The manufacture of ventilator parts is driving demand for sliding-head lathes from Citizen Machinery.

For example, an existing customer in the West Country got in touch to say that a medical equipment OEM was requesting a fourfold increase in capacity to produce critical ventilator components. The subcontractor ordered two Cincom machines for urgent delivery. The first, a 32 mm capacity L32-XLFV, was installed two days later on 19 March. Citizen’s engineers worked around the clock to commission the machine so it could start making the ventilator parts. The second machine, a 20 mm bar capacity Cincom L20-VIIILFV, was installed on 27 March.
By then, in the space of a fortnight, Citizen had received further orders from another four customers for five more machines to be delivered at short notice for ventilator parts manufacture, and there is no sign of demand slowing.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

A consortium of significant UK industrial, technology and engineering businesses from across the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors, has come together
to produce medical ventilators for the UK.

The VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium is led by Dick Elsy, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Over the past two weeks the consortium has been working hard to investigate the production of a range of ventilator design options to meet a high-level specification for a rapidly manufactured ventilator system developed by clinicians and the MHRA.
For further information www.ventilatorchallengeuk.com

A digital manufacturer of prototypes and low-volume production parts is using its 3D printing, CNC machining and injection moulding expertise to support the frontline fight against COVID-19. Protolabs, which employs over 450 people at its European headquarters in Telford, has played a key role in supporting Italian engineers in the conversion of ‘Easybreath’ snorkelling equipment into ventilator masks.

The 3D-printed ‘Charlotte’ valves are being rapidly produced and shipped direct to its customer Isinnova, which is producing kits that can be used to create a non-invasive ventilator mask that will help save lives. The company is also urgently working with a multiplexed molecular diagnostics specialist to produce a series of plastic cassettes that will help house a critical medical solution used in testing for COVID-19.
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

A major training provider has developed a new way of making sure apprentices are able to continue their learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In-Comm Training, which operates three technical academies in Aldridge, Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury, will be delivering all courses via a virtual platform, ensuring its 750 learners still have access to industry-experienced trainers and assessors when they need them most. The ambition is to make it ‘business as usual’ where the firm can, with individuals able to complete tasks online using Google Classrooms or Microsoft Teams.
For further information https://in-comm.co.uk/

Composites and advanced materials precision slitting company, Bindatex, is supporting the national call for more ventilators.

The company, which is based in Bolton, has reconfigured its production to begin the manufacture of die-cutting discs for ventilator filters. At present, Bindatex is working with its customers, producing the parts, but is also able to support other manufacturers by providing the filters. The company has also brought in emergency plans for the company, in order to maintain high levels of health and safety for employees during the pandemic.
For further information https://bindatex.com/