THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

3D printing apprenticeships from MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is to launch the first apprenticeships in the UK dedicated to providing the skills needed for additive manufacturing.

MTC additive manufacturing apprenticeship programmes, which are set to launch in September, will provide a pipeline of technicians skilled in one of the fastest-growing advanced manufacturing technologies in industry. The MTC’s learning design manager Martin Dury says: “The manufacturing industry is crying out for this and we will be able to make it available in a format that allows people to learn while earning, funded by the apprenticeship levy.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

Finance firm focuses efforts in Germany

Following a successful launch into Germany, Close Brothers Asset Finance GmbH has refocused its efforts on the engineering/manufacturing and print sectors.

This follows a detailed review of both the team’s activities and customer feedback since launch in June 2017. To support the strategy, the team has been bolstered by highly regarded and experienced sector specialists who have been working to bring Close Brothers Asset Finance’s products and services to a key European market.
“We have already learned a
great deal in our short time operating in Germany,” says Steve Gee (pictured), CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance’s Industrial Equipment division.
“It’s become clear that our historical business model of operating in specialist sectors translates very well in Germany’s SME market, commonly known as the ‘Mittelstand’, and we are gearing up for continued growth.”
For further information www.closeassetfinance.de

£3m technical academy opens

The West Midlands has received a major productivity boost with the launch of a £3m technical academy that will help bridge the skills gap and get the region ready for the next industrial revolution.

In-Comm Training unveiled the 24,000 sq ft training space in Aldridge last month. The project has been a true employer-led collaboration with no fewer than 12 manufacturers contributing investment, expertise and input into its creation.
Backed by £733,000 of Black Country LEP Growth Deal funding, the centre is fitted out with CNC machine tools, automation, a robotics line, metrology equipment and fluid power stations. Also housed will be material testing, material handling and grinding capabilities, as well as a 16-seat Mastercam and CIMCO CADCAM studio to help students develop their design for manufacturing skills.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

Major developments from XYZ

XYZ Machine Tools (hall 18, stand 640) will have several exhibition firsts on its stand, including two major developments in
the company’s product range, details of which will be announced closer to the show. The key machine debuts will be the recently announced LR and HD vertical machining centre ranges, along with XYZ’s UMC-5X five-axis machining centre.

The UMC-5X gantry-style simultaneous five-axis machining centre is available with either the Siemens 840DSL ShopMill or Heidenhain iTNC 640 HSCI control systems, which offer traori (transformation orientation)/kinematic functions respectively during five-axis simultaneous machining for improved accuracy. A full 500 mm of Y-axis travel forward of the table is available when it is rotated 90° towards the rear (component facing forward), allowing larger workpieces to be machined in comparison to many competitor models, says XYZ.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Chester to launch Style range

Chester Machine Tools (hall 17, stand 564) is using MACH to announce its exclusive UK distributorship for Netherlands-based Style Machine Tools. Since 1991, Style has been making CNC machining centres, all of which feature the company’s proprietary control system, which although offering extensive functions for experienced operators, is also said to be accessible to apprentices.

Highlights of the control system, which features a 19” touch screen, include 3D simulation programs and contouring capabilities, along with the ability to import DXF files directly. The control can also read, process and implement ISO G codes. On the stand, Chester will be unveiling and demonstrating the Style 510 series CNC machining centre.
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com