NTG invests in third Aberlink CMM

The mainstay of quality and inspection at Gateshead-based NTG Precision is its collection of Aberlink CMMs. Indeed, the requirement for the company’s inspection department to keep pace with increasing levels of production recently prompted the purchase of NTG’s third Aberlink CMM.

“Just as we pursue a policy of remaining loyal to suppliers who deliver premium-quality machine tools and first-class levels of service, we have remained loyal to Aberlink for the same reasons,” states NTG’s operations manager Mark Withycombe. “As well as accuracy, speed and ease-of-use, we have been very impressed with the machines’ reliability and the excellent levels of service the company provides.
“Although we were very happy with our previous two Aberlink CMMs, as other manufacturers’ machines may have improved, we looked at a couple of alternative CMMs,” he adds. “Satisfied that Aberlink’s Axiom Too best suited our needs, we were happy to remain loyal to the brand and place another order.”
Now installed and fully operational, just like NTG’s existing Aberlink CMMs, the new machine is able to get through large volumes of component measurement routines, and has removed the potential for delays in the inspection department.
“Given the nature of many of the industries we serve, such as oil and gas, subsea, power generation and automotive, the ability to offer the highest standard of component inspection is a prerequisite for gaining contracts. In addition to providing the required accuracy and speed, it helps that our three Aberlink CMMs are able to automatically generate the detailed inspection reports demanded by our customers.”
For further information www.aberlink.com

New face at MTC

The MTC has appointed Vicki Sanderson as HR director, who is looking to use her role to inspire more women into the engineering profession.

Sanderson officially started the role – a newly-created position with a seat on the MTC board – on 8 January, having held similar positions at Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, and Domino Printing Sciences. “I hope that in my role I can play an active part in bringing more female engineers to the MTC,” she says. “I’ll also be looking at ways to outreach, increase diversity and promote STEM, which I am passionate about.”
For further information www.the-mtc.org

AML buys ICS

ICS Robotics and Automation, a UK robotic welding and automation specialist, has been acquired by global robotic automation company AWL Group.

The management team at ICS says that the company will continue to operate as an independent entity under its own name, but with customers benefitting from advanced joining and laser-welding technologies, and the global supply network that AWL offers. ICS has been providing robotic welding and automation solutions throughout the UK and Ireland since 1989, supporting industries such as automotive, yellow goods, medical and general manufacturing.
For further information www.ics-robotics.co.uk

Virtual machining workshop at AMRC

The AMRC, along with the Twin-Control Consortium, is staging a virtual machining and optimisation workshop on 1 March at its Knowledge Transfer Centre near Rotherham.

The aims of the event are: to share recent developments on virtual machining and optimisation; discuss how industry is currently using it and where the gaps are; and demonstrate the latest developments on a machine tool at the Factory of the Future workshop. Keynote speakers will share their experiences of virtual machining technology for process optimisation. The event will also include a social lunch for discussion and networking.
To register email g.cigala@amrc.co.uk

Landmark year of anniversaries

Bristol-based Vigilance Group, the specialist engineering holding company that incorporates under its corporate banner – Machine Tool Sales Online, Mach Machine Tools and Vigilance Engineering Safety Products – celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017.

As well as being a landmark year for the group, 2017 also marked a significant milestone for managing director, Dave Andrew (pictured), who celebrated 30 years in the machine-tool industry last November.
Despite such a long and illustrious past, the Vigilance Group and its founder have their sights very much focused on the future, and have implemented a number of plans and initiatives designed to ensure the group’s long-term growth and prosperity. These include the recent launch of two new websites for two of the companies under the Vigilance Group umbrella – Machine Tool Sales Online and Mach Machine Tools – and, from spring 2018, a significant expansion in the type and range of machines offered by Mach Machine Tools.
For further information www.machmt.co.uk