Machine tool manufacturer Okuma, which is represented in the UK by NCMT, has become a tier-one member of the AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) at the University of Sheffield.

The five-year co-operation offers several benefits for researchers, the aerospace industry and Okuma. As a member of the AMRC, Okuma is providing know-how and support for the latest research in the form of a MU-8000V-L multi-tasking machine, including all options. The machine combines turning and five-axis machining, making it suitable for complex aerospace components.
For further information www.okuma.eu

In the first quarter of 2019, 15 new members have joined the GTMA. The latest to join the association are Fanuc, Filtermist, Morson Projects, R-Winter Tooling, National Composite Catapult Centre, Plazology, Surface Generation, IBS Precision Engineering, Surtec North East, Guhring, Tebis, Solent University, Ewikon, Consort Medical and Park Sheet Metal.

“Our new members will, no doubt, have a different reason for joining the GTMA, but I believe that our digital marketing programme provides a key route to market for companies,” says GTMA CEO Julia Moore. “It includes business profiles and is combined with our successful social media campaign to maximise every member’s media presence. We are in detailed discussions with a number of additional industry names and I am confident that our membership ranks will swell even further in the coming months.”
For further information www.gtma.co.uk

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), which is part of the University of Strathclyde, has agreed a tier-one partnership with metrology specialist Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence that will take the centre’s measurement and sensing capability to the next level, with many benefits predicted for Scottish firms.

Hexagon is supplying the AFRC with metrology equipment that includes a Romer Absolute Arm. This measuring arm is entirely portable, allowing AFRC engineers to take their expertise on the road to manufacturing facilities across Scotland. Providing precision measurement of full-scale assemblies, Hexagon’s equipment will allow AFRC engineers and researchers to address metrology challenges and validate existing measurement systems. In addition, the engineers can now fully explore the future of metrology, unlocking opportunities for wider industry by engaging with businesses of all sizes to share the centre’s newly introduced resources.
For further information https://is.gd/ezuhan

Earlier this month, the nine partner institutes of the AZL opened the doors of their machinery halls and research labs to provide an insight into development capacities in the field of lightweight production and composites.

At the RWTH Aachen campus, AZL presented the ‘iComposite 4.0’ self-optimising process chain: fibre spraying – dry fibre placement – adaptive RTM.
More than 100 participants from external companies as well as from the AZL network were able to experience updates on the latest lightweight production technologies and equipment. As well as plastics and composite materials, content included production technology, quality assurance, lightweight design, automotive production, and multi-material systems and process integration.
For further information https://azl-aachen-gmbh.de/

Yamazaki Mazak will celebrate a decade of success for its European Technology Centre (ETC) in 2019.

The state-of-the-art facility, which is located at Mazak’s European manufacturing plant in Worcester, first opened its doors in 2009, and has since hosted in excess of 33,000 visitors. The 2900 sq m ETC is home to a regularly changing line-up of CNC machine tools and laser processing machines from Mazak’s portfolio, and is often the first place in the UK where customers can view new models once they have been launched. A 97-seat auditorium and demonstration area is also housed within the ETC.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk