Handheld fibre laser welding from Wilkinson Star
Handheld fibre laser welding technology is new to the UK welding industry, offering excellent welding performance, improving production efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Up to four times faster than traditional welding methods, it offers high precision and neat welding seams on various materials. The Weld Star - Max Photonics system advanced air-cooling with self-adaptive fans ensures long-term stability and a neat, compact design. It is lightweight and ergonomically designed welding torch offers comfort and manoeuvrability to the user at only 680 grams and guarantees multiple safety precautions for welding operations.
A full colour 7" graphical user interface with synergic set up and the possibility to save up to 32 stored jobs offers easy set up and high repeatability to the user. Shooting mode offers controllable and repeatable tack welding and single sided spot welding, while pulse mode offers aesthetically pleasing
welds similar to that of traditional TIG welding methods.
Quick training times with the laser process gives employers the opportunity to up-skill workers and increase production.
Laser safety is a big factor with this process being a Class 4 appliance. As such, it is imperative that the guidance is followed and this equipment is operated within a suitably approved class 4 enclosure. Wilkinson Star can offer a full package solution in compliance with EN 60825-4. Machines come with a 2 year warranty and torches a 12 month warranty.
www.wilkinsonstar247.com
Linear guides and ball screws
Large stock, fast delivery
Specialist cutting facilities
Authorised NSK UK distributor
Authorised NB distributor
Health & Safety Update
Schmersal now also sells a safe laser scanner on the European market
The safe laser scanner UAM-05LP offers maximum vewrsatility for safe area monitoring
The Schmersal Group continues to expand its range of products for safe area monitoring: the company is now selling the UAM-05LP safety laser scanner from Japanese manufacturer Hokuyo in Europe, beginning with markets in Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. The safety scanner is characterised by its extremely compact design and low weight, as well as its flexible integration options and high safety standards. This helps it to ensure maximum personal protection in logistics, manufacturing & the process industry.
Contactless protective devices, such as laser scanners, offer many benefits in the implementation of safety requirements. In contrast to guard fences and guard doors, there is no manual opening and closing requirement, and they do not impede materials transport. In addition, they also enable a clearer view of machinery and processes.
infrared beams to scan the environment and detect the entry of people and objects into the safety zone. This also allows the Hokuyo UAM to achieve a wide range: with a detection range of up to 270°, a safety clearance of up to
The UAM safety laser scanner handles presence control on stationary machinery and robot systems, with the UAM’s sensor utilising
5m and a warning detection area of 20m, the laser scanner can be used in various machinery safety applications.
The laser scanner can be easily configured for
Why should you service and maintain a safety shower
Maintaining a safety shower is crucial for ensuring its optimal performance and effectiveness during emergency situations.
Here are several reasons why maintaining a safety shower is essential:
1) Reliable Emergency Response
Regular maintenance ensures that the safety shower is in proper working condition and ready to be used when needed.
By conducting routine inspections and maintenance activities such as testing water flow, checking water temperature, adjusting controls, and inspecting valves, any potential issues or malfunctions can be identified and addressed promptly, ensuring that the safety shower will function reliably during an emergency.
2) Employee Safety
The primary purpose of a safety shower is to provide immediate decontamination in case of exposure to hazardous substances. Regular maintenance helps ensure that the safety shower delivers the appropriate water flow rate, temperature, and coverage necessary for effective decontamination.
3) Compliance with Regulations
Safety showers are often subject to regulatory requirements and standards that specify their maintenance and inspection. By adhering to these regulations, organizations demonstrate their commitment to compliance and workplace safety.
4) Extended Lifespan
Proper maintenance and care can significantly extend the lifespan of a safety shower. By promptly addressing any
issues, replacing worn-out components, and conducting regular cleaning, you can prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs.
5) Reputation and Employee confidence
Demonstrating a commitment to maintaining safety showers indicates a strong safety culture within an organization. Regular maintenance instils employee confidence in the workplace safety measures and shows that their wellbeing is a top priority.
Conclusion
Maintaining a safety shower is essential for its reliable performance, employee safety, regulatory compliance, and overall operational readiness. Regular maintenance and inspections help identify and address any issues promptly, ensuring that the safety shower is always ready for use during emergencies.
For more information on service and maintenance, please contact Aqua Safety Showers on: +44 (0)1942 318096 or sales@aqua-safety.com
a wide range of uses and also has the ability to monitor two hazardous areas at the same time, eg. two adjacent robots. Each of the two safety zones switches its own OSSD output.
Furthermore, the safety laser scanner is also able to undertake access control as well as arm and hand protection for safety-critical areas in work zones, eg. as part of insertion and assembly workflows.
Another advantage of the Hokuyo laser scanner is its encoder input: with the help of encoders, the speed and direction of travel of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are transferred to the laser scanner, so that the safety zones can be dynamically adjusted to stop the AGV in case of danger.
The Hokuyo UAM-05LP is suitable for use in machinery safety applications up to PL d, Cat. 3 in accordance with EN ISO 13849 and SIL 2 in accordance with IEC 61508.
Contact: Steve Watkins, Marketing Manager T 01684 571987 swatkins@schmersal.com www.schmersal.co.uk
Safety, Health & Wellbeing Live Preview
Delivering essential, educational, networking and procurement opportunities for safety professionals
In the world of health and safety, fire risk management and workplace wellbeing, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live and Fire Safety Live are making waves. Now an established event series, our mission remains the same - to champion excellence and elevate standards in the industry. Next up the two South shows are at Farnborough International from 2-3 October 2024.
We're committed to reconnecting and empowering regional OSH professionals across the UK. This series offer two live events – North and South, each spanning two days. Both events are tailored to their specific regional audience to deliver essential education, networking, and procurement opportunities. Our goal is to give visitors the tools and the knowledge to help you shift the dial on health and safety culture in the workplace.
Since the very first edition at Manchester Central in 2022, we've achieved some significant milestones. With five successful shows behind us, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is a rapidly growing community of exhibitors and
visitors and has recently been awarded ‘Best Independent Trade Show Launch’ at the Exhibition News Indy Awards. Now in its third year, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live has been attracting key buyers who are actively looking for fire safety products and services. That's why Fire Safety Live has been launched to meet this growing demand.
We know that for visitors, budget constraints, time limitations, and travel difficulties can be barriers to change. That's where we come in. We're the only platform that provides accessible, affordable, and sustainable in-person opportunities for industry professionals to connect.
The event will host over 100 exhibitors, including leading suppliers & organisations such as Nebosh, IOSH, Health and Safety Executive, Bollé Safety, RRC International, Casella, Evac+Chair, Unigloves and more. Visitors can experience products and services firsthand and learn just how they can benefit from those that brought them to market.
Visitors will have the chance to hear about the latest
regulatory changes and work taking place to improve health and safety culture in the workplace. The wideranging educational programme is delivered by highly knowledgeable speakers, covering a variety of topics, from legislation updates and PPE, to special hazards in the workplace and leadership on workplace health & wellbeing.
Farnborough has been synonymous with pioneering triumphs for over a century and provides the perfect home for these events in the South. The venue boasts a modern events venue with stunning views of the famous airfield and free car parking just 35 mins by train from London. Visitors travelling from anywhere along the M4 corridor, South Coast, London and across the South East and east of England will find an easy journey and over 2,500 hotel rooms nearby.
www.safetyhealthwellbeing.live
World leaders in innovative measurement solutions
Cirrus Research, a leading provider of noise measurement solutions, will be participating in the upcoming Safety, Health, and Wellbeing Live 2024. The event will be held on 2-3 October at Farnborough International, and Cirrus Research will be exhibiting at Stand SF18
As a key player in the field of environmental noise monitoring, Cirrus Research is excited to present its latest advancements in noise measurement technology. The company will showcase a range of cutting-edge products designed to help businesses and organisations effectively manage noise levels and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
noise dosimeters, noise-activated signage, hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration measurement.
On a mission to stop people from going deaf by providing a range of easy-to-use instruments designed for Health & Safety Officers to prevent workplace hearing loss, you can expect demonstrations of said products as well as many opportunities to talk to the team about sound level meters,
The show presents a fantastic opportunity for Cirrus to connect with its clients, partners and peers, and to demonstrate how its innovative solutions can help improve workplace safety and wellbeing.
T 01723 891655
sales@cirrusresearch.com www.cirrusresearch.com www.safetyhealthwellbeing.live/ exhibitors-farnborough#/exhibitors/ tolliday
Manufacturing Update
Pharmaceutical Specification Vacuum Conveyors from Volkmann
Volkmann extends the transfer capabilities of the highly successful ‘PPC’ pharmaceutical specification vacuum conveyors by adding two new models to the range offering transfer rates to over 11,100 litres per hour.
The PPC models utilise a one-piece crack and crevice free body design, essential to reduce cleaning difficulties and prevent product cross contamination. The externally driven butterfly discharge valve allows quick and easy cleaning.
Efficient compressed air driven vacuum pumps, pneumatic control and automatic filter cleaning, combine to offer a very simple and reliable platform to transfer powders, granules and small parts around the process area.
PEHD, FDA approved filter elements can be cleaned with compressed air, pressurised water, solvents or alcohol etc with no reduction in filter performance or anticipated life. Alternative filters are available including Stainless steel, HEPA or PTFE coated polyester.
Dust free and ATEX zone 0, 20, 1, 21, 2 and 22 certified unit available.
Efficient powder & bulk material transfer In the past the flat price of a conveying system came first as a business criteria, however, modern costs/benefits analysis goes much deeper, especially in the chemical industry. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) are now more important for industrial items than a supposedly low purchasing price.
For example, if maintenance and mounting costs for a simple control valve make up 70% of the life cycle cost &, at the same time, the original purchasing price accounts for up to 25% of the overall total cost, a new approach is recommended. Especially when dealing with the transfer of powders & bulk materials. Vacuum Conveyors, with their stainless steel modular design and new Multijector® technology, are especially durable and cost effective because of their simple mounting and maintenance-free design.
It appears that there is no other kind of
conveying, which allows the transportation of so many different and difficult materials. Moreover, with the modular stainless steel separators/receivers of the new generation it is effortless to convey even different powders or granules with the same kind of conveyor. A cross-contamination is avoided, because all parts, which are in contact with the material to be conveyed, can be easily dismantled and
cleaned without tools. Also the special filter withstands wet cleaning under high pressure or the cleaning in an ultrasonic bath.
The physical principle of Vacuum Conveying is originally ‘dust-free’ by design since developed dust clouds are sucked in and the powder transfer takes place in a closed loop. Hence even extreme fine dusts like toner powder are conveyable. Plug-flow-conveying & the special design of the receivers as well as the processes avoid the danger of segregation and separation during the powder transfer. The special Volkmann Powder Transfer Systems allowed full certification according to ATEX regulations already in 2002.
For more information, contact Byron Fipkin at: Byron.fipkin@volkmann.info or phone 01494 512228 or visit: www.volkmann.info for more information.
Deep hole drilling experts
UNISIG is an industry-leading American producer of deep hole drilling machines. The company supplies a large variety of customers from aerospace and automotive to energy, firearms, hydraulic cylinders, military, medical sectors, smaller bespoke companies and large original equipment manufacturers (OEM.)
With unparalleled installation capabilities across Europe, Asia and America, UNISIG has the expertise to provide advanced precision-driven machinery for all jobs, with its complete deep hole drilling solutions that range from machinery to tools and automation.
The drilling capabilities include: Gun drilling, BTA, counterboring/reaming, trepanning, pull boring, skiving and roller burnishing, bottom forming, bottle boring and much more. With a wide range of stock machinery lines for diverse manufacturing needs, UNISIG can also provide bespoke-engineered machinery across all applications.
The American heavyweight was established in 1981 and since that time, has built up to a pole position across the global industry with its renowned production of gun drilling and deep hole drilling machines. Entrust Manufacturing Technologies acquired UNISIG in 1995 and then moved the company to its purpose-built headquarters in Milwaukee, USA.
Their US Milwaukee facility was expanded by over 100,000ft2 in 2019 to keep up with increased
production capacity demand levels. The CNC grinding machine also supports greater production, alongside regular upgrading across the production facility. The dedicated design engineers at the UNISIG Tech Centre in Milwaukee are more than happy to build customised drilling machine orders, from prototypes to finished machines.
We spoke to Philipp Steimle, Sales and Service Manager for Europe, to ask more about company developments, “Due to ongoing supply issues, our company is expanding its own manufacturing department. The Kellenberger CNC grinding machine we have installed will allow us to finish all the drilling spindles in-house. We have also installed a laser-cutting machine, a CNC press brake and welding stations so that we can do all the guarding
and coolant reservoirs in-house to avoid delays in our machine building.”
“The UNE6 series for medical instrument drilling with its fully integrated automation is a game changer for the industry and is proving highly popular in the market. We have, and continue to invest in more inhouse production rather than external third parties to keep on top of our orders.”
UNISIG is a clear market leader with a commitment to excellence to all customers. From quick machinery and part shipping orders delivered around the world, to meticulous service and repair jobs (conducted on-site and remotely), all jobs are carried out by an expert installation team made up of UNISIG engineers.
The recent addition of two new SSI Schaefer LOGIMAT® vertical lift modules (VLM) in the parts warehouse have further enhanced the alreadyexcellent customer service. The storage units hold up to 28 tons of spare parts each providing welcomed streamlined organisation and tracking. UNISIG operators can now effortlessly access parts inventory on the touchscreen and the VLM moves the correct tray forward, while a laser then selects the precise bin and location of the required part. This use of automated technology has optimised the inventory storage capacity and created a smoother, more accurate retrieval system.
UNISIG leads the way in expertly engineered, high-performance gundrilling. Another prime example of this is through the use of the Dual-Spindle gundrilling machine that comes with counter-rotation (UNE12-2-750-CR). This has impressive features that include the two spindles for advanced-precision gundrilling to 12mm in diameter and 750mm in depth, at 12,000rpm. And, with capabilities to produce over 2,000psi coolant pressure, with integrated chip collection system and a touchscreen control panel, the characteristic counter-rotation of cylindrical workpieces provides next-level hole straightness that you’ve never seen before.
Contact UNISIG to discuss how deep hole drilling equipment would support your business venture today: www.unisig.com
Water, Energy & Environment Update
Broadwater Mouldings Ltd has achieved a King's Award for Enterprise
Suffolk-based manufacturing company Broadwater Mouldings Ltd is one of 252 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Broadwater has been recognised for its excellence in international trade.
Founded in 1971 and based just outside the picturesque Suffolk town of Beccles, Broadwater is a design engineering and composites manufacturing company, specialising in supplying high quality moulded Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP), fabricated and finish-assembled FRP and vacuum formed components into the medical, industrial and automotive sectors. Broadwater’s diverse 170 strong workforce encompasses skills ranging from hand layup, press and spray laminating to engineering and technical design.
Broadwater’s main market is Europe, where one of its key customers is based although its products are in daily use Worldwide. Broadwater’s market position has changed from purely a parts supplier to a strategic design partner for its main customers and has significantly expanded its manufacturing capabilities and processes in recent years. Overseas
sales have grown by 90% over the three year application period and the proportion of sales exported has increased to 66% of total sales. The company wins the King’s Award for International Trade in overseas sales over the last three years.
Managing Director, Matt Herbert, said, “This award recognises the achievements of the entire Broadwater team, some of whom have worked in and have been dedicated to developing the business over decades. We have worked extremely hard to
achieve the growth we have seen and this has inevitably presented challenges: every person working at both our manufacturing sites has risen to those challenges. I am extremely grateful to every one of our people and I am looking forward to continuing with them to build on our success. We are incredibly proud to be honoured with this award.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to display the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.
For more information on The King’s Awards for Enterprise, visit: www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
T +44 (0)1502 719310 info@broadwater.co.uk www.broadwater.co.uk
MIXPAC™ greenLine™ twocomponent cartridge systems win 2024 BIG Sustainability Award
medmix
Switzerland AG has been named a winner in the 2024 BIG Sustainability Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group. This achievement complements the company’s BIG Innovation Award in January 2024 for its MIXPAC greenLine 400mL 1:1 two-component cartridge set.
The MIXPAC greenLine two-component cartridge systems are more sustainable products made of post-consumer recycled (PCR) or post-industrial recycled (PIR) materials, significantly reducing CO2 emissions by up to 66% without compromising on quality. These recycled plastic-based cartridge systems include all the advanced design features and benefits of their proven versions made from conventional plastics, ensuring safety and minimising cross-contamination risks. The greenLine versions maintain the same high-performance standards of the conventional MIXPAC cartridges
and are designed for seamless integration into existing compatible dispensers offering an eco-conscious solution without the need for process changes, thus bridging the gap between environmental responsibility and industrial efficiency.
"Forget greenwashing – at medmix, they have put sustainability at the heart of everything they do," declared Russ Fordyce, Chief Executive Officer at Business Intelligence Group. "We're inspired by their dedication and excited to showcase the incredible work they're accomplishing."
Organisations from across the globe submitted their recent innovations for consideration in the BIG Innovation Awards. Nominations were then judged by a select group of business leaders & executives who volunteer their time and expertise to score submissions.
www.medmix.swiss
MIXPAC greenLine cartridge systems for two-component materials like adhesives, sealants and others made of up to 100% of PCR material
Sustainability Update
Metsä Group extends entry submission deadline for the Metsä 2025 Sustainability Awards
Metsä Group’s tissue paper business, Metsä Tissue, announces an extension to the deadline for entry for the 2025 Sustainability Awards.
Metsä Tissue is pleased to announce that it has extended the entry deadline for the 2025 Sustainability Awards by one month. All entries must now be submitted by 30th September 2024, in order to be considered for the 2025 Metsä Sustainability Awards.
The decision to extend the deadline for entry came after a large number of requests from potential entrants who have been impacted by the holiday season.
About the 2025 Sustainability Awards
The Sustainability Awards were founded in partnership with the Cleaning & Services Support Association (CSSA) in 2023 with the aim of shining a spotlight on sustainability across
the cleaning and hygiene industry. The 2025 Sustainability Awards ceremony will be held at the Pelligon in Canary Wharf in London, on 19th March 2025.
Details of the awards and how to enter are available on the 2025 Sustainability Awards website. Nominations are free to enter and the deadline for entry is 30th September 2024.
For further information on the 2025 Sustainability Awards, please visit the website – www.2025sustainabilityawards. com – or contact Denise Nee by telephone on 0845 601 8266 or by email at: denise.nee@ metsagroup.com
About the Cleaning & Services Support Association
The CSSA is run by the Cleaning Industry for the Cleaning Industry. It exists to help businesses Grow, Comply, Change and Innovate. They do
this through their accreditations, recognising greatness, key events, online & offline business advice, and having government representation.
Metsä Group
Metsä Group’s Tissue and Greaseproof Papers business, or Metsä Tissue, produces hygiene products for households and professionals, and greaseproof papers for food preparation and packaging. Our high-quality locally produced brands – Lambi, Serla, Mola, Tento, Katrin and SAGA – make daily life cleaner.
We promote a diverse, equal, and inclusive culture. Our 2023 sales were EUR 1.3 billion, and we have approximately 2,500 employees. Metsä Group’s parent company Metsäliitto Cooperative is owned by around 90,000 Finnish forest owners.
www.metsagroup.com/metsatissue – Follow Metsä Tissue: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram
The leading Water, Wastewater and Environmental Monitoring Conference and Exhibition
WWEM, the 11th in the Series of Water and Wastewater Monitoring events, will be held on the 9th & 10th October 2024 in its new home at the NEC in Birmingham. WWEM will focus on instruments and services for water and wastewater process monitoring, laboratory analysis, field and portable testing. WWEM will include an exhibition of over 200 manufacturers and suppliers of instruments, and services to monitor, test and analyse water and wastewater plus over 100 hours of free presentations and technical workshops on applications, case studies and new technology solutions.
In 2024 WWEM will again run side by side AQE (The 13th International Conference and Exhibition on Air Quality and Emissions Monitoring). Visitors to WWEM and AQE will have free access both these complementary events
and will benefit from attending two industry shows at one time under one roof showing a full range of products and services for Environmental monitoring.
This two day event will focus on the following themes: Regulation, Policy and Compliance; Future Regulation and Targets; Industrial Case Studies; Applications; and New and Emerging technologies and instruments.
Topics include: Process Monitoring, Laboratory analysis, Smart water, Current and Future regulation, MCerts, Gas detection, Field testing, Portable instruments, Operator Monitoring, Data acquisition, Odour monitoring and treatment, Big Data, Online monitoring, IoT, Flow/Level Measurement, Leak Detection, Pumping solutions, Control and Instrumentation.
AQE 2024, the 13th in the series of Air Quality & Emissions Events, will focus on industrial air emissions, stack monitoring, ambient air quality monitoring and
Gas measuring systems
ARCoptix, a Swiss manufacturer of optical measurement systems, produces compact FTIR spectrometer systems. ARCoptix offers a unique range of FTIR OEM instruments, ideal for system integrators. The ARCoptix GASEX FTIR system is specifically designed for the gas analytics industry. The GASEX system consists of a 5 metre path cell combined with a high-resolution 0.5 cm-1
FTIR spectrometer, covering a spectral range from 5,000 to 850 cm-1. The system is compact and optimised for system integrators. In addition to the OEM solutions, ARCoptix also offers a range of standard desktop products primarily focused on optical fibre applications.
Come see us on Stand K22. info@arcoptix.com www.arcoptix.com
all aspects of air quality monitoring, protection and treatment.
In 2024 the AQE Exhibition will again run alongside WWEM (The 11th International Conference and exhibition on Water, Wastewater and Environmental Monitoring). Visitors to AQE and WWEM will be able to enter both these complementary events free of charge and will now benefit from attending two shows at one time under one roof showing a full range of products and services for air and water monitoring. AQE 2024 will take place on the 9th & 10th October 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham.
This two day event will focus on the following themes: Regulation, Policy and Compliance; Future Regulation and Targets; Industrial Case studies; Applications; and New and Emerging technologies and products.
Topics include: Ambient Air Monitoring, Leak Detection, Medium Plant Directive, Energy from Waste, Green Cities, CCUS, Biofuels, Renewable Energy, Dioxin Monitoring, Bio Aerosols, Odour Monitoring and Treatment, Discontinuous monitoring, Operator Monitoring Assessment,Fine particle Monitoring, Gas analysis, Mercury and Metal analysis, Sensor technology, Air Quality Networks, Manual Stack Monitoring, Weather Monitoring, Fugitive Emissions, Indoor Air Quality, Fence line Monitoring, CEMs, Methane Monitoring, Data Acquisition, Net Zero, Carbon Capture, Hydrogen testing and measurement, Workplace monitoring, Air Treatment and Abatement technologies, Big data, Calibration Gas, Mcerts, Gas Detection.
www.ilmexhibitions.com/wwem www.ilmexhibitions.com/aqeshow
Pendle Borough Council mandates use of CheckedSafe app for all Private Hire and Hackney Carriages
We are delighted to announce that we have just reached an agreement with Pendle Borough Council wherein the Council have mandated the use of the CheckedSafe App. Now, all Private Hire and Hackney Carriages issued with licences in the borough of Pendle are required, as a condition of their licence, to undertake a daily walkaround check, using CheckedSafe.
This is to improve the standards of the vehicles and importantly it is backed up with the imposition of sanctions if checks are not undertaken or undertaken properly. The importance of this change cannot be overstated. We have been advocating for some time for all such vehicles to be subject to a pre-use daily walkaround check and now Pendle Council have taken the bold move of mandating the same. We anticipate that other local authorities will watch this with interest and hopefully follow suit.
We are also just about to launch our GB Domestic Hours App. We believe that we are the 1st company in the UK to do this. - it's a highly complex area but also very exciting and again a huge industry game changer. Most companies still record data on paper in the W20 books so the move the digital is a huge leap forward.
Finally we launched our Driver Licencing Checking service last year and had our first audit this year –the auditors told us that we are the only company offering remote licence checking , wherein we read the data on the driving licence by taking a picture of it and parsing the data. The makes the whole process fully remote.
For those interested in CheckedSafe’s new development, discover more at: www. checkedsafe.com or call them on 01282 937228.
Warehouse & Logistics Update
Kammac achieves dual certifications
Third-party logistics (3PL) provider Kammac has been awarded both the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS) certifications, underscoring the company’s commitment to secure, efficient, and compliant supply chain services.
The AEO certification, endorsed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), aims to improve international supply chain security and trade efficiency. Recognised in over 70 countries, certification holders work together to reduce customs restrictions and enhance cross-border trade operations.
As an AEO certified company, Kammac now benefits from prioritised customs procedures, enabling faster and more efficient import and export processes, including filings, inspections, and clearances.
“Achieving AEO status following HM Revenue and Custom’s (HMRC) rigorous six-month approval process marks a significant milestone for us,” said Leanne Lidell, Director of Compliance at Kammac. “The certification ensures simplified customs clearances and priority handling, meaning we can offer our customers more streamlined and reliable logistics services.”
In response to the needs of a longstanding global beverage client, Kammac initially attained AEO certification for its Wavertree site. Since then, all 15 Kammac sites have been included, further enhancing collaboration with global customers who require AEO status.
Kammac joins its sister companies within the Elanders Group in 2023 who also are AEO certified, providing a powerful network to existing and new clients.
“With our global footprint, our AEO certification facilitates seamless collaboration with fellow members, strengthening the service we can offer to clients,” said Leanne. “This certification bolsters logistics, particularly vital for UK-bound goods amidst the post-Brexit landscape.”
www.kammac.com
Expanded business relationship
INFORM and AUTO1 Group have intensified their co-operation, with yard optimisation software now implemented in all production centres.
AUTO1 Group is a digital automotive platform for buying and selling used cars and following a pilot of INFORM’s vehicle Yard Management System (YMS) in 2022, the companies expanded the solution to a total of ten locations throughout Europe by the end of 2023.
The system supports AUTO1 Group by providing end-to-end transparency and more efficient processes in the parking areas of the production centres. In addition, in 2023 AUTO1 Group and INFORM turned their focus from the optimisation of parking areas to the optimisation of work flows within the production centres.
AUTO1 Group vice president logistics & production, Karol Niznik, says, “The YMS has helped to improve our processes, giving us transparency of all vehicles at our sites at all times. It is therefore only logical
to take the next step with INFORM. We expect similar improvements in the production centres by using the Workshop Optimisation System.”
The process of refurbishing used cars is particularly challenging as a high variety of different makes and models from different build years goes through the process. INFORM’s Workshop Optimisation Software is designed to help with that.
“The goal of the software is to automatically adjust the optimised schedule if any changes need to be made in the refurbishment process,” adds Hartmut Haubrich, director of vehicle logistics at INFORM.
For more information, visit: www.inform-software.com or call +49-2408-9456-0.
Weetabix opts for best of British with high-speed door installations by Union Industries
Union Industries, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke high-speed doors, is helping one of Britain’s most iconic cereal brands maintain its high standard of hygiene with the installation of more Bulldoors and Matadoors.
Weetabix initially approached Union Industries in 2023 to maintain and elevate hygiene standards at its site at Burton Latimer near Kettering. Recognising the superior quality and reliability of Union’s Bulldoors, it expanded its partnership by installing a further six doors around its facilities, including Burton Latimer and Corby, making eleven Union doors across the two sites in total to date.
The bespoke doors, tailored to fit each individual opening, address specific challenges such as tight spaces and sloping floors, ensuring a perfect seal and optimal functionality.
In addition to maintaining hygiene standards, some entries and exits in Weetabix’s production and warehouse areas utilise a two-door solution of airlocks. This system interlinks the doors electronically to allow only one door at a time to be open, effectively prevents the ingress of insects, dust, and other foreign bodies, further safeguarding product integrity.
Union’s Bulldoors are regarded as the ‘reliable workhorse’ of rapid roll doors and are known to
perform more than 1.4 million cycles per year, making it a popular choice across multiple sectors. They feature specialist ‘Crash-Out’ and ‘AutoReset’ damage protection facilities, and offer control outputs for options such as airlocks, traffic control systems and remote monitoring, while aiding temperature control for ambient and chilled environments.
The market-leading, bespoke, high-speed roller doors help to prevent the severe drop of ambient temperature in buildings, especially evident in the winter months, eliminating any potential impact on production environments.
Alan Hirst, Sales Director at Union Industries, said, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Weetabix in enhancing their operational
efficiency and hygiene control. Our rapid roll doors are renowned for their reliability and performance, making them the ideal choice for Weetabix’s production environments.”
Anthony Brawn, Facilities Contracts Manager at Weetabix, said, “We are proud to partner with Union Industries in maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and operational efficiency across our facilities. The installation of Union’s high-speed doors ensures a seamless flow of operations
“With Union Industries, we are confident in achieving our long-term goals of reduced downtime, enhanced productivity, and minimised costs.”
T +44 (0)113 244 8393 enquiries@unionindustries.co.uk www.unionindustries.co.uk
Hart’s Speedors meet requirements
Four Speedor high-speed doors have been installed by Hart Door Systems at a major frozen and cooked meat manufacturing in northern England. The doors, at just 1.5m wide and 1.95m high, are the second smallest Speedors ever manufactured by Hart.
“The contract demonstrates two things,” says Gordon Kipling, regional sales manager for Hart. “Not only is our Speedor range available in distinctly different types of doors but where applicable the doors can be available in reduced sizes for precise requirements.
“In this case there was a need to protect the production environment against drafts, humidity, dust and dirt by installing our Speedor Cleanroom with its fast opening and closing speed. Our pharmaceutical standard Cleanroom Speedors control airflow thus reducing contaminants.”
Designed specifically for manufacturing and research facilities, Speedor Cleanroom works in strictly controlled environments where hygiene standards are high, such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, electronics and micro-mechanics industries.
The main features of Speedor Cleanroom include maintaining strict air leakage requirements over specified pressure differentials.
Complete with an intelligent control panel with digital display each Cleanroom has a reliable and clean in-line drive system complete with an integral safety brake and a non-touch safety light curtain ensures maximum protection to personnel.
Seals minimise pressure drops and protect the manufacturing environment against drafts, humidity, dust and dirt.
T
Achieve total wrap consistency, constant load stability and maximise film usage with our industry-leading wrapX system!
WrapX is redefining pallet wrapping globally, enabling loads to be secured faster with less material, reducing costs and boosting productivity.
Weighing just over 400 grams, the lightweight, carbon fibre dispenser features magnetic mounts, fast roll change release and an adjustable locking tension mechanism. This ensures effective tension on the film during wrapping, with ease and no strain on the operator. By letting the dispenser do the work, wrapX guarantees total film optimisation for every pallet wrapped.
Our wrapX Elite film is the latest in advanced stretch wrap innovation. Designed for use with the wrapX system, it significantly improves pallet wrapping efficiency by reducing the amount of film needed by up to 65%. Unlike traditional manual films, wrapX reduces roll changes and boasts a strong blend, advanced puncture resistance and guaranteed quality. The system supports our 212™wrap technique for maximum efficiency, allowing pallets to be securely wrapped in minimal revolutions.
Benefits include: Safer Wrapping – Reduced
Operator Fatigue
WrapX overcomes the limitations of traditional manual wrapping equipment. Its ergonomic design reduces the need for operators to bend and strain, preventing musculoskeletal injuries. The carbon fibre frame allows operators to wrap while walking forwards without risking repetitive strain. The tension system eliminates the need to ‘tug’ or ‘stretch’ the film, enabling comfortable one-handed use.
Guaranteed Wrapping Consistency
Manual wrapping often results in insufficient and inconsistent tension, leading to excessive film usage and unstable loads. WrapX's adjustable locking tension mechanism allows operators to set and lock the ideal tension, maximising roll yield and load stability. This ensures total consistency regardless of operator technique, accommodating all load types from heavy engineering parts to lightweight parcels. The 212™-wrap technique securely wraps pallets in just five revolutions.
Minimise
Wrap
Yield
through
a Unique WrapX Blend
WrapX is a high-performance stretch film produced with advanced blending technology
and raw material components. Designed to maximise load stability while minimising film usage, wrapX is developed by leading technicians as the next generation of film wrapping.
Always On Hand in Any Busy Operation; Reducing Waste and Increasing Efficiency
Film wastage is common in many fulfilment operations due to rolls becoming damaged, misplaced or discarded. WrapX features magnetic location mounts and a low-profile floor stand, ensuring the wrap is always safely on hand. It can be mounted in various locations, such as metal racking, pack stations and PPTs/FLTs.
We offer fast delivery to our global clients from our distribution
centres in the UK, EU, and USA. Our trained technicians will visit your operation to demonstrate the wrapX system and quickly show the savings it can bring quickly and clearly!
Contact us today to find out more: sales@carltonpackaging.com
Carlton is the UK’s leading designer and supplier of dispatch packaging for fulfilment operations throughout Europe and the US. We strive to deliver firstclass service and assist our clients in creating unique and memorable brand experiences.
Our vision is simple, to create fulfilment packaging smarter for business, people and our planet.
Printing Update
Soyang Europe builds sustainable future for customers with Reconomy
Soyang Europe has been working with Reconomy to offer customers access to environmentally focused and responsible waste management services.
International circular economy specialist
Reconomy has revealed how its relationship with wide-format and superwide-format media manufacturer and distributor Soyang Europe is helping UK print service providers to improve their environmental credentials.
Reconomy combines technology and skills to enable businesses to better manage their resources, helping to reduce waste, optimise their supply chains, and contribute in a meaningful way towards the circular economy.
While this involves working directly with print companies, Reconomy is also partnered with several leading manufacturers and distributors, supporting their customers with textile waste management. One such partnership is with Soyang Europe, whereby printers using materials from Soyang Europe can responsibly dispose of their waste.
This partnership came about three years ago with the support of FESPA UK. Reconomy was working on various sustainability initiatives with FESPA, while Soyang Europe is a long-term member of the association.
The process works with Reconomy providing customers with a baler to prepare their textile waste. Soyang Europe then collects the bales when delivering new products to customers, with the waste taken to its facility in Altham in Lancashire ready for bulk collection and transportation to a recycling facility for processing.
“It was a perfect fit,” said Reconomy Director, Jon Hutton. “Soyang has always been proactive in wanting to offer their customers, and the wider industry, waste management solutions for their products.
“Sustainability is a hot topic for several reasons. Brands and consumers are looking down the supply chain for environmental credentials, so it’s therefore a driving factor in how to not only maintain and gain business, but how a printer positions themselves for the long term.”
Mark Mashiter, Managing Director at Soyang Europe, added, “It provides our customers with an outlet for their waste. This works well with local customers when we deliver orders to them; we can bring any textile bales back with us and store them in our yard until they are collected.”
Renewable energy and recycling materials
Originally, Reconomy had sourced a solution for recycling PVC banner and polyester fabrics at a UK site, whereby waste was blended with other polymers to produce low grade products. While this process ended when more desirable material became available to the market, a recovery route was soon set up and, with the support of Wheeldon Brothers, waste could now be diverted from landfill to renewable energy.
Reconomy combines technology and skills to enable businesses to better manage their resources, helping to reduce waste, optimise their supply chains, and contribute towards the circular economy
However, recycling has since been reestablished and material is again being used in manufacturing processes. Coupled with its use for renewable energy, all of this is helping work towards a circular economy.
An additional benefit to the service is that Soyang Europe is willing to take other supplier’s waste textiles along with its own. This option is available to customers using their own transport within a set radius of Soyang Europe’s facility and when making deliveries.
“Soyang Europe wants to be part of the environmental solution and not the problem,” Jon said. “The take-back scheme provides a platform for printers to demonstrate their sustainability by providing customers with an outlet for their recycling waste.
“Several customers have engaged with Reconomy further and are now collecting their own clients’ end-of-campaign textiles, integrating this with the collection of their materials. All loads are tracked, and Certificates of Recycling can be issued once the material has been processed.”
The work does not stop here for Reconomy, with Jon saying the company will continue to work with Soyang Europe, FESPA UK and its wider membership base to provide more sustainable solutions to the UK industry.
“It’s our aim to continue to be a driving force in educating the industry on the importance of recycling and developing circular economies,” Jon said. “This, with the continued support of Soyang Europe, will ensure more customers take up this service.”
T +44 (0)161 765 3400
sales@soyang.co.uk https://soyang.co.uk
Psycho Peacock embraces sustainability with new Soyang Europe materials
Manchester-based Psycho Peacock says working with ST-216 R Nightstar and ST-601 R Starlight has opened up more sustainable options for its customers
Large-format specialist graphics supplier Psycho Peacock has revealed how its use of ST-216 R Nightstar and ST-601 R Starlight fabrics from Soyang Europe is allowing the company to offer a more sustainable service to clients across a range of markets.
Based in Salford in Greater Manchester, Psycho Peacock has been providing specialist graphics to clients in the retail, events, museums, construction, and visitor attractions sectors for more than 40 years. This offering is expanded further by working with sister company Full Circle Exhibitions & Events, which focuses on event signage and branding knowledge.
For more than half of its life, Psycho Peacock has been working in partnership with Soyang Europe, drawing on the supplier’s extensive knowledge of markets and its far-reaching product range to create a wide variety of eye-catching applications.
Psycho Peacock recently expanded this relationship by starting to work with ST-216 R Nightstar and ST-601 R Starlight, both of which are designed to provide customers with a more sustainable offering that they can then pass on to their own clients.
ST-216 R Nightstar is a wrap-knitted blockout fabric with textured surface on its front side and black coating on the back. Mainly used for dyesublimation printing, the product offers excellent opacity, softness, bending resistance and wrinkleresistance, making it an effective solution for applications such as backdrops, pop-up displays
and frame systems.
As for ST-601 R Starlight, this is a coated backlit with woven based fabric featuring a tight textured structure with a coating. This means the material does not suffer from any light leakage, which, coupled with good wrinkle-resistance, makes it a popular solution for light box applications.
While their features differ, something that the two products have in common is that they are both made from recycled PET bottle yarn, offering a significant, environmentally friendly incentive for print companies and their customers.
It was this feature that particularly appealed to Andy McIntyre, General Manager of Psycho Peacock, as it aligns with the company’s own core values of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
“Choosing these sustainable materials fits seamlessly with our business goals and values,” Andrew said.
“Our ESSA accreditation on the exhibition side of the business underscores our commitment to sustainable practices, including the Reconomy sustainability closed loop.
“We didn’t adopt sustainability to gain a competitive edge, but it has naturally fortified our market position. Our goal is to lead by example, encouraging the industry to adopt sustainable practices.”
Psycho Peacock primarily uses its Durst P5 TEX i-Sub printer to produce work on the two materials. While the company has only been working with these latest introductions from Soyang Europe for a short period of time, Andrew said he is already looking at how the fabrics can help Psycho Peacock move into new markets.
“We’re poised for growth and innovation,” Andrew said. “Psycho Peacock is committed to strengthening its relationship with Soyang and is continuously developing its product offerings forits esteemed clients. Together, we aim to drive the graphics & printing industry towards a more sustainable future.”
T +44 (0)161 765 3400 sales@soyang.co.uk https://soyang.co.uk
Psycho Peacock has been providing specialist graphics to clients in the retail, events, museums, construction, and visitor attractions sectors for more than 40 years
Psycho Peacock says working with ST-216 R Nightstar and ST-601 R Starlight has opened up more sustainable options for its customers
The 2024 PPMA Show is fast approaching
For over 35 years the annual PPMA Show has been a highlight of the processing and packaging industry’s calendar. This event, between 24-26 September at the NEC in Birmingham, is renowned for bringing together thousands of visitors and exhibitors from the FMCG sector. It is anticipated that hall 5 will once again be filled with excitement and anticipation, providing visitors with a perfect platform to network with well-known exhibitors and learn about their latest state-of-the-art technologies and solutions.
Owned and organised by Automate UK, the PPMA Show is recognised as the industry leading event. It brings together the very best suppliers of processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision systems with the capability to deliver significant benefits to a wide range of businesses. These include cost reductions, increased efficiency, quality improvements, and reduced downtime and
turnaround, all of which can deliver a healthy return on the investment in these technologies.
The show provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a complete production line with every aspect of it being represented, from labelling, filling and packaging to processing, robotics, automation and industrial vision systems.
Visitors will be able to see the latest innovations from an impressive line-up of over 350 exhibitors, comprising over 1,500 brands. These exhibiting companies will be showcasing their latest cutting-edge solutions for the full spectrum of the manufacturing industry, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, building materials and suppliers, pet care, and microbrewers and distillers.
The show floor is expected to be vibrant with live demonstrations and product launches, along with experts on hand to help the visitors find the right solutions for their needs. It is anticipated that the show will deliver impressive results with many
business transactions taking place during the threeday show.
Aaron Moore, Asset Maintenance Manager, Nestle, said this about the 2023 PPMA Show: “Fantastic day here at the PPMA Show, lots of suppliers that we work with. Some really innovative solutions, and a lot of relatable things for us, so we are taking lots of lessons home.”
www.ppmashow.co.uk
Join Rotech, the TIJ experts, at PPMA 2024
Rotech Machines, a pioneer in thermal inkjet technology, is excited to announce that they will be exhibiting at this year's PPMA Show, taking place from 24-26 September 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Well known for their customer-led solutions, Rotech will be at stand A31, ready to showcase their unparalleled range of printers and demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of the increasingly popular coding technology.
Over 20 years of innovation in thermal inkjet technology
More than two decades ago, Rotech recognised the potential of thermal inkjet (TIJ) in the packaging industry. Since then, they have been advocating its benefits – clean operation, maintenance-free functionality & ability
to produce excellent quality prints.
The evolution of TIJ technology took a significant leap forward around 2008 with the development of inks that adhere to standard packaging materials. Rotech was at the forefront, implementing some of the first installations for printing on blister pack foil and flow-wrapper films.
Expertise and industry-leading support
This leap forward in capability has led to many other companies adopting the technology as part of their product ranges, with varying levels of knowledge and aftercare.
Trusted across the UK
With over 1,000 UK installations under their belts, Rotech are well trusted by manufacturers spanning a wide range of industry sectors. They maintain their position as a first-class supplier of the technology by constantly evolving their install techniques based on extensive industry experience.
Come see us on Stand A31. T 01707 393700 sales@rotechmachines.com www.rotechmachines.com
Full pack to pallet coding solutions
Videojet + Clearmark (ICE) celebrate another successful year of partnership by showcasing their full pack to pallet coding solutions at PPMA 2024
World-leading manufacturers of coding and marking systems
Videojet + Clearmark (ICE) will celebrate another successful year of partnership at the PPMA Show, showcasing a full suite of primary, secondary and tertiary equipment to demonstrate pack to pallet connectivity.
Since joining forces in September 2022, Videojet + Clearmark (ICE) have
Visit Enterprise Tondelli on Stand E01
Enterprise is delighted to be attending the UK's No.1 event for the very latest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision, the PPMA Show 2024, the complete production line event.
This year we will be showcasing our 100 cartons per minute wraparound cartonner that can handle both corrugated and kraft board in less than 8 metres. Typically used in the beverage industry it also has application in the food industry for cans. The high speed machine is just one of the solutions that Enterprise supply from Baumer of Modena.
The range includes equipment to pack bottles, cans, jars, soft packs, and single serve cartons into tray and film or wrapround cartons from 20-100 packs per minute and every size in between! The optional unique continuous motion 90 degree infeed system also solves many container handling issues as does a top tray applicator. With more than 50 patents Baumer is one of the leaders in this sector so we are sure to have a solution for you.
Other new products are can filling
ystral rolls
for both carbonated and hot filling of juices on the same machine as well as a range of container drying equipment that rotate the containers for maximum effect. We also have a new range of compact depalletiser and robotic mini palletisers for small spaces and lower outputs that save you labour as increasing line efficiency.
Another new product is an electrically heated mobile CIP set that allows even small producers to have an effective cleaning operation for product integrity. In addition we have all types of labelling and conveying for a complete line supply.
Can’t wait? Visit our website at: www.enterprisetondelli.co.uk or call 01525 718288 and see how we can help you.
out continuous disperser
effectively combined their strengths to offer tailored solutions covering the entire manufacturing process. This encompasses the seamless integration of various printing, coding, and marking processes throughout the packaging and distribution journey.
The business’s expert solutions ensure that each packaging unit, from individual items to larger cartons and pallets, is accurately marked, coded, and labelled to meet regulatory requirements, enhance traceability, and facilitate efficient logistics. By merging teams, the businesses offer greater support and coverage, with over 50 field service engineers and sales team members across the UK and Ireland.
Videojet + Clearmark can be found on Stand E30 at the PPMA Show. Delegates can experience a full production line simulation in action and walk away with some exclusive goodies.
Contact Videojet 0808 169 7078 Clearmark 01159 640144
The German mixing and dispersion technology specialist ystral extends its machine portfolio with the YSTRAL Coflow, a continuously operating powder wetting and dispersing machine. ystral is represented in the UK by S3 Process Limited.
With the YSTRAL Coflow, powdered solids are inducted, mixed and dispersed into liquid streams in a controlled way and in proportion to quantity via volumetric or gravimetric solid dosing systems. The product is subjected to a pressure increase via an inducer installed between the premixing zone and the rotor-stator zone, which causes separation of the air inducted with the powder, thus resulting in a lower residual air content in the product. In addition, this inducer is used as axial pumping stage, to be able to also process more viscous products and then pump them from the dispersing stage.
The continuously operating powder wetting and dispersing machine YSTRAL Coflow is suitable for a broad range of applications in different
industries. The focus here is on products which are produced in large series.
More about YSTRAL Coflow at: https://ystral.com/en/machines/ inline-dispersers/coflow
Come see us on Stand F95.
For more information on ystral, contact the regional UK office (S3 Process Limited) in Derbyshire: T 0845 505 3530 info@s3process.co.uk www.s3process.co.uk
Long life roller chains on display at PPMA
Tsubaki will showcase its range of long-life, durable roller chains for the packaging industry at the PPMA Show in Birmingham from 24-26 September 2024. They will present their gripper chains for form, fill, and vacuum seal applications, as well as specialist chains for lubrication-free and corrosive environments.
“The PPMA Show is an important exhibition for Tsubaki,” says Jake Yamamoto, Tsubakimoto Europe’s Sales & Marketing Director.
“Processing and Packaging machine users need high throughput as well as minimal downtime, and our chains are designed for long-life, which both optimises productivity and lowers the total cost of ownership.”
Tsubaki’s gripper chains feature durable springs designed for over 10 million high-speed cycles and a sideswivel design for smooth operation.
The Lambda lube free roller chain is impregnated with NSF-H1 food-grade lubrication to prevent contamination and prolong chain life in food packaging applications.
Tsubaki’s Neptune chain is designed for hygienic operation with a two-layer surface treatment to prevent rust and withstand harsh cleaning agents.
For chain pairs running parallel, Tsubaki also offers a Match & Tag service ensuring minimal chain length differences for optimal synchronisation in packaging machinery.
For more information, please visit: www.ppmashow.co.uk/ exhibitors-2024#/exhibitors/ tsubakimoto-europe
Come see us on Stand B54. T +44 (0)1623 306600 sales@tsubaki.uk
Factbird: Data-driven improvements with quick time-to-value
Since 2016, Factbird has been empowering UK manufacturers with real-time production data and analysis. Factbird’s plug-and-play tools make it easy for manufacturers to boost productivity & reduce waste, offering a fast time-to-value solution.
For many manufacturers, gaining real-time visibility on the shop floor has seemed too challenging due to long setup times, extended training demands for overly complex software, and high installation costs. This often forces companies to rely on experience, hunches, and manually collected data to guide improvement efforts.
OnRobot and Applied Automation unveil collaborative palletiser
OnRobot, a global leader in collaborative automation, has teamed up with UK-based Applied Automation to launch an off-the-shelf collaborative palletiser tailored for SMEs. This innovative solution offers same-day installation, requires no programming, and can be redeployed in minutes.
"With D:PLOY, we're simplifying robotic automation beyond just components," said James Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer at OnRobot. This industry-first platform automates the deployment, operation, and reconfiguration of collaborative applications, addressing key challenges like cost and complexity.
The AA:PAL Palletiser, a joint creation of OnRobot and Applied Automation, is designed to break down barriers to automation for SMEs. David Rowe, owner of Applied Automation, emphasised the product's affordability and ease of use, making automation accessible to smaller manufacturers.
The solution includes an OnRobot VGP20 gripper, UR20 robot, and D:PLOY software, offering a fully integrated, flexible, and quick-todeploy system. The partnership leverages Applied Automation’s local expertise to deliver a practical and scalable solution across the UK.
Visit Booth C24 at the PPMA Show from September 23-26 to see the full palletising solution in action and explore how it can enhance your production efficiency.
Contact www.onrobot.com
Innovation in packaging automation: Boix-machines transform businesses
Chris Hutton, former Engineering Manager at Star Brands, said, “The installation was quick and straightforward. It was impressive that we could get the live data immediately.”
Jonathan Bell, Operations Director at Broxburn Bottlers, added, “It helped our understanding of each line and each machine's downtime and the key areas that we needed to focus our resources on for improvement.”
Whether you're starting your automated production monitoring journey or enhancing your existing processes with advanced capabilities like condition monitoring and video analysis, Factbird can help. Visit us at the PPMA Show in Birmingham on Stand F50 for a no-obligation demo and discover how Factbird can transform your operations.
Contact: Tais Roden M +44 (0)7700 158561 www.factbird.com
Boix packaging machines, renowned for reliability and flexibility, are at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions. As businesses increasingly prioritise eco-friendly practices, Boix's advanced tray forming and box closing machines boost sustainable technology while streamlining your packaging processes, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency.
Multifunctional machines
Boix is a manufacturer of box forming and closing machines. These packaging machines facilitate the transition from plastic to cardboard and produces customised cardboard packaging perfectly tailored to product dimensions, ensuring protection during transport. Its flexibility allows high outputs and in-line or stand-alone automatic operation, maximising efficiency and adaptability.
Automation for efficiency
Where companies previously folded and glued cardboard boxes manually, they now use automated box forming machines. This transition was driven by the growing demand for cardboard
erecting trays. The rise of Boix machines and the switch to cardboard trays ensure that companies make an environmentally friendly and costeffective choice. Less use of plastic, less manual labour, lower transport and fuel costs, and improved product protection are among the many benefits that these machines offer. Boix has proven itself to be an indispensable partner for companies on the road to a more sustainable future.
Want to know more about Boix machines and optimising your packaging process? Visit Boix at Stand J60 at the PPMA Show or contact them via: sales@boixeurope.com or +31 (0)313670 460 – www.boix.com
Watlow launches Prime Distributor Programme across Europe
Industrial technology and thermal systems provider, Watlow, has announced the launch of its new Prime Distributor Programme across Europe. The Prime Distributor Programme will be offered through a network of well-qualified distributors that have both strong local presence and a history of supplying Watlow products. The programme will provide customers with improved support and easier access to the full line of Watlow products and solutions.
To qualify as a Watlow Prime Distributor, each business is required to demonstrate the ability to continually invest in and scale their organisation and adhere to Watlow's requirements for service and support. This applies to both Watlow and Eurotherm product lines – an industrial technology company that Watlow acquired in 2022. These key partners
will bear a certified ‘Prime Distributor’ logo to demonstrate their affiliation with the company.
Watlow will have one Prime Distributor in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Each distributor will have primary responsibility for managing its own business as well as an extended network of Endorsed Distributors within their respective markets. Endorsed Distributors will assist Primes with other localised and unique needs as they arise.
The first market in which the Prime programme will be introduced is the UK, with Watlow selecting Electroserv as the Prime Distributor for this key market. Throughout 2024, the company will be transferring a significant number of UK based customers and distributors to Electroserv and will be working with relevant groups within
Watlow to ensure a smooth transition for all parties. The company's website, which currently offers Eurotherm's product line, is currently under development to also provide access to Watlow offerings.
"Our new programme is essential to Watlow’s go-tomarket strategy for indirect European customers,” said Steve France, indirect sales manager, Europe at Watlow. “Watlow has grown rapidly across Europe and with a large proportion of our customers in the UK, it made sense to start the Prime Distributor Programme here.
“The partnership between Watlow and Electroserv is a great step forward for our indirect business across Europe, as it will provide a better customer experience, as well as access to more sales and support resources. Ultimately, the programme will enable us to expand our market reach, improve distribution processes and further grow our business throughout Europe.”
To discover more about Watlow’s thermal solutions, visit: www.watlow.com
Genesis™ Multiphase Detector: The birth of a new type of level profiler
With the growth of TDR based level instrumentation, there is an emphasis on expanding the use of TDR into multiphase applications where mainly high-priced profilers or multi-probe arrays exist today.
Magnetrol’s Genesis Multiphase Detector is a Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)-based, 24 VDC level detector designed to accurately define and quantify the various layers in multiple interface level measurement applications. Encompassing a number of significant developments from Magnetrol’s progressive engineering team, this innovative level detector can deliver a full interface profile of a vessel with performance which surpasses many of the more traditional technologies.
Utilising patented ‘Top-Down’ and ‘BottomUp’ signals, along with advanced level detection algorithms, this single device
can be used in a wide variety of interface applications ranging from very light hydrocarbons to water-based media. For example, Genesis can be used to define the multiple interfaces in a separator vessel (sandwater-emulsion-oil-gas) with exceptional precision and can even determine the magnitude of any emulsion layer.
Multiphase level measurements exist throughout the process industries and are particularly relevant in the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical sectors due to the value derived from effective water and hydrocarbon separation. While level instrumentation has come a long way in measuring liquids of all varieties, multiphase level measurement is often considered the greatest challenge in
process control.
Despite the fact that there has been considerable effort by instrumentation manufacturers to measure multiphase levels, only now is there a cost-effective TDR-based multiphase level detector capable of widespread adoption. Radiometric and nucleonic technologies can profile multiphase media conditions, potentially without intrusion into the process vessel; however, they come with high upfront costs, regulatory burdens and increased safety requirements.
For more information on Genesis, please email: info@able.co.uk or visit: https://able.co.uk/product/ level-management/magnetrol-genesis
