THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

DN Solutions accelerates ‘Vision 2032’

DN Solutions, the world’s third-largest and Korea’s leading machine tool company, announced at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover last month the key achievements and future direction of its global ‘Vision 2032’ growth strategy. Key milestones in the past two years include surpassing 300,000 machine deployed globally since its foundation in 1976.

The company has also expanded beyond the automotive and semiconductor sectors into aerospace, space and defence. In addition, DN Solutions has launched the DLX series for PBF additive manufacturing, began construction of a new plant and R&D centre in India, opened a new Tech Centre in Chicago, and acquired German machine tool manufacturer Heller to create a combined entity with revenues of approximately €2bn.

More information www.dn-solutions.com

Tokamak Energy acquires Ridgway Machines

Tokamak Energy, a UK fusion technology company, has accelerated the growth and manufacturing capabilities of its TE Magnetics business with the acquisition of specialist engineering company Ridgway Machines. Leicester-based Ridgway Machines, an expert in solutions for winding and insulating superconducting magnets and cables, will operate as a subsidiary of Tokamak, with the existing brand, workforce and facility remaining unchanged.

Andy Glanville, Ridgway Machines’ managing director, says: “Throughout the company’s 100-year history, Ridgway has always been forward-looking. Our track record means we’re well suited to expansion and this new period of growth. In Tokamak Energy, we’re proud to be joining one of the UK’s most exciting technology businesses, and to play our part in their ambitious and transformative plans.”

More information www.tokamakenergy.com

Amentum to create 3000 UK jobs

Amentum, a global advanced engineering and technology solutions specialist, is set to create 3000 new jobs in the UK over the next four years on the back of growth in nuclear power and defence. Amentum is a lead delivery partner for the UK’s new nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and provides key technical and project solutions for small modular reactors and fusion research.

“We’re stepping up collaboration between our people on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure that we seize opportunities which are tailor-made for our company,” says Mark Whitney, president of Amentum Energy & Environment. “Based on current demand projections, we expect to increase our UK headcount by 50% over the next four years.”

More information www.amentum.com  

New chucks use ER-driven tools for versatile turning

“The best of both worlds” is how German tooling manufacturer GEWEFA describes its M96 and M96+ hydraulic chucks, which fit into any ER-driven tool quickly and effectively for conversion into a high-precision hydraulic holder. Availability in the UK and Ireland is through subsidiary company GEWEFA UK, which offers the products from stock in Germany.

Avoiding the limited clamping force, runout issues and lengthy tool change times associated with mechanical ER holders, the versatile M96/M96+ products give the machinist all the benefits of hydraulic clamping. These include higher and more consistent all-round gripping force, effective vibration damping, extended tool life, higher accuracy and improved surface finish on machined components. GEWEFA says all this is available at a much reduced cost compared with standard hydraulic chucks.

In addition, because the chucks simply mount in the output shaft of the ER driven tool and twist to seal, users can enjoy quicker and easier tool changes, saving time and increasing productivity.

The M96 is suitable for driven tools with an internal thread, while the M96+ is for driven tools with an external thread and is secured to the live tool with a locknut. GEWEFA’s new hydraulic chucks are available for sizes ER16, 20, 25, 32 or 40 (currently only the M96), accommodating tool diameters from 5 to 25 mm.

More information www.gewefa.co.uk

HBK Tech Days 2025

HBK is launching its durability and reliability Technology Days 2025. A fully virtual and free-to-attend event taking place across three dates in November, this interactive series once again brings together engineers and industry leaders to explore the latest advancements in fatigue crack growth, fatigue at elevated temperature, fatigue test data management and reliability modelling. Taking place on 4, 11 and 18 November, HBK Technology Days 2025 will feature six in-depth sessions lasting around 90 minutes each. The sessions have been built to provide engineers with practical tools they can apply directly to their work.

More information www.bit.ly/46fdrEQ