Industry leaders head aerospace consortium

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Boeing have formed the Rotor Dynamics Consortium (RDC) in collaboration with some of the biggest names in the aircraft and aerospace engine industries. The RDC will define, drive and standardise rotor dynamics modelling and simulation requirements, with the goal of enabling airframe and aerospace engine manufacturers to overcome the engineering challenges of more sustainable and efficient propulsion systems in a safe way.

The consortium will build on finite element methods embedded throughout design, validation and safety certification workflows to apply next-generation multi-physics simulations. Notably, RDC members will meet to discuss and formulate strategies on the best application of MSC Nastran, considered the most accurate digital alternative to expensive physical testing.

More information www.hexagon.com

Big Investment Proves Ideal for KeraJet

KeraJet, an international digital printing machinery manufacturer has recently invested in a
new large-capacity gantry-type mill from Zayer. The machine, an Altea 8000, with its large X-
, Y- and Z-axis travels of 8000mm x 4350 x 1500 mm and 8000 x 3000 mm fixed table, is
producing machine frames, engine bridges and other performance-critical parts that go into
its digital printing machines. Zayer machines are available in the UK exclusively from Mills
CNC.
Says Jose Luis Granell, head of the machining workshop at KeraJet: “Our digital printing
machines are accurate, but such precision is only possible as long as the components that go
into them are machined to tight tolerances and exacting surface finishes. It’s worth bearing
in mind that when it comes to our print-head technology, our machines are working day-in,
day-out for customers achieving accuracies in the micrometre and even nanometre range.”
The Altea 8000 works an eight-hour shift but, if there is call for repeat components and the
process is secure and repeatable, it runs unattended through the night to improve KeraJet’s
productivity significantly. Flexibility is another major benefit of the Zayer machine.
“We can use the machine in pendulum mode machining workpieces up to 4000 mm in
length in both work zones, as well as machining longer parts using the full stroke of the
machine,” explains Granell. “In addition, the Altea 8000 features 30° and 45° heads. When
machining aluminium, for example, we use the 30° head with electro-spindle at 18,000 rpm.
We use the 45° head when machining steel and select the electro-spindle if and when
superior surface finishes are necessary.”
The Altea 8000 also has several onboard software apps that help improve the machine’s
performance and process reliability.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Sustainable manufacturing hub launched

The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has partnered with leading metrology experts to launch a new sustainable manufacturing hub that aims to address the challenge of commercialising early-stage research within key areas of manufacturing.

The Advanced Metrology Hub for Sustainable Manufacturing aims to make manufacturing processes more sustainable by reducing waste, emissions and pollution, as well as lowering production costs. It will also develop ground-breaking new technologies. The hub will be led by the University of Huddersfield and supported by a consortium of partners including the AMRC and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) – both part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult network.

More information www.amrc.co.uk

New southwest sales manager at Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak has appointed James Fell as its new area sales manager for the southwest of England. He takes over from Tim Ponter, who is retiring after more than 30 years’ service at Mazak and nearly 50 years in the manufacturing industry. Fell brings with him a wealth of experience in the machine tool industry, having trained as a CNC programmer and technical sales engineer before moving into business development roles. In his new post, Fell will assume responsibility for Mazak’s broad range of customers throughout the region, with a particular focus on the subcontract manufacturing scene.

More information www.mazakeu.co.uk

ETG to host Nakamura technical day

On 11 July, the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) will host a targeted Nakamura-Tome technical day for manufacturers that want to explore technology for heavy-duty cutting and multi-turret turning. ETG will showcase the Nakamura WT150II gantry turning centre and demonstrate heavy-duty turning on the Nakamura WT300 turn-mill centre. Alongside these machines will be an introduction to Heimatec tooling solutions and the latest Powerstar transformers for manufacturers looking to reduce their environmental impact while cutting energy costs.

More information www.bit.ly/3KKVEth