Southern Manufacturing & Electronics sells out again

Pre-registrations for Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2023 were the highest ever, and over

the three days in early February, 9,144 people visited the show.

At Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2023, all 460 exhibitor stands were taken, on which 600 companies presented a vast array of high-technology mechanical, electrical and electronic components and assemblies, manufacturing and inspection equipment, controls and automation, engineering and business software, factory and workshop equipment, and a host of subcontracting and consultancy services. Most exhibitors were impressed not only by the number of visitors but also by the meaningful discussions and the high level of serious enquiries.

Hurco Europe, for example, booked more than 80 sales leads, 20% of them from new contacts. The company was promoting the latest features in its proprietary WinMax software, such as the Solid Model Import option that allows a user to create a program at the control directly from an STP file, with no need for CADCAM. David Waghorn, Managing Director, said, “Southern is proving to be a significant event for the UK manufacturing industry. Recent improvements to the road access and venue in Farnborough have guaranteed a better experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. We had no hesitation in rebooking the same space for 2024.”

LK Metrology was another exhibitor that was impressed with the show, as its stand generated considerable interest in the firm’s UK-manufactured coordinate measuring machines, as well as its portable measuring arms and accessories. Making its first public appearance was a new UKAS-certified gauge fixture holding length and form artefacts, which allows the inspection accuracy of any 3D measuring platform to be verified. Each CMM Checking Gauge (CCG) enables independent monitoring and verification of accuracy through regular intermediate checks. Artefact measurement uncertainty is down to ± 0.01μm.

New on the 1st Machine Tool Accessories stand was the YS Modular System range from Japanese manufacturer Kitagawa. Usually fitted to lathes, they are now being offered for efficient static work holding on the table of machining centres. The pneumatically or hydraulically operated cylinders have multiple work holding options for pull or push chuck actuation and are rapid to set up for various production requirements. Cylinders with a standard mounting interface can be supplied to actuate 6-inch, 8-inch or 10-inch chuck sizes.

The Select Fiber laser was demonstrated to visitors by Coherent, which emphasised that choosing the right laser for a specific task, configuring the system and determining the ideal process parameters in this challenging environment requires specialised expertise and knowledge. The company is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive, aerospace and electronics manufacturing applications.

Cleaning systems company MecWash featured its new MWX300, offering highpower cleaning in a very small footprint, including flood, spray and ultrasonic wash and rinse plus hot air and vacuum drying in a single chamber. Controls and Automation specialist Carlo Gavazzi made its debut appearance to explain the firm’s factory automation expertise, notably by introducing intelligence into processes using IO-Link sensors, digital solid-state relays, motor softstarters and energy management.

Unitemp, a specialist environmental engineering company that offers testing equipment for tough working conditions involving high temperature, humidity, vibration or acceleration, was on hand to promote its chambers with capacities from a few litres to several hundred cubic metres. The company also specialises in the design, installation and commissioning of modular custom environmental rooms.

Starrag UK was promoting its huge range of machine tools encompassing the Berthiez, Bumotec, Dörries, Droop+Rein, Ecospeed, Heckert, Scharmann, SIP and Starrag brands. A particular focus was the low-cost Heckert H65 compact, 4-axis machining centre. Occupying a footprint of just 24m2, it offers metal cutting speeds up to 30% faster than comparable models in its class. X, Y, Z travels are 850 x 1,020 x 1,000mm, and the 630 x 500mm twin pallets are each able to accommodate loads of 1.5 tonnes. The machine also boasts traverse rates of up to 80m/min.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 will be held from 6 to 8 February. Further information is available on the show website. www.industrysouth.co.uk