THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Free Download of Software-Defined Automation

Flexxbotics, an autonomous manufacturing platform specialist, has released its software-defined automation as a free download, providing direct access to industrial-grade automation technology for advanced manufacturing operations worldwide. The download delivers a powerful and extensible production-ready run-time environment, low-code HMI, developer’s studio, and complete API for smart factory interoperability and orchestration.

Flexxbotics’ free download is not a trial or evaluation version. It includes the SDA run-time, Studio and API with no time limits, capacity restrictions or disabled capabilities.

More information https://flexxbotics.com/download/

Manufacturing Initiative to Support Fusion Energy

A new UK research initiative will explore new methods to manufacture materials for extreme environments, starting with those used in fusion machines. The project, called DIADEM (Design of Interfaces for Additively Engineered Metamaterials), is led by researchers at the Centre for Additive Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham in partnership with the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

The initiative is funded by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Adventurous Manufacturing programme, and supported by partners that include Rolls-Royce, the MTC and Aerosint. DIADEM will initially focus on a key fusion technology challenge – how to process two fundamentally different materials – tungsten and copper – simultaneously, to manufacture parts for use in future fusion power plants.

More information www.bit.ly/4a2hsOs

Hands-on 3D Printing Showcase

Made Smarter is putting 3D printing in the spotlight at an event designed to help manufacturers understand how 3D printing can deliver real-world impact for their business. Made Smarter – Discovering Additive Manufacturing, taking place on 28 January 2026, will bring together SME manufacturers, technology experts and academic specialists at the University of Lancashire’s Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) in Preston.

The agenda of the half-day event blends real business case studies, expert insight and hands-on demonstrations, giving manufacturers the opportunity to see additive manufacturing in action, ask questions and explore whether the technology could play a role in their own digital journey. It forms part of Made Smarter’s Digital Champions Network, a peer-to-peer forum for manufacturers at all stages of digital adoption.

More information www.bit.ly/49sTDzj

Ceratizit Green Award

Cutting tool manufacturer Ceratizit has been awarded the Platinum Medal by EcoVadis,
placing it among the top 1% of more than 150,000 companies worldwide that have made
sustainability a priority. Says Andreas Lackner, member of the Ceratizit Group executive
board, says. “The Platinum rating from EcoVadis is the result of intensive collaboration
across all departments. Every idea, every detail and every improvement contributed to this
success. It shows what we as a company can achieve together with our employees once
sustainability becomes an integral part of daily work.”
More information www.ceratizit.com

Bridgnorth Aluminium Returns to 24/7 Operations

The UK’s last remaining producer of flat rolled aluminium coils is set to buck challenging
economic conditions by returning to 24/7 operations in key process areas. It will be the first
time in three years that Bridgnorth Aluminium has reached these production levels and
should create new employment opportunities in the town and nearby areas.

“Aluminium is taking on a far greater significance and profile as we move towards net zero,
with the material ideally suited to recycling, lightweighting, and use in batteries and
renewable power generation,” explains commercial director Adrian Musgrave. “Thanks to
recent investments, our strong technical teams and ongoing staff training, we’re in a really
good position to take advantage, with strong export growth expected.”
More information www.bridgnorthaluminium.co.uk