EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Major casting process investment

Bridgnorth Aluminium has kickstarted a major investment drive in new technology as part of a long-term growth plan targeting new markets. The company, which employs more than 330 people, has seen sales increase by 33% in 2024 and is currently recruiting for another 10 roles. Bridgnorth Aluminium manufactures aluminium coils for use in lithographic printing plates, pharma and household foils for packaging, and battery foil stocks for electrification. The £1.6m investment will see the arrival of new molten metal filtration equipment required prior to the casting process.

More information https://bridgnorthaluminium.co.uk/

Autonomous process control white paper

Flexxbotics, a company delivering digital solutions for robot-driven manufacturing, is publishing a new white paper titled ‘Autonomous Process Control (APC) using Robots and Automated Inspection in Manufacturing’. The paper identifies the methodology and related technologies required for APC in the context of smart factory production robotics, a pivotal technology for achieving autonomous manufacturing. The paper also explains how improved non-conformance capture can reduce defects by over 30%, increase production yields between 25 and 45%, and reduce the cost of quality by 20% or more.

More information https://flexxboticsinc.com/1apcpr

AFRC announces 100th member

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has welcomed its 100th member with international aerospace specialist ATI Inc joining the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) as a tie-one member. It marks the start of a collaboration in advanced engineering and materials science that will support sustainable air travel.

Based in Dallas, Texas, ATI is a major producer of materials to global aircraft engine manufacturers. The company has over 100 years of experience in creating superalloys that withstand extreme heat, pressure and corrosion. Access to the AFRC’s FutureForge facility will support ATI with the development of next-generation materials and processes.

More information www.nmis.scot

Over 300 at Mills CNC open house

Mills CNC’s recently-held ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ open house saw over 300 visitors attend
the two-day event in Leamington Spa. The 16 machine tools on show included a SMX
2100SB multi-tasking machine, DVF 5000 and DVF 6500 five-axis machining centres, a TT
twin-turret, twin-spindle turning centre with dual Y axes, and a large-capacity VTL.
A number of the machines on view were integrated with Mills’ industrial and collaborative
robot automation systems. Pride of place went to a SYNERGi Premier automated
manufacturing cell and the first showing of a new, multi-level automated pallet change
system. A McLaren Formula 1 car was also on display.
More information www.millscnc.co.uk

£200,000 automation cell unveiled

A £200,000 automation cell was unveiled at In-Comm Training’s Telford Technical Academy
earlier this month. The independent training provider has extended its commitment to
employer-led provision by introducing a six-axis ABB industrial robot and bespoke conveyor
system that replicates a real-world manufacturing line.
In-Comm’s new automation cell gives learners access to component nesting and sensing,
robotic operation, PLC programming, and interfacing systems. Training will focus on
delivering Level 3 and Level 4 courses, with engineers learning how to interact with PLCs,
perform essential maintenance tasks and automate production lines.
More information www.in-comm.co.uk