Technical helpline to remain free

The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) will continue to provide its technical helpline free of charge to the UK metals industry.

The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) will continue to provide its technical helpline free of charge to the UK metals industry.

The helpline (01709 724990) is staffed by a team of metallurgists who answer questions on every metal, application and process.

Enquiries to date include companies asking for recommendations on the best steel for architectural steelwork, how to prevent corrosion in nickel based alloys and joining techniques for jewellery.

The team also provides the expertise for enquiries to the UK Steel helpline.

NAMTEC had originally planned to provide the service free until June this year, while considering whether charging would be appropriate.

It has decided, however, that the service should remain free to ensure that everyone in the UK working with metals has access to the technical knowledge they need to develop their products and business activities.

NAMTEC is a not for profit organisation funded by Yorkshire Forward, the Department of Trade and Industry and Objective One and will become self-financing within three years.

Revenue will be generated by other methods such as consultancy, feasibility studies, and project management.

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