Productive Machines joins the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) as a new member, with the aim of helping to increase productivity and reduce carbon emissions in manufacturing.   

Productive Machines, a pioneering Software as a Service (SaaS) and AMRC spin-out company, specialises in AI-based technology designed to reduce waste and optimise machining processes through easy-to-use solutions replacing trial and error processes for big and small engineering companies.

The partnership between the AMRC and Productive Machines signifies a strategic alignment of expertise in the pursuit of precision engineering. As the newest Tier 2 member of the AMRC, Productive Machines brings its wealth of knowledge and disruptive technologies to the collaborative table, contributing significantly to the AMRC's mission of driving net zero manufacturing.

Dr Erdem Ozturk, CEO of Productive Machines, expressed enthusiasm about joining the AMRC community. He said: "We have a special bond as a spin-out of the AMRC and we are thrilled to join this partnership and again become a part of the AMRC. 

“This collaboration provides us with unique opportunities to promote techniques such as digital tap testing and to accelerate machine tool process optimisation contributing to shaping the future of advanced manufacturing."

Matt Farnsworth, commercial director for the AMRC, said: “As a spin out from the AMRC's machining dynamics research team, we are extremely proud of the success of Productive Machines and absolutely delighted to have them joining the AMRC's industrial partner network.

 “We feel they have unique technology differentiation within the field of machining dynamics optimisation and modelling that provides a huge opportunity for further collaboration within the AMRC network and perfectly compliments our other technology providing members in this space.”

Productive Machines has turned years of research into commercially available products, bringing the results of groundbreaking innovation to every machining workshop. 

The Sheffield-based company has swiftly gained recognition for its machining dynamics expertise and cutting-edge solutions to eliminate chatter vibrations. Productive Machines' commitment to democratising technology and achieving more sustainable processes aligns seamlessly with the AMRC's vision of fostering breakthroughs in manufacturing processes. 

Productive Machines unique digital twin simulates millions of combinations of machine settings to arrive at the optimum feed rates and spindle speeds for a given process prior to manufacturing. This optimisation unleashes the full potential of the machine tool by eliminating chatter vibrations and achieving improved productivity and part quality.

Critical to the smooth running of operations is the preventative maintenance of machine tools. Spindles play a crucial role in the machining process and regular checks help to identify potential issues early on, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and minimising downtime. 

Productive Machines provides a proactive approach to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of spindles by monitoring spindle’s health through vibration analysis. Performing regular tap tests on the spindle, any unusual variations can indicate imbalances, misalignments, or wear in the spindle bearings. 

Today, the company has already impacted leading manufacturers from a variety of sectors, from medical to construction. Productive Machines has also raised a cumulative £3m in investment and grown an amazing team. 

They continue to work closely with and enjoy the support of the AMRC and have exciting growth plans for 2024 and beyond.

The partnership is expected to yield advancements in machining efficiency, precision, and sustainability, with potential applications across various industries. Collaborative projects will focus on integrating Productive Machines' technologies into existing manufacturing processes, driving productivity and reducing environmental impact.

As the AMRC continues to be a global leader in research and development, the addition of Productive Machines as a member underscores the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in propelling technological innovation forward. 

This partnership not only benefits the involved entities, but also holds promise for creating a positive impact on the broader manufacturing ecosystem. 

The AMRC and Productive Machines anticipate exciting breakthroughs and look forward to the shared journey of future collaboration and of technological advances in manufacturing.