Industrial air-cleaning specialist Filtermist Systems has launched its Atlas service programme, which aims to make it as hassle-free as possible for UK manufacturers to ensure their employees are breathing clean, safe air.

From as little as 26p per employee per day, Filtermist can provide a bespoke service that includes routine and reactive maintenance, and thorough examination and testing (TExT) for local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. As a result, employers can be confident they are protecting their workforce from hazardous airborne contaminants, and operating in compliance with relevant HSE regulations.
For further information www.filtermist.co.uk

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