EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

DEEP And Fortius Begin WAAM Development Project

Bristol-based DEEP Manufacturing and US-headquartered Fortius Metals have commenced work on a multi-material cylinder produced using a synchronised multi-robot Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) system. The project combines DEEP Manufacturing’s large-scale multi-robot AM capability with Fortius’s expertise in thermal simulation and advanced wire development. Together, the teams are validating a multi-material build strategy for a US-based end user. The project will explore what becomes possible from integrating simulation, wire development and industrial-scale WAAM into a single workflow.

More information www.deepmanufacturing.com

Coolant Receives Boeing Approval

Quaker Houghton’s HOCUT 4260 metalworking soluble coolant has received Boeing BAC 5008 approval, further establishing the product as a qualified fluid for demanding aerospace manufacturing applications. Boeing joins Airbus, BAE Systems, Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Safran among the aerospace organisations to approve HOCUT 4260, a heavy-duty, boron-free and formaldehyde-free metalworking fluid.

“Earning Boeing’s BAC 5008 approval is a significant milestone for HOCUT 4260 and a testament to the fluid’s consistent performance in the most demanding aerospace manufacturing environments,” says Jonathan Dilley, Global Director of Aerospace and Defense at Quaker Houghton. “This approval underscores our commitment to delivering fluid technology that meets the industry’s most exacting standards.”

More information www.quakerhoughton.com

Unison Expands MadeTto-Order Bend-Tool Service

Already providing one of the tube-bending sector’s most comprehensive consumable and precision bend tooling manufacturing and stockholding services, UK-based Unison Ltd is planning to expand its specialist, made-to-order tooling capability. Typically, the service involves helping customers develop tooling for new tubular products, assisting where tooling is required for challenging new applications, replacing worn tooling and the bespoke manufacture of tooling for straightforward tube bending tasks.

Although Unison Ltd recognises that its made-to-order tooling service will always be a niche offering, unlike its regular bend tooling service which serves more than 20 countries globally, the UK business believes it’s an important addition to its overall customer support package.

More information www.unisonltd.com

45% Growth At Chemical Etching Specialist

Chemical etching specialist Precision Micro has seen semiconductor-related revenue rise by 43% over the past year, with these applications now accounting for around half of the company’s total revenue. As investment in AI, high-performance computing and advanced semiconductor manufacturing accelerates, demand for precision-etched metal components is placing increasing pressure on specialist manufacturing capacity. Precision Micro has secured multiple six-figure orders this year to manufacture ultra-precise metal components used throughout semiconductor production and thermal management systems.

More information www.precisionmicro.com

Trumpf Acquiring Cutlite Penta Business

Trumpf, a Germany-headquartered machine tool and laser technology specialist, and

Cutlite, an Italian manufacturer of 2D laser machines, are joining forces and entering a strategic partnership. To this end, Trumpf is acquiring the business of Cutlite Penta SpA from its parent company, El.En. SpA.

The move means Trumpf is expanding its offer for customers in the field of customised, large-format, very high-power laser cutting and oversize tube machines. Cutlite will remain an independent brand with its own manufacturing, sales and service facilities, and continue to develop and manufacture custom large-format cutting systems. Trumpf plans to enhance Cutlite’s capabilities, expanding the group’s ability to serve the full spectrum of sheet metal fabrication. 

More information www.cutlitepenta.com/en