EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

ModuleWorks and MAL extend ties

ModuleWorks, a supplier of software components for digital manufacturing, is extending its partnership with MAL Inc, a developer specialising in physics-based virtual machining and optimisation solutions. The extended tie-up makes ModuleWorks the exclusive reseller of MAL Inc’s AppsPro software library, the NPro plug-in for Siemens NX and the DELPro plug-in for Dassault Systèmes’ DELMIA.

ModuleWorks will also sell the jointly developed Machining Wizard that integrates machining physics and tool-path technology to assist engineers in selecting optimal cutting parameters for automated tool-path generation. The Machining Wizard subsequently uses these parameters in combination with a geometrical analysis of the workpiece to generate a tool path with optimised cutting parameters for each region of the part.

For further information www.moduleworks.com

Rolls-Royce welcomes Prime Minister

Rolls-Royce hosted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, Jack Lopresti MP, at its UK defence headquarters in Bristol earlier this month. The Prime Minister met with engineers, technicians and apprentices from across the business’ defence programmes and discussed how the organisation is committed to sustaining and developing critical key skills to provide high-quality careers for decades to come.

During the visit, the Prime Minister toured the facility where he met with the highly skilled workforce, who are supporting the UK’s operational needs and developing cutting edge technologies. While at the Bristol site, the Prime Minister opened FutureWorks, a new facility where Rolls-Royce teams are developing new technologies, advanced manufacturing strategies and skills to improve the resilience of existing fleets and power the capabilities of tomorrow.

For further information www.rolls-royce.com

New grease degradation diagnosis technology

NSK says it is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the on-site analysis of lubricant condition in machine tool bearings, ball screws and linear guides. This innovative capability will reduce the need for grease inspection and replenishment costs, and help machine shops implement condition-based maintenance strategies. NSK’s is currently seeking customer input and feedback ahead of launching the new app.

For further information www.nskeurope.com

Stratasys to test 3D prints on the moon

Stratasys, a specialist in polymer 3D printing solutions, will provide 3D-printed materials for an upcoming lunar mission to test their performance on the surface of the moon. The experiments are part of Aegis Aerospace’s first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility mission (SSTEF-1), which focuses on technology development for space infrastructure and capabilities for the moon and near-earth space. The Stratasys experiments are sponsored by Northrop Grumman.

In this moon mission, Stratasys will provide 3D-printed samples that will be brought to the lunar surface by an unmanned lander in a carrier structure 3D-printed by Stratasys. Three materials will be the focus of two different experiments. The first assesses the performance of a sample coupon part made with Stratasys’ Antero 800NA FDM filament filled with tungsten. The second passive experiment will see how 3D-printed materials perform in space.

For further information www.stratasys.com

Support for MIRA expansion

In a monumental move for the Midlands, the South Site expansion at MIRA Tech Park is gaining unanimous support. The approved South Site will deliver a high-quality development incorporating 2.3m sq ft of large-scale manufacturing and industrial facilities that are complementary to the R&D facilities and campus at the existing MIRA Tech Park. This major expansion expects to create 2500 highly skilled jobs. Progress on site will receive support from power and road infrastructure investments, creating an environment conducive to growth with a range of building sizes from 250,000 sq ft to suit tenant requirements. 

For further information www.miratechnologypark.com