Creating virtual history for trade shows

A manufacturing network representing more than 600 companies in the Midlands and Yorkshire has developed an online virtual exhibition to combat the effects of the pandemic on in-person events.

The Made in Group, which includes Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire, has invested more than £150,000 in developing ‘Backing Britain Live 2020’. This online event aims to draw 5000 attendees and is already supported by 200 exhibitors.
BBLive2020, is up and running at www.backingbritain.com where it will continue until 28 August. The event showcases manufacturers and businesses alike in an all-new digital format. Delegates and exhibitors also have the chance to attend over 25 seminars, including virtual round tables on topics such as smart factories, green manufacturing and supply chain localisation.
Tickets are available at https://lnkd.in/gwNdA4b

Big Kaiser catalogue

A specialist in precision tooling systems and solutions, Big Kaiser, has published the third edition of its product catalogue.

Packed with new technology advancements, the latest edition is available from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), the exclusive Big Kaiser technology partner in the UK. Published in five languages, the new brochure contains over 500 pages of tooling solutions and can be accessed as both an online catalogue or PDF download from the ITC website. Alternatively, a free printed edition can be supplied.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk/products

40% off Kitamura machines from Dugard

Those looking to invest in a high-end CNC machining centre can benefit from a raft of newly announced summer deals from Dugard.

The company is currently offering discounts of up to 40% off the list prices of Kitamura models. Kitamura machines provide 60 m/min rapids, 2 µm positional accuracy, chip-to-chip times near 2 seconds, the Kitamura Arumatic CNC, linear glass scales and high levels of build quality. Among the machines being offered at discount prices are the Kitamura HX250iG HMC, the Medcenter 5AX micro-machining centre, the Mytrunnion 4G five-axis VMC, and the Supercell 300 and 400 five-axis HMCs.
For further information www.dugard.com

$20m three-year defence contract

Meggitt PLC has received a three-year continuation contract with Northrop Grumman Corp for the supply of fuel bladders on the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The contract is valued at around $20m and deliveries are scheduled to commence this month. Using innovative polyurethane technology, Meggitt’s fuel bladders offer a long-life, lightweight solution that is highly flexible, durable and maintenance-free.
Chris Allen, president of Meggitt’s airframe division, says: “The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the tactical aircraft of choice for the US Navy. We’re very proud that our innovative fuel cell technology has been selected to support this next-generation fighter, protecting both pilots and aircraft in mission-critical situations around the world.”
For further information www.meggit.com

AM expert

The GTMA has appointed an academic advisor to support activities in additive manufacturing.

Dr Jennifer Johns will bring a range of expertise to the association, including research on technological change and innovation in global supply chain networks. A reader in international business at The University of Bristol, Johns recently published an extensive report examining the impact of additive manufacturing on supply chains in the UK, Germany and US.
For further information www.gtma.co.uk