Comprising four stands across MACH 2020 (Birmingham NEC, 20-24 April) the HVM Catapult trail will demonstrate how companies can harness key Industry 4.0 technologies to improve their bottom line.

All seven of the HVM Catapult’s centres of innovation will be on display along the trail, with special features on the future of machining, additive manufacturing, digitalisation and automation. Dick Elsy, chief executive of the HVM Catapult, says: “Our team of specialists will be on hand across the HVM Catapult trail to help visitors achieve a step-change in company performance.”
For further information www.machexhibition.com

A new partnership has been forged between Verus Metrology and Apex Metrology that will see the latter supply Verus’ bespoke metrology fixtures, along with its modular metrology fixture kit – V-FIX – for non-bespoke workpiece clamping solutions.

The venture also sees Apex become the latest member to join Verus’ Approved Partners Programme.
For further information www.verusmetrology.com www.apexmetrology.com

On 17 March, TaeguTec will be bringing its ‘Emerald’ branding to the ICC in Birmingham, marking the UK launch of the SFeedTec series of cutting tools for drilling, milling, turning, grooving and parting-off.

SFeedTec is said to offer speed and feed technology that marks a quantum leap in innovation. The event that will be hosted by IMC Group president Jacob Harpaz, who will highlight the technical features and application benefits of no fewer than 30 new product lines.
With ever-higher productivity levels expected by industry, SFeedTec is said to break the realms of convention with radical new tool designs, insert geometries and never-before-seen insert grades. At the heart of the new SFeedTec brand is a focus on increasing the speed and feed rates of cutting tools to maximise productivity, reduce cycle times and extend tool life.
For further information sfeedtecseminar@taegutec.co.uk

Organisations developing cutting-edge technology focused on making rail journeys faster, cleaner and greener could receive a share of £9.4m to bring their ideas to life.

The Department for Transport is working with Innovate UK to launch the First of a Kind 2020 competition to accelerate innovation in rail. Now in its fourth year, the competition will help transform rail travel for passengers and decarbonise the network. Last year saw 124 innovators apply for a share of £7.8m, with 24 projects receiving funding of between £250,000 and £350,000. Entries for this year will be accepted through to 11 March.
For further information https://is.gd/zeveba

Ward Hi-Tech has completed the installation of a HNK HB-130X horizontal borer at a major rail infrastructure manufacturer in the north of England.

The Korean-built machine, which has an X axis of 3 m, a Y axis of 2.3 m, a Z axis of 1.3 m and a 700 mm W axis, can accommodate large parts weighing up to 20 tonnes on its 2000 x 2200 mm table.
The installation and commissioning phase of the project was just short of one month, with two HNK factory technicians working alongside the team of specialists from Ward Hi-Tech. According to Ward Hi-Tech, the customer is very pleased with the machine, which is now in full production.
For further information www.wardhitech.co.uk