These additions expand the drill’s optimisation potential and strengthen its position as a versatile, plug‑and‑play solution for short‑hole drilling across all materials.

CoroDrill DE10 is an exchangeable‑tip drill built around a unique pre‑tension interface enabling fast, secure tip changes and exceptional ease of use. Designed for drilling solid materials with consistent surfaces, the concept delivers high productivity, predictable performance and a large application window - making it ideal for mixed‑material production environments.

"Our goal with CoroDrill DE10 has always been to offer a robust and highly versatile drilling solution," said Mikael Carlsson, global product specialist for Indexable Rotating Tools at Sandvik Coromant. “With the addition of two new geometries, we can now support even more customer applications while maintaining the same plug‑and‑play ease of use."

The -M5F geometry is engineered for flat‑bottom holes and advanced applications. It excels when creating start holes on complex components or when a flat‑bottom profile is required. It is also ideal for stepped holes, using -M5F for the largest diameter followed by any of the geometries in our assortment.

The -M5C geometry is optimised for cast iron, featuring reinforced corners and increased wear resistance thanks to grade GC3334. It is also a strong complementary to the -M5 geometry in ISO P, M and S materials where additional corner strength is needed.

The concept’s large application window is one of its defining strengths. The original -M5 geometry already enabled customers to use a single tip across multiple materials, reducing tool inventory. The expanded assortment now allows even finer optimisation without sacrificing ease of use.

"Our geometries are the key," says Carlsson. "They are the result of extensive R&D and patented design work, giving customers high productivity, long tool life and consistent performance - even at the upper end of cutting parameters, where the impact on CO₂ emissions is the greatest."

CoroDrill DE10 contributes to lower cost per hole and reduced CO₂ emissions by enabling higher cutting parameters, faster penetration rates and lower cutting forces. Customers have also reported significantly longer tool life compared with previous solutions, reducing carbide consumption and supporting manufacturing wellness.

www.sandvik.coromant.com

The survey of 101 senior figures across the UK, commissioned by personalised workwear provider MyWorkwear, revealed worrying statistics of women feeling worried about personal security and harassment at offices and factories across the country.

Concerningly, 35% of respondents identified areas in which they didn’t feel safe in the workplace, citing physical safety as the number one reason followed by personal security (such as lone working), ill-fitting PPE or workwear and then protection from bullying or harassment.

On a more positive note, 72% of women felt that both sexes now receive equal pay for the work carried out in manufacturing.

"Workplace equality isn’t just about pay," said Gayle Parker, commercial director at MyWorkwear. "It’s about safety, inclusion and ensuring women feel safe when they go, attend and come back from work. The results are clearly telling us that this is not the case, and industry needs to take action to turn this worrying trend around.

"We want to encourage the next generation of female engineers and leaders to believe they can achieve anything, and this must start with ensuring the workplace is safe, inclusive and that staff are fitted out with the right clothing. It’s the basic things that can make such a huge productivity difference."

When asked what factors made women in manufacturing feel like an equal member of the team, opportunities for training and career progression came out on top, followed closely by equal pay, women’s workwear options and internal recognition. 

"Ill-fitting PPE and workwear might seem minor, but it sends a wider message about whether women are fully considered in workplace planning," Parker continued.

"As a workwear provider, we are engaged in regular conversations with thousands of manufacturing firms about the need for a wide range of women's workwear options. Our data shows that nearly three quarters of women (72%) have been expected to wear men’s fit or unisex fit items in the workplace at some point in their career.

"This is disappointing from bosses across the country, especially when you consider the vast amount of dedicated women's workwear that is available in 2026."

The MyWorkwear report did show evidence that companies were listening, with 87% of respondents now offered women’s fit clothing as standard and 78% commenting on how wide the range is. 

For further information or to access the full survey, please visit: www.myworkwear.co.uk/the-myworkwear-workplace-equality-report

At the event, CVE will showcase innovative electron beam welding technologies that can support the growing demands of different industrial applications – including electric vehicle (EV) motor production.

CVE has a range of advanced welding options available that can help manufacturers achieve exceptionally high-quality welds, with improved repeatability – key factors in the manufacture of complex components such as motor stators.

At the event, visitors will have the opportunity to speak with experts from CVE at the stand (3-B57). They will also be able to view application examples and discuss how electron beam welding can be integrated into next-generation manufacturing lines.

In addition to exhibiting at Coiltech, CVE’s technical team will take part in conference proceedings. Max Nentwich, Lead Development Engineer, will deliver a presentation exploring the potential of electron beam welding to transform manufacturing of the next generation of EV motor stators. He will discuss how electron beam welding can meet the considerable challenges posed by new hairpin geometries and materials without compromising on cycle time or cost. Evaluated as a joining process for copper and aluminium hairpin and X-pin stators, electron beam welding has been shown to produce high-quality welds, repeatably. Max’s presentation will show the unique physics of electron beam welding, using high-speed video recordings, the results of metallographic analysis and tensile testing of electron beam-welded stators and pins.

"As electric vehicle manufacturers continue to push for the First Time Through yields historically achieved for internal combustion vehicles, welding technologies play a critical role. Our work in advanced welding is helping motor manufacturers unlock new levels of performance and consistency, and Coiltech provides the ideal platform to share these insights with the industry," said Max Nentwich, lead development engineer at CVE. 

For more information about Cambridge Vacuum Engineering’s presence at Coiltech 2026, or to arrange a meeting during the show, please email: [email protected] 

camvaceng.com

Geothermal energy is a proven, low-carbon technology with significant untapped potential. With the right support, this clean energy system could deliver up to 10 GW of heat and 1.5 GW of electricity to UK homes and business by 2050, helping cut emissions, strengthen energy security and create around 50,000 skilled jobs nationwide.

As the UK’s trusted, independent geothermal expert, the NGC combines longstanding technical knowledge with real-world project delivery experience. Working hands-on with government, industry and communities, the not-for-profit organisation supports projects from early feasibility through to operational delivery, helping turn geothermal opportunity into reality.

To support its growing programme of work, the NGC is seeking to appoint a range of voluntary NGC Champions from across academia, industry, policy and the wider energy sector for a three-year tenure. These ambassadors will play a key role in helping to shape and inform the organisation’s outputs, strengthen collaboration across the sector and support the organisation’s ambition to build a thriving UK geothermal ecosystem.

"Geothermal energy represents one of the UK’s most reliable and under-utilised clean energy opportunities. Building a geothermal nation will require collaboration across industry, academia and government, and the NGC Champions programme is about bringing together the expertise and passion needed to make that happen," said National Geothermal Centre CEO Charlotte Adams.

"We are looking for individuals who want to play an active role in shaping the future of geothermal in the UK - helping us accelerate deployment, share knowledge and ensure geothermal becomes a cornerstone of the UK’s low-carbon energy system."

Candidates are expected to demonstrate either longstanding experience within the geothermal sector or promising early-career contributions that show strong potential to advance geothermal deployment. Applicants should also have a track record of supporting, or a clear willingness to support, the NGC’s work, and must be free from conflicts of interest relating to employer or organisational affiliations.

NGC Champions will contribute insight and expertise to help inform industry guidance, policy engagement and technical outputs, while acting as advocates for the role geothermal energy can play in delivering the UK’s net-zero ambitions. If successful upon application, they’ll also be invited to be part of the organisation’s advisory board.

Applications are now open, and interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter (max two pages) and CV (max three pages) via: [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is 23 March and there’ll be an expectation to commit around 5 hours per month. The successful cohort of NGC Champions will be announced later this year.

ukngc.com
 

The company is responding to the growing demand for precise and surface-protecting cuts, particularly in roofing and facade construction as well as in general sheet metal fabrication.

The machine operates with advanced swing beam cutting technology, enabling dimensionally accurate blanks and exceptionally straight cutting edges. The low cutting angle ensures torsion-free results, even when processing sensitive materials. Long blade service life further enhances cost-efficiency in daily operation.

Cut parts can be sorted during the cutting process, either to the front or to the rear. An integrated sheet support system improves material flow and reduces manpower requirements during handling. In the new 4-meter version, sheet thicknesses of up to 2.0 mm can be cut safely.

New features for enhanced operating comfort and surface protection

The updated PRIMEcut incorporates several new details that improve safety and quality. These include brighter LED cutting area lighting with integrated finger protection, ensuring optimal visibility in the cutting zone, as well as a pop-up hold-down system. The pop-up hold-down system enables particularly surface-friendly processing and reduces pressure marks on sensitive materials.

A new squaring arm with digital display enables quick and easy measurement reading. Additional flexibility is ensured by laterally adjustable table elements with a height adjusted of 3 mm, allowing adaptation to various application requirements.

With the 4-meter PRIMEcut, RAS offers a powerful solution for users seeking high cutting quality, ergonomic operation and efficient production processes. 

www.ras-online.de

By making cutting forces, vibration, chatter and in‑cut status visible as they occur, the solution helps teams stabilise performance, enhance part quality and consistency and reduce waste.

CoroTurn Plus combines sensorised tooling with two levels of digital capability. Used with CoroPlus Viewer, it provides real-time, passive insight to support operator decisions. Used with CoroPlus Connected, the same signals enable active, machine-integrated protective actions within defined limits - helping users clearly distinguish between visualisation and automated response.

CoroTurn Plus streams live data from the cut to CoroPlus Viewer on a PC or tablet, enabling faster, data‑driven decisions and traceable continuous improvement. Live visualisation and reference processes support precise intervention when trends move outside defined limits. Operators receive over‑limit audible alerts, can hover to inspect values, and can review and flag deviations to accelerate root‑cause analysis. As tool‑condition signals accumulate, teams identify when an insert is approaching end‑of‑life and replace it at the right moment, extending tool life and avoiding unplanned downtime.

For machine‑integrated control, CoroTurn Plus connects to CoroPlus Connected, fully integrated with the machine’s NC. Users set limits on chatter, load and vibration in software or via NC code; if an unexpected event occurs, the control automatically initiates protective interrupt actions to safeguard components, tools and equipment. These actions are configurable by the end user.

Feed‑rate and cutting‑speed override configurators enable in-process optimisation, while data tracked to component position strengthens diagnostics and continuous improvement. This autonomy lets the machine handle more routine decisions within configured boundaries, increasing effective operating hours, especially during unmanned evening or night shifts and reducing downtime across the day.

Industrialised features include automatic connect and disconnect from the bar, ready‑to‑machine system checks, start and stop of data recording and system‑unavailable messaging. By storing and documenting cutting data for each run, teams compare batch performance, red‑flag material deviations early and maintain end‑customer documentation and certificates for full traceability. Together, sensorised tooling, visual analytics and NC‑level integration turn raw signals into 'enforced limits and actions, making production steadier, safer and more consistent with fewer interventions.

With CoroTurn Plus we visualise hidden behavior in the cut into clear signals, so teams can recognise material variation, tool wear and process instability as they happen," said Åke Åxner, global project manager - machine integration at Sandvik Coromant. "In combination with CoroPlus Connected, the control makes protective decisions, stopping, retracting and resuming within defined limits, which reduces unplanned downtime and increases overall machine utilisation."

Leland Bailey, project manager at Sandvik Coroman explained that sensorised tooling "is the most practical bridge into more advanced automation because it turns raw signals into safe, machine‑enforced actions".

"By capturing high‑resolution cut data and connecting it directly to the control, teams enable unmanned windows, reduce downtime, pinpoint insert end‑of‑life and institutionalise best practice, while clear, actionable visuals help operators at every experience level make safe, confident decisions."

www.sandvik.coromant.com

Aurrigo International’s David Keene was given the prestigious honour in front of 300 people at the Business Desk West Midlands Awards in Birmingham, with judges praising the Kenilworth-based entrepreneur for putting the region on the international map.

The CEO, who founded the company with his brother Graham in 1993, has built one of the UK’s most exciting technology firms, employing 120 people at its Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry.

From there, his team design and build a host of autonomous solutions for aviation, with its Auto-DollyTug, Auto-Cargo and Auto-Shuttle vehicles currently deployed at eight global airports, including Cincinnati, Changi, Schiphol and, closer to home, Teesside.

"This accolade came as a complete surprise," explained Keene. "It’s a business awards evening that I like to support and then, before you know it, I started to recognise the person they were announcing as the Ambassador of the Year ...it was a bit of a surreal experience to be honest.

"The West Midlands is a region I call home and I’m passionate about the manufacturing talent and innovation we have there. That’s why Aurrigo will always have its nerve centre in the region, despite our ambitious plans to open international hubs in North America, the Middle East, Asia and, closer to home, in Europe.

"There was so much talent in the room that I feel very humbled to have been selected as Ambassador of the Year. You’ve got my word that I’ll be shouting even louder for our fantastic area on the world stage."

By leveraging autonomous technology, Aurrigo International’s range of vehicles and software solutions promise to improve the passenger experience and increase efficiencies at airports across the globe, all whilst reducing their carbon footprint by 60% when compared to using diesel tugs.

This led to him being awarded an MBE by Prince William for the decarbonisation of airports, where he was told by the future king that he must 'have the weight of the world on his shoulders'.

It’s a challenge the entrepreneur is determined to meet head on, and this has been reflected in the growth of Aurrigo International plc and the successful £14.1m raise completed late last year. 

His passion for UK manufacturing and transport has also seen him contribute more than 100 hours of voluntary service to the UK Automotive Council, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, local Universities and Galgotias University in India, where he lectures international students on automated vehicles and technology. 

"We have so much innovation in the UK, yet we seem to sometimes lack the confidence and backing required to commercialise new technology. That’s something I’d really like to see change and something I’ll be advocating for in my day role and as Business Desk’s Ambassador of the Year," he added. 

www.aurrigo.com

WHEN AN application requires linear motion, electric linear actuators are the prime choice when precise and repeatable performance is required. Compared to rotary motors and their required mechanical linkages, electric linear actuators minimise the challenges of backlash, friction, and variability. Instead, contrasting with hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, electric linear actuators remove the maintenance problems associated with traditional designs, while still being capable of high force, as well as improved control precision. 

Even when traditional hydraulic and pneumatic actuators have been preferred for harsh environmental conditions, today’s designs of electric linear actuators are often more robust and longer lasting. Situations that test extreme temperature resistance, debris and moisture ingress, corrosion, as well as shock and vibration, are critical to a range of linear motion requirements. These applications often take place in outdoor settings exposed to the elements and involving high loads. However, indoor applications can demand the strongest resilience to harsh conditions, whether that’s the durability demanded by heavy industry, or ensuring critical factors are met, such as hygiene standards essential to the pharmaceutical and food & beverage sectors. 

Comparison with hydraulic and pneumatic technology

The durability of electric linear actuators mainly results from the design and materials involved with the housing, materials, and seals. These designs can exert forces up to 294 kN (66,000 lbf), comparable to a hydraulic or pneumatic system yet occupying a significantly more compact footprint. Shock loads can also be managed with features such as steel heads with integrated trunnions, allowing the mechanical connection to pivot. 

However, a key advantage is that electric designs keep working in harsh conditions when the performance of hydraulic and pneumatic systems starts to fail. Electric linear actuators from brands like Tolomatic can operate in temperature extremes above 100°C and below 0°C thanks to specially prepared motor windings, as well as sealed bearings with temperature-appropriate lubrication. Thermal limitations of pneumatic systems include condensation and freezing, while high temperature can impact performance if pressure isn’t precisely and reliably regulated. For hydraulic systems, the impact of temperature extremes on oil viscosity and seal life can also present performance challenges, which requires attention in regular maintenance.  

Sealed housing optimises protection 

A common challenge of extreme environments is protecting against the ingress of dust and moisture. Pneumatic designs can be susceptible to dust ingress where the rod exits the actuator, and protective boots are often needed to protect this area, particularly in wet environments. Hydraulic systems can also require additional protection around seals, and while seal wear leads to oil leaks, damage to this barrier also exposes vulnerabilities for ingress. 

Alternatively, an advantage of electric designs is that sealed housings protect internal mechanics and electronics, whereas hydraulic and pneumatic actuators are primarily designed to contain internal pressure, hence the need for coverings to protect exposed areas. The sealed body of the electric actuator also carries a standardised ingress protection rating, presenting straightforward identification of its capabilities. Tolomatic actuators are rated up to IP69K, suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature wash downs required in hygienic applications. These designs can also be configured with stainless steel and hygienic hardware that prevents corrosion from moisture, chemicals, or washdown processes.

Real-world advantages

Looking at electric linear actuators in real use cases, the moulding operation of an automated sand casting line in a steel foundry replaced its hydraulic actuators with two Tolomatic RSX15 Extreme Force Rod-Style Actuators. Generating 66 kN (15,000 lbf) force to move steel castings from their moulds, the electric designs eliminated the cost and downtime required to maintain the hydraulic system. 

A further example of a typical heavy-duty environment involved a high-speed train carriage manufacturer aiming to find a solution to wheel wear, where a key challenge was meeting the regulations required by the rail industry for fire, smoke, and vibration. To steer the carriage wheels through curves and reduce friction, Tolomatic worked with the manufacturer to develop a customised version of its IMA44 integrated linear servo actuator. This design met the required shock, vibration, and fire standards, which no other actuator available on the market at the time could achieve. 

Meanwhile, in battery manufacture, a key challenge is corrosion, particularly for applications such as acid bottle handling. To combat this challenge, as well as preventing elastomer seals from degrading, Tolomatic provided a battery manufacturer with its RSH series actuator, specifically developed for use within corrosive environments. Constructed from high-grade 316 stainless steel, compared to the lower resilience 300 series steels common to other actuator designs, the RSH actuator also features PTFE seals, providing increased resilience against corrosive chemicals compared to nitrile or other elastomeric seal materials.

Hygienic applications

Using linear actuators in harsh environments can also mean protecting manufacturing produce, as well as ensuring the lifetime of the actuator, which is particularly the case in food production. A cheese manufacturer that wanted to replace the hydraulic cylinders on its cutting application with electric designs to eliminate the contamination risk from leaking hydraulic fluids. To achieve this, Tolomatic provided its all-stainless steel RSH30 Hygienic Electric Actuator with IP69k protection and integrated motor to provide a hygienic, long-lasting solution. 

Motion control specialist INMOCO distributes Tolomatic actuators in the UK and can provide support in specification, as well as advising on the customisation options available to OEMs. To create a complete linear motion solution for harsh environments, INMOCO can also specify gearboxes, servo drives and motors, as well as ruggedised controllers. 

While hydraulic and pneumatic linear actuators are still an option for applications demanding the very highest forces, increasingly OEMs and end users are replacing these systems with electric designs. For new projects, the advantages of precision, reliability, and cleanliness, mean that electric linear actuators are the favoured choice for virtually all industrial applications. 

Gerard Bush is an engineer at INMOCO

For more information:

www.inmoco.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1327 307600 

SYS Systems, which is part of Derby-based Carfulan Group, has seen revenues for its additive manufacturing solutions hit over £4m for the first time and this, when combined with outstanding customer service and technical expertise, has seen it secure the prestigious honour from the leading industrial 3D printer brand in the world.

The company currently works with companies in twelve industries across the UK and Ireland, providing access to technology that can help companies with rapid prototyping, medical modelling and low to medium-volume manufacturing. 

It has been delivering access to FDM, Polyjet, P3, Saf and medical printers since 2009 and these machines have supported customers to achieve cost and time savings, as well as manufacturing innovations in sectors, including aerospace, defence, education and dentistry.

"We have represented Stratasys since 2009, so to achieve this global recognition means the world to our business. It’s a real testament to the knowledge and commitment of our amazing team," said Matt Fulton, joint MD of SYS Systems. 

"The 3D printing giant spends multimillion dollars on R&D, bringing out new products and materials that - through our business and contacts - are helping UK and Irish manufacturers push the boundaries of innovation."

"The Number 1 Partner status in EMEA will hopefully raise awareness among other companies to come and partner with us on their manufacturing journey," he added. 

Based in a £2.5m Advanced Innovation Centre near Derby, SYS Systems showcases more than 25 different technologies on offer from Stratasys, spanning FDM, Polyjet, P3 and SAF technologies.

These additive manufacturing printers give its diverse client base the ability to design, refine, iterate, create and manufacture next generation components.

The company offers much more than just the systems. Its team of experts, with a hundred years of collective AM experience, work with businesses to uncover applications where 3D printing can offer significant savings in cost and time, with massive growth currently being seen across dental labs and technicians through the J5 DentaJet machine and the TrueDent CE-marked resin.

"2026 is going to be another defining year for 3D printing and we’re leading the curve by introducing new materials and new advancements," stated Chris Fulton, who runs SYS Systems with his brother Matt. 

"One example is the introduction of machines that can print in metal and ceramics, complementing our core polymer range. This should reduce barriers to AM adoption by delivering solutions ideal for end-use applications that need to be metallic for strength, conductivity and heat resistance.”

"We’ll be showcasing this extension to our range at the high-profile MACH show in April (20-24^th), as well as a range of parts produced using the new Stratasys P3 Silicone 25a material," he concluded. 

For further information, please visit www.sys-uk.com. You can see the company at MACH on Stand E230.

In-Comm Training, which offers apprenticeships and upskilling courses at academies in Aldridge and Telford, has been gifted a selection of Garant cabinets and cleaning stations by the industrial tooling manufacturer and supplier in a bid to boost best practice on the shopfloor.

The focus will be on encouraging adoption of 5S (short for sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), a workplace methodology that focuses on optimising productivity, minimising waste and maximising team morale through an efficient workspace. 

However, before apprentices can begin to organise and increase their productivity, having the facilities to properly ‘5s’ a workspace is vital. 

"Our partnership with Hoffmann Group gives learners the perfect opportunity to cultivate the skills and qualities required to work on a busy and professional shopfloor," explained Ashley Wainwright, engineering academy lead for In-Comm Training in Telford.

"Learning to be an engineer isn’t just about the knowledge, it’s also about behaviours and, in particular, the importance of keeping a workshop organised.”

"Storage cabinets from Garant, Hoffmann Group’s exclusive brand, are modular and produced with 5S in mind. With a variety of shelf configurations and the option to add perforated panels for additional storage, it is a perfect fit for training the next generation of engineers."

In-Comm Training is committed to ‘bridging the skills gap’ by equipping businesses and individuals with industry competencies, fostering a workforce prepared to meet the challenges of modern-day manufacturing.

With state-of-the-art academies in the Black Country and Shropshire, the provider gives more than 700 companies access to employer-led apprenticeships, upskilling courses and consultancy every year.

Wainwright, a former In-Comm apprentice who spent seven years in industry before returning in 2023, continued: "When I was learning, I wasn’t exposed to the high-pressure environment that working directly for industry offers. This is why ensuring we equip apprentices with vital skills required for working on the shopfloor is so vital for futureproofing their careers.

"Partnerships, like the one we have with Hoffmann Group, give learners access to high-quality industry equipment that allows them to take ownership of tooling and ensures safe storage."

Prior to attaining the Garant cabinets, In-Comm Training’s Fluid Power area had a lack of storage, which led to difficulties when storing tools on work surfaces. 

Wainwright quickly identified the issue and installed the specialist storage equipment, which immediately eliminated the quantity of damaged hydraulic hoses and manufactured components, whilst also promoting the standards of the 5S methodology.

"We understand the importance of a tidy workspace for optimum efficiency as a manufacturer ourselves,” added Yasmin Williams, Workstations and Storage Specialist at Hoffmann Group UK.

"Our business is passionate about developing the next generation of engineers and this is reflected in the relationship with In-Comm Training. Effectively, the equipment we are supplying is helping learners adopt best practice and those learners could well become the Engineering Directors of the future.”

"Learners are spending more time learning rather than searching for things. The equipment from Hoffmann Group UK has had a massive effect on budding engineers taking ownership of their workspaces and developing the 5S mentality," he concluded.

www.in-comm.co.uk

www.hoffmann-group.com​