An Emerging Technologies event put on recently by the sponsoring Gauge and Tool Makers Association (GTMA) was a solid success, drawing more than 80 visitors from across the UK. The educational meeting was hosted by member company Delcam and held at its facility in Birmingham.
The day consisted of brief presentations on a range of topics, including automation, direct metal sintering, rapid prototyping, thermoforming, and the latest innovations in injection moulding. This format was very popular, as it enabled attendees to gain insight into many new technologies in a short space of time.
“In order for engineering companies to survive in today’s competitive environment, it is essential that they keep informed of the latest trends and opportunities,” comments GTMA CEO Julia Moore. “As OEMs divest their companies of all but their core competencies, they pass their technical and development requirements down the supply chain. However, these small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often so keenly focused on day-to-day operations that scanning the horizon for technological developments is a low priority.”
Continues Moore: “This is where universities, research centres, and trade associations can help by providing opportunities for SMEs to become aware of, and involved in, new product and process technologies, new markets, new techniques, and new standards and regulations.”
One of those attending the GTMA Emerging Technologies event was Steve Hebdon, a senior development manufacturing engineer for BAE Systems Electronics and Integrated Solutions. He is enthusiastic about the experience he and his colleagues had in Birmingham. “Points of contact gained have proved to be very valuable,” he reports, “and have led us to follow up on a number of new technologies and possible future production methods.”
The GTMA represents UK industrial companies in toolmaking, metrology, precision machining, rapid product development, and tooling technologies. Among the several ways the association serves their interests is the organization of technology seminars.
Link to this article：Event on Emerging Technologies Is Well Received by GTMA Members
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