EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

SPEE3D joins MTC

Metal additive manufacturing technology company, SPEE3D, has enrolled as the latest member of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). SPEE3D develops metal 3D printers and integrated systems utilising its patented cold-spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology. The company says its solutions offer significantly faster production than traditional metal manufacturing for a range of materials. SPEE3D CEO Byron Kennedy says: “We’re excited to bring our CSAM technology to industry across the UK, and MTC has the reach and expertise to help us do that efficiently and effectively.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Renishaw opens apprenticeship places

Across its Gloucestershire and south Wales sites, Renishaw has opened applications for 64 apprenticeship roles. The company offers an award-winning apprenticeship programme, where apprentices gain nationally recognised qualifications, some to degree level, alongside on-the-job experience.Roles are available across different disciplines, including: IT, general manufacturing and engineering, software engineering, embedded electronics, and plant maintenance.

Apprentices will benefit from a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to gain insight from industry-leading specialists, while working on real-life projects and products. Applications to become a Renishaw apprentice are open until 12 February, the end of National Apprenticeship Week.
For further information www.bit.ly/3Nt9Clk

Walter and Heller sign partnership agreement

Walter AG and Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH have commenced a technology and development partnership that focuses on integrated customer solutions for the machining industry. The companies aim to test, optimise and market their products through the joint development of sustainable machining processes. Walter has held a strong partnership with Heller for many years, both as a customer and supplier. Several Heller machines are in use at Walter’s technology centres and production facilities.

Heller CEO Dr Thorsten Schmidt says: “Walter is an excellent technology partner with extensive tooling expertise and a wealth of experience in machining. Furthermore, Walter provides the tooling technology that can give our customers a direct productivity advantage in metal cutting. Together with the strengths that Heller brings to the table, we’re able to forge a strong partnership in the areas of development and technology.”
For further information www.heller.biz

Sheffield Forgemasters to regain accreditation

Sheffield Forgemasters is positioned to expand into nuclear fabrication after passing a highly testing audit to regain coveted ASME status as a key supplier of heavy forgings and castings to the civil nuclear power market. Ian Nicholls, group technical director, says: “Sheffield Forgemasters has passed the ASME audit to qualify as a Materials Organisation with NPT status. The accreditation is a huge development with enhanced requirements and disciplines embracing all our processes, employees and selected sub-suppliers. The ASME code is the world’s most comprehensive series of guidelines for civil nuclear manufacture.”
For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

NI firms lead way in smart manufacturing

Four Northern Ireland manufacturing companies are preparing to transform their production operations and improve their output after graduating from the latest Digital Catapult Smart Nano NI Accelerator Programme. Following the completion of the programme, and by adopting new digital solutions,it is hoped these companies will further accelerate smart manufacturing in Northern Ireland. Delivered by Digital Catapult, Nelipak Healthcare Packaging, Aeroblue Software, Terex and NuPrint Technologies showcased their solutions at the latest graduation event atNorth West Regional College’s Industry 4.0 Centre.
For further information www.digicatapult.org.uk