A machine rental scheme has been introduced by Starrag UK for its Bumotec range of multi-axis mill-turn and machining centres.

The scheme will provide potential users with a cost-effective way to capitalise on the benefits of multi-tasking, single set-up machining. Included are the s191 and s181 Bumotec models, which are suitable for users in the medical, watchmaking and jewellery sectors, for instance. In one customer case example, the five-axis s181 mill-turn machine produced a complete surgical hook from 25 mm titanium bar in under 14 minutes, compared with 20 minutes using conventional single-station machining.
For further information www.starrag.com

Gardner Aerospace has acquired FDM Digital Solutions Ltd. Formed in 2012 by Graeme Bond, Burnley-based FDM is at the forefront of 3D printing and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading polymer additive layer manufacturers.

DM’s business model of customer collaboration and innovative design solutions, aligned with extensive manufacturing capability, has proven to be successful in the automotive, medical, motorsport and aerospace industries. Going forward, the business will become part of the Gardner Technology Centre.
For further information www.fdmdigitalsolutions.co.uk

Jota Advanced Engineering, the subcontract precision engineering division of the Jota Group, has found that investment in a PSL Datatrack Status Board display system has brought a new dimension to its business by providing visual real-time information on its key production functions.

The benefits to Jota from investment in the Status Boards have been immense, ensuring any urgent actions for either the shop floor or company management are not missed. As information is dynamically kept up-to-date,
any instructions relating to specific customer jobs can be generated immediately.
For further information www.psldatatrack.com

Marcus Burton has been awarded an MBE for services to export and inward investment in the New Year Honours list.

Burton, who serves as non-executive director for Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd, which has its European headquarters and manufacturing plant in Worcester, was previously European group managing director for seven years from 2010 to 2017. He is also president of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) and chairman of the Economic Committee at CECIMO, the European association representing the common interests of the machine-tool industry.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Kent-based AD Engineering has invested in an ‘eco’ building that has the ability to power its state-of-the-art machinery after securing a five-figure funding injection from NatWest and Lombard Asset Finance.

The firm, which specialises in precision multi-axis CNC machining for the subsea, aerospace, space and transport sectors, has used the £445,750 funding package to purchase the A+ rated ‘green’ unit at Eurolinks Business Park in Sittingbourne.
Investment from NatWest will support activities for a key client account in the aerospace industry, which will deliver a 20% increase in output for the firm and support the creation of two new apprenticeships. The funding has also enabled the purchase of new Muratec MT100i-T2 twin-spindle turning machines.
For further information www.business.natwest.com