UK NEWS

Metal powders, parts and machines

LPW Technology Ltd and Magnitude Innovations Ltd are combining their additive manufacturing (AM) experience to support the industrialisation of metal AM.

Ben Ferrar, LPW’s chief operating officer, says: “In partnership, LPW and Magnitude will support their clients with metal powders, design, process and application support, helping manufacturers to overcome production challenges throughout the complete AM value chain. The projects undertaken together will offer a tailored, turnkey solution to the adoption of AM technologies, supporting industrial companies to utilise AM and broaden the knowledge-base of the AM sector.”
For further information www.lpwtechnology.com

Coleg Gwent develops CNC capability

As one of the biggest, and most successful colleges in Wales, Coleg Gwent is not resting on its laurels. The college has embarked on an ambitious expansion programme to deliver day-release and full-time apprenticeships in support of the engineering sector in its catchment area. The first phase of this plan is now complete following the arrival of four CNC machines supplied by XYZ Machine Tools.

The four machines, two XYZ CT52 turning centres and two XYZ Mini Mill 560 vertical machining centres, will be used to develop full-time courses to introduce students to automation in the manufacturing process, as well as involving them in initial component design, CADCAM, programming and general machining. Courses are also designed for part-time students already in industry who want to upskill to make their qualifications more relevant to modern industry standards.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

50% growth

The order intake of Trumpf UK during 2016/17 has been reported at £57.1m, an increase of 50% on the previous fiscal year. Preliminary operating profit is shown as £988,239.

“We had an unprecedented high number of new and conversion customers this year and I am certain our focus on providing outstanding service to complement the technical competence of our machines played its part,” says managing director Annette Doyle. The UK workforce also grew substantially in the past 12 months with technical service accounting for most of the new staff members.
For further information www.uk.trumpf.com

Projects worth £1m

Birmingham-based contract presswork and stamping specialist Brandauer reports it has just completed a successful ‘first’ prototype project with a major international sensing company, and is currently quoting for 10 new projects worth in excess of £1m.

“The ‘needle eye’ technology deployed lends itself to automation and will offer customers in the automotive sector greater efficiency and robustness in interconnects,” explains Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer. “Our Special Product Division can work with the clients to manufacture to bespoke requirements, producing a prototype push fit terminal in just 15 days.”
For further information www.brandauer.co.uk

Mazak apprentices win three training awards

Apprentices at Yamazaki Mazak have scooped an unprecedented three prizes at the annual Worcestershire Group Training Association awards ceremony. The three apprentices, all of whom are now working full-time at the Mazak facility in Worcester, picked up their awards at a special event held at Worcester Rugby Club.

Bethany Addis, 17, won Engineering Apprentice of the Year, the first ever female winner of the award. Harry Fuller, 17, who is in the second year of a four-year apprenticeship, won the Personal Development Award as part of his sheet metal apprenticeship. Finally, Joe Kennie, 21, won the Post-First Year Craft Apprentice of the Year Award. “These three awards are testament to the ‘can do’ attitude of all our apprentices, their enthusiasm and willingness to learn,” says Richard Smith, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk