EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

TDI Challenge shows spirit of innovation

The Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge competition organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has continued to showcase the imagination and design skills of a new generation of young engineers.The TDI Challenge 2023 encouraged students between 16 and 18 years old who are enthusiastic about engineering and science, to demonstrate their creative talent to an industry that relies upon vision and innovation.

Finals day took place at the Yamazaki Mazak facility in Worcester, where shortlisted entrants got the opportunity to pitch their idea to a judging panel chaired by Stewart Lane of metrology specialist Renishaw. This year’s winner was Bhavy Metakar, of Westcliff High School for Boys in Essex, who showcased his innovative take on a bionic arm.
For further information www.thetdichallenge.co.uk

VO specialist launches £1m giveaway

Voltage optimisation (VO) specialist, Powerdown220, is launching a scheme for companies looking to save on their energy bills. Successful applicants will receive a free VO machine and can expect savings on their energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint from day one.As well as providing a VO, Powerdown220 will complete every aspect of the project from survey to installation, free of charge. The scheme is only available to businesses that consume over 300,000 kWh of electricity annually. The only thing required from applicants is information about their current energy consumption.
For further information www.bit.ly/3YwKX3C

Making way for UK’s largest open-die forge

Demolition has started at Sheffield Forgemasters to facilitate construction of the UK’s largest open-die forging line.Parts of the site north of Brightside Lane are undergoing controlled demolition to create space for a 13,000 tonne forge, which will house a new 12,700 sq m structure adjacent to the Sheffield to Meadowhall train line.Sections of disused forge and foundry buildings that date from the Victorian era, will make way for the new facility, creating one of the most efficient open-die forging operations in Europe and the largest within the UK.

According to the company, the whole project is working to the best environmental standards, so all spoil from the site will be graded and recycled as far as is possible. Estimates suggest that the multi-million pound project will see completion of the foundations by 2025.The new facility will service defence and commercial work in sectors such as civil nuclear power.
For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

60 start-ups from 12 nations at EMO

The EMO 2023 exhibition in Hanover, Germany (18-23 September) will once again feature a large start-up area on Stand E34 in Hall 9, presented jointly by EMO organiser the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) and the VDMA Start-up Machine. “Start-ups bring a breath of fresh air to well-established industrial sectors because they often function as pioneers and trendsetters in their field of business,” says Stephanie Simon, who is responsible for the project at the VDW. “That’s why established exhibitors are often more than interested in talking to young companies.”
Forfurther information www.emo-hannover.de/startups

Four machines in one week

In just one week, Rochdale-based PTG Holroyd secured orders for four of the company’s EX series CNC helical rotor milling machines from two German-based screw compressormanufacturers. The machines will despatch in 2024.Two of the machines, both 3EX-R models (for helical parts of up to 350mm in diameter), are destined for a leading producer of screw compressors for refrigeration applications. The other two EX rotor milling machines, a 3EX-R and a 4EX-BL model (for milling parts of up to 420 mm in diameter and Roots-type blowers) will see service at a specialist in screw compressors andblowers.
For further information www.holroyd.com