The most promising digital technologies of recent times have been virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The concept may have been around for some time but the technology is still very much in its infancy. That being said, many manufacturers have started exploring the benefits augmented reality can offer in a manufacturing environment. We also know it will have a significant impact on the industrial sector within the next few years.
Deep hole drilling (DHD) is a stress measurement technique used in engineering materials and components to measure locked-in and applied stresses. The process measures residual stresses at a microscopic level with penetration of over 750 millimeters (30 in), without destroying the original component.
Advances in engineering technology have given common CNC machining centres gun drilling ability up to a certain depth-diameter ratio. Roundness and surface finish are among considerations. Common applications of deep hole drilling and machining processes include
The correlation between manufacturing trends and our economic growth is crucial. But how do we ensure innovation, competitiveness, higher income and improved quality of life? No surprise here as the answer lies in manufacturing. Investments in this sector impact the economy through job creation and career growth in other industries as well.
The Future of Mini Drones or MAV’s (Micro Air Vehicles)
Drones have been around for some time but the on-going technological development in advanced engineering is astonishing. Can you imagine a swarm of robotic and autonomous insects?
When you think of mosquitoes, there really aren’t many good things to say. They often carry potentially lethal diseases such as malaria. Mosquitoes are annoying and their bites can be really painful, itchy and irritating.
This is not what Zoologists from the University of Oxford and the Royal Veterinary Hospital in Japan are focusing on though. In fact, they’ve discovered something very interesting.
PRV Engineering believe that investment and improvement is the key to their success. Whilst the purchase of new machinery requires a large financial investment CEO Simon Jones believes it is well worth it. Customer service and quality is top of the agenda at PRV Engineering and to achieve the highest levels of both, continuous review of existing machinery is needed, as well as a good understanding of what new equipment is capable of. And it’s not just equipment that requires investment; staff and premises get the same treatment.
Following the latest machinery purchase MTDCNC TV paid a visit to PRV Engineering to talk about the reasons behind the purchase of those particular machines. Whilst there, they asked Simon a few questions about PRV Engineering and manufacturing in general.
Whilst things have been ticking along in the background for HS2, there haven’t been too many headlines recently – until now. After 3 years of work, the HS2 project received Royal Assent on February 23rd.
What exactly does this mean for HS2? Put simply, it means that work can start. Construction schedules can be drawn up, suppliers can begin to prepare their bid documents and also gear up their own supply chain requirements in preparation.
The project will not be without problems though. At every step of the way to date there have been objections to overcome. Issues around compulsory purchase of property, the environment and potential job losses in some areas have been, and will continue to be contentious issues. Those objections are counter balanced by the many that believe improved connections between the major cities will bring increased investment, business and jobs.
McLaren has announced that it is to construct the new McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Sheffield. The facility is the result of a £50m joint investment with Sheffield City Council and the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
The facility, which will create 200 jobs will be the first purpose built facility outside of the existing McLaren site in Woking, Surrey. The centre will be responsible for the research and manufacture of carbon fibre chassis for current McLaren automotive cars and also for future models. With work on the new centre due to start shortly, it is anticipated that there will be 2 years of research and development before advanced carbon fibre chassis will be manufactured from 2020. This will mean that at this point in time almost 60% of all McLarens will be UK sourced.
The annual manufacturing report compiled from survey data in August and September 2016 and covers areas such as the economy, connectivity, automation and recruitment.
It comes as no surprise that uncertainty factors in a range of responses, especially when talking about the economy and in general. Whilst things have remained reasonably stable in the light of Brexit, it is clear that the unknowns of the next few years are having an impact on the decision making in many companies. For some this uncertainty is translating into delays in investment and commencement of new projects.
Investment in equipment and staff is extremely high on the list of priorities for PRV Engineering. Quality and customer service excellence are 2 of the most important things for the company and to provide those things equipment and staff need to be of the highest level.
In 2016 more new machinery has been installed at PRV Engineering and staff have completed training so they are fully up to speed on the operation and capabilities of each machine.
Hydro-abrasive waterjet machinery along with large format machining equipment were the latest additions to the workshop floor.
We’re just getting to the end of the year and on the face of it UK manufacturing seems to have weathered the initial Brexit storm. There will undoubtedly be ups and downs over the next couple of years as well as uncertainty whilst the exit terms are negotiated.
Can you foresee what’s going to happen and be ready for every eventuality? Of course not! All you can do is make sure that you keep an eye on what’s going on and keep up with how the latest developments could have an impact on your business. There is little point in panicking and making huge changes until the unknown becomes known. By all means review things to see where you might need to change policies and processes if certain scenarios come into play. You may even go so far as to get some documents drafted and approved for use so that they can be brought into play immediately should your anticipated change become a reality. And for some of the big manufacturers who have many European offices and employees from other European countries in place, that is, in all likelihood happening right now.










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