THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Work starts on aerospace innovation facility

Industry, academia and government leaders gathered in Sheffield earlier this month to break ground for a University of Sheffield AMRC innovation facility and research project led by Boeing. The Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) research facility will house the Boeing-led Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project dedicated to developing and testing new technologies needed to meet future demand for lighter commercial aircraft and help the aviation industry reach net zero by 2050.

The combined £80m COMPASS facility and IHSS project, announced earlier this year in partnership with Loop Technology and Spirit AeroSystems, will initially create around 50 jobs in South Yorkshire and, based on aircraft demand forecasts, has the potential to create up to 3000 UK jobs long-term and around £2bn annually in export opportunities.The facility will be complete by the end of 2024.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

Large order for rail wheel production line

India-based Ramkrishna Titagarh Rail Wheels has placed an order for a wheel roller, two forging presses, automation, dies, a rotary hearth furnace and heat treatment, from Schuler and Andritz Metals. Like Schuler, Andritz Metals is part of the international Andritz technology group. Schuler says the order is in the upper double-digit million euro range

Ramkrishna Titagarh Rail Wheels is a joint venture between one of the largest suppliers of forged parts in India and the nation’s biggest manufacturer of railroad wagons in the private sector. The world’s most populous country plans to invest over $700bn in its rail network over the next few years.

“Schuler has already proven its expertise in the manufacture of railroad wheels with numerous production lines installed on the Asian continent,” says Naresh Jalan, managing director of Ramkrishna Forgings. “It was important for us to select a supplier whose equipment stands for high quality.”

Christian Palm, director hydraulic presses at Schuler, adds: “Forged railroad wheels are best at handling the extreme stresses of heavy acceleration and deceleration. We’re pleased to help take rail transportation in India to the next level with this production line.”

The forming of rail wheels takes place in four steps before they enter machining. First, a 10,000 ton hydraulic forging press produces a disc-shaped pre-form from a heated billet in two stages, receiving its final diameter in a wheel roller. Then, the second 5,000-ton press calibrates the rolled-out wheel before axial offsetting and piercing of the hub.
For further information www.schulergroup.com

Re-launch for AME after £6m revamp

Coventry University’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) has re-launched after a £6m investment. The AME’s ‘Faculty on the Factory Floor’ base in the city is now larger thanks to the huge cash boost, with the new nearly 2000 sq m of space boasting state-of-the-art equipment, new teaching and research facilities, six new laboratories, and a robotics and testing area.

AME was born out of a collaboration between Coventry University and Unipart Manufacturing that delivers teaching excellence andadvanced research. The institute has participated in projects with a total value of £110m and worked with 174 collaborators since its original launch. Its estimated value to the manufacturing and engineering economy since then is £500m and around 400 students have graduated to date.
For further information www.coventry.ac.uk/ame

Mazak to host December open house

Yamazaki Mazak is hosting a special ‘Building Your Future’ open house for customers who are ready to invest in new machining technology.The event will take place at the Mazak European Technology Centre in Worcester on 5-8 December with a total of 18 machines on show, including all of the company’s UK-designed and manufactured models.

Mazak’s December open house also offers visitors the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes at an advanced manufacturing facility, including Mazak machines making Mazak machines. Daily factory tours will take place highlighting in-house manufacturing, assembly test and shipment. Mazak’s number one finance partner, Finance for Industry, will also be on-hand to discuss tailored finance packages, including hire purchase and lease agreements.
For further information www.bit.ly/3QyfYRd

Produmax joins forces with ASG Group

Produmax, an aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Bradford, is integrating with the rapidly expanding ASG Group, based in Manchester. Produmax employs around 90 people and has worked at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing for the past 25 years, led by Jeremy and Mandy Ridyard.

Jeremy Ridyard says: “We have been on a remarkable journey for over two decades and this partnership will allow us to expand our reach and impact in the aerospace industry even further. ASG Group’s value of engineering excellence aligns perfectly with ours, and together we’re well-equipped to take on new opportunities. Our joint goal is to drive this business to in excess of £20m over the next five years.”
For further information www.asg-group.co