EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Emag building Mexico plant

The symbolic ground-breaking ceremony recently took place for the new plant of machine tool builder Emag Group at the San Isidro Business Park in Querétaro, Mexico, marking the start of an ambitious investment programme in the region. Taking shape on a total area of 2880 sq m, the production area will span 1800 sq m and offer 30 machine assembly stations. In addition to the production hall, the new building includes support space on three levels with a total area of 1200 sq m. For instance, the second floor will house offices for administration, quotation preparation, sales and engineering.
For further information www.emag.com

New Airbus hub for next-generation wings

Airbus is investing further in its UK innovation capabilities with the opening of a new Wing Technology Development Centre (WTDC) at its Filton site that will build and test demonstrators for a range of programmes and research projects. Alongside engine optimisation, making wings longer, leaner and lighter is one of the biggest opportunities to improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 and ultimately work towards the aviation industry’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Airbus head of Filton site and Wing of Tomorrow Programme Sue Partridge says: “The new WTDC will help us to ground our research in practicality. A key element of how we deliver technology for next-generation wings is through Wing of Tomorrow [WoT], our largest research and technology programme led by the UK team.” The WoT programme allows Airbus to explore new manufacturing and assembly technologies so future generations can continue to benefit from flying.
For further information www.airbus.com

Mazak hosts Primary STEM Challenge Final

Yamazaki Mazak hosted over 80 primary school students from across Worcestershire as they showcased their skills and ideas in the 2023 Primary STEM Challenge Final. While the judges deliberated, all the students who took part in the final had a guided tour of Mazak’s European Technology Centre, which also included the opportunity to help program some of Mazak’s latest machine tools. Teams from Nunnery Wood Primary School and Eldersfield Lawn CofE Primary School were eventually crowned winners.

Max Jones, people development manager at Yamazaki Mazak UK, says: “Fostering the next generation of engineering talent is central to the Mazak philosophy. While we have multiple entry points for school and university leavers, as well as experienced engineers and career-changers alike, activities such as the Primary STEM Challenge are a brilliant way of enlightening young minds to the rewarding opportunities a career in engineering can deliver.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

4D printing breakthrough

Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have created personalised 4D-printed ‘smart’ implants for breast cancer management, representing the first application of the technology for this application. The multipurpose new implants are programmable, changing size to better fit within the breast cavity and deliver body personalisation. The result is improved aesthetics and confidence for those who have, or have had, breast cancer. Notably, the implants also have the ability to release chemotherapy drugs. The chemotherapeutic molecule protects patients from the return of cancer cells in the area.
For further information www.qub.ac.uk

Bowers addsdigital inspection to portfolio

Bowers Group is entering a new partnership with Ireland-basedASH, allowing the company to offer a range of digital inspection solutions.UK sales manager at Bowers Group, Ryan Kingswell, says: “ASH has already assisted many manufacturers around the world to protect quality, minimise risk and advance their capabilities. We’re confident that these advanced products will complement our product portfolio and prove extremely popular within the UK metrology and manufacturing market. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with ASH.”
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk