According to new research, creating a greener aerospace sector is key to the industry bouncing back from COVID-19.

The second part of Protolabs’ Horizon Shift report, which involved aerospace business leaders from across Europe, reveals that more than three quarters of firms (77%) expect environmental credibility to become a key differentiator moving forward, while 72% indicate that new materials will be the driving force in lowering emissions and making air travel cleaner.

In addition, 65% believe investment in innovation that reduces emissions should continue despite the pandemic, with 42% now transforming their supply chains as part of the drive to cut down CO2 output. The latest survey, which was conducted as a follow-up to an initial report of 325 executives taken in February and March, presents a unique insight into the sector, particularly with regard to what has changed as a result of the pandemic.

For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

Leading companies representing some of the biggest brand names in UK and European manufacturing will come together for a major conference next month which aims to celebrate and reflect upon the contribution of the sector throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The inaugural Festival of Manufacturing Excellence (FOME 2020) will take place virtually over two-days on 7-8 October and is open to attendees from across the world. It is being curated and delivered by The Manufacturing Institute (TMI), a UK-based support body that delivers specialist training, leadership development and on-site consultancy.

For further information www.festivalofmanufacturingexcellence.co.uk

The Government is investing £147m in the Manufacturing Made Smarter challenge with the aim of transforming UK manufacturing capabilities through the development and adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs).

This investment will raise productivity by 30%, accelerate the drive to net zero emissions and create thousands of highly skilled jobs. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Innovate UK, the Government’s innovation agency, has already awarded the challenge its first investment package of £20m to 14 projects in round 1.

For further information www.ukri.org

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC), a new advanced manufacturing venture by KW Special Projects, has appointed Nigel Robinson as COO to deliver the establishment and growth of this stand-alone additive manufacturing (AM) production facility.

With extensive engineering, operations, quality and management knowledge, as well as a focus on next-generation AM technologies, Robinson is a key hire within the leadership team and will be working directly with DMC CEO, Kieron Salter.

Robinson will be focused on the launch and growth of the DMC from an innovation viewpoint, ensuring the latest technologies are represented, as well as building a team around key staff members and developing the client portfolio. With a background in mechanical engineering and AM, his recent experience includes working as CEO at one of the largest AM production sites in the UK.
For further information

www.digitalmanufacturingcentre.com

CGTech, the developer of Vericut CNC simulation, verification and optimisation software, is offering new financing options to help manufacturers get back up and running during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The WorkSmart finance scheme allows businesses to install Vericut for an affordable monthly cost. Vericut simulates all types of CNC machining and operates independently, but can also be integrated with all leading CAM systems.
The software eliminates manual prove-outs, ensures machining is collision-free, and increases machine capacity.

For further information info.uk@cgtech.com