EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Industry leaders head aerospace consortium

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Boeing have formed the Rotor Dynamics Consortium (RDC) in collaboration with some of the biggest names in the aircraft and aerospace engine industries. The RDC will define, drive and standardise rotor dynamics modelling and simulation requirements, with the goal of enabling airframe and aerospace engine manufacturers to overcome the engineering challenges of more sustainable and efficient propulsion systems in a safe way.

The consortium will build on finite element methods embedded throughout design, validation and safety certification workflows to apply next-generation multi-physics simulations. Notably, RDC members will meet to discuss and formulate strategies on the best application of MSC Nastran, considered the most accurate digital alternative to expensive physical testing.

More information www.hexagon.com

Ultrasonic welds on 3D prints

Telsonic UK is collaborating with the Nottingham office of Stratasys, performing a series of interesting 3D-printed polypropylene ultrasonic weld trials. A Stratasys H350 produced parts for the tests. Initial abstract trials were conducted with Telsonic’s 35kHz Handystar Energy handgun system to check the ultrasonic weldability of the material using various techniques. The success of these tests led to further investigation, guided this time by Telsonic UK, with new trial parts having features that reflect real world application shapes and weld preparation features for automotive ultrasonic welded joints.

More information www.bit.ly/3xu8Gso

NMIS bolsters board

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is strengthening its non-executive board with the appointment of highly experienced and influential industry leaders Neil Logan and Allan Cook CBE. The duo bring extensive leadership in engineering, manufacturing and digital entrepreneurship to the board. Their expertise will support the leadership team and help NMIS to continue delivering transformative impact across the manufacturing community in Scotland and beyond. The University of Strathclyde operates NMIS, which is part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

For further information www.nmis.scot

EcoVadis Silver rating for Ceratizit

EcoVadis, which describes itself as the world’s largest and most reliable provider of corporate sustainability ratings, has certified tooling specialist Ceratizit with a ‘Silver’ sustainability rating for its commitment to environmental, social and ethical causes. Ceratizit is pursuing ambitious goals with its sustainability strategy, already realising the first milestones. Moving forward, one of the company’s main targets is to be CO2-neutral by 2025 via a 35% reduction in emissions. By 2040, Ceratizit will look to achieve its strictest goal for cutting greenhouse gases: reducing emissions by 90% to net zero.

More information www.ceratizit.com

SME Employer Skills Champion named

The UK’s first Precision Tooling Academy has been recognised by a national charity dedicated to closing skills gaps in UK engineering and manufacturing. Metal pressing and tooling specialist Brandauer was named as the SME Employer Skills Champion of the Year by Enginuity for the way it has joined forces with In-Comm Training to bring the technical upskilling facility in the West Midlands to fruition. The judges were impressed by Brandauer’s role in addressing a critical shortage of toolmakers by creating a 20-week course that ensures the transfer of skills from an ageing workforce to a younger generation.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk