UK-developed technology scoops EMO award

The machine is the first in the world to combine tool-changeable laser cladding, machining and inspection, developed by the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre in collaboration with Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Ltd, Delcam Plc and Hamuel Reichenbacher GmbH (UK agent Micro Finish Grinding). The groundbreaking HSMT1000 machining centre exhibited combines laser cladding, milling and probing all in one unit. The unique capability of the machine to deposit material by laser cladding, as well as machine and inspect in a seamless production cycle, was demonstrated live at the show, with German industry magazine MM Maschinenmarkt making the award. This machine is the result of more than five years of research and development. It began as a collaborative research project called RECLAIM, initiated by Professor David Wimpenny of the MTC, Jason Jones of DeMontfort University and Steve Hobbs of Delcam. Other industrial partners included metrology equipment developer Renishaw plc, laser processing equipment manufacturer Electrox, CNC integration experts Precision Engineering Technologies, and turbocharger manufacturer Cummins Turbo Technologies. The project was supported by the UK Technology Strategy Board, with the objective of developing a hybrid additive and subtractive solution that could also be used for the automated repair of damaged high value parts. The new system is not only capable of repairing damaged parts, but can be used to manufacture new components and for customisation of standard parts for low-volume applications. Ken Young, technology director at the MTC, said the UK can take a leading position in the development and use of hybrid manufacturing systems and said he was pleased with the positive reception at EMO: "This award recognises the innovation involved in developing this machine. This is true invention with commercial benefits and offers industry something that has never been done before." The MTC represents one of the largest public sector investments in manufacturing for many years and is housed in a 12,000 m² purpose-built facility at Ansty Park, Coventry. It is a partnership between some of the UK's major global manufacturers and the universities of Birmingham, Nottingham and Loughborough, and TWI Ltd. The MTC is an open access centre and has more than 50 industrial members, representing large OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and SMEs. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, set up by the Technology Strategy Board to provide a stimulus for British manufacturing and to deliver manufacturing and process technology support to industry. Image: The MTC's research engineer Ricardo Tosi (left) and research technician Paul Wilkinson with the award