International patent awards for 200-year-old manufacturer

Group Rhodes, a Wakefield-based original equipment manufacturer, has been granted patents in Europe and China for its Superplastic Forming (SPF) and Diffusion Bonding (DB) technology.

This technology is used in the production of large, complex components and can be applied extensively to the light-weighting of components within the aerospace and automotive industries.

Superplastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding play an important part in performance improvement, carbon reduction and effective implementation of low-emission technologies.

Technical director of Group Rhodes, Peter Anderton, said: “This new innovation serves to enhance Superplastic Forming accuracy, reduce scrappage and improve productivity.

“The recent grant of patents in Europe and China reinforces Group Rhodes’ position as a leading global provider of this technology.”

Group Rhodes has been developing and manufacturing the SPF/DB process for over 40 years and manufactures and markets its machinery to both domestic and global markets.

The company. which is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024,  designs, develops and makes bespoke equipment and provides turnkey solutions.