EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

The Laser Cutting Co harnesses solar energy

Green ideology at The Laser Cutting Co is at the forefront of the company’s practices, and its latest green initiative is indicative of this ethos. A large-scale solar panel installation project is the latest development to encompass clean energy, covering both The Laser Cutting Co and sister company Charles Day Steels with 1346 solar panels. Spanningaround 20,000 sq ft of roofing across the facilities, just one solar panel capable of producing 203kWp of power. The results of this large-scale installation project mean the company is able to make considerable energy savingsthat it can pass on to customers.
For further information www.lasercutting.co.uk

AMRC exploring WAAM for Aerospace

Additive manufacturing experts from the University of Sheffield AMRC North West are exploring an innovative technique to produce hydrogen storage tanks for aerospace applications. Dr Evren Yasa, head of additive manufacturing (AM) for the AMRC, led a team of researchers on a project using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) to print 3D metal parts. The process uses an electric arc to melt a metal wire, depositing layers of melted metal on top of each other to create 3D shapes.

Many sector use WAAM, including energy, defence, automotive, construction and aerospace, to produce large and complex structural components. The process reduces the need for assembly and joining technologies, as well as waste material. Moreover, WAAM has been deployed for repair and remanufacturing purposes in aerospace, saving time and costs. It also has the advantage of greater supply chain flexibility, enabling on-demand production in small quantities.
For further information www.bit.ly/46MBcBR

FANUC lands global robot deal with Volvo

FANUC has signed a contract with Volvo Cars to supply industrial robots to the automotive manufacturer’s plants across the globe, including its new battery production facilities in Europe, Asia and America.The first phase of the deal will see FANUC supply more than 700 robots to a planned new manufacturing site in Kosice, Slovakia, where Volvo Cars expects the first vehicles to roll off the production line in 2026. During the same phase, FANUC will supply robots to sites in Ghent, Belgium, and Daqing, China.

Volvo Cars plans to produce only electric vehicles from 2030 and achieve CO2 neutrality by 2040. Its new carbon-neutral Slovakian manufacturing facility will be the company’s first site to exclusively manufacture electric vehicles. Ralf Völlinger, general manager of the Robot Business Division at FANUC Europe, says: “The fact that our robots consume little energy, are extremely durable and enjoy unlimited maintenance makes us an attractive partner for companies that want to operate sustainably.”
For further information www.fanuc.eu

In-Comm Training wins £429,000 funding

An independent UK training provider has secured a £429,000 boost for delivering advanced engineering and manufacturing skills.In-Comm Training, which already supports 865 apprentices and over 2500 learners, has been awarded ‘Higher Level Skills’ funding by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in a bid to help industry bridge the skills and competency gaps.

Accessed via the Training & Manufacturing Group (TMG), up to 126 learners in the WMCA area will be able to tap into modularised units for the first time, giving existing workers the most flexible opportunity yet to upskill.These bespoke courses will take place at technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, giving individuals the opportunity to study specific modules of the Level 3-5 Engineering & Management programmes tailored to ensure job progression and sustainable employment.
For further informationwww.bit.ly/3tJgdkD

New factory for ASG AMF

As a precision engineering company manufacturing components and assemblies for research facilities,scientific equipment and the semiconductor industry, ASG AMF Engineering has invested in an additional factory. The company will retain its existing premises for machining, creating additional space for future investment. The move enables ASG AMF to increase the size of itsclean assembly facility,chemical cleaning capabilities and welding processes. It also allowed the firm to invest around £400,000 in automated thermal spraying equipment and expand itsUHV cleaning facility.
For further information www.asg-group.co