In a year when the pandemic has been at the forefront of news and posing severe challenges for component manufacturers, surface finishing specialist Fintek steps into its 40th year of trading on a high note. Land acquisition for expansion, new machine ranges from partner OTEC and AM post-processing machines from RENA Technologies, ensure the company continues its mission to serve the UK market with advanced surface finishing technologies. Founded by Jonathan Dean in July 1981, originally as Finishing Techniques, the company quickly established itself as a UK expert in metal surface finishing.

For further information
www.fintek.co.uk

After Andrew Monkhouse of Carlisle-based Complete Engineering Services (a Ceratizit customer) spent 10 days in Cumberland Infirmary recovering from Covid-19 back in January, he, along with co-managing director Alan Walker and long standing motorcycling friend Denzil Addison decided it was time to put a long-held plan into action and raise money for the infirmary and Blood Bikes Cumbria.

The plan is to ride the entire UK coastline in three legs on a trio of 30 year-old Honda Super Cub 50cc motorcycles. With less than 5 hp, a top speed of 37 mph (flat out with a tail wind), the machines can achieve around 100 mpg from the 1.1 gallon fuel tank. The trio are covering their own fuel and accommodation costs, meaning any sponsorship raised from individuals and companies will go directly to the infirmary and Blood Bikes Cumbria. Ceratizit UK & Ireland sponsorship brings added incentive as it will donate £1 per mile on a daily basis to keep the total ticking over.

Make a donation at
https://is.gd/tevusa

A UK manufacturing collective is setting its sights on a £10m sales boost after seven of its nine members reported being back to or above pre-Covid levels. The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), which works together to win new contracts and share best practice, has secured a string of contracts across automotive, electronics, medical and renewables following the easing of lockdown. According to MAN, the development will lead to the creation of around 40 new jobs, with plans in place to invest £2.5m on 3D printing capability, robotics and high-speed presses.

For further information
www.man-group.co.uk

Manufacturers that network their machines and systems are at risk from security vulnerabilities and attacks on their IT infrastructure. This was determined by the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in the course of scientific investigations for the white paper ‘Cybersecurity in Networked Production’, which has now been published in English. The Aachen-based scientists now want to further develop the cross-industry ‘Production Security Readiness Check’ in an AiF-funded research project together with SMEs.

Download the free report at https://is.gd/icanel

Researchers at the National Robotarium, hosted by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, have secured £586,000 to develop 3D laser beams with changeable shapes. The innovation is set to transform the manufacturing industry, making it easier and cheaper to produce products that require highly precise manufacturing, such as medical equipment and mobile devices. Funding from the EPSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation, will support the R&D of the lasers for industrial applications, accelerating the commercialisation of the technology for the benefit of businesses and the wider UK economy.

For further information https://is.gd/ajavub