EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Stratasys launches post-processing partnerships

3D printer manufacturer Stratasys has launched its Post Processing Partnership Programme, an initiative that simplifies how customers access validated post-processing solutions as part of complete, end-to-end additive manufacturing workflows. Stratasys has also named its first participant in the programme, PostProcess Technologies. Under the commercial agreement, Stratasys will offer validated post-processing solutions from PostProcess Technologies through its global sales channels, enabling customers to purchase post-processing equipment under a single Stratasys PO alongside their Stratasys systems.

More information www.bit.ly/4tuU18z

Manufacturing sector lags in AI adoption

Although interest in AI across UK businesses is at an all-time high in many commercial sectors, adoption remains slow-moving for traditional industries, including manufacturing. Research shows the most cited obstacle is identifying practical use cases (39%), followed by cost concerns (21%) and a lack of internal AI skills and expertise (16%). The Coders Guild – a provider of digital skills training, apprenticeships and software development bootcamps – has therefore worked with Skills England and the Department for Education to author the UK’s first Level 4 AI and Automation Apprenticeship Standard.

More information www.bit.ly/46l3nJJ

German Machine Tool Output Expected to Grow

After two years of decline, the German machine tool industry expects production to grow by 1% to €13.7bn in 2026. “The fundamental basis for this increase is the expected recovery of domestic demand,” says Franz-Xaver Bernhard, chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association).

In 2025, investments were stifled by high costs, insufficient planning security and the absence of economic reform to revitalise Germany as a manufacturing location. In the current year, positive effects are expected from the so-called “special assets” of the German federal government, which have been set up for investments in infrastructure, defence, climate protection, digitalisation and mobility.

More information www.vdw.de

FourJaw signs 50 new manufacturers

FourJaw, a provider of production monitoring technology, signed almost 50 new customers in 2025 as manufacturers worldwide sought greater visibility into their factory operations. Despite a challenging economic environment, demand for production data remained strong as manufacturers sought insight to increase output, reduce waste and make better decisions. FourJaw’s new customers include SMEs and major multinationals in sectors such as motorsport, aerospace and defence.

The company’s plug-and-play technology gives manufacturers a real-time view of machine performance, utilisation and energy consumption across the shop floor. Customers typically achieve a 30% increase in capacity and a 10% rise in productivity within six months of installing FourJaw.

More information www.fourjaw.com

Scholarship to support women in engineering

Broadcaster, journalist and author Steph McGovern returned to her Teesside roots recently to launch a major scholarship programme aimed at increasing the number of women entering engineering. The new Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship will provide support for every first‑year, full‑time female engineering student at Teesside University, thanks to £44,000 of funding from Enginuity, the engineering skills charity. At a special event held in the university’s Digital Life building, the inaugural scholars learnt they would receive support from Steph herself during their studies. 

More information www.enginuity.org