Latest catalogue from ITC

Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has published the latest edition of its annual product catalogue.

Now in its 15th edition, the new publication is crammed with new product developments, including those for milling, drilling, threading and specialist milling lines. This edition of the catalogue incorporates ITC’s updated pricing structure for 2020, as well as having an enhanced aluminium milling section. There is also information on new square and ball-nosed steel and exotic milling lines, as well as the arrival of ITC’s conical barrel end mills.
Commenting upon the latest edition of the catalogue, ITC’s newly appointed director, Georgia Graves, says: “We are always attentive to the demands of the marketplace, and in this latest edition of our product catalogue we’ve expanded our aluminium milling product lines. We have also expanded a number of product series to either offer greater reach for difficult-to-access surfaces, or provide increased stability with more stub-length tools that will enhance even further the performance parameters that our range provides.”
To view and download a copy of the latest ITC Issue 15 product catalogue, visit the web page below. Alternatively, to receive a printed edition of the catalogue, please contact the local ITC representative or call the company’s Tamworth headquarters.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk/products

Kaman delivers 80,000th rear fuselage packer

Kaman UK has delivered its 80,000th rear fuselage packer to BAE Systems for its F-35 manufacturing programme.

Pictured is an RAF F-35B Lightning (II) from 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham.
The new stealth jet is performing a hover manoeuvre during RIAT 2018.
The Royal International Ait Tattoo 2018 is held at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire 13-15th July. It is an annual event and attracts crowds of over 150,000 who come to see aerial displays and get up to close aircraft from around the world.
The Lightning fifth-generation combat aircraft will operate alongside the Typhoon. Lightning is a multi-role machine capable of conducting missions including air-to surface, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering and air-to-air simultaneously.
This year marks a special milestone for the Royal Air Force as they celebrate their centenary and is the main theme of the event.

Supplying these parts since 2003, the rear fuselage packers, and 1000 plenum ducts, have been used in the manufacture of over 500 aircraft. Kaman UK first began working with BAE Systems in 1951 under its predecessor company, English Electric Company.
Christopher Morris, Kaman UK’s managing director, says: “We are pleased that we’ve been able to support BAE Systems as it develops the aircraft for today and tomorrow that will guarantee the nation’s security and provide continued employment for thousands of engineers and support staff across the UK supply chain. We’re looking forward to continuing the supply of parts and services for this aerospace and defence leader by investing in our technology, our people and our systems.”
For further information www.kaman.com

ACE goes for gold with Collins Aerospace

A Shropshire-based manufacturer of precision components has been selected to take part in a prestigious supplier development programme by Collins Aerospace.

Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE) is working with Collins Aerospace on a host of continuous improvement and training activities to help the firm strengthen its ability to supply group factories across the globe.
The company is now setting its sights on securing ‘Gold Supplier’ status, which could be achieved over the next six months if it continues to meet 100% on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery and stronger collaboration on root cause analysis.
For further information www.ace-uk.net

New safeguards for return to work

The Nuclear AMRC in Sheffield has begun the second phase of restarting vital R&D projects while maintaining the highest levels of health and safety protection for staff.

In the first phase, a skeleton team implemented new safeguards, including markings to help people maintain safe distancing from the car park to the shop floor, a one-way flow system around the building, protective shields in reception and hand-sanitising stations with temperature measurement throughout the facility. The centre has produced a five-phase plan for returning to work while keeping staff safety as the number one priority.
“The measures that the team have put in place are excellent,” says Nuclear AMRC CEO Andrew Storer. “Of course, we still have a long way to go. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, will be ensuring sufficient desk and recreational areas for staff in the office space as our numbers ramp back up. This is something we are looking at closely. It is vital we only have essential staff on site at this stage, with others working safely from home.”
For further information www.namrc.co.uk

Manufacturers urged to take skills pledge

In-Comm Training, which operates three academies at Aldridge, Bridgnorth and Shropshire, has launched a new campaign to ensure apprenticeships are protected as manufacturers seek ways of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

HK Technologies / In-Comm

The company is asking firms in the West Midlands to sign-up to its ‘Skills Pledge’, which will see them commit to supporting apprentices, raising the profile of vocational learning and ‘upskilling’ their workforces.
‘Powering the Engine’ will last for over a year and will ensure industry does not sacrifice the investment and time it has channelled into developing talent as manufacturers begin to restart production.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk/skills-pledge