Manufacturing Update - May 2023

MANUFACTURING PDATE

3D PRINTING AND CLEANING SOLUTIONS

MultiMark: the smart all-in-one solution

In Weidmüller, you have a trusted and reliable partner with years of experience in cable preparation, processing and systemised marking. Our THM thermal transfer printer integrates cutting and perforation tasks into the printing process; it can divide endless materials into arbitrary lengths. The result is a noticeably simpler production of custom cuts with a respective inscription assignment.

Using the Mulitmark printer, you reduce the potential sources of error with complete data consistency. You will streamline timeconsuming work processes and increase your productivity.

Weidmüller UK

Klippon House, Centurion Court Office Park Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1TP

Tel: +44 1162 823470

Fax:+44 1162 893582

www.weidmuller.co.uk

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.

www.manufacturing-update.co.uk

Publication & Managing Director

Jodie Little 01843 595818 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk

Publishing House

Editorial Assistant

Laura Sharpe 01843 448 443 laura@engineering-update.co.uk

Jet Digital Media Ltd, Suite 1 & 2 Spratling Court Offices, Spratling Street, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN

May 2023

Editorial Assistant Leigh Little 01843 448 443 leigh@engineering-update.co.uk

www.jetdigitalmedia.co.uk

2023 Already a Gilded Year for TMI™

Team Leadership and Lean public courses receive City & Guilds Assurance.

The Manufacturing Institute (TMI) has been trusted in delivering high-quality and impactful training since 1994. Offering courses that create impactful changes to a business such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Team Leadership. This year has started off with a bang for TMI, receiving City & Guilds assurance for the Team Leadership Development Programme (TLDP) and the Accelerated Route to Lean Manufacturing (ARTL). These are often the gateway onto the MSc in Manufacturing Leadership, or even larger continuous improvement consultancy projects and Shingo.

The City & Guilds Assured Benchmark is a quality assurance framework, which evaluates eight areas of programme design and delivery. It is the Benchmark Standard to confirm that an organisation has met the global quality standard set by City & Guilds. Lisa Riley, Executive Director at TMI reflected, “These programmes are so enduring that customers old and new refer to them by their acronyms. In the last 12-months, both programmes have been updated and refreshed. It felt like time to get them formally ratified by one of the Nation’s most familiar educational organisations – City & Guilds.”

Joe Bell, Strategic Commercial Manager at City & Guilds said, “City & Guilds is delighted to be able to work with organisations who value good quality skills development. The Manufacturing Institute has invested in developing these programmes to achieve the City & Guilds Assured benchmarks, which now evidences that the courses meet world-class quality standards on all aspects from planning and design, to delivery and evaluation.  Congratulations TMI!”.

These programmes help build a coaching culture, giving employees the opportunity of personal development, which reflects on their business. TMI understands this culture and encourages delegates to continuously develop. Upon successful completion of the Programme, delegates receive a co-branded digital credential highlighting their personal development, which includes detailed information about the learner’s skills and achievements.

For more information about Leadership and Lean training, please visit www.manufacrutinginstitute.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)161 245 4845 for a prospectus.

There has never been a more important time for our sector to pull together and to work together, to create a shared agenda and Manufacturing and Engineering Week will do exactly that. I am delighted to be part of the Advisory Board and that MAKE UK are a partner of this groundbreaking event.”

Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive, MAKE UK and M&E Advisory Council Chairman

TWO DAYS OF INNOVATION, ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AND NETWORKING

Subcon is back with a real bang for 2023, bringing together the full manufacturing ecosystem for companies to source, subcontract, benchmark and learn all under one roof.

Combining the UK’s biggest and longest-running subcontract manufacturing supply chain exhibition with more than 20 hours of free-to-attend conference sessions, Subcon is engineered to help future-proof your business.

WORLD-CLASS MANUFACTURING SOLUTION PROVIDERS

More than 200 solution providers representing the best of British manufacturing engineering capability, alongside a wealth of market-leading international suppliers, will be present to help optimise your supply chain strategy and keep costs down.

Thousands of new products and innovations will be on display across the full range of advanced engineering technology, systems and services – from Additive Manufacturing and Metrology solutions to Frictionless bearings, cables and controls, and everything in between. This is a show geared to helping you increase capacity, optimise productivity, improve flexibility and remain competitive.

PACKED CONFERENCE SESSIONS TO EDUCATE, INFORM AND INSPIRE

New for Subcon 2023 are two conference theatres showcasing our industry-leading engineering and manufacturing journals, The Engineer, Manufacturing Management and Machinery.

Together, they will convene dedicated conference streams for two days of high-quality, case study-led discussions about hot technology and business process trends for you to apply directly to your business.

Drawing on a combined 340+ years of manufacturing journalism and insight, our editorial teams have curated a conference agenda that addresses the key opportunities and challenges facing UK businesses.

Two theatres will run in parallel, a dedicated Supply Chain Theatre in conjunction with Machinery Magazine and a second theatre co-led by The Engineer and Manufacturing Management magazine.

Our revered line-up of industry leaders are set to deliver insightful sessions covering Automation; Cybersecurity; Energy Storage; Net Zero; Recruitment & Retention, Supply Chain Resilience and much more.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

5 SESSIONS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS AT SUBCON 2023

1. Are manufacturers ready for the challenges of moving to a net zero world? – Keynote by Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero

When and Where - Theatre 1, Thursday 8 June, 10:35am – 11:05am

2. UK recovery: What are the new markets and how accessible are they? – Panel discussion led by Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the MTC

When and Where – Theatre 1, Wednesday 7 June, 11:10am - 11:50am

3. Reimagining the skills shortage: From education to employment – Panel Discussion with expert insights from Innovate UK KTN, MTC and Sempai

When and Where – Theatre 1, Thursday 8 June, 11:55am - 12:35pm

4. Bringing home the supply chain – Panel discussion on the logistics of reshoring led by Aristides Matopoulos, Professor of Supply Chain Design at Cranfield University

When and Where – Theatre 2, Wednesday 7 June, 2:10pm - 2:45pm

5. Why should additive manufacturing be used in designing your supply chain – Panel discussion with expert insights courtesy of Digital Manufacturing centre, Prototal and AM-UK and CECIMO Trade Associations

When and Where – Theatre 2, Wednesday 7 June, 11:55am - 12:35pm

*subject to alternation

EXHIBITION SPONSORS BAG SPONSOR WELCOME

FROM OMNIDEX

Your single-source provider for all manner of metal and plastic fabrication, casting, machining, finishing, assembly and other manufacturing services, from concept to completion.

Omnidex is a British-owned and managed company driven by a passion for quality. For more than 20 years, our company has provided world-class engineering outsourcing services at a competitive price.

Our experience and expertise spans almost all sectors, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, medical, oil and gas, and more. Our customers include companies in the UK, United States, South Africa, Australia and many other countries.

We pride ourselves on utilising and investing in the latest equipment and technologies to deliver cutting-edge, high-quality products and services to our global customer base. Our highly skilled engineers, supported by a vetted network of subcontractors and stringent quality control processes, ensures everything we deliver meets the highest standard requirements and tolerances.

For a free quote for your next project – whether complex or simple, metal or plastic, high or low volume – contact us via our website: www.omnidexcn.com

Or come see us on Stand C141

REGISTRATION SPONSOR

WELCOME

FROM TURKISH MACHINERY

The voice of Europe’s sixth-largest machinery sector Machinery Exporters’ Association (Turkish Machinery) represents and promotes the interests of its 18,000 members. It does so by coordinating and delivering sector-specific networking opportunities, business intelligence, and international events and trade missions.

The Turkish machinery sector has recorded robust growth over the past decade and has increased by more than 400% since 2003. It is now Turkey’s second largest exporter, worth some $25.5bn in 2022 – equivalent to 10% of total exports.

Centrally situated between Europe and Asia, Turkey is ideally located close to several of the highest-growth industrial machinery markets. Turkish machines operate in more than 200 countries around the world with a particularly strong presence in the United States and Europe.

Buyers are drawn to the strong emphasis Turkish machine manufacturers place on R&D activities, the rapid adoption of international manufacturing standards and new technologies, the highly educated and skilled engineering workforce, and high-quality aftersales support.

Learn more about how Turkish machinery is MAKING THE WORLD WORK by visiting our website: https://www.turkishmachinery.org/En

Or speak with us on Stand D121

EXHIBITORS

With over 200 exhibitors and thousands of products and innovations on display, Subcon is a must-attend event for the engineering sector. Below is just a small sample of the world-class suppliers who are exhibiting at Subcon, all eager to help you optimise productivity and remain competitive in a global market:

CITIZEN MACHINERY UK

Citizen Machinery combines two leading manufacturers of CNC automatic lathes: Cincom sliding head lathes up to 38mm, and Miyano fixed headstock lathes from 36mm up to 80mm. Citizen offers highly productive and cost-effective solutions for your complex metal-cutting requirements.

https://www.citizenmachinery.co.uk/

Exhibitor Categories: CNC Machining; Laser Cutting; Laser Cutting Machines; Lathes; Machinery; Machining Centres; Machining Centre/Milling Machines; Precision Engineering

Stand A119

CORNELIUS ELECTRONICS

Cornelius Electronics has become a well-known and leading sub-contract manufacturer of box build, bespoke Cable Assemblies and Wiring Harnesses, serving a variety of industries. Let’s discuss how we can support your production requirements. Cornelius has the technology to deliver repeatable, quality-controlled and scalable production quantities to help your business.

https://www.cornelius-electronics.co.uk/

Stand A121

Exhibitor Categories: Assembly Work; Complete Manufacturing Services; Electro-Mechanical Assemblies; Electronic Manufacturing Services; Electronics; Enclosures; Printing & Component Labelling; Vacuum Forming; Wire Harnessing; Wiring Systems

EDMO

The bespoke aluminium extrusion supplier. Our company is committed to exceptional quality at every stage of your project. Our complete range of extrusion and machining services is complemented by our Powder Coating and Assembly divisions. Delivered by a global network of specialists, keeping our prices competitive and our lead times short.

https://edmolimited.co.uk/

Stand A141

Exhibitor Categories: Aluminium Extrusions; Assembly; Assembly Work; Castings; CNC Machining; Drilling & Tapping; Materials – Metal; Powder Coating; Stockholders

FARO UK

For more than 40 years, Faro has been a pioneer in ‘Reality Capture’; bridging the digital and physical worlds through data-driven reliable accuracy, precision and immediacy, providing industry-leading technology solutions that enable customers to measure their world and use that data to make smarter decisions faster.

https://www.faro.com/

Stand E109

Exhibitor Categories: Design Services; Design Software; Inspection & Test Equipment; Measurement & Inspection; Metrology; Simulation Software; Software; Testing & Certification

JKN OIL TOOLS

JKN Oil Tools is a Precision Engineering Company based in West Yorkshire producing high-quality sub-contract machined parts and fabrications to customers’ specifications and on-time delivery. We supply components and fabrications to a large variety of customers, including major pump manufacturers, valve companies, food machine manufacturers and a wide range of smaller sectors.

https://www.jknoiltools.co.uk/

Stand C119

Exhibitor Categories: Assembly Work; Automation; Bar Feeders; Boring; Broaching; CAD / CAM / CAE; Castings; CNC Machining; Complete Manufacturing Services; Cutting Services; Deburring; Design Services; Etching; Fabrications; Heat Treatment; and many others.

KEYENCE UK

Keyence has steadily grown since 1974 to become an innovative leader in the development and manufacturing of industrial automation and inspection equipment worldwide. Our products consist of code readers, laser markers, machine vision systems, measuring systems, microscopes, sensors, and static eliminators.

https://www.keyence.co.uk/

Stand A99

Exhibitor Categories: Industrial Automation; Inspection & Test Equipment; Laser Marking Machines; Marking; Measurement & Inspection; Metrology; Metrology Systems; Sensors; Supply Chain Management & Logistics

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MODULA

Founded in 1987 by Franco Stefani, Modula Storage Solutions’ mission is simple – provide customers with effective storage solutions. Modula manufactures automated storage solutions offering one of the most advanced picking systems in the Vertical Life Module market. Modula is headquartered in Salvaterra di Reggio Emilia, Italy and Lewiston (ME) in the USA. Modula also distributes its services worldwide.

https://www.modula.eu/

Stand E128

Exhibitor Categories: Industry Services; Logistics; Machine Tools; Machine Tools Accessories

OLDHAM ENGINEERING

Oldham Engineering is an established sub-contract medium to heavy engineering business. Our services include precision CNC machining, fabrication, welding, robotic welding, mechanical assembly, equipment refurbishment, turnkey projects and project management. We have the ability to batch manufacture and produce bespoke smaller quantities and one-offs.

https://www.oldham-eng.com/

Stand C129

Exhibitor Categories: Assembly Work; Boring; CNC Machining; Complete Manufacturing Services; Fabrications; Heavy Engineering; Machining

POWDERTECH SURFACE SCIENCE

For more than 35 years, Powdertech Surface Science has provided the most technically advanced powder coating and surface treatment services to the automotive, medical and specialist niche sectors. Your projects will benefit from our expertise built on years of experience in highly regulated industries, together with the scientific knowledge of our well-qualified team.

https://powdertechsurfacescience.co.uk/

Stand G120

Exhibitor Categories: Finishing; Painting; Powder Coating; Surface Engineering

SHROPSHIRE STAINLESS AND ALUMINIUM

Shropshire Stainless and Aluminium (SSA) is a market-leading metals and plastics stockholder based in the UK and Ireland specialising in the supply and processing of Aluminium and Stainless Steel from European suppliers. Reduce your costs and at the same time increase the efficiency of your supply chain by contacting SSA for your next metal or plastic requirement.

https://shropshirestainlessandaluminium.net/

Stand G123

Exhibitor Categories: Bending; Cutting Services; Deburring; Laser Cutting; Materials – Metal; Materials – Plastic; Metal Forming; Metal Parts; Metal Suppliers; Metals & Materials Suppliers; Polishing; Sheet Metal Work; Sourcing & Procurement; Water Jet Cutting

VECTOR BLUE HUB

Vector Blue Hub is a specialist Electronics Design and Manufacturing Services company based in Poland. We represent the “Under One Roof” concept, where the design and manufacturing services remain in one place to accelerate the time to market for your electronic product.

The extensive knowledge we have gained over the years in leading large-scale, comprehensive projects enables us to adjust our design and manufacturing services to meet your business challenges in industries such as Telecommunications, Industrial IoT and Communication Technologies.

https://vectorbluehub.com/ Stand F108

Exhibitor Categories: Complete Manufacturing Services; Consultancy Services; Design Engineering Consultancy Services; Design Services; Electro-Mechanical Assemblies; Electronic Manufacturing Services; Embedded Systems; Engineering Consultancy; Logistics; PCB Assembly; Sourcing & Procurement; Testing & Certification

EXHIBITOR PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

A TRIO OF LEADING-EDGE CONNECTOR INNOVATIONS FROM HARTING

Harting is a leading expert in the fields of electrical, electronic and optical connection, transmission and networking. The company is renowned for developing innovations that provide simple yet reliable solutions, especially as markets and industries evolve quickly. This ingenuity will be on full display at Subcon 2023, where Harting will be showcasing a range of exciting new products, including:

The next level of modular industrial connectors

When Han-Modular® was released in 1993, it was the first modular industrial connector to run power, signal, and data alongside each other in a single connector. Now Harting has launched the next development stage, Han-Modular® Domino modules, which meet the industry’s requirements for space and weight savings.

Using Han-Modular® Domino modules can save you up to 50% installation space by integrating different transmission types in one module. This results in the connection technology becoming smaller and more lightweight. Additionally, the new smaller Domino modules require less energy and raw materials to produce. Domino modules are also compatible with existing components of the Han-Modular® series.

Complete cable assembly for energy storage systems

Harting also offers a new, complete cable assembly for energy storage systems. The new Han® S connector range makes it easier to connect large arrays of battery storage modules, expanding the use of renewable energies such as wind and solar power.

Miniaturised industrial Ethernet interface

To future-proof device technology, Harting has developed the ix Industrial®, a compact interface that delivers outstanding performance and robustness.

The ix Industrial® interface boasts 70% less installation space compared to typical RJ45 sockets, enabling manufacturers to use it in much smaller devices and more easily meet the needs of miniaturisation.

Despite its compact dimensions, the ix Industrial® still produces Cat. 6A performance for 1/10Gbit/s Ethernet at a control level, while its high current-carrying capacity supports both existing and future Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL HARTING SOLUTIONS, VISIT THEM ON STAND D118

TREADSTONE SAFETY – SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE

At the company’s first-ever Subcon, Treadstone Safety will be presenting its highly acclaimed Pro range of work safety gloves, including the:

• PRO-420 with Superb Touch Sensitivity – Designed for optimal comfort and dexterity, these soft, touch sensitive and close-fitting ‘second skin’ glove offers excellent grip in dry applications with a thumb crotch for added security.

• PRO-216 with Touchscreen Technology – Made using graphene composite blended yarn, this glove is the ultimate in cut resistance. The glove has been dipped with a special nitrile foam to provide touchscreen capability on the palm, thumb and fingers and also features a thumb crotch for added security.

• PRO-801 with Impact Protection – Made with HPPE multi-threaded yarn for excellent cut resistance and a tough nitrile, sandy palm coating to cut level E. The glove features our unique TPR-1 impact system for enhanced protection against impact and crushing injuries.

SEE FOR YOURSELF ON STAND D108 – YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS!

MIDTHERM’S LASER FOCUS ON GROWTH AFTER £1.2M MACHINE INVESTMENT

Midtherm Laser, a specialist sub-contract laser cutting and forming specialist, is reaping the operational and environmental benefits from one of the largest purchases in its history.

The company, which employs almost 50 people at its West Midlands factory, has increased its capacity and processing speed thanks to the installation of a new Bystronic Bystar Fiber 12kW laser with part automation.

The machine will help the company deliver high cutting dynamics and thin-to-thick cutting capabilities to a customer base that spans aerospace and automotive to food and agriculture.

The investment has also made a huge difference to the firm’s environmental performance, with the Bystronic model replacing two older CO2 machines and is already delivering a 50% energy saving – the equivalent of powering 2,100 average homes every month.

Midtherm Laser works with more than 500 companies across 20 different sectors, cutting and forming various sheet metal from 0.5mm to 30mm. It is also the only sub-contract laser provider that offers the cutting of non-ferrous materials without the risk of cross-contamination for industries including food processing and chemical manufacture. Visit them on Stand A89

INTRODUCING A UK-BASED RAPID PROTOTYPING SERVICE FOR ELECTRONICS

DVR Ltd, a leading sub-contract electronics manufacturing company, is excited to introduce its new lowcost, fast-turnaround prototyping service to enable design engineers to rapidly evaluate new and innovative electronic concepts.

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With a few simple clicks, its new prototyping service Speed Assembly Services (SAS) can deliver custommade PCB assemblies in as little as 24 hours, depending on component availability and lead time.

An online ordering tool empowers engineers to selfserve and control all aspects of the ordering process, all while having multiple customisation options and minimising quoting and ordering times.

SAS Ltd is the ideal supplier for low quantities, new product introductions, prototypes and concept PCBs. Learn more by visiting A129

ESCATEC INVESTS IN NEW INNOVATION HUB TO SUPPORT GROWING DEMWWAND

A rapidly expanding customer base with numerous high-tech projects has prompted integrated electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider Escatec, to establish a dedicated Innovation Hub.

The facility, located 200 metres from its site in Switzerland, will provide Escatec’s design and development team with a creative workspace to meet customers and support them in turning their conceptual thoughts and early design ideas into market-leading products.

Established in 1974 with its headquarters in Penang, Malaysia, Escatec offers a fully integrated portfolio of electronics, electro-mechanical, and box build manufacturing services with a network of modern production facilities in Malaysia, the Czech Republic, the UK, and Switzerland.

Escatec can seamlessly move your design from development to introduction to mass production. Learn how by visiting Stand E108

3D printing and cleaning solutions

As capabilities and applications advance rapidly, 3D printing is a key element of the manufacturing process for many industries, often rivalling the traditional manufacturing process for both speed and cost.

Industries including aerospace, automotive, healthcare are commonly utilising this kind of additive manufacturing, but as the process becomes more accessible and the long term efficiencies outweigh the initial costs, an increasing number of businesses are turning to 3D printing. Although many of these businesses will factor in the costs of the materials and start up costs when considering investing in a 3D printer, some may be less aware of the upkeep and maintenance required.

In order to offer a full supply and maintenance package, two companies are working together to make both the technological and cleaning applications available to customers within Europe.

Fraser Technologies, which provides world-leading cleaning chemistries and equipment solutions, has been working with Markforged, a US-based manufacturer of industrial 3D printers, materials, and software.

Markforged produces printers that work with metals like stainless steel, and with composites such as carbon fibre, fibreglass and Onyx. Fraser Technologies provides expert advice and solutions for cleaning printed parts.

Graham Fraser, Managing Director of Fraser Technologies, explains: “Any components produced by a 3D printer require rigorous cleaning. In some cases – depending on the materials used to create the component - the contamination may not be visible to the naked eye, but they will still

need cleaning prior to assembly. Our solutions offer bespoke chemistries that are applicable to a variety of component materials to ensure all cleaning standards are upheld.”

Working closely with customers to understand their challenges, Fraser Technologies provides expert advice and a wide range of worldleading chemistries and equipment solutions for component cleaning, electronics soldering, and heat transfer and carrier fluids. It offers an independent range of new generation products; comprehensive aftersales service; and a commitment to improving performance, productivity, environmental performance and operator safety.

What to expect

• World-class two-day conference agenda

• Solution Theatres

• Guitar Legends competition (win a 3D guitar)

• Masterclasses

• STEM features (next-gen talent)

• Sustainability initiatives (plant a tree in our forest)

• Future of Manufacturing

• 400+ exhibitors providing the latest innovations/ industry solutions

• Expert-Led sessions

• Post-event drinks and networking TWO

Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 June 2023

NEC Birmingham

Top choice for reliablesimple,

The Cygnus 4+ Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is a light, tough multi-mode gauge, featuring a sunlight readable display with Live A-scan, intuitive menu and sequential data logging.

Multiple-Echo mode for accurate, through-coat measurements as specified by Classification Societies Echo-Echo and Single-Echo modes for heavily corroded metals with a thin or no coating

Facilitates high temperature measurements on hot materials without shutdown or isolation

Live A-Scans and B-scan for visual verification

• Advanced data logging for easy reporting and analysis

cygnus-instruments.com • sales@cygnus-instruments.com

Armorduct to unveil upgraded trunking system

Armorduct will showcase its portfolio of standard and bespoke cable management systems on stand number M35 at the Railtex Show 2023 at NEC Birmingham in May, with a spotlight on its upgraded IP4X trunking system.

This year’s Railtex will provide contractors with the opportunity to see and sample Armorduct’s UK-manufactured portflio, including systems approved by London Underground (LUL) and Transport for London (TfL).

These include the newly enhanced IP4X cable trunking, as well as a comprehensive range of solutions to solve installation, maintenance and corrosion challenges for rail industry cable containment.

The improved trunking system is designed specifically with railway applications in mind, offering features such as individual tamper-proof fixings for multiple compartments, with each lid on a chain fixing for inspection and safety purposes.

The range is supported by an expert in-house project engineering team that boasts 25 years of experience in partnering with customers to develop bespoke solutions for challenging onsite installations.

James Wood, National Business Development and Rail Manager for Armorduct, says, “We’re exhibiting at Railtex at an exciting time in our company’s history because we’re now introducing a dedicated focus on the industry to build on our long history of supporting rail projects. Our business is growing rapidly, and this is underpinned by our unwavering commitment to the close collaborative approach we adopt with our clients, which results in exceptional project outcomes. This allows us to

consistently deliver the most suitable solutions through our specialist and evolving range of products.

“As the UK’s most prestigious railway industry trade event, Railtex provides the ideal platform for us to showcase the innovative work we’ve been doing for the rail industry and how this helps contractors. We are looking forward to meeting visitors to our stand, demonstrating how product excellence and collaboration can help them to cost-effectively meet their cable management systems requirements.”

The Armorduct team can be found at stand number M35 at the Railtex Show, which takes place from 9-11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Titan Enterprises Goes Live with New Website to Better Serve the Flowmeter Market

Titan Enterprises is inviting visitors to explore their dynamic new website.  Designed for the evolving scientific, engineering and measurement marketplace, Titan’s new enriched content-led website gives the visitor a step-up in user experience. This next generation website has improved navigation and functionality at its core while allowing visitors to explore the full liquid flow measurement product portfolio Titan offers.

Created to give a user-friendly experience, the site includes many new features to enable visitors to easily navigate their way around the site, find the flow measurement products applicable to their application or process, and discover rich technicalbased content.

The dynamic design and new features include:

• Flow Meter Product and Application filters that allow users to narrow down the product portfolio by selecting flow meter operational attributes

• Quote Requests are now easily processed online through a new ‘cart’ functionality.

• Concise product pages provide the user with easy access to the technical information and option to request a quote for specific flowmeter model types.

• Rapid Response Functionality allows the site to be compatible with all browsers and mobile devices.

• Site-wide Search tool helps users find information relating to a flow measurement device or technical aspect of interest.

Samantha Hannay, Titan’s Marketing Manager says: “The enhanced media pages give users a richer online content with press releases, case studies and technical papers.”

Samantha continues: “Valuable content is also contained in the " Guides and Tools " pages so the user is never far away from useful and pertinent information, particularly in regards to the installation of their selected flow meter device.”

Visitors to Titan’s new website can stay informed with the latest flowmeter technology and industry news by signing up to their fLowdown e-newsletter.

For further information on flow measurement devices to suit specific applications, please contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or sales@flowmeters.co.uk

Universal Robots and Labman Automation partner to help bring pharmaceutical products to market quicker

Labman Automation, a UK-based company creating laboratory automation solutions, has partnered with collaborative robots (cobots) manufacturer, Universal Robots, to develop the MultiDose powder dosing system.

The MultiDose system will enable pharmaceutical companies to rollout much needed products for testing, bringing them to market faster. A highly-accurate, automated solid dispensing instrument, it will save technicians up to six hours per experiment, compared to manual processes.

The system requires virtually no training, is user-friendly and intuitive for technicians to use. Increased throughput of a lab is enabled by the ‘walk away’ nature of the MultiDose system, which allows experiments to be performed automatically out of normal working hours.

The MultiDose powder dosing system enables pharmaceutical companies to rollout much needed products for testing, bringing them to market faster

The MultiDose powder dosing system enables pharmaceutical companies to rollout much needed products for testing, bringing them to market faster

“With medicine shortages ongoing across UK, EU and US supply chains, the pharmaceutical industry is under pressure like never before. That’s why it’s crucial for pharmaceutical companies to have access to outof-the-box automation solutions that can be used right away,” says Adrien Poinssot, Global Director for OEM at Universal Robots. “We are proud to have played a role in Labman’s MultiDose to create turnkey solutions that will allow the pharmaceutical industry to be more flexible, reactive and efficient in these challenging times.”

Labman’s MultiDose addresses the rising need from a number of laboratories for a bespoke solution to automate powder dosing with a greater level of usability, while offering the versatility to integrate the system into larger workflows.

A key part of the MultiDose system requires a cobot. Having collaborated with Universal Robots on previous projects, Labman saw Universal Robots as the natural partner. Labman selected the UR3e – a highly flexible cobot arm – which can be easily integrated into an established lab process, without compromising safety, while adhering to strict industry regulations.

When compared to running manual processes, MultiDose saves lab technicians up to six hours on an experiment by improving efficiency. The system requires virtually no

training and is very user-friendly and intuitive for technicians to use. Increased throughput of a lab is also enabled by the ‘walk away’ nature of the MultiDose system, which allows experiments to be performed automatically out of normal working hours.

“Having a trusted partner such as Universal Robots has helped us shape and finesse MultiDose to make it the best it can possibly be,” says Matthew Smith, MultiDose Project Lead at Labman Automation. “The Universal Robots arm works out of the box with virtually no training, meaning lab technicians can almost instantly reap the rewards of increased efficiency. The MultiDose automated dosing platform is a solution that hasn’t yet been matched in UK pharmaceuticals and it’s great to see it already being used like any other piece of lab equipment.”

You can read more about the MultiDose case study at www.universal-robots.com/case-stories/labman-automation-ltd

The MultiDose powder dosing system enables pharmaceutical companies to rollout much needed products for testing, bringing them to market faster

Otto Motors launches new ‘mid-sized’ autonomous mobile robot

Otto Motors, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has unveiled its newest AMR, Otto 600, which the company describes as “the toughest and most nimble AMR in its class”.

With the launch of Otto 600, Otto Motors now offers the most comprehensive autonomous material handling fleet on the market.

Otto 600 unlocks important new workflows with its ability to move pallets, carts and other payloads up to 600 kg (1,322 lb). With an all-metal construction and IP54 rating, Otto 600 follows the Otto Motors legacy of AMRs built to deliver results in the most demanding of factory environments.

Matt Rendall, CEO and co-founder of Otto Motors, says: “In 2015, Otto 1500 defined the heavy-class AMR category. In 2017, Otto 100 quickly became responsible for the industry’s largest AMR installations.

“In 2022, we launched Otto Lifter, the world’s first truly autonomous forklift. Today, we’re proud to announce Otto 600, a mid-range AMR offering the perfect balance of strength and agility. Powered by our industry-leading autonomous software, Otto now offers an unmatched material handling portfolio.”

Maneuverable in tight spaces: Otto 600 offers capabilities of larger AMRs with the maneuverability needed to get around in constrained spaces like work cells.

Durable build for demanding environments: In addition to a rugged, allmetal body, Otto 600 offers a superior ability to withstand dust and fluids with IP54 construction.

Fast and safe around people and objects: Otto 600 works quickly and safely alongside people thanks to advanced sensors and Otto’s proven autonomy software.

Versatile to get different jobs done: Capable of moving carts and pallets, as well as connecting islands of automation, Otto 600 unlocks limitless

workflows including lineside delivery, work cell delivery and palletizer to stretch-wrapper transport.

Key specs:

• 1,322 lb (600 kg) payload capacity

• 4.5 mph (2 m/s) maximum speed

• 1050/700/320 mm footprint

• IP54 rating

Otto 600 is available through the existing global network of Otto Motors system integrators and material handling solution providers.

Otto’s award-winning software is used by some of the world’s most recognized brands and Fortune 500 companies.

Otto’s latest software release, 2.28, delivers faster and safer traffic movement and a new facility configuration interface for quicker workflow setup. Otto Motors invests heavily in software development to constantly evolve and deliver the smartest AMR software. This marks the sixth software release in the last three years.

The Otto AMR software-suite is the most proven solution in the industry with over four million hours of production driving experience and is trusted for large-scale deployments by the most reputed brands like Toyota and GE.

Jay Judkowitz, VP of product at Otto Motors, says: “The success of largescale, deeply integrated deployments depends significantly on effective fleet management, which is why we are continuously evolving our fleet manager.

“In this software upgrade, we are introducing new traffic management functionality that enables users to create different rules of the road for groups of different Otto AMRs in the facility, resulting in faster traffic movement and improved safety.

“As our customers continue to deploy a variety of models from Otto in complex environments, this is a game changer.”

Software release features include:

• Team-Based Traffic Control: Customers can create traffic zones for specific robot types. For example, operators can specify lanes where larger AMRs cannot enter, ensuring smaller AMRs remain unblocked and are able to keep moving for higher throughput.

• New and intuitive facility configuration interface: Customers can now save up to 50% of the time required to set up facility maps and workflows. It is also easier for customers to use, learn and adapt to the system.

• Interoperability: Otto Motors says it was the first AMR vendor to support the well-known AGV standard, VDA5050, empowering customers to manage dissimilar types of material handling solutions from a third-party master controller interface.

• New pallet types: Otto Lifter now supports BulkPak 4845 HDMP series bins, enabling customers to move more pallets of their choice.

Since its inception, Otto Motors has helped customers achieve throughput improvements as high as 600 percent and return on investment in as little as 11 months in different industry verticals. This launch of Otto 600 and new software enables Otto Motors to help manufacturers automate a larger part of their material handling operations and “achieve higher return on investment”, according to the company.

Worldwide Fruit Automate Quality at Scale with AI

OAL is proud to announce its latest project with Worldwide Fruit to stop packaging errors with artificial intelligence and automation. Worldwide Fruit has scaled and improved its quality control processes, resulting in happier customers and reduced operational risk. Automation has helped find and prevent “hard-to-spot errors” whilst reducing the time it takes to complete quality control checks. They have also removed substantial paperwork from the business helping meet and surpass sustainability goals.

Previously manual human checks of product labels, date code and country of origin were undertaken, but these methods are susceptible to human error, especially in a high-complexity business like Worldwide Fruit. Their complex operations handle thousands of different product, grower, and packaging combinations. For one category like apples, there are many varieties of apples from different countries with different packaging and promotion requirements from each retailer.

For a production run, Worldwide Fruit must ensure the right product (apple), is in the right packaging with the right date code and country of origin. Any mistake in the process could result in a product recall and a fine from retailers. To address these challenges Worldwide Fruit turned to automation.

After a review of suppliers, Worldwide Fruit chose to work with OAL because of recommendations and previous experience implementing the OAL system. Furthermore, they wanted to work with a business that could integrate with their existing ERP system, which OAL could demonstrate.

The priority was implementing an “online” label and verification system across its packaging lines to accelerate its digital transformation. Online meaning, every product is verified as opposed to “offline” where a sample is verified.

Fran McNally, Quality Manager at Worldwide Fruit described the project: “The team at OAL are easy to work with, working together we have implemented a robust automated label and date code verification system. By introducing cutting edge artificial intelligence technology

we’ve futureproofed our packaging lines, enabling further automation. Crucially we’ve been able to customise the system to meet our unique requirements. The 247 support is quick, friendly, and efficient!”

The OAL solution has a number of elements to automate the process. A digital master product database was created containing all critical SKU information. OAL Line Terminals were installed on every line for operators to start and finish jobs and conduct quality checks related to the job. This includes online cameras to scan and verify packaging to ensure the right packaging is applied to the product. Each online printer was connected to the OAL system. The OAL system controls the printer and tells it the date code to print based on the date code rules in the master product database.The offline print room printers were also under the control of the OAL system to ensure offline printed labels were also correct.

Finally, the site chose to add an extra layer of assurance with APRIL Eye date code verification. APRIL Eye gives the OAL system the functionality to read back and verify printed date codes in an image. This ensures the right date code is applied, it’s legible and in the right location.

At Worldwide Fruit, as part of start-up, interval and end-of-run checks the operator takes a picture of a finished pack with the OAL line terminal hand scanner. The system checks it’s correct and legible against the current job.

Finally, every check, scan and data point is recorded providing a complete digital audit trail to ensure BRC and retailer code of practice compliance.

Snap-on’s Level 5™ asset management system is network ready

As engineering managers come under pressure to meet demanding schedules, often with fewer skilled hands and tighter budgets, the benefits of professional tool storage and management become stronger than ever.

Snap-on Industrial’s Level 5™ automated total asset management system brings order to any workplace, enabling engineers and technicians to know exactly where to find every tool they need, when they need it, saving time and easing stress.

How useful would it be if all valuable tools could be tracked from one central point? Snap-on’s Level 5™ system makes that possible. It provides complete reports on everything

managers or supervisors need to keep an eye on.

And then there’s FOD. The threat of foreign object damage is a real and present danger in many engineering workplaces. Using Snap-on Level 5™ minimises the risk of human error, as automated tool control constantly tracks every tool and detects which tools have been removed or returned, ensuring greater protection against FOD.

Engineered to track individual tools by user, without bar codes, scanners, RFID tags or other add-ons, the system works at the speed its users demand. Other systems require additional steps to scan or log activity. The Snapon system does this automatically so users save time and don’t have to depend on other steps to ensure accurate results.

Snap-on’s Level 5™ ATC boxes are network ready, using either Ethernet or wireless connection. That enables users to review activity at all Level 5 boxes in their location from one central computer, avoiding the time consuming need to inspect each box.

Major benefits of the system include:

• No individual tool scanning required;

• No RFID tags to install or replace;

• No limitations on tool size: from ¼” screwdriver bit upwards;

• Intuitive interface, with an easy to use touchscreen

• Audible voice announcement of tool removal and replacement

• Automatic locking for maximum security

• Errors announced and displayed to indicate incorrect tool position or advise when a drawer is not closed.

Says Richard Packham, Director UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial: “Snapon’s automated system takes asset management to an entirely new level. The ability to monitor several boxes from one central computer offers a huge advantage to engineering managers.”

For technical details visit: www.snaponlevel5.com call (01536) 413904 or e-mail: ukindustrialmarketing@snapon.com

MPW Precision cuts a short path to success with day-one MRP system implementation

Burton-on-Trent based precision engineers

MPW Precision reached a six-month traceability goal in just four weeks, earning the ISO 9001 without a single non-conformance.

About MPW Precision

MPW Precision was founded in December 2020 by father and son entrepreneurs Maurice and Paul Watson, who between them have over 60 years of combined experience in precision manufacturing. The company specialises in producing high-precision quality engineered components for use in larger fabrications and power generation.

A lot of prior experience with MRP systems

With years of previous experience leading a manufacturing company, Paul knew that complex manufacturing needs a capable MRP system for efficient and well-organised operation.

Since all of MPW Precision’s clients require ISO 9001 and other quality assurance certifications, an important functionality that Paul required was end-to-end traceability. Being located over three manufacturing sites and two home offices, it was also important that the software be web-based and able to run on off-the-shelf PCs and tablets. A final determining factor was affordability.

After trialling several MRP systems, Paul demoed MRPeasy and felt it ticked all the boxes and seemed easy not just in name but also for day-to-day use and crucially – to implement.

Up and running in one month

Having prior experience with implementing manufacturing software, Paul decided to go at it himself. “I had a target to install MRPeasy and become ISO 9001 approved within 6 months,” he says. Using the wealth of resources on MRPeasy’s website he got the system up and running in just about 4 weeks.

“After 6 months of using MRPeasy, SGS (an industry-leading certification company) came in to undertake the certification audit and we passed without a single non-conformance. On the report, SGS also commented on how good MRPeasy was with traceability”, Paul explained.

Workflow efficiency raised by 70%

Since MPW Precision opted for a day-one implementation, there were no metrics on how MRPeasy affected efficiency after going live. However, comparing with the MRP solution that Paul and Maurice had previously used, Priority Software, they can now do things like taking an order and getting it to the shopfloor in around 25% of the time. “There was approval and other stages involved and we had 40 employees instead of 8 but all-in-all, it’s around 70% more efficient.” says Watson.

Today, MPW Precision uses MRPeasy for pretty much everything, except for some ISO-specific QC processes, and benefits from having business-critical information all in one place and accessible from the shop floor, office, or any internet-enabled external location. The owners have also been praised by their customers for the speed at which the system makes documentation available to them. Meanwhile, the seamless QuickBooks integration ensures the accounts are well taken care of.

MRPeasy is a cloud-based ERP/MRP system for small manufacturers and distributors. For more information and a free trial, visit www.mrpeasy.com