THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Metal-Forming Sector Readies for LAMIERA

As the reference exhibition for sheet metal forming, cutting and processing machines, LAMIERA will open the doors to its 23rd edition on 6-9 May at fieramilano rho. Promoted by UCIMU-Sistemi Per Produrre – the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems manufacturers’ association – LAMIERA is the only international event in Italy specifically dedicated to this industry.

Edition after edition, LAMIERA stands out as one of the most important trade fairs on the global scene. Visitors to the 2025 show will discover solutions for sheet metal, tubes, profiles, wires and structural metal processing and cutting, as well as presses, welding equipment, finishing solutions, tooling, accessories, and subcontracting services – all under one roof.

More information www.lamiera.net

Bentley Motors marks 25 years of AM

Bentley Motors is marking 25 years of additive manufacturing (AM) – widely known as 3D
printing – at its headquarters in Crewe, having invested significantly into its facility and
technologies in recent years. The journey, which began with a commitment to in-house 3D
printing to support the development of Bentley’s first generation Continental GT, has
evolved into a state-of-the-art facility that is home to 13 machines operating six different
technologies.
Originally housed in the oldest building at the Pyms Lane site – which is now undergoing a
transformation into the future assembly line for Bentley’s first BEV – the 3D printing facility
now has a home in the company’s new Engineering Technical Centre.
More information www.bentleymotors.com

Fully customised licence plate production line

With years of experience in the licence plate production line industry, HE-Machine is
committed to offering customised turnkey solutions to clients worldwide. A recent example
sees the precise collaboration of five machines: decoiler, straightener, automatic laminating
machine, servo feeder and gap-frame press. The implementation of this project has led to

the successfully optimisation of the production process, improving both efficiency and
product consistency.
The smooth unfolding of raw materials is crucial for the successful operation of a production
line. The HE-Machine decoiler handles various specifications of metal coils, ensuring stable
material unwinding.
Next, the straightener plays an essential role. Any bending or warping in the metal materials
during production can negatively impact the quality and accuracy of subsequent processes.
The straightener, designed for precision levelling, effectively eliminates these issues.
After straightening, the automatic laminating machine applies a protective film to the metal
surface, enhancing both durability and surface quality. The auto laminating process reduces
manual intervention, increasing production efficiency while ensuring uniform coating on
every licence plate.
As the production process moves forward, the servo feeder plays a crucial role in precisely
feeding the material into the next stage. Using a servo motor drive system, the servo feeder
ensures that the metal material is delivered accurately to the next process, ensuring smooth
progression in stamping, and other operations.
Finally, the gap-frame press provides the stamping force required for the production line.
Equipped with multiple mould sizes and a conveyor system, the press precisely performs the
stamping, minimising defects and ensuring the efficient production of high-quality licence
plates.
More information www.he-machine.com

College invests in XYZ machines

City of Wolverhampton College has made a major investment in a range of machine tools
from XYZ, ensuring local businesses have access to a pool of young talent to help grow and
develop engineering facilities in this industrial heartland. The college first purchased XYZ
machines back in 2015.
The new XYZ models – a selection of manual mills, manual lathes, CNC bed mills with
ProtoTRAK RMX touchscreen controls, and a vertical machining centre and CNC lathe fitted
with Siemens Sinumerik CNCs – are located in the new £8.1m Advanced Technology and
Automotive Centre. Jim Wilkins, curriculum manager for engineering, says: “The purchase of
the XYZ machines has proven to be the right choice over the years due to their build quality
and XYZ’s service and support.”
More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Brandauer Investment Aids Future Plans

The boss of a UK metal pressings and tooling specialist has hailed the power of
apprenticeships after reducing the average age of his workforce to just 44. Rowan Crozier,
CEO of Brandauer, has steered the company to invest more than £400,000 into vocational
learning since 2016, helping nurture new toolmakers, engineers, quality specialists and
experts in logistics.
Crozier believes the influx of youth and energy has been fundamental in helping the
business evolve into its position as a major supplier of precision-stamped components and
tooling to customers in more than 26 different countries. Many of the youngsters have
continued to be sponsored to complete degree courses and HNCs.
More information www.brandauer.co.uk