WWW.ENGINEERING-UPDATE.CO.UK July 2022 Sponsored by ENGINEERING PDATE CONNECTING EV TECHNOLOGY WITH ULTRASONIC WELDING THE POWERHOUSE OF ULTRASONICSseeinsidepages18-21...
For International Women in Engineering Day, we take look into the past to four of the industry’s leading pioneers. There is the usual gems regarding automation, more sustainable products and we also take a close look at the construction industry. And much much more!
NotesKane’sDirector
Engineering Update is a must read for all your news. In July’s issue we review TCT 3Sixty, Med-Tech Innovation Expo and Subcon, as well as preview the Engineering Design Show, Advanced Engineering and Liftex. Exhibitions/Expos still remain one of the best ways to meet new and existing clientele, so if you haven’t already, make sure you are signed up and ready to go! We will see you there!
Enjoy!
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Kane Weller - Publications
www.engineering-update.co.uk CONTENTS Publication Director Kane Kane@engineering-update.co.uk01843Weller580460 Managing Director Jodie 01843jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.ukLittle595818 Editorial Assistant Laura laura@engineering-update.co.uk01843Sharpe448443 Publishing House Jet Digital Media Ltd, Suite 1 & 2 Spratling Court Offices, Spratling Street, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN At the forefront of digital marketing, Engineering Update strives to bring the latest in industrial engineering in a format that provides the best usability and ease of use for its readers.
Telsonic is our main feature this month, with fascinating insight into how they are connecting EV technology with ultrasonic welding and we also have a must read on how your business can avoid costly R & D tax mistakes.
Inspirational Female Engineers28 |3 Connecting EV Technology with Ultrasonic Welding18 TCT 3Sixty 2022 Promises Bright Future Ahead34 An Exceptional Three Days at Subcon22 Every Time You Touch Something It Costs You Money 72 July 2022
The choice of flowmeter may be limited by the properties of the liquid – whether it is viscous, volatile, corrosive, flammable, or contaminated with particles, for example. An oval gear flowmeter would be ideal for batch-dosing highviscosity liquids such as syrups, whereas a turbine flow device, such as Titan’s 800-series flowmeters, are more appropriate for water and beer dispensing.
For further information on Titan’s flowmeter and instrumentation range or to discuss any process and technical issues, please contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or sales@flowmeters.co.uk. Visit our website at www.flowmeters.co.uk
5. Limiting system inertia
Titan has published a white paper on the use of ultrasonic flowmeters in high-speed batching but here we focus on the general batching system. We discuss five key considerations when choosing a flow meter that will ensure your batching process runs smoothly.
Optimise Your Liquid Batching System: 5 Flow Meter Considerations
Simple adjustments to the batch system design, such as control value specification and the positioning of the flow meter, can help to offset the effects of inertia.
Changes in flow rate, temperature and pressure may cause the flow meter to function in an unpredictable dynamic way. Although maintaining operating parameters at a stable point is optimal, this may not always be possible and fluctuating flow rates for example, can be compensated for by using a higher specification measuring device, such as Titans’ Atrato® ultrasonic flowmeter
Choosing the correct flow meter for a batch system can be complex and Titan Enterprises are happy to help you find the best flow meter solution for your process and plant.
1. Repeatability is essential for a productive batching process Multiple uncertainties can change the amount of liquid being dispensed, causing a negative effect on the repeatability of the system. Controlling as many process variables as possible will help to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of flow measurement. Flowmeters, such as Titans’ mini turbines, can boast repeatability of 0.1% or better when operating under the same conditions.
3. Maintaining constant process conditions
2. The physical properties of the batch-filled liquid will dictate equipment requirements
Titan Enterprises, a leading provider of flow metering solutions, have been designing and manufacturing accurate and reliable flow meters for batch control systems for over 40 years. Titan reports on the considerations required when choosing a flow measuring device for batching control.
Probably the most recognised batch filling system is that of beverages, either directly into a glass or into bottles. But batching systems are also integral to the pharmaceutical and medical, and chemical and oil industries. Additive injection or chemical dosing are typical applications where flow meters are used to precisely control the amount of liquid dispensed, which is critical in such processes.
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4. Constant liquid flow or pulsations? Keeping the overall flow constant and avoiding any pulsations within the batching system will prevent aliasing and incorrect flow readings over the batch operating cycle. If pulsation is inherent, the choice of flowmeter is crucial in mitigating the effects of pulsating flow
|5 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE Details available from Barry George • barry.george@industrilas.com Industrilås GB • Halesfield 17 • Telford TF7 4PF Office: 01952 580 845 • sales.gb@industrilas.com • www.industrilas.com ✔ Ease of assembly ✔ Secure ✔ Choice of key locking options ✔ Ex-stock or bespoke designs to customer specifications ✔ Massive range of options ISOAccreditations:9001•ISO 140O01 • DIN EN 61373 The complete range of quality access hardware from Swedish manufacturer Industrilås is now available direct from its Telford office and warehouse. Most items are ex-stock. Key advantages to designers and users include: ACCESS. ALL AREAS Industrilas GB half pp generic.pdf 1 04/03/2022 10:29
We have forGRPtheexperienceextensiveinprovisionofsolutionstherailand energy sectors, including Machine Access, Gantries, Stepovers and Ladders. Our latest d² range of products deploys unique patented designs and innovative technology to deliver the safest, most costeffective and durable solutions on the market. In this case, our GRP products were chosen for their dielectric properties (due to the proximity to electrical equipment) as well as for their ease of workability on site. Our extensive investment in the latest manufacturing technologies mean that all the Dura Profile sections used exceed the E23 grade, delivering superior performance. The GRP Dura Grating floor surface also provides exceptional anti-slip properties and drainage in all weathers.
It was a challenging and interesting project to be involved in and one which required some ingenuity in design from our CAD team. Being able to sub-assemble the fabrication at our Dura Fabrication Centre in East Anglia meant real time and labour saving benefits for the project, as well as the ability to ensure that the resulting structures would meet the needs of these demanding electrified environments. Other benefits included a superb strength to weight ratio, lighter weight versus other materials such as steel, non-corrosiveness and a low maintenance lifecycle.
As a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of Glass Reinforced Polymer structural products for industry, Dura Composites was chosen to supply two non-conductive access platforms to enable safe access to the transformer areas for qualified maintenance personnel, in a project led by contractor, Balfour Beatty.
Martin Strawford is Technical Solutions Manager at Dura Composites , an awardwinning manufacturer, installer, and supplier of composite materials. Working with clients including Network Rail, London Underground and Crossrail, Dura Composites is a member of RISQS, the Railway Industry Association (RIA), Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and is also part of the UPCRII industry steering group.
How Dura
July 2022 6| ENGINEERING PDATE
Substation,performancesolutionpre-fabricatedComposites’accessplatformimprovedsafetyandatStockwellLondon
Lamonde Automation Limited Quality Products: Expert Advicesales@lamonde.comwww.lamonde.com+44(0)2030262670 PLC Web Browser OPC UA Server WebView In Excess of 300 Communication Drivers Event Bar Chart Database Server SQL Query Energy Demand Display/Setting Features Include:
The technologies and emerging trends such as robotics, AI, 3D printing, precision medicine or patent design will impact not only manufacturing but also the distribution of pharmaceuticals. Larger organisations are creating efficient supplier networks that leverage digitalisation and automation to connect data and continues on page 10...
July 2022 8| ENGINEERING PDATE Should distributionPharmamovetoAutomation?
The Pharma industry is changing and more specifically regarding Pharma distribution. Rapid growth over the past few years has meant a need to look at new tools and solutions that will enable them to adapt and update their supply chain automation. With 4 main distribution channels within Pharma wholesale: direct sales, retail, wholesaler or Agent means there is a growing requirement to adopt automation, to not only win new business but also to retain existing customers.
Global Pharma wholesale and Distribution Market projected to grow at a rate of CAGR 5.7% by 2031. Visiongain Research Inc.
Kardex Remstar’s Vertical Buffer Module (VBM) (effectively a small miniload in a box) combined accuracy, fast picking, and enhanced security. The VBM delivered the exact product to the picker for a good ergonomic experience. The VBM stores the bulk of their stock in a small footprint, which meant that Church Pharmacy were able to stay in their current premises enabling enough space for 5x more order volume growth.
greater productivity for Church Pharmacy with time spent picking reduced from 24 man-hours a day to just six. Picking accuracy – a critical factor in the pharmaceutical sector – has increased to 99.9%. With a 70% increase in picking speed, the solution for Church Pharmacy has a predicted ROI of less than two years. To learn more about how automation can assist in distribution read more at Smart Pharmaceuticals guide for warehouse distribution which delivers insights, tips and processes that will assist in your process.
It’s amazing when we look at what we have achieved in a relatively short time. We have increased their accuracy, and productivity. The staff are happier and more productive, and their customers can be assured of continued great service.
July 2022 10| ENGINEERING PDATE ...continued from page 8.
operations seamlessly along their supply chains and shed light on any areas of risk. In this process, they need to look not only at the larger tier 1 suppliers but also at the SMEs in tiers 2 and 3. These lower-tier firms also need to adopt digitalisation and automation to keep pace with their customers. The good news for Pharma distribution is that there are many scalable solutions on the market, along with more creative financing options, meaning they can reap the rewards of intralogistics automation and digitalisation.
Digitalisation is a major benefit with Kardex Power Pick software integrating with a flexible batching and fulfilment tool designed by UpSTEAM.uk which helps increase picking speeds and efficiency by added 35-40%. This ensures all stocked items are delivered on-time for efficient picking whilst delivering a tailored solution based on material process and fulfilment flow.
- Joseph StephenHead Software Architect –AutomationUpSTEAM.ukdelivered
Kardex Frame Pick was added to provide a high level of flexibility, especially when additional labour was required during higher order volumes.
Frame Pick enables a batch of 36 orders to be picked simultaneously and includes optical indicators that direct the picker to the exact location of the order for the product to be picked into and out of.
Management considered moving premises to secure more space, and so to better understand the issue Church Pharmacy appointed two of their technical team from UpSTEAM. uk, who recognised that Innovation was required for them to stay in their current premises and manage continued growth and future-proof the business.
One such company experiencing fast growth was Church Pharmacy with branches in Central London and the Midlands, Church Pharmacy are one of the largest pharmacy’s in the UK fulfilling patient needs. The company found it was facing a plateau in the number of orders it was able to process. With a manual picking process in place, they required a lot of space, so working areas were tight and a considerable amount of staff energy was spent on locating and identifying products.
Enigma
AZM150 SOLENOID INTERLOCK: SLIMLINE DESIGN WITH 360 ROTATING HEAD AND 1400 NEWTON CLAMPING FORCE O
The AZM150 is an electromechanical design which can be combined with high safety standards. The interlock comes with a low coding level as standard but is also available with an optional high coding level. The benefit for users: In accordance with ISO 14119, a higher coding requires fewer measures to prevent the bypassing of locking mechanisms, such as fitting out of range or in a concealed position. Schmersal is the only manufacturer which can offer electromechanical safety switches and solenoid interlocks with high coding levels.
Scan the QR code to see the AZM150 in action or visit our website for more information. uksupport@schmersal.comwww.schmersal.co.uk| Business Park Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GL
The AZM150 solenoid interlock can be combined with three different actuators for different installation situations: a straight actuator for sliding doors, an angled actuator for large revolving doors and a movable actuator for smaller revolving doors. One of the plus points of the interlock is the rotating actuator head which can be locked simply by putting the lid on rather than a screw fitting. The rotating actuator head has two feeder slots to enable a range of installation positions and approach options. This makes the interlock really flexible to use.
SCHMERSAL
The
When considering the purchase of a heat exchanger or processing system, there are many considerations to be made, including the suitability of the equipment for the task in hand, the capital and operational costs, how easily the equipment will fit into existing systems and facilities, and many other small concerns. What is not always considered is the follow-up service and aftercare, both during delivery and commissioning, but also further into the future.
The term aftercare can be applied to any support obtained from the supplier once the order has been agreed and can therefore include initial startup services such as commissioning and installation. Depending on the nature and size of the project, these will often be carried out by the supplier in conjunction with the client’s own engineering team and/or third-party contractors. HRS can either carry out commissioning and installation directly using its own staff or supervise the installation of its components by others – something that is necessary whether you have bought a bespoke engineering solution or a pre-designed system. Over the last two years, the Coronavirus pandemic has seen an increase in the use of IT and communication systems to supervise commissioning remotely, a solution which allows for efficient and timely installation while limiting travel and contact. importance of heat
July 2022 12| ENGINEERING PDATE
Aftercare should be a key consideration when choosing a heat exchanger supplier
continues page 14...
exchanger aftercare
By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers
your
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your speci cations. For more information please contact us tel: 01925 839610 | email: info.uk@rmig.com | www.rmig.com
galvanizing solutions
ClassroomE-learning based “Live” On-sitewebinarscourses Tailored options For more information call 0121 601 6691 scan code for the training guide or email: training@bpma.org.uk Independent Pump Training from |13 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE we make ideas come to life RMIG is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of perforated metal and its related products. We know our customers’ requirements for price and quality and meet their demands with uncompromising service. Not only do we offer standard and bespoke perforated metal sheets, we are able to offer you a range of secondary operations as detailed below. Complete solutions With a continued investment in the latest equipment and a network of professional partners we are able to produce prime quality products and solutions – from a simple perforated sheet to the fully formed and coated custom made part. Cutting We can cut and shape perforated sheet to meet the needs of your nal application.
Rolling
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Levelling For some applications a high degree of atness is required, have processes in place to ensure perforated coils and sheets meet with most demanding requirements. and forming can roll, bend and form perforated sheets to match design. nishes and protective coating can offer powder coating and hot dip to meet
Maintenance needs can vary depending on the type of equipment or products being processed and the required design conditions. Therefore, when selecting a heat exchanger supplier, it may well be useful to ascertain the range of maintenance services which they can offer to help keep equipment running smoothly, including preventative maintenance and servicing, holding reserved stocks of necessary spare parts, and exchanging components where Today’snecessary.globalbusiness structures mean that the location of manufacturing plants is not an issue when it comes to choosing an equipment supplier, and as such you should look at a supplier’s capabilities to support you both locally and remotely.
July 2022 14| ENGINEERING PDATE
When equipment is fitted with a remote access and monitoring system, the manufacturer can access key information and metrics.
A reputable manufacturer will also offer expert insights into the latest technological advancements that could benefit users’ systems process and operational costs. For example, a performance audit allows the manufacturer’s engineers and designers to analyse the performance of the equipment and offer guidance on how to improve, properly maintain desired conditions or reduce costs. In addition to condition monitoring, this will provide factbased insights into the performance of the equipment to prolong service life and help to plan maintenance. This will also allow the supplier to suggest appropriate upgrades which will improve system performance, increase capacity or operational efficiency, or lower running costs. In certain cases where other factors are of paramount importance, such as the footprint of equipment, space saving solutions can be implemented.
When equipment is fitted with a remote access and monitoring system, the manufacturer can access key information and metrics and, when necessary, log on and discover any potential issues and quickly identify their resolution.
While correct installation is essential to increase the lifetime of the system and ensure its correct functioning, there are other support services which clients should expect from their equipment suppliers. These include initial aspects such as the provision of training and documentation for both operation and maintenance.
Using the manufacturer’s design expertise and technical know-how can save time and money by identifying problems and solutions quickly and without incurring costly site visits.
www.hrs-heatexchangers.cominfo@uk.hrs-he.com
AN ESSENTIALON-SITE CYGNUS 4+ ULTRASONIC THICKNESS GAUGE • Multi-mode accurate measuring including heavily corroded metals with a thin or no coating • Light, intuitive, reliable material thickness gauge • Large sunlight readable display with Live A-scan • Sequential data-logging for easy reporting/analysis • Safe operation in explosive atmospheres: Class 1, Division 2, Group D locations only, as defined in NFPA 70, Article 500 OILGASAND TEMPERATUREHIGH STORAGETANKS ENGINEERINGCIVIL TUBESPIPES/ SCAN THE QR CODE TO GET YOUR FREE QUOTE OR CALL OUR TEAM ON +44 (0) 1305 265 533 CYGNUS-INSTRUMENTS.COM
Caption: FlowSyn Maxi™ high throughput flow reactor for process chemists
The FlowSyn Maxi™ from Uniqsis is a high throughput flow reactor for process chemists looking to optimise reaction conditions before scaling-up synthetic production to multiple kilograms per day.
High ProcessFlowThroughputReactorforChemists
C
July 2022 16| ENGINEERING PDATE
ombining the benefits of proven FlowSyn technology with the capability to run at high flow rates (up to 100 ml/min) in a compact benchtop designthe FlowSyn Maxi™ sets a new standard for higher throughput applications. Designed for ease of use the highly intuitive user software interface quickly guides you through the process for setting up a flow chemistry reaction. Once set up, FlowSyn Maxi automatically runs the experiment unattended, ensuring that critical parameters remain within defined limits.
FlowSyn Maxi™ is designed to carry out superheated reactions up to +260°C (1400 psi) and cooled reactions down to -70°C - making it one of the most versatile process scale flow reactors available. The robustly constructed system can be specified in stainless steel or Hastelloy® with PTFE flow paths making it compatible with most chemistries. The unit is fitted with larger bore inlet tubing and upgraded inlet/outlet solenoid valves with bigger fluidic channels to cope with higher process scale flow rates. The FlowSyn Maxi™ is compatible with all existing Uniqsis coil reactors, though is optimized for use with larger reactors (up to 60ml) using 1/8-inch OD tubing in conjunction with glass static mixer chips to ensure efficient and reproducible mixing. Reagents can be delivered from large stock bottles or from sample loops (up to 50 ml). For further information about the FlowSyn Maxi™ please click here or contact Uniqsis on +44-845-864-7747/ info@uniqsis.com.
ecoUK AC PLTD OWER www.ecopacpower.co.uk ENCLOSEDPOWERSUPPLY DINSUPPLYPOWERRAIL OPEN POWERFRAMESUPPLY MEAN WELL POWER SUPPLIES Ecopac (UK) Power Ltd, Unit 4, Ridgeway, Crendon Industrial Area, Long Crendon, Bucks, HP18 9BF CALL OUR EXPERT TEAM TODAY! +44 (0) 1844 204420 Email us at info@ecopacpower.co.uk
One of the key attributes of direct ultrasonic welding is that it is an “on demand” process, delivering optimised weld energy at high efficiency levels into the joint. Involving only the joint materials themselves, the process supports and of life recyclability. The process is fast, easily automatable for high volume welding, and can join dissimilar materials. It also delivers excellent results with highly conductive materials, and it is particularly good with thin copper and aluminium, thin wires, and also multi-layer sheets. The larger conductor / termination sizes and cross sections involved in EV applications require high power ultrasonic oscillations using Telsonic’s Torsional technology to deliver high levels of energy within very short process times to produce the weld.
Telsonic has kept pace with the growing e-mobility market, developing and perfecting the techniques and machines required for these applications based upon their Linear, SONIQTWIST ® and patented PowerWheel ® technology. Another important factor in Telsonic’s success in these applications is their high-power MAG based generator capability which allows large cross section single point welding.
As a technology which has been widely used for joining plastics, wire splicing and metal connector welding within the automotive, and other industries for decades, it is a natural progression that ultrasonic welding is fast becoming a process for many joining applications on components being manufactured for Hybrid and full Electric Vehicles. Historically, this fast, efficient, measurable, and environmentally friendly process has delivered joint quality and commercial advantages for many manufacturers. The advent of Electromobility has now opened up a wide range of new opportunities for ultrasonic welding on components such as high voltage interconnectors tabs and foils as part of the battery, together with battery management components and sensing harnesses.
Global targets driving forward the introduction of all electric vehicles (EV’s) have created multiple considerations for EV battery development. These include a range of factors such as average journey distances, charging times, charging infrastructure, and as a consequence, optimisation of battery range. The weight, size and compactness are the main considerations within the battery technology itself, that is, the energy density of the battery cells. WITH ULTRASONIC WELDING
Telsonic PowerWheel ® Telsonic SONIQTWIST
With such high volumes projected of batteries with multiple sub cells, the combined performance of connections within the battery construction, battery management and sensing are vital areas for consideration. Additional key factors include any manufacturing process effects on the battery components, the speed and cost of production, and of future importance, end of life recyclability.
Over the last decade
18| July 2022 ENGINEERING PDATE CONNECTING EV TECHNOLOGY
The various battery structure types generally involve Busbar interconnections for series or parallel connections, and the materials used for wire conductors or their rigid connections are mainly copper and aluminium. Ultrasonic technology can be employed as the joining method used on a variety of tasks in battery cell construction and their subsequent interconnection. This involves busbars, prismatic foil and tab welding. These operations are ideally suited to Telsonic’s Linear Technology MPX range, which has been developed for wire terminations braided connectors and pouch tabs, with the capability to deliver low or high-power joining as required for the specific application.
Typical EV Pouch Cells
|19 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE
MPX applications include Low & High Power joining tasks for wire cross-sections of 4mm2 to 50mm2 - Copper -and 70mm2 -Aluminium MPX module ready for automation integration for battery pouch applications
Energy storage systems for EVs have a modular design and consist of single battery cells that are joined into modules which are then grouped to form a battery pack. The cells may be secured using metal or plastic support structures to leave space for state-of-charge related swelling. The joining application opportunities include individual battery construction and the interconnection of the cell arrays. The commonly employed Li-ion battery has three different cell types which are solid cylindrical cells, soft pouch or polymer cells, and solid prismatic structure types. The pouch type battery construction is an especially good fit for the ultrasonic weld process where typically, thin copper, nickel plated copper, and aluminium materials are required to be joined.
Battery cell construction and Interconnectors
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High Power Ultrasonic Joining
High Voltage charging connector Welded usingTelsonic’s Power-Wheel ® Aluminiumtechnology cable welded into Nickel plated tubular lug with PowerWheel ® technology
Telso ® Terminal TT7
Telso ® Terminal TT7 machine fixturing and tooling
Wire Splicing and Wire End Consolidation
Wire splicing and consolidating in the wire cross sectional area range 0f 0.26mm2 to 75mm2 in Copper, Aluminium and Copper / Aluminium combinations.
Using ultrasonic technology to weld wire harness assemblies has become recognised as the process of choice for sequential splicing for the many different wire cross sections required for the various power distribution supply aspects of any high-volume production vehicle type. Ultrasonic cable splicing machines from Telsonic are used to splice or end consolidate cables ranging from 0.26mm2 up to 75mm2 with a process capable of integration with real time Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Again, Telsonic’s wire splicing technology can conform to industry design standards
A particular “fit” for the Ultrasonic joining process is higher power conductor to terminal joining for EV motive systems. In these applications it can be difficult to maintain process control and quality levels, with the larger cross section conductor cables and their associated connectors, using alternative methods. In these applications, Telsonic’s new PowerWheel ® Technology, integrated within the Telso ® Terminal TT7 system, delivers torsional ultrasonic energy which enables large cross section area wires to be bonded, with narrow bonding areas, and importantly, good part accessibility with directly applied weld force.
Telsonic technology can conform to the automotive performance and design validation specification standards which have been developed by Industry OEM’s and their Tier one suppliers for ultrasonically welded wire terminations.
Ultrasonic Torsional Welding for EV
Telsonic’s
- TSP
Low force / power torsional machines are ideal for foils, flat conductors, battery end cap tabs and delicate sensing components. Applications include collector tab welding on cylindrical cell electrode foils and collector tabs to end caps. Conversely, the same technology can be used with higher force and power to weld round stud type high power connectors requiring direct force over the joint and encapsulation of the stud male features. TSP range are supplied as standalone machines, or modules for integration Into automated systems for the production of connectors and battery cells. automation
systems High force / power applications Low Force / Low Power ApplictionsTelsoSplice ® TS3 / TS6 Wire Splicer
Historically this ultrasonic process has been used for hard-to-reach applications at a range of different power settings, and for welding within recesses and welding onto ceramics (IGBT). The main reasons for and advantages of using the torsional process over conventional ultrasonic welding is the “reach,” plus the process is gentler on sensitive or delicate product assemblies.
|21 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE info.uk@telsonic.com www.telsonic.comTelsonic’s TSP range of machines used stand-alone or integrated into
Vertical Applications Range
Shaping the future: free conference sessions with all new Supply Chain Theatre
This year Subcon also ran two parallel conference streams across all three show days, sponsored by leaders in sustainability, Inenco. The Engineer Expo and Manufacturing Management Show Theatre were spearheaded by the leading journals The Engineer and Manufacturing Management.
Bringing together speakers including Rhys Herbert, Senior Economist at Lloyds Bank and Dave Swan, Chief Technology Officer at Tharsus Group, this theatre offered visitors insight into the key issues and trends that are driving innovation and shaping the UK’s industrial landscape in 2022.
New for 2022, the all new Supply Chain Theatre was also a great success, providing on-the-spot usable and workable solutions on everything from smart tech implementation and security, to workforce development and hitting net-zero. With speakers from IBM, Alliance Procurement Solutions and Vendigital, there was something for everyone.
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Fellow exhibitor DVR added: “Subcon is always the highlight of our year because of the quality of leads we get and the team here really looks after you. I’m looking forward to next year already!”
Subcon returned to the NEC, Birmingham on the 7th – 9th June 2022. The 45th celebration of the event didn’t disappoint, from busy stands, to engaged conference sessions and even free cream teas in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the show encapsulated the industry’s optimism and successes. exceptional three days at Subcon 2022 celebrating 45 years as the premier subcontract supply chain show
An
Visitor numbers saw a massive 30% increase compared with 2021. The co-location with The Engineer Expo and Manufacturing Management Show ensured visitors had plenty to discover, with over 200 international and British exhibitors for visitors to source solutions from and discover new products. Feelings of success were also mirrored by the exhibiting companies with 50% already rebooking their stand for next year, and 10% upgrading their stand size.
A spokesperson from exhibitor Ash Technologies said: “We’ve generated lots of new leads from companies we haven’t seen before, or companies we’ve tried to get into in the past but haven’t managed to.”
For more information on visitor and exhibitor opportunities, and to register your interest, please visit www.subconshow.co.uk
• Subcon celebrates MAB’s leading journals: Subcon is supported by several of the foremost manufacturing and engineering journals which were on display at this year’s show. With The Engineer, Manufacturing Management, Machinery, FAST and Made In Ireland to name just a few, it was fantastic to see the support from the Mark Allen Business titles and to be a part of this leading voice within the industry.
Looking forward to 2023: Subcon will be back from the 7th – 8th June 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham. Next year, alongside The Engineer Expo and Manufacturing Management Show, The Advanced Manufacturing Show will also be featured. The eagerly anticipated return and 4th edition of the biannual Advanced Manufacturing Show will showcase cutting edge machine technologies, cutting tools, work holding apparatus and manufacturing equipment needed by an audience of manufacturing production professionals. This is a dedicated event for buyers to be able to benchmark the latest manufacturing technology on the market to make their investment and purchasing decisions.
• Buyers Lounge sponsored by Qimtek: VIP visitors were entitled to exclusive access to a Buyers Lounge, allowing for dedicated networking and key discussions to take place.
Event Director, Jason Dante, commented: “Subcon 2022 has been an exceptional show and we’ve been so pleased to see visitor numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels. The diversity of companies at the show brought together the full manufacturing ecosystem to do business in a lively We’denvironment.alsolike to say a big thank you to our show sponsors Omnidex, Inenco and Qimtek, as well as all our exhibitors and visitors to the show. We have already started planning for next year and can’t wait to share all the exciting details!”
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• Jubilee celebrations: Subcon added a little extra pizazz for the Queen’s 70th Jubilee celebrations! With bunting around the show and free cream teas, visitors made the most of the festivities.
Other event highlights:
• Chatty Hatter Live Podcast: Subcon was delighted to be supported by Chatty Hatter, who ran their live podcast takeover (That Engineering Chat). Chatty Hatter will be sharing the lively and informative podcasts that were recorded live at the show over the coming weeks!
R&D Tax Claims has a free downloadable guide to choosing an adviser available at www.rdtaxclaims.co.uk Evans R&D Tax Claims Ltd
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Expertise and experience are crucial. What constitutes R&D within the engineering sector is very different from other industries, and that’s why any adviser needs to have specialist knowledge in order to properly advise on a claim. They should also have a history of successful claims, and testimonials from customers who they’ve previously assisted (preferably more than a year ago, so they’re past the HMRC enquiry deadline).
July 2022 24| ENGINEERING PDATE Mark
Avoiding costly R&D tax claim mistakes
Next April, a number of changes are being introduced including the requirement to name any adviser who helped prepare the claim documents. This should lead to a reduction in the number of ‘cowboy firms’ as the submission of numerous fraudulent claims by the same people will be easier to identify. But how can engineering firms ensure they’re getting the right advice in the meantime?
Mark Evans – founder of R&D Tax Claims Ltd, which specialises in
beofButlittletakeonthey’rereceives“Whenaboutengineeringmanufacturingsupportingandcompanies–saysit’sallgettingtherightadvice:anengineeringcompanyacoldcalladvisingthementitledtosubmitanR&Dclaimano-win,no-feebasis,it’seasytoupthatofferandassumethere’sornoriskassociated.HMRChasrampedupthenumberenquiriesthey’reopening.Thiscandoneuptoayearafterpayingouta
claim, meaning companies have often re-invested the money they were paid out by the time they’re notified that there’s an investigation underway.
As the Government clamps down on the £311m worth of fraudulent R&D claims made each year, how can engineering companies ensure they’re claiming what they’re entitled to without risking a HRMC enquiry months down the line?
Many accountants will refer their clients into an R&D firm, so it’s worth asking to help ease your mind that you’re using a reputable firm. And if you’ve already submitted a claim and are now worried that your adviser wasn’t the specialist they claimed to be? Then it’s worth putting aside the money you were paid until after the 12-month enquiry period has passed.
12-13 October 2022 Coventry Building Society Arena THE LARGEST UK EVENT DEDICATED TO DESIGN ENGINEERING www.engineeringdesignshow.co.uk Celebrating 10 years Interested in exhibiting? Get in touch with simon.bonell@markallengroup.com for more information on our exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities. @EngDesignShow #EngDesignShow
New conveyor module makes chicken processing much more hygienic
The separation of the conveyed goods offers—in addition to the significantly improved hygiene—another decisive advantage over traditional chutes: Instead of turning the breast caps or wings from piece goods to bulk goods at this process step, the UHT ensures that they could remain identifiable along the entire process chain—for example, through appropriate sensor technology in conjunction with goods management systems.
Depending on requirements, wing or breast meat is transported in stainless steel screen baskets which, instead of chutes, pick up the meat individually in a circular conveyor process and then deposit it on an existing conveyor belt. Corresponding measurements at test customers have shown that this solution reduces the number of meat particles usually produced in the flow of goods by 85–90 percent and significantly reduces the germ load of the processed meat products compared to the chutes commonly used to date.
Interroll is now helping companies that handle chicken meat to meet this challenge with its new Ultra Hygienic Transfer (UHT). A disruptive innovation solution for automated material handling processes, the conveyor module reduces the number of meat particles that end up on existing conveyor systems after cutting by 85–90 percent. Combined with Hygienic Product Design, which allows for particularly effective cleaning, this reduces the risk of germ contamination, and enables improved shelf life of chicken products and end-to-end quality control along operational processes.
The new Ultra Hygienic Transfer (UHT) was developed following extensive surveys of international customers and users in the food industry who value hygienically optimized automation solutions. It is based on the principles of hygienic product design and, as a modular product, has an equally robust and open design that is very easy to clean. The conveyor module can be installed between the upstream cutting machines and the downstream conveyor belts as a stand-alone solution— without additional sensors—requiring only a power connection for the integrated drum motor.
Particularly strict hygiene requirements apply when handling and processing open foodstuffs in order to minimize the risk of contamination.
"The subsequently packaged end product, such as the breast cap, can then be assigned to the original product by appropriate solutions from our customers, the system integrators. This is an important prerequisite for enabling quality control along the entire supply and processing chain in the hygiene environment," says Dr. Stephan Kronholz, who is responsible for new hygienic platform solutions at Interroll.
The conveyor module, which is available on the market immediately, was designed by the engineers at Interroll Innovation GmbH. The Ultra Hygienic Transfer (UHT) is produced at the Interroll site in Hückelhoven-Baal, Germany.
July 2022 26| ENGINEERING PDATE
Hygienic Valves for the Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Industry The Right Connection for your Hygienic Process Designed for easy maintenance, quick adjustability, and superior performance. Dixons extensive hygienic valve range are deigned to meet the most demanding process applications. Custom fabrication services, hose assemblies, filters/strainers, instrumentation, sight glasses, tube hangers, and cleaning and washdown accessories are also part of the product line. Sizes • Ball Valves: ½” - 4” • Butterfly Valves: 1” - 8” • Check Valves: ½” - 4” • Sample Valves: 1” - 4” • Seat Valves: 1” - 4” • Mixproof Valves: 1” - 8” For informationmore dixoneurope.co.uk +44 (0)1772 323529 sales@dixoneurope.co.uk
Here, we look at four inspirational female engineers who have led the way for young women.
28| Tahani Amer
At NASA, Mary explored how air behaves around aeroplanes. After a successful career, Mary continued to challenge gender stereotypes and prejudices that were present within engineering. As a woman, she was not given the promotions she deserved as an acclaimed scientist. In response to this, Jackson became the Langley Research Center’s Federal Women’s Program Manager. Here, she worked towards gender equality within the wider engineering field, paving the way for young women who aspired to be like her.
United States from Cairo, Egypt when she was only 17 years old. A mother of two, Amer has a number of academic achievements under her belt – a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Aerospace Engineers, and a PhD in Engineering from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Amer is an aerospace engineer at NASA. During her time with NASA, she has gained both theoretical and hands-on experience, from working on computer coding to fitting a velocity probe in a wind tunnel. Dr Amer has also created and patented a new system to measure levels of thermal conductivity of thin film. Impressive, to say the least.
To kickstart our list of Tahaniengineer.American-Muslimaofmanylet’sfemaleinspirationalengineers,exploretheachievementsDrTahaniAmer,modern-daymovedtothe
Mary W. Jackson
Inspirational Female Engineers: Engineering is a male-dominated field. In fact, women accounted for only 14.5% of engineers in 2021. Throughout history, women have battled prejudices to contribute to the world of engineering. Despite this, the inventions of women have been revolutionary, and the world as we know it wouldn’t be the same without their legacies.
Next on our list is another notable aerospace engineer: Mary W. Jackson. Preceding the success of Tahani Amer, Jackson became the first black female engineer at NASA in 1958. Considering this monumental feat, it’s no wonder Jackson is on our list of inspirational female engineers.
Margaret E. Knight
Beatrice Shilling
|29
Four Women Who Made History
Fast forward to 1932, where Beatrice Shilling was leading the way for women in the aeronautical industry. After completing an MSc in Mechanical Engineering at Victoria University in Manchester, England, Beatrice worked in the Royal Aircraft Establishment. During this time, Shilling created the revolutionary RAE Restrictor. This component stopped engines from flooding or starving themselves of fuel. The creation was invaluable for the allied efforts in World War II, as Royal Air Force pilots claimed engines were stalling during combat.
Beatrice went on to join the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, completing work on rocket propulsion and supersonic aircraft. From a young girl interested in the mechanics of motorbikes to an inspirational female engineer, Shilling’s achievements are worthy of her esteem. These women are shining examples for young women today. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in engineering or you’re simply here to learn about the often overlooked achievements of women in a male-dominated field, we hope this article has inspired you to learn more about inspirational female engineers.
For further information about studying for a career in mechanical engineering please visit the Heriot-Watt University website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/study/undergraduate/mechanical-engineering-beng.htm
Born in 1838, American inventor Margaret E. Knight utilised mechanical engineering to improve manufacturing in the Victorian Era. Throughout her life, she created over 25 inventions, from a compound rotary engine to a shuttle restraint Margaretsystem. is renowned for her creation of the paper bag machine. While working at the Columbia Paper Bag Company, she invented an automated machine to improve the process of folding paper bags by hand. Knight went on to co-own the Eastern Paper Bag Company, continuing her legacy as one of the most influential female engineers in history. In 1868, a man attempted to claim credit for her invention. A force to be reckoned with, she won the rights to patent her machine, and the rest is history. If Knight was alive today and able to study a mechanical engineering course at university, we can hardly begin to imagine the inventions she would create.
Gerresheimer Medical Systems Division produces over one billion high quality, medical grade, glass cartridges every year and central to its new post-production inspection and packaging system is the IEF Werner varioSTACK CF (Clean Factory) tray palletiser. Chosen for its ability to handle the cartridges quickly, gently and with high precision the varioSTACK CF is also supplied in the UK by RARUK Automation.
As primary packaging, the cartridges are most often used for insulin delivery when combined with a pen system for patients to self-administer doses. In a cleanroom environment, the varioSTACK CF is required to sort the cartridges into different containers to cost-effectively replace operators who previously had to pick cartridges from a tube and place them into polypropylene (PP) boxes. The investment now means operators are free to perform other, more valuable and rewarding tasks.
As illustrated in this application, IEF-Werner tray palletisers are aligned with flexible factory automation and demandoriented material flow and the autonomous, modular systems are suitable for a diverse range of applications, including the automotive component sector as well as the pharmaceutical and health and beauty industry. Available in the UK through RARUK Automation Ltd, customers also benefit from the technical and commercial guidance and expertise of RARUK Automation when specifying and integrating equipment into existing or new production lines.
CLEANROOM TRAY HANDLING SYSTEM GENTLY HANDLES
The sorting process required the varioSTACK CF to be integrated with Gerresheimer’s own camera inspection system and a pallet buffer with full and empty trays to facilitate highly accurate automated control. Working with Gerresheimer’s own Technical Competence Centre, IEF Werner delivered a flexible concept that includes the use of auxiliary boxes to clamp the PP boxes as well as the matrix trays.
MEDICAL-USE GLASS CARTRIDGES
The IEF-Werner tray handling system is able to use two types of packaging: matrix trays with a capacity of 22 x 15 cartridges and auxiliary containers made of plastic, within which PP boxes may be placed. Each box is able to store 380 cartridges. At the end of the line a staff member removes the container, folds the front flap, and places the lid on.
The production line consists of the automatic pick-up of cartridges from the oven conveyor, where they relax at about 600°C after forming, a measuring section and finally to the varioSTACK CF; where the last two operations are performed in an ISO Class 8 clean room. Once in the clean room a product gripper picks up 30 cartridges simultaneously and places 15 onto each of two measuring sections. These work synchronously in a reciprocating manner so that no glass cartridge touches another. In order to reach the high pass standard, a G3 camera system, including lifter, are integrated in every measuring section. The system examines the cartridges for cosmetic errors. If the camera determines an error, the gripper removes the defective part and places it on a slide, which leads to a waste chute. Additionally, it is possible to interrupt the process and remove cartridges as test samples in order to monitor the measuring system.
automation@raruk.com www.rarukautomation.com
July 2022 30| ENGINEERING PDATE
The cartridges, which are free from defects, are then transported to the final packaging area. An employee puts the empty container stacks on a conveyor belt. This feeds the varioSTACK CF automatically. A gripper picks up the parts out of the compressor track and places them automatically in the corresponding container. On the opposing side a further gripper picks the full containers up and places them on the pallet buffer.
While solar power generation is generally associated with capturing the sun’s energy via solar arrays for conversion into electricity, Schwank’s new Solar Air Collectors work in a very different way. In fact, there is no conversion process involved in creating the heat that they produce.
These solarSchwank facade-mounted systems are made of durable, perforated, light-weight aluminium with a solar active surface coating (absorber). This selective coating ensures a highly efficient conversion of solar energy into thermal energy. When the sun’s rays meet the solar active surface, they are converted into thermal energy and released into the air layer below the absorber. The heated air cushion is then fed directly into the building assisted by a fan. This is carried out without any conversion processes or use of a heat exchanger.
solarSchwank systems are available with or without fresh air supply and can be easily and quickly installed in new or existing buildings, significantly reducing heating costs and CO2 emission.
The Solar Air Collectors are available in fresh air and recirculating mode. Blue equals green! The new solarSchwank systems use the power of the sun and provide climate-neutral heating. The solar-active, selective surface shines in the typical blue colour
Schwank is a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial and commercial heating, climate, ventilation, and HVAC solutions. The Schwank Group, established for over 80 years and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, distributes its innovative energy efficient products in over 40 countries and is the global market leader in the field of gas infrared heaters and has recently developed a tube heater that can be powered by 100% hydrogen gas.
Further information from sales@schwank.co.uk
New Schwank Solar Air Collectors offer Climate Neutral Heating
Thanks to this efficient method, heating costs can be reduced, for instance, by 50% and CO2 emissions can likewise be lowered.
July 2022 32| ENGINEERING PDATE
To meet rising energy costs and decarbonisation requirements for industry and logistics, Schwank has introduced Solar Air Collectors for renewable heat generation. See https://schwank.co.uk/products/renewable-systems/solar-air-collectors/
|33 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE Fluid Carr ying Flexibility Swivel Joints Bingswood Trading Estate Whaley Bridge | High Peak | SK23 7LY | UK ArticulatedPipework InTorsionHosesRotatingCylinders Swivel joints allow pipework to pressure 1/4” to 40” and beyond. Vacuum to over 20,000psi Stock and bespoke production. Unique bearing/seal design for longer life. ISO 9001 CE marked where applicable. Tel: +44(0)1663 735003 E-mail:
Feedback from exhibitors on the show floor was excellent. The huge popularity of the show has already seen a record re-book rate, with many exhibitors keen to secure their place on the show floor for next year as early as possible.
TCT 3Sixty’s ongoing partnership with The CREATE Education Project saw Inspired Minds return for the first time since the pandemic. Over 100 secondary school students attended TCT 3Sixty to undertake 3D printing workshops, lead by industry experts, in a purpose-built classroom on the show floor. They also had the opportunity to explore the show further and discover the many live tech demonstrations in the hall.
Well-loved 3D printing content creators, Sam Prentice and Joel Telling (3D Printing Nerd) joined the thousands of visitors at the show. Telling was more than happy to share his thoughts on the latest 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology, and delighted his many fans on the show floor with his infectious energy and passion for the sector and tech on show.
Highlights of TCT 3Sixty 2022 included a CPD accredited conference programme with over 60 world-class presentations from Boston Consulting, US Air Force, Deutsche Bahn, MTC, Callum, Vital Auto, Progressive Technology and the University of Birmingham alongside panels and debates covering sustainability, quality assurance and supply chain.
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The two day show saw a huge number of attendees create an electric atmosphere whilst discussing the latest industry developments, networking and building longterm business partnerships. The palpable buzz of excitement in the hall suggests a bright future for the growing 3D printing and additive manufacturing sector in the UK, over the next 12 months and beyond.
Success of TCT 3Sixty 2022 Promises Bright Future Ahead for UK 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Sector
The UK additive manufacturing and 3D printing community gathered on 8-9th June at the NEC, Birmingham for two incredible days of innovation and collaboration.
Thousands of visitors and 160 exhibitors met at the NEC to share and witness mind-blowing demonstrations of the latest developments and practical applications of 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
Adam Thickett, Development Engineer at Siemens Energy said: “This was a great opportunity to engage directly with the additive manufacturing industry experts all in one place and so easily and quickly compare what is currently available.”
TCT 3Sixty will return to the NEC on 7-8th June 2023. For more information visit www.tct3sixty.com
Catherine Aspinall, Marketing Manager at Tri-Tech 3D said: “TCT is THE show for us, it’s the leading additive manufacturing show in the UK...this is the one to go to so we had to be here. The show so far has been really busy, quite shocking really as we didn’t know how it was going to go, but we’ve had queues outside the door, the guys have been busy all morning – we can’t complain. It’s innovative, fun and exciting. It’s our 6th show for TCT, we come back every year. For us, TCT is the only UK show dedicated to AM, we’d be stupid not to be here. All our customers come here, all our prospects come here and it’s nice to see other people from the industry as well. Next year, we’re looking forward to being back here again.”
Feedback from visitors on the show floor was also extremely positive.
|35 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE
Yves Jamers, Sales Manager UK&I at HP Printing said: “The show is really brilliant, TCT is a show where we absolutely need to be as HP. Brilliant conversations so far, we’ve already met a couple of really interesting prospects and it’s really living up to our expectations. Our main objective is to show people how HP can make a difference in additive manufacturing. This is my second time at TCT, I really love the show here and the venue. We’re coming back next year!”
Alex Ball, Head of Imaging and Analysis at The Natural History Museum said: “TCT is important to the industry because you can get a really good snapshot of all the industries in one place – so 3D printing, 3D scanning and the software that supports all of that – to see it all in one place is unusual, and I haven’t seen it anywhere else. It’s a good melting pot for all of the different technologies that are important to the industry.”
Directory July 2022 36| Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies European Corporate Office, Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5TU 01635 eurosales@cwst.comwww.cwst.co.uk279621 Phoenix Mecano Ltd 26 Faraday Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8RY +44 (0)1296 www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk611660 Blackfast Chemicals Ltd Unit 5 Russell House , Molesey Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey, KT12 3PE 0207 339 7370, www.blackfast.comsales@blackfast.com Monitran Monitran Ltd, Monitor House, 33 Hazlemere Road, Penn, HP10 8AD, UK T: +44 (0)1494 816569 E:www.monitran.cominfo@monitran.com Ecopac (UK) Power Ltd Unit 4, Ridgeway, Crendon Industrial Area, Long Crendon, Bucks, HP18 9BF Tel: +44 www.ecopacpower.co.uk1844204420 T&D Corporation Mr Minoru Ito, European Sales Office, Gronauer Straße 1, 61194 Niddatal, Germany 0049 (0)6034 europe.office@tandd.de930970www.tandd.com ODU-UK LTD. Unit 3A, Whitworth Court, Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1WA. Tel.: (0044)-330 002 0640, sales@odu-uk.co.ukwww.odu-uk.co.uk TR Fastenings LTD Trifast House, Bellbrook Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QW Free phone: 08454 811 800 E-mail:www.trfastenings.comsales@trfastenings.com ENGINEERING UPDATE
HRS Heat Exchangers 0-12 Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 www.hrs-heatexchangers.com8JYEmail:info@uk.hrs-he.comTel:+44(0)1923232335 Rotech Machines Limited 1 Brownfields Court Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire, AL7 www.rotechmachines.com1AJ BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse Carl-Sonnenschein-Straße 22 D-59348 Lüdinghausen – Germany Phone: (+49) 02591 / 91 94 – 0 info@bulte.de www.bulte.com Wood Automated Systems UK (ATG – Systems) Tenter Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate Northampton, NN3 6AX +44 (0)7827 Tim.Bednall@woodplc.com327231www.the-atg.com Lascar Electronics Ltd UK Module www.lascarelectronics.comWhiteparish,HouseWiltshireSP52SJ+44(0)1794884567sales@lascar.co.uk Foremost Electronics Ltd 14 Bluegate Business Park Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4PZ TEL: +44 (0) 1371 811171 FAX: +44 (0) 1371 810933 WEB: www.4most.co.uk Seepex UK Ltd. 3 Armtech Row Houndstone Business Park Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RW T +44 1935 472376www.seepex.comsales.uk@seepex.com Mecmesin Ltd Newton House, Spring Copse Business Park, Slinfold, West Sussex, RH13 0SZ w: www.mecmesin.com t: +44 (0) 1403 799979 e: info@mecmesin.com Directory |37 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE
An Engineered Approach to Executive Search?
That’s exactly what The Clay Partnership has bought to the sector, in a fresh and inspiring approach to help Manufacturing and Engineering Companies to find and secure the best senior talent in the market.
Imagine working with people that have actually done the jobs they are recruiting for!
Being a qualified Engineer who transitioned over his 25 year career into global commercial roles, in 2020, Dan decided to provide a service which addressed this gap.
Dan further explained: “My own 25 years of sector relevant experience allows us to speak with Companies on their level and truly understand their succession challenges, actually translating the real requirements of the roles, using my knowledge to help shape the job specification."
Dans real-world experience also means he has the experience to work with Candidates to ensure a smooth and “no surprises” experience, having himself being placed multiple times by Executive Search Companies.
Dan Martin – The Clay Partnership’s Founder explained: “During my career, having being in various leadership positions myself in Organisations,ManufacturingIhadfound it could be very challenging trying to explain the nuances of a Senior level Job specification to someone that had no real-world experience in a Manufacturing and Engineering environment, or who hadn’t themselves worked at a senior level.”
July 2022 38| ENGINEERING PDATE
The Clay Partnership typically provides Executive Search services for roles in the £50k - £150k Salary range, meaning they offer a true search and selection process, aiming to uncover the best passive candidates in the market. Get in touch with Dan to see how he can help you find the best individuals at danmartin@theclaypartnership.com or on 01785 450154, or visit our website www.theclaypartnership.com
Imagine an Engineer finding you your next Head of Engineering, or a seasoned Senior Commercial Leader finding you your next high performing Sales or Marketing Directors.
Protecting Your Plant Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used whenever information or monitoring of shaft rotation, position, direction, speed, slip etc is required! Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used for indication, control, interlocking, protection, sequencing, alarm initiations and many more functions! Rotech Motion Sensor’s can be used wherever materials are transported or processed By conveyors, elevators, screws, mixers, etc! Tel : +44 (0)151 356 2322 Website: www.rotechsystems.co.uk Fax: +44 (0)151 356 2437 Email: sales@rotechsystems.co.uk Monitoring the world
July 2022 40| ENGINEERING PDATE
CLOSING DATE 29TH JULY 2022
The closing date for submission of applications for the inaugural PPMA BEST ‘Grant Jamieson Engineering Scholarship’ is Friday 29th July 2022. Awarded by PPMA BEST, the Grant Jamieson Engineering Scholarship is an annual grant of up to £5,000 presented to the most outstanding individual who has demonstrated a genuine interest and potential in the field of engineering to PPMA member businesses and, for whom, additional financial support will aid their pursuit of a career in engineering.
The first ever recipient of the recently launched Grant Jamieson Engineering Scholarship for 2022 will be announced at PPMA TOTAL 2022, the UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, on Wednesday 28th September at the NEC ForBirmingham.moreinformation on submission and application criteria, please visit: grant-jamieson-engineering-best/grants-and-bursaries/https://www.ppma.co.uk/ppmaWrittenscholarship.htmlapplications should be sent to ppmabest@ppma.co.uk no later than Friday 29th July.
Last call for applications for the ‘Grant Jamieson Engineering Scholarship’
Outstanding CPD Accredited Conference Highlights included a CPD accredited conference programme with more than 30 inspiring presentations covering the use of technologies, machines, material and case studies showcasing technology in action.
The international medical design and manufacturing community gathered on the 8-9th June at the NEC, Birmingham, for two full days of innovation, learning and commerce.
The Med-Tech Innovation Conference, in association with Medilink UK, presented a world-class, CPDaccredited programme offering thought leadership from the sector’s biggest names from Microsoft, Roche Diagnostics, Department for International Trade, Deloitte, NIHR and more.Professor Martin Levermore MBE DL, Chair of Medilink Midlands said “Medilink UK is pleased to be working in partnership with Rapid Group, to bring this leading Med tech focused conference and expo to the Midlands for yet another year. The MTI Expo and Conference provides a fantastic opportunity for our members to network on a national level, with high volumes of visitors, plus exhibitors. The conference provides a superb range of topics with presentations from key industry leaders to inspire and support the med tech community. Medilink UK sits at the heart of industry, academia, Government and the NHS and events such as the MTI Expo demonstrate how we can help our members and our prominence and influence in the sector.”
The two day event saw thousands of enthusiastic and engaged visitors congregate at the NEC to witness the latest industry developments, network with colleagues and build longterm business partnerships.
The Introducing Health-Tech Stage saw industry experts share tips on how to bring a device to market while maintaining regulatory compliance and overcoming challenges. This stage, sponsored by Hessen Trade and Invest, covered every aspect of the medical device supply chain and provided something for everyone.
Roaring International Success at Med-Tech Innovation Expo 2022
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Over 100 cutting-edge organisations showcased their latest developments at the event. This included more than 40 international exhibitors from countries including China, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Mauritius, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States, giving the event a real international feel.
Continued Partnership with Medilink UK The continued partnership between Med-Tech Innovation Expo and Medilink UK delivered two highlights to the show; the conference and the awards ceremony on the evening of day one. This awards saw us celebrate the outstanding business achievements, international successes and innovative breakthroughs made across the life sciences and healthcare technology sectors in the past year.
Matthew Rich, General Manager at PolarSeal said: “It’s critical for us to be here, we weren’t expecting to get this much out of the show, but already we’ve had floods of leads, some from people that we already knew, but even more people that we didn’t know before. Med-Tech Innovation Expo is really critical for the industry as it brings so many people together. For us, it’s critical that we’re here to be in front of our customers and potential customers, people get to see the name. The vibe of the show is great, excellent, we’re loving it. We cannot wait to be back for MedTech 2023, looking forward to it!”
Winners of Pitch@MedTech Innovation Expo For the second year running, a packed Introducing Health-Tech Stage witnessed budding start-ups compete to be crowned this year’s Pitch@MedTech Innovation Expo winner. Organised alongside the NIHR, Innovate UK and SBRI, ten start-ups competed against one another as they sought to impress the judges. This year’s winner was Neuronostics, who beat off fierce competition by showing their capability for revolutionising and diagnosing epilepsy, with a biomarker that reveals seizure risk from apparently normal brain data.
The competition featured innovations which provides longer and better quality of life to brain tumour patients, a provider remote cancer care, and innovative stents for safer surgical procedures.
Andy Tibbs, Managing Director at Boddingtons Plastics said: “Our first day at the show was the best we’ve had in terms of number of enquiries. At any show. And we’re looking forward to coming back next year.”
Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Group, organisers of Med-Tech Innovation Expo, commented: “As always it has been great collaborating with Medilink UK on another extremely successful year. As an organisation we have enjoyed a great relationship with them since 2017 and we look forward to a continued partnership in the coming years.”
Incredible Show Floor Feedback Feedback from exhibitors on the show floor was extremely positive.
Feedback from visitors was equally positive.
Adam Farrow, Medical Devices Project Manager at JEB Technologies said: “We’ve had an exceptionally busy show, day one was manic at times! It was hard to keep up and we had to keep the stand permanently manned with three people, to help deal with queries. Lots of very useful connections and links made with individuals as well as companies we can partner up with for future development work.”
Will Morris, Design Engineer at Haughton Design said: “It’s been fantastic to see the latest trends and innovations at the Med-Tech Innovation Expo at the The NEC, Birmingham this week. It’s also been a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces as well as meet new suppliers and contacts to help our clients accelerate their medical device development.”
Helena Zaum, Social Care Lead at Microsoft also said: “This year is my first visit to Med-Tech Innovation Expo, so I’ve had a look round and it’s just amazing – all the fantastic gadgets that are here! I’m really excited about that innovation – my real thing is that we should not just think about patients in hospital, but very much think about how we can use technology to enable all of us in our day to day lives.”
For www.med-techexpo.cominformationmorevisit
|43 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE
Anthony Llewellyn, R&D Medical Device Engineer, at Scope Ophthalmics said: “I always look forward to Med-Tech Expo as a way of reconnecting with old suppliers and previous colleagues, and discovering new technologies and opportunities.” Med-Tech Innovation Expo will return to the NEC on the 7-8th June 2023.
Plastic tube used for plumbing and underfloor heating is a great example. Marketed, sold, and installed as a sustainable and recyclable option, it is clearly another hidden plastic.
continues page 46...
National Geographic reported that, of the more than 8.3 billion metric tonnes ever created, only 9% has likely ever been recycled. Not just consumer goods are landfilled or incinerated, but so too are most of the ‘hidden plastics’ found in our homes, transport, and places of work. What’s worse is that consumers get blamed, despite thinking they’re acting sustainably.
With the construction sector responsible for half of the total global energy use, and half of all greenhouse gas emissions, it is critical everyone gets involved and strives to limit their impact.
Seemingly a convenient solution to consumers, many simply do not question the fact its recyclability credentials are nothing more than theoretical, and further removed from a circular economy the manufacturers Pipesclaim. made from commonly used plastic compounds such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) all deteriorate over time, making them less and less suitable for recycling or re-manufacturing into other usable items.
Many manufacturers pledge their commitments to developing a catalogue of 100% recyclable products where the raw materials can be used and re-used without the loss of quality or reliance on finite fossil fuels. However, this ambition remains firmly out of reach and is fast becoming an environmental crisis as producers continue creating new plastic, rather than reusing old.
But how can companies do better when the promises made around products’ sustainability are fundamentally flawed? Can plastics really be recycled or achieve a circular economy?
Although the intentions are good and come from a genuine desire of wanting to do better, the reality is that these promises often fall short of the bigger picture, leaving promises of change as nothing more than empty words.
Instead of plastics producers looking at alternative materials for their products, many are in fact re-inventing the wheel trying to recycle a largely unrecyclable product, while misleading consumers with constant greenwashing.
Aiming to incorporate more recycled materials in new products is just not working. Recycled raw material
Unpicking plastic’s questionable sustainability credentials
It’s time we put an end to the plastic greenwash and challenge the myth that plastic has a circular, end of life Re-inventingeconomy. the wheel
Despite being produced from many different types of polymers, they all face the same problem of not being recyclable due to the process being too energy and cost intensive.
Something that has become increasingly evident in recent years is the fact that plastic recycling is a ‘greenwash’.
Now more than ever we hear increasing numbers of firms making bold promises to promote sustainability in the built environment and its supporting manufacturing sector.
The recycled lie
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Transfer Multisort Elektronik Ltd. Coleshill House Suite 1C, 1 Station Road Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1HT, United Kingdom tel. +44 office@tme-uk.eu,1675790026www.tme.eu instagrfacebook.com/linkedin.com/company/1350565twitteryoutube.com/www.tme.euTMElectroniComponent.com/tme_euTME.euam.com/tme.eu
July 2022 46| ENGINEERING PDATE
In construction we have a longstanding heritage of working with a whole host of natural materials which can easily rival plastic in performance, durability, and Whysustainability.chasea seemingly impossible goal of recycled, biodegradable plastic pipe strong enough to endure sun and rain, when we already have the resilience of copper, a material which is infinitely recyclable and retains its properties from its first to every subsequent use?
There’s no wonder we see a similar picture in consumer goods, where multinational giants have been continuously failing to meet their own targets for recycling and using recycled plastics since the 1990’s. The greener way forward
of common polymers such as PVC, PE, and PEX are not readily available and remain more expensive and less durable than their brand-new, carbon intensive Thecounterparts.realityis that products still need to meet required quality standards and it’s incredibly difficult to incorporate once or several times used polymers in producing a product that meets these requirements.
To find out more about the benefits of copper, please visit www.cuspuk.com
To create a future that isn’t reliant on finite resources, we need to look at materials which can offer far more for the environment and the people it serves, without limiting the progress of innovation. We also need to question green credentials of materials and consider the bigger impact on people and the world around Otherwise,us. a sustainable future will unfortunately remain a greenwash pipedream.
It is clear plastic serves a purpose in modern society, but not to the scale it’s currently used. Although polymer research and investment into functioning recycling practices are all well and good, they’re not tackling the bigger problem, our over-reliance on plastic, which is rapidly polluting the planet and damaging ecosystems. We need to limit plastic use, not hope for recycling to work. Research suggests that cutting plastic consumption by half, while making the remainder from non-fossil fuel compounds, will make it possible to cut global emissions from plastics from 1,984 Mt CO2e in 2015 to 790 Mt CO2e in So,2050.what are we waiting for?
The
more efficient cleaning and higher system availability
For
new compact conductivity sensors LDL100 and LDL200 from ifm impress with their fast and precise media differentiation. This helps you to control CIP processes efficiently and to increase the availability of your system. The new LDLs are also simple to commission: They are ready for use out-of-the-box and transmit the conductivity and temperature of the medium via a single M12 connection - digitally and loss-free thanks to IO-Link. As there is no additional evaluation unit required, you also save system costs. So easy, so good. ifm – close to you! Discover the new easy way to control CIP processes.ifm.co m / ukifm.com / uk Go ifmonlineGo ifmonline yearsWARRANTYonifmproducts
to Theattend.event dates are as follows: • Tue 5th July 10am – INFO Exchange • Tue 19th Jul 10am – INFO Exchange • Wed 20th Jul 9.30am –Evaluation Workshop • Wed 27th Jul 9.30am –Evaluation Workshop • Tue 2nd Aug 10am – INFO Exchange • Wed 10th Aug 9.30am –Evaluation Workshop • Tue 16th Aug 10am – INFO Exchange • Wed 24th Aug 9.30am –Evaluation Workshop • Wed 31st
Wed 6th Sep 9.30am
To book to attend any event visit 123insight.com what manufacturing software should be
Exchange •
Thu 15th Sep 10am INFO
There are
delivering for your business
All attendees at both events also receive a free paperback copy of ‘How to implement a manufacturing system’ by 123 Insight’s Marketing Manager Martin Bailey. The book acts as a template for implementing any manufacturing system, not just 123insight, and also highlights the best practices and pitfalls of each stage of the evaluation and implementation process; from initial selection and choosing your implementation team, through to data migration, down-stream training, going live and measuring success.
–
–Evaluation Workshop •
July 2022 48| ENGINEERING PDATE Over a dozen online MRP software educational events to be hosted online over the summer months Free events show
–Evaluation Workshop •
Simon Badger, Managing Director, said; “With the cost of raw materials and energy increasing everywhere, companies are looking to be more efficient than ever. A well-implemented MRP system can deliver business efficiency across every department, not just manufacturing. In these educational events we aim to dispel many of the myths and complexities that often surround MRP, making it accessible to more businesses.”
– INFO Exchange •
123 Insight are to host over a dozen online manufacturing software events until the end of September, allowing companies to get a better understanding of how MRP/ERP can improve overall business efficiency. two event types; the INFO Exchange gives a 50-minute brief taster of the MRP process, while the more in-depth 3-hour Evaluation Workshop goes into much more detail and has a Q&A session at the end, allowing attendees to ask any questions. types are free Aug 10am
Both event
Wed 21st Sep 9.30am
Exchange
The events are suitable either for companies that are looking to move away from paper-based processes or home-grown Excel/database systems, or that are unhappy with their existing manufacturing software and considering replacing it. The INFO Exchange is a one-to-many webinarstyle event, while the number of attendees of the Evaluation Workshop is capped to allow all attendees time to participate in the Q&A session.
Tue 27th Sept 10am INFO
–
Assess Vie Learn Implement Go li e Risk-free selec on process With insight, o on’t commit an thing financiall n l o are f ll trained on the so� are and are % s re that it ill ork for o . Find o t more b a ending one of o r free online e ents, and recei e a free paperback book that e plains ho to implement any MRP s stem, not j st o r o insighn.t.com MRP | ERP | CRM Man fact ring so� are for an ind str Are o str ggling ith: Wasted me Errors and mistakes Inabilit to gro Stock iss es Prod c on management Financial planning O r ed ca onal approach allo s o to nderstand the benefits of MRP, learn the so� are and helps s to nderstand o r b siness needs in a rela ed, informal atmosphere, ith no hard sell.
Simplydone. VARIO-X is the decisive step towards the future! Agile manufacturing, sustainability or Industry 4.0 – thanks to 100 percent automation without control cabinets. Modular, flexible and future-proof, Vario-X brings your machines and systems into the future with decentralized installation technology. future. It‘s that simple. SIMPLY DONE NOW! www.vario-x.com/uk
|51 Julu 2022ENGINEERING PDATE Fluid Carr ying Flexibility Swivel Joints Bingswood Trading Estate Whaley Bridge | High Peak | SK23 7LY | UK ArticulatedPipework InTorsionHosesRotatingCylinders Swivel joints allow pipework to pressure 1/4” to 40” and beyond. Vacuum to over 20,000psi Stock and bespoke production. Unique bearing/seal design for longer life. ISO 9001 CE marked where applicable. Tel: +44(0)1663 735003 E-mail:
July 2022 52| ENGINEERING PDATE
On November 2 and 3, Advanced Engineering will return to the NEC, Birmingham for its 13th edition. With 80 per cent of exhibitor space already sold, engineering and manufacturing businesses should act fast if they want to secure a stand. Last year, over 7,000 people attended across the two days, including representatives from Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Alpine F1, Ford, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of ThisDefence.edition of Advanced Engineering will celebrate and display innovation, growth and development within the UK’s engineering industry. Across the show’s seven zones — aerospace, composites, automotive, advanced metals, connected manufacturing, space and satellite and, new for this year, product testing and quality control, businesses will showcase their latest, ground-breaking technologies and inspire cross-industry collaboration that pushes the UK’s engineering industry to new heights.
Following the success of the 2021 edition, attendees also found the 60 hours of free learning, courtesy of the four forums scattered across the show floor, insightful and inspiring. Highlights included workshops and talks from automotive lifestyle blogger James William Walker, also known as Mr JWW, the Aerospace Technology Institute, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, ADS, the UK Space Agency, Jaguar Land Rover, Composites UK, BAE Systems Make UK and more. These four forums will return in 2022, sponsored and supported by companies including HP, University of Strathclyde, GRP Solutions, Euroresins, Cristex Composite Materials, Ripley Solutions and more. Advanced Engineering is the place to be for the UK’s engineering community. Exhibitor space is selling out fast. To book your stand, visit www.advancedengineeringuk.com and make an enquiry. Alternatively, you can contact our Head of Sales, Ali Farr on +44 (0)20 3196 4244.
Be inspired by innovation at EngineeringAdvanced Find out what’s in store for this year’s attendees
BOOK YOUR STAND aeuk@easyfairs.com | +44 (0)20 3196 4300 advancedengineeringuk.com The UK’s LEADING annual gathering of OEMs and engineering and manufacturing supply chain2professionals&3November 2022 | NEC Birmingham An absolutely outstanding event! We’ve met many great people who we will be looking to work with in the future, and overall it has been a very successful couple of days. Matt Travis, Engineering Manager, JCB Co-located with Scan the QR code to discover the event Association partners Trade AssociationComposites
BCN3D have recently launched their new Metal Pack! Compatible with the Epsilon Series (W50 and W27)
July 2022 54| ENGINEERING PDATE
The Metal Pack is an upgrade for the current Epsilon Series that opens up a new range of applications for BCN3D customers, especially for spare parts, functional prototyping, and tooling.
T
is partnered with CMG Technologies, which will aid in the debinding and sintering process, creating nearly 100% solid stainless 316Lsteel. and 17-4 PH contain high levels of stainless steel in combination with polymer binders which allow easy printing. The binder content from the printed part is removed through a catalytic debinding process. The part then undergoes a subsequent sintering process at temperatures right below the melting temperature of the metal, which causes the metal particles to coalesce. The material then reaches its final state through post-sintering, where it achieves required performances in aspects such as hardness and strength. Learn more about the BCN3D Epsilon series: https://3dgbire.com/pages/bcn3d Book a free https://3dgbire.com/pages/book-your-free-consultationconsultation: www.3dgbire.com | enquiries@3dgbire.com 228411
he Metal Pack includes both Ultrafuse 316L and 17-4 PH and a new exclusive hotend for metal, as well as specific accessories, to ensure a smooth printing experience. BCN3D has created a new printing profile for metal for the BCN3D Stratos slicer that avoids the internal tensions of the printed part during the printing process. After printing, the debinding and sintering process can be carried out 3DGBIREexternally.
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56| July 2022 ENGINEERING PDATE
Interroll is expanding its existing product offering of conveyor solutions for additional industries with the launch of new platform technologies that meet stringent hygienic requirements.
Based on the benefits offered by Interroll’s globally technologysuccessfulplatforms, the new Modular Hygienic Platform (MHP) will now also make available flexibly applicable modular solutions based on the principles of hygienic product design. This makes it possible to significantly improve food safety and shelf life—while at the same time optimizing energy and operational efficiency. The innovation offensive in this area is being launched with the Special Hygienic Conveyor (SHC) and the Ultra Hygienic Transfer (UHT) The new Special Hygienic Conveyor (SHC), for example, makes the added customer value offered by the globally popular Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP) available to system integrators and users who have to meet particularly demanding hygiene requirements. This means that highly efficient, zero-pressureaccumulation material flows can now be implemented in food processing work processes, which until now have usually been used only in modern parcel centers or other distribution facilities. The decentralized drive concept used in the Special Hygienic Conveyor (SHC) saves up to 50 percent energy in startstop operation alone compared to centralized drive solutions that run continuously. At the same time, this results in a noise level that provides an improved working environment and reduced wear and tear when conveying standard E2 crates, where hygienic compromises are Withreduced.themodularity of the platform, which can, as always, be flexibly assembled and expanded from proven products as a plug-and-play modular solution—analogous to the LEGO principle—system integrators can handle both simpler and highly complex tasks in the automatic conveying of packaged food and other hygiene-sensitive products. Thus, with the SHC, the application spectrum ranges from autonomous conveyors without the use of a programmable logic controller (PLC) to use in digitally networked Industry 4.0. environments. In addition, the new conveyor enables precise positioning of the transported goods on the conveyor—an important performance feature, for example, in order to easily integrate labeling machines into the automatic flow of goods after the goods have been packaged without complex sensor technology.
The new Special Hygienic Conveyor (SHC) from Interroll enables optimized shelf life through maximum hygiene when conveying packaged food
Interroll presents new materialhandling solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industries
“With the Special Hygienic Conveyor—the SHC—we are once again confirming
The innovative SHC platform is manufactured on the basis of a stainless steel construction and is characterized, among other things, by the fact that its design allows cleaning liquids to drain off unhindered. The SHC platform includes both roller and belt conveyors, and all components of these conveyors, including electrical products such as RollerDrive and corresponding controls (IP 55 MultiControl), are certified to at least IP 55 and protected against splashing water, so that simple cleaning operations can be carried out and no liquid residues remain in the conveyor afterward that could lead to business-critical functional or hygiene
interoll.com
Inimpairments.additionto the SHC, Interroll is also launching the Ultra Hygienic Transfer (UHT), an automation solution
The(EHEDG).Modular Hygienic Platform (MHP) will be manufactured in a new production plant at the existing site in Baal, Germany, near Düsseldorf. Today, around 240 employees already work in Baal. By 2025 at the latest, an increase of around 60 jobs is planned as a result of the expansion of both the site and the product range for customers in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
technology leader, Interroll has been taking responsibility for improving food safety and food supply worldwide for years. For example, the company’s highly advanced and compact drum motors, which meet the most stringent hygiene requirements, are used by leading companies in the industry around the world. They ensure that automated material flow solutions not only operate extremely efficiently and save energy, but also meet maximum hygiene requirements, such as those stipulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union (EU) and the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group
specifically suited for use in plants dedicated to chicken processing. This is a disruptive innovation solution that makes a key process step in the cutting of chicken meat significantly more hygienic and can therefore help to enable a longer shelf life for chicken Asproducts.aglobal
the responsibility that falls to us as a technology leader in the materialhandling sector when it comes to food safety and shelf life. With the new solutions, we are continuing to consistently drive forward our groupwide platform strategy,” says Dr. Stephan Kronholz, who is responsible for new hygienic platform solutions at Interroll. Optimized shelf life for food production and distribution
|57 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE
“We are particularly pleased to finally meet partners and customers faceto-face again," said Michael Kreft, Executive Sales Director Europe Advantech Service-IoT GmbH.
Product innovations to be unveiled at the event include the AIM-78S industrial tablet with replaceable battery, and the DLT-V7215 P+ vehicle terminal with uninterruptible power supply and smart sensor. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, AIM-78S is an industrial grade tablet for vertical markets of manufacturing, warehousing management, field service. It features six hours battery life, an integrated barcode scanner, a high brightness LCD and IP65 rating. The WIFI/ LTE connectivity brings the mobility to users, plus the extension and docking peripheral.
Comprehensive connectivity, low power consumption and intelligent interfaces are just some of the outstanding features they boast.
Advantech has worked hard in recent years to expand its portfolio with solutions for mobile field service, warehousing, logistics and fleet management which can be adapted to the operator as well as to individual workflows.
Equipped with an Intel® Atom™ E3845 processor, the DLT-V7215 P+ in-vehicle terminal features a 15inch PCAP touchscreen that can be operated even when wearing gloves, and three front-facing control buttons. The compact design saves space in the vehicle, while the enhanced visibility also increases driving safety. The terminal was developed for use in warehouses, distribution centres, at container ports and in production.
For further information http://www.advantech-dlog.com/visit
Advantech presents new solutions and visions for the future of logistics at LogiMAT 2022
Service-IoT
“The challenges in logistics have always been immense. Now they are increasing even more – driven by the pandemic, among other things. Even experienced strategists currently find it difficult to predict long-term developments. This makes it all the more important to find solutions that are intelligent, sustainable and safe.
“Our solutions are equipped for all eventualities and can be easily adapted to a wide range of applications thanks to a variety of equipment features.”
Premier global logistics show LogiMAT returns at Stuttgart Messe for the first time in three years, with Advantech showcasing its latest trends and solutions for intralogistics (stand F10, Hall 8).
July 2022 58| ENGINEERING PDATE
LiftEx 2022, the leading lifting equipment networking event, provides the first major opportunity in 3 years to meet face-to-face with the industry. Taking part is your chance to reconnect, meet new vendors and get back to business!
New this year - 10 hours of free content for visitors: Day 1 - Knowledge Sharing and Industry Insights - Panel discussions, guest speaker interviews, case studies and interactive sessions delivered by industry experts. Day 2 - Education Zone - Learning and development, with free training including Advanced Programme (Diploma) refresher courses (ideal for individual CPD or exam preparation), and the all new End User Guidance (EUG) and Introduction to Lifting Equipment (ILE) training courses.
LiftEx is the flagship show from LEEA, the global trade association for the lifting industry.
17TH YEAR! 2022 5-6 OCTOBER P&J LIVE, ABERDEEN
Ask the Expert Surgeries - 15-minute sessions with the LEEA CEO and SLT on key topics of importance.
@LiftEx2022 | #LiftEx2022 liftex.org/liftex-aberdeen
Exhibition Space - To secure a stand on the exhibition show floor, or to become one of our sponsors, contact the team on +44 (0)20 3488 2865 or email enquiries@L2Events.com
Book your free visitor ticket now at liftex.org/liftex-aberdeen
At LiftEx you’ll meet global and local vendors of lifting equipment and services supplying vertical markets including Oil & Gas, Ports & Maritime, Offshore, Construction, Manufacturing, Automotive, Utilities and Entertainment. If you are responsible for purchasing or decision making in this sector, you can’t afford to miss this exhibition.
Exhibitor Fast Pitch - A series of 5-minute pitches from our exhibitors to engage the audience giving a succinct overview of the key brands, services and innovative products on the market.
Discover our newest range of digital pressure measurement solutions. With RS-485 output. www.esi-tec.com
Colás comments: “I am very excited to take on this new role. My goal is to lead the successful implementation and deliver the first steps of OMRON’s long-term 2030 strategic plan in EMEA, as we continue to find new ways to have a positive impact on the lives of people everywhere. Our core technologies in sensing, control, robotics and artificial intelligence enable manufacturers to adapt their production to meet the challenges they face today and in the future.”
Since 2015, Colás has led product and industry marketing and technical support as General Director of Marketing EMEA, in addition to overseeing post-merger integrations. During this time, Colás was instrumental in implementing OMRON’s Value Generation 2020 (VG2.0) transformation strategy, helping manufacturers realize flexible, efficient, and sustainable production through the deployment of OMRON’s innovative-Automation concept.
OMRON aims to further enhance its environmental initiatives and has positioned responding to the challenges of climate change and resource recycling as one of the most important issues to address.
“OMRON is constantly exploring new horizons, and sustainable innovation based on social needs has been in OMRON's DNA since our founding in 1933,” Colás concludes.
July 2022 62| ENGINEERING PDATE
OMRON Appoints Fernando Colás as CEO of the Industrial Automation Business (IAB) in Europe
OMRON FernandoannouncedtodaythatColás, a highly asyears,companyexecutiveexperiencedwiththeforover37hasbeennamedChiefExecutive Officer (CEO) of its Industrial Automation Business (IAB) in EMEA. Colás follows Seigo Kinugawa, who will return to Japan to head the Global Business Process and IT Innovation HQ
Colás, a Spanish native, completed a technical engineer degree in telecommunications from the University of Alcalá de Henares and an Executive master's in business administration (MBA) from Instituto de Empresa (IE Business School), Madrid. Colás has assumed the new role as of 21 February 2022, and reports to Junta Tsujinaga, President of the Industrial Automation Company of OMRON Corporation.
Mr. Colás began his career at OMRON in 1985 in sales and marketing, and quickly established a successful track record in the company. His 37-year career includes more than two decades at senior leadership level, including positions as General Manager Iberia and Division Manager EMEA.
12-13 October 2022 Coventry Building Society Arena THE LARGEST UK EVENT DEDICATED TO DESIGN ENGINEERING www.engineeringdesignshow.co.uk Celebrating 10 years Interested in exhibiting? Get in touch with simon.bonell@markallengroup.com for more information on our exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities. @EngDesignShow #EngDesignShow
July 2022 ENGINEERING PDATE
The equivalent of eighteen and a half truckloads, this deal is a major undertaking for the familyrun business. Alongside this, the company has struck a £500k contract with ScrewFix and it will be featured as an Aldi SpecialBuy this coming October, with 30k rolls of insulation and a further 70k rolls of securing tape to be supplied. This will be followed with a further Specialbuy offer in January 2023 - this time for all-important pipe insulation.
“With SuperFOIL insulation being stocked by so many major retailers and wholesalers, we can reach an enormous range of customers, from expert tradespeople to those who dabble in DIY.
SuperFOIL insulation has secured deals with the UK’s biggest retailers, including Travis Perkins, Aldi, ScrewFix and Wickes, to heat homes for less.
This month, Keith Anderson, the chief executive of Scottish Power has warned that 40% of households could be in fuel poverty this winter with analysts signalling that annual energy bills for the typical household could rise to £2,600 from October.
SuperFOIL, which employs 31 people at its headquarters in Lincoln, is supplying enough insulation to completely cover over 275 tennis courts - or 26 football pitches - to Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading builders’ merchant.
Among other measures to support households, the government has reduced VAT for insulation products to zero in order to help people make energy efficiency improvements to reduce costs.
The SuperFOIL range of products offer thermal resistance as well as serving as a reflective barrier, which helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The products also provide a vapour control layer or breathable membrane, further improving thermal resistance and product lifespan. Flexible, easily installed and cut to size, SuperFOIL products are ideal for DIY consumers and professional builders.
Lincoln-based SuperFOIL Insulation is supplying 70,000m² of insulation to every one of Travis Perkins’ 48 stores across the UK, and its products will also be available at ScrewFix and Aldi as a Specialbuy.
“For a family business with just 31 people, the support of these big names is a fantastic opportunity and it’s great to have our products get the recognition they deserve, taking pride of place among some of the best-known brands in Britain.”
Insulation manufacturer joins with UK’s biggest brands to drive down heating costs
Managing director of SuperFOIL Insulation, William Bown said: “At a time when energy bills are making headlines and putting millions of households under real financial strain, it makes us tremendously proud to know that we’re helping thousands of families and businesses across the nation drive down energy bills with proper insulation. Insulation really is the first line of defence against spiralling energy costs and even simple DIY improvements are a cost effective way to reduce energy use.
With the energy price cap having risen by £693 and energy company bosses forecasting a further £1,000 rise from October, key retailers are stocking SuperFOIL in an effort to help customers drive down heating bills.
|65 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE
Its products range from 3mm thick bubble foil insulation which offers core thermal resistance of 0.12-0.14 R and is available as a radiator reflector, garage door or shed insulation, through to high performance multi foil insulation which has an R Value of up to 5.22 for its 65mm product. This compares to glass wool insulation which has an R Value of 1.36 for 60mm of product. R Value is the standard industry measurement of a material’s resistance to conductive heat flow.
SuperFOIL products are also available from other high street retailers including Yorkshire Trading Company, The Range and from a wide range of DIY stores and wholesalers including Wickes, Chadwicks and Builder Depot. For a full list of in-store and online retailers, visit www.superfoil.co.uk/where-to-buy/
SuperFOIL’s latest contracts follow the company’s runaway success after being featured as an Aldi Specialbuy last year. Taking pride of place in its famed ‘middle aisle’, it supplied the supermarket giant’s UK stores with 43,074 rolls of SuperFOIL Multipurpose Insulation and 9,980 rolls of SuperFOIL SF6 Multifoil Insulation.
To help the company meet demand, it is investing half a million pounds into its production line this year, enabling it to manufacture more insulation at its HQ in Lincoln and produce a wider range of products.
The family-run business is also undergoing talks with Wilko, as well as finalising an upcoming in-store promotion with Wickes, one of the nation’s top home improvement retailers and garden centres. This would consist of supplying shed insulation kits consisting of three rolls of bubblefoil insulation, tape and a staple gun for just £85.
To see the range of SuperFOIL products available at Travis Perkins, visit specialbuysonsearch/?brand=SuperFOILwww.travisperkins.co.uk/.FormoreinformationAldiSpecialbuys,visitwww.aldi.co.uk/c/orpickupaprintedleafletinstore.
July 2022 ENGINEERING PDATE Enclosure Climate Control Whatever the scale...... ......we have the solution Cool successor with sustainable DNA Rittal is expanding its smart cooling unit solutions by adding the new Blue e+ S range. Our latest generation of cooling units with their lower output categories of 300, 500, and 1,000 W have been designed for efficiency, ensuring a smaller footprint and lower costs –just like their “bigger brothers.” So it’s a win-win both for users and for our future.
Solutions that reduce our carbon footprint during production are in high demand. But at the same time, these solutions need to be intelligent and communication-enabled so that they can be easily integrated into digitalised manufacturing environments. Seven years ago, Rittal responded to this demand with its Blue e+ range of cooling solutions and launched extremely efficient enclosure cooling units, which provided on average energy savings of 75 percent. Now we have a new generation – the next generation – but still developed with that same design DNA. These new cooling units with their lower cooling outputs of 300, 500, and 1,000 watts called “Blue e+ S” add to the Blue e+ family and bring with them additional smart capabilities. And furthermore, this new generation offers innovative energy-saving features for the production process.
Alongside energy efficiency, another feature also reduces the carbon footprint: The new Blue e+ S series uses a refrigerant with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) that is 56 percent lower than those used in comparable cooling units. Furthermore, instead of the R-134a previously used, the cooling circuit in the new generation of units now runs with R-513A refrigerant. Smart communication-enabled capabilities
With their additional smart functions, the new cooling units also help in the digitisation process. With a fully integrated IoT interface as standard, the cooling units can be intelligently monitored in digitalised environments and easily connected to Rittal’s new Smart Service Portal. This optimises the service processes and increases efficiency through predictive maintenance. As a result, fewer unplanned downtimes occur which all helps to manage the high cost of production, especially with Industry 4.0 processes.
July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE www.rittal.co.uk
What’s behind this energy-saving and therefore cost reduction is the technology used, combining a heat pipe with inverter-controlled components. The heat pipe works without a compressor, expansion valve, or other regulating elements and so does not need any electrical energy except to operate the fan. Depending on the thermal energy generated in the enclosure and the current ambient temperature, cooling can be performed with the heat pipe alone. The additional compressor cooling only operates if a large amount of heat has to be dissipated from the enclosure or if the ambient temperature is very high. And what’s more – when it does operate, it is far more energyefficient than conventional units. This is because the compressor and fans possess an inverter-controlled drive, which automatically adjusts their speeds depending on the requirements. As a result, the temperature within the enclosure remains constant, and the energy efficiency is significantly higher than with other more conventional cooling units.
Production-friendly facelift These cooling units in the lower output classes have also undergone a facelift. Their most striking feature is an integrated coloured LED light strip. This means that warning messages can be immediately seen, even from far away. A display on the front of the enclosure provides additional up-to-date information. Moreover, the cooling units are equipped with the familiar NFC interface, which enables them to communicate with mobile devices that have the Rittal Scan & Service app installed. For further information on the entire Rittal range visit www.rittal.co.uk or check out our linkedin page @rittal-ltd-uk
Staying cool all the time
Unexpected Benefits
While initially developed for cardboard and film packaging materials, Filling Level Monitoring can also be adapted for liquids including adhesives, or granular raw materials. It is also possible to add customised services and analyses tailored to particular machinery or processes.
The measurements are routed to a SICK SIM1012 edge gateway, which aggregates and forwards encrypted data via SICK’s LiveConnect digital interface, so that it can be easily accessed, managed, and processed
Instead of having to check each magazine or film roll level in person, machine operators monitor fill levels on their watch or phone and are alerted by SICK’s Filling Level Monitoring system before levels become critical. Machine downtime is avoided and staff walking routes can be planned efficiently to ensure optimum production uptime.
“By using the smart watch alerts, our customers found that fewer operators were needed to keep cartoning machines replenished, so staff could be deployed more efficiently to other duties. What’s more, the system brought unexpected benefits to overall production control. For example, the loads on packaging machinery lines could be monitored to identify over- or under- capacity.”
68| July 2022 ENGINEERING PDATE
A digital service that gives instant visibility to filling levels in packaging machinery has been developed by SICK in collaboration with industry end-users. SICK Filling Level Monitoring avoids machine stoppages by giving real-time data to operators via smartwatch or phone, so that levels of carton blanks, adhesive or film wraps, for example, stay topped up.
Industry Collaboration
Theonline.SICK Filling Level Monitoring cloud-based dashboard provides easy-to-interpret graphical information about the real-time status of machines from any internet-enabled device. Automatic push notifications on the fill levels can be set up for smart devices to alert with an acoustic signal and vibration. Meanwhile, production managers can monitor the fill levels of all machines across a packaging line, shift or entire production facility. Analysis of historic trends can be used to optimise production processes.
A SICK measuresdistanceDT50sensor carton fill levels
Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for imaging, measurement and ranging, said: “SICK worked closely with leading packaging endusers and machine builders in Europe to develop a cost-effective and easyto-implement system.
The SICK Filling Level Monitoring digital service can be used with any SICK smart level sensors. Its first applications have been developed with packaging manufacturers and machine builders using SICK DT-50 laser distance sensors to output level measurements from carton magazines and film rolls.
SICK’s Fill ToppedPackagingMonitoringLevelKeepsMachinesUp
Digitilisation Neil Sandhu concludes: “Cloudbased services such as Filling Level Monitoring illustrate how making reliable sensor data transparent enables digitalised machine operation as part of Industry 4.0. By combining smart sensors with intelligent software, critical processes can be visualised in real time and adapted for the needs of users.
Up to six SICK sensors can be monitored by each SICK SIM1012 gateway, and more sensors, including third-party devices, may be added by connecting over OPC-UA. Sensors are also continuously monitored by the system in case one should go offline or need a replacement. The solution can be extended to meet the needs of customers on request, e.g. to customise and display additional data on the dashboard. Integration to third party ERP and MES software systems is also possible.
MonitoringFillingApplicationSICKLevel
“Early adopters are noticing new and unexpected production trends when they view and interpret their historical production data in easy-to-read graphical displays. As a result, they have been able to optimise production processes and deploy staff to achieve efficiencies never even expected.” www.sick.co.uk
|69 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE displayedFillMagazineCartonLevels on Smart Watch
The ongoing ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ has seen a growing number of businesses embracing digital adoption, realising the potential of BIM, asset information management platforms (AIM), and augmented reality (AR) enabled devices, to name a few. In fact, a recent survey by Dodge Construction Network reported half of respondents now use BIM on 50% or more of their It’sprojects.certainly a positive leap forward from where the industry was only a decade ago. However, as the demand for construction continues to grow, costs inflation and budgets tighten, and technology proliferates, the next
By David Mitchell, Founder & CEO, XYZ Reality
70| July 2022 ENGINEERING PDATE
A 2017 report by Mckinsey Global Institute shows this effect in finding digital transformation can increase productivity by up to 15%.
Improving efficiency: The interoperability of digital systems in construction
Using technologies like computer aided designs (CAD), engineers have started to tackling challenges of disjointed value chains, limited visibility throughout projects and the mixing of different non-standardised processes. But is it enough to make the dramatic impact the industry so desperately needs?
The construction industry is peppered with projects suffering from the outputs tied to rework. Loss of profits, decentralized data, wasted resources, major project delays, and a shortage of skilled labour are the major culprits of project failure.
There’s no question, digital innovation within the construction industry is helping to improve the on-site efficiency, achieving higher-quality outcomes.
gaining industry momentum and it’s one which should be an essential part of any conversation around ConTech investment. It starts by breaking down the existing tech siloes within your business, and ensuring all systems and working in collaboration with each other to drive the best results.
Without a concerted effort to implement ‘risky’ changes, we will forever remain in stagnated sector.
For the construction industry to evolve, we must refrain from sticking to the classic idiom of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” and use digital systems to break down data siloes. By increasing interoperability, we can maximise information sharing, ultimately improving the level of work that engineers can deliver.
Of course, whilst operating in isolation might not affect a product or service’s ability to work effectively, it will not be realising its full potential compared to a full-stack or fully serviced solution. This means companies are inevitably missing out on driving maximum value and efficiency from their (considerable) ‘Interoperability’investment.isaterm
Improving the collection of data Whilst data is readily available across the entirety of a business’ digital assets, accessing it can be tricky.
Ultimately, a more integrated approach will improve workflows between architects, contractors, engineers and even the client or end user.
Keeping an open-mind
David Mitchell, Founder & CEO, XYZ Reality
Recent research presented in an FMI paper found that 95% of data goes unused in the Engineering and Construction industry. However, bringing together existing siloes of data through interconnecting digital assets can enhance their operational effectiveness. Through the greater use of AIsupported software and IoT-enabled devices, we can produce a digital breadcrumb trail throughout the course of projects, creating a joined up project journey from planning through to handover. The interoperability this achieves standardises the way in which the data can be accessed, managed and analysed, helping to inform better decision making to deliver higher value outcomes.
An open-plan digital ecosystem The good news is you don’t have to look too far to find solutions to create greater interoperability within your digital assets. There are already a number of common online tools available, in particular, collaborative file management platforms such as Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud. These can be easily introduced into your business to create a robust, holistic network, which incorporates and accommodates all programmes and devices. For example, combining the power of cloud-based platforms and augmented reality, can facilitate a direct link to BIM software so design updates can be mapped live to holographic renders in real time. Intelligent interlinking of digital software and devices in this way can eliminate rework, the well-known profit killer for contractors and project owners. This dovetailing of technology and data will also enable engineers to increase productivity and efficiency as common problems like manual data entry, repeating processes, and dataloss setbacks can be avoided.
Digital innovation in construction is allowing us to work faster and smarter. There is no doubt about it. We are over the first hurdle of introducing and embracing new systems, now comes the next phase whereby we must maximise how efficiently these tools work together.
I believe that a holistic approach, incorporating technologies that innovate and share data seamlessly throughout teams at all stages in projects is the way to move forward.
|71 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE challenge to overcome is how various software, and hardware can integrate and work together to deliver the best Thereresults.are so many digital tools now available to industry professionals, but they need to work in tandem rather than in isolation. All too often, tech solutions are brought into a business without enough understanding to how they should interact or assimilate with the wider digital ecosystem.
The benefits of receiving more joinedup data from your collaborative digital ecosystem, will soon be appreciated, providing crucial insights into why problems occur during a build leading to better, more effective solutions.
The labour market continues to be challenging with new pressures that hinder efficient and sustainable production. unique services to help the short-term pathways for greater productivity with existing staffing, and cost justifiable automation with shortest return on investment. you touch something it costs you money” challenges and opportunities did you last consider automation of your processes? you up to speed on market innovations, harnessing technology and people? your current processes involve specific manual action or series of actions? you considered using automation for each and every task carry out by people? your processes seamless? If not, why not? you operate a ‘pull’ method of production? you applied agile and lean production principle? you require training at management level to embrace best practice, or technology, or management of change for greater efficacy? Double handling is a financial killer. Eliminate it. you have a skilled workforce challenge? you looking to improve and advance the profile of your workforce? the skills needed available in the UK marketplace? you use input from experienced experts with proven track record, improving operations performance, scope your automation possibilities and plan procurement of proven robotics and automation technologies? we can help with? current manual practices. immediate change(s) that increases productivity. Design of production lines for efficient flow, avoiding double handling. Scoping proven automation to combine with best practice for ‘lean’ and ‘agile’ operation. Management of projects for procurement of automation, including legal contracting for a smooth installation process. Supply of proven low-cost robotics as may be appropriate and investment justified. Development of automated solutions on exclusive basis. Improving labour planning through use of existing government legislation. Assisting with funding solution as applicable, including grant finance for new automation.
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Initial assessment and immediate presentation with first recommendations, to be elaborated and submitted after the visit. Report to be submitted within 5 days of the visit. Who is in our team? Provision International: A leading Global Recruiter: www.skills-provision.com Culmstock Technology Centre: A world leading authority on Robotics and Lean Production www. culmstocktechnology.com How to contact us: Website: www.skillsprovision.co.uk/contact-us enquiries@skillsprovision.co.uk +44 (0) 1373836776
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A free initial 60-minute remote meeting. Day visit to scope opportunities for improvements (this will be on a confidential and fee basis).
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|75 July 2022ENGINEERING PDATE ClassroomE-learning based “Live” On-sitewebinarscourses Tailored options For more information call 0121 601 6691 scan code for the training guide or email: training@bpma.org.uk Independent Pump Training from
