UK NEWS

AMRC exploring WAAM for Aerospace

Additive manufacturing experts from the University of Sheffield AMRC North West are exploring an innovative technique to produce hydrogen storage tanks for aerospace applications. Dr Evren Yasa, head of additive manufacturing (AM) for the AMRC, led a team of researchers on a project using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) to print 3D metal parts. The process uses an electric arc to melt a metal wire, depositing layers of melted metal on top of each other to create 3D shapes.

Many sector use WAAM, including energy, defence, automotive, construction and aerospace, to produce large and complex structural components. The process reduces the need for assembly and joining technologies, as well as waste material. Moreover, WAAM has been deployed for repair and remanufacturing purposes in aerospace, saving time and costs. It also has the advantage of greater supply chain flexibility, enabling on-demand production in small quantities.
For further information www.bit.ly/46MBcBR

In-Comm Training wins £429,000 funding

An independent UK training provider has secured a £429,000 boost for delivering advanced engineering and manufacturing skills.In-Comm Training, which already supports 865 apprentices and over 2500 learners, has been awarded ‘Higher Level Skills’ funding by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in a bid to help industry bridge the skills and competency gaps.

Accessed via the Training & Manufacturing Group (TMG), up to 126 learners in the WMCA area will be able to tap into modularised units for the first time, giving existing workers the most flexible opportunity yet to upskill.These bespoke courses will take place at technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, giving individuals the opportunity to study specific modules of the Level 3-5 Engineering & Management programmes tailored to ensure job progression and sustainable employment.
For further informationwww.bit.ly/3tJgdkD

New factory for ASG AMF

As a precision engineering company manufacturing components and assemblies for research facilities,scientific equipment and the semiconductor industry, ASG AMF Engineering has invested in an additional factory. The company will retain its existing premises for machining, creating additional space for future investment. The move enables ASG AMF to increase the size of itsclean assembly facility,chemical cleaning capabilities and welding processes. It also allowed the firm to invest around £400,000 in automated thermal spraying equipment and expand itsUHV cleaning facility.
For further information www.asg-group.co

Tyrolit buys Acme Abrasives

At the end of September 2023, grinding and dressing tool manufacturer Tyrolit acquired all stock of Acme Holding Company. Acme Abrasives is a specialist abrasives manufacturer and provider based in Michigan, USA, and becomesTyrolit’s seventh manufacturing plant in the US.The acquisition is a strategic move that will further expand Tyrolit’s product portfolio for the steel and foundry sector, as well as the rail industry. The company will now integrate Acme wheels into its portfolio of grinding and specialty abrasive solutions for industrial clients.
For further information www.tyrolit.com

Get set for Leader Chuck work-holding seminar

AUK provider of workholding, ancillary systems and business efficiency services, Leader Chuck International,will host its inaugural First Tuesday Webinar (FTW) this week (7 November). The first in a series, these scheduled monthly webinarswill provide answers to the most common work-holding questions.

“There’s no doubt about the thirst for fixturing knowledge within the manufacturing sector,” says managing director Mark Jones. “From simplistic vice set-ups and semi-automated jigs and fixtures, to complex fully automated clamping device changeover systems, workholding can dramatically improve productivity and efficiency.”

It is not just workshop performance that can see improvement with the right work-holding application. The consistency of the geometric tolerances achieved, along with the ability to produce components to the specification required time after time, goes hand-in-hand with improved surface finish and increased tool life.

The initial FTW on 7 November will ask the question ‘why workholding matters?’ Concentrating on prismatic clamping, the webinar will provide an overview of workholding, highlighting why it matters to the overall manufacturing process. The onlineevent will follow on with the key challenges faced by the work-holding system, with examples of how it is possible to address each of these.

Leader Chuck’s presentation will adhere to a pre-planned agenda to ensure that the company covers all relevant points in a timely fashion.The final part of the webinar will be a Q&A session, where attendees can ask for advice on existing or forthcoming work-holding problems.
For further information www.leaderchuck.com