EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

NCMT to distribute metal 3D printers in UK

NCMT has signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Tritone Technologies, a specialist in metal additive manufacturing (AM). Jonathan Smart, managing director of NCMT, says: “We’re now entering the AM sector, elevating our capabilities to meet the evolving demands of modern industry. The integration of Tritone’s advanced MoldJet technology not only diversifies our portfolio but also solidifies our position as a leader in shaping the future of precision engineering and manufacturing.” MoldJet allows quick and easy changeover between various metals for parallel manufacturing of different parts.

For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Subcontract market ends year on a high

The latest Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) shows that the UK market for subcontract manufacturing ended 2023 on a strong note, with the market up 106% compared to the previous three months. Overall, the market concluded 7.5% higher than at the end of 2022. Fabrication was the strongest area, up 160% on the previous quarter and 12% on the previous year. Growth in machining was less strong but still significant, up 51% on the previous quarter and 2.4% on 2022.

Sourcing specialist Qimtek produces the CMI, a reflection of the total purchasing budget for outsourced manufacturing of companies looking to place business in any given month. The CMI represents a sample of over 4000 companies that could be placing business, which together have a purchasing budget of more than £3.4bn, and a supplier base of over 7000 companies with a verified turnover in excess of £25bn.

For further information www.qimtek.co.uk

Automation UK show doubling in size for 2024

The first-ever Automation UK show in June 2023 proved to be a huge success, providing an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations in automation and robotics. Buoyed by this success, the show will return on 18-19 June 2024 at the CBS Arena in Coventry. The show’s organiser, the British Automation & Robot Association (BARA), is responding to increased levels of interest and participation by doubling the exhibition space.

Automation UK will once again be co-located alongside Machine Vision Conference (MVC), giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the latest vision technologies.

For further information www.automation-uk.co.uk

World-first environmental standard claim

A UK manufacturer, fabricator and installer of access products – Teesside based Lionweld Kennedy – has secured an Environmental Product Declaration, making it the only grating manufacturer in the world to carry this accreditation.The Environmental Product Declaration is a transparent declaration communicating a product’s materials, and how it impacts the environment across its lifecycle. It also recognises those companies continually seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The company says the accreditation reassures customers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and use more sustainable products.

For further information www.lk-uk.com

£2m investment at Alucast

A £2m investment drive is helping a UK aluminium foundry pass the £10m sales mark as it looks to make the most of new opportunities.Alucast, which has increased its workforce by 20% to more than 120 people at its base in Wednesbury, has commissioned six CNC machines, a HDTD low-pressure machine and boosted its ‘new core’ capabilities. It is the company’s largest investment drive in nearly a decade and reflects an increase in demand for Alucast’s casting expertise and machining capabilities. Headlining the recent funding boost is an 800-tonne LK high-pressure die-casting machine.

For further information www.alucast.co.uk