updates from www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2023 39 business costs. A major proportion of the current resource will retire before 2035. BCAS members report difficulties in filling all job vacancies and as many as 46% of employers are reported to be struggling to fill management positions according to the Institute of Leadership Management. The re-introduction of engineering training products is now a major requirement for education establishments across the UK, especially as more engineering apprenticeship standards are approved for delivery. Our schools, colleges and universities must now look urgently at how they intend to provide the training facilities and personnel that will help deliver the skilled engineers the UK requires. Our apprenticeship programme was first launched in 2021 in response to demand from BCAS members for a dedicated, industry-approved course to help develop the skills required for the compressed air and vacuum service sector. Compressed air is used extensively across multiple sectors, and while there were many general engineering and technical opportunities available, there was no dedicated course designed for the specific needs of the industry. Working with its members and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Education (IfATE), the BCAS Training and Development Committee was instrumental in the development of the new apprenticeship. It recognises the vital importance of developing the specific engineering skills required in the compressed air and vacuum industry, helping to release funding to develop the engineers of the future. Always an opportunity to save energy At BCAS, we believe there is always an opportunity to save energy. With energy costs having risen by 50% (and higher in some instances) in recent months the more customers can do to improve the efficiency of their compressed air system, the more opportunities there are for cost savings. Our BCAS members have a key role to play in helping our customers to mitigate for these rising costs by advising on the numerous ways that they can improve the energy performance of their equipment. A compressed air system is just that; a system, and every element of it impacts on its energy consumption. Therefore, when exploring the potential savings that could be realised, it is important to take a full, system approach, – from generation to air treatment to distribution and finally, the point of use. The BCAS 10% Taskforce campaign sets out to achieve precisely this. Working with our members, this valuable resource at taskforce10.bcas.org.uk sets out some of the straightforward ways to save energy consumption from compressed air systems and minimise avoidable waste. In doing so, industry can make considerable overhead, and carbon footprint savings alongside a significant contribution to bottom line profitability and environmental performance. Looking to the future As I mentioned at the start of this article, I’m joining BCAS at an exciting time, where the actions our team, and our wider membership take can have a positive and lasting impact on compressed air system efficiency. Whether it’s helping save end-users cost, improving safety or ensuring compliance, BCAS has a vital role to play in our industry and I’m excited for what the future holds. SPOTLIGHT By releasing the new MGF X Line range of oil-free compressors into the UK market, FPS AIR COMPRESSORS says it is providing dental labs running CAD/CAM-driven milling machines and 3D printers with a proven way to utilise a continuous and highly reliable source of clean, dry compressed air without risk of contamination. Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems are finding growing use in the creation of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and veneers. The new X Line can supply clean and dry compressed air continuously and reliably to CAD/CAM-driven milling processes, ensuring the precise, reliable and high-integrity production of dental prosthetics. A further benefit of using innovative MGF X Line compressor technology at dental labs is increased air capacity and, subsequently, lower energy bills. This advantage arrives courtesy of a patented MGF system that reduces the air requirements of the membrane dryer. The X Line is also ideal for serving 3D printers, which although an additive rather than a subtractive process like milling, still need a compressor that provides continuous, high air quality and low vibration to support the precision and stability demanded by the 3D Printers industry. t| 01865 892 620 e| sales@fps-compressors.co.uk w| www.fps-compressors.co.uk/energy-saving-air-compressors BENEFITING FROM OIL-FREE COMPRESSORS Applied Pumps have secured an order to supply 100 pieces of SETTIMA SMT16B pumps from a UK manufacturer who design and build lubrication systems. The SETTIMA SMT16B pump is ideal for this type of application. The pump housing is manufactured from aluminium and capable of delivering 40 bar, this make the SETTIMA SMT16B pump cost effective; and with our product knowledge and support, you can rest assured you will have a reliable pumping solution. Applied Pumps have represented SETTIMA for over 10 years and with our increased stock levels we can delivery bareshaft or motorised pumps within a few working days. For more information email enquiries@appliedpumps.co.uk or contact our team on 01246 26102 who will be happy to discuss any requirement. SMT16B are available from stock. SETTIMA – TRIPLE SCREW PUMPS * Quiet, smooth running High flows * ATEX Ex certified * Oils, Fuels, Chemicals
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