News in Brief: February 2005

A stainless steel surface finishes pack, targeted for use by architects, has been published by the British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA). It contains samples of a range of finishes and highlights do’s and don’ts in speccifying surface finishes, with information on maintenance and cleaning. Extensive case studies and contact details of suppliers are also included in the pack, whcih costs £40 + VAT and postage.

FICEP UK, which specialises in CNC machine tools for processing of steel sections and plate, has formed a partnership with leading wheel blast equipment specialist, Schlick. Mike Speak, sales director of Schlick’s parent Wheelabrator, said that dealing with a single source would help structural steel manufacturers integrate new equipment into their production systems more easily, and help them to increase efficiency.

Kingspan Metl-con‘s Multichannel system played a key role in a £21M project to create a new ground level entrance to the National Gallery from Trafalgar Square. Investigations showed that a new atrium forming part of the entrance, created by glazing an open courtyard, could move 5mm up or down relative to the existing building because of ground instability. Kingspan engineers created a solution in which the entire atrium is linked back to the existing building with sliding joints.

Metsec supplied nearly 14 tonnes of galvanised purlins to provide additional support for the roof of a Grade 2 listed warehouse in a Swansea waterfront regeneration development. Strengthening the roof was complicated by heritage requirements to leave the existing slate roof, timber purlins and original metal trusses in place. Keeping the roof in place also made using cranes impossible.

The ninth annual Metals Industry Apprentice of the Year competition has been launched by Metals Industry Skills & Performance (MetSkill). The competition is open to all apprentices in UK metals companies who can demonstrate exceptional progress during their apprenticeship. The winner receives a £1,000 laptop computer.