EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Stratasys to test 3D prints on the moon

Stratasys, a specialist in polymer 3D printing solutions, will provide 3D-printed materials for an upcoming lunar mission to test their performance on the surface of the moon. The experiments are part of Aegis Aerospace’s first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility mission (SSTEF-1), which focuses on technology development for space infrastructure and capabilities for the moon and near-earth space. The Stratasys experiments are sponsored by Northrop Grumman.

In this moon mission, Stratasys will provide 3D-printed samples that will be brought to the lunar surface by an unmanned lander in a carrier structure 3D-printed by Stratasys. Three materials will be the focus of two different experiments. The first assesses the performance of a sample coupon part made with Stratasys’ Antero 800NA FDM filament filled with tungsten. The second passive experiment will see how 3D-printed materials perform in space.

For further information www.stratasys.com

Support for MIRA expansion

In a monumental move for the Midlands, the South Site expansion at MIRA Tech Park is gaining unanimous support. The approved South Site will deliver a high-quality development incorporating 2.3m sq ft of large-scale manufacturing and industrial facilities that are complementary to the R&D facilities and campus at the existing MIRA Tech Park. This major expansion expects to create 2500 highly skilled jobs. Progress on site will receive support from power and road infrastructure investments, creating an environment conducive to growth with a range of building sizes from 250,000 sq ft to suit tenant requirements. 

For further information www.miratechnologypark.com

New Kloeckner site unveiled

Kloeckner Metals UK has opened its new state-of-the-art metal stockholding and processing facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh. The site sets the stage for a transformative shift in the steel and metal processing landscape throughout the region. Boasting over 100,000 sq ft of internal space, the facility firmly establishes itself as the largest metal stockholding and processing warehouse in Scotland. The facility has a stock capacity of 5000 tonnes, made up of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium, coupled with Kloeckner Metals UK’s extensive processing expertise.

For further information www.kloecknermetalsuk.com

Siemens Mobility to invest in £100m factory

Siemens is embarking on a £100m investment to establish a cutting-edge rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and R&D centre in Chippenham. The new facility, set to replace the existing factory in 2026, will be a cornerstone for future Siemens projects in rail technology, providing an efficient site to build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for the UK. The transition, including the transfer of all 800 local employees, will not cause any disruption to manufacturing. The current Siemens factory in Chippenham dates back to 1897. For further information www.siemens.co.uk/chippenham  

Visitor registration opens for Automation UK

The British Automation & Robot Association (BARA), organiser of Automation UK, is opening the visitor registration for this year’s event. This popular show will return to the CBS Arena in Coventry on 18-19 June 2024. Last year was the inaugural Automation UK and it proved a success with over 1000 visitors eager to find out more about the benefits of automation and robotics. It is anticipated that the 2024 event will also be buzzing with visitors keen to see the latest solutions from an even greater number of businesses showcasing their products and services.

For further information www.automation-uk.co.uk