The principal objective of the Micro-Machining Centre is to help SMEs involved in key manufacturing sectors (aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics etc.) develop and exploit micro-machining capabilities in order to diversify and improve manufacturing technology in the region.
This will hopefully position West Midlands organisations to compete successfully on the world stage and stimulate ventures into new or rapidly expanding markets currently dominated by companies from Japan, Germany, the USA, Korea and China.
It is also expected that this initiative will safeguard existing jobs while encouraging the creation of new positions.
Other goals and features of the Micro-Machining Centre are to:
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Establish the West Midlands region as a centre of excellence in research and development for micro-machining.
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Encourage the setup of new SME / start up companies based on this technology.
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Act as a 'point of contact' for advice / consultation on micro-machining technology.
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Organise regular seminars, workshops, short courses and even an international conferences to disseminate information / research results which would keep SMEs and the wider manufacturing community up to date on the latest developments in micro-machining.
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Carry out collaborative research projects with SMEs and major industrial organisations together with their associated supply chain via small contracts, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) formerly TCS Programmes and Engineering & Physical Sciences and Research Council (EPSRC) funded proposals.
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Interact and liaise with trade associations such as the Gauge and Toolmaker's Association (GTMA), the Manufacturing Technology Association (MTA) and com-met 2005 in order to promote wider awareness and adoption of micro machining technology and its applications.