PROJECT INVESTIGATES 3D PRINTING OF UAVS D


uring a research project looking at 3D printing of complex


designs, engineers at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield have successfully printed a 1.5m wide prototype unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). According to the engineers,


the polymer craft could form the basis of cheap and potentially disposable UAVs that could be built and deployed in remote


situations, potentially within as little as 24 hours. Earlier versions required


significant amounts of support material around component parts to prevent the airframe structures from deforming during the build process. This, however, adds a direct material cost, and significantly increases build time. However, new 3D printing


techniques, such as the fused deposition modelling (FDM) used


to make the UAV at Sheffield, could soon be used in the creation of products without the need for complex and expensive tooling and the time required in traditional manufacturing. The UAV has already completed a


test flight as a glider. Researchers are developing an electric ducted fan propulsion system that will be incorporated into the airframe’s central spine, and plan to develop the craft for guidance by GPS or


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POWER-SPLIT DEVICE BENEFITS THE HYBRID POWER TRAIN


Global car, bus and truck manufacturers have been testing Magnomatics’ MAGSPLIT device, with results in smaller vehicles showing a fuel economy increase between 3% and 5% compared to current hybrid technologies, the company claims. Testing has also shown a reduction of up to 35% in fuel consumption in some larger HGV vehicles. MAGSPLIT and MAGSPLIT 2 are


power-split devices that combine the functionality of a magnetic


gear and a motor generator in one compact unit, for use in a hybrid power train. A contactless system, MAGSPLIT


is said to reduce maintenance costs and improve system efficiency and fuel economy of hybrid engines compared to the mechanical gear and motor/generator combination found in today’s hybrids, the company claims. Magnetic gear technology can, however, be used in a variety of other applications and market sectors.


VSD RANGE APPROVED FOR ETL LIST


E


xhibitions are a great place to not only see new


products and find out about the latest legislation, but also to speak to knowledgeable staff members about technologies and applications. And, with exhibition season in full swing, many of you will have already experienced this at such shows as Southern Manufacturing as well as Drives & Controls and its associated shows. Many more exhibitions and


conferences will be taking place throughout this year, so keep an eye on the pages of Design Solutions and check the ‘Events’ section of our website to keep up to date on what’s happening, when and where!


Rachael Morling - Editor


Eaton’s PowerXL range of VSDs, which are available with ratings up to 250kW, has been approved for inclusion on the Energy Technology List (ETL) under the government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme for meeting specific energy saving criteria. The scheme allows users from the machine building,


Power resistor manufacturer Cressall marked 100 years of business by inviting Jonathan Ashworth MP to the factory to discuss the challenges and opportunities the company has experienced. The conversation revolved around the challenges of recruiting specialised staff, maximising exports, and the status of manufacturing in the Midlands. “Cressall is the perfect Leicester


David Latimer, business


development manager, said: “We are really pleased with how the testing of the MAGSPLIT devices has gone and the results are very promising.” www.magnomatics.com


materials handling and building services sectors who install these products to claim 100% of their first year capital allowance on their investments. The inclusion of the PowerXL


VSDs on the ETL demonstrates Eaton’s ongoing commitment to developing energy efficient industrial automation solutions. Eaton’s M-Max, SPX9000 and SVX9000 VSDs are also included. www.eaton.uk.com/electrical


MERGER FORMS CAPACITOR PROVIDER


Dielectric Laboratories (DLI), Novacap, Syfer Technology and Voltronics have come together into a single organisation – Knowles Capacitors. This new entity, which is a division of Knowles Corporation USA, will have a head office in Norwich and will be headed up by Howard Ingleson the previous MD of Syfer Technology. The R&D facility for multilayer


ceramic capacitors and EMI filters will be retained at this location as well as other existing sites in the USA.


/ DESIGNSOLUTIONS


Manufacturing will take place at various locations, notably volume MLCC’s at the Knowles facility at Suzhou, Eastern China. Knowles Capacitors will be a global


source for multilayer ceramic capacitors, single layer capacitors, EMI suppression filters, trimmer capacitors and thin film devices. Together the company will serve a variety of markets including military, aerospace/avionics, medical, etc. www.knowlescapacitors.com


manufacturing success story,” said Ashworth. “The company’s accomplishments are based on an excellent management strategy, supported by the hard work and dedication of employees. Businesses like Cressall Resistors put Leicester on the national and international manufacturing map.” www.cressall.com


William Hughes will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of its factory in Bulgaria with an event being held at its facility near Plovdiv. As well as inviting local Plovdiv dignitaries and all of the Bulgarian team, six employees from William Hughes’ UK headquarters in Dorset will attend. “The success of our Bulgaria


operation has exceeded all of our expectations,” said Emma Burgon, engineering director. “The 10th anniversary of the opening provides a great opportunity to celebrate this success and recognise the contribution made by our local people.” www.wmhughes.co.uk


UK fastening company bighead has become part of the Bossard Group, the Switzerland-based provider of intelligent solutions for industrial fastening technology. bigHead is now well placed to


support its customers worldwide through Bossard’s global sales and distribution organisation. In addition, access to the Bossard Group’s very significant resources will also allow it to increase its research, product and process development and manufacturing capabilities. www.bighead.co.uk


camera technology, controlled by an operator wearing first person-view goggles. The Sheffield UAV, which


comprises nine parts that can be snapped together, weighs less than 2kg and is made from thermoplastic. The engineers are currently evaluating the potential of nylon as a printing material that would make the UAV 60% stronger with no increase in weight. www.amrc.co.uk


DESIGN SOLUTIONS | APRIL 2014


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