Engineering Capacity September 2019

FOR MANUFACTURERS ABOUT SUBCONTRACTORS

September 2019

INDUSTRY NEWS | AUTOMOTIVE | MACHINED COMPONENTS | PREVIEWS

ADVANCED ENGINEERING: A cracking solution

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EventCity | Manchester | M17 8AS

2nd | 3rd OCTOBER 9.30am – 4pm (3.30pm close Thurs)

Northern Innovation and Technology in Action

FREE SEMINARS & PARKING

Over 300+ national and international suppliers will gather in Manchester this October for Northern Manufacturing & Electronics 2019 together with the RoadRailAir event. The exhibition will feature live demonstrations and new product launches of machine tools & tooling, electronics, factory & process automation, packaging & handling, labelling & marking, 3D printing, test & measurement, materials & adhesives, rapid prototyping, ICT, drives & controls and laboratory equipment.

Free industry seminar programme online @ www.industrynorth.co.uk The exhibition is free to attend, free to park and easy to get to. Doors open at 9.30am on Wednesday 2nd October.

Pre-register online now for your free entry badge and show preview at

www.industrynorth.co.uk Supported by:

NORTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS is an ETES event organised by European Trade & Exhibition Services Ltd Tel 01784 880890

email philv@etes.co.uk

FOR BUYERS OF CONTRACT MANUFACTURING SERVICES Visit our online edition for breaking news, jobs, events, features and searchable directory. www.engineeringcapacity.com Editor: Andy Sandford editor@engineeringcapacity.com Sales Manager: Arfan Qureshi sales@engineeringcapacity.com Tel: 0207 241 4627 Graphic Design: Dave Blake blakey@djbdesign.co.uk Printer: Holbrooks Printers Limited Norway Road, Portsmouth PO3 5HX Engineering Capacity is published six times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November SUBSCRIPTIONS Engineering Capacity is available free of charge to UK buyers and suppliers of subcontract manufacturing services.

For non-qualifying readers, annual subscription rates are as follows for 6 issues posted to addresses in: UK £60.00; Europe £80; Rest of the World £100 You can request your copy and sign up to our free weekly email newsletter on our website or contact us via subscriptions@engineeringcapacity.com www.engineeringcapacity.com Tel: O1737 270 648 Published by: Engineering Capacity Ltd Abbey House, 25 Clarendon Road Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QZ United Kingdom Registered in England company number 10567217 ISSN 0306-0179 COMING UP IN OUR NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE Forming & Fabrication, Aerospace & Defence, Five-axis Machining, Composites, Turned Parts, Measurement, Inspection & Testing Services Please send editorial for consideration to editor@engineeringcapacity.com There is no charge or cost involved with having your editorial included in the magazine or on our website

Editor’s View As the pantomime in Westminster has become ever more bizarre, SMEs seem to have decided that the only sane response is to just get on with business. In fact, not just to get on with it, but to plan for growth.

Some recent research by Hitachi Capital showed that nearly two thirds small business owners were considering new initiatives in the current quarter, and those companies were significantly more likely to have an upbeat business outlook than those who were not.

What’s more, over 20% of small businesses are looking to expand into new markets overseas in order to achieve business growth.

According to the press release: “Set against warnings of an economic slowdown, the small business community is pushing forward with positive new initiatives over the next two months in order to secure growth.”

Manufacturing was one of the most positive sectors, with 70% of the small businesses questioned saying that they were working on specific new plans.

This kind of can-do attitude is epitomised in our story on page 10 about Professional Polishing Services which has invested a third of its turnover in new equipment with the aim of increasing turnover by 30% over the next 18 months.

Managing Director Kirsty Davies-Chinnock says: “It was the UK’s lack of direction and any obvious plan with regard to Brexit that guided us. As a business we can only influence what we can do on a company level, I have no influence over how the UK goes forward.”

She added: “It could all go horribly wrong, however, if we have achieved the first part of our goal we will be in a position to ride any downturn.”

In fact, as you turn the pages of this magazine you will see story after story on companies that are continuing to invest and plan for the future – whatever it might bring.

Andy Sandford, Editor

Member of the Engineering Industries Association

SEPTEMBER 2019

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Contents September 2019

23 AUTOMOTIVE

News

Features

06 ÂŁ500k press working investment 06 STL looks to increase capacity

12 Machined Components 06 5-axis for quality

06 Nuclear position strengthened 06 Stainless Metalcraft adds

17 Laser & Waterjet Cutting 06 Powerful pair of 10kW lasers

Ramping up production

assets of Jordan

10 INDUSTRY NEWS 08 Mental health comes first 06 Flame Hardeners appoints

23 Automotive 06 Holy Grail for EV? Lightweight tech partnership Wired for Speed

mental health first aider

28 Advanced Engineering Show Preview

09 Finest finish for aerospace 06 Fintek invests in latest

33 Northern Manufacturing Preview

technology

10 Stainless steel polished faster 06 Professional Polishing expands capacity

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17 LASER & WATERJET CUTTING

39 Moulding 06 Robots add value 06 40 Charity 06 Making the charitable choice SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | INDUSTRY NEWS Quartzelec, an independent engineering service provider, has just completed the first phase of an upgrade programme that will help ensure the reliability of the London Underground District line in years to come.

The project, the result of several years of discussion and planning through to fruition, has resulted in 14 high-frequency generator sets, a key component in delivering efficient signalling across the District line network, being completely overhauled with multiple components replaced.

In addition to the technical issues we had to resolve the project also presented a number of logistical problems. Not only did the District line have to remain operational throughout the process but gaining access to the generator sets was also difficult as they were typically located in densely populated residential areas located around London

‘‘

Originally built and installed in the 1950s, problems had been occurring over recent years, with London Underground increasingly experiencing multiple flash overs and failures in the generator sets.

The issue was originally thought to be being caused by slipring or brush-gear failure and an initial plan would see the original generator sets with static sets replaced. This solution however resulted in a few issues meaning SEPTEMBER 2019

Going underground

the London Underground was left to nurse the existing DC sets through whilst trying to resolve the static set issues – effectively, extending the life of the existing DC generator sets on the District line yet not resolving the underlying problem.

In 2017, based on its long heritage and technical expertise in rotating machines, Quartzelec was approached to independently evaluate the issue. It pulled together an integrated technical team that also included Morgan plc, a brush-gear specialist, to

develop a viable and cost-effective solution; being a re-design of the brush-gear and the incorporation of new springs and brushes.

“It took just over a year to develop, implement and complete the overhaul phase of the technical solution,” stated Vince Martin, Quartzelec’s Swansea based business unit manager. “In addition to the technical issues we had to resolve the project also presented a number of logistical problems. Not only did the District line have to remain operational throughout the process but gaining access to the generator sets was also difficult as they were typically located in densely populated residential areas located around London.”

Vince Martin concluded: “With this project complete we are now looking to further leverage our expertise along with the additional operational knowledge we gained on this project and seek to support and resolve similar issues on other London Underground lines.”

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Aerospace Oil & Gas Nuclear Defence

Automotive Electronics Hi Fi

Industrial & High Volume Machining

PRECISION ENGINEERING www.thomas-brown-engineering.co.uk Tel: 01484 548903

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INDUSTRY NEWS | Engineering Capacity

£500k press working investment Samuel Taylor Limited (STL), the Redditch based metal contacts and precision metal pressings specialist, has announced investments totalling over £500,000 in new machinery and factory space.

The investments are part of a focused effort to increase capacity and efficiency and include the purchase and commission of a forming machine, an 80-ton press and an image dimension measuring system. To provide more flexibility in the housing of production machinery and as part of a factory modernisation project, the company has also taken on an additional 500 square metres of factory space.

STL Sales Manager Carl Siviter comments: “The business has a track record of making investments to ensure that we remain globally competitive. This Stainless Metalcraft (Metalcraft) has acquired the trade and some assets of Jordan Manufacturing, a supplier of manufacturing services the nuclear, industrial and oil & gas markets.

Jordan Manufacturing, which was part of the Redhall Group, went into administration on 17 June, with all employees being made redundant. The trade and selected assets will now be integrated into Metalcraft’s operations in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire.

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mindset led us to invest in the purchase and commissioning of a new forming machine, complete with tapping, feeder and automatic controls. We also purchased an additional 80-ton Chin Fong Press, with the benefit that it could also be used for development work and if needed, further short-term production capacity. We operate in a global marketplace with a diverse customer base, and this level of investment will provide both extra manufacturing capacity and flexibility, as some new projects move forward into mass production”.

Carl Siviter adds: “The additional production capacity needs better and faster QA tools to maximise the investment payback, hence why we have moved to invest in our first Keyence Image Dimension Measuring System. We can now perform high-precision measurements, automatically record data, and generate reports with the push of a button. This improves our quality assurance, enormously enhances our inhouse inspection capabilities and efficiency, as QA inspection times have been dramatically reduced”.

Strategically the investments also ensure that STL is well positioned for further diversification into new markets, such as automotive, electric vehicles, battery development and hydrogen trains.

8 samueltaylor.co.uk

Nuclear position strengthened Austen Adams, managing director of Metalcraft, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to complete this deal, which follows hot on the heels of our acquisition of Booth Industries from administrators in June this year.

“Jordan Manufacturing provided specialist manufacturing and fabrication services for a number of high-profile clients, primarily in the nuclear, industrial and oil & gas markets.

“The acquisition strengthens Metalcraft’s position as a key player in the nuclear supply chain and is part of our mission to develop the business to become a global leader in high-value, niche engineering sectors.”

Redhall Group announced plans to appoint administrators to a number of its businesses in May, with Metalcraft acquiring Bolton-based Booth Industries on 10 June, saving 90 jobs.

8 metalcraft.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2019

INDUSTRY NEWS | Engineering Capacity Flame Hardeners has become one of the first small companies in the Contract Heat Treatment sector to appoint a designated Mental Health First Aider.

Commercial Manager, Claire Casswell, who is already qualified to Level 3 in Counselling, has gained MHFA England’s Certificate following their Adult Mental Health First Aid Two Day Course, which teaches people how to spot the signs of mental health issues, offer initial help and guide the individual towards appropriate support.

Claire explains: “The course covered all types of mental illness, how it affects people individually, how to recognise ‘warning’ signs and guide them to advice before it develops further.

We also learned how to manage someone who is in crisis.”

It is estimated that one in four people suffer from some form of mental illness during their lifetime, from panic attacks, anxiety, depression, self-harming and addictive behaviours, to PTSD. Most people ‘keep it to themselves’ because of the stigma attached to mental health issues.

Visit our website or contact us for a quote or advice

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Mental health comes first

“This is why it’s important to maintain confidentiality, so that the person affected can feel reassured that they will be listened to non-judgementally, and that their information won’t be disclosed to anyone else within the company,” continues Claire.

“Having first-hand experience of the effects of mental health issues within my own family, I am looking forward to helping others

The course covered all types of mental illness, how it affects people individually, how to recognise ‘warning’ signs and guide them to advice before it develops further.

We also learned how to manage someone who is in crisis

‘‘

to avoid the distress that these can cause,” she concludes.

Flame Hardeners’ Managing Director, Roger Haw observes: “The pressures within the working environment, especially a sector that is as intensive as Heat Treatment, are greater now than they have ever been and we feel it is important to take a holistic approach to employee welfare so that the effects of those pressures can be minimised.”

8 flamehardeners.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | INDUSTRY NEWS

Calibration turnaround

Finest finish for aerospace To meet growing demand for ever more precise surface finishing in aerospace, Fintek has invested in a latest generation stream finishing machine from OTEC Präzisionsfinish GmbH. “The new SF is particularly important for our aerospace work to ensure the precise profile tolerances now demanded for turbine blades are met. For example, the control provided by the new step motor technology allows us to repeatedly change and lock the angle of the blades as they pass through the process media to carefully manage the finishing effect on vital leading and trailing edges,” explained operations manager Jamie Phillips.

The company’s range of surface finishing services includes deburring and mirror-finish polishing to smoothing and polishing, as well as important edge rounding. For aerospace, this covers not just turbine blades but also complete blisks, gear wheels, cutting tools, fasteners and extremely thin parts.

SEPTEMBER 2019

“Problem solving is an integral to our service. We work closely with aerospace customer engineers, including in research and development for which the SF is ideal, to create better parts by applying surface finishing techniques that meet their commercial objectives. Often we are able to achieve a quality of surface finish in minutes (sometimes seconds) that can’t be matched by hand or other traditional methods. Furthermore, processes are precisely repeatable to ensure total quality consistency.”

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With the opening of new Calibration Select Laboratory in Birmingham Avery WeighTronix can now offer 5-day turnaround on metrology equipment calibrations.

The service includes the calibration of torque, pressure, temperature and electrical equipment and mass weights.

The Calibration Select Laboratory, located at the company’s Soho Foundry site in Birmingham, features state-ofthe-art testing equipment, supported by experienced laboratory technicians and a bespoke, online system which provides direct access to calibration certificates and asset details, and simplifies the customer experience.

Calibration Select reduces equipment downtime by guaranteeing items are collected, calibrated and returned within 5 days.

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FM10101

Manufacturers of High Quality Mill-Turned Parts

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INDUSTRY NEWS | Engineering Capacity Black Country-based Professional Polishing Services has invested a third of its turnover in new equipment that will reduce turnaround time to a matter of days. The investment includes two new Autopulit automatic reciprocating polishing machines from Ellesco.

“We have always looked to the future with continuous investment in the business a strategy that has resulted in long-term growth and a unique position among polishing companies in the UK. Now, with a large three-year investment in our plate section drawing to a close, it was time to address other areas of the business,” says Managing Director Kirsty Davies-Chinnock.

Attention turned to the company’s bright polishing lines, it currently had four lines, the latest was installed only six years ago but, had reached capacity.

Due to this lead times were becoming extended, making it an obvious choice for the next tranche of investment. Typically, industry expects a turnaround in weeks, but Professional Polishing Services aims to reduce this to days. “We looked at a couple of machines, then addressed the state of the industry and economic projections and Brexit, of course.

At that point we decided we could simply buy a new machine or, look at doing something a bit different, in other words ‘go big or go home!’. Therefore, over the past nine months we have invested a third of our turnover, brought in new extraction equipment, new pick and place systems, new coaters and stackers and, of 10

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Stainless sheet polished faster

We have always looked to the future with continuous investment in the business a strategy that has resulted in longterm growth and a unique position among polishing companies in the UK

‘‘

course the two new Autopulit PHA-1250x3000/1UP bright polishing lines from Ellesco.”

Why such a big investment at what many see as a time of uncertainty with Brexit? “It was the UK’s lack of direction and any obvious plan with regard to Brexit that guided us. As a business we can only influence what we can do on a company level, I have no influence over how the UK goes forward. Therefore, our investment is a calculated risk,

with a target of increasing turnover by 30% in the next 18 months, then target further growth of an additional 30% in the next 18 months. It could all go horribly wrong, however, if we have achieved the first part of our goal we will be in a position to ride any downturn.

“We are excited by the finishes that we will be able to produce on these new machines and while the process remains the same, using polishing mops and compound, the technical advances over our existing Autopulit machine ensure we achieve better and more consistent surface finishes, such as bright mirror finishes on stainless steel 2B substrate. In short we can now do things better, quicker and cleaner.”

8 professionalpolishing.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | PEOPLE

Trade Leads from the EIA The following FREE OF CHARGE trade leads for the UK engineering industry are currently appearing on the Trade Board pages of the Engineering Industries Association at www.eia.co.uk

Francis Kelly has been appointed Senior Vice President, Delivery and Growth at Causeway Aero Group. He has over 30 years’ experience in the aircraft interiors sector, including time at Collins Aerospace’s seat production facility in Kilkeel and then in its galley production facility in the Philippines

Andrew Hodgson Strategic Lead – Digitalisation, at Siemens has been appointed as Vice President of the Manufacturing Technologies Association. Andrew has been a member of the MTA Board for a number of years and also chairs the Association’s Technical Committee, which looks at activities in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Silver cyanide A Turkish company is looking for a supplier of silver cyanide.

Reference: 33136 Closing Date: 30/12/2019 Steel industry training partner A Turkish company is looking for a long-term training associate that specialises in steel industry technical training.

Reference: 33236 Closing Date: 31/12/2019 Fittings, hoses and couplings A Russian distributor is looking for fittings for the oil and gas industry.

Reference: 33332 Closing Date: 31/12/2019 Piping and composites A Brazilian company, founded in 1991, based in the state of Alagoas, a producer and exporter of piping equipment and composites for industrial applications, seeks distribution agreements in Portugal, Spain, France and Germany.

Reference: JV1343 Closing Date: 08/10/2019

Peyton Gregory-Jemson has joined Blackburn based MGS Technical Plastics as a cost analyst to help streamline new projects.

The appointment was made to enhance the technical team to better accommodate old and new customers following a large number of enquiries.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Michelle Storor has been appointed as a Service Engineer at Matsuura Machinery.

Michelle was an Aircraft Engineer for the German Army for five years working on various helicopters including; CH- 53, NH-90, EC135, BO125. Michelle moved back to the UK as an engineer for a sheet metal company.

Fasteners A South Korean Company is seeking partners to help it expand in Europe.

Reference: JV1347 Closing Date: 08/10/2019 For more information please email head.office@eia.co.uk quoting reference number.

Please remember to use due diligence in responding to Trade Leads. Engineering Capacity provides you with the above information in good faith, but is unable to accept any responsibility or legal liability arising from any use of these leads.

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MACHINED COMPONENTS | Engineering Capacity Thomas Brown Engineering Ltd has invested in a new highperformance Mikron 5-axis machining centre that will used to produce high accuracy components with a Ra 0.2μm surface finish.

Supplied by GF Machining Solutions, the Mikron MILL P 500U was installed at the company’s 20,000 square foot facility in Huddersfield in January 2019 and is being used to machine precision components for customers operating in the aerospace, medical, automotive, robotics, food processing, oil and gas and steel manufacturing/ processing sectors.

The components machined on the MILL P 500U are diverse and varied. Typical materials machined include aluminium, steel, stainless steel and Inconel, and batch volumes (sizes) are mainly in the low to medium range.

The components machined on the Mikron are characterised by their accuracy and impressive surface finishes with a 20 micron geometric tolerance and a Ra 0.2μm surface finish requirement being the rule rather than the exception.

Managing Director Tom Brown said: “The sectors where we operate are competitive and demanding. Quality is non-negotiable, and everstringent delivery times are increasingly prevalent.

“To meet customer demands and survive in these environments you need to be committed to continuous improvement and continually raise your game.

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5-axis for quality components

“By investing in the latest (and most advanced) machine tool technologies and by combining our manufacturing prowess with excellent customer service, we have found that we have been able to grow our business.”

Thomas Brown Engineering was established in 1983 by current managing director, Tom Brown.

Over the last 35 years the company has grown steadily from being a one-man band to a business that now employs 20 members of staff.

Today the company has 14 CNC machine tools and is looking to increase its floor space by an extra 4,000 square feet before the end of the year.

Tom Brown says: “We are a Tier 2 supplier in the sectors where we operate. The investment we have made in a plant, people, technologies, systems and processes has enabled us to consolidate our position in these sectors with existing customers

and win new contracts with new customers too.”

This increase in demand ultimately led to the decision to invest in the new Mikron MILL P 500U. Explains Tom Brown: “We audited and reviewed our machining strengths and weaknesses, and identified where the ‘pinch’ points existed. The exercise helped determine that we needed to increase our 5-axis milling capacity and capabilities as a matter of some urgency.

“We had previously invested in a Mikron HPM 450U (5-axis) machine some years earlier and the machine had served us well.

We particularly liked the machine’s built-in automation and the way in which its integrated automatic pallet changers have helped us increase our productivity and efficiency and reduce our operational costs.”

The company drew up a list of technical and performance SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | MACHINED COMPONENTS requirements for the new machine and benchmarked these against the 5-axis machines in GF Machining Solutions’ portfolio.

It became clear that the MILL P 500U was the preferred choice.

The Mikron MILL P 500U is an ultra high-performance, simultaneous 5-axis machining centre that offers powerful and dynamic material removal capabilities, thermal stability and high stiffness, to deliver high precision and surface finish

on complex parts. The machine features a thermo-stable and symmetrical design, so that even when machining at a fast pace and over long production runs, accuracy and process reliability remain high and consistent.

The company also wanted the machine to be able to perform interpolation turning operations.

This is a machining technique developed for advanced machining centres and B-axis multi-task

machines. It enables a turning operation to be carried out by interpolating the X- and Y-axis in a circular direction and rotating the machine spindle in time with the rotational contour.

The circular movement can either increase or decrease in diameter to produce facing operations or be combined with the Z-axis to produce a bore or outer diameter.

8 thomas-brownengineering.co.uk/

Wealdpark Limited Stand number 5126

Subcontract Capacity #.# MILL TURN FACILITIES USING SLIDING AND FIXED HEAD LATHES WITH BAR CAPACITY UP TO MM DIAMETER -IYANO FIXED HEAD LATHES WITH BAR CAPACITY UP TO MM DIAMETER (URCO VERTICAL MACHING CENTRE 03, $ATATRACK MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

BS EN ISO 9001:2008. Approved by BSI since 1991.

Company Contact Details Phil Smith, Director, Wealdpark Limited Sutton Road, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA9 3DJ Tel. 01744 22567 / 732083 Fax. 01744 451339 E: sales@wealdpark.co.uk www.wealdpark.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2019

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MACHINED COMPONENTS | Engineering Capacity Subcontractor Numac Engineering, more than half of whose business is in the oil and gas sector, has ordered a Hermle 5-axis, trunnion-type, mill-turn centre to strengthen its prismatic machining capability and at the same time add extra turning capacity.

Kingsbury, sole agent for the German machine builder, will install the Hermle C42UMT in the customer's Stalybridge factory in October 2019. It will additionally allow the contract machinist to take on more complex work in the aerospace and motorsport sectors.

A wide variety of metals is already machined on site, encompassing most grades of stainless steel as well as exotic materials including titanium and nickel alloys such as Hastelloy and Incoloy.

Numac's managing director Andy McLaren commented, "We have 4-axis horizontal-spindle and vertical-spindle machining centres

First 5-axis for Numac The torque table on the Hermle will cut the number of separate operations even further on some of our mill-turned components, as we will be able to avoid a separate clamping on a lathe

‘‘ here but are keen to add full 5-axis milling and drilling, both to increase the complexity of parts we can produce and to reduce the number of set-ups needed for 3+2 axis work.

"The torque table on the Hermle will cut the number of separate operations even further on some

!

"

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of our mill-turned components, as we will be able to avoid a separate clamping on a lathe.

"We have a number of oil and gas parts earmarked for such a process improvement and estimate that typically the number of set-ups will be halved, resulting in major efficiency and productivity increases."

He added that he had spent 18 months researching 5-axis mill-turn centres available on the market and opted for the Hermle primarily due to its superior turning capability, the table having a maximum speed of 800 rpm and the ability to turn components with the trunnion positioned at any angle.

Other attributes of the C42UMT that Mr McLaren values is its 800 x 800 x 550 mm working volume, which fits well with the maximum size of part machined by Numac; its 18,000 rpm HSK-T63 spindle, more than double the speed of other machines on the shop floor at Stalybridge; as well as the tandem trunnion drive, extended tool capacity to 92 pockets and 10 m/s2 acceleration to 60 m/min rapids.

8 numac.uk.com/ SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | MACHINED COMPONENTS Hydrafeed says that PSL Datatrack production control software has enabled the continued expansion of its twin manufacturing strands of subcontract engineering and the production of its renowned bar feed systems.

To this has now been added its new sole UK and Ireland agency for RoboJob’s robotic solutions.

Taking control of Hydrafeed in 2012 Managing Director Martyn Page embarked upon a major overhaul of the company’s business administration procedures, including investment in PSL Datatrack to replace DOS and paper-based systems. Aiming to grow the subcontract business quickly for customers in a variety of industrial sectors, the administration processes needed to be as efficient as possible.

“Initially, the challenge was to get the details of all our stock and material data as well as customer information loaded on to the PSL Datatrack system. Once that had been done – with full support from PSL Datatrack – we were soon able to realise the benefits and our staff quickly bought into the advantages of the system,” says Martyn.

According to Hydrafeed's Production Director, Daren Drew, PSL Datatrack has had a huge impact on the subcontract side of the business. “At any time on the shop floor we have in excess of 400-500 components going through. We need to trace and track all the materials involved, organise treatments and subsequent deliveries and invoicing. This could have been a SEPTEMBER 2019

Software feeds expansion

logistical nightmare but PSL Datatrack has smoothed out that side of our business completely.

We can see everything on PCs throughout the factory.”

PSL Datatrack records and tracks all aspects of an order from that initial quotation through to delivery and invoicing. Once a works order has been raised the system generates the material requirements and the purchasing module is used to order materials needed to fulfil the job from

suppliers. This is then traced through the shop floor with costs of the operations, materials, tooling and any subcontract processes all fully recorded. The actual time taken for manufacturing, details of when parts are made, on which machine and by which operator is also recorded and this historic information can be recalled at any future time.

8 psldatatrack.com hydrafeed.co.uk

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MACHINED COMPONENTS | Engineering Capacity

Ramping up production GWR Fasteners, which manufactures high-quality special fasteners and precision components, has followed up its move to new premises with the purchase of a new Miyano turning centre.

The purchase of the Miyano BNE-51SY6 8-Axis CNC Turning Centre with barfeed was funded

by Close Brothers Asset Finance.

The new machine will enable GWR Fasteners to both ramp up production and offer new products at its new premises in Oswestry, which it moved to after outgrowing its former location,

Jude Robinson, who founded GWR Fasteners with her partner, Gary, said: “The purchase of the new CNC machine is a strong statement of our ambitions and it wasn’t a decision we took lightly.

“Having worked with Close Brothers Asset Finance since we started out, we were able to negotiate a deal that worked for both firms and we are delighted with the outcome.”

Simon Parker of Close Brothers added: “Close Brothers Asset Finance has been a partner of GWR Fasteners since they established their firm over a decade ago. We funded their very first CNC machine and we are delighted that they selected us as their funding partner for the Miyano BNE-51SY6 8-Axis CNC Turning Centre with Barfeed.”

8 gwr-fasteners.co.uk

• CNC machining of Exo c materials such as Inconel, MP35N, Waspalloy, Titanium • Subcontract machining from Free Issue and supply complete including finishes • 48hr Turnaround turning and milling capacity • EDM – Spark erosion

Oil & Gas • Precision Turning using Hardinge collets • Barfeed and billet work undertaken • Small batch to High volume • Full 5 axis simultaneous milling

Motorsport

Defence

48hr 48hr

Aerospace

Turnaround T urnaround Capacity Capacity

w www.cncleicester.com ww.cncleicester.com Clipper Clipp per R Road oad L Leicester eicester L LE4 E4 9 9JE JE T Tel: el: 0116 0116 sales@cncleicester.com sales@cncleicester.com

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FM F M5 590369 9036 9

SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | LASER & WATERJET CUTTING Two 10kW fibre laser production cells at Laser 24 offer one of the most powerful sheet metal cutting systems in the South of England.

A 10 kW ByStar Fiber was installed in mid-2018 and was followed by an identical production system six months later.

Director Iain Summerfield said: "The 10 kW fibre laser is twice as fast as our previous fibre machine and over three times more productive than our old CO2 equipment. We now cut 10 mm mild steel sheet at around 5 m/min on the 10 kW machine, whereas on our CO2 machines, the best we could achieve in the same material was 1.5 m/min."

He added that the company mainly uses nitrogen as the assist gas, rather than oxygen, as it results in an unoxidised edge that does not need to be finished before it is painted or powder coated.

A further advantage of having a 10 kW fibre laser source is that there is sufficient power to effectively use air rather than oxygen as the assist gas for certain jobs. It results in an edge quality indistinguishable from if oxygen is used when cutting material up to 1.5 mm thick and is still acceptable for thicknesses up to 3 mm. Laser 24 is currently considering air cutting, which avoids the cost of using bottled gas, as an economical alternative to plasma cutting for applications that do not require top quality edge finish. Trials are currently being carried out.

A further significant benefit of the higher power laser is its ability SEPTEMBER 2019

Powerful pair of 10kW lasers

to guarantee the edge quality on both sides of a sheet when cutting coated material. Normally, due to the coating on the underside, a burr results that needs to be removed by hand, but the 10 kW fibre source eliminates the problem and leaves a clean edge.

Maximum cutting capacities of the 10 kW fibre lasers are 25 mm

mild steel, 30 mm stainless steel and aluminium, 15 mm brass and 12 mm copper. Mr Summerfield made the point that the ability to tackle thicker plate overlaps with the use of waterjet cutting, compared with which laser processing is half the cost. Unless a heat affected zone at the component edge created by the laser (but not the waterjet) is a problem, for the above gauges of material the 10 kW Bystronic ByStar Fiber is the obvious choice.

For many years, customers had been asking for laser-cut parts to be bent as well, a service that was fulfilled by putting the work out to other subcontractors. That situation changed in September last year with the arrival of Laser 24's first press brake, an 80-tonne, 1.5-metre capacity Bystronic Xpert 80.

8 laser24.co.uk www.engineeringcapacity.com

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LASER & WATERJET CUTTING | Engineering Capacity Cambridge Rapid Components, which serves the furnace, scientific, laboratory and security industries, has installed its first laser to remove outsourcing costs and give it greater control over production.

After its formation some 32 years ago, the family-run subcontractor has grown to employ 14 staff, with more soon to follow. Core business in recent years has focused on the supply of stainless steel barriers to the furnace sector. This contract requires the processing of high-temperature 310 and 330 grade stainless steel.

Most of the sheet work handled

by Cambridge Rapid Components is between 0.9 and 3 mm thick, but occasionally up to 5 mm. Until recently, the company was relying on its in-house Trumpf TruPunch 1000 (installed 2015) and outsourced laser-cutting suppliers.

However, following a business review, this strategy has changed.

Cambridge Rapid Components, which serves both domestic and export markets, has just completed a re-launch, an activity which included new capital investment and new premises.

Relocating to nearby Haverhill has increased the available floor space for the company, creating room for the new Trumpf TruLaser 1030 fibre, which is just the second such model in the UK. “We wanted to bring the speed and finish of laser cutting in-house as we knew this technology was ideal for the high-value items we supply, particularly the high-tolerance, 20

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Stepping into laser high-complexity thermal barriers, as well as other parts for the laboratory and biomedical sectors,” explains Esther Cornell, Director at Cambridge Rapid Components. “We have the biomedical capital of the world on our doorstep, so this investment will help capture even more market share.”

On a typical basis, the company accommodates batch sizes extending from 1 to 100-off, and the new machine is already working hard.

“It’s fantastic what we can do with the TruLaser 1030,” says Esther. “We’re getting whole sets of parts off the machine and can now undertake full product builds, which makes a big difference to our business. We’re running the laser alongside our existing Trumpf TruPunch 1000, which has been retained for aluminium parts and some engraving work.”

Installed in June 2019, the entry-level CNC profiling centre is complemented by Trumpf’s TruTops Boost software for the

2D/3D design and programming of laser, punching and bending machines.

“We’ve transferred some jobs to the Trumpf TruLaser 1030 fibre that we previously ran on our TruPunch 1000, a process which has been made considerably easier with TruTops Boost,” explains Esther.

Together, the Trumpf TruLaser 1030 fibre and TruTops Boost software will help Cambridge Rapid Components achieve a number of notable gains. “For a start, we no longer need to outsource our laser cutting, which amounts to a significant monthly saving,” says Esther. “Also, due to the improved surface finish of laser cutting, we reduce the secondary deburring requirements sometimes needed when punching stainless steel.

Perhaps most importantly of all, having extra capacity means we can grow our business and further support our commitment to on-time deliveries.”

8 cambridgerapid.co.uk/ SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | LASER & WATERJET CUTTING

Automated bending capacity Redditch-based laser cutting and sheet metal specialist Intec Laser Services has created extra capacity for an automotive contract by investing in a fast, automated bending cell.

The Trumpf TruBend Cell 7000 is said to be one of the world’s fastest and has been put to work producing over 200 different types of brackets of various batch quantity and complexity for a range of customers.

Redditch-based lntec Laser Services was formed in 1979 and is one of Trumpf GB's oldest customers. The company has continuously invested in flat-bed laser cutting, tubular laser cutting, five-axis laser cutting and waterjet cutting services.

To complement the company's profiling services, lntec also offers a comprehensive range of secondary operations, including bending, welding and fabrication, essentially taking jobs from a sheet metal blank right through to a finished component or assembly. However, with a new automotive contract on the horizon, the rapidly expanding ÂŁ3.5 million turnover company sought to boost its bending capacity and introduced a 24-hour automated operating system, increasing the previous bending capacity by some 70%.

"We recently won a contract for the automotive industry that required the manufacture of 100+ different types of bracket to be supplied in batches of around 300 SEPTEMBER 2019

and upwards," explains lntec's Managing Director Darren Marson. "With our extensive laser cutting capability we knew that component blanking would be straightforward. However, it was immediately apparent that our bending capacity would not be able to keep pace with the lasers and would therefore be the bottleneck process."

On average, lntec estimated that each blank would take just a few seconds to laser cut but bending would take between 30 seconds and a minute using its existing manual press brakes.

With this concern in mind, the company set out to acquire a more capable resource for the bracket contract.

"We decided on an automated bending cell, scrutinising most of the suppliers in this technology area," says Mr Marson. "There were many reasons we opted for the Trumpf TruBend Cell 7000, not

least its automated tool change.

With so many different bracket types to produce, we knew this attribute would prove vital. The other machines we considered all required some level of manual intervention regarding the tool change function." “Most of the brackets we process are produced from an A4-sized blank with various complexities, some single bends and others containing 10-12 bends. Brackets are produced in mild steel, aluminium and stainless steel, up to a maximum thickness of 5 mm. We are now looking at putting other jobs on the machine," says Mr Marson.

8 inteclaser.co.uk www.engineeringcapacity.com

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SPONSORED FEATURE

The cold cutting, precision waterjet is exceptional in the diverse range of materials it will process and the benefits to be gained by using it. Engineering contractor ICEE Managed Services explains why this undervalued machining method opens up new possibilities and deserves a closer look.

Cutting by waterjet offers great potential for addressing many design-for-manufacture challenges in a variety of industry sectors. For a start, practically any material may be processed.

Delivered at around 80,000psi (5515 bar), the ferocious 2.8mm diameter jet – a highly aggressive mixture of cold water and fine, abrasive garnet sand - will efficiently and precisely cut through tool steel and exotic alloys, carbon fibre composites, stone and wood. Soft rubber and foam plastics may be cut with high-pressure water alone, with no abrasive additive. The abrasive waterjet will quickly produce twodimensional profiles out of sheet material, or three-dimensional forms out of thick plate.

Cold cutting reduces risk Cold cutting means no potentially harmful oxide or heat-affected zones (HAZ) will form on metals, reducing risk of dangerous inclusions where welding is involved later. Cold cutting also means no risk in the workpiece of molecular or structural change, or embrittlement, distortion, or any other heat-related issues. The edge finish is a fine quality, with minimum risk of stress crack propagation sometimes associated with other cutting methods. On thick plate, computer numerical control (CNC) automatically adjusts the waterjet to ensure square cutting, with no ‘tapering’ or wandering out-of-true, even on tight curves.

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Cold precision of waterjet cuts risk

Thanks to advanced 5-axis CNC, cutting in three dimensions is now an option. Instead of using expensive milling, casting or forging processes, 3D parts or blanks may be economically waterjetted out of thick plate. On the 2D side, many parts may be processed simultaneously and accurately. This is done by stacking several sheets of material together and cutting through the lot in one pass, so productivity is raised and costs saved.

Safely cut fibre-reinforced plastics Profiling by waterjet is proving one of the best and safest ways to cut

a variety of fibre-reinforced plastic moulded parts, from thin sheets for automotive and aerospace applications to thick composite panels used for cladding in the construction industry. Cold cutting again offers a big advantage - no damage to the plastic matrix.

Additionally, the abrasive process means no delamination of fibre reinforcement, and no risky tearing or pulling of fibres that may arise with other cutting processes.

Compared to other methods, cutting by waterjet offers major advantages. Speak to a contractor who offers a range of options, including waterjet, and get an experienced view on what would best serve your requirements – and open up new possibilities.

8 Reader enquiries to: Chris Arnold ICEE Managed Services Ltd. 20 Arnside Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7UP Telephone: 02392 230 604.

Email: Chris.Arnold@icee.co.uk Web: www.icee.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | AUTOMOTIVE Testing research reveals Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) can reduce weight and increase power density by up to 300%.

AMCs can radically improve the efficiency and responsiveness of hybrid and electric engines by increasing electric rotor strength and stiffness, improving power density by a factor of two to three, and reducing mass and inertia.

AMCs are an advanced class of composite materials in which the aluminium is reinforced with high-performance ceramics and are suitable for applications where conventional metals are expected to approach or exceed their performance limits.

Independent research commissioned by AMC manufacturer, Alvant, found that if the rotors in axial flux motors (AFMs) suitable for passenger cars were made from AMCs, rather than steel; mass and inertia would be reduced by 45% to 73%, and overall motor weight by 19 to 25kg.

Weight saving The precise extent of the weight savings depends on the type of axial flux motor. In AFMs with electrical steel cores, the weight saving would be 45% per motor; in AFMs with soft magnetic cores the saving is 50%; and in AFMs with a Halbach Array the saving is 73%.

This weight reduction and ability to increase the rotor speed increases the power density, a holy grail of electric motor development, by a massive 225% to 300%. In the simulated tests, transient response SEPTEMBER 2019

Holy Grail for EV?

was also seen to improve when typical torque available at 8,000 rpm was applied to the rotor. Due to the higher specific strength and stiffness of AMCs, speeds of 15,000 rpm would, according to Alvant, also be reliably sustainable.

Electric variants of combustion engine vehicles are typically ~125% heavier, therefore there is a need to reduce weight in order to increase driving range from a single battery charge; For an average electric vehicle, a 6% weight saving provides an additional 3km of range. As range is increased, the vehicle could also facilitate a smaller battery leading to a ~£300 reduction in battery production costs and ~£450 per annum reduction in ownership costs.

Tailored AMCs AMCs can be precisely tailored for stiffness, strength, density, thermal properties, and electrical properties. It is also possible, by

using Alvant’s unique Advanced Liquid Pressure Forming (ALPF) method, to selectively reinforce areas of a mechanical component with these high-performance materials in a near net shape manufacturing approach.

Alternatively, Alvant’s materials can be cost-effectively applied as discrete inserts into a component where an array of similar inserts meets the performance requirements.

Alvant’s commercial director, Richard Thompson, commented: “These latest research findings are potentially good news for vehicle manufacturers who face the new engineering challenges posed by hybrid and electric engines. The research data also affirms that AMCs are a more suitable material than polymer composites for use in components in motor shafts, the drivetrain, fans, flywheels, energy recovery systems, and batteries 8 alvant.com www.engineeringcapacity.com

23

AUTOMOTIVE | Engineering Capacity Fischer Group, which specialises in complex hydroformed components, has signed an agreement with Impression Technologies to use its Hot Form Quench (HFQ) technology to produce lightweight body-inwhite components.

HFQ enables standard grades of lightweight, high-strength aluminium to be formed into complex shapes in a single pressing operation. The shaped aluminium blanks are heated, formed at high speed in a stamping press, quenched in the forming tool and then undergo artificial ageing to achieve full strength.

Fischer group is a key supplier of complex-shaped hydroformed components such as manifolds and fuel rail systems to the world’s largest automotive OEMs. Under the agreement, Fischer group will manufacture body-inwhite components using HFQ Technology, enabling it to service OEM requirements in fast-growing markets such as electric vehicles.

The initial focus of the

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Lightweight tech partnership partnership will be to supply automotive customers in Europe from Fischer Hydroforming’s base in Menden, Germany, with the objective of expanding to service global OEM customers from Fischer’s facilities in North America and China. This is an important step in the rapid deployment of a full-service HFQ supply chain capability which will be in place from mid-2020 onwards to service the needs of OEMs across the globe.

Commenting on the announcement, ITL’s CEO, Jonathan Watkins, said: “We are delighted to have entered this strategic partnership with Fischer group, which will offer automotive and aerospace OEM customers stronger, lighter, more costeffective structures made using HFQ Technology. We look forward to working with Fischer to develop a global HFQ supply chain capability.”

Dr Stefan Geisler, MD of Fischer Hydroforming, said: “This partnership with ITL offers Fischer a unique opportunity to supply our automotive and industrial customers with an entire new genre of metal forming capabilities, further building on Fischer’s extensive technical and manufacturing experience. We believe HFQ Technology can offer our customers multiple sustainable opportunities to simplify design while reducing weight, cost and system complexity.”

8 impression-technologies.com SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | AUTOMOTIVE Convert Ltd has designed a rear light cable harness for a German automotive manufacturer’s new all-electric sports car.

The Kent-based electrical engineering company recently completed pre-series development work on the cable harness for the LED lamp unit designed and manufactured by Wipac – a Buckingham-based world class design and manufacturing company specialising in high-tech exterior LED lights for the prestige automotive market.

The next three years could see Convert manufacturing more than 60,000 rear light cable harness for the new model. This would involve making 2 million crimp

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Wired for speed

connections a year containing cable equivalent to the length of 2,500 football pitches.

Dave Lord, MD of Convert said: “We’re excited to have completed the pre-series development work.

We‘ve invested in a new Artos

CR11 automatic crimping wire processor especially to support this project. This new piece of kit has doubled our capacity and complements our existing Komax Gamma 255 fully automatic crimping machine and Artos MTX-5 crimping machine.”

A spokesperson, from Wipac, said: “We’ve worked with Convert for seven years so we knew they could deliver this exciting project.

Dave and his team provided first class design and development support which has resulted in a top-class lighting solution for this new electric sports car.”

8 convertltd.co.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2019

www.engineeringcapacity.com

25

AUTOMOTIVE | Engineering Capacity William Hughes can now offer electrophoretic coating to give a gloss black finish with strong anti-corrosive finish on the springs, wire forms and assemblies it manufactures itself and as a service to other manufacturers.

The new paint line has been installed at the company’s Plovdiv factory in Bulgaria.

Electrophoretic paint – or E coating – is a combination of plating and painting whereby a metal object is dipped in a waterbased solution which contains a paint emulsion. An electric current passes through the part causing the paint emulsion to condense onto it. Both the outside of the part and any internal surfaces can be painted, provided the solution can reach the surface concerned.

Typical coating thickness is 20 to 22 microns but upwards of 40 microns can be achieved if

Anti-corrosion E-coating

required. Many of the parts produced by William Hughes are destined for use in the automotive seating industry for which the paint chosen is particularly suitable due to its anti-noise properties.

Cleaning is the first step in the process, using an alkaline

From design, sampling and technical support to manufacture, Simpson Springs & Pressings Ltd provide the complete service.

Tel: 0118 978 6573 Email: sales@simpsonsprings.co.uk

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cleaning agent for the removal of oil, grease and other surface contaminants prior to a rinse in tap water. Then comes an acid bath for more stringent cleaning followed by further rinsing and a passivation procedure designed to remove any remaining iron contaminants from the surface of the material.

A rinse in de-ionising water prevents bubbles forming on the surface of the part when it enters the electro painting, or KTL stage.

The paint line transfers the parts from tank to tank fully automatically in a closed loop system that eliminates waste and is both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Finally, the painted parts are cured in an oven set at 200 degrees for 20 minutes, and will now withstand corrosion for around 800 hours, according to tests conducted in William Hughes’ salt-spray testing facility.

8 wmhughes.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | AUTOMOTIVE Laser Scanning has doubled throughput on contract inspection and reverse engineering and can now measure parts five times bigger, including JCB engine blocks, thanks to a new CMM from LK Metrology.

The new LK machine, the company’s second, is a 20.12.10 ceramic-bridge CMM with 2,000 x 1,200 x 1,000 mm working volume.

When Laser Scanning's managing director Johnathan Rigby started the company in September 2016, he brought the original machine with him from his previous employer, PMS Diecasting, Rotherham.

This firm now subcontracts much of its metrology requirement to Laser Scanning.

As the inspection provider's name implies, most data acquisition is by laser scanning on both of the LK CMMs as well as on two articulated arms supplied by Nikon Metrology. All of the equipment is housed in a temperature-controlled room held at 20 ± 1°C in the Chapeltown facility. Parts delivered for inspection are acclimatised in the same room for 24 hours to reduce measurement uncertainty.

Three types of non-contact sensor from Nikon Metrology are in use on the CMMs: an XC65D cross scanner and line scanner models L100 and LC15Dx, which respectively have 13.0, 6.5 and 1.8 μm measuring accuracy. The latter provides performance equivalent to tactile probing, which is also utilised by Mr Rigby and his team for capturing physical dimensions, such as hole diameters, using a SEPTEMBER 2019

Scanning capacity doubled TP20 touch probe and an SP20 scanning probe, both from Renishaw. A changing rack mounted on the CMM table allows automatic sensor exchange within an inspection cycle.

The order for the larger machine was prompted by a contract from JCB Power Systems for the quality control (QC) of cylinder blocks and heads for the engines that power the OEM's offroad vehicles. JCB has its own LK machine equipped with a touch probe that serves the production line in Derby. Laser Scanning assists by providing measurement and inspection of goods-in to the plant, where it has a QC engineer permanently stationed.

Additionally, the Chapeltownbased company helps out with preparing CMM programs and proving them out, as well as inspecting prototypes to support JCB's research and development department. Especially for the latter purpose, the service

provider can furnish much more comprehensive and accurate information about a new component than is possible using touch probing techniques at JCB Power Systems.

Although the engine plant does have laser scanning capability on an articulated arm, the level of detail that can be acquired is less, as its scanning resolution is 23 μm, much lower than the best CMM-mounted scanner in use at Laser Scanning’s offices in Chapeltown. In any case, inspection using an arm would be a manual process and almost impossible to replicate on subsequent occasions, whereas running a program on a CMM is automated and highly repeatable.

Mr Rigby explained, "By working with JCB's Inspection department and R&D team, we have been able to free up our customer's machine to concentrate on production QC.” 8 laser-scanning.co.uk www.engineeringcapacity.com

27

ADVANCED ENGINEERING PREVIEW | Engineering Capacity

More technologies on show Advanced Engineering returns to the NEC, Birmingham, on October 30 and 31 with the new Medical Device Engineering zone.

With a two-day attendance of some 15,000 engineering professionals, the eleventh edition of the trade show will provide companies with the opportunity to meet with OEMs and supply chain partners from sectors spanning the engineering industry.

Advanced Engineering incorporates all aspects of engineering, from design, test and measurement, inspection, materials and production, within aerospace, automotive, marine, medical and many more.

Not only has the show enjoyed growth in terms of its visitors over the past decade, but its floor space is also undergoing continuous expansion. Once a single show with 80 exhibitors, Advanced Engineering now features multiple co-locating zones under one roof, covering the engineering industry’s key sectors.

This year, the latest zone additions are the Medical Device

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Engineering Zone and the revamped Enabling Innovation area, which will join the likes of aerospace, performance materials and nuclear engineering.

Supported by Medilink, GTMA, Gambica and other UK trade bodies, the new Medical Device Engineering Zone is in response to the rapid growth of the industry.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Medical Device Engineering Open Forum to discover how medical technology is going to develop further in the future.

With seven shows under one roof, the organisers say attendees will be able to access all their business solutions in one place.

“In times of uncertainty, whether that’s in the marketplace, innovation or the choice of technologies available to you, industry leaders suggest that those who strive to invest will overcome doubt and make profit” explains Jeremy Whittingham, Head of Marketing at Advanced Engineering. “That’s why we believe in supporting and demonstrating the UK’s flourishing engineering markets here at Advanced Engineering. To do this, we’re expanding the show’s offering to keep pace with the burgeoning growth of the UK’s industry.”

“Last year, the show enjoyed a ten per cent rise in OEM and tier one manufacturer attendance compared to its previous year, leading exhibitors to book at a record rate for 2019’s show. With companies keener than ever to SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | ADVANCED ENGINEERING PREVIEW attend and exhibit at the show, Advanced Engineering is certainly positioned as one of the must-visit events of the year.”

The extensive open forum programme at the show includes over 200 presentations from speakers that include representatives of Siemens Digital Industries, BAE Systems, McLaren Automotive and IBM Academy of Technology.

Other confirmed speakers include Ford Motor Company, GKN, Johnson & Johnson, Honeywell, Williams Advanced Engineering and Prodrive.

The Open Forum programme covers five of the six show zone categories; connected manufacturing, aerospace, composites, automotive as well as medical device engineering, which is a new show zone and forum for 2019.

Each forum includes a schedule that offers insight on important topics in the industry and counts towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for attendees.

The connected manufacturing forum will cover topics such as Industry 4.0 and data usage, while the aerospace engineering forum will discuss additive manufacturing applications and aerospace 4.0. The composites engineering forum will discuss next generation materials, the automotive engineering forum will showcase sustainable and additive manufacturing and the medical device forum include sessions on wearable technology, cybersecurity and 3D printing.

“UK manufacturing is flourishing and the Advanced Engineering SEPTEMBER 2019

show displays that in all its glory”, said Jeremy Whittingham.

“It is vital to educate and celebrate the engineering and manufacturing industries across the world and that’s why Advanced Engineering is welcoming UK businesses such as McLaren and BAE Systems, as well as international companies like Siemens.

“The forum programme is a great opportunity for attendees to

engage and learn about current trends in the industry from some of the biggest names in the sector, while the exhibition provides the opportunity for attendees to network and present their products to industry professionals alike”, continued Whittingham.

“We will announce more speakers and topics for discussion on our website in the weeks leading up to the show.”

8 advancedengineeringuk.com

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ADVANCED ENGINEERING PREVIEW | Engineering Capacity Keighley Laboratories Limited (Stand L150) offers a range of AS9100 (Rev D) accredited Heat Treatment processes and the expertise to provide bespoke processing of components, whilst also providing technical support to offer solutions to eliminate cracking, distortion or low hardness issues.

The Heat Treatment department was recently contacted by a new customer which was seeking support to overcome cracking problems it was experiencing with some large gears.

Keighley Labs was able to provide technical support and advice on the large gears, each measuring 1600mm diameter. We were able to offer a bespoke service . . .

‘‘

Heat Treatment Induction Supervisor, Mark Wilson explained: “The customer required help to solve a cracking problem on the outside of the gears at the root of the teeth. Keighley Labs was able to provide technical support and advice on the large gears, each

A cracking solution

1600mm diameter gear being prepared for Induction Hardening

measuring 1600mm diameter. We were able to offer a bespoke service which consisted of preparation of specialised tooling and set up, tooth by tooth contour hardening, followed by tempering to the required hardness. Our customer was delighted with the results and the expedited turnaround speed of three working days.”

Treated gear in situ at Liverpool Docks

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In addition to providing customer support and problem-solving advice, Keighley Laboratories’ induction facility has the capability to induction harden large gears up to 3000mm diameter. Induction inspection staff are qualified to PCN Level 2 Magnetic Particle Inspection.

As stresses are inherent in most materials, this allows any pre or post induction hardening (or softening) flaws to be readily identified and discussed with the customer prior to treatment.

Keighley Labs can also provide UKAS ISO 17025 metallurgical analysis, testing and customer support for individual problems and performance enhancement utilising a range of heat treatment processes.

8 keighleylabs.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2019

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ADVANCED ENGINEERING PREVIEW | Engineering Capacity Compotech AG UK and Flexix SA will be exhibiting together at this year’s show (Stand P8).

Compotech now has a full range of capabilities for composites and fibreglass production with its new Hungarian based lower volume RTM and hand lay-up facilities now on stream complementing its established capacity. Parts on show will include parts for the rail, transport, automotive and sanitary sectors as well as machine covers.

Flexis is new to the UK market this year but has over 40 years’ experience in providing solutions in rubber, rubber-metal and elastomers. It will have a range of its products on show, including automotive and specialist rail parts.

Mixed technologies combine

On hand throughout the exhibition to discuss customer needs and solutions from both companies will be

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Peter Rawson and personnel from both companies.

8 compotech.ch flexix.com

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Stand L24 Member Company

SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | NORTHERN MANUFACTURING

Northern Manufacturing & Electronics returns to EventCity, Manchester from October 2nd to 3rd. Along with the customary wide selection of machine tools, production hardware and engineering subcontractors, visitors will have the opportunity to make contact with many of the most important engineering business associations in the country and benefit from an outstanding line-up of presenters in the show's ever-popular free seminar programme.

For the first time this year, the show is being supported by the two most important regional aerospace and automotive business organisations, the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) and the Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA), plus several other well-established national bodies, such as Composites UK, the SMMT, the GTMA, the BGA and the CBM. Also present are Made Smarter and the Manufacturing Growth Fund, organisations providing funding, advice and support to drive manufacturing growth across the North West.

Each brings a great deal of specialised experience and knowledge to the show, and in the case of the Manufacturing Growth Fund, specific help for businesses in the region to secure the investment required to grow.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Northern Manufacturing & Electronics 2019 The North West is a key region for UK manufacturing. Aerospace in the North West makes up about a quarter of the UK’s £32bn aerospace business, employs around 25,000 people and supports a rich eco-system of suppliers across the country. The North West automotive cluster employs around 16,200 people and directly produces around £9bn of sales revenue, or 12%, of the total UK automotive manufacturing output, positioning it as the second biggest region for automotive manufacture in the UK. Northern is therefore an excellent show to source components and subcontract services from some of the country’s leading firms, such as Grenville Engineering, Jenks & Cattell, LCL Electronics, Universal Fabrications, Protool Plastics and others. Mintdale Engineering, for example, offers a range of CNC manufacturing options, plus

brazing, induction brazing and clean assembly to medical standards. Items are produced to ISO 9001-2015 quality standard for the medical, brewery, heavy plant and automotive industries.

It is also an important show for machinery suppliers, and a great opportunity for potential purchasers to see the latest machinery being put through its paces, from 5-axis machining to 3D printing. Major national dealers returning for 2019 include Haas Automation, Laser Lines, Tri-tech 3D and HPC Laser. Exhibiting for the first time is Chinese firm Jinan Bodor CNC, which will be demonstrating a range of laser cutting and processing machines.

Sharmic Engineering showcases its comprehensive range of vibratory finishing machines and consumables.

Centrepiece of the XYZ Machine Tools stand this year will be the Robo-Tend robot-based www.engineeringcapacity.com

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Engineering Capacity | NORTHERN MANUFACTURING automation cell. This modular and mobile robot automation system brings automation within the reach of traditional subcontract engineering businesses, says the company and is designed for use with XYZ vertical machining and turning centres fitted with Siemens controls. The system will be demonstrated attached to an XYZ 750 LR vertical machining centre. It is equipped with a camera vision system and is compatible with the Siemens ShopMill and ShopTurn controls used on the company’s VMCs and turning centres.

LVD UK will demonstrate its Dyna-Cell, a robotic bending cell, consisting of a high-speed electric press brake combined with a robot to create a compact, integrated unit to automate the bending of small to medium sized parts in varying batch sizes at bending speeds up to 25mm per second. A patent-pending, universal gripper allows users to bend on three sides of a part without re-gripping. The bending cell combines the DynaPress Pro 40 ton press brake with 1,500mm working length and fiveaxis back gauge with a Kuka industrial robot to offer maximum bending productivity in a small footprint of 5.0 x 5.0m.

Other leading suppliers demonstrating at Northern 2019 include Middlesbrough-based Dynamic Machine Tools and EDM specialists Makrep EDM Solutions.

Complementing the high-tech machining centres is a fine selection of process facilities, production aids and consumables.

Carbolite Geo highlights its 80 SEPTEMBER 2019

years’ experience in thermal engineering in the design and manufacture of laboratory and industrial ovens and furnaces ranging from 30 to 3,000°C with a focus on vacuum and special atmosphere technology. Faro showcases its eight-axis Design ScanArm 2.5C, an integrated, remote axis, portable 3D visualisation and rendering system capable of measuring in full colour.

It is used for 3D modelling, reverse engineering and CAD-based design applications across the product lifecycle management (PLM) process. It features the company’s 3D scanning technology and its new Prizm laser line probe to deliver high-resolution colour point-cloud data says the company.

Other highlights include printing and traceability systems from Brady and Dakota Integrated Solutions, workspace storage from Bott, metrology systems from Zeiss and Nikon Metrology, and ERP/MRP solutions from CIM Software, ANSY Spaceclaim, 123-Insight and Redthorn.

Highlights of the 2019 seminar programme include sessions by award winning author, creator of the Lean Iceberg Model and partner at S.A. Partners, Gary Griffiths. Andy Brunskill, Author of “TPM: A Foundation of Operational Excellence” will share his 11 step Model which can be used to deploy an effective, systematic Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programme.

Further sessions include advice on government incentives, mergers and acquisitions, CE marking, 3D print technology and advanced composite materials among others. A complete list of sessions is available online at www.industrynorth.co.uk 8 Admission to Northern Manufacturing & Electronics 2019 and on-site parking is free with easy accessibility by road.

EventCity is also very accessible by public transport from central Manchester. To register online for complimentary tickets simply visit www.industrynorth.co.uk www.engineeringcapacity.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS | Engineering Capacity 8 New spring catalogue Experts from Lee Spring (Stand A83) will be on hand to talk to engineers of all types about the design, production and maintenance of spring components.

The latest Lee Spring catalogue with more than 25,000 standard parts will be available on their stand no. A83 with 2,000+ new items including 500+ new compression springs in metric DIN-Plus dimensions, new extension springs in SS316, new torsion springs in SS316 and added High Pressure compression springs, including new 600 PSI designs.

Products include compression springs, torsion springs, constant force springs, die springs, Belleville spring washers, wave springs, extension springs, battery

springs and numerous speciality springs. Materials include steel, stainless steel, cobalt/nickel alloy, bronze, brass, music wire and composite plastics. In addition, Lee Spring offers extensive custom design and manufacture services for one-off/prototypes or ongoing production requirements.

8 Boosting productivity Made Smarter and the Manufacturing Growth Fund (B115) provide funding, advice and support to drive manufacturing growth across the North West.

The Manufacturing Growth Fund offers SMEs in the Manufacturing and Engineering Sector impartial advice to help assess opportunities and barriers to growth, making improvement

recommendations and providing a grant towards the cost of bringing in specialist expertise for eligible projects. The Fund is available to manufacturers with the ambition to grow and who are looking to: increase production capacity; streamline manufacturing processes; increase innovation and access new markets.

Made Smarter is the UKgovernment backed Industry 4.0 Accelerator initiative, designed to drive UK manufacturing growth, productivity and transformation.

Visit us on Stand E18 @ Advanced Engineering, 30 - 31 Oct. 2019, NEC Birmingham

8-AXIS QUANTUM SCANARM INNOVATIVE REAL TIME PARTS ROTATION STREAMLINES INSPECTION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESSES

Seamlessly Integrates a Portable Measuring ScanArm with an 8th-Axis for improved Measuring Speed and Unmatched Usability!

• • • • •

Data capture with only small movements and reduced repositioning needs Up to a 40% reduction in the time it takes to measure parts and assemblies Focus on the actual measurement and not on the measurement processes Highest fidelity point cloud data at high speed with FAROBlu™ Laser Line Probe High resolution, 3D colour scanning with the FARO Prizm™ Laser Line Probe Contact us: www.faro.com/faroarm | Free Hotline: 00800-3276-7253

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | INDUSTRY NEWS The Made Smarter pilot aims to support manufacturers, engineers, makers and creators across the North West who are looking to grow through the adoption of new technologies. From 3D printers to system integration and robotics, it has a team of Industry 4.0 experts who work with all types of manufacturers to help them stay ahead of competitors, meet increasing demands and operate efficiently.

8 Fastenings for EV production TR Fastenings (Stand G51) says continued investment in equipment, resources and skills in these facilities enables the development of innovative fastening solutions, says, such as the patented EPW screw. This selfextruding thread-forming screw is designed for use in thin sheet metal. The company also supports emerging sectors such as electric vehicle (EV) charging and EV battery (EVB) technology with a combination of fastener product ranges and industry expertise.

The specialist in the design, engineering, manufacture and distribution of industrial fasteners and Cat C fastenings engineers, manufactures and distributes industrial fasteners to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in automotive, electronics and domestic appliances and has 32 locations around the world, including eight manufacturing sites.

In addition to branded fasteners for sheet metal, enclosure hardware, fasteners for plastic, security fasteners, and plastic hardware, the company’s stand will SEPTEMBER 2019

also show fasteners designed and manufactured to customer drawings as well as the EPW screw, with engineers on hand to discuss its applications and benefits.

8 Serving vital sectors Specialising in precision fabrications, sheet metalwork and machined parts, Universal Fabrications (Coventry) (Stand H37) is a Midlands-based company serving the UK and Europe.

The family-run business was established in 1971 and serves the automotive, aerospace, defence, rail and commercial vehicle sectors using the latest in 3D CAD/CAM manufacturing technology and heavy investment in CMM inspection equipment.

It offers a range of low to medium volume applications and providing engineering solutions on difficult to manufacture parts and tricky long term and short-term projects.

8 A world view of sourcing Darian (Stand A 27) will highlight the ways it can be a key part of a supply chain strategy. Sourcing engineering components from overseas suppliers of CNCmachined components, stamped parts, castings, pressings and welded assemblies means that companies can often save money compared with sourcing them

domestically due to lower labour and manufacturing costs overseas.

Another advantage is production capacity. When a company sources product from a lower-cost location, it is possible to benefit from the manufacturing infrastructure which enables larger numbers of products to be produced in a short space of time.

For lower-cost countries, it also enables product manufacturing to take place in several locations, thus multiplying production capacity, explains the company.

Darian specialises in the supply of high quality and technically challenging engineering components, such as castings, CNC-machined components, sheet metal parts and forgings.

8 Teamwork creates PCBs Specialising in electronic design and assembly, UK Electronics (Stand H6) has over 35 years of experience in this field. Technical knowledge is key and the company prides itself on having a highly capable team of electronic design and development engineers, production and testing engineers.

Individual entrepreneurs and manufacturing businesses can access PCB design and prototyping to mass production of the finished product.

Visitors to Northern 2019 are welcome to chat about how the company can help with innovations or with the production of current projects. There will be examples of projects and PCBs assembled via surface mount technology (SMT) machine or via through hole assembly. www.engineeringcapacity.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS | Engineering Capacity 8 Buy metals online SteelScout (Stand F67) has added stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and bronze have been added to online metal buying platform. The company claims this brings buyers better value and greater convenience across a broader range of metals.

Since its launch in 2017, the company has grown rapidly and has a network of local metal suppliers across the UK. Sister company, MetalHub, is an online marketplace where metal buyers in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and the Midlands can compare suppliers, get instant prices and buy steel products online. The buyer interface has been redesigned ensuring a wide selection of product, together with transparency on pricing and availability.

8 3D visualisation adds depth Faro (Stand H68) believes that the eight-axis Design ScanArm 2.5C is the only integrated, remote axis, portable 3D visualisation and rendering system capable of measuring in full colour, and will be demonstrating it at the show. It is used for 3D modelling, reverse engineering and CAD-based design applications across the product lifecycle management (PLM) process.

It features the company’s 3D scanning technology and its news Prizm laser line probe to deliver high-resolution colour point-cloud data says the company. Users now have more insight into the object’s design and creation, geometry, surface composition and visual differentiation between materials.

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The Vantage Laser Tracker will also be put through its paces at the exhibition. The high-performance, laser tracker allows users to maximise productivity and reduce inspection cycle times by 50 to 75%.

There will also be demonstrations of the Tracer laser projectors. These accurately project a laser outline onto a surface or object to provide a virtual template which operators and assemblers can use to quickly and accurately position components.

According to the company, the TracerSI, in addition to virtual templating and positioning, is the first laser imager and projection system, with high-resolution image scanning capabilities throughout its entire projection volume.

8 PCB control in-house Established 40 years ago, contract electronics manufacturer, Hallmark Electronics (Stand H55), has its own in-house PCB manufacturing facility, which the company says provides maximum manufacturing control and flexibility.

The three elements of PCB manufacture, component procurement and component assembly are managed and controlled by the same team of managers and engineers enabling the most cost-effective solutions to be engineered and produced.

PCBs are tooled and components are purchased in formats to maximise the ease, efficiency and speed within the component assembly process. Customers may purchase the complete service of PCB, component procurement, assembly and test, just PCBs or just assembly.

Volumes range one-offs to 1,000s, delivered on standard, fast and very fast turnarounds depending on your needs. PCB capabilities include high layer counts, buried and blind via holes, via in pad filled and plated over and standard double-sided plated through, flexible and felx rigid versions.

8 Discover networks in Europe Sourceways (Stand B67), helps UK companies find such partners in eastern Europe, set up projects and build strong, productive business relationships.

It can save UK companies the additional resources, time and experience needed to manage manufacturing sourcing, outsourcing and relocation projects by offering a package of services, including research, supplier evaluation, visits, interpretation, progressing quotes, clarifying technical issues, assisting with contract negotiations and ensuring mutual understanding of all aspects of the business.

A tried and tested network of suppliers, mainly in central and eastern Europe, covers a wide range of services and manufacturing capabilities, including tooling design and manufacture, casting, forging, machining and fabrication.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | MOULDING WHS Plastics uses robots extensively to add value in a series of post moulding operations, such as the assembly of automotive tail gate clips, directly at the mould press.

In addition to its injection moulding technology, the company has also invested heavily in robotics and automation to support the moulding process.

A large suite of Stäubli 6 axis robots perform a diverse range of tasks ranging from insert loading prior to moulding, to sophisticated post moulding handling and assembly operations, such as the assembly of trim clips to a tailgate moulding described here.

This is done in a production cell that uses a Stäubli TX200 six-axis robot to remove a rear tailgate component from the injectionmoulding machine. The robot then moves the part to an assembly fixture, where the component, whilst still retained by the gripper, is located and datumed for a clip assembly process. Trim clip components are presented from a bulk hopper and vibratory bowl feeding system situated within the cell. Each part is accurately located at an escapement before being collected by a second Stäubli six axis robot, in this case a TX60 model. The robot then proceeds to position and assemble multiple trim clips to the moulding.

On completion of the assembly operations, the TX200 robot, which has retained its grip on the part throughout the assembly process, then removes the part from the fixture and transfers it to an SEPTEMBER 2019

Robots add value to auto mouldings

output conveyor. This cell, which is just one of a number of similar systems at WHS Plastics, makes use of both technology and manual resource, with man and machine performing the tasks that they are best suited to.

The volume associated with the production of automotive parts means that there will undoubtedly be many repetitive tasks, as each component or sub-assembly progresses to its final stage. In the case of injection moulded parts, and especially where additional process or assembly tasks may be required, 6-axis articulated robots have clearly demonstrated their ability to add value by performing a series of often complex postmoulding operations directly at the mould press. Such has been the success of this concept for WHS Plastics, that robots are now

routinely ordered as part of a package with every new injectionmoulding machine.

Further benefits from the use of robots are that they can also alleviate the problems sometimes encountered by manual operators, where the highly repetitive nature of the operation may ultimately cause physical strain, or be at the root of unintended errors. In addition, robots make it possible for operators to acquire new skills, such as managing the automated cell and perhaps performing quality control functions.

The introduction of robotics and automation is now seen as essential if plastics processors are to remain competitive, capture new markets, and increasingly add value to the products that they manufacture.

8 whs-plastics.com www.engineeringcapacity.com

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CHARITY | Engineering Capacity

Making the charitable choice Given the choice between two companies offering the same products and services at the same price, 82%* of people said their decision would be affected by whether a company engaged with a charity.

No one would disagree that supporting a charity is a good thing to do. Today it often forms part of a business’ Corporate Social Responsibility with many engineering companies choosing to work with a charity that is relevant to their industry.

Indeed, over £15million per annum is invested by UK aviation in charity, community and good causes according to the UK Aviation Industry Socio-Economic Report 2016.

Dave Edwards, CEO of the Air Charter Association, and trustee

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of aviation charity fly2help, which raises the spirits of people through flight and inspires young people to consider careers in aviation, agrees: “I see first-hand how generously the business community supports charities like fly2help, with staff both volunteering their time and fundraising. Equally, the businesses I speak to tell me supporting a charity like ours brings a whole host of benefits to their company.”

So just what are the business benefits? First up is the fantastic team building opportunities.

“Raising the money needed to put on a fly2help Air Smiles Day for children and adults living with disability, life-limiting conditions, severe illness, bereavement or isolation is a great way for a team

Dave Edwards CEO of the Air Charter Association says working with charities like fly2help brings a whole host of benefits to a company

to come together,” enthuses Dave.

“Our Air Smiles Day is built around a flight experience in a light aircraft and gives the individual a chance to leave their worries on the ground and enjoy a day out with their family.”

Recently, fly2help organised an Air Smiles Day for the Henley Family at London Biggin Hill Airport. The family - along with their son who suffers from bilateral talipies (club foot) and deafness - flew over London with Castle Air in an Augusta A109 Helicopter, before visiting Signature Flight Support’s VIP Terminal. The day also included a visit to Bombardier’s engineering

SEPTEMBER 2019

Engineering Capacity | CHARITY facility for a tour and a chance to see several business jets, as well as the Spitfires at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar.

Dave continues: “Each Air Smiles Day costs £500 which is easily achievable for most small businesses, and up to £7,000 for larger companies for their annual CSR supported charity. In my experience, staff see the act of fundraising as a team building event in itself, organising skydives and bake sales to raise the much-needed cash. Often, several of the fundraising team volunteer on the Air Smiles Day and spend time with the family their company has sponsored.”

The team building element of fundraising is a huge morale booster within the workplace – giving employees a real sense of helping others and giving something back.

According to Dave, supporting a charity also offers networking opportunities with other businesses. Each year fly2help holds a gala dinner which brings together over 100 aviation professionals from across the UK. “The black-tie dinner includes guest speakers from the aviation industry along with an auction of some fantastic prizes such as a flight in a spitfire.” explains Dave.

“Over the years the dinner has been attended by representatives from Rolls Royce and Airbus – two world-class manufactures which fly2help is lucky enough to call major partners, along with the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Royal Airforce Red Arrows, Cotswold and Gloucestershire SEPTEMBER 2019

airports, Thomas Cook and Abelli Photo Books.”

Andy Owen, Account Director – Government and Military, for Jeppesen, a company offering navigational information, operations planning tools, flight planning products and software, said: "As an Aviation company we were keen to support financially and by volunteering a charity that works with children and aviation.

Fly2help fits that bill perfectly.

Giving children facing challenging situations the chance to enjoy a flight and all that goes with it is something that appealed to everyone in our company.

“We have held a number of events to raise money to support an Air Smiles Day. We have also volunteered to help at an Air Smiles Day. The joy on the faces of those attending will live long in the memory.”

Supporting a charity can also help with corporate identity, enhancing a business image by showing the world its brand is both ethical and trustworthy.

“Very often, businesses support charities within their sector or locality as a way to give back to their community or industry,” says Dave. “We get lots of support from the aviation and aerospace industry - so my advice to any business would be to support a charity your staff believe in - it’s a fantastic way of getting your employees to buy-in to your values.”

Last but by no means least, a key benefit of supporting a charity is the feel-good factor it brings to staff. RGV Aviation, the UK’s leading light aircraft maintenance provider, is based at Gloucestershire Airport and regularly works with fly2help.

The RGV team put on tours of their aircraft maintenance facilities and give talks on aircraft maintenance as a career to students on the fly2help’s Aim High programme.

Peter Horsburgh Training Coordinator for RGV, says: “It is a pleasure for us to contribute to the students’ growth. The entire team find it very rewarding to encourage fly2help’s Aim High students to develop their interest of a career in aviation.”

Supporting a charity is not only a philanthropic gesture but also makes good business sense.

And with recent research revealing 82% of consumers’ buying decisions are affected by whether a company engages with a charity, it might improve your bottom line too.

8 To find out more about fly2help, email georgina.godfree@fly2help.org or call 07539 141552 www.engineeringcapacity.com

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Flame Hardeners Ltd Bespoke surface heat treatment processors. Gears up to 4.5m dia.

Shafts or rollers up to 1.5m dia. and 7.5m in length. Machine beds up to 6m lengths. Wheels up to 2.3m dia.

We have over 75 years of experience.

Shorter Works, Bailey Lane Sheffield S1 3BL Tel: 0114 276 8167 www.flamehardeners.co.uk/

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MACHINING (5 AXIS) 8

Mini Gears (Stockport) Ltd Mini Gears is a subcontract manufacturer of machined components, gears and racks.

Winner of 17 Industry Awards, it has a global customer base, 35,000 sq. ft. facility and over 100 machines.

DAWSON PRECISION COMPONENTS Manufacturing precision machined components since 1965 Services include: CNC milling, CNC turning, turn/mill machining, sub contracted services, finishing and project management.

Greenfield Lane, Shaw, Oldham, Lancashire, OL2 8QP Tel: 01706 842311

dpc.co.uk

Top Gear House, Bletchley Road Heaton Mersey Industrial Estate Stockport SK4 3ED Tel: 0161 432 0222 www.minigears.co.uk MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 8

CNC PRECISION COMPONENTS 8 HEAT TREATMENT 8

Qualiturn are a very modern subcontract machining service. We offer CNC precision Turned and Milled components to your specifications and quantities. We work with all sizes of customers, offering the same service to all. Supplying various market sectors across the world.

18 Merchant Drive Mead Lane Industrial Estate Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7AY Tel. +44 (0) 1992 584499 www.qualiturn.co.uk

PRECISION ENGINEERING 8

Wardlow, Tideswell, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 8RP Tel. 01298-871633 (from overseas: +44-1298-871633) from 09:00 to 23:00 UK time www.lathes.co.uk

Unit 2, Deethe Farm Industrial Est, Cranfield Rd, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK17 8UR Tel: 01908 585103 www.jflbroaches.co.uk

Qualiturn Products Limited

Lathes.co.uk store.lathes.co.uk - where Manuals, Catalogues Drive Belts Books Accessories & Spares are listed The world’s largest machine tool reference archive. Manuals, Catalogues, Books, Pictures Specifications, Technical Guides

PRECISION ENGINEERING 8

JFL are broach and broaching specialists with amost 40 years personal experience. We offer a comprehensive broaching service covering keyways, squares, hexagons and special forms.

LATHES.CO.UK

PSL Datatrack PSL Datatrack is an affordable, modular production control system.

The software streamlines the entire production process from quotation to invoice encompassing sales orders, purchasing, planning, shop floor, quality, financial and management.

Lily Hill House, Lily Hill Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2SJ Tel: 08456 345931 www.psldatatrack.com

PRECISION ENGINEERING 8

JFL Broaches and Broaching

MACHINE TOOL MANUALS 8

BROACHING 8

DIRECTORY | Engineering Capacity

5 High quality precision machined components 5 Trusted technical support service 5 Complete and bespoke service from conception to completion 5 AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015 approved Oldfield Street, Crosland Moor Huddersfield HD4 5AJ T: 01484 548903 www.thomas-brown-engineering.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2019

Subcontract Machining

13 - CNC Sliding Heads up to 1”; 14 CNC Twin Turret Fixed Heads up to 65mm; 5 - Twin Turret Twin Spindle; 5 - Twin Turret with Sub-Spindle and 4 - Twin Turret; 4 - CNC Single Turret Fixed Heads up to 6” Billet.

Centreless Grinding & T/rolling. All materials - Stainless Steel; Nickel Alloys and other exotics a speciality.

Prestwood Place, East Pimbo, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 9QE Tel: 01695 727401 www.kirkhamengineering.co.uk

With more than three decades of experience and dedication in producing the highest quality products, Grenville maintains its position as the leading precision sheet metal fabrication company.

Unit 3 Newfield Industrial Estate, High Street,Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5PD Tel: 01782 577 929 www.grenville-engineering.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2019

Unit 2 Brookside Avenue, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3LF Telephone: +44 (0) 1903 776 171 www.precisonproducts.co.uk

AS AS 9100 & ISO 9001 Design & Engineering Support Service

TURNING (CNC) 8

Parts Assembly Parts

Grenville Engineering (Stoke-on-Trent) Ltd

TURNED PARTS 8

Accredited to AS9100 Rev D

Precision Turned Turned P Parts arts

Kirkham Engineering Co Ltd

Precision Products (Brighton) Ltd A one-stop-shop for high-quality turned parts

CNC Milled Components

Batchflow Engineering Ltd CNC turning capacity from 2mm200mm using high precision Fixed and Sliding Head CNC Lathes.

Experience in machining a range of materials, from Low to Medium volumes, to customers specifications.

Budbrooke Road, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 5XH Tel: 01926 492889 www.batchflow.co.uk

SPRING MAKING 8

SHEET METAL WORKING 8

REPETITION TURNED PARTS 8

Sutton Road, St. Helens Merseyside WA9 3DJ Tel: 01744 22567 www.wealdpark.co.uk

APT Leicester, Leicester, the ar artt of precision precision..

Simpson Springs & Pressings Ltd Precision manufacturers of a wide range of compression tension and torsion springs. Also circlips, wireforms, contacts, antennas and light pressings. Quality approved to BS EN ISO 9001:2000.

Unit 1, Latimer Road Industrial Est, Latimer Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2YD Tel: 0118 978 6573 www.simpsonsprings.co.uk

WATERJET CUTTING 8

Wealdpark Ltd CNC mill-turn facility using Star sliding head lathes with bar capacity up to 32mm diameter.

Miyano and Doosan fixed head lathes with bar capacity up to 65mm.

Hurco vertical machining centre.

SUBCONTRACT CNC TURNING 8

PRECISION ENGINEERING 8

Engineering Capacity | DIRECTORY

ICEE Comprehensive fabrication facilities offering complete turnkey solution.

Design, Precision Engineering, Sheet Metal Fabrication and Welding.

Prototypes, one off or batch work.

Waterjet Capacity: 4m x 2.25m & dash; materials up to 230mm depth.

Aluminium Alloy Specialists.

20 Arnside Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7UP Tel: 023 9223 0604 www.icee.co.uk

www.engineeringcapacity.com

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