Manufacturing Update - July 2022

MANUFACTURING PDATE www.manufacturing-update.co.uk

July 2022

Connecting EV Technology With Ultrasonic Welding

see page 13...

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MANUFACTURING UPDATE At the forefront of digital marketing, Manufactuing Update strives to bring its readers the latest in industrial manufacturing, in a format that provides the best usability and ease of use for it’s readers.

July 2022

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An exceptional three days at Subcon 2022 celebrating 45 years as the premier subcontract supply chain show

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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.

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isitor 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.

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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.”

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!”

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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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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 environment.

We’d also like 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!”

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.

For more information on visitor and exhibitor opportunities, and to register your interest, please visit www.subconshow.co.uk

Manufacturing PDATE

Other event highlights:

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Optimise Your Liquid Batching System: 5 Flow Meter Considerations 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.

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itan 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.

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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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.

Manufacturing PDATE

physical properties of the batch-filled liquid will 2. The dictate equipment requirements 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.

3. Maintaining constant process conditions 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.

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. Limiting system inertia 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.

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.

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

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July 2022

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BCN3D have recently launched their new Metal Pack!

Compatible with the Epsilon Series (W50 and W27) 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.

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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 externally.

Manufacturing PDATE

3DGBIRE is partnered with CMG Technologies, which will aid in the debinding and sintering process, creating nearly 100% solid stainless steel.

316L 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.

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July 2022

Learn more about the BCN3D Epsilon series: https://3dgbire.com/pages/bcn3d Book a free consultation: https://3dgbire.com/pages/book-your-free-consultation www.3dgbire.com | enquiries@3dgbire.com | 01257 228411

A Security Door is Only as Secure as its Lock.

A key factor in the security of any door, shutter or hatch is the ability to control that accessway. A lock is the simplest and most recognisable form of control and has been used for centuries.

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lectromagnetically actuated locks with a solenoid at their core have been around for decades. They have changed little in 50 years or more. As an example, one proven design that found early favour in the UK was a solution to automatically lock the doors of GPO vans. More mature readers will remember the GPO as responsible for Royal Mail and the national telecommunications service (which became BT in 1980).

Automated locking with a solenoid mechanism provided dependable security for the van’s contents. Magnet Schultz Ltd (MSL) is a world leader in solenoid technology. MSL supplied that GPO solution. Originally called the Type 61, today that solenoid assembly is called the EBL-I (Electric Bolt Lock – Industrial) and its essentially the same as those used on GPO vans. The EBL-W is a fullyenclosed Weatherproof variant.

With such a heritage, other security applications for the EBL-I mechanism are plentiful.

It is widely used in Cash-InTransit (CIT) vehicles to provide security for the payload plus secondary locking functionality for the driver and passenger.

More familiar applications are seen in buildings. Solenoid actuated solutions like the EBL-I are found everywhere in premises access control. Less obvious installations include remote controlled security for roller shutters in the distribution hubs of logistics companies and supermarkets. Here, Transport Managers can prevent access to valuable stock in loading areas and offer time slots to access shipments as part of a coordinated logistics strategy.

Manufacturing PDATE

A high-class jeweller in a major British city deploys industrial solenoid locks on its entrance doors, controlled from behind the serving counter. Staff can grant access or deny access. They can also deny exit to keep people in if things get troublesome!

The EBL-I industrial solenoid lock mechanism from MSL

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All the above examples rely on Magnet Schultz’s dependable electric locking technology.

The EBL-W weatherproof solenoid lock mechanism from MSL

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Avoiding costly R&D tax claim mistakes Mark Evans | R&D Tax Claims Ltd As the Government clamps down on the £311m worth of fraudulent R&D claims made each year, how can manufacturing companies ensure they’re claiming what they’re entitled to without risking a HRMC enquiry months down the line?

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ark Evans – founder of R&D Tax Claims Ltd, which specialises in supporting manufacturing and engineering companies – says it’s all about getting the right advice: “When an manufacturing company receives a cold call advising them they’re entitled to submit an R&D claim on a no-win, no-fee basis, it’s easy to take up that offer and assume there’s little or no risk associated.

But HMRC has ramped up the number of enquiries they’re opening.

This can be done up to a year

after paying out a 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.

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 manufacturing firms ensure they’re getting the right advice in the meantime?

Expertise and experience are crucial. What constitutes R&D within the manufacturing 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).

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.

Manufacturing PDATE

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.

R&D Tax Claims has a free downloadable guide to choosing an adviser available at www.rdtaxclaims.co.uk.

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July 2022

Manufacturing PDATE

CONNECTING EV TECHNOLOGY WITH ULTRASONIC WELDING

THE POWERHOUSE OF ULTRASONICS July 2022

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CONNECTING EV TECHNOLOGY WITH ULTRASONIC WELDING 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 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.

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.

Manufacturing PDATE

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.

Telsonic PowerWheel ®

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July 2022

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.

Over the last decade 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.

Telsonic SONIQTWIST

Battery cell construction and Interconnectors 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.

Typical EV Pouch Cells

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.

MPX applications include Low & High Power joining tasks for wire cross-sections of 4mm2 to 50mm2 - Copper -and 70mm2 -Aluminium

Manufacturing PDATE

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.

MPX module ready for automation integration for battery pouch applications

July 2022

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High Power Ultrasonic Joining 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.

Telso ® Terminal TT7

Wire Splicing and Wire End Consolidation 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.

Telso ® Terminal TT7 machine fixturing and tooling

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 for wire splicing.

Manufacturing PDATE

High Voltage charging connector Welded usingTelsonic’s Power-Wheel ® technology

Aluminium cable welded into Nickel plated tubular lug with PowerWheel ® technology

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Wire splicing and consolidating in the wire cross sectional area range 0f 0.26mm2 to 75mm2 in Copper, Aluminium and Copper / Aluminium combinations.

Vertical Ultrasonic Torsional Welding for EV Applications - TSP Range 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.

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.

Telsonic’s TSP range are supplied as standalone machines, or modules for integration Into automated systems for the production of connectors and battery cells.

Telsonic’s TSP range of machines used stand-alone or integrated into automation systems

TelsoSplice ® TS3 / TS6 Wire Splicer

Manufacturing PDATE

High force / power applications

Low Force / Low Power Applictions

www.telsonic.com

info.uk@telsonic.com July 2022

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Over a dozen online MRP software educational events to be hosted online over the summer months Free events show what manufacturing software should be delivering for your business 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.

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.

There are 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. Both event types are free to attend.

Manufacturing PDATE

The 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

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• Wed 31st Aug 10am – INFO Exchange • Wed 6th Sep 9.30am – Evaluation Workshop • Thu 15th Sep 10am – INFO Exchange • Wed 21st Sep 9.30am – Evaluation Workshop • Tue 27th Sept 10am – INFO 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

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.

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.”

To book to attend any event visit 123insight.com

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With 123insight, you won’t commit anything financially un l you are fully trained on the so�ware and are 100% sure that it will work for you. Find out more by a ending one of our free online events, and receive a free paperback book that explains how to implement any MRP system, not just our own.

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UK’s Leading Packaging Show Back Better Than Ever

Manufacturing PDATE

Following a two-year hiatus, Packaging Innovations and Empack made a triumphant return to Birmingham’s NEC on 25 & 26 May 2022, with just under 6,000 visitors flocking back to the industry’s flagship event.

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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), The Plastics Tax, and The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and their effectiveness were in the spotlight when the £10 Billion Debate made its highly anticipated NEC debut.

During the debate, Jane Bevis, Chair at OPRL, took a clear stance, stating: “Under Extended Producer Responsibility, it is important to ensure recycling rates are levelled out across

different areas of the country. If there is no clear process, both the producer and consumer lose out.”

Martin Trigg-Knight, Head of Compliance at Clarity, added: “The Government’s response to EPR is pragmatic, and tries to keep costs down for producers and consumers alike.”

to the show hoping to discover the missing piece to their environmental challenges. New for 2022, The Sustainability Trail guided visitors around the show floor, specifically highlighting the hottest and most innovative new sustainable packaging concepts, all of which were vetted by a panel of experts.

Skye Oudemans, Sustainability Manager for Europe at Sonoco, praised the £10 Billion Debate for raising important industry issues: “It was great to see a panel featuring a range of industry backgrounds – this is exactly the kind of conversation we need to be having. We need to have solutions which work for everyone involved, and an element of accountability to see how exactly the money is being spent.”

One visitor who benefitted from this approach was Dylan Hancox, Procurement Manager at Nestle UK, commenting: “I really like this idea. It allowed me to really focus on those exhibitors who are putting an eco-focus right at the front of their product. The market is looking at what consumers really want from a solution now, and improving sustainability is the most important element. As a company, we are looking at making investments in this.”

Sustainability was top of the agenda for many visitors, many of whom came

The next generation of packaging materials as we move towards a

July 2022

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Manufacturing PDATE

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hilst the sold-out exhibition floor showcased the latest developments and technologies designed to power the next generation of packaging, the event also launched a series of new interactive features to further the sustainability agenda and dissect the Government’s latest initiatives for tackling packaging waste.

more sustainable future was the focus for the IOM3 ‘Future Packaging Materials’ headline panel discussion.

Experts from OPRL, IOM3, Pack IDS, and Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, considered what packaging materials will look like in 30 years’ time and explored ways of getting greater recycling buy-in from consumers. Jude Allan, Chair of IOM3, said: “When it comes to consumers and recycling, we need to make it as easy as possible for them.” Margaret Bates, Managing Director at OPRL, followed up with: “The UK is the only country in Europe that does not charge for removing waste. If we can’t get people to recycle for all of the benefits, maybe charging will help.”

Whilst sustainability was a major theme throughout the show, innovation once more remained at its very core. Taking to the Innovation and Design Stage on day two of the event, Nikki Grainge, Packaging Development Manager at Waitrose, discussed the importance of inclusive and easy-to-use packaging. She noted: “We are always on the lookout for ways to improve our customer journey, both online and in store. When exciting new technologies come along, like NFCs, there is high demand, but it needs to be commercially viable. Once it is, I am sure we will see it on more products.”

Manufacturing PDATE

Stefan Casey, Innovation Lead at Nestlé, agreed: “No matter the tech, it has to work with everything. Although the demographic of tech adopters has changed due to the pandemic, we need to make sure we are not leaving anyone out. The behaviour of our customers can’t be ignored, but technology can take their experience to the next level.”

Elsewhere, the show unveiled two big winners. Protega Global was crowned ‘Most Innovative Pack’ at The Innovation Showcase, collecting more than 400 visitor votes across the two days for its Hexcel Wrap.

Earlier in the day, PragmatIC wowed the Ecopack Challenge judges with its unique digital ID RFID and NFC tags, designed to support automated identification and recycling.

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Joshua Young, Market Development Manager at PragmatIC, commented on the company’s win: “It is great recognition and shows that a disruptive technology like ours has a role to play in driving towards a sustainable future. Digitisation and data are key drivers to great decision making. Through our ‘Sprite’ project, we are demonstrating what is possible for single use plastic, and highlighting the significant benefits of packaging as an asset, rather than waste.”

Alongside a successful roster of interactive show features, exhibitors also had a successful show. Anita Charman, Sales Manager at Neville and More, exclaimed: “We couldn’t believe how busy it was. We had so many positive enquiries from new and existing customers. It has been so lovely to see people in person after such a long time away. We’ve already rebooked for the next show!”

Renan Joel, Event Director of Easyfairs’ UK Packaging Portfolio, concludes: “What a show! After two years without our Birmingham event, we are so pleased to be back. The £10 Billion Debate stirred up some interesting opinions and discussion, which is exactly what we hoped the new feature would achieve, and there was so much innovation on show. One

thing that was particularly pleasing was to see the packaging community back together, networking and doing business. We have missed it.

As we call a close on our NEC show for 2022, I can’t help but get excited to launch our new-look London event, London Packaging Week, which will make its debut in September. The re-imagined show will combine four key areas of our packaging portfolio, Packaging Première, PCD, PLD, and Food & Consumer Pack. Together they will demonstrate the full breadth of the packaging industry as a vibrant new home for packaging innovation and design in the UK.” The next UK Easyfairs packaging event will be London Packaging Week 2022, which will be held on 21 & 22 September at Olympia, London. To register your interest to attend, please visit the London Packaging Week website or to enquire about exhibiting, contact the show team on +44 (0) 2088 438 800 or PackagingUK@easyfairs.com.

The new Interroll Split-Tray Sorter Fast, flexible sortation for everyone Interroll introduces the new Split-Tray Sorter: the perfect solution for small and mid-sized items.

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In an exciting move for the UK packaging sector, Easyfairs has launched London Packaging Week – a vibrant new home for collaboration, discovery, and innovation for the capital’s packaging community.

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Taking place on 21 and 22 September at London Olympia, the new-look event is a major evolution of the long-established Packaging Innovations & Luxury Packaging London event and will combine four targeted exhibitions: Packaging Première for the luxury products market, PCD for the perfume, make-up and personal care sectors, PLD for the premium and luxury drinks market, and Food & Consumer Pack.

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This is a big change for the show.

What was the catalyst?

We first launched Packaging Innovations & Luxury Packaging London over 10 years ago as a unique new meeting place for packaging designers, technologists, and suppliers in the capital. That format provided an excellent breeding ground for innovation in the FMCG and luxury sectors, but the needs of the market have evolved significantly in the past decade, and it is time to begin a new chapter for London’s packaging community.

A major part of the background here has been the growth of our portfolio with the acquisitions in 2016 of ADF & PCD Paris, which was and still is the world’s leading annual packaging event for the beauty and aerosol sectors; and then in 2019 of Packaging Première in Milan, a fast-growing exhibition for the luxury products sector.

We then launched PLD Paris, for the premium and luxury drinks markets, in January 2020 alongside ADF & PCD in Paris; and a new edition of PCD in Milan. We have found that the targeted nature of these co-located events makes them even more attractive and effective for both suppliers and buyers; so, the changes to our London event are the final piece in that puzzle and will bring a new experience to the whole community of packaging buyers, designers, and developers in and around London.

What will be different at London Packaging Week compared to Packaging Innovations and Luxury Packaging London?

Rather than talking about London Packaging Week, we should see the event as four targeted events – Packaging Première, PCD, PLD and Food & Consumer Pack. This is the biggest change, and each event is designed to bring a sharp focus on packaging design and development for the capital’s key luxury and FMCG markets.

Packaging Première will showcase the pinnacle of luxury packaging, with a particular focus on fashion, accessories, fine food, and luxury retail.

PCD is the home of the world’s most exquisite perfume, cosmetics, and personal care packaging solutions, whilst PLD will showcase new possibilities in packaging for premium and luxury drinks, from wine and spirits to premium beers and soft drinks.

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Josh Brooks, Marketing and Community Director for Easyfairs’ packaging events, explains how the changes to the capital’s premier packaging event will provide the perfect platform to support future design and innovations.

Last but certainly not least, Food & Consumer Pack is dedicated to driving packaging innovation across the £200bn market for FMCG products, including food and drink.

Together, these four events will offer brands an unrivalled forum to source the best packaging solutions, meet new suppliers, overcome their biggest innovation challenges, and do business.

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What’s new for 2022?

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So much!

The first thing visitors will see is our beautiful new look, which has been designed by Butterfly Cannon and is now shared across our family of events in London, Paris, and Milan. We think it’s beautiful and feedback so far is that it really expresses the purpose of the events, to drive innovation in the specific markets they cover.

Alongside that, we’re working hard to ensure a show experience that creates connections and inspiration and drives business for both brands and suppliers.

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The event is in a beautiful venue with PCD, PLD, and Packaging Première grouped on the lower floor and Food & Consumer Pack on the upper balcony floor. More than anything, our shows are about sourcing and in all there will be more than 180 packaging suppliers exhibiting across the four events so there will be a huge range of options in innovative primary and secondary packaging, materials, and formats as well as design and filling services on show.

To create real inspiration, the event will host three galleries. The Pentawards gallery will showcase the best in global packaging design, while the Innovation Gallery will show a range

Packaging Innovations is well-known for its seminar content, will this remain at London Packaging Week?

Yes, absolutely – there will be three stages across the event. In Food & Consumer Pack, the FMCG Future Makers stage will host talks on design and innovation from leading innovators and designers in the grocery and FMCG markets. The Lifestyle & Luxury Unboxed stage, situated in Packaging Première, will bring innovators from jewellery, fashion, and gourmet food brands and luxury retailers to the stage to give insight on how they are solving their packaging challenges. Finally, the Beauty & Drinks Innovators stage, situated alongside PCD and PLD, will bring the latest thinking design and innovation in the beauty and drinks markets.

One thing we’re very excited about is a series of sessions that the Pentawards, the world’s biggest design competition, will be hosting under the badge ‘Capital of Design’. London is a global capital of packaging and branding design, and these sessions will showcase some of the best work and top agencies from the city.

Is there anything else to add?

An exciting new development is that London Packaging Week will extend beyond the four shows at Olympia. On Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September, the Pentawards will hold its first faceto-face Pentawards Festival, bringing together top speakers from the global design and branding community. The twoday conference will culminate with the Pentawards Gala Ceremony at the Royal Opera House on the Friday evening – an incredible way to finish the first London Packaging Week.

Networking is a key element of course and the event will feature a Prosecco Bar, a Networking Bar, and a beautiful VIP Lounge, as well as multiple opportunities to meet new and existing business partners.

As you can see, we’re working hard to create an event for whole London packaging community – all the innovators and creators who are part of the world of design agencies, brands, and suppliers that make London’s packaging scene so exciting. We can’t wait to welcome everyone there.

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of the most innovative new packs from exhibitors’ stands. Finally, a new gallery showcasing winners of the 2022 PCD and PLD Innovation Awards – which were first presented at our Paris event in June – will be at the event. All of these galleries will give visitors the perfect reference point for their own designs and innovations.

To register your interest to attend London Packaging Week, please visit www.londonpackagingweek.com or to enquire about exhibiting, contact the show team on +44 (0) 2088 438 800 or PackagingUK@easyfairs.com.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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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.

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.

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

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

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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.”

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“Every time you touch something it costs you money” The labour market continues to be challenging with new pressures that hinder efficient and sustainable production.

We offer unique services to help the short-term pathways for greater productivity with existing staffing, and cost justifiable automation with shortest return on investment.

Manufacturing PDATE

The challenges and opportunities • When did you last consider automation of your processes?

• Are you up to speed on market innovations, harnessing technology and people?

• Do your current processes involve specific manual action or series of actions?

• Have you considered using automation for each and every task carry out by people?

• Are your processes seamless? If not, why not?

• Do you operate a ‘pull’ method of production?

• Have you applied agile and lean production principle?

• Do 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.

• Do you have a skilled workforce challenge?

• Are you looking to improve and advance the profile of your workforce?

• Are the skills needed available in the UK marketplace?

• Could 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?

What we can help with?

• Improving current manual practices.

• Implementing 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.

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• 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.

How we would help and engage with your team?

• A free initial 60-minute remote meeting.

• Day visit to scope opportunities for improvements (this will be on a confidential and fee basis).

• 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?

• Skills 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 • Email: enquiries@skillsprovision.co.uk • Telephone: +44 (0) 1373836776

Independent Pump Training from E-learning Classroom based “Live” webinars On-site courses Tailored options For more information call

0121 601 6691

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scan code for the training guide or email: training@bpma.org.uk

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Lamonde Automation Limited Quality Products: Expert Advice