EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Future skills

Sheffield Forgemasters is welcoming 24 new apprentices as the company progresses development atits advanced manufacturing facility. The forging and casting specialist is investing heavily over the next 10 years to support its defence-critical assets, including a new 13,000 tonne forge line and building, and 17 major machine tool replacements within a new machining facility.Apprentices have secured roles in the following disciplines:machining, electrical and control engineering, NDT, methods engineering (degree), design engineering (degree), production planning, and estimating.
For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Automated machining in action

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions and Zayer machine tools in the UK, and a supplier of advanced automation systems, will showcase a SYNERGi Premier automated manufacturing cell at the three-day FANUCopen house taking place in Coventryon 14-16 November.

The cellwill comprise: a compact 8”chuck/65mm bar diameter DN Solutions Lynx 2100LSYB sub-spindle turning centre with driven tools and Y-axis capabilities; a FANUCsix-axis industrial robot with 25kg payload and end-of-arm tooling; a SYNERGi Premier five-drawer (two-way) part loading/unloading station; and a 17” touchscreen iHMI. Mills CNC will demonstrate the significant productivity and process efficiency gains component manufacturers can expect to achieve from investing in a tried and tested automation solution.
Register at https://ukopenhouse.fanuc.eu

UltiMaker solidifies commitment to educators

UltiMaker, a global specialist in desktop 3D printing, is relaunching the new MakerBot as the only brand dedicated to 3D printing for the education market. As part of its commitment, the company is expanding MakerBot Certification, its comprehensive 3D printing training and curriculum development programmes, which are now available in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, German and British English.This expansion marks a significant milestone as MakerBot Education extends its resources, support, and expertise to more educators and students across the globe.
For further information www.makerbot.com

Unlocking the language of electrification

A landmark initiative that aims to unlock the universal language of electrification launched recently at a major event in London.Over 100 industry experts were present at the Museum of London to take a first look at The Power Electronics, Machines and Drives Body of Knowledge (PEMDBoK). This new resource is set to align understanding of the essential skills and capabilities required by the sector.Hosted on the Electric Revolution Skills (ERS) Hub, individuals, employers, course providers, recruiters and companies can sign up to access information on the skills, competencies and training needed to work in PEMD.
For further information www.ershub.co.uk/body-of-knowledge

Trumpf 3D printers at Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters will use 3D printers from Trumpf to manufacture components for its helicopters, as well as for aircraft from parent company Airbus. The company is expanding its additive manufacturing capabilities with a new 3D printing centre in Donauwörth, Germany, with Trumpf supplying machines for the 3D printing ofstructural components made from titanium and high-strength aluminium.

“With innovative manufacturing processes, we are working on the helicopters of the future in Donauwörth,” states site manager Helmut Färber.“Among other things, 3D printing reduces the weight of components, which helps aircraft operators cut fuel consumption and lower costs. It can also help reduce CO2 emissions in flight. We’ll use the 3D printing process to produce components for the electric-powered CityAirbus, the experimental high-speed Racer helicopter and the Airbus A350 and A320 passenger aircraft, among others.”
For further information www.trumpf.com