Builders and other industry professionals have embraced the efficiency and design advantages of technological advances, yet the rising use of drones, digital twinning, augmented and virtual reality, sensors and cameras, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI) brings an environmental cost many are unaware of. At the same time, there are significant financial benefits to embracing equipment designed to be easily disassembled, repaired, replaced, and recycled.

Throwaway electronics have a devastating ecological impact, cause serious health problems among waste pickers in developing countries, and waste staggering amounts of vital and increasingly scarce materials such as rare earth elements, aluminium, copper, and steel. 

Emma Armstrong, sustainable electronics ambassador and group commercial director at In2tec, says that while the industry has made positive changes to its ways of working to protect the environment for future generations, tech is often overlooked.

"Repairing, reusing, and recycling otherwise obsolete technology conserves the materials needed by the construction sector," she said.

"Many devices and appliances are intentionally designed with a limited lifespan - a concept known as built-in obsolescence - encouraging consumers to replace rather than repair them.

"The alternative is modular and easy-to-repair tech that allows companies to extend the life of the product and limits the need to buy increasingly rare, expensive and ecologically damaging replacement products."

In2tec is working to slash the harrowing environmental and societal impact of ewaste by providing innovative solutions to the growing problem of throwaway electronics. The company’s signature ReUSE and ReCYCLE comprise a closed-loop process allowing manufacturers to remove components from existing electronics at the end of their useful life and reuse them, carbon-free.

One example is a ReUSE product used in the manufacture of an extraction fan used in homes, retail, and hospitality, with an annual volume of 200,000 units.

ReUSE makes the PCBA used in the fan a highly recyclable and reusable electronics assembly that can be separated and reused or sold. This returns up to 1.2m LEDs and 200K connectors back into circulation – slashing materials and energy use.

Changing this product to ReUSE saved 6.49 Mt (metric tonnes) of annual CO2 emissions in first-life manufacture, and subsequent builds will achieve greater CO2 savings.

"Meeting environmental obligations is not the only reason to research sustainable technology - the economic benefits can be substantial," Armstrong added.

The UK has several pieces of legislation governing sustainability in the construction industry, including the Climate Change Act 2008, which sets targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the Environment Act 2021, which aims to improve air quality, biodiversity, water, and waste reduction.

Earlier this year, it was announced that England’s circular economy taskforce (CET) will prioritise initiatives to tackle waste within construction and four other key industries. Some studies find that construction is responsible for up to 50% of climate change.

“It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society - the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable," said secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Steve Reed.

"Moving to a circular economy is a pivotal moment for British businesses to innovate, grow and lead the world, so we can slash waste and strengthen supply chains."

www.in2tec.com

IF WE are to take some encouragement as business owners here in the UK, it’s that these reforms aim to rewire the system by giving banks more flexibility, encouraging retail investment into UK businesses, and channelling capital into areas of innovation and regional growth.

For UK manufacturing this represents an exciting opportunity. According to a 2024 report by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) in partnership with Oxford Economics - The True Impact of UK Manufacturing, the total impact of manufacturing on UK GDP was £518bn, which equates to 23.1% of total GDP. It also supports 7.3 million jobs across the manufacturing and UK supply chain - 22.4% of the UK’s total.

However, I’m all too aware that we always have an eye on the bottom line, on our own balance sheets and that of our bank accounts, and investing for growth can be a worry, even when the figures add up.

However, I see the Leeds Reforms as the opening of a new chapter for entrepreneurs and business leaders. While the above figures are encouraging, access to capital has long been one of the greatest barriers to growth. But with smarter regulation and more funding routes, business owners nd manufacturers now have more tools than ever to build resilience, expand, and compete on a global stage.

Overcoming traditional obstacles

Commenting on Make UK’s “Executive Summary for 2025”, Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said that “Manufacturers have demonstrated their resilience over and over again in recent years and, despite the numerous challenges they face, those that remain innovative and are prepared to invest in new technologies, expanding markets and, most crucially, their people will continue to thrive.”

This is interesting because historically, UK manufacturing businesses have faced three consistent challenges when seeking finance. The first is that many have defaulted to traditional bank loans, often unaware of the wider range of financial tools available to them, which has limited their choice of funding. In addition, bureaucracy and regulation have created lengthy processes and requirements that frequently curb ambition. And thirdly, regional imbalances have meant that too much capital is concentrated in London, leaving promising businesses in other parts of the country underserved.

These new reforms tackle these head-on. By freeing up banks from certain EU-era capital rules, lenders will have more freedom to support high-potential businesses. At the same time, government measures to encourage retail investment should increase the overall pool of funds available. 

Importantly, by locating the National Wealth Fund (formerly the UK Infrastructure Bank) in Leeds and focusing reforms outside of the capital, the government is signalling a genuine commitment to regional growth. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the new funding environment is the opportunity to think more strategically about how they finance growth. Too often, businesses overlook tools that could give them flexibility and stability, or even competitive advantage.

Here are some of the key financing options worth considering:

1. Asset finance and hire purchase

Ideal for businesses needing vehicles, equipment, or machinery. Rather than tying up precious working capital, asset finance allows you to spread the cost, align payments with revenue, and preserve liquidity for other investments.

2. Invoice finance

For businesses with long payment cycles, invoice finance can be transformative. By unlocking cash tied up in invoices, you can maintain healthy cash flow without taking on additional debt. This is particularly useful in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and recruitment.

3. Growth and expansion loans

With the reforms encouraging banks to lend more freely, traditional loans remain a strong option - especially now the approval processes should become more streamlined. Used wisely, these can fuel expansion, acquisitions, or large-scale projects.

4. Trade and export finance

For those considering international markets, trade finance can reduce the risk of overseas transactions and support export strategies. This is increasingly important as UK businesses look to expand beyond domestic competition.

5. Green finance

With sustainability high on the agenda, new incentives are emerging for businesses investing in green technologies, energy efficiency, or low-carbon operations. Not only do these funds support compliance, but they can also enhance brand reputation.

Crucially, the new reforms don’t just increase the volume of capital in the system, they also make it easier to access diverse types of finance, tailored to their specific growth stage and sector.

Navigating a new landscape

While the opportunities are expanding, accessing finance still requires strategic thinking, and we advise clients to approach funding as a planned part of their growth strategy, not as a last-minute necessity. 

Businesses must be clear on their objectives, as funding is most effective when aligned to a clear purpose. Are you looking to smooth cash flow, invest in new equipment, expand overseas, or hire staff? Different objectives require different financial structures.

Headline rates can be misleading, so it's just as important to understand the true cost of capital. Businesses should assess the total cost of borrowing - including fees, penalties, and opportunity costs - before committing, to ensure finance enhances profitability, not erode it. 

Relying solely on one type of finance can expose businesses to risk, too. A balanced approach which combines invoice finance for cash flow with asset finance for equipment, for example, offers greater resilience.

Finally, seek expert advice. The range of options is broader than ever, but navigating them can be time-consuming and complex. A finance partner who understands both your sector and the funding landscape will structure the right mix of solutions to support you, and your needs.

The bigger picture

While the immediate benefits will be felt locally and nationally, the longer-term vision is global. UK manufacturers will now be better equipped to scale internationally and penetrate new markets.

By simplifying regulation and expanding the investment pool, the UK is positioning itself as one of the most manufacturing-friendly economies in the world, which is good news for job creation, skills development, and long-term economic strength.

With all finance, however, there’s always risk, hence the need to partner with an advisor that will offer not only advice, but who will lay down all options, including the pros and the cons, and stress-test cash flow for higher inflation, or slower sales, and guard against risk. Also, markets may change, policy may adapt and even a business’ own proposition may come under pressure or become outdated.

But where we sit today, there’s an opportunity to unlock growth by removing barriers and increasing available capital. At Jones and Co, our role is to help navigate this new landscape, structure the right mix of funding, provide clarity on the best options, and ensure businesses are equipped to seize the opportunities ahead.

jonesandcofinance.com

"As automotive brands look to deliver higher performance, longer range electric vehicles at lower costs, it’s clear that electron beam welding has a major role to play. We are seeing the same story play out in other industries - for example in the energy sector where electron beam welding can enhance the production of wind turbine monopiles and nuclear pressure vessels. We are grateful to Innovate UK for this funding. Projects like this open the door for the commercialisation of advanced manufacturing technologies and will help the UK remain at the forefront of electric vehicle production. We look forward to working with Ford moving forwards," said CVE CEO Bob Nicolson.

As part of Innovate UK’s Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge, CVE and Ford demonstrated that electron beam welding can significantly enhance the quality of electric motor stators and the repeatability of associated production processes, paving the way for widespread industrialisation of the technology.

Findings from the project could help boost the UK’s production of electric vehicles (EV) and support the nation’s net-zero carbon goals. Demand for electric vehicles is growing. However, several barriers to widespread adoption remain – mainly around pricing. The production of motor stators is one factor, with components requiring precise engineering to optimise performance, efficiency and durability.

Using CVE’s proprietary technology, the two partners showed that electron beam welding is an effective and reliable joining method for copper hairpin stators and that it:

• Does not require any preparation of the hairpins, such as trimming, as the electron beam does not suffer from reflectivity issues as infrared lasers do.
• Produces welds that are strong, displaying – on average – a tensile strength six times the minimum limit.
• Allows easy outgassing thanks to the use of a vacuum environment, leading to completely pore-free welds in oxygen-free (OF) copper.

"The Ford Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering team are continuously engaged in work to deliver improvements in the quality and efficiency of motor (stator) hairpin weld processes," said Lee Turner, director of EU Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering at Ford.

"Our developments of laser parameters set-up and repair processes have been industry leading but we now see clear opportunity to make significant further progress through the potential adoption of Electron Beam welding. We are grateful to have collaboration partners like CVE to work with as we investigate routes to full scale industrialisation of this technology. Their unparalleled knowledge, experience and expertise are invaluable in the delivery of the project.”

Venn Chesterton, deputy director, Driving the Electric Revolution, at Innovate UK, said the project "has brought together multiple actors within the UK advanced electronic manufacturing ecosystem to develop a truly world class technology, which is going to be used in manufactured at scale in the UK and around the globe".

"This is just one example of the numerous projects backed by Innovate UK which are ensuring that UK manufacturing supply chains will prosper from electrification," he affirmed

camvaceng.com

The West Midlands Manufacturing Festival (WMMF) will debut on 26 February 2026, at the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich, giving manufacturers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the next generation of talent.

Designed in partnership with local schools, the one-day festival will bring manufacturers together with local Year 9 students to showcase the innovation, creativity and career opportunities within modern manufacturing.

Manufacturers from the Midlands and surrounding areas are invited along to raise awareness of their company, culture and team. As exhibitors, they will have the chance to meet with potential future apprentices and employees, and demonstrate live technologies or products to an engaged student audience to spark interest in modern manufacturing careers. In doing so, they can start developing their own pipeline of fresh talent to support future growth and succession planning.

"The Midlands has long been a powerhouse of UK manufacturing, but that future is at risk if we don’t act now to engage the next generation," said Angela Lawlor, founder of UK Manufacturing Festivals (UKMF).

"With a widening skills gap and manufacturers across the UK struggling to access and retain new talent, it's never been more important to show young people the exciting and rewarding career paths that manufacturing can offer. By joining our festival, manufacturers can connect directly with local students who could become their future workforce."

Exhibitor slots are still available for manufacturers wanting to attend, starting at just £320. Exhibitors are encouraged to book before 30 November to secure their place.

For more information, please visit https://www.ukmanufacturingfestivals.co.uk/, or email [email protected]

Speaking exclusively to Steph McGovern on the podcast Steph on Skills, powered by Enginuity, she revealed that the departmental restructure, announced in recent days, was designed to ensure that fewer people ‘fall out of the system’.

"Skills are really crucial for everything that we need to do across government. I have been saying that for the last year," Lady Smith stated. "We can't grow the economy, we can't rebuild the NHS, we can't shift to green energy, we can't build the homes that we've promised, unless we can, grow, skills.

"But I think the argument that Pat McFadden now makes is that we need skills even more at the centre of what we're doing in government. We need the linkup between the skills that people can develop and the job opportunities that will be available to them.

"That's why putting skills in the departments of Work and Pensions makes sense. We've got nearly a million young people who have not got a job or, a training place or continuing in education. That's a hideous waste of talent. 

"That's a whole load of young people who are at that crucial point in their life are basically, falling out of the system with nothing to help them to develop.

"Skills that relate to people over the age of, 19, apprenticeship budget, adult skills funding, the work that we're doing with mayors will be essentially in the Department of Work and Pensions, and that's where you can make the real join-ups through into employment support, make sure it's in the Jobcentre, make sure employers are being really engaged in what you're doing with skills.

"But of course, you can't deliver that without the work that happens in further education, higher education in our universities who also do important work in delivering, key areas of skills. 

"But that's the education system and that will stay in the Department for education. I will be making sure that all of those links continue to be to be made, bringing them all together and getting the best out of everything that we can do in DWP and everything that we can do in the education system as well.”

The podcast, which drops on 17 September, was recorded when Smith travelled to Denmark to visit Team UK, selected trained and managed by WorldSkills UK, as they competed in the prestigious EuroSkills Finals in Herning, Denmark.

"I think this is about really making sure that we're putting as a government some real umph behind that whole area of skills from young people through to people that need to reskill during the course of their working lives in order to get new jobs or to develop the skills that are necessary in the sort of world we live in now where things are changing so quickly," she continued.

"Success for me will be when we can grow the economy at the speed we need to grow it. We can do that largely with people that we've been able to train and upskill in this country because of the investment and the real sort of national endeavour that we're putting into it all."

Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, the former sector skills council, highlighted the value of the conversation between McGovern and Smith, noting that it provided important insights into how the government approaches the future of skills development.

She stated that Enginuity supports the proposal to prioritise upskilling and education, as this aligns closely with the organisation’s key mission. McGovern also asked for reassurance that transferring skills responsibilities to the Department for Work and Pensions, would not undermine the significance of skills in comparison to academic pathways.

"Such an interesting discussion between Steph and the Minister, which reveals much about Government thinking on the future of skills provision.

"We broadly welcome the proposed alignment of the need to upskill and educate, which in many ways mirrors Enginuity’s core functions and vision. 

"Steph was keen to seek assurances that a shift to the Department for Work and Pensions would not indicate that skills were a secondary, or inferior to academia - and any fears of that were allayed for the time being."

Enginuity recently revealed that it is to hold an annual Vocational Celebration Day to celebrate the achievement and vision of those that choose to be skilled - the first of which will be 6 August 2026.

Watch Steph on Skills Here

www.enginuity.org

A building site in Berlin is facing a stressful challenge. The concrete for the basement of an office building is to be poured in three days. Now, of all times, the excavator has broken down. The reason is bearing damage to the blade caused by insufficient lubrication. "Although operators generally know the benefits of regular maintenance, centralised lubrication systems are often filled improperly, which leads to unexpected and costly failures," said Andreas Rössler, sales manager at Lutz Pumpen. 

Grease pumps with manual drive often hinder maintenance

According to Rössler, one of the reasons why relubrication is an unpleasant task is that the technical aids that make it more convenient are often missing. It is still common practice to fill grease from above with a spatula, hand pumps or pneumatic pumps from containers into the centralised lubrication systems of construction machinery and equipment in agriculture and industry. "Filling this by hand is a laborious undertaking, and pneumatic connections are usually not available and very bulky," he added.

To simplify this filling process, Lutz Pumpen has developed a new type of filling tool called the Lutz Lube Drive. "This is the world's first eccentric screw pump tube that can be driven by a commercially available cordless screwdriver," Rössler explained. "This makes pumping grease much more relaxed, without the user having to transport a system with a heavy and expensive pneumatic motor." 

Pumping up to 2 kg of grease per minute with the power of the cordless screwdriver

The user places the eccentric screw pump tube made of steel in a container with a capacity of 10 to 60 kg of grease. You can then place a cordless screwdriver with bit holder on the pump tube and start pumping. The cordless screwdriver drives a metal rotor that feeds the grease evenly and gently from the container through a hose into the central lubrication system. The delivery volume is up to 2 kg/min. The system is suitable for all commercially available greases up to NLGI-2.

www.lutz-jesco.com

Made in Britain’s hit interview series UnPacked, a spotlight segment dedicated to some of the most innovative British manufacturers in the country, is back with the launch of its eagerly anticipated second series.

UnPacked, an interview series by not-for-profit trade organisation Made in Britain, is an opportunity for Made in Britain’s 2,200 members to share their stories of success within the British manufacturing industry. Each episode is dedicated to a specific company or business, shining a light on their approach to management, leadership and sustainability within manufacturing, covering a wide and diverse range of sectors.

"Supporting British manufacturers and wider industry is the core ethos of Made in Britain, and the UnPacked series enables us to shine a spotlight on the innovative minds within our member base of 2,200 that are making a real difference; not just for their own business, but for the entire industry," said John Pearce, Made in Britain CEO. 

"Each and every one of the businesses that are Made in Britain members has unique stories to tell, and we want to bring those to life and put their hard work into the limelight for all to see. UnPacked is about more than just the tales of success; it serves as an opportunity to learn tricks of the trade, to discover different leadership styles and identify new ways to strengthen the economy and make a positive difference to the world.

"Our dream for UnPacked is for it to inspire others to pursue their career aspirations, and to motivate business leaders to continuously strive for more."

It is hosted by broadcaster, journalist and interviewer Matthew Stadlen, and delves deeper into the processes behind how some of Britain’s essential and unique products are manufactured, right here in the United Kingdom.

The first episode arrives on the Made in Britain website on Friday 5th September, delving into the practices of the British-made soft-faced hammer manufacturer Thor Hammer, with many more interviews being released on a weekly basis.

"Presenting the Made In Britain UnPacked series hasn't just been a massive eye-opener for me, it's been a privilege. My wife will tell you that I'm not the most practical person, so listening to the stories of British manufacturers and experiencing the commitment and passion they bring to their work, has been inspiring," stated Matthew Stadlen, the presenter of Made in Britain’s UnPacked series.

"From the guy who invented on-street bike storage units, to the woman driving forward multi-pack car seats for children, I've come face to face with the innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming British manufacturing."

The success of the first collection of UnPacked episodes, which featured interview pieces with the likes of Mark Morris from Thomas Dudley, Shalom Lloyd MBE from Naturally Tiwa and Stu Warmington from the British Drum Company, has seen the weekly episodic series return for a second season of inspiring stories from dynamic business leaders. 

The launch also coincides with Made in Britain’s new Environmental and Social Value certification, which allows members to promote their positive impacts and practically demonstrate their social value, positioning themselves to win more contracts for their business.

www.madeinbritain.org

The challenge was held at local company Jet’s Evesham headquarters and saw Mark Bond raise more than £700 for Cancer Research UK.

Jet, recently named on the Sunday Times Best Places To Work 2025 list, is a proud supporter of the surrounding communities of both its Evesham and Newton Abbot sites. The company donates a portion of the profits it makes each year to local charities, as well as prioritising sustainability by recycling 100% of the road planings it deals with.

55-year-old Mark works as a car valet by day and says it wasn’t easy: "It was an incredibly tough challenge, but I knew I had to see it through. So many of my friends and family have been affected by cancer, and I’ve had my own cancer scare too. Doing this for Cancer Research UK made every step worthwhile.

"I’d like to thank Jet for backing me with this crazy idea and providing one of their iconic purple tippers. Teaming up with such a respected local company has really boosted my fundraising efforts."

"It’s been an honour to support Mark in this challenge. Our tippers are used on projects across the country every day, but never in quite this way! Giving back to our communities is a core part of who we are as a business, and we’re delighted to have played a role in helping Mark raise money for such an important cause," said John Lee, operations director at Jet Plant Hire.

Jet is proudly supporting the fundraiser with a donation. You can also donate here.

jetplant.co.uk
 

Turnover at the Hereford-based business is forecast to hit £12m this year, with Autopack already £1.5m ahead of its sales targets in the first quarter of 2025. In 2020, the company’s size was £1.2m with a workforce of five. The team has now grown to 25 and sees Autopack as the leading independent supplier of packaging and processing machinery to the food, drink, chemical, cleaning and personal care sectors.

The business’ footprint in Hereford has also grown significantly over the last five years and continues with the addition of an additional unit coming on stream this month, taking the space available to over 1680sqm. 

"Our success is based on meeting the needs of our customers, whether they are blue chip or SMEs," said Autopack MD Wayne Kedward. "The growth of our business over the last five years reflects that. Innovation comes through our collective experience and expertise, and while this strategy has been successful for our own business, our customers have also grown through automating their manufacturing process."

Autopack is aiming to build on its expansion through a programme of organic growth and acquisitions. The company has mapped out a strategy to acquire businesses that builds on its recent M&A activity. In 2020, it bought Spanish flexible packaging equipment specialists Postpack. This was followed by the addition of Gainsborough-based engineering business Technosys in 2023.

"We are actively building a pipeline of acquisitions to maintain our momentum and deliver even more value to our customers," Kedward added. "The addition of new businesses to Autopack enhances our knowledge base and expertise, as well as reaching out into new markets."

The 25-strong workforce is also set to grow and is being bolstered by Autopack’s commitment to training and apprenticeships. "Investing in apprentices and career development creates opportunities for personal and professional growth," he continued. "Autopack can share knowledge across generations of experts and build a diverse, inclusive and supportive culture."

"Our team is clear in its aims: to deliver exceptional processing and packaging line solutions though our independence, best in class manufacturing partners and technical expertise. We are delighted with how the last five years has progressed and will move forwards together with our growing customer base."

www.auto-pack.co.uk

Building on the acclaimed Heckert HEC series, the Heckert X80 features a workpiece-side swivel unit, allowing for high-dynamic 5-axis machining from a single clamping position.

The Heckert X80's lightning-fast 65 m/min traverse rate and industry-leading changeover times enhance productivity. Pallet changes are completed in just 21 seconds, whilst the tool changer provides chip-to-chip times of only 8 seconds. Standard 800 by 1000 mm pallets incorporate Starrag's precision-engineered concave surfaces with 6 µm curvature depth, ensuring stable positioning of large parts.

The Heckert X80 offers X, Y, and Z axis travel of 1450 by 1300 by 1300 mm while requiring 18% less installation space than its HEC Series predecessor. It accommodates workpieces with a core contour diameter of 1200 mm and a maximum height of 1000 mm, supporting loading masses of up to 1200 kg. Within robust dimensions of 8.5 m by 4 m, the X80 delivers exceptional space utilisation without compromising performance.

The Heckert X80 provides a range of spindle options that cater to specific application requirements, from 12,500 rpm hollow shaft spindles to 15,000 rpm motor spindles, as well as various gear spindles that offer increased torque for heavy machining.

Starrag's innovative tool change system offers both lightweight and heavy-duty versions. The lightweight option accommodates tools weighing up to 22 kg, while the heavy-duty version supports tools weighing as much as 50 kg. The maximum tool dimensions are 800 mm in length and 340 mm in diameter. Tool magazine options include timing belt magazines with 45 or 60 positions for HSK-100 tools, chain magazines accommodating up to 120 HSK-100 tools, and tower magazines supporting up to 440 HSK-100 tools.

Turning technology is integral to the machine concept and available as an option. Using specially developed assemblies and software modules, both classic and complex turning operations can be performed with machining centre productivity levels. Unlike turning centres, the machine benefits from versatile setup options, including vertical workpiece clamping and mid-operation clamping via the pallet changer.

For optimal operator experience, the Heckert X80 boasts Starrag's ergonomic 24-inch touchscreen HMI paired with a powerful Siemens SINUMERIK ONE control system. The touch-sensitive display responds to gloves and features a scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean surface. Operators can access PDF construction plans and sequence sketches while maintaining visibility in the workspace through an integrated camera. New hardware and rapid sensor technology enhance automation capabilities via extended 13-channel clamping hydraulics and optimised standard interfaces for pallet storage systems and robot cells.

Efficient chip management employs a thermo-symmetric design and steep-angled fixed plates, enhanced by an internal coolant supply operating at pressures of up to 80 bar. This setup ensures effective cooling and chip evacuation, with an additional flushing capability of up to 280 litres per minute for applications that generate a high volume of chips. The Heckert X80 integrates with Starrag's comprehensive automation solutions, including Fastems FPT round pallet store systems, linear storage systems, and robotic cells, catering to production requirements from small to large batch sizes.

The new Heckert X80 utilises the proven four-axis Heckert H-series machine envelope. Instead of the NC rotary table from the H-series, X-series models feature a robust rotary/tilt table developed and manufactured in-house at Starrag's Chemnitz plant. The tilting unit incorporates two equally sized bearings and a thermally stable design, enabling five-sided, highly dynamic machining of complex components.

Ensuring pallet compatibility across the new Heckert X80, smaller X70, and larger X90 models was essential for developers. Pallets are interchangeable with Heckert H series machines and older Heckert HEC 630/800 X5 machines. The Heckert X80 is now available as part of Starrag's expanded X-series line of five-axis machining centres. Manufacturers can view the new Heckert X70 at EMO Hannover in September. The Heckert X-series includes the smaller Heckert X50 and the larger Heckert X80 and X90 variants, offering enhanced work envelopes and capacity.

www.starrag.com