AM cell at Rolls-Royce

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, has opened a new additive manufacturing (AM) development cell at Rolls-Royce’s Defence Assembly and Operations facility in Bristol. Housed in a custom-built 350 m² space, the humidity, temperature and air pressure are carefully optimised to ensure consistent quality. The AM machinery manufactures aerospace components layer by layer using metal superalloy powders; constructing complex metal components by melting layers of powder using laser beams. As well as weight savings, the parts developed in the cell will enable quicker delivery.

More information www.bit.ly/42rFEFv

NMITE secures landmark degree accreditation

The Hereford-based New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has secured accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for its BEng and MEng Integrated Engineering degrees. IET accreditation is one of the most rigorous external validations available to engineering degrees in the UK, confirming that NMITE’s programmes meet the highest standards of quality, technical excellence and professional relevance. NMITE’s accredited status is now formally recognised on both the IET and Engineering Council UK databases.

More information www.nmite.ac.uk

Loads Better Performance with SYNERGi Automation System

A new SYNERGi automation system from Mills CNC has helped Bindon Engineering improve an existing in-house machining process by eliminating frequent, disruptive and costly manual part loading and unloading operations.The installation of the bespoke SYNERGi Sprint automated manufacturing cell, dedicated to machining high-precision centre column (activator) parts for a long-term customer, has minimised downtime and optimised workflows, resulting in continuous, uninterrupted production and faster turnaround times.

Mills CNC supplied the system to Bindon Engineering’s 36,000 sq ft facility in July 2025. The automation cell was integrated with an existing 10-inch chuck Puma TT 2500SY twin-turret, twin-spindle turning centre with Y-axis capabilities, originally supplied by Mills CNC in 2019.

The new setup has created a more efficient automated machining process for the small-to-medium batch production of high-precision centre column parts, reducing labour-intensive manual intervention and enabling continuous production.

Established in 1966, Bindon Engineering is a family-owned precision subcontract specialist employing 50 people. The company regularly invests in advanced CNC machine tools and automation to improve productivity and reduce inefficiencies.

Ian Lawrence, managing director at Bindon Engineering, says: “Improvement is the name of the game, and we’re always looking at ways to increase productivity and reduce inefficiencies.Our investment in automation is really paying dividends. Turnaround times have improved, and we’ve optimised the production capacity of the TT 2500SY lathe.”

He adds: “With labour costs as high as they are, UK component manufacturers need to fully embrace automation and the unmanned operation of their machines to improve productivity and maintain their competitive edge. This investment is further evidence that this is the direction of travel for Bindon Engineering.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

GrindingHub 2026 isfully booked 

Rising energy and material costs, volatile markets, geopolitical uncertainties, and ongoing pressure to innovate and improve efficiency are currently shaping the operating environment for grinding technology. This makes GrindingHub in Stuttgart this week all the more noteworthy: on 5-8 May, some 460 exhibitors from 28 countries will showcase their latest advances.

The trade show has established itself as a key platform for professional exchange and the presentation of practical solutions related to the grinding process. With three fully booked halls, the number of exhibitors has reached a level comparable to that of 2024, sending a clear signal in an economically challenging environment.

More information www.grindinghub.de/en

Finalists Named for STEM Innovation Competition

Young innovators across the UK have been named finalists of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition 2026. Selected from hundreds of entries, the young finalists will now go through a final round of judging and receive feedback from industry experts, before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony at The Big Bang Fair in June, the UK’s largest free celebration of STEM for young people aged 10 to 13. Run by EngineeringUK, the UK’s top annual STEM competition encourages young people to think big, challenge facts, ask questions and invent solutions. 

More information www.thebigbang.org.uk