UK NEWS

Filtration in demand for AM post-processing

As demand for additive manufacturing processes continues to grow, BOFA’s filtration technology is now in demand to support the post-processing environment. Post-processing in the world of 3D printing is an important step in the production chain and is vital to transforming the commercial potential of additive manufacturing into high-quality finished products.

Luke Ziolkowski, international business development manager at BOFA International,says: “Post-processing is a catch-all term and means different things to different manufacturers, but the ultimate aim is the same: to create a product ready for market. This typically includes curing, polishing, deburring, mechanical cleaning or air blasting, all of which emit particles or gases that require BOFA filtration to help maintain a healthy working environment and contribute to a high-quality end product.”

BOFA is responding to demand with a number of 3D-print filtration systems that are suitable for post-processing environments. These include the FumeCAB enclosure technology which is suited to stereolithography systems,extractingoff-gassing from the print. FumeCAB can also help with off-gassing from washing stations and contribute to filtration for most other post-processing applications.

BOFA’s 3D PrintPRO 4 has recently been enhanced to support fused deposition modelling, stereolithography, digital light processing and material jetting. PrintPRO 4 can manage multi-unit operations thanks to a high-capacity filtration system, while delivering optimal temperature control. Effective airflow management contributes to an odourless workplace environment.

Finally, AD Oracle iQ is a fume extraction system for laser marking, coding engraving and AM laser sintering applications. The iQ2 intelligent operating system offers extended on-board data logs and real-time system condition visualisation. iQ2 also supports a colour touchscreen user interface, smart alarm configuration and system upgrades.
For further information www.bofainternational.com

Renishaw and British Cycling renew partnership

After their work developing a highly successful track bike for the Tokyo Olympics, Renishaw and the Great Britain Cycling Team have extended their partnership. As an official supplier to the team, Renishaw will use its expertise in additive manufacturing to create lightweight, complex parts for an upgraded track bike design, which aims to reduce drag and improve overall speeds for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Stephen Park, performance director for British Cycling, says: “We have a fantastic relationship with the team at Renishaw. They’ve been integral in helping create what we believe is the fastest track cycling bike in the world and one which we are now refining towards Paris. The partnership allows us to create world-leading parts, so we can optimise our bike for each individual rider, which is unlike anything we’ve been able to do in the past.”
For further information www.renishaw.com/am

Become a tool process engineer

The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre has become the first provider of its kind to deliver a degree apprenticeship for the level six tool process design engineer standard, developed to meet the direct needs of the members of the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM). The new apprenticeship, which sees a BEng in Manufacturing Technology delivered as part of the offer, is the result of collaboration between the AMRC Training Centre and the CBM, addressing the skills requirements for toolmakers, which are in extremely short supply.
For further information www.bit.ly/3ZB3JWR

Morgan Rushworth release XPH hybrid press brake

The new Morgan Rushworth XPH Hybrid press brake features fast, accurate and responsive bending with much lower energy consumption and less hydraulic oil than a traditional hydraulic press brake. Anovel electro-hydraulic servo-drive system replaces the standard hydraulic system and reduces power consumption by around 60% while the machine is idling and 45% during the bending cycle.

Notably,HAWE Hydraulik SE in Germany produces the hybrid electro-hydraulic system with independent units fitted to each of the left and right cylinders. The system delivers around 30% faster approach and return speeds than a standard hydraulic machine, reaching speeds of up to 200 mm/s.

Technology of this type is gaining interest as organisations seek to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy costs. The self-contained electro-hydraulic system requires significantly less oil than a traditional hydraulic press brake, greatly reducing waste oil from future servicing. Much lower energy usage can result in real cost savings in the current climate. Furthermore,the machines are a lot quieter to use as there is not a hydraulic pump running continuously.

Morgan Rushworth hybrid press brakes are fitted with the advanced but user-friendly ESA VIS-875W CNC touchscreen control. Users easily and intuitively enter the required profile by tapping on the touchscreen, quickly creating the bending program. The CNC control is mounted on a height-adjustable arm for ease of use.

The company regularly featuresthe XPR Hybrid press brake atits dealer showrooms throughout the UK.
For further information www.morganrushworth.com

MTC to host National Manufacturing Summit

The third annual National Manufacturing Summit will focus on digital manufacturing and how to accelerate a digital revolution to transform the UK economy. Hosted in Coventry by the Manufacturing Technology Centre on 29-30 March, the hybrid event sponsored by Lloyds Bank will feature live, face-to-face presentations and discussions, as well as an interactive virtual audience.

Professor Chris White, director of the Industrial Policy Research Centre (IPRC) at Loughborough University, formed in collaboration with the MTC, says: “The agenda will be broad, engaging and interactive, covering a wide range of manufacturing issues. However, the over-arching theme will be the acceleration of digital manufacturing and the drive for productivity through digitalisation and automation.”
For further information www.nmsummit.co.uk