EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

ABB robotics supports Renault

ABB is supporting Renault Group by providing state-of-the-art robotics technology to help automate the manufacturer’s electric vehicle production network across several key markets. ABB has delivered the majority of 160 large industrial robotsover the past 24 months, helping tocreate increased capacity at Renault Group’s e-motor assembly lines in Cléon and Douai, France. At the company’s Douai facility, for example, ABB technology will help manufacture Renault’s next-generation of EVs with new advanced body-in-white facilities.
For further information www.abb.com/robotics

New machines at Walter-Ewag open house

Two cost-effective Walter Helitronic tool grinders will make their UK debuts this summer when Walter Ewag UK stages an open house at its Warwick headquarters on 27-29June.
The Helitronic Mini Plus and the Helitronic G 200 represent affordable yet capable and accurate models in the range of tool and insert grinding, erosion and laser machines available from Walter Ewag UK. Both machines are for processing tools up to 125 mm diameter and can utilise optional technology to capitalise on the rewards of increased automation.
To register call Phil Morrison 01926 485047, 07714 826832

Renishaw joins NMIS

To showcase how Scottish manufacturers can use advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM) to improve their processes, Renishaw has joined the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS). As part of its membership, Renishaw has installed AM systems at the new NMIS headquarters (opening later this year) and will provide its expertise to members. The company will also collaborate with other NMIS members to share its knowledge in ongoing projects, helping manufacturers unlock the true potential of AM as part of the NMIS Digital Factory.
For further information www.renishaw.com/am

Seco wants to employ more women engineers

Engineering has long been male dominated, but Seco Tools is working to encourage more gender diversity. The company’s commitment to gender diversity includes its global Female Talent Programme. Seco is also a signatory to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, where Goal number five seeks to ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’.“We are trying to encourage more young women to enter the industry because we need more diverse perspectives,” says Zoe Wood, HR manager at Seco Tools UK.“Women often have a different way of looking at problems and coming up with alternative solutions.”
For further information www.secotools.com

Prime Minister operates XYZ lathe

A recent visit to Truro and Penwith College in Cornwallgave the Prime Minister the chance to try his hand at operating an XYZ 1330 Trainer lathe. The visit – to mark National Apprenticeship Week – was an opportunity for Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy to appreciate for themselves the valuable work performed by the college, which is rated as ‘outstanding’ and attracts students from across the county and wider southeast. Level 3 machining apprentice Daniel Wright, who now works for West Pharmaceutical Services, guided the Prime Minister through face-turning operations.

At the Truro site there are: 11 manual lathes; XYZ 1330 and XYZ 1530, 2 XYZ RLX 1630 CNC lathes with ProtoTRAK controls; five XYZ 2000 manual mills;one XYZ 1020 surface grinder; two RMX 2500 CNC mills with ProtoTRAK controls;and one XYZ 660 HD VMC with Siemens 828D control. A new campus in Bodmin will have: six XYZ 1330 manual lathes; three XYZ 2000 manual mills;one RMX 2500 CNC mill with ProtoTRAK control; one RLX 1630 CNC lathe with ProtoTRAK control; and one XYZ 660 HD VMC with Siemens 828D control.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com