UK NEWS

Portable measuring arms for rigorous inspection

A new range of portable six-axis and seven-axis measuring arms is now available from LK Metrology, replacing the 34 original versions it introduced in 2021. Unlike their predecessors, six-axis Freedom Arm v2 products offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable, 3D tactile inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments.

Available also is a new range of 21 stainless steel-tipped probes with a stainless steel or carbon fibre body, as well as updated RDS software v6.2 running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. For full IP54 protection of an arm, the probes have a rubber seal around the mounting interface while protective caps cover the arm ODU connectors. Additionally, a CP-W control pack features Wi-Fi connectivity and uses batteriesrather than mains power. An operator alert is among additions to the RDS software, warning the user if an arm does not have full IP54 protection.

The new seven-axis Freedom Arm v2 is not IP54 rated but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe, thus makingit capable of multi-sensor data capture. A new OLED touchscreen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, enabling users to change settings, view messages and check results. It raises inspection productivity by avoiding the need to go back and forth between the arm and computer. Also new is a CP-B battery pack with Ethernet connection for probe and laser scanner use in environments where Wi-Fi is not permissible. The CP-B comes with two rechargeable batteries featuring hot-swap capability for unlimited continuous use on battery power.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

£10m HIP Centre

With a £10m investment, Wallwork Group is establishing a state-of-the-art Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) centre at its Bury site in Lancashire. Housed in a newly prepared 2500 sq m facility, the company expects its HIP to be fully operational in September 2023. “As the UK’s premier independent heat treatment, vacuum brazing and advanced ultra-hard coatings company, this is a significant expansion of Wallwork’s thermal processing services and is part of a commitment to invest £20m over the next five years,” says director, Simeon Collins. “It cements our position as the UK one-stop shop for component manufacturers.”
For further information www.wallworkht.co.uk

New Airbus hub for next-generation wings

Airbus is investing further in its UK innovation capabilities with the opening of a new Wing Technology Development Centre (WTDC) at its Filton site that will build and test demonstrators for a range of programmes and research projects. Alongside engine optimisation, making wings longer, leaner and lighter is one of the biggest opportunities to improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 and ultimately work towards the aviation industry’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Airbus head of Filton site and Wing of Tomorrow Programme Sue Partridge says: “The new WTDC will help us to ground our research in practicality. A key element of how we deliver technology for next-generation wings is through Wing of Tomorrow [WoT], our largest research and technology programme led by the UK team.” The WoT programme allows Airbus to explore new manufacturing and assembly technologies so future generations can continue to benefit from flying.
For further information www.airbus.com

Mazak hosts Primary STEM Challenge Final

Yamazaki Mazak hosted over 80 primary school students from across Worcestershire as they showcased their skills and ideas in the 2023 Primary STEM Challenge Final. While the judges deliberated, all the students who took part in the final had a guided tour of Mazak’s European Technology Centre, which also included the opportunity to help program some of Mazak’s latest machine tools. Teams from Nunnery Wood Primary School and Eldersfield Lawn CofE Primary School were eventually crowned winners.

Max Jones, people development manager at Yamazaki Mazak UK, says: “Fostering the next generation of engineering talent is central to the Mazak philosophy. While we have multiple entry points for school and university leavers, as well as experienced engineers and career-changers alike, activities such as the Primary STEM Challenge are a brilliant way of enlightening young minds to the rewarding opportunities a career in engineering can deliver.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

4D printing breakthrough

Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have created personalised 4D-printed ‘smart’ implants for breast cancer management, representing the first application of the technology for this application. The multipurpose new implants are programmable, changing size to better fit within the breast cavity and deliver body personalisation. The result is improved aesthetics and confidence for those who have, or have had, breast cancer. Notably, the implants also have the ability to release chemotherapy drugs. The chemotherapeutic molecule protects patients from the return of cancer cells in the area.
For further information www.qub.ac.uk