New Airbus hub for next-generation wings

Airbus is investing further in its UK innovation capabilities with the opening of a new Wing Technology Development Centre (WTDC) at its Filton site that will build and test demonstrators for a range of programmes and research projects. Alongside engine optimisation, making wings longer, leaner and lighter is one of the biggest opportunities to improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 and ultimately work towards the aviation industry’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Airbus head of Filton site and Wing of Tomorrow Programme Sue Partridge says: “The new WTDC will help us to ground our research in practicality. A key element of how we deliver technology for next-generation wings is through Wing of Tomorrow [WoT], our largest research and technology programme led by the UK team.” The WoT programme allows Airbus to explore new manufacturing and assembly technologies so future generations can continue to benefit from flying.
For further information www.airbus.com

XYZ UMC-5X takes to the skies

The Rolls-Royce Precision Machining Facility in Derby is using a new UMC-5X five-axis machining centre from XYZ Machine Tools to bring in-house the manufacture of fixtures for intermediate-pressure turbine blades.Tool-room managerThomas McAllister says: “We chose the UMC-5X for its price-performance metrics and use it extensively for 3+2 machining. It providesus with accuracies of 10 µm.”

He continues: “The machining process requires compound angles and we typically braze supporting pads on each fixture, machining these to suit the individual blade. For the UMC-5X we specified: a Blum tool setter and RMP 600 Renishaw probe; the kinematics option on the control; and the linear roller system for the best area of contact and fastest axis travel. We manufacture about 40 complex fixtures each year. The UMC-5X will pay for itself in less than 12 months.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

18th edition of Aluminium China

Aluminium China, one of the world’s largest aluminium trade shows that serves as an industry barometer, is set for its 18th edition as it opens at the ShanghaiNew International Expo Centre this week (5-7 July). RX Greater China, the show’s organiser, is gearing up for the largest Aluminium China ever staged to offer the ultimate one-stop platform where visitors will learn the latest in the aluminium industry presented by the global companies at the forefront of innovation. The organiser expects visitor numbers to exceed 25,000.

Committed to promoting the sustainable development of the global aluminium industry, the exhibition will bring together new products, technologies, processes and applications across the entire aluminium value chain. Aluminium China aims to pave the way for new business opportunities and collaborations that will reshape the future of this vital sector.
For further information www.aluminiumchina.com/en-gb.html

Britten-Norman re-shoring aircraft production

UK aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman is planning to increase production rates and repatriate aircraft production to its historic home in Bembridge, Isle of Wight. The move is a major change for the British SME, which has been manufacturing its aircraft in Eastern Europe since the late 1960s.Britten-Norman will invest in new jigs and tooling to create two additional production lines, andintroduce new sustainable energy initiatives.

In the coming months, the company will embark on a recruitment campaign, further boosting job creation in the UK’s Solent Local Enterprise Partnership area. The focus will include aircraft fitters and technicians, production engineering and supply chain roles. In addition, the expansion will create new traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities on the Isle of Wight and in south Hampshire.
For further information www.britten-norman.com

Appointment supports growth at GM Group

As the GM Group prepares for the official opening of its new facility in Oldham, the company has laid a further marker of its ambitious growth intentions with the appointment of a new regional sales manager. Joining the GM Group to drive sales of the Victor CNC range of machine tools, Mathew Bates is now regional sales manager for the northwest of England and Wales. Bates is a seasoned engineer with more than 30 years of industry experience.

GM Group director Nicola Howard says: “The Victor brand of machine tools is renowned for its build quality, performance, longevity and a diversity that caters for all applications, industry sectors and machine shops. We’re confident that Mathew will apply his industry expertise and build upon our already impressive market penetration in the area.”
For further information www.gm-cnc.com