MTC and UK partners developing manufacturing techniques for aircraft and engines

UK-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has partnered with aerospace companies to develop new manufacturing techniques for aero-engines and aircraft.

Part of a scheme funded by National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), the collaboration will lead to innovative developments and create engineering jobs in the region.

NATEP Midlands technology manager Peter Knight said: "The advanced manufacturing techniques being developed through this project have enormous potential in the global marketplace.

"It’s so important that we support small manufacturers as they bring innovative technologies to the skies, so we can maintain the UK supply chain’s standing as one of the most competitive and innovative in the world."

MTC and Coventry-based Arrowsmith are working to develop aerospace thread-rolling processes in partnership with the Coventry and Warwickshire Aerospace Forum.

Thread-rolling is a cold forming process designed to produce smooth and precise threads. It can be used on any ductile metal.

Arrowsmith managing director Jason Aldridge said: "Most of the research is being done in our own workshop, and the MTC engineers have been working alongside our team.

"As a result, we will be manufacturing components that could previously not be made, and we’ll be using precision-controlled production techniques that keep quality high and costs down."

MTC is preparing to commission an aerospace research centre at Coventry Technology Park that will bring together prime manufacturers and SMEs.

While providing a national facility for ground-breaking aerospace research, the centre will work with major aerospace companies and their supply chains.

The research centre is backed by £15.2m of funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute through High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Innovate UK.

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Image: Arrowsmith manufacturing workshop. Photo: courtesy of Manufacturing Technology Centre.