EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

First 3D-printed defect-free tungsten parts

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee used electron-beam additive manufacturing to 3D-print the first defect-free tungsten parts with complex geometries. The accomplishment could have positive implications for clean-energy technologies such as fusion energy. 

In its pure form, tungsten is brittle at room temperature and shatterseasily. To counter this issue, ORNL researchers developed an electron-beam 3D-printer to deposit tungsten, layer by layer, into precise 3D shapes. The technology uses a magnetically directed stream of particles in a high-vacuum enclosure to melt and bind powder into a solidmetal object. The vacuum environment reduces foreign material contamination and residual stress formation.

More information www.ornl.gov

Global recertification for composites firm

Velocity Composites has been recertified for the AS9100D and AS9120B quality management standards across all three of its manufacturing sites in the UK and US. Matt Archer, chief commercial and compliance officer at Velocity Composites, says: “The continued certification reinforces our commitment to striving for zero defects and sustaining an exceptional service for our customers.”

Velocity Composites manufactures carbon fibre and ancillary material kits for use in the aerospace and associated industries. The company manages the end-to-end raw material supply chain and reduces the amount of material required by customers, as well as the associated waste.

More information www.velocity-composites.com

Automotive technician scoopsapprentice award

A young apprentice who thrives on ‘proving the doubters wrong’ has been named as the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for the West Midlands.Magna Cosma Casting’s Marcelina Hrynkiewicz beat more than 120 peers to secure the honour in front of over 400 people at the In-Comm Training Awards in Birmingham.Judges praised her dedication and commitment to achieving personal and technical growth, as well as her natural leadership. Backed by main sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), the ceremony also sawEpson UK engineer Alexandru Paunescu achieve Most Improved Learner of the Year.

More informationwww.in-comm.co.uk

Makino top management visits NCMT

Shotaro Miyazaki, president of Tokyo-based Makino Milling Machine Co, which manufactures machining centres, spark erosion machines and VIPER grinding centres, visited UK and Ireland sales and service agent NCMT in Coventry recently to participate in their joint 60thanniversary celebrations.More than 100 guests, including representatives from the last three generations of NCMT management, sat down to lunch at NCMT’s showroom and technical centre to commemorate various achievements over the years.

The occasion was especially pertinent because Makino wasGerry Gray’s first technology partner, which led directly to the founding of NCMT by Gray in 1964 to sell Makino products exclusively. When the initial machine was imported, it was the first Japanese-built CNC machine tool installation in the UK.

More information www.ncmt.co.uk

Mazak hosts STEM Challenge final

Yamazaki Mazak hosted more than 80 Worcestershire primary school students from 46 schools last month as they put their design skills and ideas to the test in the Primary STEM Challenge final. The STEM Challenge is an initiative designed to engage primary school students in hands-on activities and projects that promote interest and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Organised by STEMworks UK, this year’s brief was developed in partnership with Worcestershire Highways and focused on improving crossings at busy roads for pedestrians and cyclists. 

More information www.mazakeu.co.uk