EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Machine tool damping breakthrough

The Fraunhofer Institutes for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU and Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials Research IFAM have made a breakthrough in materials research. HoverLIGHT composite material is said to set new standards for the construction of machine tools: by combining aluminium foam and particle-filled hollow spheres, HoverLIGHT achieves a combination of lightness, stiffness, and vibration damping. Tests show that HoverLIGHT can dampen vibrations by a factor of three. All this comes with a weight saving of 20% compared with the original assembly.

More information www.iwu.fraunhofer.de

Bigger voice for manufacturers

A trade body that represents 200 manufacturers has placed a Minister for Manufacturing, greater SME involvement in the Industrial Strategy and ongoing lobbying around the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the top of its action list for 2025. The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) wants to give members an even greater voice on key issues impacting their ability to compete over the next 12 months.

Despite recent challenges, the CBM believes there are still plenty of opportunities for manufacturers if there is more stability in the automotive sector and if the ongoing resurgence in aerospace continues. It also believes that serious government backing and funding towards ‘Made in Britain’ could dispel some of the economic gloom and generate numerous possibilities.

More information www.thecbm.co.uk

New era for Floyd Automatic Tooling

UK cutting tool distributor Helix Tool has acquired Floyd Automatic Tooling following the decision of Richard and Chantal Floyd to retire from the business after 35 years. “Over the decades, our offering has expanded exponentially in line with both the technology and the requirements of the marketplace,” says Richard Floyd. “We’ve built partnerships with suppliers and clients that have spanned decades. The staff and management team at Floyd Automatic will undoubtedly take the Floyd brand, relationships, service and product portfolio forward with new vigour – and I wish our new owners every success in the future.”

More information www.floydautomatic.co.uk

Leading The Charge On EDI

Composites UK has unveiled a landmark report for the UK composites industry, marking the
sector’s first comprehensive analysis of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Composites UK
will lead a five-year strategy to drive sector-wide change, introducing an EDI framework, a
pledge and extensive resources to support companies in fostering more inclusive
workplaces.
The aim of the initiative is not to impose quotas or encourage a ‘tick-box’ approach, but to
inspire organisations to evaluate and reform basic practices and behaviours that may hinder
inclusion. Matt Bradney, chair of the Composites UK Workforce Development Group,
emphasises the urgency, stating: “We either do this or we don’t have an industry.”
More information www.compositesuk.co.uk

Milestone Test For New VTLs

The first of 11 large, bespoke vertical turning lathes (VTLs) in construction for the proposed
new machining facility of Sheffield Forgemasters, has passed a milestone test ahead of
shipping it to the UK. German machine specialist, Waldrich Siegen, which is designing and
building the machines, has completed assembly and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for
the first machine. 
Fully configured for Industry 4.0, the VTL offers digital connectivity, advanced analytics,
automation and advanced manufacturing technologies for complete integration into a
network. Sheffield Forgemasters’ new machine shop will cover 35,000 m² and, with 21 new
heavy-duty machine tools from Waldrich Siegen, the company says it will become the most
advanced facility of its kind in Europe.
More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com