INDUSTRY NEWS
AFRC AND ATI FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AEROSPACE MATERIALS INNOVATION
Texas based ATI, a major producer of materials to global aircraft engine manufacturers, is joining the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) as a Tier One Member, marking the beginning of a collaboration in advanced engineering and materials science that will support sustainable air travel. Access to the AFRC’s pioneering FutureForge
facility is expected to support ATI with the development of the next generation of materials and process technologies, with the world- leading forging research facility providing an industrial-scale iso-thermal testing platform. As airlines increasingly focus on sustainability, new metallic alloys that can endure higher temperatures than ever before will be key to allowing jet engines to operate at maximum
efficiency and, ultimately, burn less fuel. The AFRC, which is one of the founding
centres of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, launched FutureForge earlier this year, connecting the $75 billion global forging sector with the industry-scale testbed and centre’s expertise, no matter where they are in the world. Professor Brad Wynne, director of the
Advanced Forming Research Centre, said: “ATI is one of the world's largest forging houses and a key supplier of high-performance materials to many of our existing members and partners, particularly within the aerospace sector. We’re very excited to welcome ATI to the AFRC and look forward to the opportunities for collaboration and innovation that it will present.”
MICHELL BEARINGS DEVELOPS BEARING AND TEST RIG FOR NUCLEAR POWER PROJECTS
UK bearing manufacturer, Michell Bearings, has developed a groundbreaking prototype bearing and test rig, designed specifically for a series of major nuclear power projects in India. The test rig and bearing prototype were designed to replicate various bearing
operating conditions, such as the speed, bearing loads and water temperature. The rig consists of a 400 kW electric motor to drive the shaft of the test bearing, a closed-circuit water circulation system delivering 17,400 litres of water per hour at 35˚C, and an uninterruptable power supply for backup power during outages. Following the successful testing phase, a set of bearings for a reactor
coolant pump will be manufactured for the first time at the business, a market that has been heavily dominated by one supplier in India. Paul Bruce, engineering director at Michell Bearings, said: “Through the
combined efforts of both Michell Bearings sites, and a significant level of investment in our UK test facility, we have successfully demonstrated our ability to provide an alternative supplier for the customer, whilst opening a window of opportunities for nuclear power stations in India.” Scheduled for production this year, the bearings will support the reactors within the nuclear power station. Each reactor will be equipped with four vertical shaft coolant pumps. The bearings’ role is to support the shafts of the reactor coolant pumps and motors, which are critical to maintaining the safe operation of the nuclear power plant.
www.michellbearings.com
Alongside global manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce and Boeing, ATI is one of only seven Tier One Members of the AFRC. Representatives from ATI will join the managing and technical boards of the centre, unlocking additional opportunities to shape future research programmes and collaborate with other members.
www.nmis.scot www.atimaterials.com
EMAS’S INNOVATIVE BRJ45 CONNECTOR WITH ENHANCED EMF PROTECTION
EMAS has introduced its latest breakthrough in electrical connectivity, the BRJ45 connector. This female-to-female connector is designed to fit seamlessly into a 22.5mm hole and boasts a full metal body with IP65 certification, offering unmatched durability and EMF protection. The BRJ45’s full cast metal body and gold-plated pins ensure superior
performance and reliability. The gold plating provides excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion, while the robust full metal casing shields against electromagnetic interference (EMI). This is particularly beneficial in environments where inverters generate significant electromagnetic fields (EMF), such as industrial panels. The IP65 rating further enhances its suitability for harsh conditions, ensuring the connector is dust-tight and protected against water jets. EMAS’s advanced manufacturing processes make the BRJ45 a cost-
effective solution without compromising on quality. The combination of high-quality materials and precise engineering allows EMAS to deliver a high-performance product at a competitive price. This makes the BRJ45 an ideal choice for both small-scale projects and extensive industrial installations, providing reliable connectivity and maximum EMF protection. With the introduction of the BRJ45
connector, EMAS continues to lead the industry in innovation, offering products that combine advanced technology with practical affordability, catering to a wide range of industrial needs.
emaselectric.co.uk
OCTOBER 2024 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 7
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
