Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the first quarter of 2022 were 44% up on the same period last year. Indeed, orders were only 8% below the record figures posted in 2018. In contrast, supply bottlenecks are the reason why production continues to lag far behind orders. During the first quarter, production rose by a disproportionately low 6%. In response, the VDW has lowered its production forecast for the current year from 14% to 8% growth. The VDW reports that some new machines are presently ending up in storage, as many of them cannot enter operation because of missing parts.

For further information
www.vdw.de

For several years now, 5G has promised to improve production by enabling the monitoring of process flows or, for example, the control of mobile robots in real time. There are numerous companies with an interest in 5G, but many lack the know-how and resources to take the first steps. The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen has therefore designed a ‘5G Portfolio’, an offering that supports companies on their journey to 5G production, created with Ericsson’s Private 5G network solution.

The 5G portfolio ranges from evaluation and testing of various use cases, to in-house network planning and installation. Companies also can test a mobile 5G test system on their own shop floors. The system is particularly attractive to small and medium-sized companies, where the initial costs represent a hurdle and it is necessary to first prove the added value of 5G.

For further information www.ipt.fraunhofer.de

The UK has the potential to be the leading AI powerhouse in Europe, with huge opportunities to drive technology forward in its manufacturing businesses, delegates attending a high-powered conference at the Manufacturing Technology Centre will be told. The MTC will host the ‘Artificial Intelligence for Manufacturing 2022’ conference on 21 June. This free-to-attend event will bring together industry, academia and research institutions to explore how to take AI and machine learning forward.

Delegates will hear keynote presentations from industry experts, be able to take part in live Q&A panel discussions or join educational workshops and technology demonstrations. Presentation topics this year include the future of artificial intelligence, becoming data ready, AI for industrial applications, maintenance and security, and the benefits of AI for net zero.

For further information
www.the-mtc.org

Doosan Machine Tools has changed its name to DN Solutions, signifying a new start after the merger with DN Automotive, which became its new parent company in January this year. The ‘D’ in DN alludes to the 45 years of trust built by Daewoo and Doosan, the predecessors of DN Solutions, along with DTR Automotive, the predecessor of DN Automotive. ‘N’ represents ‘Now & New’, the will of the DN Group to open new paths by constantly taking on new challenges now rather than being complacent about past achievements. Doosan machine tools are available in the UK exclusively from Mills CNC.

For further information
www.dn-solutions.com

Swiss grinding machine manufacturer Kellenberger, which is part of the US-based Hardinge Group, is to dissolve its three existing sites in eastern Switzerland (St Gallen, Wittenbach and Romanshorn) and combine them at a new production facility. The new headquarters at Goldach, Switzerland is scheduled to be occupied by summer 2023. For the first time, all of the grinding machine brands belonging to the Hardinge Group will be brought together in a single location within an area of around 25,000 sq m. The UK agent for Kellenberger grinders is DF Precision Machinery.

For further information www.dfpmach.com