For the fifth consecutive year
Tracks to the future: Precision machining for tomorrow’s rail
The world’s railway network spans over 1.3 million route-kilometres.
Urban and high-speed rail infrastructures have scaled up rapidly over the past decade, laying the foundation for convenient, lowemissions transport. As one of the most efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers, continued investment in rail forms a high priority for a more sustainable, resilient future. But how can this look from an engineering level? Here Harish Maniyoor, Manager –
Offer Implementation Turning, at metal cutting and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant, explores.
According to the International Energy Agency, rail is among the most energy efficient modes of transport — representing just 2% of total transport energy demand, while accounting for 8% of world passenger and 7% of global freight transport. It’s easy to see why, then, world leaders are taking rail investment seriously.
Railway advancements
In Europe, significant investments are being made to double high-speed rail traffic and increase rail freight volumes by 50% by 2030, as part of the European Union’s sustainable mobility strategy. Elsewhere, the Biden Admistration announced nearly $30 billion in investments for rail projects, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure and service.
Perhaps most significant of all, the railway sector in India has undergone many developments in recent years, driven by government initiatives like dedicated freight corridors (DFCs), high-speed rail projects and the modernisation of railway infrastructure.
But, to continue driving progress, rail infrastructure will need to undergo substantial upgrades and expansions to meet rising demand, ensure safety and accommodate technological advancements. This includes modernising aging rail networks, increasing capacity through electrification, implementing advanced signaling systems and integrating digital technologies for more efficient operations.
Meeting tough demands
The production of railway components such as axles, wheels, railway tracks, suspension tubes and other structural parts requires high-quality machining tools, capable of delivering exceptional accuracy, durability and efficiency. These components must withstand heavy loads, intense wear and harsh environmental conditions, making precision machining critical to ensuring the reliability and safety of rail systems. Highquality machining tools must offer tight tolerances, consistent performance and the ability to work with a wide range of materials.
Take rail wheels, for instance, which are subject to extreme stresses and wear from continuous contact with rails, often under heavy loads and at high speeds. Several machining challenges present themselves here. First is the need to maintain very tight tolerances, with even a slight deviation from the specified dimensions possibly leading to issues like uneven wear, vibrations or noise during train operation, compromising both passenger comfort and safety.
Another major challenge is working with materials that can withstand the intense mechanical stresses and harsh environmental conditions trains are exposed to. Train wheels are typically made from high-strength steel or steel alloys with excellent fatigue resistance and wear properties. However, these materials are often difficult to machine due to their hardness and toughness. As a result, thermal management during machining is also a key consideration. Machining highstrength steel generates significant heat, which can cause thermal deformation in the workpiece, affecting dimensional accuracy.
It’s important to recognise that components for different rail types will present their own sets of requirements. Freight trains for instance are heavy...
Secure Data Access for Industrial AI
The year 2025 shows no signs of slow-down for Industrial AI. Early adopters are forging ahead, and those who took a wait-and-see position are now scrambling to catch up. At whatever point you find yourself on the AI adoption curve, it is important to keep your process data secure. Thankfully, there are ways to establish secure, real-time connections from the plant to an AI system running inhouse or on the cloud.
The best approach, mandated by the NIS2 Directive and NIST CSF 2.0, is complete network segmentation. The OT (operations) system should be fully isolated from the Internet and any cloud system. This is best done using a DMZ (demilitarized zones), keeping the production network behind closed firewalls.
Protocol challenges
Moving production data to a cloud-based AI system in real time through a DMZ requires two steps, plant-to-DMZ, and DMZ-to-cloud. However, two of the most popular industrial protocols, OPC UA and MQTT, were not designed for this for this type of data transfer. Although often used in Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 systems, they were conceived in the early 2000’s, long before people were thinking of secure ways to access industrial data from outside the plant.
The OPC UA protocol by itself is simply too complex to reproduce well in a daisy chain across multiple servers. Information will be lost in the first hop. The synchronous multi-hop interactions needed to pass data across a DMZ would be fragile on all but the most reliable networks, and would result in high latencies.
MQTT, on the other hand, can be daisy-chained but it requires each node in the chain to be individually configured, and aware that it is part of the chain. The QoS (Quality of Service) guarantees in MQTT cannot propagate through the chain, making data at the ends of the chain unreliable. Therefore, MQTT is best used as the last step only, to move data from the DMZ to the cloud.
Getting data securely from the plant to the DMZ is the challenge. Using OPC UA for that step has a serious pitfall—it requires opening a firewall on the production network. Any OPC UA client on the DMZ would need to connect through the firewall to the OPC UA server in the plant. Opening a firewall into the plant for this is far too high a risk. Most security administrators will simply not allow it.
Tunnel/Mirroring
Since neither OPC UA nor MQTT alone, or together, are sufficient for passing data through a DMZ, another approach is needed—one that integrates well with both of these
protocols. Secure tunnel/mirroring software with a unified namespace provides a solution. It can make the connections at both ends and pass the data along the daisy-chained connections necessary for DMZ support.
The tunnel/mirror software connects to MQTT, OPC UA, or other industrial protocol at the production facility, and mirrors the full data set to a similar component on the DMZ. Ideally, both components should be able to maintain the data in a unified namespace. This way the data can be converted to MQTT for sending to the AI cloud service from the DMZ. The mirroring capability of the tunnel/mirror software keeps that data consistent between the original data source, the DMZ, and the AI system.
Firewalls and Data Diodes
As mentioned previously, all inbound firewall ports on the production system must be kept closed at all times. The tunnel/mirror system must be able to make outbound-only connections from the production network to the DMZ. Going a step further, some high-security, critical infrastructure applications require a hardware data diode to ensure that not a single data packet gets back to the industrial network. The tunnel/mirror system would need to provide data diode support for that level of secure architecture.
Other AI implementations may call for bidirectional data flow to enable hands-off supervisory control or similar data inputs back into the production system. The tunnel/ mirror technology should be flexible enough to support that, if needed. In any case, there should be no access to data beyond what the AI system uses. Plant engineering staff must have full control over which data will be made available.
To optimize production systems, many companies today are turning to industrial AI. The challenge they face is accessing the data they need without compromising security. This is difficult, but not impossible. You can have a zero-attacksurface OT network, and still provide data to AI systems. The security is provided by a DMZ. Accessing production data through a DMZ can be done with well-designed tunnel/mirror software.
Expand your connectivity
Do you want to start using OPC UA today? Now you can seamlessly connect your current system to OPC UA with Cogent DataHub OPC Gateway, and convert real-time, streaming OPC DA data to UA or vice-versa. Using the OPC Gateway feature, you can connect any OPC DA server or client to any OPC UA server or client, locally or over the plant network.
Learn more >
SkkynetTM, DataHubTM, Cogent DataHubTM, the Skkynet and DataHub logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks used under license by the Skkynet group of companies (“Skkynet”) in the USA and elsewhere. All other trademarks, service marks, trade names, product names and logos are the property of their respective owners.
Titan Enterprises Expands Reach in North America
For nearly 20 years, Titan Enterprises’ trusted North American distribution has been expertly handled by its long-term partner, JLC International. This successful collaboration has laid a strong foundation for further growth in the region.
A UK-based manufacturer of small-bore liquid flowmeters, Titan Enterprises has built a robust global network of partners and distributors in Europe, the Americas, Australia, and East Asia. This strong international presence enables its flow measuring products to reach markets that might otherwise be restricted, easing import access and providing local support and technical expertise.
“The US and Canadian flow measurement market presents exciting opportunities, especially in key industries such as fluid power, oil and gas, chemicals, and food and beverage,” says
Jeremy Thorne, Operations Manager for Titan Enterprises. “Market growth projections highlight the expanding adoption of flow meters in these sectors, underscoring their critical role in ensuring accurate flow measurement and control in industrial processes.”
When Basecamp Process Components (BPC Valves) approached Titan and showed strong interest in becoming a key distributor for the USA and Canada, discussions began. With a rich legacy itself as a leading provider of industrial valves, BPC not only understand the process and flow
measurement industries, but their long-established market also provides a clear synergy with Titan’s flow meters and flow measuring instruments.
“In 2023, the flowmeter market was valued at approximately USD 9.9 billion and is projected to reach around USD 17.1 billion by 2033,” states Kate Thomas, Titan’s Company and Finance Director.
“In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, America contributed 16% of our gross sales, showcasing a solid base with tremendous potential for expansion.”
“With the global flow meter market experiencing significant growth, we are excited to partner with Titan as we enter 2025,” Scott Will, Owner of BPC, says. “Customers here in the USA and Canada will benefit from Titan’s industry proven products and the added distribution and support we can offer through BPC.”
Titan’s dependable flowmeter technologies play a vital role in the development of innovative products aimed at promoting sustainability, reducing waste, supporting alternative energy use, and driving both environmental and financial savings.
Innovative Liquid Flow Measurement Solutions
The versatile range of Titan flowmeters offers advanced features such as chemical resistance, long lifespan, clean bore design, and precise lowflow measurement.
“North America also opens opportunities for us with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers,” says Neil Hannay, Senior Development Engineer with Titan Enterprises. Titan has the experience and engineering skills to develop and manufacture tailored flowmeter solutions, from research and test through to prototypes and full production. “Having BPC as an additional trusted and knowledgeable partner alongside JLC in the US will help to extend and deliver these projects more efficiently,” continues Neil.
Over the next few years, Titan will be seeking established international distributors in the Middle East / UAE and Southern African regions to develop a more coordinated approach to these markets.
Customers in the US and Canada can find our Global Partners through Titan’s website or via email sales@flowmeters.co.uk.
Titan Enterprises is a leading design and manufacturer of innovative end user and OEM high-performance flowmeters and flow measurement instrumentation, used within a wide range of processes, environments and applications.
• Compact, robust, reliable
• Excellent accuracy and repeatability
• Measure low to high flow ranges
• High chemical resistance
• NSF-Approved mini turbine flowmeters
Titan’s liquid flowmeters are designed and manufactured to ISO 9001 with traceable calibrations.
+44 (0)1935 812790
sales@flowmeters.co.uk www.flowmeters.co.uk REQUEST
ITSA UK connector market Year End 2024
Book to Bill positive at 1.05:1, due to a high order intake in Q4. Headline stats:
• Revenues down -4% year-on-year and orders up 2% year-on-year.
• Order intake in Q4 of 2024 was the highest since Q2 of 2022
• Market performance continues to vary:
• Broadcast up 83%
• Medical +48%
• Communication +29%
• Mil/Aero +4% (a drop from the +16% in Q3)
• T&M down 17%
• Mass Transport down 13%
• Distribution down 15%
2024 was obviously a challenge, but the UK connector market held up well.
2025 is looking like a year of caution with most members expecting flat revenues and if any growth is achieved it will be extremely low single digit.
Download a full copy of the ITSA Report
ITSA Membership
Is your company active in the UK interconnect supply-chain, but not yet an ITSA member?
If so, why not contact us to find out more about the excellent benefits of joining? For further information: itsa.org.uk
Guardtech encouraging new clients to book ‘game-changing’ visit to their Cleancube Showroom
Suffolk-based firm have thrown open the doors of their award-winning shipping container solution to show Life Sciences firms what the fuss is all about.
THE GUARDTECH GROUP are inviting potential new clients to visit their ‘game-changing’ Cleancube Showroom at their manufacturing HQ in Brandon, Suffolk.
Visitors will get a first-hand look at an award-winning Cleancube Maxi, a 60sqm pre-fabricated, portable shipping container which eliminates the need for onsite construction.
The showcased model is a Maxi 2 – two 40ft containers conjoined side by side, which features rapid roll doors with wave sensor automation, a GT Shell Pro panel system, fully operational HVAC, environmental monitoring, GT Deck Plus vinyl flooring, a transfer hatch, breakout panel, Trespa workbench and a stainless steel sink.
Cleancube has won multiple honours for Innovation in the past few years – including gongs at the National Building & Construction Awards and Federation of Small Businesses Awards, adding to their ever-growing cabinet of industry prizes.
The plug-and-play solution comes in four base models: the Mini (20ft), Mini+ (20ft x 2), Midi (40ft) and Maxi 2 (40ft x 2).
For a larger footprint, the Maxi systems allows clients to combine multiple containers side by side to create any size facility they require, whilst their revolutionary Multi option boasts stacking capability, with storeys connected by staircases.
This creates the largest portable modular system Guardtech have ever developed.
The Haverhill-based contamination control specialists are urging potential new clients to book their opportunity to see and touch the real thing as soon as they can.
Guardtech Group Commercial Director Mark Wheeler said:
“We’re so proud of this solution – it solves so many problems commonly faced by Life Sciences and High-Tech Engineering businesses.
“I
For the fifth consecutive year ABB is recognised as a Top Employer in the UK for 2025
The 2025 Top Employers have been announced, and ABB has again been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK.
Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.
Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink says:
“Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organisations rise to the challenge. This year, the Top Employers Certification Programme highlights the dedication of our Top Employers as they continue to set the standard, consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. These Top Employers strive to foster growth and wellbeing, all while enriching the world of work. We are proud to celebrate these people-first leaders and teams as the Top Employers for 2025!”
The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more.
Chloe Redmond, Country HR Manager for the UK & Ireland advises:
“I am thrilled to confirm that ABB UK has been certified as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute for the fifth consecutive year. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the exceptional teamwork and collaboration of our HR Community and reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in our people, policies, and employee engagement.”
The programme has certified and recognised over 2,300 Top Employers across 121 countries/regions across five continents.
About Top Employers Institute
Top Employers Institute is the #1 global authority on HR strategies. With our world-leading Certification and data-led insights, we guide and empower organisations in delivering transformational people practices, driving business outcomes and helping them attract, engage and retain top talent.
global.abb/group/en
Turning Waste into Profit: Opportunities in Precision Engineering
In high-quality precision engineering, waste can be an overlooked yet pressing issue. With the sector producing over 15 million tonnes of waste annually in the UK alone—according to the Engineering Employers Federation—a staggering amount of valuable raw materials such as plastics and composites are discarded during manufacturing. This leads to environmental degradation and increases operational costs, with many companies failing to realise the financial opportunities in reducing waste.
SRD Engineering is driving change, proving that waste management isn’t just an environmental responsibility but a smart business decision that can lead to cost savings and enhanced operational performance.
Who are SRD Engineering?
SRD Engineering is a precision engineering company that supplies high-demand industries such as aerospace, automotive (including Formula One), and medical devices. Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, SRD is now making waves in the sustainability space.
What was their initial problem?
SRD Engineering initially partnered with Waste Mission in 2017 when the team sought a recycling option for their redundant carbide end mills and tips. The initial problems were solved by the provision of bespoke carbide containment sited throughout SRD’s works to ensure all staff had access to a clear recycling option; recycling rates and financial returns for the materials were maximised. SRD then asked Waste Mission to
provide a recycling solution for their day-to-day swarf’s and offcuts as well.
How did Waste Mission provide solutions?
The Waste Mission team supplied sealed lockable stackable stillages that saved space and allowed collections to be more detailed, helping with traceability and increasing the financial returns as more material could be collected per collection.
Evolving the service
After a reliable and profitable metals system was in place, the SRD team asked if Waste Mission could help with the safe, secure collection and disposal of redundant coolant. At that time SRD were producing about 1000L of redundant coolant fortnightly. The customer also had an issue with recycling plastic swarf, and needed to streamline their systems and ensure these materials did not go to landfill.
Solutions for redundant coolant and plastic swarf
For the redundant coolant, a solution was created where the coolants would be stored in 1000 litre IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), helping reduce the environmental impact and space and resulting in a cost-saving on collections.
Plastic swarf was provided its own containment which aligned with the metals containment and was then incorporated into the metals collection schedule offering SRD a concise, one stop shop for multiple waste streams.
Over the next several months the Waste Mission team operated a regular monthly collection schedule of coolant, enabling SRD to reduce haulage costs and therefore their carbon footprint.
Innovative Segregating
An innovative approach to the segregation of the metals, especially their swarf and the bins, was developed further to increase the financial benefits of recycling for SRD.The Waste Mission team worked closely with SRD to investigate the most efficient approach to bins and segregation for their workshop. Working through all their materials, the best solution was to supply tipping bins that could easily be moved around the factory and then used to feed the larger containers each time a job run had finished.
Steve Head, Manufacturing Manager at SRD said ‘The biggest benefit I have seen from Waste Mission is their ability to scale up the service offered to suit what we have needed. From changing the swarf containers to make sure they are suitable for new machines,
to increasing the collection frequency so we aren’t wasting floor space on swarf. We have had advice, and a solution offered to any issues our growth has seen. With the volume of swarf we are now generating, the assistance given has allowed us to maximise the financial returns whilst minimising the time, effort and floor space needed.’
Robert Pepperell, Commercial Manager at Waste Mission has managed the SRD account from day one, he advises ‘Working with companies such as SRD is an absolute pleasure. They are a long serving customer whose values align clearly with Waste Mission. Improving their waste outcomes and ensuring a 100% diversion from landfill on the materials we handle is a joint priority. SRD are always open to new processes and technology that can benefit their operations, and we look forward to many more years of working with them.’
Book a waste review at wastemission.com/book-a-waste-review
Delta Introduces MSI Motor Series Industrial Future
Delta announces the launch of its MSI motor series in the EMEA region. Designed as a highefficiency PM reluctance motor, the MSI series brings unparalleled compactness, energy savings, and integration capabilities to fan and pump applications. With options including flange, foot, and flange/foot versions, as well as speeds of 1500 rpm and 3000 rpm, the MSI series is set to redefine industrial motor performance.
Compact Design with Maximum Efficiency
The MSI motor series revolutionizes motor design with its compact form factor, offering a size reduction of 1-2 frame sizes compared to traditional induction motors. This smaller size saves valuable installation space while meeting IE5 efficiency standards, making it an environmentally conscious choice. The motors deliver outstanding energy savings, helping industries lower operating costs and reduce carbon emissions, supporting global sustainability initiatives. These features position the MSI motors as a valuable solution for wholesalers, distributors, and system integrators across various industrial applications.
Series for a More Sustainable
Seamless Integration and Easy Setup
Delta has prioritized ease of use with the MSI motor series, ensuring installation dimensions match those of standard IM motors for straightforward replacement. Additionally, motor parameters are preloaded into Delta’s MS300, CP/CFP2000, and VP3000 frequency drives, allowing for quick and effortless system setup. This compatibility reduces commissioning time and simplifies operational processes, providing businesses with an efficient, cost-saving solution.
Reliable Performance for Critical Applications
Engineered to deliver consistent and precise performance, the MSI motors operate with reduced noise—5–10 dB lower than standard motors—and minimized vibration levels, creating a quieter and more stable environment. These features enhance reliability
and accuracy, making the MSI series ideal for fan and pump operations in demanding industrial settings. By optimizing energy use and ensuring long-term stability, the MSI motor series stands out as a game-changing solution in the industrial automation market.
“Delta’s MSI motor series represents a leap forward in energy efficiency, compactness, and system simplicity,” says Martien Heesterbeek, product manager from Industrial Automation Business Group, Delta EMEA.
“This new addition to our portfolio empowers businesses to achieve both operational excellence and sustainability goals.”
For more information about Delta’s MSI motor series, please click here .
RSS Stocks ASCO NSL Handbooks, Posters, Push-Pull Poles
Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) has added safety awareness handbooks, posters, and Push-Pull Poles, to its online store and Pyle, Wales stockroom. The offering, new for 2025, is provided by ASCO’s Lifting and Assurance Specialists – NSL.
With over three decades of field experience, NSL is well known for making lifting operations safer, while helping clients to remain compliant in increasingly complex environments. Its range of services includes technical assistance and practical training courses supported by handbooks, posters, videos, and interactive tools.
RSS has an exclusivity agreement, primarily related to the UK, to stock handbooks, covering a range of subjects, from packaging standards to rigging and lifting; posters, showing messages on a wide range of safety topics; and Push-Pull Poles, which are designed to help facilitate hands-free lifting.
The NSL suite of 10 specialist lifting and safety publications includes the International Rigging & Lifting Handbook, which has sold over one million copies to date. Other titles include: Working at Height; International Advance Rigger; Safe Cargo Handling; Crane Operations; Manual Handling; Injuries to Fingers & Hands; and Confined Space
The NSL range of services includes technical assistance and practical training courses.
Entry. Additionally, RSS will stock 16 different suites of bespoke posters that are available in any requested size and can be framed or laminated.
Craig Revie, head of specialist services at ASCO, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our product distribution network through this partnership. As one of the largest independent lifting equipment suppliers in the UK, with a national network of soon-to-be 14 depots, this collaboration will allow our lifting handbooks, media, and safety products to reach new markets and customers.”
Alan Varney, engineering services director at RSS, said: “The detail covered by ASCO’s NSL safety awareness tools and hardware is second to none. Any companies that use lifting equipment should encourage all staff to have one of their handbooks in their desk or at least grant them easy access to one. There are countless scenarios where I refer to mine, even after decades in the lifting and rigging industry. The posters are perfect for workshops and canteens.
“I’ve seen all the relevant literature in the market and there is more information in these products than anywhere else. We will monitor who is purchasing other equipment and wares from us, and make sure they are aware of this new essential offering.”
The Push-Pull Poles are a lightweight tool designed with ease of use and handling in mind. When retracted, they help personnel position a load at a safe distance and, when extended, give a long reach to retrieve taglines and ensure nobody is positioned beneath a suspended load. As Varney pointed to in NSL literature, hands-free lifting hinges on an understanding
of the hazards; a plan to use best methods; Push-Pull Poles (positioning devices); and taglines.
Varney added: “As you are not allowed to touch a load once it is in the air, you can use the poles to position the load, while the other end has an attachment that is used to grab a tagline. Logistics, offshore, and wider energy industries present loading, unloading, and material handling challenges on a daily basis where the use of Push-Pull Poles are perfectly suited. The addition of the poles to our portfolio gives existing and new customers access to a complementary range of tools that goes hand-in-glove with our established offerings and the products that are already in their rigging lofts.”
www.ropeandsling.co.uk
RSS is stocking the popular International Rigging & Lifting Handbook.
High power laser beam focusing
Using proprietary production techniques, and benefiting from an ultra-stable production facility, Optical Surfaces Ltd has established itself as a leading supplier of fast focusing on-axis parabolic mirrors for high power laser experiments.
Inherently on-axis parabolic mirrors allow a higher f-number (<0.7) to be achieved than off-axis designs therefore more laser energy can be concentrated on an experimental target. Generally, alignment of on-axis parabolic mirrors is less critical, thus they are also easier to use.
Generations of customers have sourced on-axis parabolic mirrors from Optical Surfaces Ltd. The company’s heritage goes back over 50 years to the production of large astronomical telescope optics, larger than 1 metre in diameter, for the Royal Greenwich Observatory (UK) and other prestigious customers.
Due to their completely achromatic performance, on-axis parabolic mirrors are suitable for both broadband and multiple wavelength laser applications. Manufactured from materials including glass, ceramic, and silica –on-axis parabolic mirrors from Optical Surfaces are designed to optimise the performance of ultra-high power pulsed lasers. All surface accuracies are checked by interferometer and are guaranteed to be better than λ/10 p-v wave accuracy with low scatter.
In combination with the latest dielectric coating technology – Optical Surfaces on-axis mirrors provide minimum pulse distortion
and the maximum usable bandwidth. For use with high-power femtosecond lasers operating at 750 to 850 nm, these fastfocusing mirrors can be used at power densities of greater than 100 mJ/cm2 for pulsed 50-fs pulses without deterioration. Production approved to ISO 9001-2015 the quality and performance of fast focusing on-axis parabolic mirrors from Optical Surfaces Ltd. is second to none.
For further information please visit optisurf.com/on-axis-paraboloids/ or contact Optical Surfaces Ltd. on +44-208-668-6126 sales@optisurf.com
Optical Surfaces Ltd has been producing optical components and systems for nearly 60 years and is today accepted as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high precision mirrors and optics for plasma physics research.
Conservatory Outlet posts £35m sales as Premium Retailers break record after record
The UK’s leading manufacturer of windows, doors and living space products has seen its Network of Premium Retailers achieve an economy-busting 24% year-on-year growth over the past twelve months.
Together, the Conservatory Outlet Network recorded well over £100m in sales, leading to multiple retailers delivering record-breaking monthly sales and 13 members surpassing previous annual highs.
The Wakefield-based manufacturer has enjoyed similar growth, posting £35m in sales and producing more than 100,000 frames to keep up with demand.
“It’s undeniable that the market as a whole has contracted last year and experienced many pressures – a lot of them out of its control,” explained Greg Kane, Conservatory Outlet’s CEO.
“Despite this volatile picture, 2024 was a year filled with records for our Network of retailers, with our exclusive partners achieving phenomenal annual growth of 24%.”
He continued, “Four installers have achieved between 25-30% growth, whilst another three have recorded between 30-50% sales increases. One has even managed to double orders.”
A significant proportion of this widespread success has been attributed to Conservatory Outlet’s effective marketing
support, which continues to deliver highly qualified leads and innovative new digital and offline campaigns to its Premium Retailers.
Alongside this, members benefit from being able to exclusively sell and promote the manufacturer’s leading window and door collections, which includes the popular Forté composite door range and advancements to its signature Envisage collection of UPVC flush casement windows.
The company’s Sales Academy also provides a popular, industry-specific training programme that ensures professionals across the UK receive continuous development throughout their careers.
Greg continued: “It’s fantastic to see our Premium Retailers defy market conditions and post over £100m in sales. This proves that if you work smart, have the right product, the right pitch and the right level off support, then anything is possible.
“We’ve seen year-on-year growth across all corners of the UK, which bodes extremely well for 2025.
“The Conservatory Network model allows best practice and ideas to be shared across our retailers. As the saying goes, a rising tide raises all ships. We’re seeing that in full effect.”
For further information, please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or follow the company on its socials.
A Fused-Thermal Imaging
of FMVSS No. 127 Requirements
Teledyne FLIR and VSI Labs Testing Imaging Helps Vehicle Makers Safety Standards
Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), in collaboration with VSI Labs today issued test results utilizing the new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 127 pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) testing scenarios. VSI Labs’ research vehicle, which included the latest automatic emergency braking (AEB) thermal camera from Teledyne FLIR OEM, successfully passed all tests, while three new 2024 vehicles failed two or more nighttime test scenarios.
FMVSS No. 127 mandates the inclusion of PAEB systems in all passenger cars and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less by September 2029. The new regulation requires that PAEB systems must detect pedestrians in various lighting conditions and at increased vehicle speeds. This is especially critical as pedestrian fatalities in traffic crashes remain near alltime highs, particularly at night, when 77.7 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2022.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrated via testing last year that meeting FMVSS No. 127 requirements is achievable. The smallest and lightest vehicle of the five commercialoff-the-shelf (COTS) vehicles the agency tested, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE, passed all PAEB tests at the maximum required speed. The other four COTS vehicles that NHTSA tested failed one or more of the low headlight beam nighttime tests, suggesting that increased speed and vehicle weight combined with decreased visibility challenge existing AEB sensor suites.
VSI Labs tested the performance of a thermal-fused PAEB system on a Ford Fusion Hybrid research vehicle and three current state-of-the-art 2024 COTS PAEB systems. The thermal-fused AEB sensor suite featured Teledyne FLIR’s latest longwave infrared (LWIR) automotive thermal camera, an automotive HD radar, and an automotive visible camera. All three 2024 COTS vehicles use a combination of radar and/or visible camera(s) and do not include a thermal camera.
Testing Shows How Thermal Makers Meet Nighttime AEB Federal
PAEB System Outperformed Existing State-of-the-Art AEB Systems During Tests Requirements Coming in 2029.
The test results revealed:
• Daytime PAEB Performance: Both thermal fused and COTS PAEB systems passed all daytime tests.
• Nighttime PAEB Performance: Only the thermalfused PAEB system passed all nighttime tests, demonstrating superior detection capabilities independent of headlight performance.
• Thermal Active Pedestrian Test Mannequins (PTM): Commercially available heated, thermally active PTMs provide a realistic representation of a human thermal signature and are recommended for future PAEB testing protocols using thermal cameras.
“With the ability to see through darkness, shadows, headlight and sun glare, smoke, and most fog, as well as its unique capability to detect wildlife on the roadway, OEMs should consider integrating thermal cameras as a cost-effective method to meet FMVSS No. 127 requirements to increase real-world vehicle and pedestrian safety,” said Mike Walters, vice president, product management, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “With the ability to see well beyond the range of headlights, thermal cameras provide advanced warning extending braking distances, improving detection and false positive performance, and increasing deceleration comfort and safety.”
“VSI Labs’ testing showed that all three COTS vehicles failed at least two or more test scenarios at night, indicating that meeting the standard will be challenging using the current top-rated PAEB systems on all vehicle sizes and weights,” said Phil Magney, founder of VSI Labs, “Furthermore, real-world corner cases are potentially more challenging, emphasizing the value of automotive thermal cameras for true-positive and falsepositive PAEB performance. VSI’s testing shows that thermal camera technology exists to help automotive manufacturers meet FMVSS No. 127 requirements by 2029 and make roads safer for pedestrians.”
VSI conducted all tests at the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on September 10 and 11, 2024, during the day and the night. A COTS thermally active (heated) adult pedestrian test mannequin (APTM), produced by 4activeSystems, was used to provide a thermal signature representative of an adult human.
To review the full testing details and results report, visit www.flir.com/oem/adas/fmvss-no-127-PAEB-testreport/
For more information about the Teledyne FLIR ADAS program, visit www.flir.com/oem/adas/.
Bowers Group Unveils Figura Range of Surface Form & Geometry Machines
Bowers Group is delighted to introduce the new Figura range of Surface Form & Geometry machines, engineered to provide fast, precise measurement solutions for contour, surface roughness, and roundness.
Poised to fill a gap in its already comprehensive precision measurement range, the new additions will enhance Bowers Group’s ability to support diverse applications in manufacturing, quality assurance, and engineering.
Martin Hawkins, Managing Director at Bowers Group, said: “We’re excited to introduce the new Figura range to both UK and global markets. This launch marks a significant expansion of Bowers Group’s product portfolio, bringing advanced solutions to industries that require precise measurement and quality control in surface finish. With advanced technology, impressive precision, and intuitive software, the Figura range meets the increasing
demand for reliable inspection tools in modern manufacturing. Since showcasing the technology at MACH earlier this year, we’ve seen a strong, positive response, and I’m confident that the launch will be a great success.”
The Figura range includes two models designed for different measurement needs: the Figura CR for contour and roughness measurements and the Figura RD for roundness assessments. Both are available in various configurations, providing flexible options for surface and dimensional analysis across different applications.
With its advanced contour detector, The Figura CR precisely measures even minor deviations from the geometrical ideal shape, offering high precision surface measurement where the surface roughness of a workpiece affects its technical functionality. Offering accuracy and ease-of-use, it has an intuitive operation interface and supports efficient and accurate surface measurement.
The Figura RD provides roundness, cylindricity, straightness, and flatness measurements, among other complex geometrical metrics. Featuring a marble operation table and a floor-mounted anti-vibration system, it ensures the accurate measurement with a stable and reliable performance. The high-precision detector, paired with fully automatic centring and levelling, simplifies setup, and enhances measurement accuracy.
The Figura range comes with powerful, integrated analysis software that enhances user experience by enabling the creation, saving, and repetition of multiple inspection sequences. Operators can freely arrange 3D colour maps, quickly generate inspection reports in PDF format, and access ultra-fast reporting with Statistical Process Control (SPC) features.
Both machines come with a full range of accessories, allowing for further customisation based on specific application needs. Regular software updates keep the Figura range at the forefront of measurement technology, ensuring it evolves with industry advancements.
For more information on the new Figura range and how it can enhance your measurement capabilities, please visit www.bowersgroup.co.uk or contact sales@bowersgroup.co.uk
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