Under Pressure - When Flow Measurement Accuracy Matters
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Flowing with Our 5-Day Turnaround Torque Meter Calibration Service.
Effective, ethical public affairs. Q&A with David Boot, Chair of CIPR Public Affairs Group
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Titan Enterprises’ high-pressure Oval Gear liquid flow meters address the need for precise flow measurement across extreme operating conditions and harsh industrial environments, such as those seen in hydraulic system applications and the oil and gas industry.
Measuring the flow of fluid under high pressure, such as in hydraulic fluid monitoring, chemical additive injection and other challenging fluid power systems, ensures optimum operational performance as well as minimising wastage.
Hydraulic systems perform significant work in a broad range of industrial applications, such as:
• Aerospace: in deploying and retracting landing gear on planes, flight control actuators, etc.
• Mining, Construction, Agriculture: in lifting heavy loads with earth-moving equipment or processing materials with rock-crushing machinery.
• Oil and Gas industry: in drilling wells in oil fields or chemical additive injection to improve oil recovery.
• Marine: in pushing and steering the ship through water using propellors and thrusters powered by hydraulic systems.
• Automotive: in Formula One cars incorporating sophisticated hydraulic systems to handle multiple applications, such as power-assisted braking, clutch, gearbox, and throttle actuation.
The oil and gas sector also drives a significant portion of the flow meter market, with conventional flowmeters, such as positive displacement (oval gear) devices, still having the advantage of being proven across a large installed base. These flow meters are crucial for applications like high-pressure additive injection and custody transfer, where accuracy and chemical resistance are vital.
Pressure Testing – ensuring operational readiness
Pressure is a key factor when selecting hydraulic components and pressure testing each component
within a hydraulic system helps to verify its structural integrity and fitness for purpose. A device’s pressure rating indicates its maximum operating pressure.
Conducted during the manufacturing process, pressure testing helps identify defects (such as leaks) early, preventing potential failures and reducing costly downtime caused by faulty components. Additionally, it also ensures that the hydraulic system meets safety standards set by regulatory bodies, safeguarding compliance. By confirming that both components and the entire system can endure and function effectively under the required operating pressure, pressure testing plays a crucial role in validating the system’s overall performance and reliability.
Due to the demand for their high-pressure oval gear flowmeters, Titan made a capital investment into an in-house pressure test rig. This not only enables rapid turnaround of both new and refurbished flowmeters, but from an R&D perspective, allows Titan to pressure test new materials in development.
The Hydratron pressure test rig is capable of testing to a pressure of 1400 bar allowing for testing over the whole range of Titan’s oval gear flowmeters, including the 950 bar high-pressure options. The rig has also proved invaluable when testing new products and simulating the effects of cavitation within a hydraulic system. Alongside a refinement of gear design and standardising the flowmeter designs to improve product interchangeability, Titan’s pressure test rig has proven the design modifications, allowing a potential increase to the maximum operating pressure of its standard oval gear flowmeter range by around 50%.
Key features and benefits of Titans’ Oval Gear
1. High Accuracy and Chemical Resistance
The Oval Gear flow meters improve in measurement accuracy as liquid viscosity increases, from about 1% to around 0.1% of reading at higher viscosities. They are designed to handle a broad range of physical and chemical properties, essential for petrochemical additive injections which vary in viscosity and density.
2. Robust Construction
Compact and rugged design ensuring long-term performance with minimal maintenance. Models offer pressure ratings from 10 bar to 950 bar and can operate at temperatures up to 150°C. Intrinsically safe options for potentially explosive atmospheres, such as ATEX compliant models, are available.
3. Reliable Performance
Proprietary oval gear design providing high performance and 0.1% repeatability. Suitable for high-pressure applications such as marine fuel flow measurement, grease supply monitoring in wind turbines, offshore oil drilling additive injection, and biodiesel production.
4. Custom Solutions
Titan Enterprises collaborates with OEM customers to develop bespoke flow meters that meet specific highpressure, high viscosity and chemical compatibility requirements, enhancing their application in various industries including oil, petrochemical, and green energy sectors.
When a fluid (or gas) is transferred from one party to another, as in custody transfer, accurate and repeatable flowmeters are critical components in a complete metering system. Metering accuracy is vital as even small measurement errors in custody transfer can be very costly.
Positive displacement flowmeters, such as Titan’s Oval Gear devices, are designed to accurately measure high-value products such as refined fuels and petrochemicals.
By ensuring reliable and accurate flow measurement, Titan’s Oval Gear flow meters contribute significantly to the efficiency and safety of oil and gas processes, from additive injection to fuel measurement; and hydraulic systems in diverse and demanding environments.
To discuss a bespoke flow measurement solution for your unique OEM application, contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or sales@flowmeters.co.uk
www.flowmeters.co.uk
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, delays in calibration can cause costly disruptions. At Avon Dynamic Calibrations, part of the NMi Group, we offer reliable 5-day torque meter calibration to keep your tools accurate and your operations running smoothly.
Precision and Speed in Just 5 Working Days
Waiting weeks for calibration is a thing of the past. With our quick 5-day service, your torque meters are calibrated and retuned promptly, minimising disruption to your workflow and reducing costly delays.
Benefits You Can Count On
Our torque meter calibration, compliant with BS 7882:2017, delivers efficiency and reliability. Key advantages include:
• Convenient Transport: Bookable delivery and collection by trained staff ensure safe handling and defect-free returns.
• Reduced Inventory Needs: Rapid 5-day turnaround for torque calibration services eliminates the need for duplicate tools.
• Minimised Process Disruption: No more searching for replacements or juggling workflows.
• Predictable Timelines: Guaranteed return times eliminate uncertainty.
• Effortless Scheduling: Streamlined collection, delivery, and support from our experienced customer service team.
• Avoid Overproduction: Minimised downtime reduces excess production needs.
• Defect-Free Assurance: Expert calibration ensures optimal conditions and reliable output.
Comprehensive Services from an Accredited Lab
In addition to torque meter calibration to BS 7882:2017, we also offer UKAS-accredited calibration of torque wrenches to BSEN 6789:2017 standards. These services ensure compliance with stringent industry requirements, including EASA P145 standards for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).
Why Choose Avon Dynamic Calibrations?
• Faster Turnaround: Our industry-leading 5-day service is significantly quicker than the typical 6-8 weeks.
• Cost Efficiency: Minimise downtime and avoid the expense of maintaining duplicate tools or managing prolonged disruptions.
Trusted Expertise: Trusted by top manufacturers, our reputation for reliability and precision ensures your equipment is in the best hands.
Keep your operations running smoothly with Avon Dynamic Calibrations. Contact us today to schedule your calibration or learn more about how we can help you minimise downtime and maximise efficiency.
www.avon-dynamic.co.uk info@avon-dynamic.co.uk 0117 947 7846
Articulated Pipework Torsion In Hoses
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Swivel joints allow pipework to pressure 1/4” to 40” and beyond.
Vacuum to over 20,000psi.
Stock and bespoke production.
Unique bearing/seal design for longer life.
ISO 9001 CE marked where applicable.
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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
Almost 90 per cent of lobbyists and PR professionals think there should be greater transparency in Westminster lobbying, according to a new poll by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). With lobbying practices under the microscope, how can businesses craft a public affairs campaign that’s open, honest and fit for purpose? Martin Deakin Chart.PR, account manager at technical PR agency Stone Junction, asks David Boot Chart.PR (DB), Chair of the CIPR Public Affairs Group.
In July 2023, the UK Government published its longawaited recommendations for tightening lobbying rules, which include requiring Government departments and senior civil servants to declare more detailed and regular information on lobbying via a single platform.
While industry professionals welcomed the new recommendations, many argue that they didn’t go far enough, with the CIPR lamenting that the measures “fall short” of the wider reform that’s needed. For example, there are still no signs of an expanded register that includes in-house as well as consultant lobbyists —
leaving something of a transparency blind spot.
In the absence of legislation, businesses must selfregulate their approach to lobbying. This means creating robust public affairs strategies for stakeholder outreach that are attentive to the ethical frameworks that do exist. For example, businesses can sign up to the CIPR’s voluntary UK Lobbying Register, which provides the public with a channel to complain about registered lobbyists.
How do you think public attitudes towards lobbying are changing?
DB: “There’s now greater public awareness and scrutiny of lobbying practices than ever. Mainly, this is because of high-profile scandals, like the Cash for Questions affair in the 1990s. Unfortunately, there’s a danger that people will see these stories and view lobbying as undermining transparent politics — and something to be clamped down on.
“In reality, there’s a lot of good that people don’t see.
Government policy and legislation are drawn up by ‘gifted amateurs’ in Whitehall who often lack subjectspecific knowledge. Charities, businesses and other industry experts can analyse policy, challenge it and suggest ways to strengthen laws — a function of lobbying that’s often unappreciated.”
Given this public scrutiny of lobbyists, how can businesses plan effective public affairs campaigns?
DB: “First, think about how the influence strategy ties in with the company’s business strategy, and how it will meet the firm’s long-term goals. Also, proactivity is key. In politics, there are many external events to navigate — elections and reshuffles are practically the norm these days!
“Take the time to write and plan out a futureproof strategy that won’t be blown off course, so include contingencies for things like ministerial changes or new governments. Also, think about how the messaging may need to adapt in response to such changes, and what new stakeholders will likely care about. How do their personal values differ from those of other stakeholders? What are their priorities?”
How can businesses manage key stakeholders effectively when running their campaigns?
DB: “It all starts with stakeholder mapping and knowing who to contact. Then, think about what you want to achieve from that relationship, and how you plan to communicate with them. Many communication mediums are available, including face-to-face meetings, organising events and submitting evidence to All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). Once the relationship is established, some key stakeholders may use instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp to stay in touch, and others may opt for good old-fashioned email.
“Whether you’re working with an MP, Lord or minister, remember that everyone will have different outlooks,
views and reasons for joining your campaign. For example, an MP may join your cause because you’re a constituent or because they have a deep-rooted interest in your issue — especially if it taps into more salient topics like sustainability.
“Whoever you’re speaking to, just remember to be clear and upfront about the campaign, what you’re looking to achieve, and what you need from them. A little honesty goes a long way in building stakeholder trust.”
How can businesses start running transparent, effective public affairs campaigns?
DB: “First, they should ask themselves whether they have the in-house expertise to do it. Yes, some firms have large communications teams, but this doesn’t mean public affairs will be easy, especially if comms staff lack lobbying experience.
“If lobbying experience is lacking, work with a public affairs agency that lives and breathes stakeholder outreach — and who knows what information they must submit to public registers. It’s not just lobbying experience, choose a public affairs partner that understands the industry and the regulatory landscape.
“Finally, look for a partner that offers a holistic public affairs service — covering everything from stakeholder analysis and communications strategy planning to media outreach. This will help companies generate noise around their campaigns, boost journalistic relations and increase the chance of capturing politicians’ interest.”
Transparency remains an issue in lobbying — 90 per cent of us in the industry think so anyway, according to the CIPR’s poll. If political lobbying is part of your company’s strategy, you can ensure ethical practise and keep a clear conscience by talking to the professionals. We recommend working with an industry-specific lobbying partner who can integrate public affairs in PR campaigns and help deliver a strong influence strategy.
To keep up to date with the latest theory and practice in technical PR, subscribe to Stone Junction’s podcast, The Junction Box, on Apple Music, Spotify or wherever you prefer to get your podcasts today.
Everyone likes to work in well lit workshop with the sun streaming in but if you are trying to measure with an optical profile projector this can make taking measurements or comparisons against an overlay difficult and can lead to errors.
Starrett have the answer with a range of floor and bench mounted projectors with black out curtains to make the task easier and providing improved results.
There are various models in the range offering users a choice of screen size, magnifications, stage movement range, stage weight capacity and digital read out units. All units are fitted as standard with LED illumination providing clear images and long hours of use.
The standard metrology software ensures precise diameter, radius, angle, line and point features measurement, as well as part skewing for faster setup.
With a range of jigs and fixtures, including precision centres, vees and vices available for small and large objects, extended range options, CNC control on some systems the Starrett range provide a solution for all environments.
Optical Surfaces Ltd is a leading producer of ultra-high precision optical components and systems for telescope spectrographs.
The main function of a telescope spectrograph is to separate light into its component colours (or wavelengths) to reveal information about the chemical content, temperature and motion of distant planets, comets, stars, interstellar gas clouds and galaxies.
Benefiting from a unique underground facility, where temperatures remain constant year-round and vibration is practically non-existent, Optical Surfaces Ltd can routinely produce spectrograph optics including flats, lenses, mirrors and prisms that stretch the limits of conventional optical fabrication techniques.
Investment in a range of interferometers enables Optical Surfaces Ltd to undertake one-to-one testing of even the largest diameter telescope spectrograph optics. Topographic and fringe analysis provides precise testing of surface roughness and confirms the wave front of various surface forms. Operating a rolling program for calibration of test optics where possible to national standards and production approval to ISO 9001-2015 ensures that the quality of telescope spectrograph optics from Optical Surfaces Ltd. is second to none.
Optical Surfaces Ltd is a trusted precision optics supply partner to the international astronomy community. In recent years, the company has produced key optics for the SPIRou and ESPaDOnS spectrographs at the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope (CFHT), the Narval stellar spectropolarimeter on the 2m Bernard Lyot Telescope in the French Pyrenees, the High-Resolution Optical Spectrograph (HROS) based on the 8m Gemini Telescope in Chile and the Fibre-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
To read a telescope spectrograph optics customer story please visit optisurf.com/new-star-found/. To discuss your specific telescope project optical requirements with the Optical Surfaces team please contact the company on +44-208-668-6126 or email aris@optisurf.com.
One of two uncoated f2.2 offaxis parabolic mirrors prepared for the Fibre-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO). (courtesy: Optical Surfaces Ltd)
Optical Surfaces Ltd has been producing high precision optical components and systems for nearly 60 years. The company’s ISO 90012015 approved manufacturing workshops and test facilities are deep underground in a series of tunnels excavated in solid chalk where temperature remains constant, and vibration is practically non-existent. With such stable conditions testing, particularly with long path lengths, becomes quantifiable and reliable.
The first CASE CX85E midi excavator in the UK has been delivered to Harbour Lights Campsite, a family-run camping and holiday home site in Haverigg, on the south-west tip of the Lake District.
Supplied by local CASE dealer Dennis Barnfield, the machine has been equipped with an Engcon EC209 tilt-rotator by J Hull Engineers and a Trimble 2D machine guidance system.
The campsite, which is open all year-round, welcomes tents, motorhomes and touring caravans. It also has a growing number of static holiday homes and a line of camper pods. Site owner Jason Attwood has received planning for an additional 100 static home plots, to be constructed over the next four years.
He will construct the concrete bases for these plots, which are supplied with electricity, water and drainage, using the CX85E. The machine will also be used to further landscape the site, which has a number of small lakes and decorative water features between the holiday homes.
Mr Attwood is no stranger to excavator controls, having constructed much of the site using a variety of older equipment, including wheeled excavators, tracked loaders and site dumpers. The move to this first CASE machine was prompted by the
close proximity of Dennis Barnfield’s Lancashire base, along with the comfort in the cab of the new excavator.
“Lots of people that we know have praised Dennis Barnfield for their aftersales service,” he said. “Barnfield will service the machine for us and they are only an hour away.
One special feature that ticked a box for him, was the CX85E’s standard ability to control the tracks using one of the servo levers, rather than having to operate foot pedals or track levers.
“The joystick tracking was a big feature for us, as this is a big site to move around,” said Mr Attwood.
“I went to Scotplant earlier in the year to look at some other machinery, but when I sat in the CASE machine, I thought how well it was laid out and how nice it was to sit in.”
All CASE compact excavators have a zero or reduced tailswing design and the standard CX85E can turn within the width of its tracks. However, to allow the excavator to operate with the tilt-rotator and the standard long dipper arm, Dennis Barnfield has supplied the machine with the heavier of two optional additional counterweight sections. While this does extend slightly beyond the rubber tracks, the benefits in stability and lifting capability more than make up for the additional swing radius.
The machine has also been equipped with a full range of auxiliary piping, to power the tilt-rotator and a number of other attachments. It has been personalised with that striking darker privacy glazing, which has become an increasingly popular option among Dennis Barnfield’s customers.
The CX85E tips the scales at around 8.8-tonnes and is part of a new range of E-Series midi models. It comes as standard with a centre-mounted monoboom and a dozer blade. For those that prefer an offset boom, similar to a mini excavator, CASE also offers the 7.6-tonne CX75E, which boasts a two-piece articulating TAB boom. Those looking for a heavier compact model can also choose the CX90E, which has the offset boom, but with a monoboom design.
The CX85E is powered by a Stage V diesel engine developing 53.7kW (73hp). This drives an eHPQ Rexroth electronic pump hydraulic system, providing the machine with plenty of power and speed. Thanks to the electronic control system, the operator can personalise every hydraulic circuit, through the monitor in the cab, providing the control levers with their preferred speed of operation, sensitivity and power delivery.
As the Harbour Lights Campsite continues to expand to meet customer demand, offering visitors a wide range of activities along the golden sandy beaches of the western Lake District, the site’s new CX85E looks set to be increasingly busy. With 100 holiday home bases to build, the machine is certainly a welcome addition to the fleet.
At a time when electronic devices dominate every aspect of our daily lives, ensuring their performance and reliability is paramount. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) present significant challenges to the functionality of sensitive electronic components, from medical devices to automotive systems and aerospace applications. Effective shielding solutions are essential to mitigate these risks and maintain device performance. Photo-chemical etching (PCE) has emerged as a transformative technology for manufacturing high-quality EMI/RFI shielding components, offering unmatched precision and reliability.
As electronic devices become more compact, powerful, and interconnected, they are increasingly susceptible to interference caused by electromagnetic waves. EMI/RFI shielding serves to block or reduce this interference, safeguarding the performance of critical systems. High-quality shielding ensures uninterrupted communication, enhances signal integrity, and protects devices across a range of different industries.
Jochen Kern, Head of Sales & Marketing at micrometal GmbH, explains, “The precision and intricacy demanded by modern EMI/RFI shielding components are perfectly suited to the capabilities of photo-chemical etching. At micrometal Group, we’re proud to provide cuttingedge solutions that enable manufacturers to meet these growing demands.”
The effectiveness of EMI/RFI shielding hinges on precision and material integrity. Conventional manufacturing methods, such as stamping or laser cutting, often introduce burrs, stress, and material distortion that compromise performance. In contrast, photo-chemical etching provides a tool-free, contactless process that delivers smooth, burr-free edges and uniformity across even the most complex geometries.
With PCE, micrometal Group can produce ultra-thin, lightweight shielding components with features as small as 25 microns. This level of precision is critical for applications like mobile devices, IoT technologies, and aerospace equipment, where space constraints and weight reduction are key factors.
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Integration with GTMA companies, collective engagement with OEMs, market analysis and appraisal of new sector opportunities
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Promotion across digital and print media channels, representation at GTMA and 3rd party events at preferential rates
Networking events across the whole of the UK & Ireland
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Xometry UK, the go-to marketplace for on-demand manufacturing, announced their Blue Friday campaign in November. During this limited-time event, engineers and buyers quoting parts with Xometry’s Instant Quoting Engine got 10% off their orders, while 5% of every purchase was donated to Healthy Seas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting our oceans and marine life from plastic waste and abandoned fishing gear.
This Blue Friday campaign reflects Xometry’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with the company’s efforts to make a positive impact on the planet. Unlike traditional Black Friday campaigns, Xometry’s Blue Friday campaign focused on supporting ocean conservation while offering exclusive savings to its customers.
“Healthy Seas does essential work in cleaning our oceans, removing harmful debris, and protecting marine ecosystems for future generations,” said Dmitry Kafidov, Managing Director of Xometry. “By launching this campaign, we’re proud to support Healthy Seas while providing world-class manufacturing services to our customers.”
About Xometry: Xometry (NASDAQ: XMTR) is a leading AI-enabled marketplace for on-demand manufacturing. With a vast network of manufacturing partners across the globe, Xometry provides a wide range of services, including CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. Xometry is committed to innovation, sustainability, and making custom manufacturing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Visit website: xometry.uk
About Healthy Seas: Healthy Seas is a non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling the issue of marine litter, with a focus on ghost fishing nets, which account for over 640,000 tons of waste in our oceans. Healthy Seas recovers these harmful materials and repurposes them, helping to create a cleaner and healthier marine environment. Visit website: healthyseas.org
Tezmaksan Robot Technologies, a European manufacturer of CNC automation systems, has announced its expansion in Europe with the opening of a new office in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This strategic move will allow the company to provide faster, more tailored support to its distributors and customers across key European markets, including Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Poland.
The Amsterdam office will act as a central hub for strengthening relationships with its 21 European distributors, while also supporting entry into new markets. By establishing a local presence, Tezmaksan aims to deepen customer engagement and provide a faster, more comprehensive service.
“The new office is a significant milestone in our European growth strategy, where we’re committed to serving customers with cutting-edge robotic automation solutions,” said Fikriye Sarıyer Yokça, regional manager for Europe at Tezmaksan. “We’re here to help our distributors expand their product offering, address customer needs and showcase how our solutions can transform CNC operations.”
The new facility will act as a gateway to Central Europe — an area with a robust manufacturing base and growing focus on Industry 4.0. The region’s industries are increasingly adopting flexible and efficient automation systems to address challenges such as labour shortages and rising operational costs.
Through its new location, Tezmaksan will be offering its latest CubeBOX automation solutions, tailored specifically to European manufacturers’ needs. The CubeBOX systems include the CubeBOX Blues RT and DR models, CubeBOX Soul for heavy cast part handling, CubeBOX AMR for logistics and CubeBOX ATC for tool changing.
The CubeBOX Pallet Pool, a system designed for high-demand manufacturing facilities, will also be available, and is expected to resonate with Central European manufacturers by optimising their operational workflows.
In addition to its automation systems, Tezmaksan’s TZXtools brand will supply BT30 and BBT40 tool holders, ensuring distributors and customers in Central Europe can access a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, reliable solutions that meet stringent European standards, such as CE compliance.
“Central Europe’s manufacturers value precision and efficiency and we’re committed to helping them achieve these goals by providing localised support and showcasing solutions that meet their specific needs, added Yokça.
In Europe, the manufacturing market is expected to grow by 3.93% by 2028, reaching a whopping value of £2.83 trillion.
As the world continues to change and priorities shift, the European manufacturing industry is finding several ways to keep up with technologies, emerging trends, and eco-conscious strategies.
For example, by 2030, 60% of all manufacturing production will make use of sustainable practices, meaning that the sector is trying to play a significant part in preserving the well-being of the planet.
But what other innovations are driving this thriving industry forward? Welding Alloys, a leading expert in hardfacing for welding businesses, explores what exciting tech trends are gradually shaping the new manufacturing landscape.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is one of the most popular innovations embraced across the sector.
Mario Cordero, Group Innovation Director at Welding Alloys, said: “3D printing is becoming an increasingly common solution to speed up production processes at a more favourable and affordable cost.
“The beauty of this technology is that it allows businesses to create items layer by layer with computeraided design (CAD) support. Through the help of this innovative tool, manufacturers can assemble complex designs that would otherwise be challenging and expensive to produce with more manual, conventional methods.
“In this respect, 3D printing opens the door to customisations, too. Because every manufactured item is based on a digital blueprint, each product can be easily tweaked without the need for retooling. This is particularly useful for the healthcare and medical sectors, where splints, supports, and health devices can be customised to suit a specific patient’s diagnosis.
“That said, the versatility of 3D printing can be extended to a wide range of businesses in the manufacturing industry, including aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods.”
Robots and cobots are becoming a frequent sight in manufacturing industries in Europe and across the world. For example, in Germany alone, automotive companies are home to 1,500 robotic units for every 10,000 employees.
The benefit of robots is that they can take care of a large array of tedious, physically demanding tasks while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and quality throughout. What’s more, they can help reduce wastage and breakages caused by inconsistent finishings or below-par quality products.
Nowadays, advanced industrial robots are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence, meaning they can detect potential issues from the off and carry out a programmed motion with limited lag.
As for ‘cobots’, these collaborative machines are built to share workspaces with humans, to keep people safe and to alleviate the demands of their jobs. For example, in hazardous environments, risky processes are often delegated to cobots, which can, in turn, prevent serious and avoidable injuries.
“That said, the versatility of 3D printing can be extended to a wide range of businesses in the manufacturing industry, including aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods.”
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is an innovative, data-driven approach that allows businesses in the manufacturing sector to collect, monitor, and analyse production figures.
With real-time data, companies can make more informed decisions and swiftly improve operations.
What is truly clever about IIoT is that it also interconnects
machines, devices, and appliances used in the manufacturing process. By communicating and sharing data, every machine reacts accordingly, resulting in more efficiency, budget-friendly costs, and betterquality products.
IIoT can be widely used across the industry, benefitting pharmaceutical, chemical, electronics, and food and beverage manufacturing businesses.
Another piece of modern technology that is slowly taking the manufacturing sector to the next level is augmented reality (AR).
AR is already a prominent feature in the gaming and education industries, allowing users to interact with virtual items and increasing consumers’ engagement rates. By 2030, the AR gaming market is projected to be worth more than £22 billion.
The good news is that AR’s characteristics can also benefit the manufacturing world, as it can optimise the training and development of new and existing employees.
AR provides a safe, immersive platform where workers can learn and practice new skills without the worry of making costly or dangerous mistakes.
So, for example, when aerospace engineers need to train for repairs to complex and sophisticated machinery, they can do so with confidence and muchneeded peace of mind.
As the manufacturing industry in Europe continues to evolve, more and more businesses are exploring new innovative trends to power their operations and increase efficiency, quality, and profits.
From 3D printing and robotics to augmented reality and IIoT, several tech tools are helping the manufacturing landscape improve for the better.
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The business of manufacturing continues as it always has, and typically brings successes and challenges across the workflow. The evolution of how manufacturers produce and deliver their applications is a particularly interesting factor to consider as the number of manufacturing processes available and their capabilities increase and improve. One of the more disruptive technologies to emerge in recent decades is that of additive manufacturing (AM) or industrial 3D printing. This technology set itself incorporates a range of processes, a continually growing palette of materials, and software that enables the technology and improves efficiencies. Utilising industrial 3D printing for any manufacturing discipline, whether for rapid prototyping, tooling, or, increasingly, production on demand, does not come without its own set of challenges, but deploying AM can also bring great advantages.
The benefits of AM are well documented, in essence allowing manufacturers to exploit the ability to build complex parts, in one piece, which were previously impossible.
This in turn enables the consolidation of existing parts, reducing assembly requirements and reducing overall costs. In addition, with explicit design for process knowledge, AM parts can also be made stronger and lighter making them more efficient across their life cycle while also reducing material consumption. For low and medium production runs, AM can eliminate the need for tooling, making it a faster and more cost-effective manufacturing option. These advantages mean that AM has become a viable option for many manufacturers.
However, while all of these advantages are enabled by the additive systems that build the parts, in reality, the AM hardware is actually just one piece — albeit a vital piece — of an ecosystem of technologies that enable success with AM.
The building of the parts utilising AM is the essential core of the manufacturing workflow, however what happens before and after the build are also vital to delivering high quality parts in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Here, we are exploring how a specialised bureau can raise the bar for AM with quality services that extend beyond just the 3D printed parts themselves.
Experience and expertise go a long way to alleviating the challenges manufacturers face when using AM. Working with a specialist AM bureau ensures that both come as part of the service from beginning to end. Look for an innovative business model that delivers high quality end-to-end processes including fast, automated ordering and tracking at the beginning and dedicated post-processing and finishing capabilities at the end.
Automation is a technology area that has also progressed significantly in the last decade. A forwardlooking AM service bureau will have grasped this opportunity to develop and embed enhanced efficiencies into its ordering system to improve user experience. A dedicated automated ordering system will greatly streamline the ordering process, allowing clients to place their orders quickly and intuitively, while also providing full tracking capabilities.
An intuitive automated ordering platform should enable customers to upload their files, select material/s, and specify finishes with ease. It should then be able to provide immediate pricing feedback based on material cost, print time, and complexity. Once the order is confirmed, the system can then provide status updates of all orders in real-time, greatly improving transparency and communication.
By leveraging technology to automate ordering, AM service providers enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, making AM more accessible and speeding up the front end of the workflow significantly.
While we’ve established that the printing process is pivotal, the finish of the parts that come off the AM system often determines its quality and, importantly, its usability. Dedicated post-processing services are also essential for ensuring that 3D printed parts meet client expectations.
It’s probably important to note here, that postprocessing is actually an umbrella term for a number of stages that AM parts may need to go through after they come out of the AM system and before they are fit for purpose. This is especially true for powder bed fusion (PBF) AM processes. The term “post-processing” is often used interchangeably with “finishing”, which is somewhat of a misnomer. With any PBF process there are a series of essential post-processing steps that are non-negotiable and must be undertaken prior to the AM-produced part finishing stages, which are optional. Thus “finishing” is actually an important subset of post-processing, not a term that should be used interchangeably with it.
Post-processing for PBF parts typically involves:
• Depowdering / excess material removal
• Cleaning
Of note for polymer PBF processes, support removal is typically not required as the powder bed acts as the support system. Neither are heat treatments to cure the materials.
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