UK NEWS

Software helps GT Grinding stay ahead

GT Grinding’s continual quest to meet a growing order book, and to improve service delivery levels in the manufacture of special-purpose tooling, as well as tool regrinds for customers across the UK, has led the tooling specialist to invest in a Walter Helitronic Power tool grinder.

Supplied by Walter Ewag UK, the machine is capable of processing rotary tools from 3 to 320 mm diameters, and up to 350 mm long. Complementing three other Helitronic machines at the company’s Oldham site, the new Power is equipped with an Eco Loader and wheelchanger, as well as the latest version of Walter’s Tool Studio programming software, to ensure that GT Grinding “stays ahead in the design, modification and grinding of rotary tooling”, according to works manager Andy Cooper.
He adds: “This latest machine will undoubtedly also help us to make further inroads into our manufacturing and regrinding operation, especially of routers for the woodworking and plastics industries. The Tool Studio software will play a key role, too.”
With integrated wizard technology for ease of use, Tool Studio 3 includes a host of new routines for ‘what you see you can grind’ tool production simulation, parameter changes and operation for Helitronic Power users. The software is combined with the benefits of automatic non-stop production via the Eco Loader – which is located on the machine work table and can accommodate 20 tools as standard – and up to 165 tools in the Eco Loader Plus configuration. In GT Grinding’s case, this includes the machining of solid-carbide and HSS tools such as special form cutters and slitters, as well as ‘conventional’ drills, milling cutters and reamers.
For further information www.walter-machines.com

Orbital reaches 30

Since its inception in 1988, Orbital Fabrications has been offering specialised orbital welding and advanced fabrication to a variety of clients within sectors such as aerospace.

Now employing 55 staff, Orbital Fabrications aims to maintain future sustainable growth and expansion, and has recently invested £120,000 in expanding its facility by adding 3500 sq ft. Another recent investment of £95,000 has been made in a computer controlled welding system that permits wire feed and lathe welding. Also, a new apprenticeship scheme is currently underway with two apprentices in situ and more planned for the future.
For further information www.orbitalfabrications.co.uk

IET launches exhibition in London

A thought-provoking exhibition is launching at IET London: Savoy Place, which will celebrate and showcase women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The new exhibit in the Mountbatten Exhibition room will be showcasing current winners and finalists of the IET’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year (YWE) Awards. Guests and delegates can also see what initiatives the IET is working on, including its recent #SmashStereotypesToBits campaign, the Portrait
of an Engineer photography series and its work to highlight the career paths and achievements these women have accomplished.
For further information www.savoyplace.london

Software training proves popular

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence says that its latest roadshow events are proving to be a runaway success.

The measurement solutions provider has seen a big increase in the number of delegates attending its annual PC-DMIS software training seminars following this year’s decision to expand the number of locations. Holders of Hexagon’s SMA contracts have flocked to venues in Bristol, Silverstone, Telford and Sunderland, not only to learn more about product enhancements, but to sign up for new services such as Hexagon’s online e-learning portal. The final events will be held at Queen’s University, Belfast, on 30 October, and Limerick Institute of Technology on 1 November.
For further information www.hexagonmi.com

Workplace exposure limits tightened

With the recent introduction of new and revised workplace exposure limits (WELs) for 31 chemical substances published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Bureau Veritas is urging employers to carefully consider with how these changes may impact their organisation and employees.

The latest version of EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits guidance1 by the HSE incorporates updated recommendations introduced last year by EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work) in its fourth Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (IOELV) Directive2. This guidance has been designed to inform those responsible for controlling exposure to hazardous substances at work, to ensure organisations are compliant with the COSHH Regulations 2002 and are providing a safe workplace environment for employees.
For further information www.bureauveritas.co.uk