Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine

newcleo Submits GDA Application for Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor Technology newcleo has announced the submission of a GDA application for their commercial scale 200MWe Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) technology in Great Britain. The GDA process was developed by the UK’s principal nuclear regulators (the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency (EA)) as a means to scrutinise new nuclear power plant designs and assess their acceptability for use in Great Britain. The initiation of a GDA process by the regulators must be requested by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) following a successful application by a Requesting Party (newcleo). newcleo aims to complete a two-step GDA with the ONR and EA, including a fundamental assessment of their technology by the regulators. Subject to acceptance by DESNZ, the GDA would take around two years starting in Spring 2025. This application reflects the immense progress that newcleo Group has made both in the growth of their global capability as well as the advancement of their research, development, and design activities. #Nuclear #Energy #NetZero Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eQP8HXvP

New Spinout Speeds Up 3D Data Pre-Processing Generating 3D mesh digital models is a crucial part of engineering projects, to enable the accurate analysis of structures. But the manual process of creating a grid of interconnecting points is a tedious task and can take up to 90% of an engineer’s time, and it isn’t a task that is suitable for the current trend of exascale computing. Now, a new technology has emerged from Cranfield University research, creating an automated process that reduces the task from around 8 hours, in some cases, to just a few minutes. By eliminating the manual workload, the technology streamlines workflows, maximizes productivity, and significantly expands the possibilities for innovative engineering solutions. The new spinout company, Voxshell, specialises in computer-aided engineering (CAE) and its software can enable faster, smarter and more efficient product creation through a new meshing algorithm for high performance computing. It has applications in additive manufacturing and in industries such as aerospace, automotive and the energy sector. “The new automated process that we have created has huge benefits for engineers who have had to tackle this task manually,” commented Dr Liang Yang who is founder and CEO of Voxshell, and Lecturer in Marine Renewable Energy Systems at Cranfield University. “It’s a technology I first started developing four years ago for computational fluid dynamics projects I was working on. I soon realised it had a commercial application for industry and we’re now also exploring healthcare applications. The efficiencies the software is creating are quite remarkable – we aim to mesh every part within five minutes on a desktop.” #CAE #Software Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e5pC3Kia

✈️ 100 Airbus Aircraft Ordered by Air India The Tata Group-owned Air India Limited has officially disclosed orders it placed earlier for 10 A350 widebody and 90 single-aisle A320 Family aircraft. In addition, it has selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) for its growing A350 fleet. The latest aircraft order, which is already included in Airbus’ 2024 orderbook, comes on top of the 40 A350 and 210 A320 Family aircraft ordered by Air India in 2023. Air India’s total orderbook for Airbus aircraft now stands at 344 with six A350-900s having already been delivered. The FHS-C services package will help optimise the performance and reliability of Air India’s growing A350 fleet. This contract confirms Airbus Aircraft’ position as the largest A350 power-by-the-hour maintenance service provider in the world. The aircraft and services orders are part of Air India’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Air India, said, “With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world, its significantly improving infrastructure and an aspirational young population increasingly going global, we see a clear case for Air India to expand its future fleet beyond the firm orders of the 470 aircraft placed last year. These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will help to position Air India on the path to greater growth and contribute to our mission of building Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every corner of the world.”... #Aeroplane #Aircraft #Airline #Manufacturing Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e_s3xh-H

SKF to Showcase Innovative Solutions at the Tech and Innovation Summit SKF Group to unveil a broad range of products and solutions to continue serving customers with more efficient, reliable, and sustainable technologies. You are welcome to join the webcast on December 11 – 12. The Tech and Innovation summit, a one-hour virtual event, themed “Turning motion into meaning”, puts the spotlight on innovations essential for addressing urgent global issues like climate change and resource scarcity. Read more including comments from Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO, and Annika Ölme ♦️, CTO and Senior Vice President, Technology Development, here: https://lnkd.in/gnJcC9ng

Telford Automotive Supplier Takes ‘Best of British Casting’ Title A Telford-based automotive specialist, who has seen domestic and global sales rise significantly, has been named as the ‘Best of British Casting Company’ at the recent UK Cast Metals Industry Awards. Magna Cosma Casting UK (featured image) has defied uncertainty in the sector to post one of the best years in its history, impressing judges with the way it has developed a high-pressure die casting digital twin whilst also leveraging design methodology and traditional manufacturing methods. This approach has seen it boost the workforce by 40% and has been critical in helping it support the production of large structural body and chassis castings that reduce costs and increase value for UK and international customers. Organised by the The Cast Metals Federation, CMF, there were also major accolades for Kent’s Maybrey Precision Castings and the Black Country’s Newby Foundries (joint Component of the Year winners), with Goodwin Steel Castings Ltd claiming the Innovation title. #Casting #Metals #Manufacturing #Awards Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gZ8PYwz5

UK Industrial Centrifuge Manufacturer Thomas Broadbent Keeps Competitive with Digital Transformation Thomas Broadbent Centrifuges is an established UK manufacturer of industrial centrifuges with a global reach. Currently celebrating their 160th year, the family-owned company is nevertheless at the forefront of modern thinking, embracing digital transformation to stay at the competitive forefront of their markets. Digital transformation is a key factor to help Broadbent be as successful in the next century as they have been in the last. For instance, the company wanted to upgrade its Waldrich Coburg VTF 3500 portal milling centre – but needed a method of doing so that was affordable within its working capital needs, that did not impose unacceptable operational interruption, and that helped the company benefit from a phase change in productivity. Digital transformation of the machine also supported Broadbent’s corporate desire to improve the company’s sustainability footprint. The way forward offered by Siemens integration partner CT Systems – with the support of Siemens and SFS – managed to fulfil all these criteria. Knowledge of Broadbent’s business, latest digital technology and smart financing were brought together in the CT Systems, Siemens and SFS partnership to make the solution possible and affordable. The solution proposed by CT Systems was a full retrofit of the machine. This would contain costs and carbon emissions, while making a major improvement in machine productivity. Matt Durkin-Jones, Finance Director of Broadbent, comments, “The powerful combination of CT Systems expertise, Siemens components and digital twin software, and flexible financing from SFS is critical to make this project work financially as well as technically. The tailored solution that suited our cash flow and working capital requirements is symptomatic of the way all parties – ourselves, CT systems, Siemens and SFS – worked in close collaboration to bring things to a successful plan of action.”... #UK #Manufacturing #Digital Read more including comments from Chris Haigh, Managing Director of C T SYSTEMS (UK) LIMITED, and Mark Coombes, MTS Business Manager, Siemens Digital Industries Software, here: https://lnkd.in/exDzM4Qt

How is Panasonic in Cardiff using green energy to make Microwave Ovens? Panasonic Manufacturing UK Ltd (PMUK) this week announced the official opening of Europe’s first Panasonic HX demonstration facility to be powered by renewable sources, based in Cardiff, UK. As part of Panasonic’s efforts to enable greener manufacturing, the 50-year-old manufacturing plant in Cardiff has been fitted with a combination of hydrogen fuel cells powered by green hydrogen, solar PV and battery storage, all steered by Panasonic’s proprietary Energy Management System (EMS). Microwave oven production represents the main electricity and overall energy need at the site; the Panasonic HX installation will power this microwave oven assembly using renewable energy. Panasonic is unique in its efforts to generate electricity for its factories with 100% renewable energy by using green hydrogen combined with solar energy to generate electricity in-house and control the coordination of three energy sources, including the batteries which store the PV energy when the factory isn’t in operation, such as on weekends. The company is committed to the long-term development of hydrogen and sustainable energy solutions as part of its Panasonic HX business strategy. Masahiro Shinada, President & CEO, Panasonic Corporation, emphasised: “This facility will use green hydrogen produced in the UK. We believe that this is the place where we can take a big step towards the future by combining British and Japanese Technology. It is our sincere hope that this facility can be used as a showcase to foster diverse partnerships, accelerate innovation through the combination of technologies, and contribute to the development of the UK’s hydrogen-related industry... #Wales #Manufacturing #Green #Energy Read more including comments from Robert Blowers - Managing Director of Panasonic Manufacturing UK, and Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales, here: https://lnkd.in/eeXKFaeM

Colchester Machine Tool Solutions in the Latest Lineup at Southern 2025 Colchester Machine Tool Solutions has been manufacturing machine tools for over 130 years, over which time they’ve gained the trust of the machining industry across the world. All products are designed and manufactured to exceed the highest international quality and safety standards, with precision, performance, and reliability at the forefront. At Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2025, Colchester will be showcasing two of their latest high-quality CNC machines, the Lightning permanent laser marker and the range of chucking solutions from Pratt Burnerd International Workholding. This varied range of products on display demonstrates further how Colchester can be your one-stop shop and trusted partner for all machining applications... #CNC #Manufacturing #Exhibitions Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dacaYAvp

How to Use a Decibel Meter The ability to measure soundwaves can be as simple as having the right hand-held device. There are any number of reasons to measure, monitor, and/or control noise levels. Whether it be industrial plants, factories, construction sites, or any number of situations, having the right tool is vital. That is where having a decibel meter at your disposal can be invaluable. As is the case with virtually any other kind of job, the right tool can make all the different in the world. If you think that you may have need of a decibel meter in the future, this guide will help you understand how to properly use the device... #Testing #Sound Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eTCuXNVf

First UK XL Military Autonomous Submarine Demonstrated A team of British engineers based in Portsmouth has successfully demonstrated a new type of autonomous submarine, developed specifically for military use, off the south coast of England. The vessel, called Herne, is what is known as an extra large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV) and has been configured by BAE Systems to enable militaries to monitor and help protect underwater infrastructure across the vast expanses of the seabed, support anti-submarine warfare and provide another means for them to undertake covert surveillance missions. The trials earlier this month saw the craft conduct a pre-programmed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission, powered by Nautomate, the Company’s platform agnostic high specification autonomous military control system. This follows successful trials of the technology on a surface vessel earlier this year. Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Services business, said: “Herne is a game changer in the underwater battlespace. It will give our customers a cost effective autonomous capability that will allow for a wide range of missions, end the reliance on crewed platforms, keeping people out of harm’s way and boosting endurance.” #Maritime #Military #Collaboration #Submarine #Herne #XLUAV #Manufacturing Read further about BAE Systems collaboration with Cellula Robotics Ltd. here: https://lnkd.in/euZ6iJjF