Lotus is set to create a dedicated and specialist advanced technology centre that will also be home to a new headquarters for the company’s engineering consultancy.

Located on the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus, the new facility is established in partnership with WMG, a specialist in collaboration between academic research, teaching, training and industry. The substantial facility will consist of offices, workshops and laboratory space with ample opportunity for expansion. Initially, 130 engineers will move in, complementing the 500-strong engineering team at the home of Lotus Cars in Hethel, Norfolk.
“This is a big step forward for Lotus and our engineering consultancy,” states Matt Windle, executive director – engineering, Lotus Cars. “The new space, facilities and job opportunities at Wellesbourne will be in great demand as we rapidly build our portfolio of external projects.”
For further information www.lotuscars.com

Iron Mason was founded six years ago by Chris Mason, who had worked in the film industry as a model maker and animatronics specialist.

The Derby-based company now provides engineering, fabrication and finishing services to a diverse customer base, including his old sector, film making.
Mason had recognised a lack of metal skills within the film industry so took the decision to ‘go freelance’. Diversification from the movies brought in work from classic car enthusiasts, as well as aircraft build and restoration projects.
“Basically, I will take on anything that comes through the door, I just have to be honest with myself and ensure it is within my capabilities,” he says. It was this notion that highlighted the need for CNC machining capability.
“Initially I was looking at a CNC vertical machining centre, but a customer beat me to it and made a purchase of their own, so I moved my focus to turning. My view was that, as a turning centre was a bigger investment, the competition
for available capacity in the local area would be less. I did my research and asked around, and settled on the CT65 Compact Turn from XYZ Machine Tools.”
Two of the key factors in the purchase decision were the build quality and control system.
“It was obvious that the CT65 was much more robust than other machines on the market thanks to its cast-iron base and box slide-way construction. I’m finding that it holds tolerances very well and repeatability is superb. The Siemens 828D ShopTurn Control is also very intuitive.”
Such is the intuitive nature of the control that Mason can adapt programs ‘on the fly’ and, in one case, reduced cycle time from
16 minutes to just six.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

3D-printing specialist EOS has been supporting London-based HEXR with its technology and providing expert consultancy since 2015.

With the introduction of the HEXR fitting app, the company is now offering a complete scan-to-product solution for high-quality, safe, 3D-printed cycling helmets. An app-based head scan allows customers worldwide to begin the bespoke cycling helmet creation process at home. The helmet is then 3D printed with EOS technology in a 100% plant-based polyamide material. A black dye is added before final inspection for structural integrity and finish quality.
For further information www.eos.info

Following the postponement of EuroBLECH 2020, LVD has made plans for a series of virtual events and in-person technology days to be held from September through to November 2020.

The idea is to launch and showcase new laser cutting, bending and punch-press machines for the sheet metalworking market. EuroBLECH, the world’s largest sheet metalworking exhibition, has been postponed to March 2021 in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Dates and additional details for the LVD technology events will be announced in early August.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Extending its range of turning solutions, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has introduced the expanded line of Big Kaiser Capto tool holders.

As a specialist in high-precision tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industries, Big Kaiser has expanded its series of Big Capto tool holders with the addition of a new size, C4, which is becoming increasingly popular as a quick-change system for turret tooling on lathes.
In accordance with ISO26623-1, the polygon shape of the taper on this tool holder provides for highly repeatable accuracy and torque transmission. This system complements Big Kaiser’s Mega chuck rotating tooling programme, and is said to improve performance, repeatability, tool life and precision.
The Big Capto C4 from ITC is now offered for both rotating tool holders and turning tools used on turning centres. Importantly, the integral design enables the holding of a variety of common inserts for different approach angles and clearance requirements, in both left and right-hand orientations. These compact and rigid tools also allow for large depth of cuts and feed rates.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk