NAMTEC - News

The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) has been awarded a contract to establish a world class centre of excellence in Surface Engineering that aims to increase the use of technology within the region's advanced engineering and manufacturing companies.

Yorkshire Forward's Regional Technology Capacity Building strategy identified the need for such a project which will be managed by the Surface Engineering Group (SEG).

SEG has been set up to manage the contract and will be housed in NAMTEC's Swinden House facility. SEG will draw upon the physical resources of its project partners within Corus' RD&T Swinden Technology Centre, the Research Centre in Surface Engineering within the Engineering Materials Department at the University of Sheffield, the Materials and Engineering Research Institute at Sheffield Hallam University and TWI Ltd at its Advanced Manufacturing Park site.

These four key regional technology providers offer a highly complimentary set of skills and novel equipment, covering a wide spectrum of coating types and applications. The Group also provides an extensive state of the art array of test and validation equipment and services.

SEG aims to create a world-leading organisation that will develop and drive the capabilities and competencies of the region's advanced engineering and manufacturing companies using state-of-the-art surface engineering and coatings technologies, tools and techniques. It will also support economic growth in the region by increasing the profitability of regional engineering and manufacturing companies.

A range of key support services to industry in the region will be made available including: a targeted R&D programme, information services, an industry liaison agenda, a targeted supply chain development strategy and a series of industry briefings, workshops and training activities.

For more information please visit the SEG website at http://www.seg.org.uk.

Note to editors.

NAMTEC is a not for profit organisation supported by Objective 1, Yorkshire Forward, the European Regional development Fund, DTI and LSC.

Media Contact: David Stafford,Sales & Marketing Manager, NAMTEC.

Email: marketing@namtec.co.uk
Tel: 01709 724990

International Survey

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:39:13 +0000

This questionnaire has been prepared by ECISS, the European Committee for Iron and Steel Standardization. ECISS is responsible for drafting and maintaining the European steel standards. The users of these standards are found in the steel industry. Today there are over 400 European steel standards available.

In order to develop its process and the quality of the standards, ECISS is looking to gather information through this survey. In each country the European wide survey will be carried out by the national standardization body.

If you require further information on this survey or its goals, please contact Karen Border, (BSI) karen.border@bsi-global.com, who is the person responsible for steel standarization in the UK.

The completed survey should be returned to atlas@bsi-global.com by 15th September 2007.

NAMTEC Technology Skills Audit

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:34:11 +0000

Take part in the first National Survey that focuses on Technical skills in the metals manufacturing and processing industry; covering metallurgy, materials science and engineering (electrical, mechanical and manufacturing).

At a time when core skill shortages are becoming a critical factor in our industry we need to establish current activity levels and would ask you to take time out to complete the survey and return it by fax to 01709 724999 or via email to:anita.sunderland@namtec.co.uk

SMF Launch

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:05:09 +0000

We are delighted that The Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Competitiveness, for the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, officially launched the Special Metals Forum on the 6th December 2007. The launch was held at the National Metals Technology Centre, Swinden House, Rotherham. We would like to thank everyone who joined us for this high profile event.

To find out more about the Special Metals Forum, please go to

http://www.namtec.co.uk/smf

Technology of Cutting Edges Seminar

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:42:52 +0000

Cutting edges have an essential role in modern life, ranging from domestic cutlery, surgical and craft tools to the processing of food, packaging and manufactured goods. Advanced manufacturing technologies support the continued development of improved edge performance and working life.

This successful seminar was held Wednesday 14th May at the National Metals Technology Centre, it included presentations covering materials, heat treatment, sharpening and testing of cutting edges. The application of technologies such as advanced coatings, powder metallurgy, laser deposition and hardening were also covered.

Apology

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:14:31 +0000

In an SFIL presentation given in May 2008, on slide 27 of 45, an image on the lower, right of the page showing the Bottom Petal of an ABWR reactor was shown. This product was made by Japan Steel Works, not by Sheffield Forgemasters who at that time had never been able to make this product or a similar one of such large size. Sheffield Forgemasters unreservedly apologise to JSW and any viewers for any misunderstanding which may have resulted.

Metals Manufacturing; the Skills Landscape, 2008 and beyond

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:58:06 +0000

26th November 2008

Innovation Technology Centre, AMP, Rotherham

This year's Special Metals Forum event 'Metals Manufacturing' focused on skills and training. This is recognised as a problem area by many different parts of the special metals sector. There are not enough young people entering the sector and those that do, often lack the required skills. The increased use of technology makes it all the more important for companies to maintain training throughout their employees' careers. The training and skills provision for the engineering sector at all levels is extremely complex, with a range of private and public organisations providing services. The aim of this event was to give companies an overview of the skills landscape from schools through to engineering institutes.

The presentations below will help companies identify ways in which they can help to reverse the skills shortage. They will also clarify the roles of different
organisations and discuss the funding opportunities available nationally.

Introduction to the skills landscape - NAMTEC

Schools and diplomas: Start of the people supply chain - LEA

Schools out-reach: Engineering the future - NAMTEC

Apprenticeships: How they work and what they provide - Metskill

Case Study: Apprenticeships in action - SFEL

Foundation Degrees - Higher Futures

Case Study: Foundation degrees in industry - Bodycote

Undergraduate Development: Securing the future - NAMTEC

Employee Development: Growing our people - NAMTEC

Contributing to the skills landscape - National Skills Academy for Manufacturing

Accessing support and funding

Semta

Skills landscape poster

Westinghouse Nuclear Supply Chain Seminar

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:53:26 +0000

As part of the development of a Working Group within the SMF, aimed at the Nuclear Supply Chain, it was arranged for Dr. David Powell, Regional VP for Westinghouse Electric Company LLC and Westinghouse's UK based spokesperson, to give a talk on Tuesday 2nd December. At this seminar, hosted at the Innovation Technology Centre, Rotherham, attendees learnt about Westinghouse's approach and vision for the new nuclear build and were also able to discuss opportunities for UK-based companies.

David was accompanied by Dr. Rick Wright, a senior Westinghouse engineer with responsibility for some of the company's global licensing activities, and was able to answer questions related to quality and nuclear accreditation.

In addition to the presentations from Westinghouse, Dr Stephen Court of NAMTEC gave an update on the remit and forward activities of SMF Nuclear Working Group.

The presentations are available to download. Please click on the links below:

Westinghouse AP1000 Market Progress and Opportunities

AP1000 Technical, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance Aspects

Evening Leadership and Innovation Seminars

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:37:42 +0000

A series of Leadership and Innovation Seminars are being held during 2009.

The first seminar was held at DavyMarkham Limited on Wednesday 28^th January. DavyMarkham has over 100 years of manufacturing experience and expertise and are one of the largest engineering workshops in Western Europe. Current workshop activities include fabrications for a £20 million mine hoist contract and cutter heads for Robbins tunnel boring machines, along with a 300 tonne casting.

The evening begin with a presentation by DavyMarkhams Managing Director - Kevin Parkin. The presentation covered the identification and justification of skills shortages during turnaround and business development, and why apprentice training should be justified like capital expenditure.

Kevin Parkin Presentation

This was followed by a plant tour and refreshments. We would like to thank everyone who joined us for this successful evening.

Doctoral Training Centre For Energy Research

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:24:50 +0000

Making the transition to a low carbon economy whilst ensuring a secure energy supply is one of the greatest challenges facing the UK today. In response to this challenge, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) awarded £5.9M to the University of Sheffield in January 2009 to establish EFutures, a Doctoral Training Centre for Energy Research.

Further Details

Manufacturing a Nuclear Future

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:02:57 +0000

Nuclear Supply Chain Workshop

We are delighted to announce that Mike O'Brien MP, the Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will be speaking at this event.
Mr O'Brien will outline the role of nuclear power in the UK's Energy Strategy. There will also be presentations from senior executives from AREVA,
Westinghouse, EDF, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Doosan Babcock, Sheffield Forgemasters and Unite the Union.

The workshop will create an opportunity for the UK manufacturing base to gain insight into the planned UK nuclear new build programme. It will also highlight how the supply chain will operate and how companies can explore the opportunities for supplying into this exciting sector.

There will be an extended lunch allowing you the opportunity to renew and build networks. The workshop will close with a question and answer session.

Near Net Shape: The Shape of Things to Come

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:30:35 +0000

2nd April 2009 - Swinden House

meta4, a network group of the Materials KTN, in association with RAMP, the Yorkshire Forward funded Rapid Manufacturing Programme, are
holding an event encompassing Near Net Shape (NNS) Processing.

NNS Processing defines a number of technologies which are used to produce
complex metal (or material) parts, and which are as close as possible to the
final shape required for application.
There are a number of innovative processes under development for both
wide and potential large scale application, including Metal Injection
Moulding (MIM) and Laser Deposition/Additive Layer Manufacturing and
Near Net Shape Hot Isostatic Pressing (NNS HIP), all of which will be
discussed at the Workshop.

Innovation through a Recession

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:12:09 +0000

Monday 8th June 2009

Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre, Rotherham

Lord Digby Jones, ex Trade Minister and CBI Chairman and Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward, were keynote speakers at this event. This is a technologies showcase event connecting Regional Technology Centres within Yorkshire Forward's Technology Transfer Programme with real industrial opportunities. Delegates gained an insight into the technologies on offer and how they could benefit their own businesses.

The event enabled industry to commercialise the technologies developed as part of the Capacity Building Programme and identified the connection between technology demonstration and deployment and empowering industry to exploit the R&D undertaken. Delegates were able to share regional technology strategies and better understand the business environment.

Presentations from each of the Capacity Building Centres, along with case studies highlighting real business benefits were given. These highlighted the available technology in design, Modelling & Simulation, Surface Engineering, Rapid Manufacturing/Prototyping and Innovative Metals Processing. Business support companies that presented included Business Link, Sheffield First and Yorkshire Bank. IP specialists, Lee & Priestley also outlined the area of the commercialisation of Intellectual Property issues. There were exhibitions from both technology and business support providers.

Titanium Conference a Major Sucess

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:38:49 +0000

Over 150 delegates from 17 countries attended the European Titanium Conference organised by NAMTEC (the National Metals Technology Centre) that was held recently at the Belfry Golf Club & Conference Centre in Birmingham.

The event, which was held in partnership with the Special Metals Forum and the Titanium Information Group (TIG), was designed to cover the latest innovations and developments in this valuable material and provide an insight into the Titanium industry and the opportunities for component manufacturers and suppliers to contribute to this large growth market.

The conference also covered details of technical developments, academic research and market reviews on the industry from across the world and featured keynote speakers from world leading organisations and renowned academic institutions. Dr Alan Partridge, Chief Executive of NAMTEC opened the event, followed by a market overview of general markets for Titanium, as well as the aerospace market, provided by David Hall from RTI International Metals Inc, Dr Laurent Pinto from Airbus and Dr David Rugg from Rolls Royce. The event then took on a global flavour, with an overview of the Russian markets and their aerospace industry along with an overview of the Chinese market for Titanium. Later sessions looked at the welding and joining of Titanium, Titanium in the service of defence, Titanium in biomedical applications, forging techniques and thermo-mechanical processing.

Chief executive of NAMTEC Alan Partridge explains: "The event was a huge success and it was great to see such a breadth of international businesses which are all involved in the Titanium industry. The feedback we had was very positive with many delegates immediately recognising opportunities within the market and benefiting from the chance to network with senior figures from the industry."

To maximise the range of topics available to delegates, the two day programme was split into a combination of plenary and parallel sessions, providing plenty of opportunity for delegates to attend a variety of presentations.

Innovator/10 - Call for Applications

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:26:57 +0000

Companies who set the standard when it comes to innovation will be celebrated at the third annual Innovator/10 Awards in March 2010. Now is the time to submit your entry for the awards - established by Yorkshire Forward to reward success and showcase the role innovation plays in helping companies maintain their competitive edge.

The winners will be presented with prizes of £3,000 to further invest in innovative activities and a trophy.

The categories are:

• Young Innovative Business Award - for businesses that have been trading for less than three years and have demonstrated creativity and entrepreneurial flair in the launch and early growth of a business based on innovative products, processes or services
• Innovation in Action Award - for businesses that have achieved significant commercial success with an innovative new product, process or service developed in Yorkshire and Humber
• Lord Stafford - Partners in Innovation Award - for businesses that have collaborated with and used the resources and knowledge of the region's research community on a defined innovative project, in association with the Lord Stafford Awards.
• Sustainable Innovation Award - for businesses that have made outstanding advances in environmental sustainability through the development of marketing of innovative products, processes and services, or through the innovative management of natural manufactured and human resources.

Applications should be submitted no later than 5pm on Wednesday 2nd December 2009, and the awards evening will be held at Leeds City Museum on Wednesday 3 March 2010.
This year's awards are in association with Yorkshire Innovation and Business Link Yorkshire.

Apply Online Now! - Visit: http://www.innovator10.com

For more information about the award categories, visit http://www.innovator10.com or contact Holly Jones, 0113 394 9916, innovate@yorkshire-forward.com

New British Gear Association (BGA) Research Project

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:41:09 +0000

This latest BGA research project (Project 11) is a continuation of a series of research projects aimed at improving the fatigue properties of gears which dates back to the mid 1990s. This latest phase will be strongly materials-focused and will concentrate on evaluating gear tooth bending fatigue strength using single tooth pulsator testing as has been used in previous phases of the project. The variables to be investigated include the base steel type, heat treatment method and post heat treatment processing.

The BGA is actively seeking additional consortium members.

For further information about this project please call Andy Harry at BGA on 01283 515521 or email andy@bag.org.uk

Details of the latest proposal can be found here

Oil and Gas Report

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:22:46 +0000

The National Metals Technology Centre has produced an Oil & Gas sector report on behalf of the Special Metals Forum (SMF). The overall aim of this report is to characterise the markets, strengths and opportunities for the UK's Oil and Gas materials supply chain in order to highlight the potential business for metals companies within these sectors.

NAMTEC become Founder Member in new Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:33:40 +0000

NAMTEC are pleased to announce becoming a Founder Member of the new Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC). NAMTEC will provide technology, skills and knowledge transfer services to the Centre which will be based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in South Yorkshire.

The Centre will be led by the University of Sheffield in partnership with the University of Manchester and with Rolls-Royce as the lead industrial partner. The other founder partners include Areva, Westinghouse and Sheffield Forgemasters Engineering Ltd.

The NAMRC was a commitment under the Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, and is supported by £15m of government funding from the Strategic Investment Fund and £10m from Yorkshire Forward. It will bring together university research and industrial expertise to develop manufacturing techniques and components that will meet the demand for new nuclear power stations. It will also benefit supply chain companies with support in securing accreditation to compete in the civil nuclear sector.

Announcing a number of initiatives for Yorkshire and the North West, the Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson said: "We know that we have to make the transition to a low carbon future, and the Government is determined to ensure that British businesses get the support they need to seize the business opportunities that transition creates. The civil nuclear sector is one of the key low carbon industries where the UK has the potential for job creation, economic growth and engineering and manufacturing excellence. Today's announcement is about investing in our future, a greener, smarter, more skilled, more balanced British economy."

NAMTEC CEO, Alan Partridge said: "The UK's nuclear programme is expected to create over 4.500 jobs over the next 25 years and contribute more than £1bn a year to industry. NAMTEC is proud of becoming a Founder Member of this major initiative. We have been very active in helping to secure the NAMRC for Yorkshire and in promoting the nuclear new build programme. NAMTEC will be supporting the development and delivery of a nuclear manufacturing skills programme, as well as continuing to support the development of the UK supply chain. We are looking forward to working with the NAMRC partners and with the wider nuclear supply chain in this very exciting venture".

Forthcoming events

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:50:44 +0000

Events coming soon

Opportunities in Carbon Capture and Storage

25th May 2010, Harrogate International Centre

The Special Metals Forum (SMF) are hosting this one day conference as part of the AEM Yorkshire program. The conference will provide information about the CCS process and highlight the opportunities which will arise for manufacturers.

For further informationa or to register click here

Building a Nuclear Future

29th-30th June 2010, Oulton Hall, Leeds

NAMTEC, (the National Metals Technology Centre) in partnership with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC), are hosting this two day conference and dinner at the five star, Grade II, Oulton Hall, Hotel and Golf Resort near Leeds. The conference which will focus on the current, unified drive towards the Generation III+ nuclear power stations in the UK, from both technical and industrial stand-points.

Forfurther information or to register click here