Q.tool recycled retains all the benefits of our original Q.tool, with improved sustainability. Trials show even more than 50% time saving over standard 1:8:1 carbon tool manufacture, reduced use of plastic consumables, with only 1 debulk required. The system provides exceptional drapeability and surface finish. And at end of life, carbon tools can be recycled – thereby improving circularity and reducing landfill waste. Moulds produced by PRF have been tested by @Green Tech Automotive AC Cars and the results are fantastic! After several cycles, the tools show excellent dimensional stability. They have also been tested for several cycles under pressure to ensure good surface finish and longevity. We found no degradation in the tool surface.

This paper compares two approaches to Class-A surface creation, a key step in automotive body design ensuring aesthetics and high-quality visible surfaces. The traditional STRAK method, used for decades with tools like ICEM Surf, relies on separate surface modeling where patches are manually created and refined to achieve geometric continuity (G0–G3). Surfaces are then frozen and transferred into CAD systems for component development. In contrast, the modern Generative Engineering Design (GED) approach, implemented in CATIA ICEM, integrates Class-A surfacing directly into CAD. This enables active links between patches and components, allowing automatic updates when modifications occur, thus reducing manual work. While GED offers efficiency and flexibility, its adoption in real industry remains limited due to complexity and entrenched workflows. The paper also highlights learning aspects, surface quality verification using highlight analysis, and concludes that future development must balance efficiency with the uncompromising quality demanded in Class-A surfacing

These so-called “generic components” cover all the demanding machining steps that may be involved in the production of hydraulic valve housings made of aluminium or torsion links for landing legs milled from titanium. The generic component created by MAPAL measures around 30 x 30 x 30 centimetres and contains all machining steps that may be involved in manufacturing a valve housing, from pre-machining to finishing. It is deliberately not a replica of a customer component but was designed instead based on the machining requirements of various real-life components. This involves recommendations from the tool manufacturer for the appropriate machining strategies and cutting data. Several different options are often available to solve a particular problem. Either a PCD tool or a fine boring tool can be used to ream a bore. Or, alternatively, multi-bladed reamers. Each solution has its advantages. The decisive factor is always which advantages suit the customer's situation. Valve housings for aerospace are more complicated components than those used in other areas, such as hydraulics for construction machinery. MAPAL used over 130 different custom tools for a single housing type in the most complex customer project to date. Manufacturing often involves very thin-walled parts as it is important to minimize weight in the aviation industry. Other challenges include deep bores with cross bores or slots that create interrupted cuts. In addition, the machining of the aluminium used, with its low silicon content, produces very long chips that are difficult to break. Another generic component that MAPAL has developed for the aerospace market segment is a torsion link for the main landing gear on the aircraft. It connects the two cylindrical parts of the landing leg. This design allows the damper cylinder to retract and extend without twisting. This part is also available in various designs. ----READ MORE ON THE WEBSITE LINK AT TOP OF PAGE----

Composite Braiding was presented with the SME innovation award at the 11th Innovation Awards Ceremony for the ERCI European Railway Clusters Initiative ASBL Expo in Ferroviaria, Milan on 30 September 2025. ERCI is 18 innovation clusters over 17 countries and represents over 2000 companies, from SMEs to large enterprises.

Composite cutting challenges: materials of the future From automotive to nautics, from sport to wind power, through aerospace and medical, composite materials are expanding in many application fields. Their main features, high resistance and low specific weight, make them the ideal solution for different applications. Born from the union of two or more different materials joined together, matrix + reinforcement, a composite guarantees superior and different properties if compared to the starting constituents taken individually. The performance that can be achieved change based on the component materials, the geometries and the production process. Machines for processing composites follow the evolution and complexity of these materials, aiming for high quality standards. The cutting is carried out with semi-automated CNC machines housing a series of tools which have been chosen based on the material to be cut. An intuitive, easy-to-understand HMI and programs that optimize the process, minimizing wastes, make continuous cutting possible for supporting or increasing production rates.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence’s computer-aided engineering (CAE) software solutions enable designers, engineers and analysts to simulate product and process performance in finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multi-body dynamics (MBD), as well as providing cost estimation and design optimisation tools.

COMSOL, the developer of the COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation software, has introduced a new online resource that provides free and open access to modelling and simulation learning material across all areas of physics. The Learning Centre offers a single entry point for users of all skill levels, where courses, articles, and videos present a clear path for learning how to use COMSOL Multiphysics® for modelling and simulation. It was designed with the user in mind: Categories and filters aid in finding resources and materials that match a topic of interest. "The new Learning Centre makes it easier to find the right resources for each user," says Amelia Halliday, product information engineering manager at COMSOL. "The broad scope of the content and the on-demand format helps users learn what they need, just when they need it."

To stay ahead of competitive markets, organizations across industries face having to improve efficiency and optimize results while saving on resources. In COMSOL News 2025, we share the stories of engineers and scientists who use modeling and simulation to push the boundaries of R&D at their companies, resulting in novel ideas and project breakthroughs. Topics include: Commercializing fusion power Speeding up biopharmaceutical production Developing alternative-chemistry EV batteries Training uncrewed underwater vehicles Designing better offshore wind turbine boat landings Testing extracted oil and gas Codeveloping hearing aids for manufacturers Helping astronauts breathe at the International Space Station Additional stories in this edition discuss how topology optimization can drive generative, or inverse, design and why organizations everywhere should consider building their own custom simulation apps.

DIANA is the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, an organisation established by NATO to find and accelerate dual-use innovation capacity across the Alliance. The program provides companies with the resources, networks, and guidance to develop deep technologies to solve critical defence and security challenges, from operating in denied environments to tackling threats to our collective resilience. The last five programs were Energy & Power, Data & Information Security, Sensing & Surveillance, Human Health & Performance, and Critical Infrastructure & Logistics. Successful applicants enter a six-month programme delivered by accelerator sites across the Alliance. They also gain access to NATO mentors, end-users, and unique test centers. RVmagnetics was a part of the Sensing & Surveillance program. The final two weeks of the program marked the culmination of a dynamic, high-pressure experience that demanded rapid innovation, strategic execution, and deep reflection. It also offered us an invaluable opportunity to test and strengthen our capabilities in a setting designed for both challenge and collaboration.

Cookson Industrial, with Renishaw, has made platinum rhodium, the world’s most expensive metal, commercially viable for additive manufacturing. Using a customised RenAM 500S Flex system, powder losses were cut by 95%, saving thousands per build. This breakthrough enables scalable 3D printing of high-value components for glass fibre, aerospace and catalyst applications, proving precious metals can now be used sustainably and economically in advanced manufacturing.

Located in Bolton, Velden Engineering operates out of a site with a rich historical background, dating back to its origins as a cotton mill during the Industrial Revolution. The site, which was once bustling with the production of cotton textiles, illustrates the transition from the traditional textile industry to modern engineering. Bott Ltd and Velden Engineering share several key similarities as prominent players in the UK's manufacturing and engineering sectors. Similar to bott, Velden excels in providing customised solutions tailored to their client’s specific needs. Emphasising high-quality standards and innovation, they invest in advanced technologies to deliver first-class products and services. Velden needed a dedicated area within its factory to centralise production operations, workspace planning, and quality controls. Aimed at revolutionising its manufacturing processes, this ground breaking initiative led to the creation of Velden’s new Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Hub, setting a new benchmark in efficiency and productivity. Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, integrates various technological advancements to enhance productivity, flexibility, and competitiveness. Velden designed its state-of-the-art hub as a contained, transparent room with full visibility of its surroundings within the factory, allowing engineers to enter as needed. This ‘clean room’ that is separate from the robust machinery, is a space for cutting-edge technology and IT systems to be maintained in a controlled environment, guaranteeing Velden’s quality and control of products. 'With our previous experiences using bott, we were confident in the durability and quality of bott products, knowing they are built to last'. Ray Newton, IT & Systems Manager at Velden Engineering

Technical audiences value insight-driven content—your whitepapers and blogs must educate, engage, and deliver real value. Whitepapers and technical blogs play a key role in engaging engineers and decision-makers, but they need to be structured effectively to make an impact. High-quality technical content should: ✔ Address a real industry challenge with depth and clarity ✔ Incorporate data, diagrams, and technical accuracy ✔ Balance detail with accessibility for different stakeholders ✔ Provide practical applications and expert perspectives ✔ Feature a clear call-to-action that supports business objectives When crafted strategically, these assets enhance credibility and support a more effective B2B sales cycle. Looking to create compelling technical content that resonates with your audience? Let’s talk.

The new facility contains a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art test and analytical equipment. Routinely conducting extensive material testing, analysis and research, the department is dedicated to supporting production and customer needs, as well as researching, developing and implementing new materials and processes into production. The Laboratory’s metallography capabilities include the evaluation of microstructures for grain size, carburisation, weld analysis, corrosion, inclusions, defects, recast layers, fracturing/micro fracturing, coating evaluation, heat treatment, rolling effects and FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis). Digital optical and scanning electron microscopes provide up to 60,000X total magnification, whilst a dedicated etching facility and modern semi-automated polishing and grinding capabilities allow for precise and accurate analysis at very high magnification, enabling comprehensive microstructural examination. Microhardness testers, hardometers and tensile testing equipment enable full mechanical testing of materials at all stages of production in accordance with customer specifications including ASTM and NADCAP. SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) enables extensive chemical and elemental analysis of raw materials and products, allowing for material grade identification, contamination analysis, material heterogeneity analysis and more. Mechanical testing at elevated temperatures using test furnaces, analytical equipment and software can test materials and products at very high temperatures for extreme lengths of time to simulate working conditions. Corrosion, creep rate, thermal dispersion, relaxation and more can be investigated.

CRP Technology has expanded its additive manufacturing capabilities by incorporating vapor smoothing into its post-processing workflow. This advanced finishing technique improves the surface quality and durability of parts produced with Windform® composite materials, offering tangible benefits for sectors that demand both aesthetics and performance—such as aerospace, motorsport, and automotive.

Need high-quality components cut to precise specifications without the hassle of doing it in-house? At CSI Manufacturing, we offer custom laser cutting services tailored to the needs of engravers, sign-makers, pet tag resellers, trophy shops, and manufacturers across the UK and Ireland. Our laser cutting service is ideal for: - Custom-sized metal tags and signage - Discs, plates, and bespoke components - Bevelled edges, rounded corners, and drilled holes What Materials Do We Cut? We work with high-grade metals including: - Brass - Stainless steel - Aluminium - Other engraving-quality materials Everything is cut on precision laser equipment and supplied ready to engrave with no prep required from you! Flexible Specs, High Accuracy: We can work with you to meet exact shape, size, and layout needs. If you're unsure of your requirements, we're happy to talk through options and create custom jigs or templates to match your project. There’s no need to supply your own material, we provide everything as part of the service. Why Use CSI’s Custom Cutting Service? Save time and free up your team for other jobs Avoid investment in new equipment for low-volume or one-off jobs Expand your product offering with minimal overhead Get consistent, professional-quality results every time Whether you're producing bespoke signage, ID plates, pet tags, machine labels, or more, we help you deliver polished results without the stress. Want to See What’s Possible? Let’s talk through your next project. Whether it’s a single size or a full range of custom components, CSI Manufacturing is here to make it simple. Contact us today to request a quote, explore options, or ask about our engraving-ready metal materials. 📞 0117 911 4367 UK | (01) 464 1488 Ireland 📧 info@csionline.co.uk