UKM-AUT23-PG05_Layout 1 09/08/2023 11:59 Page 5


NEWS COMMENT


Welcome to the Autumn issue of UK Manufacturing. Many analysts agree - the next industrial revolution is already upon us, driven by growth in Industry 4.0 and autonomous systems. The


push to more efficient use of materials and labour in this next age of industrial discovery requires that the underlying technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. On page 28 of this issue, the experts at Analog Devices explain how the growth of this industrial revolution is dependent on developments of the sensing technology supporting autonomy.


Victoria White, Editor


PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF AM IN SCOTLAND


I


n June 2023, Tri- Tech 3D, UK provider of Stratasys, One-Click Metal and XJet 3D printing solutions, supported the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) with the opening of its new facility in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The new site is supporting manufacturers with the adoption of innovative production technologies, including additive manufacturing (AM). Though AM is growing in popularity, many manufacturers still use it as a prototyping tool rather than for large-scale production. To help manufacturers more easily integrate AM at an industrial-scale, Tri-Tech 3D installed two of its flagship Stratasys systems in the new facility’s Additive Zone. The new site in Renfrewshire is home to the NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy, as well as a fully connected Digital Factory and a publicly accessible Collaboration Hub. The facility now covers everything from hobbyist machines, to prototyping systems, to high-end industrial solutions. To showcase the benefits of production-scale AM,


Tri-Tech 3D supplied the Fortus 900 and J850 - Stratasys’s flagship fused deposition modelling (FDM) and PolyJet systems. Both systems provide reliable outputs, making them ideal for the factory floor. As well as supplying the two systems, Tri-Tech 3D and training partner Cadspec will work closely with NMIS staff to help upskill manufacturers in the region. Together, Tri-Tech 3D and Cadspec will give regular demonstrations, meet with customers and offer practical advice on how to improve both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes.


www.tritech3d.co.uk UKManufacturing Autumn 2023


CREATING THE NEW GENERATION OF DIGITAL LEADERS


A


generation of manufacturing leaders is now armed with new digital skills and tools after graduating from a trailblazing programme. Fifteen delegates completed the


‘Leading Digital Transformation’ programme, designed by Made Smarter, the government-funded industry-led initiative to increase technology adoption among SME manufacturers, and Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met).


Delivered through a blend of face-to- face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action, and a site visit to PrintCity, Manchester Met’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre,


G


loucestershire-based engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has opened a new science,


technology, engineering and maths (STEM) Outreach facility at its headquarters site in New Mills, Gloucestershire, UK. The STEM Centre will strengthen Renishaw’s existing education outreach efforts, by providing a dedicated space for local schoolchildren to visit to learn more about STEM subjects and associated careers.


On 23 June, to mark International


Women in Engineering Day, professional downhill mountain bike racer Rachel Atherton officially opened the facility. Renishaw has worked with Atherton Bikes to utilise additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology to help push the development of bike performance, and Atherton has been a key part of that part of that drive to innovate in the highly competitive world of downhill cycling. To mark the occasion, a group of students from Al-Ashraf Secondary School for Girls, Gloucester, UK, participated in an interactive engineering workshop in the Centre and teachers from local secondary schools also had the opportunity to tour the new facility. There were also presentations about Renishaw’s STEM Outreach strategy and some of the Company’s female employees shared their career stories and answered questions from the teachers and students. Renishaw’s established STEM Outreach programmes have strong links with many primary and secondary schools in Bristol, Gloucestershire and South Wales regions, providing support by running sessions that complement the curriculum and add context to the students’ learning. The STEM Outreach team also attends many school careers events to promote Renishaw’s early careers opportunities, including work experience, apprenticeships, placement and


the funded programme empowers participants to create a bespoke digitalisation strategy for their business. It also provides them with a set of practical tools to make the most of opportunities that digital transformation can offer and access further support from Made Smarter, including funding for new technology and specialist advisers.


madesmarter.uk


RENISHAW OPENS NEW GLOUCESTERSHIRE STEM CENTRE


graduate schemes, that help to provide a talent pipeline of people into the business. The new STEM Centre will also provide further opportunities to focus engagement with underrepresented groups as part of the company’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 - decent work and economic growth. Renishaw is contributing towards the goal of reducing the proportion of young people not in employment, education, or training, as part of its wider sustainability efforts. “Research from the Careers and Enterprise company, the UK’s national body for careers education, shows that if young people have four or more encounters with the world of work, they’re 86 per cent less likely to become NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training),” explained Rebecca Bound, Early Careers STEM outreach officer at Renishaw. “We know from our own student feedback that our engagements can really have an impact and encourage more young people into the industry. We are committed to working with students from a wide variety of different backgrounds to encourage more diversity in the engineering industry.”


www.renishaw.com 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