The University of Strathclyde and Babcock International Group have been awarded a prestigious national research accolade to develop a ground-breaking technology application. Babcock is the industry lead for the project, which will focus on real-time ultrasonic weld inspection and underpin a wider industrial academic partnership announced last year to deliver innovation through world-class projects. The University of Strathclyde will work with Babcock on sensor-driven, automated welding using ultrasonic imaging to improve the integrity of joints.

For further information
www.strath.ac.uk

A global supplier of ultrasonic measurement products to the medical and academic sectors has brought a new product to market thanks to 3D printing and materials experts at the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre. Precision Acoustics came to the MTC for help when it was looking to launch a new anechoic test tank liner for measuring ultrasonic signals at frequencies below 1 MHz. The surface structure of the tank liners is critical, so an SME team from MTC Manufacturing Support Services worked with Precision Acoustics to come up with an appropriate material to use for the 3D printing of the moulded former.

For further information www.the-mtc.org

Shropshire 3D has installed 3D printing and STEM products into its 275th school, enabling thousands of school children in England and Northern Ireland to learn about additive manufacturing. The students gain an understanding of engineering, CAD and measurement, and how to adapt essential skills to every area of manufacturing. Shropshire 3D launched in 2014 with education being a specific focus, choosing to work the MakerBot 3D printer range. According to the company, these printers benefit a range of STEM subjects, offering schools a means of empowering today’s students to become the innovators of tomorrow.

For further information
www.bit.ly/3NIJuBM

Alloy Wire International (AWI) has set its sights on future growth after commencing work on a new warehouse in the Black Country. The UK manufacturer of round, flat and profile wire is spending over £500,000 on the construction of a dedicated 2880 sq ft space alongside its existing Brierley Hill factory. The investment includes the doubling of electrical capacity with an application submitted to increase input by allowing for the installation of more machines and a new furnace. AWI will be able to hold up to 400 tonnes of stock when the expansion is complete
in June.

For further information
www.alloywire.com

Dugard (Hall 20, Stand 640) is showcasing a raft of new machines, including two five-axis models: the Kitamura MedCenter5AX for fast precise machining and the simultaneous Dugard GTX-620.

According to Dugard, the Kitamura MedCenter5AX five-axis vertical machining centre is an extremely compact and versatile machine. With X, Y and Z-axis travel of 254 x 330 x 330 mm over a 170 mm diameter table, the machine incorporates a 30 to 30,000 rpm spindle with an HSK-E40 spindle taper connected to a 40-tool ATC that can change tools in just 1.5 seconds.
Dugard’s new GTX-620 simultaneous five-axis machining centre offers 620 x 520 x 460 mm in X, Y and Z respectively, and the capacity to accept workpieces up to 700 mm diameter on the table. Available with a FANUC or Siemens 840D CNC, the GTX-620 provides spindle power up to 22 kW, a BT40 spindle taper and a 12,000 rpm spindle motor. The B-axis tilts from -50 to +110°, with the C axis capable of rotating a full 360°.

For further information www.dugard.com