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INDUSTRY NEWS INITIATIVE HELPS TEACHERS DELIVER LESSONS ON THE USE OF 3D PRINTERS


A new initiative is being launched by Daemon3D Print that equips and supports teachers to deliver lessons on how to use and apply 3D printers and scanners. It is aimed at both STEM and arts subject specialists for key stages 3 and 4. This is part of the company’s Makerspace


services, which have been developed to provide curriculum support in the use of state-of-the-art equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D scanners, robotics, and supporting technologies and skills. Makerspaces help teachers create and deliver engaging learning experiences so students of all abilities can find their strengths and realise their potential. Working individually or in teams, students are able to constantly motivate and support each other in their individual tasks and learning.


This puts students’ creativity to the test when they are asked to design solutions to real-world challenges and are often asked to research and write about their creations. The educational possibilities that come with the ability to bring any idea to life in the classroom are endless. The state-of-the-art makerspace course


materials can prepare students in KS3 and KS4 to develop the skills needed to take the next steps in their studies. These skills are ultimately prized by employers within industry 4.0 and the world of work generally. Mr. Fayokun, an engineering lecturer


at Croydon College said: “We have noticed a significant difference in the mindset and abilities of student applicants from schools who have


IGUS INTRODUCES ‘IGUVERSE’, A VIRTUAL SPACE WHERE PRODUCTS CAN BE EXPERIENCED


igus has created a digital parallel universe that prepares sales and engineering professionals for the metaverse: the new ‘iguverse’. “We are pursuing the vision of ‘iguverse’, a virtual space in which all our products can be


experienced as digital twins,” explained igus UK managing director, Matthew Aldridge. “In the future, customers from all over the world will have the opportunity in iguverse to develop machines, systems and machines together with igus, partner engineers and project managers, and to immerse themselves in the projects and applications – saving time and money.” According to the company, in the future this will enable customers, engineers and material


experts to come together as avatars in a digital space and carry out entire engineering projects, faster and with less friction than is possible in the physical world. igus is also considering expanding the iguverse with a B2B platform for other manufacturers. The companies can then present machines and systems in this virtual space, using igus components. www.igus.co.uk


SUPPLY CHAINS ISSUES ARE ‘HAVING A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON UK MANUFACTURING’, SAYS NEW REPORT


According to Essentra Components’ State of Manufacturing 2023 Report, nine out of ten engineers working in UK manufacturing report that business has been negatively impacted by supply chain issues, and half say the impact has been ‘significant’. In addition, almost two thirds (62%) expect


supply chain challenges to last for anything up to five years, whilst 15% believe they could go on ‘indefinitely’, the report states. Organisations are taking a variety of actions


to mitigate the effects of these challenges from sourcing new suppliers (64% of respondents) to increasing prices (43%) and exploring ways of reducing overheads (just under 30%). Around a quarter of respondents also report using supply chain forecasting models, and even reshoring aspects of production, to anticipate and address supply chain delays. Most respondents also report being affected


negatively by general global price increases, with 44% reporting a significant impact and 52% ‘some’ impact. Only 3% claim to have been unaffected. Asked to identify other barriers to growth, respondents give a wide variety of answers, the most commonly recurring of which are: the lack of meaningful government support for manufacturing, Brexit,


6 DESIGN SOLUTIONS APRIL 2023


and the war in Ukraine. Rob Baker, chief operating officer at Essentra


PLC, says the findings further support the idea that global supply chains continue to ‘polarise’: “This polarisation effect marks a shift away from low-cost global supply chains towards regional and cluster-focused supply chains driven by the need for greater reliability. Companies are near shoring, bringing manufacturing closer to the point of demand, and localising supply. Global uncertainty is driving the supply chain focus away from ‘lowest-cost’ and rapidly towards service and dependability at optimal cost.” However, as manufacturers adapt their supply chains, the competition for resources and raw materials also intensifies. Global uncertainty has also brought about cost inflation: “In the short term, this impact can only be mitigated through ‘quick win’ productivity improvements or price increases,” Baker explains. “In the longer term, customers and consumers may have to accept that higher supply chain costs are a necessity to achieve greater reliability, and this will likely translate into higher prices. Consequently, investment in automation will become more prominent in manufacturing and supply chain strategy delivery.” www.essentracomponents.com


integrated makerspace technology and concepts within their curricula at key stages 3 and 4.” www.daemon3dprint.com/makerspace


NEWS IN BRIEF


UNASIS International, the specialist custom bearing and tool manufacturing division of the Carter Manufacturing group of companies, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Australian company CGB Precision Products. This agreement underlines the continued expansion of Carter Manufacturing and emphasises their growing global reach covering Europe, America, Asia and now Australasia. www.carterbearings.co.uk


A new app has been developed which aims to keep engineers up to date with new product releases and modifications from major manufacturers. Created by Engineers Insight, the app includes new product releases, ensuring that engineers are able to utilise the very latest developments. For manufacturers, the app offers a highly effective way of communicating new products to their customers. https://app.engineersinsight.co.uk/


Bearings & Drives has become the sole distributor of the CeramicSpeed Insulate ball bearings. CeramicSpeed is a dedicated supplier of hybrid ball bearings, with a strong presence in the European market. CeramicSpeed Insulate ball bearings are custom-made for electrical motors and a guarantee against damage caused by stray currents. https://bearingsanddrives.co.uk


Regal Rexnord has acquired Altra Industrial Motion. The combined company will offer improved service capability breadth, technology content and domain expertise. Altra designs and manufactures a wide range of highly engineered motion control, automation, and power transmission solutions. The combined company’s enhanced power transmission portfolio creates an even more compelling partner for distributors, and better positions Regal Rexnord to offer industrial powertrain solutions in a broader set of end markets. www.regalrexnord.com


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