ALPEX Process Data Solutions was developed as a supplement to our tooling systems and offers a comprehensive, customized technical platform for data-based process control that is perfectly matched to our tooling systems. All process-relevant data are recorded and processed in real time based on the process sensors integrated in the tooling system and the tooling status sensors in our ALPEX components. In close cooperation with our customers, we create a systematic database that ensures consistent component quality and optimized production processes.

At Rockwood Group, innovation isn’t just our mission—it’s airborne. The VX4, a groundbreaking electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has completed a piloted flight in open airspace—a leap toward sustainable aviation. Our Role in the VX4’s Success Behind this milestone are Rockwood Group’s next-generation propellers, engineered to deliver: Ultra-high efficiency for maximum range and performance. Low noise operation, critical for urban flight. Precision balance to ensure smooth, vibration-free flight. Lightweight strength, reducing energy use while withstanding intense flight forces. These propellers aren’t just components—they’re enablers of electric aviation, helping the VX4 achieve the stability, lift, and energy efficiency required for safe, clean, and quiet operation. Why It Matters The VX4 represents more than a technological feat—it’s a vision of aviation’s future: Zero in-flight emissions for cleaner skies. Quieter, more efficient air mobility for urban and regional travel. Certification-ready performance validated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. With test flights now underway, the VX4 moves closer to commercial service—flying faster, quieter, and greener. We’re proud that our technology powers this extraordinary chapter in aviation. This is real progress in action—and we’re just getting started. 🎥 Watch the VX4 take to the skies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghjBC7bglfI

Propulsion test rigs - used for evaluating engines, turbines, thrusters, and related propulsion components - require a wide array of sensors to capture accurate performance, safety, and diagnostic data. These sensors operate in harsh environments characterized by high temperatures, pressures, vibration, and rapid transients. The selection and integration of sensors are therefore critical to obtaining reliable measurements for performance assessment, control development, and research. Data acquisition for propulsion test rigs involves collecting, processing, and analysing sensor data to monitor engine performance, thrust, pressure, temperature, and vibration. It requires high-speed, high-accuracy systems with robust synchronization, real-time visualization, and secure storage to ensure reliable performance validation, safety assurance, and optimization of propulsion system designs.

Achieving the AS9100D certification marks a significant milestone for Tooling 2000, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of quality, precision, and continuous improvement. This accreditation reinforces our capabilities to serve the aerospace and defence sectors, delivering exceptional results through our expertise in CNC machining, laser cutting, stamping, and tooling. Visit our stand R145d to learn more about how we can support your projects with industry-leading engineering excellence.

At commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus’s Nuremberg plant, production of an ultra-efficient new 13-litre diesel engine has begun. As a joint engine platform, it is intended for use across the group. Fine boring tools from ­MAPAL are used for the cylinder heads. These machine valve guide and valve seat blind bores. Read more online [Please see website URL above]

Reducing Warranty Claims Access to comprehensive, accurate 3D data allows quality assurance teams to effectively address product defects’ root causes. This efficiency helps them move from reactive quality assurance to proactive quality control. Ensuring that welded parts adhere to defined quality criteria before assembly and shipment reduces the likelihood of malfunctions or breakdowns. Investing in quality control results in better-quality products, reducing costs associated with warranty claims, repairs, and customer complaints. Higher-quality products are more likely to meet or exceed customer expectations, leading to greater customer satisfaction, repeat business, and positive referrals. A reputation for quality can enhance a company’s brand image, attracting more customers and potentially increasing market share. A strong brand reputation also allows companies to maintain higher prices and benefit from higher margins, as customers are generally willing to pay more for reliable and durable machines.

Virtek extends its latest IRIS 3D platform with integration with Creaform's 3D scanning technology. Manufacturers can seamlessly inspect parts inline or stationary, during the fabrication process. This advanced integration simplifies digitizing any part being built, analyzing it by comparing the as-built part to the design based on CAD modeling, and clearly highlighting any discrepancies or defects and adjusting assembly positions to the deformed geometry of the part. Using precise laser projection, the system directs the assembly technician to the area of concern for immediate and efficient resolution or guides them to the adjusted assembly positions. Top industries in manufacturing can benefit from this solution and this integrated workflow. Operators can ensure precise rework of high-value parts by comparing scan data with CAD models and projecting necessary information back onto the part. The Creaform 3D scanner, aligned with the Virtek Vision laser projector, displays critical information for accurate parts installation. This solution also perfects the setup of large castings or forgings on CNC machines by projecting alignment markers, reducing setup time. Additionally, Virtek’s innovative AI technology is designed to support the evolving needs of aerospace and composite manufacturers, enhancing accuracy, adaptability, and efficiency across production processes. “Our customers are constantly increasing their quality standards and digitization levels. They are requiring flexible, easy to use and exceptionally reliable solutions,” said Dietmar Wennemer, DV President of Virtek Vision. “Our technology empowers them with the precision they need. The combined technologies create a new level of quality control, digitization, and continuous process improvements that are unique in the market. For the last four decades we continue to exceed our customer expectations in everything we do.” Wennemer continued.

Vacuum Symposium UK have announced the appointment of Mr Raj Das, Leybold UK, as their new Committee Member with effect from 1 September 2023 for 12 months. Raj joins the existing committee members consisting of: Robin Hathaway, SS Scientific Limited; Joe Herbert, ASTeC Vacuum Group, STFC Daresbury Laboratory; Sunil Patel, ISIS Vacuum Group, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory; Mark Pendleton, STFC Daresbury Laboratory; Steve Shannon, SS Scientific Limited; Dr Richard Pilkington, University of Salford; and Emily Barker, STFC Daresbury Laboratory. Raj brings over 36 years of vacuum knowledge and insight, primarily within the industrial vacuum sector to the committee. Having worked for Leybold over the past 26 years, Raj understands the challenges today’s customers face around productivity and product quality, and the positive impact vacuum can have across a wide range of applications. “I feel extremely privileged to have been invited by the trustees to become a committee member, and I am hoping that my personal industry experience will bring increased focus on vacuum technology for applications such as coating and metallurgy,” said Raj. “Many users of vacuum in engineering or operational positions and could really benefit from the networking opportunities and training Vacuum Symposium UK offers, and I would like to encourage more dialogue in these sectors where I can.” Next year Vacuum Symposium celebrates its 13th year, and continues its intention to facilitate interaction between academics, industrial users and manufacturers across the vacuum community, whilst being independently financed by sponsorship. The Vacuum Symposium UK, VS13, will be part of the European Vacuum Conference and European Conference on Surface Science (EVC-17 & ECOSS-37) being held in the UK 17-21 June 2024, Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate. About Vacuum Symposium UK www.vacuum-uk.org

The Exeter-based business, which employs 10 people at its state-of-the-art Skypark demonstration centre, has joined forces with Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT) to sell its robotic additive manufacturing systems to customers in the aerospace and defence sectors. Bosses at the technology expert believe there are almost £2m worth of opportunities to be enjoyed in the first year across the Western half of the country and have earmarked its Apollo, Zeus and Medusa solutions as offering significant time and cost savings compared to existing models. The company will initially target PADT’s existing client base, whilst leveraging the US firm’s unrivalled technical knowledge, manufacturing networks and 30-year track record to make inroads into a market that is estimated to be worth $619.3m globally by 2030. Jake Hand, Managing Director at Rapid Fusion, commented: “We have had significant success disrupting the large format additive manufacturing (LAFM) arena in the UK and Europe and felt it was time to push into the United States – a sector that is the biggest in the world for our technology. “We needed to find the right partner who not only understood our values and our products but also had immediate access to clients who would benefit from our solutions. Initial conversations with PADT founder Rey Chu got us really excited, and we’re delighted to sign the deal that makes the company our first US reseller. “Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies will have access to our full portfolio, including Apollo (a full turnkey 3D robotic printer), Zeus (a 3D printing robot that incorporates a unique CNC milling capability) and Medusa. “The latter is a real LFAM gem and is three times faster than conventional machines, twice as accurate and promises to reduce training and maintenance costs by 30%.”

In a match made in the South West, Rapid Fusion and Applied Automation have expanded a two-year business partnership by agreeing to work in tandem to productionise Medusa – a UK-built large format hybrid 3D printer. Applied Automation shaking hands with Martin Jewell This will see engineering teams from the two companies join forces to turn the ‘prototype’ into a machine ready for shopfloor use, with interest already coming from companies involved in the automotive, aerospace, construction, medical and renewables sectors. Design for manufacture and supply chain management will be the first tasks, whilst Applied Automation experts will also create a dedicated assembly line and testing area at its facility in Plymouth to help ensure the target of an early 2026 release is met. This new technology is expected to generate more than £5m of revenues from first year sales and could create up to ten jobs across the two firms. “We are fantastic at innovating and developing new technology that is changing the way companies adopt additive manufacturing,” explained Martin Jewell, Chief Technical Officer of Rapid Fusion.

Rapid Fusion has launched Bob (Base of Build), an AI print assistant designed to optimise hybrid and robotic additive manufacturing systems such as Apollo, Zeus and Medusa. Bob simplifies use, reduces downtime with predictive maintenance, and provides best-in-class settings from a knowledge base covering over 1,000 print parameters and 100 component profiles. Key features include smart extrusion readiness (live thermal analysis with go/no-go confidence scoring), material-aware intelligence for composites and high-temp polymers, task orchestration with three-tier intent processing, and chained commands that automate multi-step processes. Built for both cloud-connected and offline/air-gapped use, Bob ensures flexibility for IP-sensitive and defence clients. Two user levels will launch: super users to guide further development, and a standard version available in early 2026. This marks a step toward secure, AI-driven “plug and play” 3D printing, helping manufacturers adopt advanced additive technologies more easily.

DynamxMFG delivers powerful, real-time production management tools designed to enhance visibility, control, and efficiency on the shop floor. From accurate tracking of production times and resource status to dynamic routing of work orders, our platform ensures you always know what’s happening and where. Real-Time Visibility of Production Times and Resource Status DynamxMFG provides real-time visibility of planned versus actual production times for each operation. It also monitors the status of resources, showing whether they are actively in use, stopped, or idle. This allows managers to quickly identify bottlenecks, delays, or underutilised assets, helping improve overall production efficiency. Dynamic Routing for Rapid Work Order Deployment Our dynamic routing feature enables rapid deployment of work orders directly to operations and work centres. This ensures complete real-time tracking of what jobs are currently in progress and where they are located on the shop floor, giving managers and teams a clear and immediate overview of production flow. Comprehensive People, Product, and Process Control DynamxMFG supports enhanced control by allowing custom fields to be easily added per operation. These custom fields facilitate on-the-spot quality assurance checks and audit data collection, ensuring that product quality and process standards are maintained throughout the manufacturing cycle. Seamless Data Capture on Any Device Operators can capture data and track processes immediately using any web-enabled tablet or device. This flexibility ensures accurate and timely recording of production information, improving data reliability and reducing delays in communication. Multi-Language Support for Global Teams To accommodate diverse workforces, DynamxMFG offers multi-language support. This feature ensures the system is accessible and user-friendly for teams across different regions, fostering smoother communication and consistent operation worldwide.

Each of these new team members brings unique academic and professional backgrounds to Stone Junction, strengthening the agency’s ability to deliver tailored and complex PR strategies across the STEM sectors. Isabelle Clowes, who holds a BSc in Biomedical Science and an MRes in Cancer Studies will bolster Stone Junction’s ability to serve clients working in cutting-edge scientific research. With experience working in the NHS, she will be supporting campaigns for emissions treatment specialist Krajete, Geobear and Lab Innovations. Isobel Walford, a recent graduate in Biochemistry and Human Biology, brings a focus on the chemical engineering and scientific research sectors. Walford’s international experience, having studied at San Diego State University, aligns with Stone Junction’s global outlook. She will play a key role in supporting campaigns for clients such as Broughton, a research laboratory focused on improving quality of life through innovation. Jessica Turner, a French-speaking arts graduate, enhances Stone Junction’s ability to manage international communications for its global client base. With a background in English and French literature and experience in editing and proofreading, Turner’s language skills will support Stone Junction’s storytelling efforts for clients across Europe and beyond. Isabelle Hickman, a strategic communications graduate, adds her experience from the charitable sector to Stone Junction’s growing team. Her expertise in international geopolitics and PR, combined with her creative approach, makes her a valuable asset for tackling the increasingly complex PR challenges faced by the agency’s clients. “Our latest hires bring something special to Stone Junction,” said Richard Stone, managing director of Stone Junction. “Their unique backgrounds and fresh perspectives are exactly what we need to continue pushing boundaries in the world of STEM communications.

This eGuide from Schneider Electric explores how open, software-defined automation is transforming industrial operations by decoupling software from hardware, enabling modular, vendor-agnostic systems. It highlights the benefits of universal automation, including faster deployment, reduced downtime, and improved scalability through shared-source standards like IEC 61499. By embracing this paradigm shift, industries can modernize their infrastructure, empower a more agile workforce, and future-proof their operations in an increasingly digital world.

The solid carbide milling cutters impress with maximum process reliability – a key factor in the era of unmanned shifts, robot-assisted machining and growing complexity in component manufacturing. The third generation of the solid carbide milling cutter OptiMill-Uni-HPC brings together all requirements asked of a milling tool today: stability, flexibility and resistance to wear. A newly developed cutting material ensures high ductility and significant resistance to impact strain as a result. The risk of tool break is greatly reduced, protecting expensive components from damage. Combined with wear-resistant coating and adapted geometry, this ensures a high degree of reliability – even for very dynamic loads. A version with an integrated chip breaker is a new addition to the range in 2025. This creates short chips that are easy to remove – a clear advantage for air cooling and high cutting performance. The chip removal capability of the new OptiMill-Uni-HPC is particularly remarkable at high infeed depths and increases the potential material removal rate. The result: long machine running times and reduced monitoring efforts – ideal for automated processes. The third-generation OptiMill-Uni-HPC is available in three versions since the beginning of September 2025: as short design without chip breaker (diameter 3–20 mm), long design without chip breaker (diameter 3–25 mm) and long design with chip breaker (diameter 6–25 mm). In this way, MAPAL is pursuing a clear path: the targeted optimisation of a tried-and-tested tool aimed at further improving process reliability, stability and versatility. With the third-generation OptiMill-Uni-HPC, MAPAL launched a tool at the recently concluded EMO 2025 that is not only technically impressive, but also economically viable – a true all-rounder for modern manufacturing.