In just a few weeks’ time, our industry will descend upon the NEC, Birmingham for the PPMA Total Show. PPMA was my first industry event since joining MEPCA – just over a year ago – and I can think of no better backdrop for being introduced to our contributors, partners and readers than this comprehensive event. And this year promises to be even better, as our September Cover Story demonstrates, revealing this year’s keynote speaker and other tantalising details.
Further into this month’s issue, you will find our Food Processing focus, featuring application stories, news and the latest innovations from all corners of the food and beverage industry. Supporting us in the focus this month is the trusted pump manufacturer VERDER, with an application story illustrating why pump technology is an unsung hero of food manufacture.
Also in this expansive section, Biffa addresses the unavoidable problem of food production: food waste; Silverson returns to our pages with advice for mixing high-viscosity liquids such as honey; Turck Banner looks in detail at the main uses for sensor technology in food processing; and many more.
Elsewhere in this issue, Lloyds and MTC discuss the investment case for automation, and J.A. Woollam Company answers our questions on the field of spectroscopic ellipsometry. Not forgetting this month’s Manufacturing Champion: a leading voice in the UK’s aluminium recycling industry (enough of a clue for some of our readers).
I hope to see many of you at The PPMA Total Show later this month. Until then, enjoy this issue and what remains of the summer.
To subscribe to MEPCA visit our website www.mepca-engineering.com or scan the QR code. @Mepca-magazine
Oliver Batt, Editor
New Airflex Failsafe Caliper Brake from Danfoss Maximises
Safety, Durability and Serviceability.
Danfoss Power Solutions announces the launch of its Airflex® ACB-F3 Failsafe Caliper Brake. The spring-applied, hydraulically released brake is engineered for optimal safety, durability and serviceability. A new solution for park-and-hold or emergency stop applications, the Airflex ACB-F3 is ideal for the oil and gas, mining, marine, processing, and metals industries.
The Airflex ACB-F3 Failsafe Caliper Brake features a robust yet compact design that provides reliable, stable braking torque. Its symmetrical opposed piston caliper design is well suited for high-torque, high-energy stopping applications. With approximately 50% greater lifetime than competitive products, the brake’s friction pads ensure safe and stable torque over a longer duration. The large pad surface enables high thermal dissipation.
The Airflex failsafe brake offers simple installation and maintenance. With a modular design that fits various disc configurations and enables custom braking torque, the brake is easily installed and set in new and existing systems. Its modularity also simplifies the installation of multiple calipers around one disc to achieve the required braking torque. The brake’s primary maintenance needs — replacement of friction pads, seals and springs — can be performed without removing the caliper from its installation position, minimising system downtime. The caliper also simplifies wear compensation, making it easier to maintain the original braking force. Optional wear and engagement sensors enable remote monitoring and increase safety.
“Our new Airflex failsafe caliper brake leverages nearly 90 years of engineering expertise to provide superior performance in park-and-hold and emergency stop
applications,” said Giovanni Taverna, Product Manager, Airflex Brakes and Clutches, Danfoss Power Solutions. “The ACB-F3 is the central model of this new series, with additional frame sizes coming soon to meet the needs of a range of applications.”
danfoss.com/en
Brady Launches Barcode Readers with
99.995% Accuracy
Brady Corporation, a worldwide specialist in industrial identification, launches a range of new industrial barcode readers that achieve 99.995% reading accuracy. Brady´s new barcode readers are designed to improve data accuracy and can share data via most prominent industrial protocols.
99.995% accuracy
All 3 barcode readers, the V4500, V3200 and V2200, offer extremely high barcode reading accuracy. Brady says the readers encountered 1 issue per 2000 barcode scans when tested on wrinkled and reflective barcoded materials, while passing underneath the readers at 15 centimeters per second. To achieve the 99.995% accuracy, the readers use the proprietary, high performance CortexDecoder algorithm from Code Corporation, a Brady company
8 prominent protocols
The V4500 top range model and the
V3200 mid range both work with a new V1400 industrial cradle from Brady. The cradle not only provides recharging for the readers´ up to 100 000 scan batteries, it can also share data via 8 industrial protocols, including Profinet, Ethernet/IP, ModBus TCP/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, Siemens S7 PLC, BacNet and Allen-Bradley PCCC.
Agile barcode reading
The top and mid range models (V4500 and V3200) reliably connect to the cradle from up to 100 meters via Bluetooth. The V2200 is wired and can be outfitted with a cable up to 3 meters long. Depending on the model, between 75 000 and 100 000 barcode readings are possible on a single battery charge.
Javascript programmable
Each reader can be custom programmed
to only read application-relevant barcodes on items that have several. Green/red light confirmation can be activated when a complete list of items is read, in any order, to support kit completion scenarios and to avoid missing, or misplaced parts. When GS1 or structured barcodes are used, a subseries of items can be confirmed, such as ´medium green men t-shirts´. brady.co.uk
A Pivotal Moment for UK Industry
Nikesh Mystery, Section Head of Industrial Automation at GAMBICA, commends the scope and underlying initiatives of the long-awaited Industrial Strategy, but advises that the focus must now be on the implementation, which will require active participation from both Government and Industry.
The United Kingdom’s latest Industrial Strategy marks a pivotal moment in its economic evolution, positioning manufacturing at the heart of transformative growth. Framed as a multistage initiative, the strategy is crafted to bolster competitiveness, stimulate innovation and reinforce national resilience – all through meticulous policy design and collaborative sector engagement.
The groundwork for this strategy began in late 2024, with an extensive consultation involving industry leaders, labour unions and regional authorities. Contributions from organisations like GAMBICA ensured that industrial voices were not only heard but also integrated into the strategic blueprint. The creation of the Industrial Strategy Council and its subsequent evidencebased reviews reflect a thoughtful and data-driven approach to long-term policy implementation.
For manufacturers navigating automation and digital transformation, the strategy’s targeted sector plans, specifically in advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, present key avenues for growth. Roundtables, task forces, and initiatives promoting AI infrastructure and workforce development signal a readiness to support the next phase of Industry 4.0 adoption. This is all music to our ears after waiting so long for a robust long term strategy.
Yet, success depends heavily on industry participation. Manufacturers must take an active stance: contributing to policy discussions, engaging with strategic task forces, and utilising forums like the Industrial Strategy Forum and Mission Groups to articulate their needs.
Associations like GAMBICA can be pivotal in this process to ensure manufacturingspecific concerns shape policy outcomes and we will continue to lobby as such on behalf of our members.
Equally pressing is the investment in smart technologies and skills. With regulatory frameworks favouring innovation and crosssector collaboration gaining momentum, manufacturers are uniquely positioned to harness emerging synergies and boost global competitiveness.
However, the strategy reveals areas that could be strengthened. While commendable in scope, it requires deeper focus on challenges faced by SMEs. To truly democratise industrial growth, efforts must include simplified financing channels, bespoke guidance for digital adoption, and enhanced regional support structures.
to stay relevant amidst technological disruptions and economic shifts.
Environmental priorities also warrant greater visibility within the strategy. Though sustainability is touched upon at the macro level, a sharper emphasis on green manufacturing would align national goals with global environmental standards. Clear incentives for circular economy models and low-carbon solutions would accelerate this transition.
Maintaining flexibility will be key. The Government must continue to act as a responsive partner, ready to adjust strategic direction based on live industry feedback and evolving market demands. A dynamic, iterative approach will allow the strategy
Finally, enhancing the UK’s global trade presence remains a strategic imperative. While international engagement efforts are underway, tailored export support and improved market access mechanisms for manufacturers could further elevate the sector’s global standing.
Indeed, it is an exciting time ahead for our industry, manufacturers and the world of STEM. A lot can be done to champion the sectors and help our industry boost the economy once again. At the moment, we are awaiting further information about exact policy to be released to implement the plans set out in the Modern Industrial Strategy, but we at GAMBICA will be sure to keep on top of it and help our members and represent the industry where we can. gambica.org.uk
Why Work with BPMA Member Companies?
BPMA’s Lee Tebbatt (President) and Wayne Rose (Executive Director) look at the value of selecting member companies for all pump related projects.
The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) is encouraging businesses and engineering professionals across all industry sectors to prioritise working with BPMA member companies when specifying or sourcing pumps and pump-related systems. Whether for manufacturing, processing, infrastructure, or utility applications, selecting the right products—and the right partners—is key to achieving safe, efficient and sustainable operations.
From food production and pharmaceuticals to water utilities, building services, and power generation, pumps play an essential role in maintaining critical processes. As regulatory requirements and sustainability targets continue to intensify, the value of working with certified, knowledgeable and technically competent suppliers has never been greater.
BPMA members are committed to engineering excellence, ensuring that all equipment and services meet stringent UK and international standards. Their proven expertise and product certification provide confidence in quality, compliance, and longterm reliability—whether in a cleanroom, a plant room, or a remote pumping station.
“No matter the sector, selecting the wrong pump—or working with an unqualified supplier—can compromise performance, safety, and energy efficiency,” says Wayne Rose, Executive Director of the BPMA. “BPMA members deliver more than just products—they bring technical insight, support, and a clear commitment to best practice.”
BPMA members offer full lifecycle support, from system design and specification to installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. This approach ensures pumps are properly selected and operated to deliver
maximum energy performance, reduced downtime and lower total cost of ownership.
Pumps account for a substantial share of industrial and building-related energy use. BPMA members are leaders in designing and supplying energy-efficient, intelligently controlled pumping solutions, helping organisations across all sectors cut energy waste and meet Net Zero commitments.
Lee Tebbatt, BPMA President, highlights the significance of choosing accredited providers:
“As demands on businesses grow— especially around sustainability and compliance—it’s vital to select pumps and systems from trusted, certified sources. BPMA members meet these expectations with confidence. Their technical integrity and commitment to innovation make them ideal partners for any pump-related project.”
Regardless of industry, working with BPMA members ensures access to expert guidance, technical documentation, and professional training, all designed to support long-term system performance. With experience across a wide range of sectors and applications, BPMA members deliver tailored solutions aligned with modern engineering standards.
In today’s performance-driven environment, selecting BPMA members for pump and system supply is a strategic decision that ensures compliance, reduces risk, improves energy performance and enhances sustainability. From water treatment plants and pharmaceutical lines to food factories and commercial buildings, BPMA members help drive better outcomes for every project.
For more information and to find a list of certified BPMA members, visit BPMA’s website. bpma.org.uk
Lee Tebbatt, BPMA President
Wayne Rose, BPMA Executive Director
Manufacturing Champion of the Month
MEPCA are delighted to be celebrating Tom Giddings, Executive Director of Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation Ltd (Alupro), as our Manufacturing Champion for September.
For those unfamiliar with the organisation, Alupro is an industry-funded, not-forprofit representing the UK’s aluminium packaging industry. Alupro works tirelessly to meet and exceed the industry’s recycling obligations.
Tom joined Alupro in 2020 as Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager, having previously worked at international packaging provider DS Smith as the Sustainability Data and Reporting Manager. In under a year, Tom was promoted to lead Alupro as Interim General Manager; in Jan 2022, he was appointed as Executive Director.
Tom has since cemented himself as a leading figure in aluminium recycling, becoming a voice for the industry. He has been instrumental in devising and promoting evidence-based initiatives that educate and drive improvements across the UK’s aluminium recycling infrastructure.
We took the opportunity to talk to Tom about corporate attitudes to sustainability, the incoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, and the challenges of representing the industry in matters of policy and legislation.
How have attitudes changed to sustainability since beginning your career over a decade ago?
I started working in the sustainability space when it was first gathering momentum. At that time, only the largest organisations had a sustainability strategy and even fewer were putting their heads above the parapet by reporting data.
Since then, sustainability has become a driving force in global business leadership, impacting multiple departments and influencing the highest echelons of corporate strategy. Elsewhere, consumers have
become more conscious than ever before about environmental matters.
This bedding in has been essential. After all, recent political movements have shown that net zero may be facing turbulent times ahead.
With EPR coming into full effect in October, how prepared are packaging manufacturers for the related changes?
Ultimately, it depends on the size of the manufacturer in question. EPR brings with it some of the biggest changes in packaging rules for decades and, from first-hand experience, it seems that the larger organisations have the resource to comprehensively deal with these changes, while the smaller players are running to keep up with simply reaching compliance.
out of DRS, drive a real uplift in aluminium packaging recycling – not just an increase in collected packaging volumes. This is key to supercharging the UK’s circular packaging economy.
It’s positive to see that, across the board, preparations are well underway, but progress is far from uniform.
Supported by changes in legislation and new initiatives, aluminium recycling has reached a pivotal moment. What are the key strategies for maintaining this momentum?
The first priority is to scale the good work. Continued investment into proactive behavioural change initiatives, like our MetalMatters and Every Can Counts programmes, will help to build further momentum and ensure that positive messages are communicated even more widely.
Simultaneously, we need to ensure that upcoming legislative change, including the introduction of pEPR and the national roll-
As a voice for the industry in matters of policy and legislation, what are some of the barriers you experience, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest barrier is demonstrating scale and worth. After all, aluminium is one of the smallest material segments by tonnage, yet one of the most valuable (by price).
To effectively represent our members and the wider industry, we need to demonstrate this value and ensure that our voice is heard. We do this by talking to everyone we can about the benefits of using aluminium as a packaging material and its superior environmental credentials.
By raising awareness of aluminum’s growing market profile, and its sustainable qualities, we’re able to punch above our weight in matters of policy and legislation. alupro.org.uk
What an asset
When it comes to boosting your manufacturing business, automation and efficiency are key.
Our Asset Finance specialists can tailor funding to your goals, so you can invest in the equipment you need without impacting your working capital.
Speak to an Asset Finance specialist on 0345 602 4796 or search Lloyds Asset Finance
First Keynote Speaker for PPMA Total Show®
Organisers of the PPMA Total Show®, which returns to the NEC, Birmingham in September, have announced the first keynote speaker for the event: Founder CEO of AI and education technology firm CENTURY, Priya Lakhani OBE.
Visitors to the UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, which takes place from 23-25 September, will have the opportunity to hear Priya’s keynote speech, AI Everything Everywhere All at Once, on the first day of the show.
Now in its 38th year, the PPMA Total Show® 2025 will showcase more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, giving attendees access to cutting-edge technology and solutions to optimise performance, reduce costs, and future-proof their businesses.
Organised by Automate UK, the PPMA Total Show®, offers live equipment demonstrations, valuable insight into innovative technologies and networking opportunities to industry professionals from across the entire manufacturing spectrum.
Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer for Automate UK, said: “When registrations for the PPMA Total Show® opened last month, we promised visitors access to unique expert-led seminars, and we are thrilled to have secured Priya to deliver the first keynote address at the event.
“As the founder of an award-winning AI and education technology company that develops learning tools for schools, colleges, universities and employers across the world, Priya’s work and knowledge is inspiring, and her presentation aims to demystify AI and leave attendees AI confident and ready to leverage the technology to its full potential.
“Her speech will include use cases and provide key strategic questions for visitors to apply within their own organisations, and we anticipate a great deal of interest from visitors keen to benefit from her expertise,” he added.
The co-host of BBC News’s flagship AI programme, AI Decoded, Priya’s experience is extensive. Further to having launched a successful FMCG business in 2008, Masala, which through its charitable foundation provided millions of meals and 35,000 vaccinations to the underprivileged in India and Africa, Priya went on to be appointed to the UK government’s AI Council in 2019.
Priya then co-founded the Institute for Ethical AI for the education sector, prior to being appointed as Non-Executive Board Member to the UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), with specific focus on online safety and technology.
In 2023, she was an advisor to Patrick Vallance for his Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review and currently advises the government as a member of the Prime Minister’s Council of Science and Technology.
Most recently, the World Economic Forum selected Priya as a Tech Pioneer for her pioneering AI work at CENTURY.
Last year’s event has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best UK Trade Show category at the AEO Excellence Awards 2025, and Automate UK have pledged to deliver a show that exceeds expectations this year, with an itinerary of expert speakers, a networking reception and a series of live demos to showcase the latest technology solutions.
One of the standout successes of The PPMA Show® 2024 was Innovations Eleven – a brand-new live demo theatre, in which 11 selected exhibitors launched new technology directly to attendees. The PPMA Total Show® 2025 will expand on the success of this initiative, with the live demo theatre being broadcast in real-time via PPMA Total Show TV.
In addition, expert-led daily innovation tours will be hosted for visitors to expand on the technology being showcased and show them how to harness it within their own businesses.
Registration is now open
The PPMA Show® 2024 was a resounding success, with more than 80% of visitors reporting that they discovered new solutions to enhance and support their businesses as a direct result of their attendance.
The 2025 show is now set to be bigger and better, offering a host of opportunities and brand-new features for attendees. PPMA Total Show® brings together industry professionals from across the entire manufacturing spectrum offering networking opportunities, live equipment demonstrations, and valuable insight into innovative technologies.
Organisers Automate UK have pledged to deliver a show that exceeds expectations this year, with an itinerary of expert speakers, a networking reception and a series of live demos to showcase the latest technology solutions.
Scott McKenna said: “The PPMA Show® 2024 was a great success, and this year’s show will build on that, giving attendees access to cutting-edge technology and solutions to optimise performance, reduce costs, and future-proof their businesses.
“This year, we’re offering visitors to chance to benefit and learn from expert-led seminars with relevant topics including sustainability, smart manufacturing, and operational efficiency, as well as dedicated networking opportunities throughout the course of the show.
“One of the standout successes of The PPMA Show® 2024 was Innovations Eleven – a brand-new live demo theatre, in which 11 selected exhibitors launched new technology directly to attendees, and we’re enhancing that experience this year.
“The PPMA Total Show® 2025 live demo theatre will be broadcast in real-time via PPMA Total Show TV, whilst expert-led daily innovation tours will be hosted for visitors to expand on the technology being showcased and its suitability for their business needs,” he added.
Attendance for The PPMA Total Show® 2025 is free and is registration open. Register on the event’s website. ppmashow.co.uk
The Investment Case for Automation
Dave Atkinson, UK Head of Manufacturing SME & Mid Corporates, Lloyds, sits down with colleague Tim Biddle, Head of Asset Finance, and Prof Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre), to discuss automation investment in the UK manufacturing sector.
Dave Atkinson: “Although the UK manufacturing sector has previously been recognised as a global powerhouse, many say the pace has slowed due to underinvestment. What do manufacturers tell you is deterring them from investing in automation and robotics in 2025?”
Mike Wilson: “There is a longstanding perception that Automation and Robotics (A&R) is expensive, difficult and requires highly specialised skills to deliver within a business. Small businesses are understandably cautious when investing in new technology, especially when additional cost is involved. The other consideration is
how it will directly impact productivity and output, which is often difficult to measure before implementing.
“Uncertainty around things like tariffs and – until recently – the lack of a clear, long-term Industrial Strategy haven’t helped either.”
Tim Biddle: “When we look to other developed economies around the world, we see a more long-term mentality where it’s not unusual for manufacturers to have investment cycles with return assumptions that can be up to 10 years long. In the UK, there is a much shorter return expectation, which can prevent firms from deciding to invest in A&R. There can also be a perception of A&R as being ‘nice to have’ rather than being critical for long-term competiveness.”
Dave: “What would you say to manufacturers to help overcome these concerns?”
Mike: “Manufacturers would benefit from being more competitive and productive, both of which can be achieved through A&R adoption. These systems do not have to be as expensive as is often perceived and training is widely available to help upskill employees.
“It also looks like we are getting some longer-term stability through the new Industrial Strategy and the agreement of international trade deals.”
Tim: “A&R is key to long-term competitiveness. The work being done by the likes of MTC is helping bring the technology to the fore and make it more
accessible, but it’s also down to Lloyds and other lenders to normalise funding for A&R.
“There’s an argument that historically our sector perhaps hasn’t understood A&R as well as it should, and now we have to make sure manufacturers know that we support these kinds of investments, and not just for larger businesses, but for small and mediumsized businesses as well.”
Dave: “What kinds of A&R solutions are available for UK manufacturers and what applications do they have? And what about financing?”
Mike: “There’s a full range of robot solutions that are available, many of which have a proven track record of delivering improved productivity. Solutions like machine tending, welding and palletising would be good starting points for many manufacturers who have not implemented a robot solution before.”
Tim: “From a financing perspective, traditional banks like Lloyds are happy to fund investment in A&R with relatively standard Asset Financing products like Hire Purchase. But, while there are some very straightforward A&R applications, like autonomous forklift trucks, procurement can also sometimes be complex.
“It might involve a systems integrator going to a panel of suppliers and piecing together a bespoke solution, and a lot of A&R manufacturers are overseas, which can present some challenges in funding that upfront cost. There are options to secure initial loans that then translate into a traditional Hire Purchase product once the solution is put together and is functioning.”
Dave: “What is the first step for manufacturers who are exploring the automation opportunity?”
Mike: “The first step is getting the necessary help and support to select the most appropriate application.”
Tim: “After identifying this, the next step is to approach a lender like Lloyds and to provide a financing solution that suits your plans, which might be a fairly generic product or a more tailored package. We are also working with the A&R supply chain to develop a proposition to make their products more attractive and accessible. That means partnering with the manufacturers, distributors and systems integrators to
provide funding alongside their technologies.
“It’s another way we can help manufacturers connect the dots and find the financing solution for them, so watch this space!”
Dave: “How can manufacturers minimise the risk that comes with investing in automation?”
Mike: “Independent support is available from organisations including MTC, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and others to help guide you through the procurement journey. That can include developing the business case, writing a requirements specification and selecting the most appropriate supplier.”
Tim: “Where manufacturers face a cashflow challenge, we can help, whether that’s with an Invoice Financing solution, a trade finance facility or Asset Finance that enables them to take on more business and grow more quickly. We can help them understand exactly what that means in terms of monthly payments to support their budgeting and planning, and make it easier for businesses to say yes to investing.”
Dave: “UK manufacturers already have a skills shortage. Could automation actually attract more people to work in manufacturing?”
Mike: “Absolutely. A&R helps address skills shortages in two ways. Firstly, for example in welding, robots can undertake the mundane, repetitive tasks, being tended by unskilled personnel. The skilled welders can then apply themselves to more complex tasks, creating more interesting, satisfying
jobs where their skills can add real value. Secondly, it’s creating interesting, stimulating jobs that are far more appealing to techsavvy young people.”
Tim: “I agree that A&R is a route to creating higher skilled, higher paid jobs that that can encourage more diversity in manufacturing and ultimately help build businesses that are more competitive in the long-term.”
Dave: “What is the ultimate prize at the end of the automation journey?”
Mike: “Manufacturers that can effectively integrate A&R into their processes will find that they can achieve improved productivity and competitiveness leading to growth and greater profits, with happier colleagues working in more highly skilled and better paid jobs.”
Tim: “We’re seeing an opportunity to boost UK competitiveness by raising levels of investment in this kind of cuttingedge technology. Investing in A&R is a huge opportunity to bolster the long-term resilience and strength of UK manufacturers and the UK economy.”
Find out how Lloyds is helping SME manufacturers at: lloydsbank.com/manufacturing
Lloyds and Lloyds Bank are trading names of Lloyds Bank plc. Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065. Telephone: 0207 626 1500. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under Registration Number 119278. Lloyds Bank Asset Finance, part of Lloyds Banking Group, is a member of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) and complies with the FLA Business Code of Practice. Further information is available from the FLA at www.fla.org.uk.
We don’t just show up when something goes wrong. We’re with you every step of the way. Why
Because the relationships we build with our customers are at the heart of everything we do.
We don’t just sell policies. We build partnerships.
We don’t just cover risks. We can help you avoid them.
Focus On: Food Processing
Sponsored by
P20-21. Discover the unsung heroes of food processing in this application story.
The Unsung Heroes of Modern Bakeries
Often going unnoticed when it works most effectively, pump technology plays several vital roles in modern food production, as demonstrated in the following application story from trusted pump manufacturers VERDER Ltd.
In today’s highly engineered manufacturing sector, the efficient movement of liquids and other more viscous products requires excellent handling solutions. This is never more apparent than in high-volume food production, and more specifically the world of bakeries, which relies upon exact measurement and mixing of ingredients, such as flour, water, yeast, fats, syrups, etc. Here, precision, consistency and hygiene are paramount, and behind-the-scenes pump technology has been playing a crucial role in shaping the delicious products that reach our table for decades.
These sophisticated pump devices have been quietly revolutionising how bakeries process ingredients, eliminating manual errors and ensuring that food safety standards and the end products meet expectations.
Application story: hygienic pumping solutions for sausage roll production
A leading large-scale bakery aimed to enhance its sausage roll production line by focusing on efficiency and food safety.
Founded in 1986, Total Bakery Engineers Ltd manufactures and supplies equipment for producing baked goods, including sausage rolls, pastries, pies, tarts, quiches and pizzas. With a strong UK client base and growing international presence in markets such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United States of America and, more recently, South Africa, Total Bakery Engineers Ltd is known for its tailored engineering solutions. Their clients receive the best possible service through their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
The challenge
The bakery needed a pump capable of handling thick, particulate-rich sausage filling without clogging or compromising food safety, while ensuring consistent transfer of the sausage filling resulting in a uniform filling for each roll. The existing pump, sourced from another manufacturer, failed to meet these requirements, causing costly production delays.
The solution
Total Bakery Engineers Ltd consulted VERDER Ltd to identify a suitable solution. They selected the Packo HP 54 Series lobe pump equipped with a vertical rectangular inlet and scimitar bi-wing rotors. This configuration allowed direct hopper mounting, eliminating blockages and ensuring smooth product flow.
FOOD PROCESSING
The pumps were installed at critical points of the production process
During filling transfer, the pumps moved the prepared sausage filling from the mixing vats directly to the forming machines, ensuring precise and repeatable portion control for each pastry shell.
By feeding the filling into the pastry in a continuous, uniform stream, air pockets were minimised preventing over/under filling, which was crucial to the stuffing and depositing processes.
The pumps also proved optimal for CIP (Clean-In-Place) integration, allowing for fast and effective cleaning of the pumps and pipelines, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
By implementing these hygienic pump solutions, the result was higher productivity, enhanced food safety, and reliably delicious sausage rolls batch after batch.
“The pump allows the sausage meat to flow consistently without breaking the texture of the meat. It has a small footprint and is easy to clean.” Darren, Engineering Manager, Total Bakery Engineers
VERDER Ltd: enabling progress
With over 65 years of experience, VERDER Ltd provides tailored pump solutions across multiple industries. As industry innovators VERDER Liquids have demonstrated, the right pump technology can transform operations, ensuring quality, safety and efficiency at every stage: Elevating quality and efficiency: its hygienic pumps are designed to meet the stringent demands of food production regulations and VERDER’s commitment to continuous improvement goes beyond manufacturing pumps.
Precision in ingredient handling: its pumps enable automated, accurate dosing and transfer of raw materials, ensuring each batch meets strict recipe standards. For example, VERDER’s peristaltic and hygienic lobe pumps can gently transfer delicate ingredients such as liquid eggs or fruit fillings without damaging their structure, maintaining the desired texture and taste of the final product.
Boosting efficiency and reducing waste: traditional manual handling of viscous or sticky materials like dough, chocolate, or icings can be slow and wasteful. Pumps designed specifically for high-viscosity or shear-sensitive products—such as
progressive cavity or twin-screw pumps—ensure that every drop is transferred efficiently from storage to mixing and depositing stations.
Hygiene and food safety: regulations in the bakery industry are stringent, with good reason.
VERDER Pumps technology is engineered to meet the highest sanitary standards. Stainless steel construction, CIP capabilities and easy-to-dismantle designs mean pumps can be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised between batches, minimising the risk of cross-contamination.
Gentle product handling: many bakery ingredients are sensitive to shear forces and temperature changes. Over-mixing or aggressive pumping can alter the consistency of creams, batters, or fruit preparations. Advanced pumps, such as peristaltic and lobe pumps, are designed to handle these products with care, preserving their structure and quality.
Automation and consistency: VERDER’s Pumps can be seamlessly integrated into automated production lines, synchronising ingredient transfer with mixing, filling, and packaging equipment – boosting output and ensuring consistency day after day.
Sustainability and resource efficiency: sustainability is becoming a concern for bakeries worldwide. Pumps, when chosen and maintained correctly, contribute to energy savings and reduced water usage.
VERDER’s Pumps help bakeries minimise their carbon footprint making bakery operations greener and more sustainable.
Conclusion: the smart choice for modern bakeries
they are strategic assets, enabling bakeries to meet evolving consumer demands while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety.
VERDER Ltd works with clients to understand their operations, identify opportunities for improvement and deliver solutions that exceed expectations. This collaborative approach offers process understanding, technological expertise, and the market insight to develop pumping solutions, which rank among the best in the world.
As the industry continues to innovate, pumps will remain at the heart of every successful bakery operation.
VERDER.com
The benefits of pumps in bakery applications are clear: enhanced precision, improved efficiency, uncompromising hygiene, gentle handling, and reliable automation. Forwardthinking bakeries that invest in quality pump technology—like those provided by VERDER Liquids—are rewarded with streamlined processes, consistent products, and the flexibility to innovate and grow.
In the fast-paced, competitive world of modern baking, pumps are not just tools;
Packo HP 45 series
• Handles up to 1,000,000 cP viscosity
• Hygienic design for easy cleaning
• Compact footprint
• Consistent product quality
• Improved portion accuracy
• Reduced waste
• Enhanced food safety
• Increased productivity
5 Tips for Pump Power
Pump selection requires an understanding of processes and technological expertise to ensure efficiency, safety and long-term performance. Fortunately, this article covers essential tips and advice to guide companies, as compiled by trusted pump manufacturer VERDER Ltd.
Whether working in agriculture, construction, or manufacturing, matching the pump to the task brings a range of benefits. Here are five key advantages, along with helpful hints and tips for making the right choice.
1. Enhanced efficiency
Choose a pump that matches your process requirements, ensures optimal flow rates and pressure, and minimises energy consumption.
Tip: Always review the system’s required head, flow rate, and fluid characteristics before selecting a pump. Oversized or undersized pumps waste energy and can cause system imbalances.
2. Increased equipment longevity
The right pump reduces wear and tear as it operates within its design parameters. Pumps that are forced to work outside their optimal range fail prematurely.
Tip: Consider the chemical compatibility, temperature, and abrasiveness of the fluid when choosing the material for the pump.
3. Reduced maintenance costs
A properly selected pump is less likely to breakdown, leak, or become blocked. This cuts down on unplanned downtime and repair expenses.
Tip: Schedule regular inspections and follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance to further extend pump life.
4. Improved safety and compliance
Using the correct pump helps prevent hazardous leaks, over-pressurisation, and other safety risks. It also ensures compliance with industry regulations and environmental standards.
Tip: Choose pumps with the right certifications for the industry application
(e.g., ATEX, FDA, ISO) and ensure they’re installed by qualified personnel.
5. Superior product quality and process control
The correct pump maintains consistent flow and pressure, which is critical for product quality in many processes, from food production to chemical manufacturing.
Tip: Invest in variable speed drives or control systems if the process demands precise adjustments or variable flow rates.
Conclusion
The right pump is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s an investment in an operation’s efficiency, safety and success.
VERDER Ltd have more than 65 years of experience in professional pumping applications, process understanding and market insight to develop pumping solutions that rank among the best in the world.
The company’s commitment to excellence has made it a trusted partner for high-quality industrial pumps; carefully assessing each application, prioritising compatibility and tailoring solutions to specific requirements enables progress. verder.com
The perfect pump solution for your hygienic production process
Peristaltic pumps for dosing colouring, preservatives and dyes
Hygienic air diaphragm pumps for transfer of viscous fluids
Centrifugal pumps with the highest hygienic principles
Lobe & twin screw pumps for tricky fluid transfer
OTHER PRODUCTS FOR YOUR PROCESS
Find out more about our solutions for food & beverage processing here,
Verderair HC-PURE Verderflex V5000
Keeping Up with Consumer Trends
Here, Ian Hart, business development director at adi Projects, draws on over 30 years’ experience delivering engineering and design-led solutions for leading food & beverage brands, unpacks the operational and technical challenges facing the sector.
As consumer priorities shift, the food and beverage sector is undergoing one of its most dynamic transformations yet.
The rise of health-conscious and sustainability-driven choices is reshaping product development, while affordability remains a key concern.
Manufacturers must strike a balance between innovation, cost, convenience and sustainability to meet evolving consumer expectations – but catering to so many varying needs comes with unique challenges.
The rise of non-ultraprocessed foods
Once a staple of convenience, ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are losing favour. Consumers are increasingly opting for products with fewer additives and simpler ingredients. Reports indicate that demand for whole, natural foods is on the rise, as shoppers scrutinise labels for artificial preservatives, colourings, and seed oils. For manufacturers, this means reformulating products to meet these expectations while maintaining shelf life and taste integrity.
The protein boom and sugar backlash
Over the past year, protein has been one of the main buzzwords in supermarkets, with labels promoting high-protein content on everything from snack bars to beverages. However, as consumer awareness grows, the focus is shifting to quality over quantity, with an emphasis on natural sources of protein rather than heavily processed alternatives. At the same time, sugar reduction remains a pressing concern. With mounting awareness of excessive sugar intake, brands must innovate with alternative sweeteners and natural reduction techniques
without compromising on flavour.
Sustainability under the microscope
Sustainability has become a key driver of purchasing decisions. Ingredient sourcing practices, such as the widespread use of palm oil, are increasingly scrutinised for their environmental and health impacts. Consumers are pushing for greater transparency, and prioritising purchasing from brands that adopt sustainable sourcing and communicate these efforts to the public.
Affordability vs. premiumisation: finding the balance
Economic pressures are reshaping shopping habits. While some consumers seek premium, high-quality products, others prioritise affordability, leading to a rise in budget-conscious buying behaviours. As a result, traditional premium vegetarian and plant-based products are seeing a decline, with many consumers returning to cheaper, mass-produced options.
The rise in functional food and beverages
A quarter of consumers are now opting for functional beverages at least weekly, a figure that rises to 30% for the vegan community. These products, which are reinforced with additional vitamins, minerals, probiotics or herbs, are now favoured for their ability to address health concerns or deficits in consumers’ diets.
Freshness above everything
Consumers are now buying smaller quantities of food on a more regular basis. They’re almost going back to the way people used to live, where they would buy bread
every day or every other day, as opposed to buying a loaf to eat over a one- or two-week period. They are ultimately prioritising buying fresh, preservative-free food.
How manufacturers can stay ahead
To remain competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape, manufacturers must take a proactive approach, and be much quicker to go to market. Ingredient transparency is paramount, with consumers demanding clean labels and minimal processing. Reformulating products to reduce sugar content is also crucial, as health concerns continue to drive purchasing decisions. At the same time, sustainability must be taken into account, requiring ethical sourcing practices and clear communication about environmental efforts.
In response to economic pressures, brands need to strike a careful balance between affordability and quality, ensuring that their offerings appeal to both budgetconscious consumers and those seeking premium products. Additionally, the shift towards fresher food consumption presents an opportunity for innovation, allowing manufactures to explore partially prepared foods that are finished in-store, enhancing freshness while maintaining convenience. adiltd.co.uk/divisions/adi-projects
LOMA SYSTEMS® Launches Academy
Leading manufacturer of inspection equipment for the food and pharmaceutical industries, LOMA SYSTEMS®, has officially launched its LOMA® Online Training Academy in the UK.
As part of the LOMA® Training Academy, the online initiative aims to provide customers with a smart and sustainable way to train their teams, allowing businesses to upskill staff, while ensuring compliance and optimising the performance of their inspection systems.
The online academy offers a wide selection of operator, supervisor, and quality assurance courses, developed by Loma’s in-house specialists to provide practical knowledge and certifications. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, access via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer, to flexibly train employees at a convenient time, pace, and location that best meets their operational needs. Learning online eliminates the logistical challenges and costs often associated with traditional classroom-based learning, such as travel, downtime, and coordinating schedules across shifts.
The courses are designed to help manufacturers meet stringent food safety standards and obtain the essential certification required for audit purposes. Priced from just £100 per delegate, the platform offers a cost-effective solution that enables multiple employees to be trained simultaneously, without disrupting production. For larger organisations, flexible licensing options and customisable portals are also available, allowing businesses to tailor the learning experience to their specific needs and monitor staff progress across teams.
“The online academy enables our customers to provide the right staff training that we know reduces downtime, product waste and false rejects, maximising productivity,” said Ralph Mbanefo, International Sales & Service Director, Loma Systems. “This is a practical, affordable and
forward-thinking way to train staff, helping businesses overcome the challenges of traditional training methods while ensuring their teams are equipped with the skills they need.”
Loma customers can explore the comprehensive online course catalogue, which includes key inspection technologies such as metal detection, X-ray inspection and checkweighing, as well as broader training to support food safety and quality management. Each course is delivered through engaging modules featuring videos, knowledge checks and supporting documentation. Upon completion, learners can download certificates, providing valuable
evidence of competence and compliance.
To offer businesses a risk-free way to explore the platform, the online academy also provides free taster courses designed to highlight the advantages of online learning. By adopting this flexible, digital method, companies can provide their teams with a personalised training experience, minimise disruptions to operations and support sustainability goals by reducing travel.
Companies seeking to improve staff skills and ensure the highest standards of compliance can learn more or register for a complimentary taster session here.
loma.com
Rethinking Food Waste in Manufacturing
Despite the best efforts of food and beverage manufacturers, waste remains an inevitable part of food production. As industry attitudes change and legislative pressures stack up, manufacturers need to understand where their waste is coming from and how to dispose of it responsibly.
Food waste isn’t a surprise to manufacturers; it’s a cost of doing business. Whether it’s product left over from start-up and shutdown cycles, surplus stock due to shifting forecasts, or material impacted by recalls or quality issues, waste happens.
But the industry is shifting. With greater pressure to meet ESG goals, reduce costs, and improve supply chain resilience, more food producers are looking beyond disposal and asking better questions: Where is this waste coming from? Could we have prevented it? And are we making the most responsible use of it once it exists?
Challenging the default
In most production environments, the causes of waste are well understood. What’s changing is the approach to managing it; from reactive to proactive, from linear to circular, and from cost centre to opportunity.
Specialist teams focused on waste and co-products are now helping manufacturers reassess the default route to disposal. Instead of treating all non-compliant or surplus product the same, materials are
being triaged and matched to suitable end uses, such as anaerobic digestion, surplus redistribution or animal feed, depending on quality, category, and risk level.
This shift not only helps reduce landfill dependency and improve reporting metrics, it also opens up potential recovery routes that may previously have been overlooked or underutilised.
Seeing waste in real time
Alongside smarter routing, leading manufacturers are investing in better visibility because knowing the source and scale of waste, in real time, is key to improving it.
One example is Smart365, a platform being adopted by large-scale processors to monitor waste data as it happens. Rather than relying on end-of-day or monthly reporting, Smart365 integrates with sensors, weigh scales and production systems to provide a live view of waste across lines, shifts, or sites.
This enables users to:
• Set alerts when waste exceeds thresholds
• Identify underperforming lines early
• Track changes in waste output following process adjustments
• Simplify compliance and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting
More importantly, it gives operations teams the tools to act on trends rather than just report them; something increasingly valuable in environments where margins are tight and scrutiny is high.
Taking a system-level view
Food manufacturing waste isn’t just a downstream issue, it’s shaped by planning, forecasting, staffing, equipment and customer behaviour. What’s emerging is a more integrated, systems-level approach: one that links operational insight with material expertise and data visibility.
The result is not just lower waste volumes, but a clearer view of what that waste represents; whether it’s an efficiency gap, a process issue, or a resource that could still add value elsewhere.
The industry knows how waste happens. The questions is what to do with it. Learn more about how Biffa supports manufacturing waste solutions across the food sector on the company’s website. biffa.co.uk
The future of warehousing is adaptive
Discover how AI, robotics, and automation are reshaping the sector
Warehouses today are at a crossroads. Many are still operating with outdated, static systems - while others are beginning to embrace automation, real-time data, and intelligent decisionmaking.
Our latest white paper, The Journey to Adaptive Warehouses, takes a closer look at what this evolution really means - and what’s next.
This isn’t just about the future. It’s about understanding where your operations stand today - and what’s possible with the right technology.
Download your copy here:
Full Factory Fit-Out for Welsh Butcher
In the following case study, discover how Oakley, food industry fit-out specialists, achieved a full factory fit-out for Edwards The Welsh Butcher in challenging circumstances.
Edwards The Welsh Butcher was established over 35 years ago in the beautiful landscape of North Wales.
With numerous awards, including “Britain’s Best Butcher” and “Best Butchers Shop in Wales”, the owners set out to expand their current facilities to enable further product development and greater production space to supply their many customers successfully.
However, with very little experience in a project of this nature, the directors realised they would need support to ensure their new factory facilities were built to a high standard as well as delivered within their budget and delivery timescales. With this in mind, they began to look into finding a suitable and experienced partner for their upcoming project.
Oakley’s solution
Edwards approached Oakley as like themselves Oakley prides itself on values such as honesty, trustworthiness and delivering quality to every client until the very end. With a positive and collaborative relationship from the start, Oakley was able to work with Edwards through incredibly challenging times due to inflation and the Covid pandemic.
Oakley’s turnkey approach meant that the directors of Edwards were able to focus on their business operations knowing that the construction of their new factory facility was in safe hands. Using years of knowledge and experience, Oakley managed the project from the very start, working with architects and designers to ensure the spec of the build was to a high standard.
The Edwards brand expresses a family business passionate about creating quality, award-winning products, which have now become household favourites to families in North Wales and beyond. Oakley
understood that the new factory would be an extension of Edwards’ brand, and it set high expectations to ensure the finished project exemplified this, delivering a facility Edwards can be proud of.
The new factory included:
• New production line
• 2 fridges and a chilled goods store
• Freezer and blast freezer
• Bacon slicer room
• Chipping/decanting room
• Mezzanine for dry goods storage
• NPD kitchen
• Changing rooms and washroom
• Offices, board room and canteen areas
Summary
Oakley visited the factory 2 years after it was built, and it was clear that Edwards had taken a huge step forward with the growth of its business.
With a successful, busy production area still looking as good as new, it was easy to see how their product development had taken the brand to the next level in the meat industry.
Oakley’s team have said that it was great to work with Edwards on this project and its exciting to watch the brand continue to grow and develop. Oakley looks forward to supporting Edwards in its future development plans!
“We needed a partner that had the experience to take on this project and deliver it in a way that was professional and to a high standard. Oakley certainly delivered on all fronts. I stepped away from the project very quickly as I knew I was in safe hands.”
Founder & Master Butcher, Edwards The Welsh Butcher.
oakleyfoodprojects.com
Silverson Honey Mixing Capabilities
Returning to MEPCA’s pages with expert mixing advice, Silverson addresses the challenges of blending high-viscosity liquids, such as honey.
When blending easily miscible liquids of similar viscosities, an agitator can produce satisfactory results.
But where there is a significant difference in viscosity between the two liquids, an agitator tends to move the phases around without actually blending them together, and it can take a long time to achieve a uniform blend. For example, when manufacturing honeybased products, which can be extremely difficult to process due to the high viscosity and ‘sticky’ characteristics of honey.
Silverson Machines has recently helped a customer who wanted to improve the quality of their honey products but was struggling to get the results they wanted using an agitator.
The company, based in the UAE, manufacturers many different kinds of natural honey, cold pressed oils for food and other herbal supplements and natural products.
Previously, the company had been using conventional agitators for blending its natural honey products, but this was time consuming with high costs resulting from running the mixers for extended periods of time to achieve their desired product. It also wanted to experiment with improving products by adding powders, such as Ginseng powder and bee pollen, as well as other high viscosity products like fresh royal jelly. With an agitator, this was proving to be impossible as it could not incorporate the additional ingredients.
Part of the problem with incorporating these powders into the viscous honey was their low density. The company was adding 10 - 15% of powder to the honey and found that it did not disperse correctly using the conventional agitator, as it did not produce sufficient shear to break down any agglomerates that formed. As a result, the company could not get a final product with the required specifications and was having
issues with wastage, which further increased costs.
After contacting Silverson, the company decided to trial one of the L5M-A laboratory mixers to see if it could help solve its mixing problems. Whilst trialling the lab mixer, the company found it was able to completely disperse the low density powders, creating an agglomerate-free, homogeneous mixture with excellent taste and distinctive texture.
A Silverson mixer is able to combine to products of varying viscosity due to the positive mixing action created by the rotor/ stator workhead. The high-speed rotation of the rotor blades creates a powerful suction, which draws the ingredients into the high shear zone of the workhead. The materials are subjected to intense shear in the confined area of the workhead. Liquids are blended instantaneously. Any powder agglomerates that may have formed are
broken down in the gap between the rotor blades and stator wall. Fresh material is simultaneously drawn into the workhead developing circulatory mixing cycle, accelerating the process and eliminating localised mixing.
The company now describe their product as being incomparable to any other on the market because of the quality produced with the Silverson mixer.
Silverson Machines will soon be releasing a ‘How to’ guide on mixing honey, showing the capabilities of their high shear mixers.
In the meantime, Silverson will be exhibiting some of their product range at the PPMA Total show 2025. To discuss a specific mixing application, or to arrange a trial, visit the Silverson mixing experts on stand G60.
silverson.co.uk
The Benefits of Bespoke Design
As no two heat exchanger applications are exactly alike, bespoke or custom-made solutions are the optimal choice, as HRS Heat Exchangers explains.
From Savile Row suits to luxury cars, kitchen designs to heat exchangers, everyone knows the meaning of terms like bespoke and custommade: something that is commissioned to a particular specification or made for a particular customer. However, while many equipment suppliers will claim to offer custom-made solutions, just how bespoke are they really?
When it comes to heat transfer, every system and solution designed by HRS Heat Exchangers is completely bespoke. “Custom-made solutions and products are our niche,” says Matt Hale, HRS’ Global Key Account Director. “If a client has a specific requirement in terms of capacity, component choice or a need to locate the system within a particular part of their production facility, we will absolutely work to accommodate their needs.”
Fully flexible solutions
Over the years, this flexibility has seen HRS Heat Exchangers add to its portfolio of thermal processing systems, from pasteurisers and sterilisers, through to evaporators, aseptic fillers, dehumidifiers, remelters and more. Even when based around one of HRS’s standard heat exchanger types, aspects such as size, heat transfer, pressure drop, orientation, etc., will be carefully calculated for each individual job, meaning no two units are ever the same.
“There are numerous benefits for our clients from this kind of approach,” continues Matt. “Not least, the fact that you aren’t paying for features you haven’t specified or don’t need. It also means you’ll get a solution which is designed to fit into your existing lines in terms of both physical size and connections. You shouldn’t have to adapt your equipment or processes beyond what is normally expected to facilitate the
installation of a new system, but that is precisely what some suppliers seem to expect from their customers.”
Complete customisation
Marcos Antonio Alarcón González is HRS’ Operations Director. He explains that it can be difficult for larger suppliers to offer the same levels of flexibility as HRS; as a result, they can be reluctant to move away from standard products.
“Our great advantage is that all our manufacturing, everything we do, is customised,” he explains. “If a client needs to pasteurise 8,000 kg of product per hour, we will supply them with a unit to do just that. Not one unit to pasteurise 10,000 kg or two 5,000 kg units, just because they happen to be what we manufacture. Instead, we adapt our designs to each client, even splitting and interconnecting modules in different locations if necessary.”
Choosing the best suppliers
Where there are multiple suppliers for a particular component or piece of equipment,
HRS analyse all the factors associated with the purchasing decision; not just price, but also availability and delivery timescale, to ensure they get the right item from the right source.
“Each customer can recommend or directly ask for a particular brand of component or certain materials. As a manufacturer, this can create headaches for us, but it is also one of our major selling points,” acknowledges Marcos. “Nearly every order is different to what we have done before, and these challenges and the need for creativity are what our engineers thrive on.”
This flexibility ensures HRS’ clients continue to get exactly what they need from their heat transfer systems. Whether it is efficiently handling challenging products in the environmental sector or meeting the highest standards of hygiene and traceability for food or pharma products, HRS will continue to create bespoke solutions for its clients around the world to ensure they get the right system for their needs at the first time of asking.
hrs-heatexchangers.com
When the Rinse Matters
In food and beverage manufacture, the presence of contaminants can be catastrophic, but manual washing persists in many food labs. Nadine Bellamy-Thomas, LMD Sales Manager GB and Ireland, Miele Professional, explains why glassware cleaning needs rethinking.
Asingle contaminated sample can shut down a production line worth millions. Yet many food labs still rely on manual washing processes that introduce exactly the risks they’re trying to eliminate. With food testing complexity increasing in recent years due to allergen regulations and sustainability demands, labs need automated solutions that deliver consistent, validated results.
Working with food labs across the UK, from global manufacturers to independent testing centres, we see this is a common challenge. The solution lies in rethinking how we approach glassware cleaning entirely.
Safety without compromise
Food labs process everything from dairy proteins and chocolate oils to allergen residues like nuts and gluten, often testing multiple products daily. Cross-contamination isn’t just a risk; it’s a real threat to result integrity and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliance.
Automated washing systems like Miele’s professional lab solution, ExpertLine, tackle this with specialist oil wash cycles, thermal disinfection programmes, and deionised water options for ultra-pure rinsing. This ensures every cycle starts with a clean slate: no residues, no risks and full documentation for regulatory compliance.
Precision that mirrors reality
Today’s complex testing, from multi-allergen panels to texture analysis protocols, requires equipment that can replicate factory conditions. ExpertLine’s programmable cycles are engineered to support Clean-inPlace (CIP)-style protocols, enabling labs to pre-validate cleaning procedures with precision and consistency before full-scale production.
The system accommodates diverse requirements, from pipettes and Petri
dishes to utensils and packaging. And with the EasyLoad accessory system, loading becomes intuitive and efficient meaning that no guesswork is required.
Efficiency that transforms operations
Manual washing consumes valuable technical time and introduces variability. Automated systems can reduce cleaning time by up to 60% while eliminating human error, freeing skilled technicians for highervalue work.
Built for longevity, the machine is tested up to 15,000 operating hours – equivalent to more than 10 years of typical lab use – ExpertLine ensures fewer disruptions and more predictable budgeting. Digital connectivity via Miele MOVE Connect enables remote monitoring, updates and streamlined servicing from one dashboard. This proactive insight helps labs optimise workflows, reduce downtime and maintain compliance with minimal manual intervention.
Supporting sustainability goals
As labs transition from single-use plastics to reusable glassware, sustainability also becomes critical. Resource-efficient cycles, adjustable water pressure and intelligent drying options like EcoDry Plus support this shift while reducing environmental impact.
Forward-thinking labs now test packaging durability as part of waste reduction strategies, validating that reusable containers can withstand repeated cleaning cycles.
Validate the difference
Ready to benchmark your current cleaning protocols? Our Test Wash Centre offers a no-obligation assessment where you can validate ExpertLine performance against your specific requirements. Trial your own lab glassware, explore tailored programme and see quantifiable improvements in both time and consistency.
To experience what a true lab partnership looks like and discover how the right cleaning solution transforms laboratory operations, visit Miele’s website. miele.co.uk/p
Achieve Traceability
Few manufacturing sectors are as dependent on good traceability practices as the food and beverage industry. This article explores the importance of traceability and essential features for food manufacturers.
Traceability involves tracking every item and action in the supply chain to ensure a verifiable trail. This sets an essential foundation for functions ranging from inventory and supply chain management to regulatory compliance.
In the case of compliance, traceability is a crucial prerequisite for operating in certain highly regulated markets, such as food and agriculture. In these markets, manufacturers need to adhere to stringent requirements in order to conduct business, with traceability often taking the top spot on the list.
As products may pass through the hands of dozens of people and intermediaries on their journey from raw materials to finished goods, things sometimes inevitably go wrong. Traceability enables companies to pinpoint where things went wrong and organise targeted product callbacks for the affected items.
Here are 5 food traceability best practices:
Rigorous employee training
While operating a work center might be relatively simple, all employees active in the food manufacturing process should also be fully trained on QA, product safety and traceability practices.
Transparent communication
No matter the tracking systems and technologies in place to meet regulations, company policy on transparency and open communication can play a big role in displaying an image of trustworthiness to vendors and consumers. Promote clear, open communication with suppliers and consumers to build trust and improve traceability.
Human-readable information
Meeting traceability requirements inevitably complicates the manufacturing process due
to added steps in the workflow. Identifying and taking appropriate action on faulty items needs to be swift and accurate. Ensure traceability information is easily understandable to streamline processes and quickly address issues.
Prepare for callbacks and RMAs
When a faulty batch is identified that has already left a facility, or problems arise with a product, it is the responsibility of the producer to handle the situation. And it pays off to be prepared. Have plans in place for product recalls or other disruptions to minimise damage to reputation and operations.
Use dedicated food traceability software
Manual tracking methods are inadequate for modern traceability needs. Dedicated traceability software or ERP solutions with integrated traceability functions are much more efficient and cost-effective.
Essential traceability functionality for food manufacturers
In addition to material planning, inventory management, and cost tracking features, a food manufacturing ERP system should have robust tools for traceability.
• Lot and batch tracking. Tracking raw materials and products by unique numbers is foundational for traceability and inventory
management, allowing the logging of information on all processes, movements and operations of an item or batch.
• Shop floor control and internal reporting. It is essential to record who performed an operation and when, allowing issues to be traced back to their causes.
Manufacturing ERP software logs these events, enabling employees to discover and eliminate discrepancies.
• Labeling and barcodes. Although manufacturing companies are increasingly turning to fully digital tracking systems, inventory items still need physical identifiers. Labeling and barcode systems help link physical products to digital records.
• Expiry tracking and FEFO. Tracking expiry dates ensures the timely processing of goods and identifies responsible parties if items go to waste. The FEFO (First-ExpiredFirst-Out) inventory method ensures that the items that expire first are consumed first.
• Quality inspections and control.
Regardless of the efficiency of the adopted inventory management or tracking system or employee training rates, mistakes still happen. Routine quality inspections are therefore the surest way to guarantee product quality.
MRPeasy is a flexible and affordable manufacturing ERP system that boasts full end-to-end traceability, including lot and expiry date tracking, automated reporting, a barcode system, version and quality control, and returns management functionality. mrpeasy.com
Summit Process Cooling Enhances Reliability
In the highly competitive industrial cooling sector, performance data accuracy and equipment reliability are vital. In the following case study, Magna, a prominent food and beverage company based in Telford, sought a process cooling solution to support its ongoing business expansion.
With a significant project budget and stringent performance requirements, Magna needed a partner it could trust to deliver a solution that met its high standards.
Magna turned to Summit Process Cooling, renowned for its expertise in designing large-scale process cooling systems. Summit Process Cooling was tasked with supplying low GWP R454b Rhoss air-cooled chiller units, pump skids, a large weir tank, and a comprehensive pipework design to integrate seamlessly with Magna’s existing system.
The Challenge
The challenge was to eliminate single points of failure in a system that had been heavily designed around them. The existing setup featured a single weir tank and a single flow and return feeding the factory pipework header. To address this, Summit Process Cooling installed two weir tanks and two pipework feeds to the factory header, effectively removing these critical points of failure. Given that Magna operates 24/7 and the existing tank was ageing, this single point of failure had become a significant concern. While undertaking these upgrades, Summit Process Cooling was also asked to install new, highly efficient Rhoss chiller units with heat recovery capabilities. These new units are designed to serve as the primary chillers for Magna’s current and future expansion needs, with the existing chillers transitioning to a secondary support role.
The Solution
During the visit to the Rhoss R&D test centre, Rhoss performed a series of rigorous tests on their Air-cooled Chillers
to demonstrate the validity of the manufacturer’s data claims. The key aspects of the evaluation included:
Performance Validation: the chiller was tested to confirm that it met or exceeded the manufacturer’s advertised performance statistics.
EUROVENT Certification: Rhoss chillers are EUROVENT certified, a process that includes random testing up to six times a year to verify performance claims. This certification offered Magna additional confidence in the reliability of the chillers Rhoss’s commitment to transparency was demonstrated through live testing of its chillers in various environmental conditions. This hands-on approach helped establish trust and provided concrete evidence of the chillers’ capabilities.
The Result
performance and reliability, facilitated by the recommendation and engineering expertise of Summit Process Cooling. The successful collaboration not only secured a significant project but also established Rhoss as a trusted supplier in the industrial cooling market in the UK.
The tests conducted at the Rhoss R&D test centre validated that the chillers met the stated performance specifications required by Magna. This successful validation addressed Magna’s initial concerns and demonstrated Rhoss’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
With the reassurance gained from the test results and Rhoss’s EUROVENT certification, Magna felt confident in their decision. Summit Process Cooling then executed the installation of the chillers, pump skids and tanks ensuring a seamless transition and integration into Magna’s facility in Telford.
The positive outcome of the project showcased Magna’s dedication to
Alan Smith, Project Manager for Magna, commented: “Summit Process Cooling has been instrumental in delivering a reliable and effective solution. Their commitment to quality has surpassed our expectations, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”
The case of Magna’s food and beverage facility underscores the importance of rigorous testing and transparent performance validation in the selection of industrial cooling solutions. Rhoss’s adherence to performance standards and comprehensive testing procedures, combined with Summit Process Cooling’s expert recommendation and installation, played a pivotal role in securing and successfully completing the project. summitsystems.co.uk/process-cooling/
The Power of Technically Competent Supply
Robert Burn from Axair Refrigeration discusses why technical competence in surface heating supply is a critical factor in the success of modern food processing systems; from temperaturesensitive ingredients to regulatory pressures, partnering with an engineering-focused supplier for temperature control can streamline production, reduce risk and drive innovation.
When food processing engineers set out to design or upgrade a production line, the choice of suppliers can make or break the project. This is especially true when it comes to something as deceptively simple and critical as surface heating products. Working with a supplier like Axair, whose technical competence is a core strength, doesn’t just offer convenience; it can fundamentally transform the outcome of your system design and product manufacturing.
Let’s talk about why. In food processing, temperature control is everything. Whether you’re maintaining the flow of chocolate, cooling florentines, ensuring honey doesn’t crystallise, or keeping syrups at just the right viscosity for pumping, the tiniest deviation can mean wasted product, lost time, or even a safety risk. That’s where the expertise of a technically competent supplier, focused on heating and cooling, becomes invaluable.
and quality standards.
Take drum and container heaters as an example. These aren’t just off-the-shelf products; they’re the result of decades of engineering specifically for the challenges of food production. Insulated drum heaters are designed for gradual, even warming, perfect for sensitive foodstuffs that can’t tolerate hotspots or rapid temperature swings. With adjustable thermostats and robust, foodsafe materials, they help engineers achieve consistent, repeatable results, a must for any process that needs to meet strict regulatory
But it goes deeper than just the product. A technically competent supplier brings a problem-solving mindset to the table. If your process involves unusual drum sizes or if you need to hit a very specific temperature profile, Axair can deliver bespoke heating solutions, custom wattages, shapes, and even dual-zone heaters for more precise control. This level of customisation is only possible when the supplier understands not just their product, but your application and industry as well.
And let’s not overlook the support side. Food processing lines can’t afford downtime. When you work with a supplier who’s
technically adept, you get more than a user manual; you get real engineering support. Need help integrating a heater into your control system? Facing an unexpected process bottleneck? Our team can advise on installation, troubleshooting, and even future-proofing your design as food safety regulations evolve. This partnership pays off in ways that ripple through your operation:
Faster specification: with expert input, heaters are specified and installed right the first time, reducing costly delays.
Energy efficiency: technical suppliers help you select the right heater for the job, minimising waste and lowering running costs.
Regulatory confidence: with food-grade materials and traceable manufacturing, you can prove compliance with EU standards.
Scalability: as your production grows or diversifies, a technically focused supplier can adapt solutions to new products.
In a world where food safety, efficiency, and innovation are non-negotiable, working with a supplier who has technical competence at their core gives you a real edge. It’s not just about buying a heater; it’s about gaining a partner who understands the science behind your process and is invested in your success. For food processing engineers, that’s the kind of collaboration that turns good ideas into great products, and keeps the production line running smoothly, batch after batch. axair-refrigeration.co.uk
Technical know-how that powers every promise. Delivering smarter solutions and reliable service.
We’re transforming how our customers achieve energy savings, reliability, and compliance in every application. At Axair Refrigeration, our technical expertise means more than just supplying products: we work side-by-side with you to solve heating, cooling, and system integration challenges, ensuring every component solution is tailored for your unique needs. From food retail and cold storage to pharma and process cooling, we’re redefining what’s possible, making refrigeration smarter, more sustainable, and always customerfocused.
Measurement Sensor Solutions
Sensors are the eyes and ears of process operators, providing crucial, actionable data, but adopting them is often seen as complex and disruptive. Here, Turck Banner redefines processsensing technology and shares how to benefit from sensors without invasive installation or extensive coding.
Process sensor is a broad term, which typically evokes the physical properties that are measured in processing industries rather than the sensors themselves. For this reason, Turck Banner Ltd, a sensing system and industrial/ process automation expert, has sought to more clearly define what is often referred to as Process Sensor Solutions as Measuring Sensor Solutions, a term that can be more universally understood, to describe sensing technology and its applications.
As the full range of measurable properties is too vast to cover here, this article will concentrate on three commonly found in food and beverage processing: Temperature, Level and Flow.
Temperature
Temperature can be measured either with contact probes or remotely with infrared detection.
Contact probes typically use either thermocouples or resistance. They have a wide temperature range -200°C to +1800° and have high accuracy and stability, but require contact with the medium being measured. Infrared sensors (Pyrometers) work by detecting infrared radiation emitted by an object.
While typical sensors have a temperature range of -20°C to +300°C, more specialised sensors can measure up to 3000°C. They have a fast response (75mS) and an accuracy of 1°C or 2°C. They are noncontact, can measure the temperature from up to 1 metre away, and can also be used to detect the presence or position of moving hot objects, such as food exiting an oven, or hot glue detection on a packing box.
In a factory producing waffles, for example, it is imperative that iron to be hot before the batter is poured into it or the result will be an inconsistently prepared product. To ensure that a griddle is at temperature, a non-contact temperature sensor, such as the T-GAGE M18T, is aimed at the cooking surface to detect that the surface is hotter than the surrounding air. If the waffle iron is hot, the batter will be poured in and the process will continue; if not, the T-GAGE temperature sensor output won’t trigger the batter release mechanism allowing the iron additional time to heat.
Level
Measuring the level of solids or liquids in a tank, silo or other container is essential in
food processing to ensure process efficiency by preventing over or under filling, maintains product quality and helps reduce waste.
Level measurement can be divided into Point level and Continuous categories, which subdivide into Contact and Non-contact.
Point level detects when the material has reached a certain point and continuous level where the level of the material is measured over a range, and the sensor output is either analogue or digital data.
Point level is often used for either pump in/ out control or as a call for manual fill. When low level is detected, the pump is turned on to fill the tank, or an alarm is given for the tank to be manually filled by the operator. When the level reaches the high level, the pump switches off or the operator is warned
that the tank is at the desired level.
Typical sensors for point level include optical, either looking through a sight glass or down on to the material surface (Noncontact); float switches, which sit on a liquid surface and activates a switch (Contact); and capacitive, which detects change between the (non-metallic) tank wall and liquid (NonContact).
Continuous level measurement, as the name suggests, continually measures the level of a material in container and uses a wider range of sensors to do so:
Probes work on a principal of conduction, either electrical or microwave. The probe or probes extend into the liquid and the liquid conducts the energy to a second probe or metal tank wall. The amount of conduction increases with the length of probe covered by the liquid. They can be used in pressure tanks but need a liquid with a dielectric constant greater than 1.8 (Contact).
Ultrasonic work by bouncing a sound wave off the surface of the medium and measuring the time of flight. They can have either an analogue output or digital data and require a medium that does not absorb sound (Noncontact).
Radar sensors work in a similar way to ultrasonic but use pulses in the GHz frequency band. They are accurate, and are not affected by surface foam, temperature or pressure. Different frequency versions are available to detect different materials. Radar sensors are often a good substitute for ultrasonic and have analogue and digital data outputs (Non-contact).
Optical (laser point and laser area scanning): optical sensors and laser point sensors measure the distance to a point or small area on the target material, with switched, analogue, and digital data outputs (Non-contact).
Area scanning laser sensors measure the distance to tens of thousands of points in an area and can output the peak height and percentage fill of a container. They are a good choice for containers with an irregular fill level, or containers with randomly sized items.
Flow
Flow sensors are typically contact type sensors used to measure the movement of liquid through a production process, as in the brewing of beer, for example, and take the following forms:
Mechanical Moving: the fluid either turns a rotor and the rotational speed is used to
FOOD PROCESSING
calculate the flow, or the fluid moves a piston in an internal chamber and the amount of movement is used to calculate the flow
Differential Pressure: a flow restriction is used, which creates a pressure drop and the pressure is measured either side of the restriction. The flow rate is calculated in relation to the size of the pressure difference; for this reason it is not suitable for low flow rates.
Calorimetric (heat transfer): the flow of the medium over the probe transfers heat from one side to the other. The amount of heat transferred is proportional to the flow rate. The temperature of the medium is also measured.
There are many other types of flow sensors, such as electromagnetic for conductive materials, ultrasonic using the Doppler Effect, and vortex detection.
Simplicity
While many factories are moving towards full IoT, it is still common for automation to occur in isolated pockets around a facility. This is particularly prevalent in operations that have evolved overtime, adopting new technologies as the need arises. This can result in isolated systems consisting of current and legacy devices, from various suppliers, often with
incompatible data protocols.
Fortunately, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) are built in to many sensors and indicators, removing the requirement for a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Further to this, signal converters from Turck Banner’s “SNAP” range can change Analogue to PFM/PWM outputs. This allows previously incompatible devices to be connected, so that data can be shared between them.
Turck and Banner Engineering combined have the widest range of sensors in the world. Its daughter company, Turck Banner Ltd, are able to offer solutions to fit everything from a simple cost effective, stand-alone sensor and indicator, through to a fully networked turnkey solution.
The company designs with ease of use in mind, maintaining that measurement sensor solutions should solve problems rather than create new challenges.
turckbanner.co.uk
Enhancing Machine Intervention Safety
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is an important safety procedure that temporarily isolates machinery from its energy sources. In the following case study, discover how a dairy company partnered with Brady Corporation to develop a LOTO procedure that would improve safety during maintenance.
Groupe Lactalis, a global dairy leader, prioritises safety at all its plants.
In one of them, Royal Lactalis Leerdammer B.V. site, where Leerdammer cheese is produced, Lockout/Tagout procedures were implemented to improve safety during maintenance activities.
Facing risks during machine interventions, the company sought to implement a proven method to fully isolate machines from energy sources during maintenance. This initiative aimed to eliminate dangers from moving parts, unexpected energisation, and residual energy. Lactalis partnered with Brady Corporation to develop a robust LOTO program.
Brady provided expert consultancy, training Lactalis safety teams to create bestin-class, machine-specific procedures. A Brady Engineer even developed an on-site example procedure, which Lactalis then scaled across numerous machines, including those for milk preparation, conveyor belts and electrical cabinets, with ongoing Brady support.
Every procedure, managed in Brady’s LINK360 software, featured step-bystep instructions and illustrative photos for precise energy isolation. Brady also supplied all necessary LOTO tools needed to block access to the energy control points used in the production sites. Maintenance specialists can lock these tools in place with their personal Brady SafeKey padlocks in various colors for visual distinction of energy types (electricity, compressed air, etc.) and individual protection. For small electrical cabinets, compact nylon padlocks were chosen for their lightweight nature.
To enhance the solution, Brady provided BBP12 Label Printers for on-site padlock
personalisation. With the printers, names, phone numbers and other data on self-adhesive labels that perfectly fit their SafeKey padlocks can be easily printed on demand.
To complete the solution, Brady created large shadow boards to distribute all LOTO tools in the workplace. The boards include a tool shadow for each LOTO device in use and provide an easy tool return point, as well as a clear overview of available tools and lockouts in progress. Next to tools, the boards also offer space to attach work specific Lockout/ Tagout/Tryout procedures.
comprehensive A-to-Z solution, delivered by Brady, has ensured safe machine interventions, allowing production to resume smoothly after maintenance.
The results are significant: maintenance specialists at Royal Lactalis Leerdammer can now work safely and efficiently, with the ability to fully isolate any machine. This
Discover how a tailored Lockout/Tagout solution can elevate safety standards on Brady’s website. Brady.co.uk
Smart 3D Laser Profile Sensors
THE POWER OF ULTIMATE 3D LASER LINE PROFILING
E.MC Pneumatics: the Smart Choice
Fluid power specialist Tom Parker Ltd introduces E.MC Pneumatics’ advanced range of industrial automation solutions. Learn here how E.MC’s products can be used to great effect in the food and beverage industry.
Founded in 1986, E.MC is a global market leader in precision engineering, delivering innovative automation solutions for manufacturing. Holding over 50 patents, E.MC provides advanced technology to over 50 industries.
The range features Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) units that deliver clean, dry and properly lubricated air, precisionengineered cylinders for movement control, and valves that ensure safe and accurate airflow. Each product is designed to address specific manufacturing needs, including those in the food and beverage, processing, and packaging sectors.
E.MC’s FRL units prevent contamination and maintain equipment efficiency, reducing wear and lowering maintenance costs. Key features include high flow rates, precise filtration, and manual or automatic drain options. Their customisable modular design and wall-mounting kits ensure quick and simple integration into production lines.
E.MC pneumatic cylinders, available in bore sizes from 10 mm to 125 mm, are precision-manufactured for highperformance applications, such as conveyors and packaging robotics. Their corrosion-resistant construction makes them a suitable choice for damp environments, particularly in applications such as food production. These cylinders also help save energy by optimising compressed air use, supporting sustainability goals and reducing energy bills.
Reliable solutions for manufacturing
E.MC offers an extensive range of valves (pneumatic, solenoid, manual, and automatic) engineered for precise airflow control and enhanced safety in food and beverage applications. These can be paired
with valve terminals and accessories for seamless system integration.
E.MC products deliver exceptional value, making them The Smart Choice for manufacturers seeking reliable, high-quality solutions at a costeffective price point. Every component undergoes rigorous testing to meet stringent industry standards for durability and performance. Supported by continuous investment in R&D, E.MC ensures innovative, dependable pneumatic solutions. Distributed by Tom Parker Ltd, E.MC’s cylinders, valves, and FRL units are available with next-day delivery, expert technical support and
comprehensive aftercare.
Tom Parker Ltd are the exclusive UK distributor for E.MC Pneumatics. To learn more about E.MC’s automation solutions, visit Tom Parker Ltd’s website. tom-parker.co.uk
Customer Testing Phase Vital to Titan’s R&D
No amount of lab testing can fully replicate the nuances of a manufacturer’s processes. As Titan Enterprises, a leading manufacturer of innovative flow measurement solutions, demonstrates, the customer testing phase is a critical component of effective flowmeter development.
Titan Enterprises is spotlighting the customer testing phase as a vital milestone in the research and development of its latest breakthrough product: a low-cost ultrasonic beverage flowmeter designed specifically for Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) drinks dispensing systems.
Developed in response to a drinks dispenser OEM’s request, the new ultrasonic beverage flowmeter needed to meet a series of complex and specific design requirements: no internal moving parts (a priority for hygienic cleaning), compact size, food-grade materials, low cost and seamless integration into existing systems.
“This development project hasn’t been just about making a flowmeter – we’re solving an industry problem,” says Neil Hannay, Senior Development Engineer at Titan Enterprises. Extrapolating the proven success with their turbine flow devices in drinks dispensing, Titan investigated the use of ultrasonics for the same processes that lead to the creation of the ultrasonic beverage meter.
At the heart of Titan’s R&D approach is customer collaboration; the development of the new ultrasonic beverage meter, part of the Atrato® family of flow measurement devices, illustrates how real-world testing with OEM partners directly influences the final product design.
“In laboratory testing, we have to make assumptions working on first principles with our expertise in flowmeter technology leading the way,” Neil adds. “We are not able to replicate a customer’s process, so customer testing is crucial in the development of a reliable, user-focused product that encompasses features that are important to the customer.”
Customer testing is the phase where
ideas are truly put to the test, and it’s where the most critical learning happens. As well as allowing the customer to develop confidence in the product, this phase is an opportunity to highlight operational preferences while keeping an eye on the cost window of the end product.
Following in-house prototype validation, the units are deployed for in-situ testing by the customer – a phase that frequently reveals performance nuances not captured in laboratory conditions. Customer feedback during field trials helps to identify areas for refinement, such as fluid compatibility, mechanical resilience under operational stresses, and whether there is a need to incorporate various protections to minimise the effect of faults and failures on installation.
“The iterative loop of feedback between our R&D team and the customer’s
application environment is essential,” Neil explains. “The goal is to refine both physical performance and system integration, ensuring our flowmeter not only works, but works exactly how and where it’s needed and within an acceptable price point.”
Titan’s collaborative testing model ensures customer-driven innovation is grounded in real-world results. This methodology not only streamlines the path to market but also supports the development of highly tailored, application-specific flowmeter solutions.
With R&D investment over three times the industry average, Titan Enterprises continues to push the boundaries of liquid flow technology, offering bespoke solutions that serve the needs of dynamic and evolving OEM markets. Visit the company’s website to learn more.
flowmeters.co.uk
Driving Innovation in Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Measure your Film Thickness and Optical Constants by Ellipsometry
We offer a wide range of spectroscopic ellipsometers, optimised for your particular application.
qd-uki.co.uk | info@qd-uki.co.uk | (01372) 378822
Improving Confidence in Energy Efficiency
With increased inflation and a lack of confidence across food and drink manufacturing, James Hampshire at Powerstar considers how modern energy management technologies are helping companies address the issues.
The Food & Drink Federation (FDF) Q1 2025 State of Industry Report1 highlights low confidence for food manufacturing businesses, with a third anticipating that conditions will worsen. Production costs increased by around 4.5% to March, and 22% of manufacturers have experienced cost increases of 10% or more. Inflation for food and drink companies is outpacing general inflation, and has risen from 1.5% in June 2024 to 4.5% in 2025, with further increases expected2
Business resilience
The FDF Report identifies manufacturers’ priorities to meet this challenging environment, finding that investment rates are stable. Approximately 80% of manufacturers intend to maintain or increase levels. Half plan to invest in plant and machinery, with 22% of large-scale manufacturers and 59% of mid- and smallscale companies prioritising increased automation. As manufacturers determine investment priorities, automation and energy efficiency – lowering costs without impacting productivity – are key.
Growing confidence with modern energy management
Complementing plant and automation investment, improving existing energy infrastructure can help maximise ROI by reducing energy demand. Increased automation often equates to higher energy usage, making efficient energy management a priority. Identifying efficiencies can also help justify new plant investment.
Voltage optimisation (VO) and low loss transformers can be an ideal starting point. VO adjusts incoming grid supply to the
optimal voltage for your site equipment. While grid supply is generally around 248V, most UK electrical equipment operates at 220V. Aside from burnout and wear and tear, this leads to significant energy wastage, and unnecessary emissions and costs. Transformers step-up or step-down incoming voltage for usable power and, where companies have on-site renewables, they are necessary to integrate this sustainable power.
Across the UK’s 230,000-strong transformer fleet, the average age is over 60 years3, yet the intended design lifespan is around twenty. An ageing transformer creates a potential point of failure while wasting a significant amount of energy. Modern transformers can reduce core loses – up to 70% lower than conventional transformers. So, if your energy infrastructure already incorporates these, reviewing their age and efficiency can be worthwhile.
For an energy-intensive sector such as food and drink processing, ROI can be immediate. At Quorn Foods, replacing
outdated transformers has increased efficiency across their high-voltage infrastructure, reducing energy usage by over ten percent and saving £70,000+ annually. This improvement in efficiency extends to other food manufacturers and retailers such as M I Dickson, with a new VO solution reducing energy consumption by over 8,000 kWh and saving 13% per tonne of product respectively.
The business model for food and drink manufacture is often based on low marginhigh volume, so energy efficiency is vital. Where investment in automation is planned, improved energy management can reduce costs, for better margins.
For more info about Powerstar’s energy management technologies and expertise in the food and drink sector, visit the company’s website. powerstar.com
1 http://bit.ly/3JcU8Td
2 http://bit.ly/4l3GK16
3 http://bit.ly/40IdeGV
James Hampshire, Principal Engineer from Powerstar
Reliable Power Supplies
Work with Ideal Power from the start of your project to get the right PSU first time.
Our expert-led support, bespoke products, and flexible call-off service help you avoid delays, reduce risk, and stay in control. Visit our Website
Protecting Encoders
Encoders in food & beverage processing are at risk from numerous environmental hazards, which can compromise even the most robust models. It is, therefore, crucial that manufacturers operating in these conditions are familiar with encoder sealing and ingress protection codes, as British Encoder Products Company (BEPC) explains here.
In the world of industrial automation, reliable feedback devices are essential to keeping systems running accurately and efficiently.
Encoders play a critical role in applications ranging from food and beverage processing to robotics and material handling. But in environments filled with dust, moisture, chemicals, or washdown procedures, even the best encoder can fail if it’s not properly sealed.
That’s why BEPC adheres to the internationally recognised IP (Ingress Protection) Code, specified by IEC standard 60529, to define the level of protection its encoders offer. These ratings indicate how well a device is safeguarded against solids and liquid, and higher numbers mean better protection. For example, a unit rated IP69K offers all the protections of lower-rated units (IP68, IP67, etc.), plus additional shielding from highpressure, high-temperature spray-downs.
The critical role of encoder sealing
When selecting an encoder, it’s not just about resolution or output type – sealing is a fundamental specification that directly impacts performance, reliability, and maintenance. Dust, water, and chemicals can infiltrate inadequately sealed devices, leading to signal errors, mechanical failure, or shortened lifespan.
Whether your equipment operates in controlled environments or extreme washdown zones, BEPC has the sealing options to match your needs:
IP50 – basic indoor protection
The encoder is protected against some dust ingress that won’t interfere with operation, but it offers no protection against moisture. Suitable for clean indoor environments.
IP64 – light splash resistance
Dust-tight and protected from water splashes from all directions. Ideal for light industrial use.
IP65 – lowpressure jet resistance
Dust-tight with protection from lowpressure water jets. Common in generalpurpose industrial applications.
IP66 – high-pressure jet resistance
Offers dust-tight sealing and protection from strong water jets. Recommended for packaging, washdown, and food processing environments
IP67 – immersion-ready
Fully dustproof and resistant to temporary immersion in water (15 cm to 1 m for up to 30 minutes). Ideal for outdoor and marine installations.
IP6GK – ultimate protection
Designed to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature spray downs; perfect for the most rigorous hygienic environments, including pharmaceutical and food production. This is the top-tier sealing offered by BEPC, ideal for harsh conditions.
BEPC’s comprehensive sealing solutions
The A58SBS stainless steel absolute encoder exemplifies BEPC’s commitment to environmental protection. This 58 mm diameter unit features IP69K sealing with stainless steel V4A construction throughout the housing, flange, and shaft. The heavy-
duty design specifically targets applications requiring acid and alkaline resistance, making it ideal for chemical processing, food and beverage production, and washdown environments.
The encoder’s maintenance-free magnetic technology eliminates traditional failure points associated with gears and batteries. Operating across temperatures from -20°C to 80°C, it withstands vibration up to 300 m/ s² and shock loads of 5000 m/s². The dual IP rating system (IP69K housing, IP67 shaft) provides comprehensive protection while maintaining operational flexibility.
Choosing the right sealing level
To select the correct IP rating for an application, consider:
• Contaminant Exposure: will the encoder face dust, water, or chemicals?
• Environment: is it used indoors, outdoors, or in a cleanroom?
• Cleaning Regimens: will the equipment undergo routine washdowns?
A higher IP rating can significantly reduce maintenance, improve uptime, and protect a business’ investment.
For more information or to download Technical Bulletin TB-106 on sealing options, visit BEPC’s website. encoder.co.uk
AM-T100 3D CAMERA WITH SONY DEPTHSENSE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE AUTOMATION INDUSTRY.
The AM-T100 Time-of-Flight camera (ToF) uses a Sony DepthSense™ sensor to create 3D depth images with millimetre accuracy. The ToF technology enables high-speed 3D imagery of the scene.
With powerful IR illumination and a high image rate of up to 60fps at 640 x 480 pixel image resolution, the AM-T100 achieves a 67° x 51° field of view with a range of up to 6m.
This camera can be used to support, box filling, stacking, volume detection and labelling in logistics and packaging as a means of boosting the efficiency and accuracy of processes.
SCHMERSAL | Enigma Business Park Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GL
www.schmersal.co.uk
uksupport@schmersal.com
Drive Solutions for Food & Beverage
As with all devices used in food processing, drive systems must be durable, efficient and easy to clean. For this reason, the industry favours stainless steel, but aluminium is the more optimal material for drive technology. Fortunately, NORD’s new surface treatment makes aluminium drives wash-down capable, corrosion-resistant and sustainable. Read on for how.
In the food and beverage industry, maintaining high hygiene standards is essential. NORD’s drive solutions not only meet the basic requirements, but also impress with their durable, robust design and high efficiency. With its new NXD tupH® surface treatment, NORD once again makes aluminium as resistant as stainless steel, offering the perfect solution for drive technology in hygiene-sensitive production areas.
Drive solutions for processes in the food and beverage industry must be resistant to detergents, as they are frequently cleaned and disinfected due to the high hygiene standards. While stainless steel is the preferred material in wash-down areas, it presents significant disadvantages when applied to drive technology.
The NXD tupH® surface treatment developed by NORD makes aluminium an interesting alternative for applications in the food and beverage industry: it strengthens the surfaces of drive components such as gear units, smooth motors and frequency inverters, making them resistant to harsh environmental conditions. In the NXD tupH® version, it also provides protection against aggressive cleaning agents, chemicals, acids and alkalis. Drives made of aluminium are furthermore significantly lighter and operate at lower temperatures.
Durable treatment of aluminium surfaces thanks to NXD tupH®
NXD tupH® is specifically developed for applications that require food-safe surfaces. The aluminium surfaces treated in this manner are resistant to frequent cleaning and disinfection for a long time. The NXD tupH® treatment is created in two steps:
first, the upper layer of the aluminium body is transformed into a corrosion-resistant, hard layer; second, a sealer is added to provide a high resistance to chemicals. NXD tupH® surfaces are free from PFAS, and food-safe according to the FDA, the EU Regulation 1935/2004 and the respective regulations in Switzerland and the MERCOSUR states. They can therefore be used in hygienically critical areas in the food, beverage, packaging, pharmaceutical or chemical industry.
A thousand times in use, a thousand times trusted
The innovative NXD tupH® surface treatment is the latest addition to NORD’s range of drive solutions, specifically developed for
the food and beverage industry with its increasingly stringent regulations. Thousands of these drives are already being used in food and beverage applications across the world: they are robustly built and designed for a long life cycle, offering high investment security. Modern IE5+ drives ensure high efficiency and thereby help to reduce operating costs. For hygiene-sensitive environments, NORD offers customers a selection of fanless smooth motors that can be cleaned easily, quickly and thoroughly. With the optional NXD tupH® treatment, these drives are wash-down capable, corrosion-resistant, sustainable and available in stock ready for installation. nord.com/en/home-uk
Fit and forget...
No more flaking paint, no more corrosion, no more contamination worries...
Smooth surface, hygiene friendly, easy to clean washdown design.
Resistant to acids and alkalis
No blistering, flaking or microcracks
Food-safe according to FDA and EU Regulation 1935/2004
Protection to IP69K possible
Motor efficiency levels from IE3 to IE8
Drive Systems
Food Safe - Washdown Drive Systems
Gearbox Motor Inverter
BFM® Fitting Flexible Connectors
In this application story, a dry powder blending company, upgrades 25+ connection points to BFM® fitting. Read on for how this standardisation improved health and safety, reduced changeover time and eliminated product leaks.
Manufacturers often use many flexible connectors in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, materials and media throughout their plant. This can make streamlining operations a challenge and limits the ability to optimise production processes.
Allicio Nutrition Ltd, a dry powder blending company in the UK, use around 35 different flexible connectors across 7 processing lines at one of their sites. The lines are split between Customer Packed Goods (CPG) and Bulk Blending, producing around 120 tonnes of diverse nutritional products each week.
Product is changed regularly on site, requiring a team of 3 to clean the line between each product blend to prevent cross-contamination. Allergens such as dairy are regularly handled too, so when switching from an allergen, a full clean is required. This takes approximately 4 hours on CPG lines and 12 on Bulk lines.
During a full clean, each flexible connector is either removed for cleaning or replaced entirely. The flexible connectors in question do vary in size, shape and material but the majority are connected with jubilee clips. Jubilee clips are time consuming to attach and remove. So, a significant portion of the clean is spent on this. For example, on Bulk lines, it takes 2 team members around 4 hours just to remove or replace the flexible connectors.
Additionally, the jubilee clips frequently caused product leakage due to the poor seal they provide, leading to increased dust levels and even longer cleaning times for the team.
The solution and improvement
The site first contacted ProSpare in 2017, looking to make their process cleaner,
safer and more efficient with BFM® fitting. The system combines a unique, BLUEBAND™ flexible connector with specially formed spigots, creating a 100% dust-tight seal. There are a wide range of connectors, suitable for many applications on a plant, with consistent sizes to simplify and streamline inventory.
Over the past 8 years, ProSpare have worked closely with the team to upgrade 25+ connection points to BFM® fitting across the factory. The Safety, Health and Environment Coordinator had this to say:
“BFM® fitting has improved health and safety on site. At one point, our staff were required to wear masks due to dust levels. I’d say BFM® has directly contributed to the team no longer being required to wear masks.
“Standardising our flexible connectors has helped massively. BFM® is far quicker to changeover. It takes a quarter of the time to change BFM® connectors compared to ones with jubilee clips and only requires 1 staff member [instead of 2] – freeing the other staff to just focus on cleaning and reduce the time it takes.
“Also, because there are no leaks, we no longer add extra product into the batch.”
BFM® connectors last longer
The Seeflex 040E connector was one of
the first installed, around 6 years ago. It is still in great working condition, which shows just how durable BFM® fitting really is; this success was a catalyst for the wider rollout.
Sieve area stays cleaner with BFM® fitting – Fig 1
The previous breather and connector installed on the sieve did not seal effectively, resulting in regular product leaks and 4.5 hours cleaning each week. With BFM® breathers and connectors, there’s no product leakage and cleaning takes 1 hour each week.
Adjustable filling with BFM® flexi connectors
The hoppers under the sieve connect to filling machines that move up and down depending on the size of the packaging being filled. With 3:1 compression ratio, BFM® ‘flexi’ connectors adjust to required lengths, whilst still providing a 100% dusttight seal.
prospare.co.uk
New High Performance Motion-PLC Controllers
Trio Motion Technology has launched the first controllers from its new Motion-PLC range, designed to provide advanced motion control performance with the functionality and simplicity of a PLC. Discover how the controller enables faster design and install of packaging machines.
Trio’s new class of controller combines high performance motion control over EtherCAT, plus logic and I/O expansion.
This enables faster, simpler machine development and integration in the food & beverage packaging sector.
The first controllers in the range, which are now available to order, comprise the MCS 30, the MCS 40, and the MCS 50 Flexible Machine Controllers. The three controllers scale machine and motion control requirements up to eight axes over high-speed EtherCAT, managed via a single EtherCAT port.
The controllers also feature up to two Ethernet ports with fieldbus support for HMI and upstream devices, including Modbus TCP, PROFINET I/O, and Ethernet I/P. The controllers also include extensive I/O integration to expand machine connectivity.
The first controllers in Trio’s Motion-PLC range provide the machine and motion control requirements for stand-alone machines and sub-machines for food & beverage packaging applications such as vertical form-fill-seal, flow wrapping, label printing and palletising.
The new controllers are based around a multi-tasking operating system that performs motion and logic control in parallel. Like all Trio controllers, the motion control capability is built on the company’s Motion-iX motion engine, which is based on over 30 years’ development. Motion-iX includes a variety of pre-programmed motion features that simplify development, from point-to-point moves through to complex motion.
To make access to Trio’s motion specialisation even easier, Motion-PLC can be programmed in familiar PLC languages based on the IEC 61131-3 standard, and the controllers also include a PLCopen motion library. Developers also have the
choice to use Trio’s high-level, English-based motion programming language, TrioBASIC. Trio also provides a licence-free approach and access to the Motion Perfect software for programming and commissioning software is free of charge, which can significantly reduce the cost of machine development. Extending device integration, the Motion-PLC controllers can integrate ‘click in’ I/O slices via the MS-Bus interface, Trio’s local communication protocol that provides high efficiency and throughput of data.
The controllers can support up to 16 of Trio’s new MS I/O slices, including any combination of digital or analogue inputs or outputs. I/O can be optionally increased to achieve 1024 digital ports and 128 analogue ports through Trio’s new MS EC I/O coupler that provides a bridge between EtherCAT and the MS-Bus system.
To optimise installation and ensure a compact footprint, whether machine- or cabinet-mounted, the first controllers in Trio’s Motion-PLC range measure just 100 mm high, 75 mm deep, and 23 mm wide.
The first controllers in the Motion-PLC range will be joined by four additional models that increase the scale of the controller to manager larger stand-alone machines. Designated All-in-One Controllers, the
ultimate devices in the Motion-PLC range will add a Serial Port, a Flexible Axis Port, plus NPN or PNP On-board I/O.
The Motion-PLC controllers can also be combined with Trio’s servo drives & motors and HMI to create a fully integrated, motion-first machine automation solution. Trio’s products are also supported around the world.
“Motion-PLC simplifies the development of packaging machines,” says Trio President, Tom Alexander. “This makes machines faster to design, install and commission, while for end users, it makes machines easier to use, and it also increases reliability. Crucially, this ease-of-use is supported by Trio’s motion control specialisation as well as highly capable logic control.” triomotion.com
Motion-PLC Motion-First
The Motion-PLC range comprises a family of controllers and I/O designed to integrate Trio’s advanced motion control features with the simplicity of a PLC in a compact and economical package.
Putting Motion-First and combining Motion-iX with IEC 61131-3 enables a complete automation solution for the Food and Beverage sector.
Designed for Washdown
Kempston Controls, supplier of food processing components, looks at the importance of hygienic design. Discover how the smallest design choices can make all the difference when it comes to preventing process failure and downtime in harsh environments.
Hygiene isn’t optional in food production, it’s fundamental. From conveyors to control panels, every surface in a food plant is subjected to routine, often aggressive, cleaning regimes. This keeps products safe, but it can take a toll on the machines, especially on the smaller components that aren’t always front of mind during design and maintenance.
Push buttons, emergency stops, and operator control devices may seem like minor parts of a production line, but in washdown zones, they face some of the harshest conditions. Daily exposure to high-pressure water, chemicals, steam, and temperature swings can quickly degrade components not designed for this kind of punishment.
Hygienic design beyond the obvious
While equipment like conveyors and vessels are often designed with hygiene in mind, electrical components can sometimes be an afterthought. Yet buttons and switches are among the most-touched, and mostexposed, items on the line.
When these fail, it’s not just an inconvenience. A stuck emergency stop or corroded button can halt production, trigger safety concerns, or require urgent replacement, all of which add cost and eat into valuable uptime.
This challenge isn’t just theoretical; the numbers back it up. Studies show that unplanned downtime in food manufacturing can cost up to £180,000 per hour, and around 30% of these failures are linked to small but critical components such as control switches, sensors and push
buttons. In high-care environments, 40% of emergency stop failures are caused by moisture ingress or corrosion, often as a direct result of intensive washdowns, which can reach pressures over 100 bar at 80°C. These failures don’t just interrupt production, they add cost, risk and complexity to already pressured operations.
This is why more food manufacturers are specifying components designed specifically for hygienic environments, smooth, sealed, and easy to clean, with IP69K protection as standard.
Function meets form in harsh environments
Components used in food and beverage applications need more than just water resistance; they need to be resistant to fats, cleaning agents, acidic residues, and thermal shock. Equally, they must be intuitive for operators wearing gloves and rugged enough to deliver long service lives with minimal maintenance.
In these conditions, tactile reliability is as important as technical resilience. A push button should feel the same on Day 500 as it did on Day 1, whether it’s on a control cabinet, a filling station, or a packaging line.
Small decisions, big impact
Engineering teams know that preventing downtime is often about removing failure points before they occur. In high-care areas, that means choosing components that don’t just survive, but thrive, in food production environments.
Schmersal, for example, has developed a wide range of operator control devices designed precisely for these conditions. With stainless steel options, hygienic design and industry leading protection ratings, these components are helping manufacturers meet both compliance and uptime goals
Fit-for-purpose from the start
Good hygiene starts with good design, and that includes the smallest components. By thinking carefully about material choices, ingress protection, and ergonomics, engineering teams can avoid common failures and reduce reactive maintenance. It’s a simple shift, but one that supports the bigger picture: safe, efficient and uninterrupted food production.
Because when everything works, right down to the push of a button, the rest falls into place.
kempstoncontrols.co.uk
SCHMERSAL’S
H SERIES
Hygienic Command & Signalling Devices
Explore the range
Connecting Europe’s Food & Beverage Sector
By providing an accessible and transparent alternative to investing in new machinery, online machinery auctions has become a vital service that is helping to connect Europe’s food and beverage industry.
Industrial Auctions specialises in organising online auctions of used machinery and complete inventories for the food and beverage industry.
From its headquarters in Eindhoven, the company supports buyers and sellers across Europe in efficiently trading production technology.
New auctions appear on the platform every week with machines from a variety of sectors, including meat and fish processing, vegetable, dairy, bakery, ready meals, catering and beverage production. The machines on offer cover the entire food processing chain, from preparation to packaging and logistics. Think mixers, cutters, pasteurs, separators, traysealers, X-ray systems and palletisers, from wellknown brands such as Multivac, Treif, Loma, Vemag, Urschel and Ishida.
A key differentiator of Industrial Auctions is the international nature of the platform and the transparency throughout the process. Each lot is presented online with clear specifications, photos and often videos. During viewing days, interested buyers can view the machines on site. This makes the platform accessible and reliable for both small producers and international players in the industry.
In the coming period, Industrial Auctions is once again organising a series of interesting auctions with a diverse range of offerings for the food industry. In addition to specific processing lines, you will also find cooling, freezing, heating and water treatment systems, tanks, silos, pumps and more.
Two auctions focusing on fruit and vegetable processing and packaging will be organised in Yerseke and Amsterdam. In Leeuwarden (NL), an impressive GEA UHT plant, packaging line and additional machines specifically aimed at the dairy industry will be auctioned on behalf of
FrieslandCampina. Butter processing, packaging and palletising machines are available in Den Bosch (NL) due to the closure of a FrieslandCampina location. A unique opportunity for companies active in the butter and dairy sector. In addition, a large auction at the former production site of The Family Butchers Germany GmbH is organised in Vörden (DE). Each auction offers different opportunities, whether buyers are looking for individual machines or complete lines.
Industrial Auctions offers companies in the food processing industry a fast, scalable and transparent alternative to investing in new technology – and thus a smart way to respond to ever-changing market demand.
More information and current offers visit the company’s website. industrial-auctions.com
Registration Open for Dairy Expo 2025
The Dairy Industries Expo 2025, the UK’s leading event dedicated to dairy processing, packaging and food safety solutions, is set to return to NAEC Stoneleigh on 29-30 October 2025. This essential two-day trade exhibition brings together key players from across the dairy supply chain, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge technologies, expert insights, and networking opportunities.
As the only event of its kind in the UK focused exclusively on the dairy sector, Dairy Industries Expo 2025 will welcome exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in processing equipment, automation, packaging innovation, quality control, hygiene, and food safety technologies all under one roof.
The show is proudly organised by Dairy Industries International, the industry’s longest-running and most trusted media brand, providing deep sector knowledge and unmatched industry connections. With editorial and digital coverage before, during and after the event, this year’s expo is set to deliver even greater value to both exhibitors and visitors.
“Participating in the Dairy Industries Expo was a rewarding experience for CEM Corporation. As innovators in moisture, fat, and protein analysis, the event provided the perfect platform to engage with decisionmakers across the dairy industry. The Expo was well-organised, with strong footfall and high-quality attendees who were genuinely interested in technology that improves product quality and processing efficiency. We’ve already seen new business opportunities emerge from the connections made.
“We’re proud to have been part of such an innovative event and look forward to returning in 2025.” CEM Corporation, Innovators in Dairy Analysis.
The 2025 edition will feature:
• A free seminar programme covering topics like sustainability, smart processing, hygiene innovations, and regulatory changes
• Opportunities to connect with industry
peers, suppliers, and decision-makers
Whether attending as a processor, supplier, or brand looking to stay ahead, Dairy Industries Expo is where the
conversations and the connections begin. Start now!
Visitor registration is free and now open. dairyindustriesexpo.com
Non-Invasive Optical Analysis Technology
Introducing, J.A. Woollam Company, leaders in spectroscopic ellipsometry. In this illuminating feature, the company’s experts discuss how the field has evolved, the focus of their ongoing R&D efforts, and reveal a surprising application of their technology in entomology.
Founded by Dr. John A. Woollam in 1987, J.A. Woollam Company began as a spin-out from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Over the last 30 years, it has grown into a trusted name in the field of spectroscopic ellipsometry, a powerful, noninvasive optical analysis technique.
The distribution of J.A. Woollam Company’s technology in Europe and South America has been enabled by its strategic partnership with Quantum Design International.
Since its inception in 1982, Quantum Design International has developed and manufactured automated temperature and magnetic, field-testing platforms for materials characterisation. Building upon its expertise in the global marketing and distribution of their own scientific instruments, the company broadened its scope and began to distribute quality scientific instruments from other manufacturers through an international network of wholly-owned subsidiaries.
In the early 1990s, John Woollam was looking for a reputable distributor in Europe to meet growing demand. From his own experience in purchasing equipment for his university labs, he appreciated the discussions with individuals who were highly educated in niche areas of technology over those who were sales driven. It became apparent that John’s philosophy matched that of L.O.T-Oriel (later known as Quantum Design), which has specialised salespeople, highly-trained in the fields they support. Among them is Dr. Shayz Ikram, the J.A. Woollam Co. rep at Quantum Design UK and Ireland.
Over 25 years later, this strategic partnership continues to provide world-class spectroscopic ellipsometry instruments to the UK.
With 200 patents to date, what are the current focuses of J.A. Woollam Company’s R&D activities?
Our R&D efforts cover a broad spectrum of areas. On the hardware side, we are continuously working to expand the spectral range, enhance source intensity to improve signal-to-noise ratio, and reduce measurement time. On the software side, our focus is on developing more userfriendly, automated modeling tools to simplify the analysis process and make advanced measurements more accessible.
Since the company’s founding nearly 40 years ago, how has the field of spectroscopic ellipsometry transformed?
In the late 1980s, ellipsometry technology was limited. Personal computers were relatively new, and programs were written directly in DOS. At that time,
measurements were not automated, were limited to a narrow spectrum, and both measurement and data analysis were very time-consuming. Today, spectroscopic ellipsometry is widely used across many industrial sectors for precise process control and cutting-edge materials science. The technology has evolved significantly with broader wavelength ranges, smaller spot sizes, faster measurement speeds, and expanded capabilities to meet modern demands.
Among spectroscopic ellipsometry’s wide range of applications, how is it commonly used in the food processing industry?
Food packaging often relies on functional coatings—either to preserve the contents or to improve grip for easier handling. Spectroscopic ellipsometry is a proven method for characterising these surface coatings. For example, our return-path
ellipsometer technology enables real-time monitoring of coatings on large, flexible foils in roll-to-roll production lines. This system is designed with a compact footprint by redirecting the beam back to the source, making it ideal for space-constrained environments.
How do J.A. Woollam Company’s products help manufacturers and engineers reduce operational costs?
Our ellipsometers are used to optimise deposition processes by accurately determining the thickness and optical constants of thin films and multilayer stacks. They enhance quality control by detecting variations in real time and providing live feedback during deposition. With subangstrom thickness resolution, our systems enable monitoring of thin film growth kinetics, offering insights into film nucleation, surface conditions, and other critical process parameters. These capabilities help manufacturers and engineers reduce operational costs and improve overall process efficiency.
In addition to providing innovative products, how does J.A. Woollam Company support its customers?
Since our company’s founding, customer support has been our highest priority. John Woollam was first and foremost a
Professor at the University of NebraskaLincoln, so he could appreciate companies that offered excellent technical support. The last thing he wanted was to talk with a traditional “sales” person who had never used the instrument. For this reason, we are careful to choose sales organisations that have a strong technical focus. All of our sales team in Lincoln, Nebraska, have engineering or physics degrees and use the ellipsometers regularly. In addition, all of our design, manufacturing, testing, and applications development are handled inhouse at our headquarters. Thus, we can offer unmatched support across every stage of the customer experience. We consistently go above and beyond—whether through indepth troubleshooting, video consultations, or collaborative problem-solving to ensure the best solution for each customer’s unique needs.
We’re equally proud of our international team of representatives, who bring a deep understanding of regional requirements. Each team is backed by experienced applications engineers who support sales, installation, training and ongoing service. By working closely with them, we deliver a cohesive and responsive experience tailored to local customers around the world.
To date, what is the most unusual or interesting application of a J.A. Woollam Company’s product?
I would highlight the research on the cuticle of the beetle Chrysina resplendens, conducted by a group at Linköping University. The cuticle is composed of multiple layers resembling cholesteric liquid crystals, forming a natural circular Bragg reflector. It selectively reflects co-handed circularly polarised light while suppressing cross-polarised reflection. The research team used Mueller-matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry to decipher the detailed architecture of the cuticle.
How does AI intersect with spectroscopic ellipsometry?
Ellipsometry is an indirect optical
measurement technique that relies on modeling to extract key parameters. AIpowered modeling can greatly assist users, particularly those who are still developing their modeling expertise. Our company offers automated modeling solutions for structured samples and for retardance measurements in birefringent materials. In parallel, ongoing research continues to explore how machine learning and AI can further enhance and automate the ellipsometry workflow.
What is the minimum required competency for operators of J.A. Woollam Company’s spectroscopic ellipsometers?
Our ellipsometers and operating software are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to operators with a wide range of technical backgrounds. While a foundation in engineering, physics, optics, or materials science can be beneficial, it is not a strict requirement. Most users can perform standard measurements after completing basic training, which is typically included during system installation.
The software includes a library of prebuilt models and material files that users can easily access and apply, streamlining the setup process. For those working on more advanced or novel applications, we offer a wide range of educational resources— including webinars, application notes, and training materials—to support continued learning.
One example is our three-day short course, which covers everything from the fundamentals of ellipsometry to advanced topics like anisotropic materials, multilayer structures, and thin metal films. Through these resources, users have ample opportunity to deepen their expertise over time.
MEPCA thanks J.A. Woollam Company for his enlightening excursion into the field of spectroscopic ellipsometry.
The course referenced above is celebrating its 25th year and is to be held at Glasgow University. The workshop will kick off on September 16th, followed by the short course on the 17-19th. It introduces spectroscopic ellipsometry and typical applications. The hands-on training features many real work examples, starting with transparent materials and working towards more complex, semi-absorbing films. bit.ly/41xx1cq
LAPP Harnessing Solutions
The traditional boundaries between manufacturing and service are fading fast. In this competitive market, success is no longer defined by the quality of individual components alone, but by the ability to deliver complete, integrated solutions. LAPP, manufacturer of flexible cables and wires and cable accessories, helps manufacturers navigate this shift with customised connectivity solutions.
LAPP’s Harnessing Solutions are born from the idea that product and service should not be treated separately. Instead, they should be designed together to create seamless, scalable and efficient systems that support customers’ core business. Whether building new machinery or upgrading existing systems, LAPP provide plug-and-play cable assembly solutions that reduce complexity and increase reliability.
Focus on what matters most
In a market where innovation and efficiency are key, managing C-parts like cable assemblies can be a costly distraction. These components, while small, often require significant resources to produce and maintain. From sourcing and warehousing to quality control and documentation, the burden can be heavy, especially when demand is unpredictable and skilled labour is scarce.
That’s where LAPP comes in. It takes on the complexity so businesses can focus on their strengths. LAPP’s solutions save time by reducing the number of components and simplifying procurement, and they cut costs through streamlined logistics, reduced inventory, and fewer failures. LAPP’s modular, future-ready designs and expert support also accelerates innovation.
Quality you can count on
Connection issues cause over 50% of machine downtime. Poorly assembled cables and inadequate testing can lead to costly failures. LAPP is committed to eliminating that risk. Every assembly is 100% tested and backed by comprehensive
documentation, including 2D/3D models and bills of materials. LAPP’s global production standards ensure consistent quality, no matter the where its customers are.
One partner, endless possibilities
With more than 920 harnessing solutions experts worldwide, LAPP is a trusted partner for customised design and engineering, from CAD layouts to EPLAN schematics, and end-to-end project management, including planning, cost control, and delivery; LAPP also provide on-site support, from installation to final testing.
LAPP’s digital configurators make it easy to build the perfect solution a business needs, whether it’s a cable chain, servo cable or fibre optic assembly. Simply select the components, define the environment,
and LAPP’s tools guide users through the process.
Built for the future
With over 60 years of experience and more than 5,700 employees worldwide, LAPP combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to innovation. Its solutions are designed to scale with a business, adapt to market changes, and meet the highest standards of performance and safety.
By partnering with LAPP, manufacturers gain more than just a supplier; they gain a strategic ally. LAPP helps reduce operating costs, eliminate capital expenditure and streamline operations. From design to delivery, LAPP offers everything from a single source.
lapp.com/en_GB/gb/GBP/
Engineering Air Movement Solutions
MEPCA introduces Elta (previously, Elta Fans), a UK-based designer and manufacturer of ventilation solutions for a wide range of industry applications, ahead of the company’s attendance at London Build Expo this November.
Air quality plays a vital role in every environment, from the health of farm animals to the productivity of people in an office. Elta has been committed to engineering air movement solutions for over 5 decades, with its products making a difference across a range of applications internationally.
As a trusted manufacturer across the UK, Elta supports multiple markets including commercial, industrial, residential, OEM and agriculture. This wide capability means that its teams regularly work on projects where performance, compliance and real-world impact must align.
Elta’s product portfolio is continually evolving to meet the demands of realworld issues. Its 2024 rebrand from Elta Fans to Elta, signifies the expansive range available. With an extended range of much more than just fans, including air handling units, acoustic equipment, and controls, the company has transcended its previous capabilities.
UK manufactured
With 4 dedicated manufacturing sites across the UK, Elta has the flexibility to meet diverse project requirements with confidence. Located in Kingswinford, Fareham, Colchester and Newtownards, its facilities are equipped with advanced machinery and operate in controlled environments, enabling it to maintain a consistent high quality.
By keeping manufacturing in-house, Elta is able to collaborate closely with consultants, contractors and specifiers, to provide ventilation solutions tailored to a project’s needs. From concept to completion, its teams ensure every product meets exact specifications, without compromising on quality.
Elta also have the ability to host factory
visits and offer witness testing at its UK sites, giving businesses the opportunity to see their projects in various stages of completion.
Supporting markets with specialist solutions
When it comes to ventilation, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Air movement requirements can vary dramatically depending on the application, so Elta work closely with customers to understand their unique challenges and develop solutions accordingly.
For industrial environments, Elta engineer components that integrate seamlessly into wider systems, ensuring reliability, compliance and ease of maintenance. In the marine sector, Elta designs for durability in harsh, corrosive environments, with fans and systems built to withstand constant exposure to salt-laden air.
Elta’s agriculture ventilation systems are developed with animal welfare and moisture control in mind, to support productivity and meet the evolving needs of modern farming. It’s a sector Elta are proud to support, and one it is continuing to innovate for and invest in.
This sector-specific knowledge allows Elta to deliver insight-driven solutions that
work in the real world. With robust fans and customisable control options, our fans are built for reliability and efficiency, even in the most complex of environments.
Meet the experts
Elta will be exhibiting at London Build this November, where its team will be on hand to talk through the challenges and opportunities across air movement, energy efficiency and sustainable building. Find them at Stand C30. To learn in the meantime, visit the company’s website. eltauk.com
Since 1974, we’ve been manufacturing high quality air movement products for Commercial, Industrial, OEM, Agricultural, Residential and International markets.
AIR MOVEMENT AIR QUALITY
Why Manufacturers are Turning to Solar Power
Faced with rising energy costs and regulatory pressure, UK factories are embracing rooftop solar. Solar4Good, a Harrow-based solar energy company, explains the strategic benefits behind this growing trend.
UK manufacturing is at a crossroads. As electricity prices continue to rise and sustainability regulations tighten, factory owners are searching for long-term solutions that reduce both financial and environmental risk.
Rather than flashy headlines or green branding, manufacturers are quietly installing solar systems to gain control over energy bills, ensure supply stability and meet climate targets, while staying operationally efficient. This shift marks a broader realignment in how companies take energy: not just as a utility, but as a strategic resource.
UK manufacturers face a growing energy burden. Electricity prices have surged by over 60% since 2021 and energy price volatility is making long-term planning difficult. On top of this, net-zero regulations now influence procurement and reporting, and stakeholders are demanding measurable ESG action.
These pressures are no longer hypothetical; they affect daily operations and long-term investment planning.
The business case for onsite solar
For factories and warehouses with high energy usage, commercial solar installations provide immediate and long-term value.
Key benefits include 40% to 70% lower electricity bills through self-generation, and reduced exposure to grid outages and peaktime tariffs. This results in more predictable long-term costs, shielding businesses against market swings.
Rooftop solar offers a way to stabilise one of the most volatile business expenses. With most solar systems paying back within 2 to 5 years and lasting 25+ years, solar has
moved from “nice-to-have” to “essential infrastructure” for many energy-intensive businesses.
Generating revenue, not just savings
Thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), excess solar energy can be sold back to the grid. This adds a new income streamespecially during weekends, holidays, or off-peak production periods.
SEG payments are based on exported kilowatt-hours, tracked by smart meters. For factories with variable operating schedules, this turns unused energy into value without extra investment.
For many businesses, this dual benefitreduced costs and new income-makes the financial case for solar even stronger.
Meeting ESG demands with verifiable data
In an era where ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance is scrutinised by investors, clients, and regulators, solar helps manufacturers produce real, traceable results.
This helps companies align with UK net-zero commitments and meet supply chain or investor criteria for low-carbon operations. With corporate greenwashing under growing scrutiny, measurable data is becoming more important than intent.
How Solar4Good is helping
As solar adoption increases, manufacturers are turning to trusted partners to manage complex installations. Solar4Good supports factories at every step of the transition by:
• Assessing feasibility based on energy usage and roof space
• Designing custom systems tailored to industrial power demand
• Installing and integrating batteries to maximise solar usage
• Handling compliance with SEG, grid notifications and ESG reporting
2025 marks a turning point for energy in UK manufacturing. With costs rising, compliance demands tightening, and market expectations evolving, solar power offers a rare combination of operational, financial and reputational value. By generating electricity on-site, manufacturers can cut energy costs, gain protection from unpredictable pricing, and meet emissions targets with tangible results.
Partners like Solar4Good are playing a quiet but crucial role in making this transition possible, offering the technical and compliance expertise needed to integrate solar into the heart of industrial operations.
For many UK manufacturers, solar is no longer a future ambition; it’s a current advantage.
solar4good.co.uk
Solar-Powered Beer with Electron Green
One of the UK’s most innovative independent breweries, Oakham Ales, is now brewing with the power of the sun, following the installation of a rooftop solar PV system by leading solar developer Electron Green.
Oakham Ales has joined a growing wave of British businesses cutting emissions and securing low-cost electricity with on-site solar power. CUB UK, Oakham Ales’ long-term energy consultancy partner, worked with Electron Green to enable this innovative project.
Like many legacy industrial sites, Oakham Ales faced a key obstacle to solar adoption: an ageing roof. Electron Green’s model solved this challenge by delivering a full steel overclad roof and the solar system at zero capital cost to Oakham Ales. Electron Green owns and manages the system and supplies the brewery with discounted, fixed-rate solar electricity via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
To celebrate the milestone, Oakham Ales is launching a new seasonal release: Sun City – the brewery’s first beer made using solar power. This 3.7% blonde ale features Nelson Sauvin™ and Nectaron® hops from New Zealand, offering vibrant tropical fruit, gooseberry and citrus notes with a refreshing herbal finish. Sun City will be available on cask from August.
“This is a huge step in making Oakham Ales more sustainable,” said former Head Brewer Mark Tetlow, who was the driving force behind this, his last project before retirement. “We’re delighted to welcome the Electron Green team along to celebrate the installation’s completion by helping us brew Sun City – our first Solar Blonde.”
The Installation
The newly installed 458.85 kWp solar array, completed in Spring 2025, covers 2,084 square meters of the upgraded roof area with just over 1,000 PV panels. The installation is expected to reduce Oakham Ales’ reliance on grid electricity by 15%,
delivering first-year savings of nearly £11,000. The system will also prevent over 2,200 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifespan.
There are more than 250,000 hectares of commercial rooftop space in the UK –much of it on ageing buildings. Oakham Ales’ story shows how infrastructure upgrades and solar retrofit can go hand-in-hand, remove traditional barriers and enable businesses to decarbonise without compromise.
“Providing a free solar system with ongoing management to Oakham Ales has allowed it to cut its carbon footprint and energy costs in one glorious swoop,” said Daniel Green, CEO and Co-Founder of Electron Green. “We’re here to provide businesses with flexibility in how they manage and pay for electricity. As energy demands are expected to rise by 50% over the next decade, businesses need confidence in their energy supply and greater control over their costs.”
Projected benefits for Oakham Ales:
• Brand new full steel overclad roof requiring zero capital outlay
• 2,228 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided over 25 years
• First year savings of nearly £11,000 and projected lifetime savings of over £550,000.
Oakham Ales is now benefiting in ways they did not expect. As a result of monitoring the amount of electricity they use from solar compared to the grid, they are changing their daily brewing patterns to use more lowcost solar electricity. This is made possible through Electron Green’s bespoke software, SAM, which gives Oakham Ales critical electricity usage information they did not have before.
Oakham Ales’ Head Brewer, Ed Sharman, is enthusiastic: “Electron Green have been excellent to work with. They managed the whole project with no disruption to our brewing schedule over the spring. It’s great that our business has upgraded its environmental credentials so massively without us having to offer a penny in capital expenditure and we’re all looking forward to raising a glass of Sun City in celebration.” electrongreen.com.
Join UK Metals Expo 25
As UK manufacturing and processing undergo rapid transformation, one event stands out as the strategic gathering for professionals across the metals value chain. UK Metals Expo 2025 returns to the NEC Birmingham on 10–11 September, bringing together suppliers, innovators, and industry leaders in a solution-focused environment.
Now in its fourth year, the event has built a reputation for being more than just another trade show.
For production leaders, procurement heads and technical decisionmakers, it’s a unique opportunity to benchmark suppliers, gain fresh insight, and align teams around current market priorities. This year’s edition features:
• 320+ exhibitors across the full metals value chain
• Four theatres with 100+ expert speakers
• A dedicated Mentoring & Careers Day focused on skills and workforce development
The UK’s premier marketplace for metals and manufacturing solutions
At the heart of UK Metals Expo 2025 is a hands-on exhibition of over 320 companies offering products and services spanning raw materials, advanced processing, automation and sustainability. It’s designed to reflect the priorities of modern manufacturing and fabrication operations.
Source high-quality materials
From global suppliers like Tata Steel, Hydro Aluminium, Swiss Steel, ArcelorMittal Distribution Solution, Marcegaglia, Outokumpu and Bright Steels, to trusted UK-based distributors such as Premier Steel Stockholding and Langley Alloys, the show features everything from carbon steel and stainless to aerospace-grade alloys.
Processing and machinery in action
See live demos from Bystronic, Behringer, KASTO, FabStation, Kerf Developments, and Vecchiato showcasing cutting, forming and high-precision machining solutions. Digital systems and factory automation
Explore production control and ERP
platforms from Epicor Software, Fitfactory Technology, Innoval Technology, and RamBase Cloud ERP – all enabling smarter, leaner manufacturing.
Specialist services and outsourced processing
Secure batch fabrication, polishing, welding, additive manufacturing and more from experts like Professional Polishing Services, Alloy Heat Treatment, Fugo Tech, and Southwest Fabrications.
Sustainability, circularity and logistics
Meet key players in decarbonisation and recycling – including BMRA, ALFED, CF Booth, Peel Ports, DB Cargo and Auditel – who can help build a more resilient, lowemission supply chain.
Strategic conference for industry practitioners
Alongside the exhibition, a two-day conference features 30+ sessions tailored to professionals across manufacturing, engineering, procurement and sustainability. Speakers include leaders from JLR, Aston Martin Lagonda, Babcock, Brompton Bicycle, Boeing, British Steel, Hydro Aluminium, Marcegaglia, Outokumpu, Leonardo, and Rolls-Royce.
Themes include EAF steelmaking, CBAM readiness, circular economy models, and low-carbon sourcing. Experts from Make UK, CRU, MEPS, and the Materials Processing Institute will unpack the policy and pricing landscape shaping sourcing strategies in 2025 and beyond.
T. V. Narendran, CEO of Tata Steel and
Built for team alignment
“UK Metals Expo is not just a show you visit. It’s a platform you use,” says Conference Chairman Lord Rupert Redesdale. Crossfunctional teams attend together, enabling engineers, buyers and project leads to align priorities and strategies.
Skills, careers and the future workforce
The Mentoring and Careers Day on 11 September invites students, career switchers and early-career professionals to explore roles across the sector. The sessions are backed by the UK Space Agency, Imperial College, IOM3, Swansea University, and others. The day ends with one-to-one career guidance and networking with employers and mentors.
10–11 September 2025, NEC Birmingham, Halls 11 & 12
If you’re sourcing, modernising, scaling, or strategising, UK Metals Expo is where it all connects. Register on the event’s website. ukmetalsexpo.com
Chair of the World Steel Association, delivers the keynote, offering a global perspective on the future of steel.
3D Print Manufacturing
Midlands 3D Printing
T: 01785 594389
E: sales@midlands3d.com
W: www.midlands3d.com
Anti Vibration Products, Mounts & Bushes
Fibet Rubber Bonding (UK) Ltd
T: 01282 878200
E: sales@fibet.co.uk
W: www.fibet.co.uk
Connectors & Cabling Solutions
CEMBRE Ltd
T: 01675 470 440
E: sales@cembre.co.uk
W: www.cembre.com/en
Design-In Power Supply Solutions
Ideal Power
T: 01733 309865
E: salessupport@idealpower.co.uk
W: www.idealpower.co.uk
Drives, Motors & Gears
Flow Meters
Nord
T: 01235 534404
E: GB-sales@nord.com
W: www.nord.com
Industrial Fans
Axair Fans UK Limited
T: 01782 349 430
E: sales@axair-fans.co.uk
W: www.axair-fans.co.uk
Machine Safety
Schmersal UK Ltd
T: 01684 571980
E: uksupport@schmersal.com
W: www.schmersal.co.uk
Marking Solutions
T-Mark
T: 0330 153 8320
E: sales@t-mark.co.uk
W: www.t-mark.co.uk
Pressure Measurement Specialists
ESI Technology Ltd
T: +44 (0)1978262255
E: sales@esi-tec.com
W: www.esi-tec.com
Robotics & Automation
KUKA Robotics UK Ltd
T: 0121 505 9970
E: sales.uk@kuka.com
W: www.kuka.com
Sensors
Titan Enterprises Ltd
T: +44 (0)1935 812790
E: sales@flowmeters.co.uk
W: www.flowmeters.co.uk
High Shear Mixing Equipment
Silverson Machines Ltd
T: +44 (0)1494 786331
E: sales@silverson.co.uk
W: www.silverson.co.uk
Industrial Communications
Brainboxes
T: + 44 (0) 151 220 2500
E: sales@brainboxes.com
W: www.brainboxes.com
Intoware
T: 0115 977 8969
E: hello@intoware.com
W: www.intoware.com
IFM Electronic
T: 020 8213-0000
E: enquiry.gb@ifm.com
W: www.ifm.com
PLUS Automation Ltd
T: 0121 58 222 58
E: Sales@PLUSAutomation.co.uk
W: www.PLUSAutomation.co.uk
Storage Solutions
BITO Storage Systems Ltd.
T: 02476 388 852
E: Info.uk@bito.com
W: www.bito.com
Test & Inspection
AMETEK Land (Land Instruments International)
T: +44 1246 417691
E: land.enquiry@ametek.com
W: www.ametek-land.com
Kraus & Naimer
Enclosed switches & functional handles
Customisable,high-quality,robust materials
Variants include: Pushbuttons With or without auxiliaries
Emergency stop function
GRIFFSERIE | HANDLE SERIES FH10
GEHÄUSESERIE | ENCLOSURE SERIES SE02
Membrane keypad LED lighting
Scan to website for product data
Funktions-Maschinengriff mit ringbeleuchteten Drucktastern und verschiebbaren Griffschenkeln | Functional machine handle with ring illuminated push buttons and adjustable handle shanks
Funktionsgehäuse mit Leistengriff für Profilsysteme, rückseitige Befestigung |
rear attachment
Werkstoff und Oberfläche:
Griffsteg aus Edelstahlrohr ø 30 x 1,5 mm, Werkstoff-Nr. 1.4301, feingeschliffen. Drucktastergehäuse aus Aluminium AlMgSi 0,5; schwarz eloxiert. Griffschenkel aus Polyamid PA 6, schwarz mit Feinstruktur.
Profilaluminium AlMgSi 0,5; gestrahlt und naturfarben eloxiert. Endkappen aus Aluminium AlMgSi 0,5; naturfarben eloxiert.
Funktionselemente ab Werk:
• 1 Drucktaster mit LED (Wechsler)
Funktionselemente ab Werk:
• 2 Drucktaster mit LED (1 Wechsler, 1 Schließer)
• Not-Halt (2 Öffner)
• 2 Drucktaster bis 1 A mit roter bzw. grüner Ringbeleuchtung
Anschluss:
• 2 Drucktaster bis 1 A mit roter bzw. grüner Ringbeleuchtung, Not-Halt (2 Öffner)
Verschiebbare Griffschenkel
Anschluss:
Stecker 8- oder 12-polig
Schutzart:
Stecker 8- oder 12-polig
Schutzart:
IP 65 (bei aufgeschraubter Kupplung)
Lieferumfang:
Zubehör Seite 56 Accessories page 56
Zubehör Seite 56 Accessories page 56
Auf Anfrage:
IP 65 (bei aufgeschraubter Kupplung)
Auf Anfrage:
Für die Befestigung sind 2 selbstsichernde Nutensteine M6 enthalten.
Kundenspezifische Variante, Beschriftung, Kupplung mit 10 m Leitung als Zubehör lieferbar.
Andere Grifflängen, Laserbeschriftung unterhalb der Drucktaster sowie beleuchtetem Not-Halt, andere LED Farben. Kupplung mit 10 m Leitung als Zubehör lieferbar.
Beschriftung auf Anfrage | Labeling on request:
Durchgehende Nut in der Anschraubfläche für variablen Anschraubabstand. Continuous groove for a variable bolting distance.
