Since the showmoved to Farnborough in 2008, the year of the financialmeltdown, it has seencontinuous growth throughout one of the toughest periods in the last 80 years. This contrastssharply with the decline of around 30% in exhibitions generally. For 2013, an incredible 35%increase in floor space has been added, bringing the total to 5,350 m². Today, it’s fair to saythat the show has evolved from a regional event into a national event attracting visitors andexhibitorsalike fromallover theUK. In fact,2013hasseenaspurt in interest fromInternationalexhibitors fromUSA, Ireland andmainlandEurope.

The Seminar programme on Page 5tackles some of the toughest issuesfacing all sectors of manufacturingindustry today. Although places arefree, they are limited by seatingavailability. All places are allocatedon a first-come, first-served basis.So the advice is simple - book now!!

Tickets to visit the ManufacturingTechnologyexhibition or to attend theseminar programme are absolutelyfree as long as you are an Industryprofessional. But, if you pre-registernow, there are extra benefits to behad. Not only will you bemaking surethat you avoid any queues at theentrance, but you’ll also receiveadvance Exhibition news, be able tobook your place on seminar sessionsand will be guaranteed a free copy ofthe Exhibition Catalogue worth £10on arrival. Simply visit -www.industrysouth.co.uk. When doingso, remember to book tickets for yourcolleagues – with so much to do andsee at the Show, it makes sense!

FIVE, Farnborough, HantsWednesday 13th February & Thursday 14th February - 9.15am – 4.30pm

Registerfor YourFree

Ticket Now

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

Oneofthereasonsforthissuccessisthattheshowhasneverdeviatedfromitscorevaluesand principles. First and foremost, it delivers. Long gone are the dayswhen exhibitionswere black holes to dropmoney into. Today, exhibition budgets are subject to the samescrutiny asanyother. It’s all about returnon investment. Theorganisersarehappy tobejudgedby that yardstick.

Vitally importantformanyexhibitors istheconceptofallexhibitorsbeingonsimilarsized stands. There are no huge “Gin Palace” stands. The smaller SME doesn’t feelovershadowedbythebiginternationalcompanies. It’sverymuchalevelplayingfieldforall.

If theexhibitionpresses therightbuttons forexhibitors, that’sonlyhalf thesuccessstory. It has to make the same positive impact on potential visitors. And it does thatin spades.

Let’s startwhen youarrive on site;most visitors to exhibitions begrudgepaying£6to£10justtoparktheircar. AtSouthernit’sfree. Next,pre-registrationavoidsqueuesandspeeds entry. This can be done online at www.industrysouth.co.uk No additionalinformationisrequiredforonlinepre-registrationstagethanregistrationatthedoor. It justsavesyoutimeandmoney. Rather thanqueueforentry, it’s justapausewhileyourbadgeis zapped and you are handed the catalogue which is free to pre-registered visitors.Catalogues cost £10 fornonpre-registeredvisitors at thedoor.

Onerecurringthemethatstandsoutat thisyear’sshowisAppliedIntelligence. Thisis seen inbothdesignandproductionofmechanical andelectronic engineering. This is afunction of the tumbling costs of computing hardware coupled with the ever increasingsophisticationof software.

Starting with a 3D CAD model, complex machining sequences such as pocketclearing can be initiated in a few strokes of a touchscreen. All data required to achievethis, including geometric data, cutting speeds and feeds for different tools andmaterialsis already stored in the system. Not only is this dramatically faster, more importantly itgreatly reduces the chance forerror.

Similarly vision systems have transformed many processes from metrology towelding. A typical case is seam tracking for welding. Auto correction of torch positiondramatically improvesweldquality. Again,moreimportantly it islessdemandingonfixtureaccuracyenabling tooling costs tobesignificantly reduced.

Theseare just twoexamplesofApplied Intelligence. Around theshowyouwill findmanymanymore – all offering similar cost-busting ideas. The opportunities for majorcost reductions have never been greater. Can you afford to ignore them? It’s a certaintyyour competitionwon’t.

Many visitors are drawn to the show by the two comprehensive seminarprogrammes running in parallel. One targets mechanical engineering and the otherelectronics. Forboth,animmenseamountofresearchgoesinto identifyingthetopicsthatthat are currently at the forefront of engineers’minds. Once the topics are identified, thenextstep is findingspeakerswhoarerecognisedauthorities in their field. (SeePage5 forthe full programme).

Bewarned, theSeminarsare free,but theyarehugelypopular. Seatsareallocatedonfirstcome,firstservedbasis. Sotheadviceissimple–bookearly. Againthiscanbedoneonlineatwww.industrysouth.co.uk

For many visitors, a major attraction of the show is its diverse nature. (See fullexhibitor list Page 6). It covers all aspects of design, production and quality control forboth the engineering and electronics sectors. Visitorswill find amassively variedmix ofexhibitors that cross all boundaries. There is something for everyone - designers,productionengineers,qualitycontrol,purchasingandmaintenance. Beyondtheindividualcompanies, theshowstraddlesindustrialsectorssuchasAerospace,Electronics,Defence,Marine,Medical, Autosport, Process Industries andmanymore.

Mounting the largest showever speaks volumesabout theorganiser’s belief in thelong-term future ofmanufacturing. The organisers have done their part. This has beenmirroredbyexhibitorswho, justbybeingthere,willhavedemonstratedtheircommitmenttomanufacturing in theUK.

Theonlypiecerequiredtocompletethejigsawisyou,thevisitors. This isyouruniqueopportunity to lookpast today’s problemsand focuson tomorrow’s solutions.

There canbe little doubt that visiting anexhibition is themost cost-effectiveway ofkeeping abreast of technology. You can have face-to-face discussions with dozens ofcompanies,anyoneofwhichcould literally transformyourcompany. Whereelsecanyouachievesomuch in just a singleday?

If there’s one aspect of robotics that has atremendouspotential for growth, it’swelding. It’sunfortunate that when it was a new technologyrobotics made its first major impact in theautomotive industry -welding andpaint spraying.For many it’s still indelibly associated withhigh volume production – and today that is justnot the case.

Robots have a control system that isprogrammed not unlike CNC. Is CNC a highvolume production process? Like CNC, the costof the control element has dropped as apercentage of the total package. The truth isrobots and welding are like egg and bacon -they’remade for each other.

The robot welding cell was the bigbreakthrough. Itwasanoff-the-shelf product justlike a machine tool. And, just like a machiningcentre, it’s not unusual to have a two-stationindexing table in front of the robot to takeload/unload out of the cycle time.

Today, as any visitor will see on theWeldingRobotics stand, robot cells come inmany guises- fixed robot, trackmounted robots for longparts,multi-robots - just like multi-spindle lathes!! Ifyou’re in welding and don’t use robots, it’s wellworth visiting the show to see this stand alone.And, of course there’s the other 600 exhibitors

Robotic welding is NOT allabout high volume production

Book now!for seminars

Show’s incredible growth rategoesonandon

Southern Manufacturing& Electronics Exhibition

SouthernManufacturing And Electronics It’s there for You

Blakell Europlacer manufactures pickand place machines for PCB assembly aswell as fully automatic stencil printers. Inaddition, it is a distributor for a range ofcomplementary equipmentwhich puts it ina strong position to provide a single sourcesolution for major projects.

The outstanding features of the pickand place machines are that they areflexible and easy to set-up. This makesthem ideal for small and medium batchproduction. At the same time they havehigh rates of component placement – up to27,300cph - which appeals to the high

volume end of the market. For the enduser it means a single capital investmentthat cost-effectively straddles marketsfrom low to high volume production.

The stencil printing machines offersimilar flexible performance. Alongsidethese own products came be foundcomplementary equipment such as AOIsystems that utilise 3D topographicaltechnology and statistical modelling. Thisresults in a system that offers extremelylow false calls. There is also a system forhigh definitionmanual inspection of PCBs.

To support PCBs - particularly doublesided boards – there is a device that isincredibly simple easy to use and does notrequire air or power. The operator simplyflattened the first PCB into a number ofspring-loaded support pins. Whendepressed, these are locked in place withthe turn of a key. Set-up times can bereduced by 84%.

Pick and place machineseasy to set up

The latest version of Tricorn Productionnow features a powerful file attachmentcapability. This enables the attachment offile links to any module in the system.This takes in quotes, parts, material andworks orders. Any type of file can beattached; drawings, CNC programs, orsetting instructions.

According the Tricorn Systems, thecreator of the software, as well asestablishing new links the facility alsocaters for the inheritance of links when an

itemwith a file attached is used in anothermodule. For example, if a scannedcertificate of material conformity isattached to a batch of material, whereever the material is used on a worksorder, the certificate will be available toview, print or email.

Another development is a new versionof Tricorn Scheduler - Project. Thisenables complex assemblies of manu-factured components (BoM’s) to bescheduled. It takes into account all theprerequisites required to complete a BoMand schedules the manufacturingaccordingly.

The system also allows the Prod-uction Manager to schedule delivery formanufacture as soon as capacity isavailable or Just-in-Time; back from thedelivery date.

Powerful file attachmentsystem enhances software

As its name implies, AeroTech PrecisionManufacturing cut its teeth in theaerospace industry. Here, disciplines andspecial skills were honed to appeal towider specialised markets. Today it alsoserves the defence, oil & gas, nuclear,marine and medical markets.

The plant list includes extensive CNCturning and CNCmachining centres somewith 4th axis control, as well as CNCmetalforming machines. In recent years it hasresponded to market demands toundertake larger projects including the

build of special purpose automationmachines for a variety of industries.

Computer AidedManufacturing, CAM,software can accept digital files fromcustomers’ design software. All produc-tion is tracked using e-business resourceswhich gives customers complete visibilityon how various orders are progressing.

There can be no better endorsementof its capabilities than noting that over 80%of business is generated by returningcustomers.

Aerospace subcontractorspreads its wings

Optimising costs forprofile cutting

Because it offers both fibre laser cuttingand water jet cutting, ICEE customers canbe assured that they are receiving impartialadvice when it comes to selecting theoptimumprocess formanufacturing profilecomponents.

With water jet cutting, the lack of heatis a major benefit eliminating any heataffected zone. The maximum thicknessthat can be cut is 200mm; this allowsmaterial to be stacked and cut in order toreduce cost per part. Reflection can be aproblem when laser cutting polished

material, not so with water jet cutting.The range of materials that can be cut

is impressive; allmetals, plastics includingcomposites, stone&marble, armour plateand bullet-proof glass. Even cardboardand foam can be processed. Plate andsheets up to 4,000 by 2,000 mm can behandled.

Alongside the two profiling processes,the company also offer welding andfabrication, including folding using thelatest in CNCpress brakeswith bed lengthup to 4m. In addition, a range of finishingprocesses including plating and powdercoating can be specified.

This enables the company tomanufacture bespoke enclosures. Theseprocesses can be accessed as part of aturnkey fabrication project or as a straightforward cutting service.

Microhydraulics from LeeProducts can befound in applications where miniaturi-sation is essential and reliability andperformance are critical. This is exemp-lified by installations such as down-hole oiltools for the oil & gas industry, Formula 1and aerospace.

The product range includes valvesand flow controls for high pressureapplications in commercial and military

aircraft. Also on show for thefirst time will be a new rangeof NACE compliant products,specifically developed for theoil tool industry, comprisingAFO plugs, high pressurecheck valves, relief valves, flowcontrols and safety screens.

For integration withelectronic control systems, thecompany also manufactureselctro-fluidic systems compo-nents, such as miniaturechemically-inert, solenoid

valves and pumps, nozzles, tubing, fittingsand manifold systems for medical andscientific instruments and ink jet printingapplications.

A sales force of graduate engineers ismaintained and are there to assistcustomers in solving fluid flow problemsand optimised system design. This isbacked up by extensive stock holdings toensure rapid deliveries.

Microhydraulics forcriticalapplications

By integrating a series of standard productsinto a fully automatic welding station,Weldlogic are able to offer a flexible highspeedweldingmachineata very competitivecost. Both TIG and Plasma versions can bespecified.

Using a precision welding lathe, the

machine can carry out circumferential,longitudinal and spot welding. It can alsooperate in the horizontal or vertical modewith manual or automatic linear torchmovements as well as rotation up to 10rev/min. Optionally this can be increased to40 rev/min. Torch movement and thetailstock are pneumatically actuated.

The power supply has a 1 to 400 ampcapacity and features arc gap set and arcdistance control. Weld speed and wire feedcontrol are also part of the package. Apendant control puts all system controls atthe operator’s fingertips.

All system components are fullyintegrated to provide a “ready-to-go”automatic welding station. Automationoptions include visionsystem, laser trackingand three-axis motion control. Auto partload and ejection can also be specified.

A vast range of pillars and spacersis manufactured by G&B Projectswhich is reflected in extensivestockholding. This includes nylonbodies that incorporate brassinserts. These offer superior shockresistance than plastic versions.This is combined with higher levelsof electrical insulation than whollymetal alternatives.

With the standard products, lengthincrements are in 5mm steps. The pricefor a custom length pillar will be the sameas that for the nearest longer standardsize. For instance, a 22.6mmpillar will costno more than a 25mm pillar. Minimumorder quantity remains at 100 units, aswithstandard stock. Thread sizes fromM2.5 to

M12 can be supplied as well as imperialand US versions.

Standard off-the-shelf products comein round hexagon andmicro specifications.Normal delivery in the UK is 3 - 4 workingdays even for customised products,although, overnight delivery can bearranged for stock items.

A PCB facility has recently been opened innew premises by Team ManufacturingServices. The company is already anestablished supplier of high quality cablesand harnesses; this latestmove enables itto broaden its offer to full box build forquantities ranging from prototype throughto medium batch sizes.

The emphasis of the service is basedon quality of production and security ofclient designs and data. A full NDA policyensures that all sensitive data is encryptedand only used on non-networkedcomputers. Commercially sensitive datais stored on SD media.

ESD Protection is considered veryimportant; the factory is equipped withFull ESD Safe benches throughout &ECO-Tile ESD safe flooring. Static buildup is monitored using an electrostaticmeter to ensure the upmost safety of theassemblies & components.

PCBs up to 300mm wide can behandled in the eight-zone convectionreflow oven. All assemblies can beidentified using polyimide anti-staticlabels which are resistant to heat andchemical attack. From the start ofassembly, all operations can be recorded.In addition, customer data such as barcodes or text can be incorporated.

New assemblyfacility for PCBand box build

Flexible automated weldingfrom standard products

Superior performance andno extra cost for specials

On the DMS Technologies stand will beseen a new range of 12V lithium batteriesthat are perfect for applications thatdemand a high rate of discharge or wherespace and weight saving are criticalfactors. The company offers a com-prehensive range of standard batterypacks, backed up a bespoke design andmanufacture service.

Solutions available embrace SLA,NiMH, NiCd and lithium based products.Aswell as batteries products, the companyalso manufacture charging systems. It isalso the largest manufacturer of portablepower systems for engine start used by theMoD, UK and European vehicle recoveryoperations.

Another keymarket is providing powersources used on the UK’s rail network topower points and level crossings in remoteareas. Other markets take in telecom-munications, petro-chemical, medical,aerospace, and security.

It acts as a distributor for Lifeline, thepremier deep-cycle battery range as wellas a Tadiran lithium cells. Various cert-ifications establish it as a Tier 1 and2 supplier in sectors such as defenceand security.

New highdischarge rate

batteries

Using the latest solid modelling softwareenables QED Design & Manufacture tooptimise protective packaging solutions.Simulations of drop-tests can verifydesigns and even negate the need to carryout physical tests.

Apart from the obvious cost benefits,this can also narrow the gap betweendesign and production. In-house jig andtool facilities also hack away at thetimescales. Tooling for one offs or batchsizes of 100,000 can be produced.

Plastic containers may be ther-moformed, blow-moulded or rotationallymoulded in a range of sizes and colours.

Aluminium containers are available asstandard sizes or custom made tailoredmodels.

Cases can include internal fittingssuch as support frames, engineeredclamping or shock-mounted platforms.Foam inserts can be cut including QED’sown self-skinned moulded foam.

Packing designed andtested on the screen

Ball nosed cutting tools for five-axis machining that can cope withmaterials up to 65 Rcwill launchedon the ITC stand. Targeted atapplications such asmould and diemanufacture, long shank versionscan be specified for applicationswith difficult access.

There is also a range of fiveflute harmonic end mills designedto cope with the difficult-to-machine alloys encountered in theaerospace and motorsport mark-ets. These are said to offer highrates of metal removal. Alsoavailable are six flute versions.Both feature unequal flute spacing

which reduces machining noiseand vibration. A Cupro coating onboth tool types is applied to extendtool life.

For composites and otherabrasive machining applications,there is a range of two fluted endmills. These can be specified witha choice of corner radii.

A comprehensive range oftapping tools that covers the sizerange M1 to M24 has been intro-duced. Here options take in spiralpoints and flutes, through-holecoolant, extended lengths and aselection of coatings to suit avariety of materials.

There are two key elements in the serviceoffered by SelwynElectronics. The first isa comprehensive choice of inter-connectsolutions for a wide range of electronicapplications. These include board-to-board, cable to board, BGA sockets,terminal blocks and coax to name buta few. The second element is the vastknowledge that is available to customersas part of a design and developmentsservice.

In addition to the standard productrange, the company develops bespokesolutions backed up by a prototype buildcapability. One method of reducing the

costs for specials is to create a new designthat only requires a smallmodification to astandard product.

Individual cable or complete harn-esses can be specified. Another productrange is DC and AC cooling fans.

There are many options on howproducts are supplied, JIT, KANBAN,scheduled orders or buffer stocks. Speciallabelling or packaging can be specified.The ERP system allows documentationthat includes specific customer require-ments. For example, order codes canincorporate custom product labelsincluding barcodes.

New energysaving powerdistribution

unit

Cutting tools for materialsup to 65 Rc hardness

Delivering the correct tactile ‘feel’ to anydevice can make a significant contributionto the user’s perception of quality. That’sexactly what’s on offer with the NyeLubricants’ range of damping greasewhich can be used in conjunction withgears, switches, slides, hinges and a hostof other mechanical and electronicapplications.

Because a damping grease can beformulated with a variety of viscosities,a grease can be developed to exactlymatch any specification for noise, motionand torque.

Most greases have a recommendedoperating temperature range of -40 to125˚C. Although extremes of -60 to 200˚Ccan be accommodated.

In addition to achieving the desiredtactile result, the damping grease can alsoact as a deterrent to wear and corrosionand reduce noise levels.

Settingthe ‘feel’

of anyhand

operateddevice

First impressions of any product exert apowerful influence on the buying decision.That’s why it’s imperative that anyelectronic device from a hand-heldscanner to multi-screen control consolemust reflect state of the art technology.

This where a company like LCDTEKcomes in; it is a specialist display distrib-utor that supports its product range with atotal inclusive design service thatembraces toolingmanufacture, packagingand distribution.

As well as TFT display modules and

touch panels, the company can also supplycomplete graphical user interface (GUI)solutions that are a perfect fit forembedded markets such as industrialautomation, domestic appliances,medical,home & building, test & measurement,office automation, consumer electronicsand automotive.

Both single touch and multi-touchcapacitive and resistive panels can bespecified as an integrated part of a TFTmodule or as a standalone product.

Creating a positive first impression

Wide choice plus design service defineconnector capability

The premise that prevention is better thancure applies as much to machines as itdoes to people. An early prognosis can bethe difference between a machine beingout for a short preventative maintenanceroutine or down for days awaiting spares.

A change in any machine’s vibrationsignature is generally accepted as themost effective precursor of future potentialproblems. That’s where a company likeMonitran comes in, it is one of the UK’slargest OEM of vibrations sensors.

As well as the actual sensors, itsproduct range also takes in vibrationanalysis and recording systems. It offers aturnkey service of developing, installingand commissioning sophisticatedmachinemonitoring systems.

At a time when every manufacturer isscrewing down on costs, a question for anyproduction engineer must be ‘What is thecost of an unscheduled breakdown?’ Theanswer might well drive them to theMonitran stand.

Enhancing the productivityof any machine

New company targets PCBand chemical machining

Precision tubular welding and micro-TIGwelding are the forté of OrbitalFabrications. Capacity for enclosed orbitalwelding is 3 up to 100mm diameter tube,while wall thicknesses of 0.01 to 3mm canbe processed. Using manual tables up to250mmdiametercomponentscanbehandled.

Assemblies can be tested to thehighest possible aerospace, pharm-aceutical and medical standards. Thattakes in leak tests down to level 5 usingmass-spec helium leak checkers. Whenresistance to positive pressure is aconcern, assembles can be subject tostringent pressure testing in the form of asnoop test or a pressure drop test.

The micro-TIG welding is intended forsmall intricate welds that are beyond thescope of conventional welding. Parts withwall thicknesses down to 0.1 mm havebeen successfully processed. At the otherend scale bore valve stubs of 150mm canbe joined.

For onsite work, the company isequipped with lightweight portable orbitalwelding machines. The site installationteams work with up to 100mm tubes. Atthe factory, as well as components, fullscale instrumentation and gas cabinetsare built in addition to vacuum exhaustsystems.

Orbitalweldingsets

higheststandardsfor tubular

joints

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

Anyone involved in PCB or chemicalmachining should check out RainbowTechnology Systems. It’s a new companypushing a new low-cost approach to fineline definition which it is claimed canachieve better than 20 micron tracksand gaps.

Until the Rainbow system wasdeveloped, the usual way to create fine linedetail was by the use of expensive laserequipment. By contrast, the Rainbowsystem can produce detail of less than 20microns using conventional phototools.The process is green, clean and costeffective.

The imaging systemuses low power, aliquid resist and UV LEDs for exposure.The unit can deliver a double sided panelevery 15 to 20 seconds ready for etching.

Key to the performance is the proprietaryliquid etch which does not require pre-drying before imaging. It is also 100%solids and solvent free.

Using positive air pressure, thesystem has built in its own environ-mentally controlled atmosphere and cantherefore be operated without a sophis-ticated clean room. Handling is fullyautomatic which significantly reduces therisk of damage or contamination of panelsduring transfer between stations.

There is also a desk top version whichis ideal for prototype and small batchwork. Other innovative products includespecialist roller coater equipment for theprotection of phototools and UV LEDexposure bars all of which are used in theRainbow process.

Such is the all-embracing range ofequipment offered for production of PCBsand cables byKeyProductionEquipment,it can single source a turnkey package thatcan be fine turned to optimise assemblycosts. Just to give a taste of what’s onoffer, there are seven pick and place units,each with a wide range of options

At the top end of the range there is aunit that can accommodate 240 feederunits. It is claimed that this unit providesthe most feeders per sqm in the market-place. It combines intelligent feeders andset-up concepts together with the largestboard sizes and themost compact systemsize. Components ranging from 01005 upto 80x70mm, height up to 25mm can behandled. In addition, two dispensing valvescan be integrated.

Similar option ranges can be foundfor screen printers, board handling, reflowsoldering, dispensers, x-ray systems,cleaning technology and automatic opticalinspection (AOI) machines.

Switching to cable cut and strip, thesame degree of choice is offered with themost sophisticated systems featuringtouch screen control.

All aspects of PCB andcable production

New on the Bryant Unlimited stand willbe a 19˝ rack Power Distribution Unit(PDU) that offers energy saving by usingintelligent design to reduce wastedenergy within the PDU itself. It features14 IEC outlets, each with an associatedbi-colour LED to signal outlet status.

Many conventional PDUs have mainsLEDs using resistors to drop the mainsvoltage. This has the effect of throwingaway 99% of the power supplied as heat.With the new PDU, a bespoke powersupply is used to reduce the power to theLED circuit. This results in a consump-tion of 0.5W compared with 10W for theconventional approach.

It incorporates a micro-controller tomeasure the presence of mains voltageat each outlet. Only when power isdetected is the corresponding LED set togreen. Each unit is fitted with a piezosounder which can give an audiblewarning when a fuse fails.

Inlet connection provides an overallcurrent capacity of 20 amps, while eachoutlet is rated at a maximum of 10 amps.The unit uses fully hard wired powerdistribution as more a reliable solutionthan the cheaper option of a PCB whichis prone to damage caused by high faultcurrents on PCB tracks.

According to Lohmann Technologies, theuse of adhesives is becoming a rapidlygrowing assembly trend in the industrialsector. The advantages of adhesivetechnology are clear: it is light, clean andabove all safe. Applications can utilisedouble-sided tape or die-cut profiles withmanual and automated assembly.

The bonding service on offerembraces the full spectrum of productdevelopment from formulation of special

adhesives to cope with enviromentalissues to design recommendations tomaximise the benefits of the techniques.Very much part of the process is keeepingthe overall costs to marketing targets

This is exemplified by a project forSeneye to produce a USB water monitorfor levels of chemicals, pH andtemperature. As a consumer product, thishad to come in at a target price of £59.Minimal assembly costs were central tothe project.

A small surfacemount PCBwas to beencapsulted with black resin in a plasichousing. Its LEDs had to be clearly visible.A clear acrylic resin was formulated anddie cut. This sealed and enabled the LEDsto be seen without any additional parts.Perhaps it‘s worth reviewing yourassembly techniques.

At Merit Plastic Mouldings before anymetal is cut for plastic moulding tools, acomprehensive evaluation is carried out tooptimise the design to deliver trouble-freecomponents with the desired quality. Thisstarts by advising simple changes tothe design that can improve quality orreduce costs.

Next, Moldflow simulations candemonstrate how the tool, part andprocess will perform. By varying keymoulding parameters the optimalmachine and tooling setting can be deter-mined. Involving toolmakers, materialspecialists and subcontractors at this early

stage can bring significant benefits furtherdown the pipeline.

To complete assemblies, there are in-house facilities for ultrasonic welding, heatstaking of metal inserts and eyeletting.Various downstream printing processescan be performed including multi-colourTampo printing, screen printing andspecialist EMS coatings.

Injection moulding machines with amaximum clamping force of 320 tonne areavailable and maximum shot weight is900g. Some machines are located in aclass 6 clean room in order to produceparts in a sterile environment.

Basically, Kemtron specialise inproviding solutions for two forms ofshielding - preventing EMC emissionsand sealing against ingress of dust orwater. Some applications demand both.Whatever the application, the companyadvocates that its involvement at theconceptional stage of a design can bringbenefits in terms of both cost andperformance.

For larger applications such asshipping container sized communicationcabins, gaskets tend to provide optimumsolutions because they can take uptolerances that occur over long lengths.Smaller enclosures or machined partsare best served by a conductiveelastomer O-ring. Where there isinsufficient land for a groove, anelastomer paste can be applied – byrobot if the volumes permit.

The product range embraces a hostof sheet, extruded sections, wovenmesh,cable sealing jackets, conductive adhe-sive tape and many more. All of whichmakes the stand a good starting point toaddress EMC or sealing problems,

Shielding —from EMC

emission orenvironment

ingress

Adhesive tapes solveassembly problems

Approach Briton EMSwith a concept and itcan drive that conceptthroughdesign, proto-typing, testing, andproductiontoultimatelyboxed products ready

to sell. Alternatively a user can cherry pickany part of the service such as simply PCB-build to customer designs.

To deliver this all-embracing service ithas teamed up with focused designservices that specialise in areas such aselectronic assemblies or plastics injectionmoulding. The company is extensivelyequipped. For example there are threededicated surface mount PCB assemblylines in a temperature and humidity

controlled environment.Each line includes automatic optical

and visual inspection within the PCBmanufacturing process to ensure 100%success rate. How this all works in practiceis exemplified by a new electronic flag forreferees. Pressing a button on the flagsends an encrypted signal to a lightweightunit on the ref’s arm causing it to buzz andpulsate.

With a eye on avoiding obsolescence,the latest FCC approved radio module isone of themajor components. Amouldingspecialist created tooling for the handlemoulds that satisfied all the designparameter, yet could be produced in low tomedium quantities.

Boxed electronic productsready to sell

Systems for PCB component placementavailable from Juki Automation Systemscover everything from flexible small batchassembly right up to high volumemachines with placement rates in excessof 66,000 components per hour. These

incorporate four multi-nozzle laser headswithsix nozzles each.

An important fac-tor in achieving lowcost and maximumflexibility is that allfeeders and nozzlesare compatible and in-terchangeable across

the entire range. Mechanical andelectronic feeder trolleys are completelyinterchangeable allowing companies withprevious generations of mechanicalfeeders to continue to get the most fromtheir investment.

The laser sensor can centrecomponents from 01005 to 33.5 x 33.5mm.From ultra-small, ultra-thin, chip-shapedparts to small QFPs, CSP, BGA, a widerange of parts can be precisely centred bythe laser recognition system at high-speed.

Also available are stencil printerswhich utilise a patented mathematicalcalculating algorithm to ensure themachine’s high accuracy print alignmentthat easily achieves 01005 printing. Thestencil cleaning has threemodes: wet, dry,vacuum. Each mode can be programmedindividually or combined in any way.

Modular PCB assembly machineskeep cost down

Holistic approach to plasticparts betters quality

All aspects of motion control fromindividual products to complete systemareto be found on the Delta Line stand. Theproduct range is extensive with rotary andlinear drives. These can feature integratedgearboxes and electronic controls.

There aremany special versions such

as ultra flat stepper motors, hybrid step-per motors, and planetary gear motors.Low noise motors and high efficiency 90˚gearboxes with 95% power transmissionunderline the diversity of choice.

If standard products do not satisfy aparticular need, the company can producebespoke designs. In terms of cost, ahalfway house between a bespoke designand an off-the-shelf product is a modifiedstandard design.

An important aspect of the companyapproach is to offer comprehensiveproduct support which starts with simplecomponent selection and stretches rightup to sophisticated system designs.

Motion actuators drivesand complete systems

Exporting — getting it rightaround the world

Non-contact optical measuring andinspection systems will be featured on theMapra Technik stand. These embracemeasuring calculators with live videodisplay and touch screen controls.Pictureswithmeasured data can be saved.Integrated image processing and auto-matic detection of themeasurement pointsare included.

Also in the portfolio of test equipmentare hardness testers for a range ofmaterials including rubbers and elasto-mers, plastics and foams. To calibrate theresults a series reference test blocks canbe supplied.

Digital measuring takes in callipers,height gauges, depth gauges andindicators. These feature large scaledisplays with inch/metric switching Fourmounting indicators 3D articulated armswith magnetic bases can be specified.

Metrology tools formaterials testing

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

When it comes to exporting, there are anumber of crucial hurdles that have to becleared before any new market can betackled. It can prove very expensive if yourproducts don’t comply with the relevantregulations of the importing country.That’s when it pays to draw on theexpertise of TUV Rheinland.

Most countries have their own sets ofrules to be followed. Certain countriesimpose mandatory pre-shipment inspec-tion and national certification re-quirements. These will have to be fulfilledprior to shipment. Failure to do so canresult in severe delays, penalties and evenshipments being confiscated or returned.

The company has extensive exper-ience inmostmajor importing countries inthe Middle East, South America, Asia,Australasia and Europe including Russiaand other former USSR countries. It hasalready worked closely with UK producersof machinery and other industrialequipment.

Getting it right can avoid delays duringcustoms clearance, and demonstrate yourefficiency to your overseas agents orcustomers. During the show the exhibitoris offering free exporting advice. Even ifyou’re an experienced exporter, it’s worthchecking out the latest regulations - theyalways change!!!

Mekall specialise in the supply of screenprint based products such as graphicoverlays, facia panels and labels as well amembrane keypads, keyboards andswitches. Traditionally, the company hadfocused on customised product designs.

Membrane products can incorporatemany functional and visual enhancementsincluding sealing againstmoisture, tactile,

non-tactile and polydome switches. Inaddition, surface lighting using surfacemount LEDs can be specified.

In 2012 the company introduced arange of standard off-the-shelf products.This was a response to increasing demandfor standard layouts and sizes of keypadsand overlays - with designers andengineers particularly keen to keep theirtooling and development costs as well astimescales as low as possible.

With extensive design, prototyping,CNC machining and metal formingresources, all aspects of a project fromconcept to completion can be carried outin-house. This embraces various finishingprocesses such as painting, anodising andalochroming.

Powerful file attachmentsystem enhances software

Note: all sessions may be subject to change without notice. The organisers accept no responsibility for the statements made in this preview, nor for any errors or omissions which may have occurred.

If there’s one gamechanger that could impact everymanufacturing company in theUK, it’sKnowledge. Knowledgeprovidesthatelusive insidetrackeveryoneis lookingfor. It could be technical knowledge, a new process, a new material. It could bemanagerial knowledge, legal obligations, compliance regulations. It could even bemarketing opportunities, newworldmarkets, breaking into new fields in theUK.

If you believe your company could benefit from acquiring such new knowledgethen have a look at some of the topics on offer in the two seminar programmes. It’sa brave man, some would even say a foolhardy man, who would claim there’s not asingle topic on offer that could benefit his company.

It’s stating the blindingly obvious to say that an hour spent at a seminar will notsuddenly imbueyouwithall theknowledgetoresolvean issue. What itwilldo isallowyou to assess exactly what the topic could contribute to your company and highlightthe first steps in finding out more. If a seminar does that, it’s done its job.

Here are just a few tasters from the Engineering session. Want to become asubcontractor to theaerospace industry? It’sabit like“Want towin the lottery? Firstbuy a ticket”. The ticket to joining the aerospace supply chain is conforming to SC 21the collaborative standard established by the aerospace industry to monitor supplychain management.

Anyone who manufactures or imports machinery of any kind will need to beaware of the major changes in CE marking legislation due in 2013 and beyond. Notbeing fully up-to-date could prove very expensive.

The title “Selling to emerging markets focussing on Russia, Middle East, Chinaand Brazil” tells you exactly what’s on the table at this session.

There’s a similar range of on-the-money topics for Electronic Manufacturers aswell. A title like “Increasing outputs of an electronics box assembly through leantransformation of a production cell” needs no further explanation.

One subject that always arouses ire is counterfeit components. Session 14discusses how to eliminate them from your supply chain.

There is increasing evidence that sometimes insufficient weight is given toproviding theappropriatesupportingdocumentation for conforming to theEuropeanEMCDirective. Atbest thiscancausedelays,especiallywhenexporting,andatworstit could lead to major unnecessary costs.

A valuable hint for all; examine both seminar programmes no matter what yoursector. “Lean concepts and the practical applications of waste elimination” in theEngineering sessions has an across-the-board appeal. In all there are 23 sessionsand a couple are just right for you.

Placesat theseminarsare free. But,withsomanyhotsessions, it is certain thatdemand for places will be in high. Seating is limited and allocated on a first-come,first-served basis so the advice is simple, book early for you and your colleagues byvisiting the website www.industrysouth.co.uk or calling 01784 880 890. All bookingswill be confirmed in writing prior to the show.

FREESEMINARSSIGNPOSTWHERETOFINDTHATGAMECHANGER

SEMINAR ROOM 1 - ENGINEERINGWednesday 13th February

SESSION 1 9.30am

Lean Concepts and the Practical Applications of Waste Elimination -Looking at the origins of Lean, definitions of waste, how to visualise, valuestream mapping, lean concepts with Automotive and Service sector casestudy examples.Tim Scurlock, Director, Automotive Lean Consulting

SESSION 2 10.40am

Designing for Commercial Success and New Product Development -Understanding the foundations of workable, marketable productinnovation and design. Discover how to develop and design products thatbecome commercial successes. From feasibility studies, market research,design and development (aesthetic, mechanical and electronic), through tofinding a manufacturing route.Stefan Knox, Bang Creations

SESSION 3 11.50am

Best Practice andWorld Class Manufacturing - How aiming towards bestpractice consolidates improvement activities bringing significant costsavings and productivity efficiencies. Case studies of 10 manufacturerswho demonstrate excellence in design, performance, quality andcustomer satisfaction.David Kilroy, Dir, Manufacturing Insight

SESSION 4 1.00pm

Manufacturing Technology Centre – Bridging the “Valley of Death” – hearhow the MTC represents a new breed of research centres that have beenset up across the UK to bring the country’s leading academics andindustrialists together to work collaboratively in a unique environment tohelp develop innovative and novel manufacturing processes..Steve Statham, Business Development Manager, ManufacturingTechnology Centre

SESSION 5 2.10pm

CEMarking 2013 and Beyond - Overview of the major changes that willaffect machinery manufacturers in 2013 and beyond.Peter Evans, Compliance Engineer, The CE Marking Association

SESSION 6 3.20pm

Supply Chain and SC21 - How to get the best value from purchasing andsupply chain improvement in the aerospace and defence industries.Increase your competitive edge and market share by developingcollaborative relationships with your suppliers and customers.Mike Harrison, ABSL (ATOL Business Services Limited)

Thursday 14th February

SESSION 7 9.45am

Introduction to Machinery SafetyGain an overview of your legal responsibilities and requirements and therole that new technologies are having on the machinery safety lifecycle,along with practical mechanical and electrical solutions.Paul Laidler, TUV SUD Product Service

SESSION 8 11.00am

Supply Chain and SC21How to get the best value from purchasing and supply chain improvement inthe aerospace and defence industries. Increase your competitive edge andmarket share by developing collaborative relationships with your suppliersand customers.Mike Harrison, ABSL (ATOL Business Services Limited).

SESSION 9 12.15pm

Lean Concepts and the Practical Applications of Waste EliminationLooking at the origins of Lean, definitions of waste, how to visualise, valuestream mapping, lean concepts with Automotive and Service sector casestudy examples.Tim Scurlock, Director, Automotive Lean Consulting

SESSION 10 1.30pm

Selling to Emerging Markets focussing on Russia, Middle East,China and Brazil - Understanding the market potential and tradingchallenges of these growing economies. Outlining import certification andtest requirements, providing invaluable first hand insight and guidelines toassist exporters.Sergey Putintsev, Business Development Manager, TUV Rheinland UK Limited

SESSION 11 2.45pm

Improving Manufacturing ProcessesIn order to manufacture high quality products, organisations must ensurethat they have the right processes in place and that these are carried out bythe right people, with the correct skills. This session will look atmanufacturing processes and areas in which quality improvementscan be made.Ian McKay (former Quality Executive, BAE SYSTEMS Military Aircraft),Ian R McKay Ltd

SEMINAR ROOM 2 - ELECTRONICSWednesday 13th February

SESSION 13 9.30am

Exporting, Distributing and Selling Electrical Products (Household andIndustrial) - Overview of International certification schemes: Europe,North America, world-wide, certification requirements for each scheme,certification process, invaluable guide for exporters.Sergey Putintsev, Bus Dev Mgr & Jon Jones, Manager, Business StreamProducts, TUV Rheinland UK Limited

SESSION 14 10.40am

Eliminating Counterfeit Components from your Supply Chain – We ShowYou How - Counterfeit electronic components are a massive problem in theUS and a growing menace in Europe. A component that fails during testingcan look perfect - the natural assumption is that it failed during theassembly process. But it’s what’s inside the package thatcounts...sometimes it’s nothing at all! Bob Willis – Bobwillisonline.com

SESSION 15 11.50am

Administrative Compliance - Your Achilles Heel? - This presentation outlinesthe administrative obligations contained in the European EMC Directive,2004/108/EC, with particular reference to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Itconsiders the mounting evidence that insufficient attention is paid to ensuringthat the supporting documentation is not only in place, but also up to date.Nick Wainwright, CEO, York EMC Services

SESSION 16 1.00pm

What Makes Good Design, How To Generate Good Ideas - Good design isthe foundation both of fast-growing businesses and established marketleaders, and the secret to international competitiveness. It all starts with agood idea, so you need to have as many good ideas as possible. Stefan willrun through how to generate and develop the good ideas that willtransform your products.” Stefan Knox, Bang Creations

SESSION 17 2.10pm

Package On Package (PoP) Design and Assembly Introduction –What AnyEngineer Should Know -Package on Package (PoP) - where componentsare stacked on top of one another during manufacture — is an increasinglypopular technique in mobile or hand-held applications, but one whichpresents additional challenges for assembly engineers. Bob Willis gives anoverview of PoP and addresses some of the issues engineers need to beaware of. Bob Willis – Bobwillisonline.com

SESSION 18 3.20pm

Best Practice andWorld Class Manufacturing - How aiming towards bestpractice consolidates improvement activities bringing significant costsavings and productivity efficiencies. Case studies of 10 manufacturerswho demonstrate excellence in design, performance, quality and customersatisfaction.David Kilroy, Manufacturing Insights

Thursday 14th February

SESSION 19 9.45am

Continuously Improving Quality on an SMT line Using a Simple6-Sigma Approach -Learn about how a Contract Electronics Manufacturer is using a DMAICapproach and problem solving tools to improve quality on a surface mountassembly line.Sylvain Briand, Business Improvement Manager, Surface TechnologyInternational

SESSION 20 11.00am

CEMarking for Consumer Products and Professional Electronics -This seminar will guide you through what you need to know about the CEmarking requirements for electrical and electronic equipment placed onthe European Market.Richard Poate, TUV SUD Product Service

SESSION 21 12.15pm

Fusion Means Business -How UK companies can win business on new fusion energy projects. Whatskills and technologies are needed for the new multi-billion ITER Project.Dan Mistry, UK Atomic Energy Authority

SESSION 22 1.30pm

Increasing Output of an Electronics Box Assembly through the LeanTransformation of a Production Cell -Learn about how a team from a Contract Electronics Manufacturerembraced the Lean principles to reduce leadtime and more than doublethe throughput of an electronics box assembly.Sylvain Briand, Business Improvement Manager, Surface TechnologyInternational

SESSION 23 2.45pm

To Automate, or Not to Automate, That is the Question -Low volume electronics manufacture has traditionally relied on handassembly and testing. Yet, the quality variations introduced during manualmanufacture means that in some cases, even very low volume manufacturemay be better served by automation. In this session, Peter Grundy sets outto explore the many different aspects of automation, from assembly toquality/inspection, and asks “are you really using automation effectively?”Peter Grundy, Altus Group Limited

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

Where do you have to employ the mostreliable sensors in theworld? Actually, it’smore like out of this world; on the surfaceofMars to be precise. Over 40 sensors areintegrated into NASA’s Mars RoverCuriosity currently edging its way acrossthe Gale crater on the Red Planet.

The costs of sensor failure are toohorrendous to even contemplate. Thedevices were supplied by the Americanmanufacturer Strainsert which isrepresented in the UK by Ixthus. Thesecoveredmanymission-critical applicationssuch as stage separation, descent stageand wheels and mobility.

Back down to earth, the companyoffers standard and customised sensorsfor many demanding applications. Thesecan only benefit from the several decadesof close collaboration with NASA that hasled to a number of patented transducerdesigns.

For example, there is an innovatedinternal strain gauge process where foilgauges are actually bonded and sealedinside small bore holes as part of thecomplete load bearing components. Thisoffers high accuracy force measurementfrom 100 N to 5 MN even under the mostextreme conditions.

Where performance has tobe out of this world

There'smore than 600 exhibitors to see

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

STAND COMPANYP48 1st Machine Tool Accessories LtdC48 3C Test LimitedC14 3D Lasertec LtdU36 3T RPD LtdU7 Aberlink Innovative MetrologyB48 ABL Circuits Ltd245 Abrasive Finishing SystemsQ49 Absolent UKN78 ABSSAC LimitedC6 AdoptSMT UK Ltd50 Advanced Chemical Etching LtdE35 Advanced Rework Technology LtdJ63 AEMSJ78 AeroflexH97 Aerotech Precision Manufacturing LtdR48 Agie Charmilles LtdK96 AGS Electronics LtdM48 Aish Technologies LtdW61 Ajax Machine Tools International Ltd158 Alchemy Metals LtdF14 ALH Systems LtdJ98 ALL PSU LtdX73 All Solution Products LtdC68 Allday Time Systems LtdE90 MJ Allen Group Of CompaniesV19 Allport Cargo ServicesP57 Almic Engineering Co LtdP72 AlphaCAM/EdgeCAM189 Altex Engineering Ltd50 Alucast LtdA60 AM Transformers LtdR26/S26 AMADA UKL47 Ambersil (CRC Industries UK Ltd)S73 Amey Plastics LtdJ16 AMF Andreas Maier GmbH & Co KGB49 Amfax Limited270 Amphenol264 Andel Plastics LtdA49 AngliaD5 Anglo Production Processes LtdH50 Anixter Component SolutionsE58 AOI Systems LimitedL7 Arcalian LtdM25 ArcamG59 Arcolectric Ltd112 Argolin LtdC37 Arrival ElectronicsH67 Arrowvale ElectronicsH34 ASK Technology LtdB24 Aspire Electronics LtdJ7 AST Language Services LtdE67 Aster Technologies LtdE72 Aurubis UK LtdM78 AutoAeroF30 Automated Cable Solutions Limited78 Autoy LtdK11 Avin Electronics LtdA30 AWS Electronics Ltd325 Axelent LtdQ12 Axis Precision Engineering Components LtK90 BAE Systems Maritime Services50 Barkley Plastics LtdK72 Barlow Sheet Metal LtdF62 Batchbuild72 Batten & Allen LtdN66 Baty International164 Bauer Springs LtdQ72 Beckett MIME62 Beijer ElectronicsD25 OF Bell Injection MouldingR24 Berger Tools LtdF43 Bernstein LtdH22 Beta Layout (PCB-POOL)E96 BIG KentF78 BitBox Limited345 BJ Associates LtdX48 BLM Group UK LtdK26 BLT Circuit Services LtdK42 Blundell Production Equipment LtdK12 Board Level LimitedU12 Bollhoff Armstrong LtdU12 Bollhoff Fastenings LtdD13 Bondline Electronics LtdB60 Bopla Enclosures - Phoenix MecanoN66 Bowers MetrologyF26 Brady50 C. Brandauer & Co Ltd79 Bretford Manufacturing LtdN25 Bright Spark Precision Engineering LtdL51 Brighton Sheet Metal LtdG78 British Encoder ProductsG73 Briton EMS LtdB20 Broadband Technology 2000 Ltd (BT2000)F34 Broanmain PlasticsT7 Bronkhorst UK Ltd81 Brooklands CollegeN72 Brownell LtdJ67 Broxton Industries LimitedR43 Bruderer UK LtdC52 Bryan James & Co LtdJ97 Bryant Unlimited343 BTM (UK) Automation Products LtdG59 BulginN60 Bunting Magnetics Europe LimitedU60 Bystronic UK LtdK30 ByteSnap Design LtdM7 CablespeedH11 Cabletec ICS LtdB67 Caltest Instruments LtdW49 Cannon Packing & Logistics Ltd219 CAP Productions LtdH19 CarboliteJ4 Carl Zeiss LtdE73 Carona Reuter Industrial LtdW31 Carter Manufacturing Limited130 Censol Ltd124 Charles Kendall Ltd117 The Chartered Quality InstituteL18 Cherrytech (UK) LimitedJ21 Chiltern Connections LtdQ2 China Outsourcing LtdS6 Chiviott Machine Tools LimitedL78 Cicorel Precision EngineeringT31 CIL Precision LtdL24 Cimbian UK LtdF84 Circatron LtdW48 Cirrus Laser LtdJ79 Claro Precision Engineering LtdK59 Clarydon/Kasdon Electronics LtdK63 Classic Components UK LtdF51 Clean Air GroupE14 Cleansing Service Group LtdV43 Close Brothers Asset Finance LtdE43 CML Innovative Technologies LtdS36 CMZ UK LtdH90 Coax Connectors LtdW73 Cohline UK LtdK43 Colmworth Electronics LtdE25 COMELIT SpaE38 Component Force LtdF55 Components Bureau LimitedK78 Connect 2 Cleanrooms LtdK35 Convert LtdB5 Cornell Dubilier ElectronicsQ1 Cotsworld Plastics Ltd106 Courier Express Limited

STAND COMPANYU78 Cove Industrial Enterprises LtdB16 Cox Wokingham Plastics LimitedV48 Craft Data LtdH42 CREFORM Technik GmbHS1 Croylek LtdE78 CS-Electronics (UK) LtdG6 CS Technics LtdH51 CSM Electronics LtdE66 CT Production LtdG38 CTL ManufacturingP12 CTR Lasers LtdG55 Cupio/Yestech EuropeC36 Custom Interconnect Ltd (CIL)67 CustomarkJ42 Daniel Josefsson LtdM73 Datateam Business Media LtdT72 Datron Technology LtdE26 DEK Printing Machines Ltd147 DelcamE30 Delta Line SpAL54 Deltron EnclosuresX71 Deprag LimitedM37 Design Packaging Group LtdH21 Deutsch UK336 DHS Supply Company LtdM49 Diamond Electronics LtdJ50 Diamond HMI ComponentsL1 Dilanti Instruments LtdM61 Distributed Micro TechnologyN48 DJJ Precision Engineering LtdE97 DKL Metals LtdB25 DMS TechnologiesT24 Dormer Tools LtdG42 DP Seals LimitedK34 Drallim Industries Ltd237 Drive Lines Technologies LtdQ6 DRN Engineering LtdM12 C Dugard LtdE54 DVR LimitedG47 Dy-Tech LtdM43 EAO LtdD66 Easby Electronics Ltd188 Easypack LtdD36 EC Electronics LtdE85 EC Electronics LtdJ29 Eclipse Magnetics LtdK50 Ecopac (UK) Power LtdJ20 Ecotile LLPP72 Edgecam/AlphacamK10 Edson Machinery Company LtdK55 EFD International IncX67 Electro Motion UK LtdL38 ElectrolubeD43 Electronics Yorkshire152 Electrox Laser MarkingH59 Elesa (UK) LtdB2 Elite 7 Installations LimitedV72 Ellesco LtdL66 Ellsworth Adhesives LtdG34 Eltro GBF24 EMC Hire LtdB55 EMS Manufacturing Ltd196 Engineering CapacityM78 Engineering Industries Association55 Ensinger LtdL5 EPLAN35 European Powder Metallurgy AssociationP79 ES Technology LtdB8 Esprit Electronics LtdN61 ESS (Utility Consultants) LimitedB5 E-SwitchM78 ETES - Regional Sales OfficeD96 ETPS LtdM31 Eurocircuits NVB54 EUROKUBAS Custom Cable AssembliesH78 European Springs & Pressings LtdD1 Blakell Europlacer LtdL55 The Eurotech Group PlcL16 Exception PCB LtdL12 Exloc Instruments (UK) LtdG15 Express Assemblies LimitedF96 Express Circuits Group LtdD42 Falcon PCB Group LtdH73 Falcon Precision LtdU30 Fanuc RoboticsR7 Faro Technologies UK LtdU49 Farsound Engineering LtdL25 Fastenex S.LR19 FB-AvakA61 FDM Digital Solutions Ltd84 Fibracon-Insoll Machined PlasticsL97 Fife Fabrications LtdQ49 Filtermist International LtdT73 Finance For Industry LtdA36 Finaway LimitedC24 Finder PlcL90 Fine Cut Advanced EngineeringP24 Fine Line Engineering Ltd39 Finishing Techniques LtdA42 First Electronics LtdH39 Fischer Connectors LtdM13 Flatfield Multi Print International BV18 Flowcrete UK LtdP30 Foam Techniques LtdU18 Focus Metals LtdK39 Forge Europa62 Fronius UK Ltd50 FW Cables LtdM18 G English Electronics LtdC66 G&B Electronic Designs LtdK62 G&B Projects230 Gauge ProP7 Gem Cable Solutions LtdL22/L33 Gen3 Systems LimitedG7 Genalog LtdT13 The Robert Gibbs (Contracting) Co Ltd343 Globe Engineering LtdD62 Goepel Electronics LtdN43 Gordon Ellis & CoQ25 Graphic PlcK84 Greenfold Systems LtdG78 GRW Precision Ball BearingsU73 GSM Graphic ArtsJ90 GSM ValtechD49 GTK UK LtdQ66 Guhring LtdS76 Guyson International LtdH80 GW EngineeringP60 Haas AutomationG35 Habia Cable LtdX54 Halo Lasers LtdD48 Hammond Electronics LimitedJ27 Haredata ElectronicsJ91 Harting LtdJ96 Heber LtdX43 Heico Fasteners UK LtdX60 HEIDENHAIN GB LtdX31 Hempel Special MetalsM25 Henkel Ltd177 Henrob Direct LimitedT36 HepcoMotionN7 Hexagon Metrology LtdJ84 Hirose Electric Europe B.V.C54 Hitaltech UK Ltd125 HK Rapid Prototyping LtdT6 Holme Dodsworth

STAND COMPANYK66 Hothouse Product Development PartnersR3 HPC Gears LtdU31 HTE Engineering Service LtdW72 Hurco Europe LtdB18 Hursley EMC Services LtdW43 Hydromar LtdN73 i4innovation (Smartboxx) LtdH2 IA Technology LtdB5 ICCNexergyK54 ICEE Managed Services LtdG25 ICOM Scottech LtdU19 IEC LtdN24 igus (UK) LtdF7 Impact Centre For TrainingF42 In2tec LtdV78 IndieCAM LtdF36 Industrial Electronic Wiring LtdG14 Industrial Rubber LtdC4 Ingrid West Machinery LtdN18 Innotec Manufacturing LtdT79 Inseto (UK) Ltd84 Insoll - Fibracon Machined PlasticsK67 Intafast LtdK13 Integrated Electronics LtdL55 Inverter Fusion Limited (IFL)B36 IO Electronics LimitedJ59 iPro Solutions LtdG1 IPS InternationalN64 ITC LtdH46 ITW Contamination ControlL28 Ixthus Instrumentation LtdL59 Jabil LtdG66 James Walker KeaflexD90 Jauch Quartz UK LtdQ43 JavelinJ31 Javelin PlasticsJ10 RGC Jenkins & CoV36 JK LasersK79 JNDC LtdD7 Juki Automation Systems Ltd24 Jungheinrich UK LimitedT25 Kabelschlepp MetoolC60 Kaisertech LimitedJ2 Kardex Systems (UK) LtdL8 Kaschke Components GmbHL8 Kaschke Components GmbHK59 Kasdon/Clarydon Electronics LtdV13 Kawasaki Robotics/Cygnet Integrated SysN12 KD Feddersen UK Limited5 Kemmel LtdK58 Kemtron LimitedG79 KENTech Electronic Production LtdJ38 Key Production Equipment Ltd143 Kingscote Rojay LimitedJ6 Kiwa Blackwood Compliance LaboratoriesE62 KMM MetalsE62 KMM ProcessingE98 KNF Neuberger UK Ltd14 KNIPEX - WerkJ24 KSM Superclean LtdQ73 Labelling-Solutions (LPP Co)F72 Labfax LtdU48 Laser Lines LtdL39 Laser Process LtdQ24 Laserite LtdG50 LCDTEK LtdW42 Lee Products LtdQ42 Lee Spring LimitedS19 Leeds Bronze Engineering LtdU61 Leemark Engineering (Hayes) LtdE2 Lemo UK LtdK20 Leoni Tailor Made Cables LtdT67 LG Motion Limited182 LGG Charlesworth LtdW79 Lighthouse (UK) LtdM36 Lightning Packaging Supplies Ltd50 Lightning AerospaceG22 Line One Sales LtdK17 Link Hamson LtdL72 Liquid Control LtdR67 LNS Turbo UK Ltd271 Lobo SystemsW36 Locators LtdM42 Lohmann Technologies (UK) LtdJ54 LPA Haswell Engineers LtdE21 LPKF Laser & Electronics LtdS42 LVD Pullmax LtdS61 Machine Tool Supplies Ltd171 MacInnes Tooling LtdE84 Magee Gammon Chartered AccountantsT37 Magni-Tec213 Mahr UK PlcX49 Man and Machine LtdH25 Manutech Europe LtdU24 Mapra Technik CompanyL10 Marketing For EngineeringE34 Martec LtdR54 Matchmaker CNC264 Maxmag Moulded Magnets LtdB4 May & Scofield LimitedF2 MDL Technologies LtdT60 MecWash Systems LtdL62 Megadyne UK LtdB5 MegaPhase231 Mekall LtdN37 The Membrane Keyboard Company LtdJ66 Merit Plastic MouldingsT48 Merlin Tools LtdL26 MERSENM66 Metal Injection Mouldings LtdG54 METcase Enclosures LtdL30 METECCQ79 Metrology Direct LtdG91 Metway Electrical Industries LtdT19 Micro Epsilon UK LtdS2 Micro Metalsmiths LtdJ58 MicroCare Europe bvbaV25 Micrometric LtdB5 MicroSpire242 Mid Bucks Machine Tools LtdE29 Midas Components LtdU79 Midtherm Laser LtdS66 MiniTec UK LtdF62 ML Electronics LtdG96 MLPSR78 MM Media Ltd (Machinery Market)H66 MMG MagDev LimitedU55 MMP Electrovibe UK Limited337 Modern Media Communications LtdU67 Monitran LtdL79 Montrose Fasteners LtdL67 Moore International LtdQ7 MRT Castings LtdJ55 M-Tek (Assembly) LtdK77 Materials Testing & Technical Svces LtdN19 Muffett Gears170 Muller England LtdD4 MYDATA Automation Ltd54 NC Precision LtdF67 NCAB Group UK LtdP43 Nemco Metals International LtdJ22 New Force LtdT42 New Metals & Chemicals LtdB30 Nexus (GB) LimitedV79 Nikken Kosakusho Europe LtdN6 Nikon Metrology

STAND COMPANYD72 Nitronica LtdB1 Nitronics LtdU72 Nord-Lock GroupE42 North Devon Electronics LtdTBA Northern Manufacturing & ElectronicsD6 Nutek (UK) LtdN55 Nye LubricantsM25 ObjectB31 O'Dell Rework Solutions LimitedJ46 ODU UK LtdW37 Oerlikon Leybold VacuumV42 Ogle Models & Prototypes LtdP61 OGP UK LtdA53 Ohmite Manufacturing CompanyG58 OK International LtdG54 OKW Enclosures Ltd90 Ondrives LtdS72 OneCNC UK LtdU1 OPEN MIND Technologies UK LtdE39 OPS LimitedA31 Optris Infrared ThermometersM60 Orbital Fabrications LtdM78 Organisers OfficeN36 ORGATEX UK29 Orgbar Aluminium LtdG51 Orion Electrotech LtdJ35 Outsource Electronics LtdC30 PACE Europe LtdF66 The Paragon Electronics GroupG33 Parkinson Harness TechnologyG30 Partner Electronics LtdJ53 PD Seating Ltd47 PDRV67 Peak Industrial Ltd21 Pentagon Plastics LtdX37 Perfect Bore Manufacturing LtdL84 Permabond Engineering Adhesives LtdR36 PGT Ceewrite LtdF59 Phoenix Contact LtdK31 Phoenix Dynamics LtdB60 Phoenix Mecano Bopla EnclosuresJ30 Photogenic LtdG90 Photronix LtdM66 PI Castings LtdB43 Pickering Interfaces LimitedE50 Pinnula LimitedQ43 Planit Software331 PLANSEE SEB61 PMTech Services LtdR25 PNJ Engineering LtdR72 Poligrat (UK) Ltd85 Polycast LtdP19 Polyrack Electronic - Aufbausysteme GmbHB5 Powerstax50 PP Electrical Systems LtdH43 PPG Aerospace/SEMCOJ26 PPI Adhesive Products LtdK91 PR2 Engineering Ltd72 Precision Engineering Plastics LtdF22 Precision Micro LtdR18 Precision Products (Brighton) LtdC55 Presi LtdM78 Press OfficeL58 Prestwick Circuits GPS LtdG78 Principle Engineering LtdE6 Printed Systems LtdG72 Printed Wiring Technologies LtdV1 Product Assessment & Reliability CentreJ51 Production Design & Supply LtdW30 Production Engineering SolutionsF46 Propak Sheet Metal LtdJ1 PROTAVIC INTERNATIONALQ18 PRV Engineering Ltd342 PTG Workholding Ltd252 QED Design and Manufacture LtdB42 Quadrant ConnectionsH38 Qualitetch Components LtdJ25 Quick Circuits Ltd336 Quickgrind Limited336 Quickvend Systems LLPP72 RadanJ71 Radiometrix LtdB5 Radius PowerG24 Raffenday Limited231 Rainbow Technology Systems LtdE82 Raster Vision LtdM25 RealizerF39 Relec Electronics LtdQ48 Renishaw PlcN49 REO (UK) LtdG2 Retronix LtdD84 RH Technical Industries LtdF79 Rhopoint Components LtdF79 Rhopoint Sourcing LtdL42 Richco International Co LtdU25 Righton LtdQ67 Rigibore Limited8 Riley Automation LtdB9 RJS Electronics LtdP31 RNA Automation LtdH14 Robnor Resins LtdF50 Robotas Technologies LtdR66 Roemheld UK LtdP78 ROFIN-Baasel (UK) LtdG54 Rolec Enclosures Ltd242 Romi-Sandretto UK LimitedL85 Rose Plastic UK LtdT30 Rowan Precision LtdH26 RS Components LtdH27 RS Components Ltd37 Saint Anns Sheet MetalT2 Salvagnini UK & Ireland Ltd101 Samuel Taylor LimitedK8 Sanderson IT SystemsQ13 Sapa Profiles UK LtdM24 sara/Loading Bay Specialists LtdM69 Sassen Engineering LtdM2 Scaglia INDEVA LtdH58 Schurter LtdG63 Screencraft LimitedG85 SD Products LimitedG97 Seiki Systems LtdG62 Selwyn Electronics Ltd3 Seminar Theatre/Reg No.1 EngineeringA22 Seminar Theatre/Reg No.2 Electronics163 Serious EngineeringG54 Serpac EnclosuresS31 Severn Manufacturing Systems Ltd277 Sharmic Engineering LtdF58 Shire Systems LtdL50 SIC Ltd224 Siebec UK LtdG59 SifamM72 Sigmatek Europe LtdJ3 Simpson Springs & PressingsH79 Sinolec Components LtdC67 SJ Electronics Ltd131 SJG InternationalD24 Skilcom LtdH6 Smart Electronics Ltd50 SMT Developments LtdB12 SMT XTRAE22 SMT-SurcleanD78 Soabar LtdM63 Solar Laser Systems LtdP1 SouMac Assembly Services Ltd

STAND COMPANYJ72 SOURCEWAYSM78 Southern Electronics ExhibitionM78 Southern Manufacturing ExhibitionM54 Southern Springs & Pressings LtdL63 Spaceway South LimitedD19 Specialty Fasteners & Components LtdF47 Spirit Circuits Ltd338 Sponmech Safety Systems LtdJ62 Springmasters Ltd34 SSAB Swedish Steel LtdV49 SSC Laser Cutting (South)X36 SSI Schaefer LtdH62 St Davids Assemblies LtdP49 Stabilus UK LtdK51 Stadium ElectronicsK51 Stadium IGTK51 Stadium Power324 Star Micronics GB LtdG21 STEM TrainingD30 Stickleback Manufacturing LtdJ22 Stocko Contact Gmbh & Co KGF90 Stontronics LtdU13 StrainSense LtdR13 Subcon Laser Cutting LtdS12 Sumac Precision EngineeringJ24 Superclean SystemsF18 Surface Technology International Ltd136 Surface Technology Products Ltd258 Suspa UK LtdG46 Swindon Silicon SystemsF38 Switchtec LimitedM19 Syntech TechnologiesH30 T Cards Direct42 T&G Engineering Co Ltd77 Tactiq LimitedTBA TANK Groundsource ServicesK6 Taylor Hobson LtdJ18 TCS Micropumps LtdE79 TDI Tremiver LtdJ47 TDK-LambdaG18 Team Manufacturing ServicesQ19 Tecan LtdK91 Tech CADCAM LtdR73 Techni Measure118 Technotrans Graphics LimitedL20 Teknis LimitedG54 TEKO EnclosuresM67 Telesis Marking SystemsC25 Telonic Instruments LtdV37 Telsonic UK LtdK97 Temperature Technology LtdK38 Tenkay Electronics LtdN7 Tesa Technology UK LtdT12 tesa UK LtdK24 TeslaTest SystemsF25 TestWorks Solutions LtdU43 Thame WorkholdingG43 Thames Gateway Manuf'g Centre Ltd4 The EngineerN13 Thinking Space Systems Ltd - Kanya183 Thomas Brown Engineering LtdL17 Three Bond EuropeE18 Tioga LtdT18 Titgemeyer UK63 TLM Laser LtdL34 Tml Precision Engineering LtdA37 Toby Electronics LtdS37 Toolmaker Supplies LtdH84 Torberry ConnectorsN2 Total Board Solutions LtdV60 Tower Machine Tools LtdR30 TPS WeldTech Ltd96 Transmission Development Co (GB) LtdG39 Trans-Tronic LtdD54 Treston LtdH96 Tricorn Systems LtdR60 Tridan Engineering Ltd225 Trotec Laser LtdP36 TRUMPF LtdQ36 TRUMPF LtdA12 TTI Inc45 TTLJ34 Turner Electronics LimitedC18 TUV Rheinland UK LtdH54 TUV SUD Product ServiceH91 Twickenham Plating Group LtdL55 TWM TechnologyK7 Ultrafine Technology LtdP6 Unison LtdE46 Unitemp LimitedL19 UVOX LtdC2 V Tech SMT LtdK85 Valbruna UK LtdV30 Variohm Eurosensor LtdK27 Ventec-Europe LtdH18 VerotecG84 Vertech/Brightek (Europe) LimitedA48 ViaSat IncC19 Videojet Technologies LtdP55 The Vigilance GroupP13 Vision Engineering LtdL7 Vitech LtdF6 Vortex Technology Ltd7 Waldmann Lighting LtdS65 Ward Hi Tech LtdA1 Warwick Test Supplies LtdB5 Wavelength Electronics LtdN42 Wavemar Electronics LimitedC31 WaveTame Technologies LtdP42 WDS Component Parts Ltd201 GA Wedderburn & Co LtdK46 Weidmuller Ltd41 Welding RoboticsJ39 Weldlogic Europe Ltd176 Wessex Packaging (Salisbury) LtdH72 West End Precision Ltd236 Western Business Publishing50 Westley Engineering LtdL91 Wilson Tool International LtdS48 WNT (UK) LtdF54 Wood & DouglasS25 Wrekin Sheetmetal LtdM30 Wurth Electronics UK LtdN30 Wurth Electronics UK LtdS67 Wyse Oil Ltd30 Xpress Product Development GroupS60 XYZ Machine Tools LtdA7 Yamaha Motor IM Europe GmbHQ60 Yamazaki Mazak UK LtdR1 Yaplex LtdC61 YEG Locator142 YMT TechnologiesH63 York EMC Services LtdE31 Zebra Technologies LtdD2 Zen Production Equipment LtdR31 Zerust UK LtdaL46 Zot Engineering Ltd

Passive components of all types and sizesare marketed by Manutech Europe. Atone end of the scale can be found smallPi-filters and capacitors and at the otherAC current sensors up to 10,000 ampcapacity. Many products such as trans-formers and DC power supplies arecustom designed and can be supplied inhigh volumes based on Far East andEastern Europe manufacturing prices.

The AC current sensors are based onRogowski coil technology and the coilsopen at the connector junction and can beinstalled on an existing cable or buss-barin amatter of seconds. Coils up to 48 inchdiameter can be supplied and an accuracyof ±1% can be achieved.

The company can provide compre-hensive solutions for electronic andelectromagnetic components and mod-ules. Its products represent an compre-hensive range of DC/DC power supplies,transformers, inductors, energy devices,capacitor arrays, filtered connectors,pi filters, and low-cost sub-contractassembly.

Epitomising the wide ranging customproducts is a DC converter for a city buscomputerised fare collection system. Thiswas designed with an input voltage rangefrom 8 to 40V. This allowed the customerto use the same converter in buses witheither 12 volt or 24 volt batteries.

It’s fair to say that Aster Technologiesinvolvement with PCB quality controlstarts with assessing the ‘Testability’ of aproduct at the design stage. This involvesestablishing the electrical testability re-quirements and estimating test coveragealigned to specific test strategies, at theearliest opportunity in the design cycle.

The overriding objective is to improveproduct yield from design through toproduction. Improving yield managementis achieved through comprehensiveelectrical DfT analysis early in the designcycle; this leads to efficient test distribu-tion and fault coverage verification, whilstincorporating pro-active defect preven-tion; resulting in higher product reliability.

One software package enablesmigration of Boundary-Scan Test (BST)programs to In-Circuit testers (ICT) with-out the need for any complementary hard-ware integration within the In-Circuittesters. This significantly reduces testfixturing costs by utilizing the same testfixture for both Boundary-Scan and In-Circuit testing.

All the software offered is supportedby extensive training to ensure that the fullpotential of the test and quality controlsystems are fully exploited.

Softwaremonitors PCBquality control

and test

Effective productmarking using, laser, inkjetand thermal jet systems are the stock-in-trade of Videojet. Alongside the equipmentcan be found a range of consumables andaccessories such as label applicators andaddressing systems.

Today, marking is much more thanproduct identification. Most systems cantake into account serial numbers, ‘sell bydates’ pack and storage details; in fact justabout anything the manufacture wants todraw to the users’ attention.

Being demonstrated will be an entry-level CO2 laser marking system. This pro-vides excellent mark quality on paper,cardboard, plastics and other materials forpackaged goods. It is a single box designedforsimpleoperationandefficient linechanges.

Alongside the laser will be a range of smallcharacter continuous inkjet printers. Thismethod ofmarking is usedmost often in themarket to print expiry dates, like those foundon yoghurt pots or drinks bottles.

Product identification andmarking

Having a long established a reputation forwiring harnesses and looms that rangefrom miniature 25mm interface connec-tions to large scale 25m trailer wiringlooms, SIC moved up the supply chain tocontrol panel assembly and even fullmachine build.

Its customer base spans small nichestart ups tomajor international high volumeusers. At the top end of the volume scale itcan draw on resources in China thatconform to the high production standardsestablished in the UK. China accounts canbemanaged in Stirling, Euros or Dollars.

Box build encompasses everythingfrom small plastic enclosures to majorcontrol panels. When undertaking box

build, responsibility for procurement of allinternal components including PCBs andsub-assemblies is taken on board.

The company takes its relationshipwiththe environment very seriously, that’swhy itis certified to ISO 14001, the environmentalstandard. It says although the standard isvoluntary, it plays an important role inestablishing credentials with internationalplayers.

Harness maker spreadsits wings

Think panel bending and the first thoughtis a press brake. What about a panelbender? What’s the difference?...a visit tothe Salvagnini stand will clarify that, afterall the company invented the concept.

The most striking difference is thatthe panel bender can bend in bothdirections in the same set-up.

Think what design opportunities thatopens up. Secondly it can produce mostparts with a single set of universal tooling.That should catch the attention ofproduction engineers who are alwaysfocused on reducing non-productivesetting time.

The portfolio also includes CNCpunching machines that incorporates aright angle shearer in the one machine;together they can combine a series ofoperations into one operation.

There is also a range of high efficiencyfibre laser cutting machines. To bring allthese, and othermachines, together into afully integrated FMS cell, there is a com-prehensive range of materials handlingequipment.

The company’s overriding philosophyis single piece part flow, minimal set-up,inventorymanagement and reducedworkin progress – in other words lean manu-facturing. If thismirrors your thinking andyou produce sheet metal compon-ents...well, definitely one for your “MustVisit” list.

Panelbendingin both

directions

By any yardstick Muller England is asubstantial subcontractor for machinedparts. It has over 150 employees spreadover four sites in the UK with another onein India. Together, more than two millionmachining hours are available annually.

The range of machines installedacross all sites guarantees diversity totackle most jobs in any volumes. Thespecialisation at each site ensures thehighest levels of skills can be brought to

bear on your requirements. For example,one plant focuses on miniature turnedparts. It has 40 coil fed autos up to 7mmdiameter, these are run 24/7 with ‘lights-out’ shifts. That way the keenest pricesare ensured.Another site specialises inmulti-axis turning of complex parts whileanother featuresmulti-spindle automaticsup to 57mm diameter. Horizontal andvertical spindle CNC machining centrescater or cubic components.

All sites, including India, are certifiedto TS 16949. The picture is clear, asubcontractor for all requirements, yet itcan still provide access to specialisedskills.

Subcontractor sizecombines diversity with

specialisation

Vacuum forming of plastic sheets from0.25 to 9.0mm thick can be carried out byFB-Avak. It has a machine that canprocess sheets up to 2.0 by 1.2m. Themaximum draw down depth is 500mm.Smallermouldings can be produced usingmulti-impression tooling.

When it comes to prototypes, they canimport an edge curve from an existingmodel using a 3D measuring arm. Thiscan be integrated with other data in the

CAD program to produce a program forthe 5-axis machine tools used tomanufacture tooling. Aluminium toolingcan be produced using this or importedCAD files.

Other operations that can be carriedout take in CNC trimming, mechanicalassembly including ultrasonic welding andgluing. Parts can be painted and identifiedusing hot foil stamping or screen printing.

A wide range of materials availablesuch as ABS, FR ABS, Acrylic capped ABSand HIPS, can be processed. All can becolour matched to your exact require-ments. Alternatively clear moulds can beproduced using materials such as PETG,Polycarbonate and extruded Acrylic.

Vacuum forming backedup by tooling design

A design and build service fromWavemarcovers all aspects of electronic design andproduction aswell as projectmanagementto steer an outline concept through all thestages to completion. Users can cherrypick the aspects of the service relevant totheir needs. Alternatively they can take thewhole package as a full box build turnkeyservice.

An important part of the service, whentaking on a new job, is to eliminatepotential problems at day one. Forexample, if an existing PCB design in-

corporates a difficult-to-source or obso-lete component, alternative componentsare identified

Similarly, current production ismonitored for components thatmay on theway to becoming obsolete. Then, com-ponents can be stocked against futuredemand or alternatives identified longbefore it becomes a crisis situation.

It is this level of customer care thatappeals to many in the low to mediumvolumemarket which defines its customerbase. This is a market sector that alsodemands rapid turnaround on prototypesand flexible production capabilities. Theservice extends into a full repair facilitythat embraces modification to equipmentto take on board design up-grades whereapplicable.

A total electronicsproduction service

Electroniccomponents

at keenprices

Establishing a traditional cleanroom canbe an expensive exercise. If there is afactory reorganisation it can finish upbeing in the wrong place. Both theseconsequences can be avoided with theConnect 2Cleanroomsmodular design offreestanding cleanrooms. These can beestablished within an existing productionarea and configured to suit the layout andspace available.

A certification level of ISO 24644-1 canbe achieved. Obviously with amuch fasterinstallation time than the conventionalfixed room approach and with the addedbenefit that it can be disassembled andrelocated during a change around ofproduction lines.

The latest version features a closedloop control system that can reduceenergy consumption by 50%. It measuresthe level of contaminations in the air andwill adjust the filter fan speed if there areless people, that is less contamination, inthe room. Temperature can also becontrolled to reduce condensation, espe-cially important for electronics.

Each cleanroom is delivered flatpacked ready for assembly on-site.Experienced installation and validationengineers ensure that, where possible,production is not interrupted duringcleanroom construction.

Cleanroomsthat can fit in

anywhere

Building equipment to assemble plasticcomponents is where HTE Engineeringoriginallymade itsmark. Recent years hasseen it spreading it activities downstreamfrom theassembly process to take onboardinspection procedures such as coloursensing and SPC logging.

Amongst the assembly techniquesbeing demonstrated will be PulseStaking

and ultrasonic welding. Other techniquesthat can be drawnon include laserwelding,hot wire, induction heating and hot air/coldstake forming. Hybrid assembly machinescan incorporate several of thesetechnologies.

PulseStaking is a patented in-housemanufactured process that can be appliedto applications as diverse as contact lens tomulti-stake vehicle door finishing systems.Localised heat energy and the absence ofvibrationmake it ideal forPCBs, brittle cera-mics, thinmetals and non-woven fibres.

Pulsed electrical current is supplied tosingle or multiple metal tips. These arespecially designed to melt the polymer intothe desired shape. A blast of cold air thenconsolidates the polymer. The process canembed metal components such as fixingsor joinmetal parts to a plastic body.

Assembly machines withbuilt in inspection

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

A new name in the materials handlingmarket Yaplexwill be making its debut atthe show. It is launched with the boldclaim that it will be offering the mostcomprehensive range of equipment in themarket.

Visitors will have an opportunity to tryout the Sapelem system which is claimedto be the fastest actingmanipulator on themarket. Up to 300kg can be handled withup to 1g acceleration at speeds up to2m/sec

A critical aspect that significantlyimpacts on the performance of anysystem is the end of arm tooling thatinterfaceswith the parts to be handled. Alltoolingwill be designed andmanufacturedin the UK to ensure rapid response andliaison with the customer during this keypart of the procurement process.

Other products include overheadbalancer arms which have the reach toaccess difficult situations. Units aremounted on an overhead gantry whichmakes it ideal for machine tool loading,reaching into ovens and lifting fromenclosures. Loads can be offset from thevertical mast by as much as 2000mm.

New Namein handling

makesdebut

Faster processing speeds are promisedfor the series of cutting-engraving lasersdesigned and built in the UK byCTR Lasers. To minimise non-productiveloading time, the design features a knifebar bed that slides out for ease of access.

The bed area is 1550 by 1300mm andlaser power output ranges from 30 to

500W. CNC axis control operates atspeeds up to 1,000mm/sec with arepeatability of 0.1mm The machine cancut 25mm acrylic sheet.

Standard features include a laserconcentric air assist, air-water coolingsystem. Resolution for marking andengraving is up to 4,000 DPI. There is aUSB interface for downloading from CADand graphics programs.

These CO2 lasers offer a low costentry into the cutting and engravingmarket. For even faster precision cutting,a range of fibre laser machines that cancut stainless steel up to 2mm should beconsidered.

Lasers for cutting andengraving

Ever wondered how a 360 deg all roundview camera could help track downproblems on your PCBs? If the answer isYes; visit the Goepel Electronics standwhere you will see one going throughits paces.

Visitors will see the unique multispectral camera system with its angledview that can be adjusted in one deg steps.This AOI system can perform tasks bothonline and offline. It is said to offer fastprogram generation and speedy reliablefault detection all at a cost effective price.

Also the company will be unveiling anew strategic realignment with regard totesting, programming, validation andemulation at chip and board level. Underthe umbrella Embedded System Access,ESA, visitors will see a completely newclass of innovative technologies.

These are intended for processorassisted programming and test and FPGAassisted programming and test for futurestandards. These will be of interest toengineers faced with changing require-ments to test and programmingstrategies.

All round view solves PCBproblems

Total Board Solutions was formed toprovide on-site services to companieswithin the electronics industry. As wellas embracing pure design work, theservice also embraces on-site supportfor application software, training andconsultancy.

The service has proved to beparticularly beneficial to start-ups wherethe pressures to shorten the time-to-market are immense. It has beendemonstrated over and over again thattime-to-market is one of the mostsignificant factors in the success orotherwise of a product launch.

Experience shows that by providingjump-start training in essential aspectsof the business, the embryo company canhit the road running rather than follow agradual learning curve.

The design experience brought to thetable ranges from simple cost-effectivesingle sided boards to complex multi-layer high speed devices. Being fullyconversant with the latest manufacturingtechniques, there is a deep under-standing of the trade-offs required toproduce a cost-effective product thatmeets all the design specifications.

On-sitedesignsupporthelpselectronicsstart-ups

With both thermoplastic and ther-mosetting facilities up to 250 tonne,customers of Broanmain Plastics can beassured of getting unbiased advice onplastic mouldings when it comes tomaterial and process selection.

Many mouldings can be supplied withinserts. The inserts may be eithermoulded in, or inserted post moulding, byheat, pressure and ultrasonic methods.

This process is applied to boththermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.

Other secondary operations that canbe specified include RFI shielding,printing, chrome or coloured plating, lasermarking and post curing. Machiningoperations available are drilling, reaming,and tapping. Mechanical and ultrasonicwelding assembly is carried out and thisextends to packaging and distribution.

There is a dedicated tool room capableof manufacturing small to medium sizedtools. This enables a lot of toolmodifications and repair to be carried outin-house, resulting in less down time forproduction runs. There are alsoestablished links with toolmakers in Chinathat can provide very cost effectivesolutions. All of the tools are shipped backto the UK for the moulding work tobe carried out.

Plastic mouldings andmuch more

A combination of taper and face ensurethat the range of driven tooling for CNClathes on the Machine Tool Supplies’stand guarantees accuracy and a positivedrive. This is amodular system that offersflexibility with rigidity .

Other specialist tool holders forturning are speed increasers which cantypically speed up the tooling revs by afactor of 5:1. These have two main

functions; to give the correct cutting speedfor small diameter drills or to lower themachine tool spindle speed. This canprotect the main spindle from excessivewear during extended drilling operations.Where tool speeds in excess of 24,000rev/min are required, ceramic bearingscan be specified.

There is also a range of ± 90 degadjustable angled driven tool holders.Special purpose angled heads and multi-spindle heads can be supplied in six weeksfrom drawing confirmation.

In addition, there will be a range ofbroaching holders and broaching toolsthat can be used on lathes,mills and drills.

Quick change driventooling for CNC lathes

An intensive investment programme bycontract electronics manufacturer Tiogain 2011 has been followed by even furtherinvestment in 2012. Latest acquisition tojoin the six fully automated SMT lines is anadvanced electronics X-ray inspectionsystem.

This enables the company to carry ouradvanced failure analysis of complex

assemblies including BGAs, chip on chipand QFN packages. Real time X-rayallows the user to navigate complex PCBsand electronic components to tracepotential defects in solder joints.

To take total factory management tonew levels, a state of the art ERP systemhas been installed. This addresses allaspects of the business includingpurchasing, production planning andquality control.

E-commerce is used to deal with thesupplier base for purchase orders,expediting and rescheduling orders andrequirements. Resources are in place forworldwide real-time component searchingand tracking.

Investmentprogrammefuelsgrowth

Output from vertical machining centrescan be typically increased by 30% by usingthe correct methods of work-holdingaccording to 1st Machine ToolAccessories which will be showing theOne-Lok machine vice.

Tominimise non-cutting time, the viceincorporates jaws that can be easilyunlocked and slide forwards orbackwards. Grip capacity is up to 432mmand repeatability of clamping position iswithin 0.02mm.

The system features a ‘squeeze’clamping which imparts a pull downaction and virtually deflection-freeworkholding with a maximum retainingforce of 4.5 tonne. The security of theclamping enables larger cutters to beemployed.

Also on the stand will be a wide rangeof other products including hydraulicchucks, drill sharpeners, collets, rotarytables and fixturing& clamping elements.On site demonstrations using thecustomers’ actual parts can be arranged.

Correctworkholding

can boostproductivity

At CTL Manufacturingthere is a belief that thecustomer of today islooking for a ‘One-Stop-Shop” service thatshortens the supplychain and acceleratestime to market. Thisextends to buildingcustomer dedicatedproduction cells. Thecompany is a recognisedprovider of custommadecabling and complete box build.

Bringing the one stop shop philosophyto thismarketmeans covering all aspects,design, manufacture, procurement, stockmanagement, scheduling deliveries,assembly, packaging. The growing

complexity of customerdemand favours thisapproach which frees thecustomer to focus on itsmarketplace and strategicproduct development.

Cable looms from thevery smallest to the mostcomplex are catered for.Involvement of the designteam at the earliest stageis the best way to optimisethe design and minimise

production costs.

Electro-mechanical sub assemblies,take in switches and displays while boxbuild stretches from free standing and 19˝racking right up to full scale walk-incontrol cabinets.

Cable maker expands its onestop shop service

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

Workstations that canboost productivity

When it comes to workplace furniture andstorage systems, the cost of not getting itright can be enormous according toTreston. It is estimated that 500,000people suffer from a repetitive strain injury(RSI). RSI isn’t merely a case of workersfeeling sore or aching after a hard day’swork, but has serious implications for UKcompanies.

The costs to UK companies could be£300million a year in lost productivity and2.8 million days lost from absenteeism.That’s why ergonomic design is at theheart of the company’s range of benchesand chairs.Workbenches are all adjustablefor height, while chairs can be adjusted inmany planes to match the needs of eachand every operator.

It’s not just about altruistically lookingafter the workforce; optimum working

conditions can lead to increases inproductivity of around 25%. Also withshorter and shorter product life, theinherent flexibly of the systems allowsequipment to be readily redeployed toother tasks.

For the electronics industry, thecompany specialises in ESD protection.This includes wrist straps connected to anEPA ground point and conductive shoes toensure the operators are properlygrounded.

The twin benefits of a UK supplier formachined parts, castings, forging,fabrications and assembly work andChinese prices are offered by ChinaOutsourcing. For UK customers,contracts are placed with the UKcompany that assumes all respon-sibility for negotiations includingquality and on-time delivery.

The company has offices in Chinaand Singapore. The Chinese office isresponsible for component sourcing,supplier management quality,logistics plus any technical liaison. Allcommercial aspects and any queriesare dealt with in the UK.

The company uses provensuppliers in China to offer competitiveprices whilst using its own staff ofengineers and quality assuranceexperts to guarantee performance.The principle benefit for users is costreduction without risk.

Whatever the size of the require-ment, the company can create abespoke low cost manufacturingprogramme.

Westernsupplier—Chineseprices

REO manufactures toroidal currenttransformers, water-cooled choke filtercombinations and variable switch modepower supplies. All of these draw on itsexpertise in the design and production ofwound components.

The AC and DC transformers supplycurrent from 0.1 to 3,000 A. These can bemanufactured to customer specificationfor applications ranging from PCBs toinstallation in switch gear cabinets. Theseconform to international standards and areverified in the company’s in-house testfacilities.

On the stand will be seen a specialcombination filter used in the controlscheme for a vacuum pump used insemiconductor manufacture. The unit isused with a variable speed drive in aregenerative mode that returns power tothe network.

Power supplies for use in cathodicprotection are produced. Here, remotemonitoring, control and maintenanceallow accurate measurement of theperformance of an installation at any timewithout large survey costs.

All forms ofwound

components

The 2013 releases for DelcamPowerSHAPE CAD software andPowerMILL the CAM software show somesignificant enhancements that will enableusers to increase productivity, reduce leadtimes and improve quality. And of course,the total compatibility of two softwarepackages from the same stable is a given.

The CAD program offers solidmodelling, direct modelling and triangleediting capabilities. Having all these in the

same package reduces the need totransfer data betweenmultiple programs.For 2013 improvements have been madein reverse engineering and directmodelling to speed up processing.

New to the CAM software is Vortextechnology which is designed to reap themaximum benefits of solid carbide tools.In particular it can achieve deeper cuts byusing the full flute length as the cuttingsurface. It can be used for two and threeaxis roughing and three plus two axis areaclearance.

Because toolpaths have a controlledengagement angle, tools can never beoverloaded and so will achieve maximumtool life. Shock loading caused by changesin the contact angle is minimised,preventing chipping of the flutes.

CAD/CAM software boastsnew features for 2013

Those looking to embellish their greencredentials should cast an eye over theEasypack stand where void filling paper-based packaging will be demonstrated.The paper is 100% recycled material andmay be recycled again after use. If therecipient sends it to land-fill, all is not lost-it is also 100% biodegradable.

Paper is supplied in rolls and is only

converted to void filling packagingimmediately prior to use. As the volumeincreases by up to 60 times when formedinto paper cushioning, there is an obvioussaving in storage spacewhen compared tosay polystyrene beads.

New for 2013 will be the PackmateOnline which is a compact, online, papercushioning system. The mobile framemounting makes it easy to incorporate itinto almost any existing conveyor system.This features a multiple application modewhich enables the operator to switchbetween speeds to ensure that it is alwaysworking at the optimum pace for anumber of different packaging jobs.

Next day delivery is standard forconsumables. Depending on machineinstalled, both single and twin ply papercan be specified.

20 years ago,Raster Visionwas formed tofocus on digital video systems. Today thatremains a core market, but it now alsodesigns bespoke software and electronicsfor applications such as RF Systems andpressure sensors.

The design capability is supported byproduction for small to medium volumes.The SMT machine can place componentsfrom 0402 size up to 52mmsquare QFP or

BGA sizes. If needed, for the ultimate inquality, the pick and place machine cantest and check every resistor and capacitorbefore it is placed!

Through-hole board designs can beconverted to surfacemount, thus reducingthe size of the board and possibly the endproduct. This saves manufacturing costsand creates a repeatable quality standardwith no variance and also ensures betteravailability of parts for the future.

The sort of projects undertaken aremassively varied, from developing MEMS(The Michelin Earthmover ManagementSystem) whichmonitors tyre pressures onthe monster earthmoving trucks used inmines worldwide to video inspection andsurveillance systems. If you’re looking fora flexible experienced team to develop orupgrade your electronic systems, this is agood place to start.

Vision supplier branches out

Recycled packaging thatcan be recycled again

Latest aerosol products on theElectrolube stand incorporate abreakthrough propellant thatreduces the equivalent CO2emissions by 99.5% withoutcompromising performance.Once released into the atmo-sphere, it has a measuredatmospheric lifetime of twoweeks compared to 14 years forthe previous version.

This means the newpropellant is exempt from anumber of carbon taxes imposedon HFC products. This repre-sents an 11% price reductionwhen considering the carbontaxes. The new propellant is

used in the latest Air Duster andFreezer Spray products.

Air Dusters are used toremove dust and airbornecontamination fromvery delicateor inaccessible areasof electricaland electronic equipment. TheFreezer Sprays are used for faultfinding and to cool overheatedelectrical components.

For both theseapplications, itis vital that the products are non-flammable because they areoften used when equipment isswitched on and ‘live’. Also onshow will be many cleaning, andlubricant products.

Reduce carbon footprint bymore than 99%

A vast range of electro-mechanicalproducts such as connectors, switches,leads are supplied to the electrical andelectronics industry by TDI Tremiver. Thebroad product range allows users tochoose between premium qualitycomponents from world class manu-facturers or low cost products fromcarefully selected Far East suppliers -horses for courses.

With this product range the companycan service many different sectors of theelectronics industry. If quantities justify it,bespoke components can be designed andmanufactured.

Industrial supplies include a widerange of parts from batteries, power

supplies, multipole and weather-tightconnectors to audio connectors andswitches. If there are any componentsthat a manufacturer has difficultysourcing, the company is willing to use itsresources for worldwide product searches.

Horses for courses choiceof components

Awide range of electrical, mechanical andthermal insulation materials areprocessed by Croylek into gaskets, tapeand shaped parts. This takes in bothflexible film and rigid laminate materials.Also tube and sleeve products aremanufactured.

Using CAD/CAM systems and CNCmachine tools, the company can offer arapid response to cutting bespoke gasketsand shaped parts. No tooling is requiredand the finished products achieve highstandards of accuracy.

The company also provides a cut-to-length, service for tubes and extrudedsections. Stripping and crimping of

special cables is another speciality.An important aspect of the service is

advice on material selection for variouselectrical and thermal properties. Kitting,consignment stock management andKanBan options underline the commit-ment to enhanced customer service.

Processing insulationmaterials

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Just like a horticultural hothouse nurturesa plant to fruition, so Hothouse Designtakes a concept for a product and steers itto the marketplace. Work already under-taken by this award winning companycovers a broad spectrum from baby bottlewarmers to mobile phone chargersincorporated into the back of 500 Londontaxis as part of a Vodaphone marketingcampaign. Remember Yoda in the ads?

The charger, originally developed bythe company has been redesigned withnew features tomeet Vodaphone’s specificneeds. As well as handling the creativeand technical aspects, the company alsomanaged the project, looking afterrefurbishment and upgrading of the unitsincluding fitting in the cabs to meet thetight launch schedule.

All aspects of product developmentright through to optimising the manu-facturing processes are covered. Thisembraces prototyping, testing andconforming to safety regulations. To speedtime to market, rapid prototyping tech-niques can be employed.

Work undertaken ranges from a newenclosure for motion controllers to anaward winning design for high precisionradiography units. The company’s ‘magictouch’ has been applied to both consumerand industrial products. It transforms afunctional design into something that isalso aesthetically pleasing. After all, whowants to buy a product that performs wellbut looks like a bag of nails?

Guiding a concept to fruition

General purpose digital MIG/MAGweldingsystems are well established in themarketplace. The next logical step inorder to optimise performance is to designa system that is customised to handle aspecific material. This introduces thepossibility of improved quality and fasterwelding, combined with easier setting forits focused application.

That’s exactly what Fronius UK Ltdhas done with the TPS Steel. Specialcharac-teristics for the steel market canbe quickly set up on the control panel.This fully digitised welding systemprovides the best possible welds in everyrespect, with consistently reproducibleresults every time.

Whether used for standard or pulsedarc welding, the system is equally at homewith manual or automatic welding. Threesizes are available, TPS 3200, 4000 and5000 Steel.

The numeric designation indicates thepulsed arc welding capacity in Amps.

There is also a TransSteel roboticswelding system. This comprises thepower sourcewith single to universal robotinterfaces, an interconnecting hose-pack,wire-feeder, newmagnetic crash-box andtorch body. The components are optimisedfor all types of robot; especially hollow-shaft robots.

Specialised welding setsfor steel

Programmable backlit LCD switches arethe latest addition to the RJS Electronicsportfolio, which focuses on switches in alltheir forms. The largest viewing area of 17by12mm is claimed for the new devices aswell as the potential to display 65,536backlight colours by using programmingsoftware provided.

The interface uses standard industrialprotocol with each of the 64 by 32 pixeldisplay individually addressable by theuser. The switch has a lifetime of at leastthree million operations.

The range is extensive and includesilluminated and non-illuminated tamperand vandal-proof devices. Switches sealedto IP 67 are suitable for outside use. Thesecan be epoxy resin sealed. Forapplications such as public access orrestricted door entry customised solutionscan be supplied.

Audio and TV studio desks are bigusers as well as premium applicationssuch as themedical andmilitarymarkets.

Programmable switchesadded to range

Don’t reinvent the wheel

When it comes to press tools, injectionmoulding die sets and fixtures formachining, these are by definition bespokeproducts. But even a cursory examinationhighlights that within these bespokedesigns there can be a host of standardproducts: that’s the market addressed byBerger Tools.

Substantial savings can be made intooling costs by not reinventing the wheeland incorporating as many off-the-shelfproducts as possible into a tool design. Ineach of the three core sectors there is asuper abundance of choice that could

dramatically reduce the number of specialcomponents.

With press tool components it startswith two and four pillar die sets, ball guidebushes, stripper plate elements, rubbersprings, precision shoulder bolts, gassprings lifting bolts. In each product areathere is an extensive choice of sizes.

It’s the same with components forinjection moulding tools and machinefixtures. The company is said to be theUK’s number one supplier of standard drillbushes. There is also a wide array ofclamping devices. Definitely a ‘must visit’stand for tool designers.

All the variations on high technology sheetmetal cutting and forming can be found inthe LVD Pullmax machine tool range.Everything from CNC punching and lasercutting to bending and shearing.Advanced software enables multi-machine production cells to be specifiedas well as single machines.

Productivity is maximised using twodisciplines. Firstly, complete as manyoperations as possible in a single settingand secondly employ raw material andcomponent handling technology tooptimise unmanned production.

Lasers are available from smallcompact entry level machines to heavydutymachineswith table sizes up to 3mby12m with 6 kW lasers. It’s the same withturret punches, both have different levelsof automation that can be specified rightup to full ‘lights out’ capability

When it comes to bending machines,these go right up to 3,000 tonne capacitywith bed lengths of 18m. For multiplebends in one setting programmable backstops and robot loading can be specified.

Sheetmetal working in allits forms

Pressure sensitive adhesive tapes areformulated for bespoke applications byPPI Adhesive Products. In addition,precision die-cut shapes can be cut.These are used in many industriesincluding electronics, aerospace andautomotive. Special materials availableinclude high temperature films andglasscloths.

The company also produces singleand double-sided siliconised polyesterfilms from 0.012mm to 0.190mmthickness and in widths from 12mm to1350mm. These can withstand tempera-tures of up to 130°C for prolonged periodsand elevated temperatures of up to 200°Cfor one hour.

A highly sophisticated coating systemensures release films with the lowestpossible migration of adhesive coating.This, coupled with the excellent mecha-nical and chemical properties of the basefilms, makes the products ideal forindustrial applications which demandinter-liners, covering & protection filmsand substrates.

An important aspect the companyoffer, is its ability to investigate the moredemanding applications and develop atailored solution.

Adhesivetapes for alloccasions

Renowned for its extensive range ofdrilling products, Dormer Tools will bebolstering its capability in the threadingsector with two new taps. Both featurecoatings designed to deliver improvedwear resistance and increased productivityover uncoated taps.

The first of these is a range ofTitanium Nitride coated taps designed forhigh performance threading across a widespectrum of materials including stainlesssteel, copper and aluminium. Available inboth spiral point and spiral flutegeometries, the surface treatment resultsin high hardness coupled with reducedfriction.

Structural grade and alloy steels arethe target for the second group of taps.Featuring a hard chrome plating whichincreases hardness up to 68 Rc; it also

prevents swarf sticking to the tool. Thisminimises chip congestion.

In addition, the taps have a shortthread length which demands less torque.This, in turn,means the taps can be run athigher speeds without any detrimentaleffect on tool life or workpiece surfacefinish.

Tapping into new markets

Centrepiece of the Vision Engineeringstand will be two new additions to itscomprehensive range of optical inspectionandmeasurement systems. There will bea new HD digital inspection system and anew handheld digital inspectionmagnifier.

The new digital inspection system isextremely simple to use. Simply pace thesample underneath the camera and zoomin up to 250X without changing focus. Theresult is a top quality video image for anyinspection application. There is anexceptionally large field of view combinedwith a long working distance.

The portable inspection magnifier isideal for roving inspectors documentingfaults or inspecting immobile subjects. Itis at home in the production environmentand provides magnification up to 14X. Itfeatures high resolution colour display, asimple button operation and imagecapture with download capability.

Now here’s an offer. Visitors areinvited to bring along their owncomponents to try out the inspectionequipment on display.

Wraps comeoff two newmeasuringsystems

To complement its already extensiveoffering of CNC machine tools, Ward Hi-Tech has recently been appointed as UKdistributor for the OKK range of 5-axishorizontal and vertical axis machiningcentres.

These machines are recognised forthe high standards of accuracy that theycan achieve combined with exceptionallevels of reliability. They can feature X axistravels from 600 to 3,500mm and can befound in high technology market sectorssuch as aerospace, automotive, medicaland gas & oil.

One factor that influenced the decisionto go withWard Hi-Tech was its reputationfor strong customer support, bothtechnical and commercial. Various levelsof CNC training is on offer as well aslifetime maintenance support which

embraces preventative maintenancecontracts.

Flexibility is the cornerstone of thecommercial support. Financial packagescan be tailored to individual needsincluding deferred payments under a “Buynow pay later” scheme.

Top end option added tomachine tool range

Everything to do with cable stripping fromhandheld tools to bespoke fully automatedsystems defines the essential business ofAutomated Cable Solutions. In addition,there is a comprehensive range of crim-ping equipment right up bandolier-fed machines with both side and rearentry feed.

On the stand a fully programmablebench top stripper will be demonstrated.This machine can process cable from0.032 to 8.5mm². With user friendlymenu-driven software combinedwith digital feedbelt drive this machine is easy to set upand requires no special tooling.

There is a 500 program memory andthere are four feed and five stripping

speeds. It comes complete with a set ofeight wire guide tubes and exit guides,together with a single plane wirestraightener.

To cater for specific requirements, thecompany offers a design andmanufactureservice for stripping blades and crimpingtools.

Strippers going throughtheir paces

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Auto-handling supplierpushes lean

manufacturingAs the world’s largest supplier ofautomated handling and integratedstorage systems, SSI Schaefer is throwingits weight behind the concept of leanmanufacturing, with a range of innovativeprocesses to boost productivity.

It can provide anything from a singleplastic tote right up to a fully integratedhigh bay warehousing system. Over 2,000products including fully automated pickingsystems and logistics managementsoftware are part of the mix. It has in-house all the expertise to design,manufacture and install the largestproduction and distribution centres.

With over 700 people in the logisticssoftware division alone, it is equipped tocontrol all the activities in any warehouse,regardless of whether these tasks are

carried out by humans or machines.An important part of the offer is to

undertake long term maintenance andtraining for any major installation. Thiscontinuous up-skilling of a workforce itvery much part of the continuousimprovement that is a core element oflean manufacturing.

A wide range of options make the Veroteccase one of themost technically adaptableon the market. These include front andrear panels, trim and handle kits and anEMC screened version. Two widths, 19and 10.5˝ can be accommodated in manydifferent heights.

It is primarily intended for packaginghigh end electronic instruments andequipment. Environmental sealing to IP55 can be specified. Alternatively, there is

a fully ventilated version with vented sidepanels, bottom covers and rear panels asstandard options for effective thermalmanagement. In addition, fan forced aircooling can be specified.

All vent hole patterns have beendesigned to minimise degradation inEMC/RFI shielding. For higher level ofEMC screening, an EMC conversion kituses copper or tinned copper contactstrips that are clipped into pre-selectedpositions according to the level of shieldingrequired.

There are no visible fixings so thecontents can be secure and visually clean.The main assembly screws are hiddendiscretely beneath clip-in mouldingswhichmay be removed for internal access.

A case for all reasons

A expansion programme has just beencompleted at Hursley EMC Services, anindependent test laboratory that isaccredited in all the world’s majormanufacturing markets. In addition, it isa member of the Memko ELA scheme,which means its reports are accepted inmany more countries.

For end users, this means that with

one set of tests their products areapproved for use in many worldwidemarkets. In its larger premises thecompany boasts two fully compliant testchambers as well as a dedicated Militaryarea with three chambers.

There is also an accredited open areatest site with 3, 10 and 30m measuringpoints. Added to this is an undergroundchamber and test area. On site powersupplies of 100 to 400 V at both 50 and 60Hz frequencies are available.

Recognising thatmany customerswillrequire to carry out work at the testfacilities, there are dedicated rooms setaside to provide customers with a secureworking environment.

Facilities expanded forEMC testing

All subcontracting companies strive to givetheir customers the most competitiveprices - that’s how they stay in business.Fine Line Sheet Metal Engineering is noexception. It makes no secret of how itachieves this. With the stability of a milkstool, its philosophy rests on three legs.

The first is design. For all clients,projects are routinely evaluated, projects,looking for opportunities to reduce costsand improve quality. This is an ongoingcontinuous process where materials,manufacturing processes, assemblymethods and surface finishes arebenchmarked against relevant newdevelopments. Lean Manufacturing.

Next, all the accumulated expertisevested in the qualified, trained and highlyexperienced production engineeringpeople becomes a vital and essential ofpart the customers’ own team, by gettingacquainted with their long term businessobjectives.

Finally a programme of continuousinvestment in the latest productiontechnology ensures that costs areminimised. This is epitomised by the 4 kWlaser cutting machine; this incorporatesan integrated ten-storey loading systemand management software that results in24/7 production.

Just about every form of AC/DC andDC/DC power supplies can be found onthe Haredata Electronics stand includingthe latest addition to the range; a constantpower, constant voltage LED driver withan output of up to 100 W.

LED drivers up to 1000 mA are avai-lable together with non-isolated regula-tors with up to 93% efficiency.

Battery power packs, both off-the-shelf and customised versions are alsosupplied. Bespoke packs take in anythingfrom NiCd to LiFePO4 Sourcing chargerand battery packs from a single sourceensures complete compatibility. Units canbe supplied that conform to the stringentrequirement of the medical and health-care markets.

There are many sizes and options ofopen frame power supplies for incorpor-ation in OEM equipment. To give aninkling of the bread of choice, there aremore than 4,000 standard DC/DC con-verters in the range.

Manyvariations

onchargers

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How to ensurecompetitive prices

The latest double sided adhesive tape forthe electronics industry from Tesa is just5µm thick. To put it into perspective, that’sabout one tenth the thickness of a humanhair. It comprises a 2 µm backing and oneach side a 1.5 µm coating of acrylateadhesive.

It was the drive for thinner and thinnerproducts such as mobile phones andtelevisions that was the impetus for thisdevelopment. Smart phones sales arepredicted to double to 980 million units

annuallyby2015, that’s thesizeof themarket.This has led to further innovation to

tackle another potential problem area –dissipation of heat generated by com-ponents such as processors.

The ultra thin tapes can fix graphitesheet in place to regulate the heat. Thetapes themselves offer excellent thermalconductivity. The top face of the graphitecan be covered with a single sided tape toprevent dust.

Further applications include NearField Communication antenna mountingand foam mounting. It’s a sign of thepace of development that some 75% ofthe company’s portfolio of around 150different products was brought to marketsince 2009.

World’s thinnest double-sided tape

Bolt locking systemprovides maximum

securityCritical applications for Heico Fastenersbolt locking system range from windturbines to railways; bridge constructionto racing bikes. In fact just aboutanywherewhere bolt fasteners are subjectto high levels of vibration and any failurecould be catastrophic.

It’s the simplicity of the Heico-Lockdesign that guarantees outstandinglocking performance under the mostextreme vibration conditions coupled withcompetitive pricing. A pair of wedgelocking washers provide a positive lockingaction using tension rather than friction.

The system comprises a pre-assembled pair of washers that haveinclined cams on the inner faces andradial teeth/ridges on the two outer faces.Tightening the bolt or nut leads to agripping action of the teeth thus seatingthe washers’ two outer surfaces under thebolt or nut and the base material.

Further tightening tensions the boltand locks the washers in place. Movementis only possible across the face of thecams. Working together, both sides of thelocking washers combine into a fasteningsystem that prevents loosening of jointseven under extreme conditions of shockand vibration.

The latest robot controller for the Fanucrange of robots hits all the usual targets.It’s smaller, faster and featuresmore builtin intelligence, so it’s easier to programand, in these eco-sensitive times,consumes less power.

When it comes to complexmulti-robotcells, the units can now be stacked. Thisrequires 77% less floor area which can besignificant with compact cells. With alarger processor, it can undertakecomplex tasks even though the actualprogramming has been simplified.

Robot controllers usually have to alsocontrol ancillary equipment, which rangefrom linear tracking to move the robot orthe fixture when processing longcomponents, to rotating and indexingfixtures to facility access.

To this end the system offers 40 axesof control and 8motion groups, up to 4 linetracking encoders and support for mostindustrial communication/bus systems.The new pendant offers real timevisualisation of the process on its touchscreen monitor. Using 3D graphicsimulation, the programmer can savetime by seeing all active safety zones, bothwhen programming andwhen recovering.

New robotcontroller hitsall the targets

Taking proven expertiseinto new fields

Most engineers will know Fronius UK Ltdas a major player in the world of arcwelding. Although today it has spread itswings further to take in all aspects ofwelding as well as fields such as solarelectronics.

The solar business is not as far leftfield as it initially sounds. Its mainsconnected inverter technology is anintegral part of monitoring photovoltaicsystems. The same philosophy took thecompany into sectors such as monitoringand controlling energy in battery chargingsystems.

Today welding embraces MIG/MAGTIG electrodes, Laser and resistance spotwelding, all supported by high levels ofautomation.

New player in the market for SMTmanufacturing machines comes fromJapan. The equipment is new to theUK butthe name of YamahaMotor is well known.The company has already installed some30,000 SMT machines worldwide soalthough new to Europe it has a proventrack record.

The SMT machine is targeted at highdensity, high volume applications withmounting speeds over 100,000 compon-ents per hour. In addition, the machine iscapable of feeder exchange on the flywhich further increases productivity.An innovative tray-components supplycarriage enables all pallets to be changedin one go.

From the same stable is a combinedX-ray, optical, infrared and laserinspectionmachine. It is claimed to be thefastest and most effective 3D inspectionsystem and the first that can do full X-rayand optical inline inspection at the sametime.

Also being highlightedwill be amach-ine for placing large heavy componentsand odd shapes in standard SMTprocesses. It can handle parts 100 by100mm by 45mm high and weighing up to1kg. Applications include shielding casesin tablets and power modules for electricautomotive drives. This machine canautomate processes that previously couldnot be performed by conventional surfacemount technology.

Japanese electronicsproduction equipment comes

to Europe

Drallim Industries is one of thosecompanies where its customers know itfor totally different reasons. It serves

many markets; although the commondenominator that links the diverseapplications is often an element of controland monitoring.

Originally focused around fluidcontrols, the Group expanded intopneumatic pressurisation and automationequipment. In more recent years it hasdeveloped strongly into the area ofmonitoring and partial stroke testingsystems. These range from helicopterload handling and weighing systemsthrough to sophisticated remote monit-oring of process valves and cable systems.

Its High Voltage Test business, forexample, is dedicated to providing leading-edge test, diagnostic and remote conditionmonitoring solutions to the power gene-ration, transmissionanddistribution industry.

Adding to the diversity, there is alighting division which will be highlightingits energy saving LED range. Its in-housedesign team creates bespoke lightingsystems for industrial and commercialapplications.

Control and monitoring forfluidics and power supplies

Bubble wrap is a wondrous packagingmaterial, but my goodness does it take upa lot of space when you have to store rollsof it. That’s where the sealed air systemfrom Lightning Packaging comes into itsown.

This systemautomatically inflates anddispenses the bubble packaging materialonly when it is needed. Up to themomentof use, the rolls remain tightly wound andcompact.

The Barrier Bubble used in the filmretains air longer than non-barrierpolyethylene air cellular materials andout-performs other materials forcushioning and overall packaging pro-tection. Just plug it in, load a roll of filmand let it run, freeing up valuable ware-house space and saving time. As adedicated operator is not required, thesensor keeps the portable bin filled for on-demand packaging.

There is also a Mini-Pak’R that’s adesk top version. Alternatively it can bewall-mounted vertically so the bubblewrap is dispensed like a roller towel. Itruns at 7.5metres aminute and canmake5 different types of cushion.

Bubblewrapondemand

By offering a wide range of handling andstorage equipment, Locators are in astrong position to undertakemajor turnkeyprojects. This embraces not onlyequipment such as forklifts and storageracking systems, but also ongoingservices such as scheduled maintenanceand annual rack safety inspections.

This is exemplified by a recentcontract to equip a new building for Selig,which is the world’s largest supplier oftamper-evident cap and closure liningmaterial in the world. A major criteria forthe overall project was to maximiseproduction space without compromisingon storage capacity.

That’s why a scheme based on narrowaisles and a 1,000 location pallet rackingsystem was proposed. This was servicedby two Aisle-Master articulated forklifttrucks. These can operate in just 1.6

metre aisles and reach to a height of10.4m. They are equipped with fork-mounted cameras to enable precisepositioning of the pallets at height.

Because of the large diameter wheels,these trucks can operate outside thuseliminating the need for an additionalcounterbalance forklift to do this externalload/unload work. For low level palletmovements, two powered pallet truckswere also provided.

Storage solutions tomaximise space utilisation

As a PCB manufacturer for prototype andsmall to medium volume productionlevels, SouMac offers both SMT andconventional through-hole lead-freeassembly processes. In addition, for thoseapplications that were exempted fromcompliance with the RoSH ‘Lead-Free’regulations, it can also satisfy thedemands for Lead solder assemblies.

Like most electronic contractors, itoffers a board repair service. However, ittakes this a stage further with an ‘Onsite’repair service. This is especially valuablewhen critical production machinery isdown. It is claimed that the service cansave up to 60% of OEM board repair costs.

Perhaps more importantly, it canslash days off the downtime awaiting forspares to be delivered. As part of thesame service, ways of improving theperformance of underperforming prod-

uction equipment can be investigated. Forolder equipment with limited sparesavailability, it can reverse engineer boards.

To maintain the highest qualitystandards, it has installed AutomatedOptical Inspection (AOI) machines and areal-time high resolution X-ray system.The latter plays a vital role in monitoringBGA placement and soldering processes.It can also be used to confirm counterfeitcomponents.

PCB manufacture offerflexible service

When it comes to workstations andstorage facilities it is important that theconfiguration of workbenches, cabinets,storage racks and mobile units areoptimised to achieve maximum operatorefficiency whatever the application.

For the user, the permutations ofdifferent products are endless. It startswith over 200 variations of work bench;

multiply that by cabinets, wall units,mobile storage and you get the picture.One way to ensure you get an optimisedfacility is to take advantage of a designservice that includes a free site visit andfree 3D CAD designs.

If after considering all the options,some aspect is not just so, bespoke unitscan be designed. Bespoke units can oftenovercome the conflict of older roomsdesigned in feet and units in metres. Themodular design of the systemmeans thatbespoke units are not outrageouslyexpensive.

If required, the agreed design can alsobe installed. As an added incentive, allorders confirmed at the show will qualifyfor a 10% show discount by Spaceway.

Achieving optimumworking conditions

Presi is a company that has established itsreputation with a range of machinesdedicated to the preparation of metal-lurgical and materialography samples formicroscopic procedures ranging from theexamination of grain structures toestablishing micro-hardness parameters.

In its range, various machines can befound for cutting, mounting, polishing andtesting samples. Most metallurgical testsinvolve examining thematerial beneath thesurface. Usually, a cross-section of thematerial is mounted in resin. Thisexpertise has now been applied to the PCBmarket with the development of a cuttingmachine to specifically tackle the demandsof makers of multi-layer boards.

Just likewithmetallurgical samples, itis imperative that the cutting process in noway changes the sub-structure of thesample. To this end the company has

developed a specific PCB cutting machinetogether with a range of cutting discs tosuit different materials.

It is the same overriding strategy of‘zero impact’ with samplemounting; resinshave to be developed that eliminate thephenomena of ‘bleed’. That’s when fluidfrom the polishing process gets betweenthe sample and the resin only to bleed outduring examination. If you’re looking for anew angle on examiningmulti-layer PCBs,perhaps this is a good place to start.

Looking beyond the PCBsurface

The latest addition to the Sunon range ofcooling fans will be found on theG English Electronics stand. It is fullyencapsulated and is targeted at militaryand industrial applications that demanddustproof and waterproof rating to IP68.

Fans with DC and AC motors can bespecified. The fans incorporate low noisebearings and motor assembly that canhave a life of up to 70,000 hours andwarranty can be extended up to five years.LED cooling modules are anothersignificant market.

Other products that offer coolingsolutions range from simple heat sinks tomore complex arrangements that incor-porate heat pipes, vapour chambers andfans or blowers. Heat sinks can bemanufactured from extruded aluminiumand copper.

In keeping with demand for environ-mentally friendly products, low powerconsumption ‘Super Green’ fans can bespecified.

Waterproof cooling fans

Digital height gauges that are designed towithstand the rigors of shopfloor use areto be found on the Bowers Metrologystand. They are water and coolantresistant and maintain their accuracythroughout extended shop floor use. Twosizes are available, 400 and 600mm.

Simple three button operation takesthe user through an intuitive configurablemenu. A large high resolution, digital LCDreadout enables the display to be read inless than ideal lighting conditions. The

measuring carriage can be rapidlypositioned via a quick release handle.

To extend battery life, the gaugeenters a ‘sleep’ mode after 20 minutes ofinactivity. A ’wake up’ mode is auto-matically activated by renewed use andthe previous scale position displayed.

Readings can be downloaded via abuilt-in USB output while an optionalplug-in module enables the transfer ofmeasurements in a wireless mode.

Maintaining accuracy onthe shopfloor

Energy managementsystems in all sizes

The chance of you finding the cable carriersystem you are looking for in theKabelschlepp Metool range are prettygood. It covers the full spectrum fromsmall units of only a few millimetres asfound in an inkjet printer, to giant chainsfor oil platforms where the chain weighsseveral tonnes.

Carrier systems are manufactured ina range of materials; stainless steel andsolid plastic cable carriers as well asplastic cable carriers with aluminiumstays (Hybrid cable carriers). Standardsizes, or tailor made to an individualcustomer’s requirements in millimetreunits, can be supplied.

Under the brand Totaltrax, it cansupply fully-harnessed cable carriersystems with the cables already inserted,right up to a full complex system thatincorporates divider systems, cables,plugs and connectors, transport frames orother sheet metal structures.

Situations that can be catered forinclude long unsupported lengths and 3Dapplications. In addition there are covereddesigns that are quickly openable. Othersare designed to cope with extremeconditions, for example heat-resistant orsuitable for clean room environments.

The theme on the Hurco stand will be‘Compact Production Solutions’, or how toget more production out of limited floorspace. To illustrate the theme there will avertical CNCmachining centre and a CNClathe, both of which use ingenious designfeatures to maximise the componenthandling capability in relation to themachine’s footprint.

Within a footprint of nominally 1.8 by1.6 m, the VM10 offers a working volumeof 660 x 406 x 508mm, which is one of thebest ratios of any VMC on the market. A20-station swing-arm toolchanger and 24m/min rapid traverses help to minimisenon-cutting time. The table can take amaximum load of 340 kg and a 11 kWspindle contributes to a comprehensivepackage.

Likewise, the TM6 slant-bed turningcentre has a tiny footprint for itsspecification. The maximum cuttingdiameter is 316mm with a distancebetween centres of 403mm. It can handlebar work up to 42mm diameter. Chipmanagement is included in the comp-etitive price, as are a 3-jaw chuck and atool presetter. The machine is ideallysized for even the smallest of shops.

Both machines benefit from Hurco'sWinMax conversational/NC programmingsoftware and the controls are also able toimport externally prepared programs.

Getting moreout of less

A full spectrum electronics service isoffered by Briton EMS which starts atdesign and ends with completeassemblies tested and boxed ready to ship.It specialises in small to medium volume,high value products. This is epitomised bya recent £1million plus order for completebuild of data units.

It is a complex product with over1,500 components. After involvement intest and development, the companyprocured all the parts, produced andpopulated the circuit boards and set up amanufacturing cell to guarantee thecustomer, MPEC, received fully workingand configured products.

MPEC gave serious consideration tomanufacturing offshore but concludedthat in terms of value for money and totalcost of ownership, using a UK manu-facturer was its best option.

There are no hidden costs, nounwarranted expenses and no timedelays, language barriers, quality orcurrency concerns. All big advantages ofsourcing from the UK.In addition, other benefits includedflexibility, lower costs and speedier time tomarket – without the burden of advancedpayments, relatively highminimumordersand complex shipping arrangements. Thatmakes it UK 1 Offshore 0. Yes!!!

UK electronics companybeats off offshoremanufacturing

For the first time visitors to the Optrisstand will see an online camera thatcombines both thermal imageswith visualimages. This opens upmany applicationsincluding those where currently CCD andthermal image cameras are usedseparately.

Examples include early fire detectionin open spaces or on conveyor belts,where temperature monitoring of bulkmaterials is added. Within productionprocesses visual and thermal docum-entation becomes a reality from a singlesource.

The thermal imaging displaysinfrared images with up to 96Hz (Imagesper second) with 160 by 120 pixels. Real

time image recording takes place at up to32Hz with pixels 640 by 480.

There are two modes of imagedisplay, monitoring mode and cross-fading mode. Monitoring display offerseasy orientation of the point ofmeasurement with separate display ofboth images. Cross-fading highlightscritical temperatures through the overlaiddisplay of the two images.

Dual cameras find manyapplications

Custom enclosures, panels and housingmanufactured from plastics and compos-ites are the speciality of i4innovation. Itwill be promoting its services at the showwith a promotion that’s a cut above thetypical business card raffle.

Visitors to the show will be offered afree of charge prototype. This willdesigned and manufactured to thecustomers’ specification. This is subjectto reasonable terms and conditions. It’s

unlikely an enclosure big enough to parkyour car in would qualify...mmm, pity.

The custom design processcompletely eliminates the problemsassociated withmould tools such as costsand long lead times. Any modificationrequirements that appear during thecourse of production can easily be accom-modated. In effect this ‘future-proofs’the design against changing marketdemands.

By combining extensive design exper-ience with state-of-the-art machiningtechniques and other productiontechnologies, the company can offer cost-effective solutions - and at the show, theprototype is free!!

Shopfloor spills of oils and fluids are afact of life. How you deal with them is thecritical question. Censol supplies a widerange of individual products to cope withspillages. Its latest development hastaken this one stage further with theintroduction of the Absorbent Station.

Each station contains absorbentsocks, pads, together with special wipersand eco-friendly cleaner degreasermaterials, spill socks, mats, chemicalssolvents gloves and first-aid equipment.The product mix in each station can bevaried to suit the working environment.

Now here’s an offer you can’t refuse.Depending on potential usage, thestations can be supplied for free withvendor managed stock. The absorbentstations are a bit like fire extinguishers.

When you need them…Oh boy do youneed them!!! If there is an incident, thetime saved in returning to normalproduction pays for the cost of the stationmany times over.

In addition to the range of spillagecontrol equipment, the company offers afull range of janitorial products.

Spills happen - deal with them

Free design and manufactureof enclosures

EMS Manufacturing is the manufacturingarm of a larger group that specialises inwireless fire and security alarm systems.These are both highly demandingmarketswhen it comes to product reliability andperformance.

This has proved to be a major benefitwhen it comes to producing electronicassemblies for third party customers.Customers accept that the underlyingphilosophy for quality is totally transferableand will be reflected in their products.

Another benefit is the extensive stockholding that the alarm systems demandcan be beneficial to those looking for rapidresponse times. The company has allaccreditations that would be expected forhigh quality production.

Its installed production technologyincludes highly flexible SMT placementlines, automatic optical inspectionequipment and x-ray inspection. Inaddition, there is a full range of off-lineprogramming software and extensiveproduct test and traceability systems.

Electronicassemblies

benefitsfrom groupactivities

Materials Testing andTechnical Services,formed only last year, will be offering a fullrange of materials testing services thatembrace all materials from low densitypolymer foams to high performancesteels. Aswell as standard testing proced-ures, the company can also developspecial tests for more exotic materials orapplications.

Both static and dynamic tests can becarried out including temperaturedependency, long and short term creeptests, tensile/compression and impactresistance. Newer materials such ascomposites are also tested.

In addition to actual testing, thecompany offers services such as designconsultancy and validation of stressanalysis models. A mobile laboratory isavailable for on-site testing that rangesfrom vibration analysis on rolling stock tostress levels on major structures such asbridges.

On site laboratory equipment includesa range of bespoke test frames, load cells,high speed data logging acquisition and awide selection of calibrated sensors formeasuring, force, displacement, strain,temperature, pressure and mass.

Materials testing to allinternational standards

Inspection beyond simple measurementThousands of data points are captured inminutes on the Renishaw Equatorgauging system. Its speed of operationmeans that it can be used for comparativemeasurement of high volume parts. Also,it can switch between parts in secondswhich makes it ideal for monitoring partsfed from two different machine tools.

Underlining the technique is tradi-tional comparative gauging technology.Re-mastering is as swift as measuringa production part and immediatelycompensates for any thermal effects.Thus generating data from the shopfloorthat could have been collected in atemperature controlled quality room.

Also featured will be additivemanufacturing using a laser meltingsystem to deliver densemetal parts directfrom 3D CAD models. Parts are built upin layer thicknesses from 20 to 100microns. Fine metal powders are fullymelted in a controlled atmosphere.

New at the show will be a system forcalibration of rotary axes which achievesan accuracy to within 1 arc second. It istotally wireless, making it suitable formounting on most machines. Finally thelatest touch trigger probe, which enablesCMMs to operate up to three times faster,will be going through its paces.

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In its portfolio Vero has some outstandingsoftware packages that have made theirmark in the respective markets that theyserve. For the sheet metal industries itwill be demonstrating Radan with itsimproved support formulti-tools, which ismuch easier to use.

Alphacam, the CAM software whichcan handle 2 to 5 axis programming has anew reporting application for nested jobs.This can automatically add support tags

that allow the part to remain connected tothe material being machined. As well asspeeding up programming, the newdevelopments can also reduce materialwastage.

Edgecam the CAM solution whichincorporates sophisticated toolpath gener-ations modules has recently introduced aspecialised application for the wire EDMmarket. This provides an intuitive environ-ment for programming wire erosionmachines.

Finally, for production planning andcontrol, there is Javelin. It features afacility called Invoice EDI Export. Thisenables users to export their invoices aselectronic data using Crystal Reportingtemplates so that the recipient can definewhatever format it is received.

Latest versions of majorsoftware packages

A wide range of fastening solutions will befound on the Titgemeyer stand, these takein both metal and plastic components.Also available is a range of fixing toolsincluding a battery operated version forremote access.

The installation procedure for thepopular lockpin series has four basicsteps: The pin is inserted in the prepared

hole and the collar is placed over thelocking grooves. The nose of the tool isplaced over the pin tail. When actuated,the tool pulls on clamping groovesclamping the joint tight before the collar isswaged into the locking grooves. The pintail breaks at a predetermined load leavingthe finished joint.

There is a complete portfolio of

fastening systems for thin sheet andplastics assembly. These take in simplepush and click fasteners to more complexquick release and stand-off designs tohold the two sheets being assembled afixed distance apart. Also on showwill be aselection of industrial products includinggas springs, continuous hinge and Elastiexpanded polyurethane foam for applica-tions such as grab handles and buffers.

Specialist fasteners in both metal and plastics

Highlighting the virtues of powdermetallurgy as a process will be theEuropeanPowderMetallurgyAssociation –EPMA-which plays an educational role increating awareness and the benefits of theprocess.

It offers all the advantages that areinherent in any near net shape process,the primary one being better materialutilisation. Also, the energy consumptionis low when compared to machined parts.

Don’t forget there is all that energy thatgoes into machined components that isdiscarded as swarf.

For a process to gain wider accep-tance, the strongest argument is alwaysthe economic one – that distils all theother benefits into a single price per partcomparison. Currently around 80% ofpowder metallurgy components go to theautomotive industry. That says a lot; thereis no more cost-conscious industry.

In recent years there have been somemajor strides in the range of materialsthat can be processed and the levels ofcomponent complexity, accuracy andstrength that can be achieved Like othernear net shape processes, there are do’sand don’ts for the designer. Any designerwho has not revisited the process of lateshould see the stand. They could be in forsome pleasant surprises.

Where to find out about powder metallurgy

Today, miniature circuits are everywhere,in hearing aids, trackers and commun-ications devices. To satisfy this growingdemand for smaller and smallerelectronic devices, last yearCTProductioninstalled a high precision surface mountmachine that is capable of placing 01005components, 0.3mm IC lead pitches, BGAsand QFNs.

Another recent acquisition is an AOImachine that can reliably inspect forsolder joint quality as well as forverification of component presence, typeand orientation. It has five 10 mega-pixelcameras allowing multi-angle high-definition viewing options. As themachinecan be swiftly programmed, it dramatically

reduces the time for verification of fast-track prototypes and first offs.

On balance, the company prefers AOItechnology to that of ICT (In-Circuit Test)as it allows rapid deployment without theneed for costly tooling and with lessprogramming. It also removes the need forthe product to be specially designed withthe test points demanded by ICT.

The company offers the full range ofelectronics manufacturing services youwould expect of a large company with theflexibility and feel of a smaller company. Itdelivers a broad array of facilities tailoredto suit individual customer requirements,right up to full box build.

Miniature PCB productionboosted

When it comes to robotics, the biggestgame-changer by far has been theavailability of affordable vision systems.Virtually every aspect of the technologyhas been transformed.

RNA Automation will be underliningthis message with a number ofdemonstrations. Perhaps more signif-icant is the myriad of potential appli-cations that won’t be on show.

For many applications, vision greatlylessens the need for precisionengineering. This is reflected in dramat-ically reduced costs. Take the simplest ofapplications, a simple welding fixture.Without vision a precision fixture isrequired to precisely locate the parts.Removing the need for precise locationslashes the fixturing costs.

This alonemakesmanywelding tasksan economically viable proposition forautomation that were beyond the palewithout vision. This story is repeatedwherever you look, assembly, sorting &selection, spraying, inspection packaging,so the list grows.

One of the demonstrations will behandling two variants of poker chips at arate of up to 120 cycles a minute. Anotherinvolves sorting and packing components.The only question is “What will robots withvision do for you?”Answer - probably quitea lot!!!

Robotics — thebiggest game-changer by far

Latest version of a multi-configuration,multi-functional, electronic test platformfrom Aeroflex is a new compact, costeffect standalone version with severaloptions of industry standard interface. Itjoins the already existing bench top andrack mount versions.

An open approach to both hardwareand software has been adopted. Opensoftware enables integration with codewritten using third party software such asTeststand, and Labview, in short anyplatform that is .NET compliant.

The open hardware architectureallows configurable chassis and interface

styles to accommodate low cost analog in-circuit testing, through to high integrityanalog and digital functional testsolutions.

The company can undertake testsystem design, build and manufacture –including test definition. Successfulapplications range fromPCB in-circuit testto highly complex RF communication testsystems. Much of its success in thesemiconductor market can be attributedto its space qualified and radiationhardened products used in satellitecommunications.

Open architecture benefitstest platform

It’s generally accepted that one of themostsignificant contributions to the success ofany new product launch is minimising thetime-to-market. Significantly reduce thistimeline and the likelihood of a successfullaunch is correspondingly increased. Inrecent years the most significant factor inshrinking the timeline has been AdditiveManufacturing.

Two versions of the process will behighlighted on the 3T RPD stand. Oneproduces plastic parts, the other metal.Although ‘parts’ can be probably thewrongword. Sub-assemblies or structures canoften be more appropriate.

Originally the process was commonlyreferred to as rapid prototyping; until itwas realised that one man’s prototyperequirements was another’s total prod-uction call off. A combination of cheaperprocess machines, a wider range ofsuitable materials and simpler

programming has lead to the processmigrating from the rarefied prototypemarket to mainstream production.

The process brings obvious benefits,without any tooling costs, fully functionalhigh performance parts can be producedin amatter of days. Equally important, theability to introduce design changes withminimal cost is not to be under-valued.When the lack of tooling costs are takeninto account the cost per part can besurprisingly competitive. Never reallyconsidered the process? Perhaps a visit tothe show is in order.

Faster to market — theroute to launch success

Sensors to monitor most parametersencountered in testing can be found in theStrainsense portfolio. In addition, there isa range of data acquisition equipment.Together they create a one stop shop for alltesting requirements.

Parameters that can be recordedinclude vibration, acceleration, shock,strain, position, pressure, weighttilt/inclination and torque. There is even aspecial Fluid Properties Sensor (FPS)which offers real-time monitoring of

multiple parameters of fluids. It is amulti-function device, which when immersed influid, monitors viscosity, density, dielectricconstant and temperature.

The company has extensive experiencein designing customised sensors forapplications that demand measurementsoutside the range of off-the-shelf productsor have to be located in positions withlimited access.

At the show there will be a number ofnew products such as a DC accelerometerthat features a new circuit design that hasa noise floor that is seven times less thanthe previous models. There is also a DCresponse accelerometer that featuresmicro-g and introduces the first remoteauto zero function. It is designed formonitoring low level vibration for criticalapplications like flight testing.

All the kit to measure andrecord test parameters

Sometimes a brand name can be sopowerful that it overshadows the companythatmanufactures it. Mention there’s newLoctite products and most engineersinvolved in adhesive assembly orelectronics will immediately be interested.In fact, there are new products...but they’reon the Henkel stand - the company thatmanufactures them.

There will be a new superglue that isclaimed to be the first to offer ‘gap-filling’capabilities. If cures through volume andwon’t run out of a joint with less thanperfect face-to-face contact. It has a gelconsistency that enables it to be worked

into an area for maximum stressdistribution. It can also be used toencapsulate a delicate component. Oncehardened it can bemachined and polished.

The contribution hotmelt adhesivescan make to product development will bedemonstrated. Overmoulding can beaccomplished with a low cost mouldmaking prototyping and small batchproduction runs both fast and economical.They have very short setting times and canbe used on a variety of substratesincluding difficult-to-bond plastics.

There will be three additions to theHealth & Safety range of instantadhesives. While most instant adhesivescan withstand 80˚C, versions that cancope with 120˚C can be provided forapplications such as electric motors andlighting equipment.

What’s in a name?

A new degree of design freedom isintroduced with the 1-Trak continuousmotion system typically used to movepallets around an assembly machine. Thesystem can be found on the HepcoMotionstand. Its unique design eliminates theconstraints of conventional straight linesand curves and permits every conceivableconfiguration of 2D track to be constructed.

The system is manufactured from asingle piece of material and providesexception strength and rigidity. The endresult is a system without seams and free-running with no possibility of misalignmentduring installation or service. As aconsequence, smoother quieter motion isachieved.

In addition to introducing a high degreeof flexibility in track configuration, its unique

three-bearing geometry combined withtrack shapeensures that thepallet-carryingcarriages exhibit zero play. Circuits cantherefore accommodate much sharperbends than is possible with alternativesystems. This results in space and costsavings with production layout optimised tomaximise utilisation of the space available.

The system has a large hollow centrethat can accommodate other componentsand perhaps even services to carriages atthe work stations.

Design frees up trackconfiguration

Thespectrumofmachine toolsmarketedbyDugard is broad in terms of both level oftechnology and component handlingcapability. As well as machines under theDugard brand it also represents a numberof significant International machine toolmakers such as Chevalier surface grindersand Tos Varnsdorf horizontal borers.

Rapid delivery is one of its moresignificant offers to customers. This can becritical to subcontractors who do not wantto commit to a newmachine until an orderon their capacity is confirmed...at that point

the pressure for immediate delivery risesexponentially!! One factor that putsDugardto in a strongposition is that at any one timeit holds around £5 million of stockmachines.

Recently introduced is the Academyrange of CNC lathes. Although primarilyintended for the educational market, thesemachines incorporate a sophisticatedconversational programming system. Thismakes them suitable for low volumeproduction of smaller parts. In addition,manualhandlesmakethemideal forone-offs.

At the other end of the capacity scalecan be found latheswith nearly 2.0mswingover the bed and 12.0 m between centres.At theother endof the technology scale five-axis vertical machining centres targeted atcomplex components in the aerospace anddefencemarket can be supplied.

Widest selectionofmachine toolsIn many ways communicating with amachine is the same as communicatingwith a person. To eliminate errors, the

messages must be unambiguous. That’swhere the expertise of EOA, a companythat specialises in the human/machineinterface, comes in. It designs custombuilt operator panels and controls

To achieve this it can draw on a wholerange products - displays, touch pads,keypads, software, rotary and push buttonswitches. On the standwill be a number ofnew products including vandal resistantstainless steel switches featuring dual ringbi-colour illumination.

Motion control devices take in aminiature 14mm frame size steppermotorfor the precise control of small elements.Motors go up to 106mm frame sizes alongwith a range of micro-stepper motordrivers.

Also new at the show is a productintended for screen navigation and dataentry. It is described as “An intuitivemulti-touch ring encoder with gesturerecognition software”. The mind bogglesat what gestures it can recognise!!

Communicating with machines — no room for error

First came the sheer wonder of being ableto go straight from CAD drawing tofinished 3D model with no tooling; simplyprint it. Next came dramatically enhancedlevels of sophistication combined withtumbling prices. At this stage it can bestatedwithout fear of contradiction that 3Dprinting was within the grasp of mostdesign offices. It had come of age. Sowhatcan you expect today?

Well a visit to theOPS standwill revealthat seven different materials that can beprinted to an accuracy of 0.1mm with abuild up rate of 600cmm3/hr fortransparent materials and 112cmm3/hr

for opaque materials.Assemblies with small moving parts

in different colours, as well as thin-walledmodels can be printed. Models may bepainted, plated, machined or even used aspart of the vacuum forming process. For alow capital outlay, a designer can createand produce several alternative designs ina single day.

The resolution is 600 dpi in the X and Yaxes and 900 dpi in the vertical Z axis. Thisresults in horizontal layers 16micron thickin transparent materials and around 28micron in other opaque materials. Thepicture? Yes it was printed. Can there be

any designers who don’t want to see thisin action - except those lucky enough toalready have one in the corner of thedrawing office?

3D desktop printers come of age

A new portable oil mist extraction unit tobe found on the Filtermist Internationalstand is a low level unit that features anintegral cyclone separator. This makes itideal for heavy duty applications such aswet grinding.

The system can also cope withmachining brass and aluminium whichoften produces high quantities of small

metal chips which can block less robustsystems. That’s because air is pre-filteredbefore it passes through the extraction unit.

The free standing unit is easilyaccessible for all ongoing maintenance atground level. Its portability combinedwitha small footprint means it can beconveniently locatednext to themachine tool.

Also on show will be smoke oil filtersdesigned to cope with the heavy smokeand oil generated by high pressurecoolant, die casting and heat treatmentprocesses. The system guarantees toremove 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 µm.The separating efficiency remains con-stant and does not deteriorate over time.

It’s worth remembering thatemployers have a legal responsibility toprotect employees from hazardousenvironments. That includes oil-laden air.

One of its best selling aqueous cleaningmachines will be seen on the MecWashstand. This is suitable for both largecomponents and dense baskets of smallparts. It delivers final wash quality withcosts more often associated with anintermediate wash.

Designated the Duo, it bringsadditional benefits including flood/immersion washing which provides ahigher standard of cleaning by full solutioncontact with all component surfaces. Itfeatures a heated spray rinse whichremoves any detergent residues left by thewash solution.

For ferrous components, the rinsestage can also be used to apply a longterm corrosion inhibitor. All componentsare finished off by a hot air dry. Weighingin at 1500 kilos, the Duo offers a generouswash chamber (w:400 x h:450 x l:650mm),but its footprint is small enough tocomfortably fit in a cell.

Based on past experience at the show,the exhibitor is looking to generate somehigh quality enquiries. Perhaps this is theright time to air your dirty linen in public!

Showing the best seller

A new novel method of fixing gears,pulleys and other features to shafts will beseen on the Abssac stand. The systemdoes not require any drive element suchas keyways or taper locks. This hasobvious benefits in simplified machiningof mating parts Plus for high speedrotation, amore symmetrical formmakesshaft balancing easier.

Important though these benefits are,perhaps themost significant advantage isthat the system locks the shaft andcomponent in seconds and equally rele-vant can be unlocked in seconds. Takenas a whole, these benefits open up newopportunities for designers – especiallywhen it comes to reducing maintenancedowntimes. The devices are called hydra-ulic hub shaft connectors and the clue isin the word hydraulic.

The principle of the design is based ona sleeve that incorporates a collar. Thesleeve incorporates a fluid-filled annularring. In the collar is a screw/piston. Tight-ening the screw increases pressure in thering; this causes the double-walled sleeveto expand uniformly against shaft and hubto create a rigid joint. Loosening thescrew returns the connector to its originaldimensions and it can easily bedismantled.

Novel fixingfor quick

release gears

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Keeping on top of air quality

Last yearBlundell ProductionEquipmentused Southern Manufacturing as thelaunch platform for the Inspex HDinspection system to the PCBmanufacturing market. Such was thesuccess of the launch, it was an easydecision to return in 2013 to build on thatinitial success.

In the intervening 12 months, a majorcontributor to the ongoing success wasthe fact that the digital inspection system

combined crystal clear images at up to100X with a very affordable price

A standard 4X lens will offer 40X fullcolour images on a 24" monitor; by theaddition of 5X and 10X multiplexablelenses. This can be increased dramaticallyand there is no limit to what size ofmonitor you use. Auto-focus is within ±50mm with the standard lens. The zoom inand zoom out arrow keys epitomise theuser-friendly push button operation.

Options available include imagecapture and download via an interfacecable plus a remote keypad. A new obliquetable which is mounted on a ball joint typemechanism enables sections of the boardto be inspected that may be difficult toaccess from a fixed plane perpendicular tothe board surface.

Building on last year’ssuccess

Moving fluids around theautomobile

The answer for any aspect of fluidictransfer around an automobile can befound in the Cohline product range. Thistakes in petrol, oil, water, brake fluid, airor vacuum. Both high pressure and lowpressure hoses and fittings can bespecified.

For brake lines, pre-formed metaltubes with appropriate end fittings comeas bespoke designs for individualapplications. As well as supplying OEMs,

the company also serves the aftermarket.Fittings may be standard product or a

bespoke design created to resolve aparticular problem. Depending on fluidbeing carried and operating pressure,hoses are specified in number ofmaterialsincluded plastic, braided hose and metal.

Various tools for fixing end fittings willbe on show. Products all conform to therelevant automotive and internationalstandards.

A series of theoretical and practicaltraining courses in electronic manufac-turing are offered by STEM Training.These are structured to achieve variousIPC standards. Topics range fromsoldering and rework to electrostaticdischarge awareness and requirements

for cable and harness assembly.Courses are can be remote or on-site.

Training programs can be tailored to suita company’s products & processes.‘Training Matrices’, which track staffcertification & modules taken, can beprovided and managed.

Often the courses are part of a largergoal to achieve some form of accreditationto an ISO standard. There is also a trainingconsultancy element of the company’s onoffer. This develops a bespoke programmeto achieve accreditation targets that takesinto account the practical skills andtheoretical knowledge levels at the start ofthe project.

The courses meet the criteria of ISO9001-2001 and the Investors in Peopleprogrammes. Gaining, then maintaining,appropriate accreditations is mandatoryfor applications such as aerospace andmilitary projects.

On course for qualified staff

Riveting is a process that brings together awhole bunch of significant advantages.For a start it can join dissimilar materialsincluding plastics; also it can be used onmaterials that don’t lend themselves tospot-welding. It can join twoormore sheets.

With bandolier fed machines, prod-uction rates are comparable with spotwelding. Typical cycle times are 1 to 4seconds. Because it is a non-thermalprocess, it can be used on pre-coated orfinished materials.

With the Henrob system a couple ofmore advantages are added to the list.The rivets are self-piercing, no pre-drillingor punching of holes is necessary. Therivet does not pierce the lower sheet; thiscan be significant when it comes toassembly integrity. On the other hand,there is an aesthetically pleasing flushfinish on the upper most sheet.

When the rivet is applied with ahydraulically or electrically powered tool,the combination of the rivet countersunkhead and flaring that occurs during theprocess clamps the parts tightly together.Well designers, what would all thesebenefits bring to your assemblies?

It’s a subject that can beriveting

Today, no one has to sell the benefits of‘one-hit’ machining. Everyone accepts theimprovements in quality and reducedthroughput time. One of themilestones inthis technology was the development ofdriven tooling.

In the early days, engineers wonderedat components like sleeves for hydraulicvalves with all the cross-holes drilled.

Since then things have progressed in leapsand bounds. The growth of five axismachining has pushed the boundariesfurther. All this puts additional demandson driven tooling.

And, tooling designers haveresponded in spades. To see what is nowpossible, visit the YMT Technologies –Tooling stand. There you will see angledheads that are manually adjustablethrough 360 deg around the Z axis andalso can be inclined in the X-Y plane.

Spindle speeders are also available.These offer a ratio of 6:1 speed increaseup to a maximum of 22,000rev/min.Typical applications include smalldiameter drills and engraving tools. Thismeans a part can leave the machineproperly identified – real onehitmachining!!

The road to ‘one-hit’machining

One the OGP stand it will bedemonstrated how different measuringprocesses can be combined into a singleseamless cycle operation. The best way tohighlight the benefits of the process is todraw a comparison with 5 axis one hitmachining when compared to multipleoperations on 3 axis machines.

As with one hit machining, lead timescan be dramatically reduced, inspection

times slashed and improvements inaccuracy achieved. The Smartscope Flash200 combines video with 12:1 zoom, touchprobe and laser scanning for 3D geometrycapture. These can be achieved onreflective surfaces alongside fast andaccurate surface scanning.

The machine has a 200 by 200 by150mm swept volume and incorporates apatented AccuCentric lens which featuresautomatic calibration for any change ofmagnification. Workpiece illumination isachieved by a fixed array of LED lights thatautomatically track the X axis.

At the low cost end of the spectrum,the Snap low cost machine will bedemonstrated. Here, the operator ran-domly places that part on the measuringplate and initiates the cycle. Data on allfeatures will be captured within the 78mmfield of view in under three seconds. Itused the latest high definition video basedcamera with digital zoom and 2.2 micronpixel size.

Differentmeasurementsallintegrated intoone

Two aspects of the services available fromFine Cut Graphic Printing will be inevidence on the stand. First will be justabout every conceivable option for productidentification. These embrace graphicoverlays, printed labels, foil blocking, laserengraving, domed labels and tamper-proof labels to name but a few.

The label design facility not only takesin the graphic design but also materialselection and recommends the appro-priate formulation of adhesive to copewithharsh environments such as heat orchemical contamination.

Alongside the bespoke design serviceis Labels Direct, a telephone or internetordering service for off-the-shelf standardproducts. A comprehensive range takesin products for electrical, medical safety,security and identification applications.

The second aspect of service featuredon the stand draws on its skills in 5 axismachining of composite and aluminiummaterials. On display will be examples oftooling of rotational and EPS moulding.

Labels -the

widestchoice

The broad scope of laser systemsavailable from Trumpf means that anypotential user is likely to arrive at theoptimumsolution to resolve any particularproblem. The same applies to its sheetmetal cutting and forming technology.Both aspects of the business will be seenon the stand.

The benefits of laser for welding andcutting thin material will bedemonstrated. Materials with a highmelting point as well as high heatconductivity can be welded using a laser.Due to the small amount of moltenmaterial and the short, controllablemelting period, some materials can bejoined, which otherwise could not bewelded. Filler materials can be used, ifneeded.

Traceability is amajor driving force forcomponent identification. Linked with theappropriate software, laser marking canimport graphics and logos with a widechoice of type fonts. Variable data such asbatch number or date can be incorporatedin every marking file and output may beclear text or coded format, for exampledata matrix or barcode.

Sheet metal bending with multi axisbackstopwill demonstrate the productivitythat comes from completing a part in asingle setting. Off-line 3D-simulationprevents collisions at an early stage ofprogramming. The show machine has apress force of 36 tons with ramacceleration via an electrical torquemotorthat offers a maximum speed of 50mm/s.

Two areas ofexpertise

highlighted

Plating services offered by TwickenhamPlating Group are targeted at hightechnology industries such as elec-tronics, telecommunications, aerospaceand military. It embraces selective goldplating, reel-to-reel plating and for largercomponents barrel, vat and rack plating.

The production facilities are backed up

by a design service whichensures that customers gainthe maximum benefits of thefacilities at optimised costs.Quality control satisfies all themajor international standards.

Two processes haverecently been added to therange of finishes available; thefirst, black zinc nickel is asuitable alternative to cadmiumand is compatible with otherconnector coatings. Its keyfeatures are a black non-reflective coating and excellentcorrosion resistance, evenwhen cross mated to cadmiumplated items.

The second process is highphosphorous electroless nickel whichexhibits superior performance in manyengineering functional applications withgood lubricity and wear and abrasionresistance. Its amorphous structureresults in low porosity even at thicknessesless than 10 micron.

Plating services for hightech applications

The latest anaerobic liquid gasket fromThreeBond has superior gap-fillingcapabilities to traditional materials and istherefore less demanding when it comesto surface finishes required to ensure asatisfactory seal. It is solvent free andcureswhen confined between twometallicsurfaces and isolated from oxygen.

An elastic gasket which hascompletely adapted to themating surfacesis formed in a very short time. The curedgasket exhibits superior chemicalresistance and flexibility compared tosilicone based gaskets. Also, there arehigh temperature resistant versions whichcan withstand constant temperatures upto 200˚C and intermittently up to 250˚C.

The next generation of cyanoacrlateadhesives will also be seen. With a range

of viscosities available, this new rangeoffers significant benefits over traditonalCyanoacrylates. They are ultra-fast curingwith a high initial bond strength. Inaddition, they are suitable for porous orhard services such as PBT or PCM.

Other products range from threadlocking to a two part ultra glass coatingthat protects paint work from birddroppings, UV and road salt.

Liquid gaskets addressmany design issues

The business forHeidenhain is founded onthree core technologies, measurement,with both linear and rotary encoders, datadisplay and control. These are all broughttogether in its latest range of CNC controlsystems.

The linear encoders pioneered onmachine tools are suitable for anyautomation situation. These sealed unitsare protected from dust, chips and splashfluids and are ideal for operations in anyharsh factory environment. Sealed linearencoderswith full-size scale housings and

high resistance to vibration are available upto 30m measuring length. In addition,there are slimline scale housings forlimited installation space up to 2040mmmeasuring length.

Display units can be found in manyapplications that requiremeasurements tobe observed in real time and recorded forfuture reference. Most position displayunits feature a data interface that adaptsthe encoder signals for further processingin higher-level electronics or simply toprint out the measured values.

The TNCmachine tool control systemsmay be programmed in conversationalmode at the machine or utilise an offlineprogramming station. Up to 13 axes maybe controlled. Integrated axis and spindledrives up to 55kW are available. Ancillaryfeatures that can be controlled includespindle and table probes, tool changersand fixture actuation.

Technologies linked bymotion and control

A variety of laser types are manu-factured by Halo Lasers for themarking of metals, plastics, glass,wood and other materials. There area number of enhancements that cansignificantly improve the quality of themarking.

For example, multi-tone eng-raving allows for various ‘shades of grey’to be engraved onto steel. Thismeans thatlogos and motifs can be produced in anetching style that can create an artisticimpression. Most materials can beengraved in multi-tone with best resultsachieved with fibre lasers, but any YAGstyle laser produces good results.

Rotary laser engraving enables round

parts to be marked with logo all the wayround the part. This can be used for simpletext or complex graphics. A resolution of0.01 of a degree can be achieved usingprecision worm gear devices.

Using pulsed fibre lasers, deepimpressions can be made. Digital scan-ning and imported files can be used tocreate the marking programmes.

Lasers make their mark

Ball bearing assemblies with a bore of just1mm and a 3mm outside diameter will befound on the Principle Engineering stand.The company brings together two areas ofexpertise - optical shaft encoders andminiature bearings.

Some 40 % of bearings supplied are‘specials’ which gives an indication of thelevel of customer service and designsupport. A special can be anything from amodified version of a standard product to acompletely new design.

Producing specials is also acharacteristic of the optical encoder side ofthe business. Three day delivery isconsidered normal and same day dispatch

on orders received before 9.00 am is on thetable. Both incremental and absoluteversions are available with solid shaft orthrough bore configurations on offer.

To demonstrate the technologies,applications on show will include a smallgas turbine, food processing machinery,optical focus mechanisms and dental &othermedical applications.

Miniature bearings formany applications

The latest electric press brake fromBystronic is 2.5 times faster than ahydraulic version. That translates into amassive productivity boost. Themachineonshow has an 80 tonne bending force and amaximum bending length of 2050mm. Italso features the latest in touchscreencontrol technology.

It sets high standards of accuracy withan ability to bend to a tolerance of ±25 arcminutes with a repeatability for beampositioning of ±0.0025 mm. This accuracyresults from the interaction of a specialmounting of the beamand the electric drivesystem of the upper beam.

The machine comes into its ownforming small and thin parts, andalso largebatches at high speeds. A hydraulic toolclamping system minimises set-up timesthereby making smaller production runseconomically viable.

The touchscreen can also beprogrammed off-line using the samesoftware as the company’s laser cuttingmachines. 3D graphics at the machineinstruct the operator on the sequence ofbends, dramatically reducing the chance oferror.

Electricpressbrake2.5faster thanhydraulic

When there is a critical productionmachine broken down andawaiting a spare, then a same daydelivery service makes sense. Itdoesn’t have to be a spare part, itcould just as easy be a critical legaldocument. That’s exactly what’son offer from Courier Express.

In fact the company offers twolevels of same day service “Urgent”and “Economy”. Using bikes, vansand trucks, it strives to provide thebest possible solution to any time- sensitive delivery requirement.

The very latest in satellite

technology, is utilised tomaintain constantcommunication with all drivers 24 hours aday, 365 days a year. There is continuouscommunication from start to finish - anyunforeseen delays on route (such as traffichold-ups) are communicated to thecustomer as they happen.

In addition, the company offers moreprosaic services including next day andinternational deliveries. Technical courierapplications range from installing andswapping out replacement computer andIT parts, to installing blood glucosemetersin hospitals throughout the UK andIreland.

Same day delivery services can save money

High grade bespoke RF connectors are thespeciality of the aptly named CoaxConnectors. It offers products withconsistent and dependable transmissionwith high signal purity, making themsuitable for any application where qualityof signal is critical.

A recent addition to the range aremicro BNC connectors which have beenspecifically developed tomeet demand forwider frequencies and high data ratetransmissions in broadcast telecoms,

HDcctv, military and medical markets.These are 50% smaller than standard

BNCs and pitch spacing can be as little as8mm making them suitable for highdensity applications. Nevertheless, theycan handle frequencies from 0 to 6 GHz.

They feature extended coupling nutsthat assist coupling and uncoupling and atthe same time offer improved resistanceto side load. What’s more, theseconnectors utilise standard strippingdimensions and tooling.

New broadcast quality micro coax connectors

Visit www.industrysouth.co.uk now to register for free entry

BY ROAD...

From the M3 take junction 4 andfollow the A331 to Farnborough.The Show will be clearly AA/FIVEsign-posted on all roads appro-aching the venue. CAR PARKINGIS PLENTIFUL and FREE.

BYRAIL...

Farnborough North Camp is thenearest station but FarnboroughMain and Aldershot stations arealso close by. For train timetableinformation call National RailEnquiries on 0845 7484950. Acomplimentary coach shuttleservice will operate from bothNorth Camp and FarnboroughMain stations.

LOCAL ACCOMMODATION...For discounted local hotelaccommodation call Expotel on020 7372 2001 and quoteSMANU013.

For under £50,000, the vertical machiningcentre on the Ajax Machine Tools standfeatures an X axis of 700mm, a 17kWspindle, 48mm/min rapid traverse ratesanda top end Heidenhain control system.

As part of the package, a starter set oftooling is included aswell as spindle chillerand an oil skimmer in the coolant system.

The 24 station tool magazine has a 3.6second chip-to-chip time and the spindlewith its 40 taper canhaveamaximumspeedof 10,000 or 12,000 rev/min. Optionallyfourth and fifth axis drives can be specified.

Maximumflexibility for under £20,000 isofferedby the flat bedelectronic lathewhichcan be specified with a maximum swing of620mm over the bed and up to 3,000mmbetween centres. It can be operatedmanually, semi-automatic or as a full CNCcontrolledmachine.

Using electronic handwheels, a “Teachand Repeat” facility is supported byinteractive colour graphics includingdynamic graphic simulations. This isperfect for prototype and low volumeproduction. Full CNC capability opens thedoor to volume production.

Two machine tools claimmore bang for your buck

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Shape forming of plasticmouldings...strength

of metalWhat could be a better offer todesigners...the shape complexity of aplastic moulding combined with thestrength and wear property of metal?That’s exactly what visitors will see on theBeckett MIM stand. The company, wellknown for its plastics moulding capability,has now expanded into Metal InjectionMoulding.

The affinity between the two processesis obvious, so much of the tooling designand manufacture technology translatesoverwith slightly different parameters. Forthe user it’s the same ability to design acomplex part, taken for grantedwith plasticmoulding, only to factor in the properties of

metal - including strength, wear resistanceand conductivity.

The choice of metals is wide, highvalue alloys including tungsten carbide,titanium and Inconel alongside copperalloys and stainless steel. By definition theprocess is economical on metal costs.

Perhaps most exciting of all, thecompany is currently working on MIMfoams with up to 50% porosity, coupledwith over-moulding which allows differentmetals or two complex parts to be joinedtogether within the process. The questionfor designers is what doors would thisopen for you?

Several features on the TL 20 lathe fromCMZ come together to offer high standardsof accuracy combined with high levels ofproductivity. An oil cooled spindle leads tohigh standards of roundness and surfacefinish on components.

The turret disk does not lift duringclamp and unclamp. Instead, the turret isunclampedon retraction and is clampedonapproach. This significantly reduces thechip to chip time. Time between adjacenttool stations is just 0.15 seconds and only0.4 second to turn the turret through a full180 degrees.

The machine has a 22kW spindle andturned length of 640mm. The maximumturned diameter is 400mm with a barcapacity is 66mm.

To automate loading of chuckingcomponents, a robot gantry can be

integrated with the machine controls. Thiscanhandle 10kgparts. Dual grippers at theend of arm tooling ensure the minimumload/unload cycle time. As standard, thereis a 14 station component handling workstation. Alternatively themachineand robotmay be conveyor fed as part of anautomatedmulti-machine production cell.

CNC lathe combinesaccuracy and productivity

Someof thekey industries servedby theshow

When it comes to prototype and lowvolume production of machinedcomponents, one of the first names thatsprings to mind is XYZMachine Tools. ItsProtoTRAK control system establisheditself as the benchmark for convers-ational programming before it was evencalled conversational programming!

To underline the direction thecompany is now taking, on the stand willbe first details of the new LPM (LeanProduction Machine) vertical machining

centre which is the first ProtoTRAK CNCmachine that can be fitted with anautomatic tool changer.

Also targeted at the production sectorwill be a VMC equipped with the newSeimens 828D conversational controlsystem that can be programmed offline.This has a maximum traverse rate of43m/min and a 12,000 rev/min spindle;optionally this can be increased to 24,000rev/min. If the message needed furtherhighlighting, there will be a CNC lathewhich has a 12 station turret with 4,000rev/min available at all stations.

Two of the machines reflect theestablished market with the control thatstill sets the benchmark for conversationalprogramming. Programs are assembledis every day English with no special codesor functions. Just follow the steps thatwould be required on a manual machine.Anyone who can operate a manual mill orlathe can programme these machineswith next to no training.

Stand highlights growthinto new markets

If you’re looking to investigate the poss-ibilities of embedded systems then it’sprobably worth checking out the BytesnapDesign stand. After all in 2011, it lifted amajor European award for its work inembedded hardware and software design.

It says that this endorses its claim todrawon thecollective experienceof someofthe most eminent Windows CE developersin Europe. In-house experience covers thewhole gamut of embedded systems stackfromelectronics andDSPs to device driversand applications software.

Tasks undertaken range from smartenergy and charging posts to medicalelectronics and industrial control. At theshow the company will be demonstratingthe first smart energy module to combinemetering and control in a single low powerplatform.

Its lightweight desktop and embeddeddevice application development frameworkwill also be seen going through its paces.

Awardconfirms

embeddedsystems

designer’scredentials

Pharmaceutical Medical Marine Autosport Electronics Engineering Defence Aerospace

With sales of more than 14,000 machinetools in2012, theAmericancompanyHaas istheworld’s largestmanufacturerofmachinetools. The UK is its longest establishedmarket outside the USA. Much of itssuccess is based delivering high specifi-cationmachines at affordable prices.

Customer service ranks high in itspriorities. This is borne out by the facts: Outof its over 60 employees in the UK, 33 are

factory trained service engineers. It is theonly company to have won the MWP awardfor ‘Best Service and Support’ in twoconsecutiveMACH shows, 2010 and 2012.

All service engineers have a Mercedesvan equipped with a huge array of spareparts. Thismeans over 95% of service callsare resolved in the first visit. All machinetools break down at sometime. It’s how theproblemsareaddressed that is crucial to theend user.

The choice of machines is enormous,vertical machining centres, horizontalmachining centres; both have five axis andpallet options. CNC latheswithoptionssuchas 7,000-rpm spindle, high-torque gearbox,full C axis and Y axis, live tooling, partscatcher and bar feeder. Whatever yourchoice, it will be backed by second tonone service.

Annual sales of machinetools top 14,000

On the EclipseMagnets stand visitors willsee all aspects ofmagnets; some they willbe aware of and others that are new.

Most engineers are familiar withmagnetic chucks used on surfacegrinders, but what about sheetseparation?

This process magnetically separatesferrous sheets and thin pressings fromthe top of stacks for ease of handling. Itensures that only single sheets areremoved, avoiding the obvious danger anddamage that handling two sheets cancause on automated production lines.

Magnetic separation is widelypracticed and, using high intensitymagnets, can significantly enhance the lifeof fluids such as cutting oils andlubrication oils.

Removing particles before filtrationextends the life of consumables such aspaper filters. It can also extend the life ofproducts such as transmission systems.

In a similar vein, inline units forindustrial heating and cooling systemsimprove efficiency by removing black ironoxide sludge.

The system has zero running costsand minimal maintenance costs. It’sdefinitely worth checking out some of theless obvious applications of magnets.

Allaspects of

magnets gothroughpaces

DIRECTIONS TOFARNBOROUGH