Mapal names new chief sales officer

With effect from 1 July 2024, Claudio Gabos is the new chief sales officer of precision tool manufacturer Mapal Group and thus becomes part of the Mapal executive team. He takes over the role from Siegfried Wendel. Joining Mapal in 2015, Gabos has been managing director of the Italian subsidiary since 2017. He was also responsible for strategic projects on a global scope.

“We are delighted that we’ve been able to recruit Claudio Gabos for the position, a trusted colleague who has the ideal qualifications for this role,” says Dr Jochen Kress, president of the Mapal Group. “We’re convinced that he’ll make an important contribution to our further development.”

More information www.mapal.com

First NMITE cohort enters workplace

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has reached a significant milestone with its first students entering the workplace. Among the first to complete one of NMITE’s innovative degrees are individuals who have secured impressive and prestigious positions in industry, showcasing the effectiveness of NMITE’s unique educational approach.

NMITE set out with a mission to revolutionise engineering education and took in its first students in September 2021. Located in Hereford, the institute offers forward-thinking integrated engineering degrees. NMITE’s curriculum is hands-on and project-based, ensuring students gain real-world experience from day one. 

More information www.nmite.ac.uk

Group Rhodes expands in its 200th year

Group Rhodes, a Wakefield-based OEM providing metal forming and composite forming solutions, has significantly expanded its workforce across all four divisions over the past six months to meet the needs of customers. The move includes six new employees for Group Rhodes, four for its Rhodes Interform division, four for BJD Crushers, and two for its Craven Fawcett business. Most of the new appointments are within the company’s manufacturing and machining operations. Group Rhodes has recently announced major new domestic contracts with companies such as Ibstock, Zentia and Cascade Manufacturing.

More www.grouprhodes.co.uk

Industry leaders head aerospace consortium

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Boeing have formed the Rotor Dynamics Consortium (RDC) in collaboration with some of the biggest names in the aircraft and aerospace engine industries. The RDC will define, drive and standardise rotor dynamics modelling and simulation requirements, with the goal of enabling airframe and aerospace engine manufacturers to overcome the engineering challenges of more sustainable and efficient propulsion systems in a safe way.

The consortium will build on finite element methods embedded throughout design, validation and safety certification workflows to apply next-generation multi-physics simulations. Notably, RDC members will meet to discuss and formulate strategies on the best application of MSC Nastran, considered the most accurate digital alternative to expensive physical testing.

More information www.hexagon.com

Kerf Developments reveals laser focus

The showstopper on the stand of Kerf Developments at the MACH 2024 exhibition in Birmingham, UK, earlier this year was undoubtedly the new Linc-Cut Fiber 1530A fibre laser cutter. According to Kerf, the machine offers dynamic kinematics, rigidity and precision.

Available as a 3, 6 or 12 kW machine initially with a 3 x 1.5 m or 4 x 2 m bed, the Linc-Cut Fiber 1530A synchronises laser cutting and axis movements to deliver accuracy, repeatability and speed. An auto-focus laser head with automatic gas and cutting height calibration delivers the necessary repeatability, while a compact laser source with fibre core diameter of 75 μm supports high cutting quality.

The new arrival also incorporates a CNC system that integrates with two surveillance cameras to control and monitor all machine operations. With drawing software and automated nesting, the control includes a database of parameters for all material types and thicknesses. The machine offers rapid axis movements of 110 m/min and positional accuracy of 0.03 mm.

Alongside the Linc-Cut Fiber 1530A at MACH was the new Kerf Ultra, a machine that provides both oxy-fuel and plasma cutting in a single machine. For existing customers of Kerf models, the new Ultra represents a technological leap forward that marks the arrival of next-generation profile cutting technology. With improved speed, precision, repeatability and cut quality over previous models, the new Ultra achieves elevated parameters by introducing a brand new motion system and new linear slide technology that sits upon an enhanced machine frame design.

For further information www.kerfdevelopments.com