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

Close Brothers Asset Finance has appointed machine broker specialist Neil Ainge as its regional manager of the finance for industry team, part of the manufacturing division.

His recruitment is part of the firm’s continued strategy of strengthening sales teams with sector specialists. Ainge has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, with the past 12 years spent at an asset finance and insurance brokerage, where he specialised in the sale of machine tools. He says: “I’ll be offering customers a guided approach to ensure they purchase an asset that is a sound investment and works for their business.”
For further information www.closeassetfinance.co.uk

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has launched the 2020 edition of the Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) challenge.

This flagship competition for schools, which has been running for 17 years, will return this year with a twist. Due to coronavirus, a new format for TDI 2020 is being launched online. Students will enter by submitting a 2-minute video setting out why and how the innovation will benefit its users. Once the video is completed, all the student must do is share it on social media using the hashtag #tdichallenge2020.
For further information www.thetdichallenge.co.uk

When Huntingdon-based Cutting Edge Precision Engineering was asked to produce large quantities of components to support ventilator and respiratory systems for one existing and one new customer, it was faced with the challenge of sourcing tooling.

To meet that demand it turned to Ceratizit UK & Ireland, which could guarantee the delivery, technical support and pricing to make the job work. On this project alone Cutting Edge Precision committed five vertical machining centres, all of which required a range of Ceratizit cutting tools, including end mills, drills, forming taps, thread mills and drill-reamers for holes down to 5.02 mm diameter. A selection of work-holding solutions was also supplied.
For further information www.ceratizit.com

Online retailer Zoro supplies businesses across all industries with tools and equipment from a range of more than 310,000 products.

Over recent weeks the company has seen a huge surge in demand, with Zoro staff working non-stop to keep UK industry moving. However, although the company is working at full capacity to fulfil orders, customers are being advised to expect a slightly longer delivery time due to the unprecedented demand.
Chris Matenaers, marketing director at Zoro says: “Compared with the same period last year we’ve seen demand across some products more than double. Our teams are working longer than usual hours to get much-needed supplies out of the door, keeping UK industry workforces safe.”
For further information www.zoro.co.uk