INDUSTRY NEWS


AEROTECH OPENS NEW LABORATORY, ENABLING CUSTOMERS FROM ACROSS EUROPE TO TEST LASER-BASED MANUFACTURING PROCESSES


Aerotech is significantly expanding capacity at its Fürth site with the introduction of a state-of-the-art laser laboratory. Assembly of controls and drive products will also take place there in the future. The newly built laser laboratory offers


customers from all over Europe the opportunity to test and optimise laser-based manufacturing processes directly on site using Aerotech products. The aim is to demonstrate applications under realistic conditions and to further develop them together with customers. In the long term, the laboratory is intended to serve as a European centre of excellence for micro-material processing. The laboratory is headed by Oliver Hentschel,


who will be responsible for the technical expansion of the laboratory as well as the planning and execution of customer trials. The centrepiece of the laboratory is an


ultrashort pulse laser system from Light Conversion. The cooperation with Aerotech


includes the provision of a customised laser scanning and motion control system for demanding applications in semiconductor, electronics and medical devicemanufacturing. An 80 W carbide laser with a harmonics


module is used, providing wavelengths of 1030nm, 515nm and 343nm. With minimum pulse durations of around 250 fs, micro- machining processes with very low thermal input can be achieved. The very short pulses result in ‘quasi-cold ablation’ of thematerial,minimising thermal stress and allowing sensitivematerials to be processed without microcracks or burr formation. Combined with precise axis systems and laser scan heads from Aerotech, users can test a wide variety of materials – from metals to semiconductor materials to glass – under realistic production conditions. The systemavailable in the laser laboratory


allows numerous applications from micro and precisionmachining to be achieved. Typical fields


EUROPLAZ PREDICTS INCREASED DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF MEDICAL DEVICES


of application can be found in industries such as: medical technology; semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing: structuring, wafer processing and material trimming; aerospace: functional microstructures and high-precision components; automotive and mechanical engineering: surface functions and fine structures; and research institutions: validation of new process approaches.


https://uk.aerotech.com NICEIC ANNOUNCES SUPPORT


PACKAGE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT TO THE IET WIRING REGULATIONS


The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BSI have confirmed that Amendment 4:2026 to BS 7671:2018 (the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) will be published on 15th April 2026. The amendment can be implemented immediately from this date and the previous version, BS 7671:2018 + A2:2022 + A3:2024, will be withdrawn six months later. Amendment 4 introduces several significant updates, notably on new


technologies and the further integration of renewable energy sources into existing electrical infrastructure. Full details of the changes can be found on NICEIC’s dedicated Amendment 4 web page: niceic.com/amendment-four. Paul Collins, NICEIC technical director, said: “Amendment 4 brings the


Essex-based Europlaz, which provides contract manufacturing for medical devices, is predicting that growing demand from the NHS for more sustainable supply chains could lead to increased domestic production. The company is already benefitting in some market segments from


the introduction of US tariffs diverting work away from international rivals. Growth, however, is also expected fromnew entrants, who build a product and a market before selling the technology to a contract manufacturer with international regulatory approvals. The company is well set up to make the most of these new opportunities after completing a £4m investment drive, upgrading its cleanroom capability and bolstering its commercial team over the last twelve months. Rory O’Keeffe, commercial director, commented: “The NHS is


prioritising taking carbon out of its supply chain, so for them it makes sense to move production of products closer to home. This is perfect for Europlaz, as we can offer full regulatory compliance and proven contract manufacturing and tool transfer experience that makes switching suppliers – without disruption – a lot easier.” He continued: “Progressive new NHS initiatives, such as NICE’s Early


Value Assessment (EVA) programme, and a renewed national focus on compliance by design, is also a big opportunity for the UK. “EVA addresses some of the traditional bottlenecks faced by


the NHS and, in theory, should provide a structured pathway for technologies that meet national unmet needs to gain conditional NHS recommendations while further evidence is generated.”


www.europlaz.co.uk www.siemens.com/uk/en.html 8 DESIGN SOLUTIONS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk


UK’s electrical regulations up to date with advancing technology and arrives at a time of significant change for the electrotechnical sector. These updates will enhance safety and professionalism across the sector, and NICEIC will ensure its certified businesses have the clarity, tools, and support they need to remain at the forefront of the industry.” To help, NICEIC is launching a comprehensive support programme, including


webinars, in-person events and technical resources for its certified businesses. For more information on all NICEIC’s Amendment 4 support, training options, and resources, please visit niceic.com/amendment-four.


niceic.com


SIEMENS NANJING SITE NAMED A ‘LIGHTHOUSE FACTORY’


Siemens' Nanjing factory in China has been named by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Lighthouse Factory. Distinguished in the productivity category, the WEF recognised the factory for achieving exceptional performance in cost and quality through digital twins and continuous AI-driven transformation. At the factory, Siemens implemented a digital excellence strategy, deploying


end-to-end digital twins, modular automation, manufacturing operations management systems, and more than 50 artificial intelligence applications. Compared to 2022, the initiative has reduced lead times by 78% and time-to- market by 33%, while productivity increased 14% by 2024. Field failures dropped 46%, and the factory cut its direct and energy-related carbon emissions by 28%.


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