UK-based Formula 1 teams, together with engine manufacturers and their respective technology arms, are evaluating support for the manufacture of respiratory devices in response to the Government’s call for assistance.

All of the teams have expert design, technology and production capabilities, and specialise in rapid prototyping and high-value manufacturing, which it is hoped can be applied to the critical needs set out by government.
Working with Innovate UK, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, UCL and University College London Hospitals, the teams are evaluating a number of routes in conjunction with existing manufacturers and organisations from the aerospace and automotive sectors. It is anticipated this work, which is being rapidly progressed, will produce a tangible outcome in the next few days.
For further information www.formula1.com

XYZ Machine Tools is making available, on loan, any machine from its stock of ProtoTRAK controlled mills and lathes, machining centres and turning centres, to boost any company involved in the production of parts for emergency medical equipment.

“Let’s ensure that everything is done to limit the impact of this devastating situation, and if by loaning machines we can help manufacturers in that fight, we are happy to do so,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director of XYZ Machine Tools.
To take advantage of this offer contact XYZ Machine Tools at sales@xyzmachinetools.com. Those making contact will get a call back to discuss specific needs and match the right machine to the work. Once this has been done, and some basic criteria have been met, XYZ Machine Tools will deliver, install and provide training, completely free of charge.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Spirit AeroSystems has opened a composite manufacturing facility at its site in Prestwick.

The facility leverages advanced composite technology from Spirit’s research and development portfolio, and brings new work to the site in the form of the Airbus A320 family spoiler. The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland, officially opened the new facility.
For further information www.spiritaero.com

The education and skills charity, WorldSkills UK, is looking for talented apprentice engineers to prove they are the country’s best.

Putting apprentice and student skills, knowledge and employability attributes to the test in a competitive environment, 90% of those who entered in 2019 said they had seen improvements in their career prospects. The WorldSkills UK competitions are designed by industry experts and are free to enter. Each successful entrant that makes it through the national qualifiers, taking place between April and June 2020, will represent the UK’s engineering industry in the national finals in November.
For further information www.worldskillsuk.org

As part of its commitment to the environment, sustainability and social responsibility, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has changed all of the packaging on its UK-manufactured cutting tools to 100% recyclable materials.

The issue of plastic recycling and disposal was proving problematic to address, until ITC’s long-standing packaging partner, Rose Plastic, began producing its new range of BlockPack and TwistPack Plus tubes from environmentally friendly bioplastic.
Rose Plastic says that ITC has become the first UK cutting-tool manufacturer to embrace the environmentally friendly packaging. The new biopolymer plastic is produced using ethanol from sugar cane, as opposed to conventional polyethylene, maintaining 97% of the chemical properties of conventional HDPE. This make-up ensures that the packaging retains its performance and appearance characteristics while offering 100% recyclability and sustainability.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk