Comau has successfully released its next-generation programming platform, a protocol that implements the URDI communications standard to simplify robot programming. This initiative facilitates the complete integration of Comau’s robot family with the Siemens Simatic Robot Library, reducing complexity within machine automation. Now, operators in any sector can easily program one or more Comau robots via the Siemens ecosystem currently used for other applications and processes. Working with a major automotive customer, Comau has reduced configuration and programming costs by 30%.

For further information www.comau.com

Having seen record demand for heat pumps as a result of its successful multi-technology strategy, Vaillant is to extend its UK manufacturing facility. Based in Belper, Derbyshire, Vaillant Industrial UK will begin manufacturing heat pumps alongside its range of high-efficiency boilers from 2022. The company believes there must be an urgent increase in support for installers within the industry. Only this way will it be possible to expand the skills base sufficiently to meet the Government’s target of 600,000 heat pumps sold per annum by 2028.

For further information
www.vaillant.co.uk

Bowers Group, which manufactures its bore gauges at a dedicated facility in Bradford, has recently achieved the Made in Britain accreditation. To maintain the quality and accuracy of its bore gauges, the company uses a measurement solution from within its own range of products: a Baty profile projector. As part of the Bowers Group, Baty also manufactures its profile projectors and vision systems in the UK, achieving its own Made in Britain accreditation last year. During the manufacturing process, Bowers Group uses the Baty R400 profile projector and complementary Fusion Software to ensure the accuracy of all parts.

For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

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