Qimtek

TRB Lightweight Structures is working in collaboration with Hitachi Rail on composite components for major projects in the UK.

Hitachi was looking for a partner that could offer a sustainable source of supply in the UK, and turned to TRB to design and manufacture a variety of components for both projects. The scope included the production of cab interior door systems, and toilet cubicle, bike and bulk, saloon and vestibule panels, as well as antenna covers.

Even before Covid-19 highlighted the fragility of extended global supply chains, a trend toward reshoring of critical component and part manufacture was well under way. Precision engineering specialist Dawson Shanahan, a long-time proponent of UK-based manufacturing, spells out the growing advantages of this approach and addresses its challenges.

One of the UK’s leading training providers has launched a new campaign to ensure apprenticeships are protected as manufacturers seek to find ways of coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.

In-Comm Training, which operates three academies at Aldridge, Bridgnorth and Shropshire, is asking firms in the West Midlands to sign-up to its ‘Skills Pledge’, which will see them commit to supporting apprentices, raising the profile of vocational learning and ‘upskilling’ their workforces.

Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE) is hoping to achieve Gold Supplier status after being selected to take part in a supplier development by Collins Aerospace.

It is working with Collins, a world leader in aerospace and defence technologies, on a host of continuous improvement and training activities to help it strengthen its ability to supply group factories across the globe.

Kaman UK has now delivered 80,000 rear fuselage packers to BAE Systems for its F-35 manufacturing programme. These parts along with 1,000 plenum ducts have been used in the manufacture of over 500 aircraft.

Stainless Metalcraft has provided key pressure hull components for a new leisure submersible that will bring thrilling panoramic underwater exploration within reach for tourists and marine enthusiasts alike.

Metalcraft supplied the forward and aft hemispheres, hull rings, forward and aft hatches, large battery pods and smaller trim tanks for the Triton DeepView 24 submersible, which successfully completed its safety tests in Barcelona last month.

FDB Panel Fittings and sales partner DIRAK have recently introduced an upmarket, rugged, recessed handle with clean design style. The DST handle offers extra-secure retention with IP65 sealing for large manual equipment.

The new handle features tool-less installation with D-Snap technology and deep hand grip. The unusual IP65 sealing means that the DST can be used in outdoor applications.

As market leading manufacturer/suppliers to many specialist industrial markets, EMKA are pleased to announce they have good stocks of hardware such as 316 grade stainless steel items for general medical equipment or devices – ideal for hospital use, as well as for food processing where similar considerations may apply.

Digital manufacturer Protolabs has started work on a £10.5m investment that will increase its 3D printing capability by 50% to meet the growing demand for this technology.

The company, which specialises in custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, is building a new 5000 square metre production facility in Putzbrunn in Germany that will give customers even greater access to the firm’s automated manufacturing processes and quality systems.

Vacuum forming specialist MHP Industries is manufacturing a desk shield that will help companies in their post-lockdown return to work.

The company designs and produces a multitude of products from plastics using different vacuum forming techniques. The new desk shield will help to reduce the spread of viruses, to protect staff and customers in offices, retail shops or customer service desks.

The Desk Shield has arms on either side so that it is free standing, which can be extended with the Arm Extension Pack so that all edges of the desk are covered.

As a key supplier to many accredited NHS suppliers, Coltech Precision Engineering have managed to stay open at close to full capacity throughout the Corvid19/Corona virus pandemic. As a result, we are excellently placed to be able to offer our available sliding head lathe capacity at reduced lead times.

Our sliding head lathes cover production of parts from 5mm diameter up to 32mm diameter and feature mill/turn capability, offering turnkey, lights out optimisation for cost effective production.

Elesa have recently revised their extensive range of high-quality industrial magnets for use in positioning and clamping applications across almost all industries, from mining to food processing and machining to farming. With high pull force and many shape options available in different alloys, these popular magnets are suitable for a variety of purposes which are frequently difficult to appreciate, as they are often located internal to the equipment where they are installed.