Unicut Precision, a subcontractor based in Welwyn Garden City, has now repurposed 75% of its capacity to the manufacture of medical components for the Government’s Ventilator Challenge UK.

The company operates 22 Cincom sliding-head lathes and eight Miyano fixed-head turning centres from one supplier, Citizen Machinery UK. The workload has now reached 780,000 components across 31 varieties, which Unicut is currently producing 24/7. More than 80% of this work is being produced on the Citizen-supplied machines. Social distancing on the shop floor and in the offices is said to be working well.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Maintaining supply to critical utilities customers and helping protect vital IT cabling for the NHS has kept the UK’s oldest hot-dip galvaniser open for business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Corbetts the Galvanizer has used its 160 years of experience to pivot some of its operations to provide galvanising services for covers at sewage treatment plants, and for cable trays and ladder racking used at the NHS Nightingale Hospitals in Birmingham and Manchester.
The company, which has kept more than 50% of its workforce operational, is now planning to ramp up volumes in line with government guidance on social distancing. This move will allow Corbetts to increase activity within its other customer markets, which include leisure, automotive and trailer manufacturing.
For further information https://wcorbett.co.uk

Coventry-based steering systems specialist Pailton Engineering has invested in a Haas VF-2SS machining centre to boost its production and design capabilities.

The latest purchase is part of the business’s long-term modernisation strategy, to improve manufacturing flexibility for its made-to-order steering parts. Chosen specifically for its wide range of tooling and automation capabilities, the machine combines multiple processes into one unit.
For further information www.pailton.com

Industrial air-cleaning specialist Filtermist Systems has launched its Atlas service programme, which aims to make it as hassle-free as possible for UK manufacturers to ensure their employees are breathing clean, safe air.

From as little as 26p per employee per day, Filtermist can provide a bespoke service that includes routine and reactive maintenance, and thorough examination and testing (TExT) for local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. As a result, employers can be confident they are protecting their workforce from hazardous airborne contaminants, and operating in compliance with relevant HSE regulations.
For further information www.filtermist.co.uk

Ajax Machine Tools has introduced a range of CNC machines called the Atom and Proton. The Atom, being very small, is Ajax’s new mini CNC lathe.

Included among the machine’s features are a Siemens 808D control, a 100 mm diameter three-jaw chuck, an automatic four-way tool post that takes 10 mm tooling, and a tailstock with a 3 MT spindle. Atom machines are supplied on wheels and will plug into a domestic 13 A socket.
The Ajax Proton, which is also very small, is the mini milling version of the Atom. Again featuring a Siemens 808D control driving three axes, the Proton can mill, drill and tap, and also comes on wheels with the capability to plug into a 13 A socket. The machines are designed for use in home, garage, workshop, machine shop or classroom environments. Online training is available, while a PC version of the control is being offered for free.
For further information www.ajax-mach.co.uk