CALL FOR RETHINK ON HOW TO PROMOTE ENGINEERING IN SCHOOLS
According to ‘Big Ideas: the future of engineering in schools’, a new report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, there needs to be a ‘major rethink’ about the role of schools and colleges in promoting engineering. The report, which was supported by the Royal
Academy of Engineering, proposes that pupils should be taught about engineering and the manufactured world as part of existing lessons from primary level upwards. It also calls for maintaining a broad curriculum for all until the age of 18 and that we should broaden routes into engineering by promoting flexible entry requirements for engineering degree courses. Peter Finegold, head of education and skills
at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and lead author of the report, said: “We have an engineering skills shortfall at a time where
technology looks set to increase its dominance over much of our lives. Our schools need to adjust to this reality, both by increasing the number and breadth of young people choosing engineering careers, and by empowering those who do not. We need a step-change in the way we talk about engineering in schools and colleges. “This means ensuring that primary school children are taught not just about the natural world but also taught about the manufactured world too.” He added that maintaining a broad curriculum
until the age of 19 would mean pupils wouldn’t have to make decisions to give up subjects before they really knew what they were. “It is essential that we also consider a broader range of entry requirements for engineering degree courses, encouraging people with the right
Want to keep up to date? Then follow us on Twitter: @CI_DesignMag and/or ‘Like’ us on Facebook!
SCHAEFFLER PLANT ACHIEVES ISO 50001 CERTIFICATION
Schaeffler UK’s automotive engine component plant in Llanelli, South Wales, has achieved ISO 50001 certification. The ISO 50001 Energy Management standard aims to help organisations continually reduce their energy use and therefore their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Paul Griffiths, internal projects coordinator,
Technology Department at Schaeffler UK, commented:
“Going through the ISO 50001 process has helped us to formally document the good work that has been ongoing for years and has given us the opportunity to publicise the savings within the plant that have both financial and environmental benefits. It has helped to unify everyone in the plant at all levels with a common goal and perhaps, rather uniquely, given everybody the opportunity to participate and contribute.”
R. A. RODRIGUEZ INTRODUCES RARUK AUTOMATION
I’m writing this just after getting back from the Drives & Controls exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham. This turned out to be an interesting event, with a wide variety of products and technologies on show. There were many companies
familiar to Design Solutions there – Mitsubishi Electric, Rittal, Renold Couplings, Harting, R.A. Rodriguez, Transmission Developments and BJ Enclosures to name just a few. Stopping to chat with the exhibitors it was clear that they were not only highly knowledgeable about the products they were showcasing, but very enthusiastic about them and the applications they could be used in. It was definitely a worthwhile visit.
Rachael Morling - Editor
Following consistent growth in which it has steadily added automation products to its portfolio, R. A. Rodriguez has decided to separate this division of its company. As a result of this decision, all automation sales are now the responsibility of the newly formed RARUK Automation. “The creation of a separate
organisation allows us to tool up for the growing demands of automation in the UK, whilst not losing sight of our traditional strengths as a supplier of the highest quality transmission components,” explained Peter Williamson, MD of both R. A. Rodriguez (UK) and RARUK Automation. At present, four product ranges
dominate the RARUK Automation catalogue. These include Universal Robot collaborative robots which are complemented by 2- and 3-finger grippers and force torque sensors. R. A. Rodriguez has been involved
with linear motion for more than 15 years through its representation of IEF Werner in the UK. The quality and reliability of this brand has made it the ideal basis for the design and supply of application-specific automation systems. This potential will be maximised within RARUK Automation as will that of the IEF Werner component palletising systems. Also under the wing of the new company is the MAFU range of products that comprise machines and equipment for pre-disentangling and feeding bulk goods.
www.rarodriguez.co.uk
MOUSER TO DISTRIBUTE RFAXIS PRODUCT LINE
Mouser Electronics has entered into a global distribution agreement with RFaxis, under which the company will carry several of RFaxis’ CMOS-based radio frequency (RF) solutions. The RFaxis product line features the company’s highly integrated, single-chip, single-die RFeICs, which simplify design tasks and improve performance.
www.mouser.com/rfaxis
Following a new distribution agreement, RS Components (RS) is now stocking over 270 Huber & Suhner data and energy connectors and related passive components aimed at communications, transportation and industrial applications. Phil Stanway, sales partner director
www.schaeffler.co.uk
Northern Europe at Huber & Suhner, commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside RS Components because of its outstanding international distribution network and strong eCommerce operation, as well as a clear focus on customer service. Customers will benefit from unprecedented ease of access to our advanced connectivity technology, backed by expert support in putting it to best use.”
www.rs-online.com
TDK-Lambda UK is participating in an undergraduate sponsorship scheme in collaboration with other members of the North Devon Manufacturers Association (NDMA). The multi-company initiative offers sixth form and college students studying STEM A-Levels the opportunity to study for a STEM related degree whilst receiving financial backing and mentoring. TDK-Lambda UK recognises that young talent tends to leave North Devon to attend university and, after graduation, find employment outside of the region. The programme also guarantees a job for successful graduates.
www.uk.tdk-lambda.com
IRISS has moved to new offices in Braintree, Essex. This, the company explains, will act as the administrative hub for the IRISS operation in Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand.
www.iriss.com
aptitude, but who may not fit the traditional archetype,” Finegold continued. “We need to stop talking about the skills gap and start taking action to ensure that we give children and students the best chance to make informed choices in our technological society. The best way to do this is to change the stories we tell about engineering and make the subject more visible throughout school.” Alongside long-term goals – including
promoting engineering as a people-focused, problem-solving, socially beneficial discipline; and enhancing the presence of engineering and the ‘made world’ at all stages from primary level upwards – the report also makes seven key recommendations that will be the foundation for meeting these longer term goals.
www.imeche.org
DESIGN SOLUTIONS | APRIL 2016
5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
