the foot and ankle, has invested in a purpose-built production facility and purchased two Hurco machine tools. The move will bring previously outsourced work in-house and accelerate prototyping.

The new Hurco VM10i vertical machining centre (with 4th-axis rotary table and tailstock arrangement) and TM6i CNC lathe will perform a majority of the milling and turning operations required. They have already been busy providing a notable improvement in lead times for prototypes, while allowing quick and easy program editing in response to feedback from surgeons.

More information www.hurco.co.uk

Renishaw joins US-based AM Coalition

To help educate key decision makers, stakeholders and the public about the importance of additive manufacturing (AM), Renishaw has joined the US-based Additive Manufacturing Coalition. As a member, Renishaw will help engage and educate manufacturing and research policy leaders across the federal government to emphasise the benefits of AM to national security, health, information security, manufacturing and more.

Renishaw will now receive invitations to quarterly policy roundtables with key decision makers. John Laureto, AM business manager – Americas, at Renishaw, says: “As the use of AM expands further and into new markets, the AM Coalition helps stand as a voice in support of all that this process has to offer. As a member, we’ll help drive AM use to improve economic prosperity and national security.”

More information www.renishaw.com