UK NEWS

Most precise robot machining ever?

Work has completed on a £850,000 project to give the UK aerospace sector an advanced capability for high accuracy robotic machining. ‘The Flexible Robotic Machining in High Accuracy Applications’ project was launched by the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), with backing from the Aerospace Technology Initiative (ATI). AMRC is combining an existing robotic solution with expertise in CNC machine tool dynamics. “This will create the most accurate large volume machining robot in the world,” says Ben Morgan, who heads the AMRC’s Integrated Manufacturing Group.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

Sigma invests $1m to expand capabilities

Sigma Components has invested over $1 million across its manufacturing facilities in the UK and China to increase capacity and meet growing customer demand. The investment follows hot on the heels of the company’s spend of over $1m in a new manufacturing facility in Chengdu last year. This latest investment includes specialist equipment to boost Sigma’s fabrication and pipe manufacturing capabilities. It has also led to the creation of over 50 jobs in Nuneaton, Hinckley and Farnborough, including shop floor positions, engineers, HR and finance roles.
For further information www.sigmacomponents.com

XYZ recruits sales trio

XYZ Machine Tools has announced the appointment of two new area sales managers and an additional sales engineer to strengthen its team. The appointments are Chris Jones, Dave Rawson and Lloyd Pennington, and they bring to XYZ a wide range of experience gained in manufacturing environments and capital equipment sales.

Dave Rawson introduces to XYZ his experience gained on the shop floor as a machinist/programmer and, more latterly, in sales with a supplier of sliding head lathes. He will be supporting customers across East Anglia and north and west London. The second area sales manager is Lloyd Pennington, who has been involved in the engineering manufacture and design sector for almost as long as he can remember. His area covers the northern Home Counties and part of the M40 corridor. Chris Jones joins XYZ as a sales engineer from a background of machine sales in the laser profiling sector.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

TLM Laser to partner IPG Photonics

TLM Laser has further enhanced its laser products and systems portfolio through a partnership agreement with IPG Photonics, a manufacturer of fibre lasers. The company will be responsible for the sales, marketing, installation and servicing of IPG’s range of laser cutting and welding systems throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. IPG laser cutting and welding systems complement the existing range of laser marking, welding, engraving, cladding and hardening systems available currently from TLM Laser. Indeed, systems sold currently by TLM, from Foba Laser and Alpha Laser, already use laser sources from IPG.
For further information www.tlm-laser.com