Industry Update Issue 252

Recommends

New SMARTCASE™ S730 kit solution: The compact power package for versatile applications

SMARTCASE™ S730 for use in digital signage, KIOSK and POS/POI applications

Ismaning, November 13, 2023 - Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computer Technology (ECT), introduces the new SMARTCASE™ S730 kit solution, characterized by its compact and elegant design. This case kit serves as the successor to the well-regarded SMARTCASE™ S711 and is purpose-built for the D3713-V/R and D3723-R mini-ITX motherboards, powered by AMD Ryzen™ Embedded V/R1000 and R2000 processors. The new K3931-N mini-ITX motherboard, which supports the latest Intel® Core™ i3 processors and Intel® N-series processors (Alder Lake N), will also be available. With its abundance of DisplayPort interfaces and integrated AMD Vega graphics or Intel® UHD Gen12 graphics, the S730 is particularly well-suited for graphics-intensive applications such as digital signage, casino gaming, KIOSK, POS/ POI and the medical field. Featuring a minimum 7-year availability and a wide input DC range from -10° C to +70° C, it is also ideal for industrial applications.

The SMARTCASE™ S730 has a dual front USB 3.2 Gen1 port, along with an aray of USB/GbE and COM ports on the

rear. This compact mini-ITX case is equipped with a slot that can accommodate either low-profile PCIe expansion cards or an internal AC adapter. When using the K3931-N motherboard, a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C extension is also available. Another notable feature of the SMARTCASE™ S730 is its adaptability, allowing for both horizontal and vertical orientation, facilitating flexible integration into different environments.

A comprehensive range of accessories is available for the S730. It can be optionally equipped with active and passive coolers, cables, an internal 65W PSU, expansion cards, and adapters. This flexibility enables Kontron customers to assemble a Box PC tailored to their individual requirements and market it as their own system solution. The case also provides ample space on the front for customized logos.

As with all SMARTCASE™ chassis kits, the housing, motherboard, and cooling solution are optimally matched and climate-tested as well as CE-certified at system level.

Kontron's SMARTCASE™ S730 has been available since October 2023.

For more information please visit: www.kontron.com/ en/products/smartcase-tm-s730/p180684

High-Power IR Fabry-Pérot Laser Diodes

The high-power IR Fabry-Pérot laser diodes from the FNPL series are available with any wavelength between 1950nm and 2350nm with an accuracy of ±20nm. Other wavelengths are available on request.

The output power of up to 1W yields a strong signal and gives large flexibility for many applications like security measures, range finding and gas sensing. Long-term stability combined with low maintenance necessity are principal features customers value about these lasers which perform excellently even in harsh environments devices.

www.frlaserco.com sales@frlaserco.com

Interface G-series load cells fly off the shelves through its new e-commerce website

Interface Force Measurement Solutions (Interface) is a UK company specialising in the supply and distribution of high-quality sensors and associated electronics and displays for a wide variety of industries. Working previously with clients such as Airbus, BAE Systems, and Formula One Teams, we spoke with Tony Rokins, Business Development & Pressure Mapping Specialist, who explained some of the companies well known products.

“Our product portfolio is applicable to many industries. For instance, we are well known for our high-quality pressure mapping systems that are used by many of our automotive and motorsport customers. Our sensors deliver highly accurate, repeatable measurements and many of our load

cells are used by calibration houses as calibration reference devices. Our high-quality, yet competitively priced 3 and 6 axis load cells are used for many R&D, renewable energy and robotic applications.”

In terms of recent developments, Tony continued, “Being responsive to our customer’s needs and being able to offer a high-quality product with strong product knowledge at a competitive price with the best possible lead times is our number one priority. Last year we launched our range of G-Series Load Cells. The range comprises of miniature and small sensors for industrial applications, with capacities starting from just 4.5N Newton up to 200kN with metric threads. These are high-performance devices but aimed at more cost-conscious applications. This is a new market for us, but we have already had increasing interest. We also launched our brand-new e-commerce website on the 1st of April for the G-Series that showcases Interface load cells at competitive prices with all the convenience purchasing online offers,” stated Tony.

The new e-commerce website offers G-Series load cells on short lead times with next business day delivery for small quantities. Following its successful launch in 2021, it has become an increasingly popular product range for students, industrial engineers, OEMs and anyone requiring a small form force sensor offering accuracy, repeatability and Interface quality.

In the future, Interface is keen to continue its growth trajectory for 2022.

Tony mentioned, “we are also working on new, wireless force and vibration sensors for remote monitoring in systems such as luggage carousels. One more area we are pushing for growth is with XSensor’s pressure mapping systems, particularly in the Hi-speed systems designed for high-speed impact or crash testing and tire foot-print research. These systems are capable of capturing data up to 2,500 frames per second. The tire sensor can be driven over at speeds of up to 140kph. I believe this is a unique capability we can bring to the industry.”

As the company looks to continue strengthening its position with its customers in its more traditional markets of aerospace, automotive, motorsport, Universities and alternative energy research, it will be attending some expos over the next 12 months and be readily on hand to discuss any questions you may have about force, torque, pressure mapping or pressure, level & temperature measurement.

For more information, see below.

T 01344 776666 info@interface.uk.com www.interfaceforce.co.uk

New hydrogencompensated CO sensor in 5-series format

MEMBRAPOR is now releasing the Vantage series, which has the same dimensions as the 5-series.

The new housing is a result of the finest engineering and more than 25 years of experience. The sensor resists harsh conditions, like high humidities and temperatures up to 60 °C.

Vantage Gas Sensors

As the first sensor in the Vantage housing a CO sensor for flue gas / stack gas analysis is released. It is a H2-compensated 4-electrode sensor with almost no sensitivity to CO on the auxiliary electrode. Furthermore, its temperature dependence could be kept flat. This all results in very accurate ppm readings. While a CO sensor can be used for three or more years, the filter itself has a limited capacity. Once used up, nitric gases like NO2 could pass

through and would lead to a false negative signal. This could have dire consequences since the resulting ppm reading would be far too low in respect to the present concentration of carbon monoxide. In many applications a filter has a lifetime of about 2 years, which is effectively the limit in critical measurement applications. Replacing the filter of the CO/VF-2000-4E can easily double the lifetime.

If you would like to receive your sample sensor(s), please contact our sales department under: info@ membrapor.ch

READ MORE about the Vantage Sensor CO/VF-2000-4E.

Engineered solutions for the process industry

Suurmond has designed, manufactured and delivered sustainable and custom-made solutions for the processing industry since 1974. Boasting a portfolio of high quality and sustainable products such as gear pumps, dosing systems and screen changers, Suurmond has all the capabilities to improve your production efficiency.

With offices across the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, Suurmond has built a worldwide reputation in offering the very best solutions to improve the quality of your end-product.

To further demonstrate Suurmond’s commitment to the UK market, from 2nd January 2024 we will be fully operational from a new facility in Evesham which will allow us to hold more stock for emergency breakdowns, we will also be able to overhaul and repair gear-pumps of any size negating the need to export pumps back to manufacturers in Europe.

Alongside its own branded products, Suurmond stocks products from leading

companies and selected partners whose philosophy and quality awareness reflects that of its own. You’ll find products from brands such as Dynisco, Gather Industrie GmbH, MAAG, and Mahr Metering Systems GmbH that offer products such as magnetically coupled pumps, high precision sensorbased technology, pumps & filters for processing polymers, highly precise spinning pumps, and pulsation-free dosing systems & basic reactors.

To find out more, see below. T 01386 423 756 www.suurmond.co.uk

Volkmann: Ideas ahead

In this issue of Industry Update, we are delighted to select Volkmann GmbH as our transport and bulk material handling Company of the Month.

Volkmann is a leading German manufacturer of sanitary and safe Vacuum Conveyors and Powder Handling Systems: seen as the most secure systems for powder handling and explosion risk protection and prevention. The market-leading ranges of Vacuum Cownveyors were the first to be fully certified under European ATEX regulation for all dust and very soon, also gas explosion zones.

Volkmann GmbH was founded in 1973 by Jürgen and Ingrid Volkmann, as a consulting company for production automation. Thilo Volkmann has since headed the company from 1992, from the headquarters in Soest, Westphalia, Germany.

Volkmann UK Ltd was founded in 2001 by Michael Walker and the new Managing Director is Byron Fipkin. The UK daughter company is based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and there are also now several companies around the world such as: Volkmann France, Volkmann Netherlands, Volkmann USA and Volkmann Japan.

We caught up MD Byron Fipkin for more insight,

“Volkmann is a specialist in the transport and handling of bulk materials. Volkmann offers customers from the chemical, food processing and pharmaceutical industry class leading standards as well as individually planned and produced systems for the safe, hygienic and user-friendly handling of powders and bulk materials.

Volkmann supports customers in solving their conveying tasks, from the initial idea right up to the finished plant.

This is our strength.

We act responsibly and pay particular attention to the perfect interaction between our and other systems applied in the process. Our expertise in consulting and design, together with the high quality of manufacture and flexibility within the company, offer the best recipe for the success of a project as well as for the satisfaction of the users, thanks to equipment and plants that can be operated simply and safely.

Pigeonhole thinking is frowned upon at our company.

We find it predictable to offer and manufacture only the standard catalogue items time and again. Short processing times and adhering to sophisticated customer standards even in manufacturing and one-off order quantities keep us ‘on the run’ and gives us greater satisfaction.

Customers know that we care much about safety and come to us for training in operators' seminars for good and safe daily usage and maintenance of our systems as well as process planners' seminars with the theory of how and why it comes to explosions and the general overview on the design of safe systems in the field of powder handling.

Our PowTReX series enables the efficient reprocessing of build excess metal powder for applications in Metal AM. The integrated vacuum conveyor handles the feeding of the powder - e.g. directly from the build

frame of the 3D printer. The recovered powder can be filled into bottles or containers or conveyed by pipe to downstream machines.”

Looking to the future, Volkmann UK are actively sourcing new facilities for further expansion. This new planned facility will feature a state-of-the-art test centre, where customer product trials can be conducted on-site.

“We are also developing a quick-ship programme for our most popular items to allow customers to receive deliveries of certain parts and even whole conveyors with a greatly reduced lead time,” concluded Byron.

For more information, see the website below: www.uk.volkmann.info/company/

Cost-effective in-house sign and label production

The new Rebo SMS R1 is a revolution in industrial label printing technology, with the latest advanced touchscreen technology, offering precision-printing at 300DPI. This in-house sign and label production technology is ideally suited across a range of industries from engineering, HVAC, alternative energy markets, plant processing, facilities management, manufacturing, R&D, scientific/analytical processing and many more applications.

It has been expertly designed for the following bespoke applications:

t LO/TO labelling and tags

t maintenance labelling

t Health and Safety

t cable and wire marking

t pipe identification

t tank and valve identification

t part of product labelling

t shutdown/Turnaround labelling

t prototype labelling

t plant and equipment labelling

The Dutch company Rebo B.V. is at the forefront of industrial printing ergonomics and this latest addition to the family: Rebo SMS R1 guides users through the operations step-by-step for flawless sign and label production, every time. The slide-in cassette and automatic tape load functionality, makes changing materials a walk in the park!

The new innovation is capable of fast in-house product labelling, using a wide range of 14 sharp colours and amazingly, in any shape you desire. As a fully-functional desktop product and with excellent USB/Network connectivity, you can say goodbye to outdated, cumbersome machinery. It is compatible with almost all everyday software, including design software like Adobe/CAD or Rebo recommended label software.

With fast, accurate functionality, and a small footprint the SMS R1 will slot right into any work environment effortlessly.

Label stock holding is now obsolete- introducing the SMS R1, stocks of multiple size labels are no longer required and as it uses one width of material, all cutting to dimensions are seamlessly carried out. This compact, next-generational machinery is faster

– on-demand – and lower cost than external label printing companies, without any of the inconvenient proofing delays!

The capabilities of the SMS R1 are endless: powered by the latest thermal transfer printing technology, the SMS R1 has a full production speed of 100mm/s. The meticulous, accurate printing process produces unmatched print and cut lengths and the touchscreen makes this the most user-friendly print & cut system yet!

Ultra versatile print technology

The SMS R1 offers flexibility across a spectrum of printing needs, with its in-built durability. These include the following materials:

t glow-in-the-dark

t reflective

t hologram

t five and ten-year outdoor vinyl

t metallised polyester

t long-life polyester

t hi-visibility

Across a broad range of applications, the SMS R1 can bring sign and label production to life, with cutting-edge technology.

Bespoke, specialist printing every time

The SMS R1 is the master of unique, customised ‘one-offs’ and built for specialist, low volume production runs. Designed to take the headache out of industry-standard, professional-looking prototype label sets, this is the perfect addition to in-house industrial printing technology. Rebo offer unparalleled pictogram library images (over 5,000), fully compliant with ISO/NEN and all certified bodies.

Next-generational level of productivity

Designed to seamlessly deliver small labels in long runs of over ten metres, mixed label sizes and styles, accurately cut into batches- the fully-equipped SMS R1 is ready to take your printing to the next level. The maximum length of any print job is now an astonishing 12 metres, making long or large productions effortless and second-nature.

Time to go in-house: forget external printing companies

If you’ve always thought that in-house sign and

label production was a luxury beyond reach, the SMS R1 is a game-changer. From MRO, manufacturing, to process industry, more and more companies are taking the leap and enjoying the benefits of the SMS R1. This investment provides huge returns on flexibility and customisation, with just-intime labelling always keeping material stock to a minimum, giving peace of mind day in, day out. That’s not all- due to the additional ribbon saving feature, there is no ribbon loss during printing and can save companies up to 40% on current supply costs. Furthermore, the tape rolls are longer, allowing you to produce more for less and with an extra laminate function, extra label protection can easily be added.

The age of sustainability and H&S: circular economy to REACH

With the onus on the UK Government's 2050 netzero target and a huge push towards recycling on large, industrial scales, the SMS R1 comes with fully recyclable material and no nasties: no toxic solvents, plasticisers and is fully REACH- compliant. The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) European regulation was set up to protect human health and the wider environment from the unlawful usage of chemicals and pertains to all chemical substances manufactured, imported and placed within the European Community. For UK companies looking to contribute to the circular economy and simultaneously meet European-wide H&S guidelines, then the SMS R1 is the perfect investment for your company. The complete printing process occurs internally within the printer, negating all concerns around dust, dirt or grease, making this a H&S dream all round.

Global availability

With an ever-increasing network, Rebo now has well-established distribution across the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle-East. The expert Rebo-team are happy to offer on-site demonstrations of the SMS R1 to all interested parties.

Find out more about how the SMS R1 can add value to your manufacturing today through cost savings and greater flexibility.

T +31 35 601 69 41

clinton@rebo.nl

www.rebo.nl/en/sms-r1-multicolour-printer/

Introducing the new SMS R1 -

desktop

‘colour and cut’ sign and labelling system

Unlocking Success 6 Discount Strategies for Printing Companies

What’s the point in discounting? Which discounting strategy should your print shop choose? And which tactics should you adopt for your campaign? Here’s the Soyang guide.

To Discount or Not to Discount?

There are times when discounting can be a smart move to help nudge customers in your direction, remind a lapsed customer you’re there, increase the value of an order or say thank you.

Then there are times when discounting may not be helpful — or even harm your business over the long term.

So how do you know which is the right print discount strategy for you?

Which Print Discount Strategy?

Think of your printing discount strategy as the ‘why’ of the exercise. After all, there’s no point in discounting for discounting’s sake. There are numerous potential strategies for your discounting. You might want to:

t Make an impact (for example, when launching your business)

t Increase your market share

t Challenge the competition

t Lock in customer loyalty

Of these, only the last strategy is largely risk-free and unconfrontational (that is, it doesn’t set you against any other print provider). Every discount has a cost to you, but the cost is easier to offset when you know the customer is going to keep spending with you.

Challenging the market, making an impact and challenging the competition — unlike discounting for loyalty — are confrontational strategies that can deliver big results, but they also present greater risk. Start a discounting war with a competitor who has deep pockets and a competitive spirit, for example, could cost you more than it earns.

Whatever your strategy, consider these tactics:

FREE DOWNLOAD: Top Print Industry Pain Points And How To Resolve Them

6 Discount Strategies for Print Companies

1. The discount voucher

Finding customers is the first major challenge for every print business. It’s a challenge made more difficult by

the fact that many potential customers will be loyal to their existing print supplier. They may have built up relationships and ways of working that span years.

It’ll take more than 10% off a first order to prise those people away from their current supplier.

For others, however, the relationship will be far less solid. Whatever reason they choose to use their existing printer (convenience, cost, geography, habit etc) a discount code could be enough to convince them to give you a try. And one opportunity may be all you need to create a loyal customer.

You could offer the discount via social media. Better still (given you’re a printer), if you’re targeting a geographic area, drop a leaflet into local businesses. It may even give you a chance to strike up conversations.

2. The VIP card

You know how frustrating it is to have been a longstanding customer of any organisation and feel taken for granted. When the best insurance/mobile phone/broadband packages keep going to the newbies, it’s easy to feel as though a company doesn’t care about keeping you. It’s the same for print.

Offering ongoing discounts to reward loyalty — perhaps as part of a trade customer scheme; perhaps with a loyalty or VIP card (of the sort you might get in a coffee shop) that rewards either volume order or spend — can help ensure customers feel that they’ll always get the best deal with you.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Top Print Industry Pain Points And How To Resolve Them

3. The products specific discount code

Two of the challenges of launching a new service are that i) you need to let customers know what the service is and ii) you need to encourage them to give it a try.

A discount targeted specifically at the new product can help do that and has the advantage of ensuring that you tightly control the costs of the campaign.

4. Seasonal discounts

You know when your peak season is, and you would

probably never consider discounting during it because you simply don’t need to.

But you may also have a quieter period when you need to drum up additional business to keep your print shop team busy. Targeting discounts at those quieter periods can help support this.

If you have a quiet month or quarter, consider running a campaign throughout the period, increasing the discounts or benefits with each additional order.

5. Bulk buys

A simple but effective way of driving volume business is to discount larger order quantities or values. Always be aware of your print shop’s capability to deliver. There’s no point offering discounts on volumes you’d struggle to service.

6. The ‘thank you’ discount

Offer your customer a discount on their birthday, at Christmas, on the anniversary of them opening your account with you – or just because.

It’s a great loyalty builder (or loyalty retainer), but it’s also a good way to encourage lapsed customers, that is, those who haven’t shopped with you in a while, to give you another try.

The Most Important Print Discount Strategy of All?

Don’t discount if you don’t have to Money off isn’t always the answer. Too much discounting too regularly will give your print company a reputation as a discounter – and that can be a tough reputation to shake.

It’s good to use discounting as part of a range of measures to win and retain customers. Discover alternative strategies to discounting.

And if your discounting is having the desired effect and bringing lots more business your way, you’ll need, talk to us.

soyang.co.uk

Last-Minute Packaging Essentials: Don't Let Your Customers Down this Christmas!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and as a business owner, you're gearing up to fulfil an influx of Christmas orders. But what happens when you realise that you're running low on packaging supplies? Don't fret; it's not too late to stock up on your packaging essentials with Springpack and ensure that you meet your customers' expectations during this festive season. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the last-minute packaging rush and keep your customers delighted.

Shipping Boxes: Make sure you have an ample supply of sturdy shipping boxes. These are the backbone of your packaging. Don't risk damaging your products with insufficient or flimsy boxes. Choose a variety of box sizes to accommodate different products.

Void Fill: To protect delicate items from the jostling and rough handling during shipping, bubble wrap is a must-have. You can never have too much of it! Consider using our eco-friendly options to show your commitment to sustainability.

Tape: High-quality packaging tape is essential for sealing boxes securely. Ensure you have enough rolls to last through the season. Look for tape with strong

adhesive qualities like E-Tape, especially if you're dealing with heavy or oddly-shaped items.

Bespoke Packaging: Enhance the festive spirit with banded / customised packaging. Branded boxes and personalised messages can add a special touch to your customers' experience, making them feel valued and appreciated.

Labels: The unsung heroes of packaging. Don't forget shipping labels and return labels. They help in efficient order tracking and simplifying the return process.

Mailers: For clothing and soft goods, mailing bags are lightweight and cost-effective, ensuring your items arrive in pristine condition. Opt for our ecofriendly SimplyECO mailers made from recycled material.

Stretch Film / Pallet Wrap: If you're shipping pallets, stretch film secures your products in place and prevents shifting during transit. It's an often overlooked essential for businesses dealing with larger or irregularly shaped items.

Fragile Stickers: Highlight the fragility of your packages with "Handle with Care" stickers to reduce

the risk of mishandling. These labels can protect your delicate items from accidental damage during transit.

Tape Dispensers: These tools speed up the sealing process and ensures a neat finish. It's a time-saver and helps maintain a professional appearance in your packaging.

Quality Control: Before sending out your packages, double-check for any errors, missing items, or damaged goods. Quality control is paramount to maintaining your reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Communication: Keep your customers informed about shipping deadlines, potential delays, and order tracking. Clear and timely communication can go a long way in maintaining customer satisfaction.

With these last-minute packaging essentials in your arsenal from Springpack, you can confidently fulfil your Christmas orders and keep your customers happy. Remember, it's not too late to stock up on these essentials we offer next day delivery, and by doing so, you'll ensure a seamless and joyful holiday shopping experience for both you and your valued customers.

Josero adds the Fujifilm Flatbed Acuity Prime to It’s wide-format print portfolio

Wide-format equipment distributor and Soyang Europe business Josero is expanding the group’s relationship with Fujifilm, announcing an appointment as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner to supply the range to customers in the UK.

This news follows Soyang Europe’s deal to sell the Acuity Ultra R2 in the UK market in May 2022, and a number of key partnerships won by Josero in recent months.

The Fujifilm Acuity Prime flatbed delivers quality printing on various rigid and flexible media options for a range of applications, supported by its five dedicated vacuum zones and jettable primer.

With maximum print speeds up to 150m2 p/hr and low energy LED curing, the Fujifilm Acuity Prime balances quality, efficiency, and price point across all models.

The recommended Fujifilm Uvijet HM UV LED inks are manufactured within the UK at the World’s Largest UV Ink plant making supply continuous and accessible.

Sarah Winterbottom, Group Sales Director, Soyang/Josero, comments: “The Fujifilm Acuity Prime is the perfect high production, high quality flatbed addition to Josero’s offering. It’s a great time for us to be strengthening our partnership, as businesses are looking for versatility,

efficiency and quality in a cost-effective solution. We can’t wait to start showing our customers what the range can do!”

Andy Webb, UK Sales Manager Wide-Format Inkjet, Fujifilm UK, adds: “We are delighted to have Josero on board as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner. Josero has

a great track record within the industry for being a trusted company with a focus on delivering high levels of customer service, and we as a company decided that they are the kind of partner we want to go to market with our Acuity Prime flatbed. We look forward to building a long-term partnership with Josero and its parent company Soyang Europe.”

London Packaging Week Review

London Packaging Week once again delivers

London Packaging Week is a series of four events: Packaging Première, PCD, PLD, and Food & Consumer Pack, designed to bring a new, sharper focus on packaging developments for the capital’s key luxury, beauty & drinks, and FMCG markets.

Over the 21st - 22nd of September 2023, the must-attend event attracted hundreds of packaging designers, developers, buyers and suppliers that connected with potential customers and new prospects, whilst doing business in a time and cost-effective way.

London Packaging Week 2023 had a packed conference program with a number of industry professionals leading talks, discussions and seminars on some of the industry’s most relatable topics across the four events. It more than delivered on a broad range of topics from some of the UK’s leading packaging and brand experts who came together to address the key issues that the industry faces today.

From sustainability and optimising e-commerce to trending topics, harnessing

innovative materials and packaging design, each stage focussed on the vertical markets of beauty & drinks, food, fashion and other luxury categories.

Beauty & Drinks welcomed talks titled ‘Sustainable Packaging: Purpose, Expectations and Solutions’ and ‘Launch of O-I: EXPRESSIONS SIGNATURE’. Luxury welcomed talks on ‘Specialised Packaging: Product Launches that Captivate Audiences’ and ‘Reducing Packaging Cost whilst Maintaining Luxury Cues’. Food & Consumer welcomed talks on ‘The Right Packaging Solution Every Time’ and ‘DEFRA: How Policy Innovation is Key to Delivering an Economic and Effective Government Resources and Waste Strategy’.

From Presentation/Gift Packaging and Primary Packs for Skincare to Flexible Plastic Packaging, Design and Prototyping services and Contract Filling, Manufacturing and Fulfilment services, London Packaging Week 2023 housed a diverse range of exhibitors from all over the world to the capital to showcase their latest innovations and packaging solutions.

London Packaging Week 2024 will take place on the 11-12 September at ExCel London.

www.londonpackagingweek.com

The future of packaging is

here

In today’s growing marketplace, it has never been more important for brands to stand out from the crowd, a task that’s easier said than done. A products packaging not only needs to be functional, but it needs to attract, engage, and connect with consumers.

Furthermore, brands can now unite the digital with the physical world through their product packaging, labels, and print using evolving and emerging technology such as QR Codes and Augmented Reality. Customer journeys can then continue through websites or dedicated landing pages that are designed to engage, interact, and strengthen the relationship between a customer and a brand. So,

packaging and labels no longer just serve a purpose, they are intrinsic to the overall customer experience beyond the checkout.

Delga innovates and enables customer projects to reach their potential in today’s connected and highly engaging marketplace utilising its experienced and talented staff as well as its state-ofthe-art software and manufacturing capabilities. Are you ready to push the limits and stretch the imagination? Delga can help you create a packaging experience that not only showcases your product but also engages and delights your customers.

Contact: www.delga.co.uk/contact-delga

The 11th annual Engineering Design Show Bracing for the next memory shortage

Calling all design engineers, are you looking for direct access to the latest products, services and innovations to the sector?

For over 10 years, The Engineering Design Show (EDS) has been showcasing the very best of mechanical, electronics and embedded design.

The Coventry Building Society Arena welcomed a record number of 4000+ visitors to EDS 2023, who were all keen to learn about the latest industry innovations and advancements. Over 200 exhibitors showcased their latest products and services from electronics to mechanical design and manufacturing.

EDS offered a safe place to network and meet face-to-face with new contacts, existing customers, peers and other sector experts. Hosting over 50 conference sessions and workshops over the two days, visitors had full and free access to attend seminars in three conference theatres and

two workshop theatres. Just some of the seminars available to attend included ‘Engineering Design at the UK's Atomic Weapons Establishment’, ‘Product Design for Production. How To Avoid Line-Stops and Reduce Costs’, and ‘Solving Intractable Physics: Accelerating Electric Vehicle Battery Development with AI’.

Take a look at some of our Top Exhibitors from the show.

The Engineering Design Show will return to The Coventry Building Society Arena on the 9th - 10th of October 2024.

www.engineeringdesignshow.co.uk

Global industrial storage manufacturer join Simms at EDS 2023

At the Engineering Design Show, Simms International and their global manufacturing partners exhibited a range of innovative memory and storage solutions for engineers. As a distributor of memory and storage with more than 30 years’ experience in working with OEMs, ECMs, system builders and technology designers - joining Simms were their colleagues from around the globe including experts from Innodisk, Intelligent Memory, ATP, Kingston Technology, and Exascend.

Simms and the experts were available to speak to on the stand as well as out dedicated meeting hub, with both days spent discussing solutions to challenges around power and heat management, rapid technological advancements, compatibility and standardisation, and much more. On show was a variety of products including the likes of industrial SSD, microSD, DRAM, eMMC, available in the latest form factors, as well as legacy generations depending on system goals and optimisation.

Outside of showcasing the variety of memory and storage available to

engineers right now, our partner –Innodisk - showcased highly customisable camera modules for AI and computer vision use. Such modules are used in a variety of applications related to attendees at the event producing systems such as ATMs and hospital bedside infotainment systems.

Find out more about our industrial and embedded storage solutions at simms. co.uk.

T +44 (0)1622 852 800 sales@simms.co.uk www.simms.co.uk

At EDS booth K53, memory distributor MEMPHIS Electronic will provide insights into the highly volatile memory market. Based on its 30+ years of experience in the global distribution of memory products, MEMPHIS can provide advice on current pricing and delivery trends in DRAM and Flash components as well as modules.

Industry experts all agree that the memory market has reached an inflection point and prices will increase as inventory levels go down. Based on the insights from MEMPHIS’ unmatched line-card of over 18 memory manufacturers, it can assess the delivery situation of memory products and develop a purchasing plan that helps industrial customers secure availability while taking advantage of current low prices.

At EDS, MEMPHIS also highlights its DRAM Module Configuration Service. Customers simply select the criteria like DRAM technology,

form factor, capacity, speed, data width, temperature range, etc., and MEMPHIS will configure and manufacture the specific DRAM modules over the required product lifetime.

With 14 locations worldwide, MEMPHIS supports product development from the local design-in to offshore manufacturing locations and as part of long-term contracts can store products in one of its warehouses that is closest to the manufacturing site.

MEMPHIS Electronic, sales@memphis.de www.memphis.de

Review Display Systems

Review Display Systems has been at the forefront of display, embedded, design and manufacturing solutions for over 40 years. At the forthcoming Engineering Design Show (EDS), Review Display Systems will be showcasing a range of the latest embedded computing technology, design and display solutions including:

t Technology demonstrations for machine vision-based facial recognition, an intelligent smart locker system showing the Sensconnect range of software and hardware, and a powerful car lift solution with in-camera security.

t A new range of high-performance, small-size TFT display modules.

t High bright TFT displays with a dimmable backlight.

t Zero power E-paper displays.

t AAEON Boxer industrial PCs and powerful tablet HMI solutions.

t AMT touch solutions.

t State of the art Industrial motherboards, capable of driving four independent displays at 4K.

t OLED displays and solutions.

t Industrial keyboard and trackball solutions for military and marine use.

t Cable looms, connectors are wiring solutions provided by GTK.

Whatever your project, start a conversation with Review Display Systems on booth H24 at the Engineering Design Show or contact us on: 01959 563345, email: info@ review-displays.co.uk or visit: www.review-displays.co.uk

Herd Group delivers a bespoke sign-written van fleet for Bansal

Bansal have updated their fleet with brandnew bespoke sign-written vans from Herd Group, the Mercedes Benz Luton’s have been specially converted to ease the Bansal delivery operation.

Bansal, a specialist provider of leading commercial bathroom and washroom products, were looking for a commercial fleet solution with a totally bespoke cargo area to fulfil safe and cost-effective delivery of their products and opted for a fleet of Benz L3 Progressive RWD with tail lift.

Almost all manufacturers build Luton vans to certain specifications, which is great if you can find one that fits all your needs, however, Bansal wanted a solution to allow safe and secure handling and delivery of challenging and unconventional items.

At Herd Group, we do more – we work with every individual customer to develop a fleet solution suitable for them to drive more business, more profits, more quickly, more easily and more simply. so that our customers can get more done.

Bansal required a solution to deliver often termed ‘ugly freight’, items that are difficult to transport due to their size, shape, and weight.

The requirement was for a higher than standard Luton, with a bigger footprint, thus still allowing for a good payload with metal floor and kick plates to prevent internal vehicle damage.

Adapted with a bespoke size tail lift and more load lok bars, their new fleet solution ensures product fulfilment and logistics, are cost effective along with being health and safety complaint.

Herd Group Area Manager, Mark Scott, said, “A big part of my job is to consult with the customer about their individual business needs. Herd is not a one size fits all company, we come up with bespoke solutions whether it’s based on service, financials, safety, spec, environmental – it could be a combination of things.”

understanding of the requirement as well as making sure everyone is happy with the overall result.”

Mukesh Nathwani, Finance and Operations Director, said, “I was introduced to Mark Scott at Herd Group around 3 years ago and have always found them very flexible to work with. Because of this bespoke vehicle requirement, we needed a trustworthy provider that delivered on their promises and Herd delivered with excellent account management.”

“In this case Bansal had just started a new area of their business, which resulted in new demands for their deliveries. The consultation process included multiple key members of their team, including drivers, managers, and directors, which gave me a great

Herd Group offers the most comprehensive range of commercial vehicle and fleet solutions available, keeping things admirably simple and straightforward for everyone involved. Our total commitment to providing exceptional customer CARE and a can-do attitude is key to everything we do – nothing is ever too much.

T 01372 747333 www.herdgroup.co.uk

SEMOTA: sense, monitor, trigger, act

The new remote monitoring solution from interface force

SEMOTA is a hardware and software solution with a web-based application that enables the remote monitoring of any load cell, force, torque or pressure sensor, using our Wi-Fi enabled hardware.

SEMOTA Continuous Remote Monitoring provides dynamic dashboard views of your events, analysis and device control. Information can be captured and stored for review and in depth analysis. Linkage to common messaging systems deliver live alerts for device management. Tailor and build applications to suit your needs and devices. Read more below, then complete the form and we’ll arrange a demonstration.

THREE YEARS STORAGE

Whether your data is needed every day or every few seconds, SEMOTA is optimised to receive, compute, and return millions of data points across the globe.

LIVE DASHBOARDS

Using SEMOTA point-and-click application development tools, create real-time dashboards

to analyse data and control devices. Visualize data with SEMOTA stock graphs, charts, tables, indicators, maps, metrics, and control widgets or develop your own using the HTML canvas and your own code. Share your data through public links, or by embedding dashboards into custom web applications.

EVENTS ENGINE

Add conditional and complex business logic to your hardware with triggered webhooks for M2M communication, and SMS, Email, Telegram, and Slack alerts to keep operators on-the-ball and informed.

SYNTHETIC VARIABLES

Transform raw data into insights with Synthetic Variables that compute complex math formulas and statistical expressions.

USER MANAGEMENT

With SEMOTA cloud software, you can build applications to best fit the operator’s needs. SEMOTA administrators can configure permissions and

restrictions to any end user or operator who interacts with dashboards, devices, and/or events. Need a user to be able to oversee multiple organisations? Not a problem. You can optionally add more users or organisations to your account and we can configure your users to best suit your application.

Unlock a world of possibilities with Cirrus Research and Quantum 2.3

With a rich history dating back to 1970, Cirrus Research stands as a global pillar in the noise measurement industry, boasting over half a century of dedication to mitigating the risks of excessive noise exposure and environmental noise pollution.

As a leader in noise monitoring solutions, the team at Cirrus Research work hard to continuously deliver the best noise and environmental monitoring solutions on the market. This includes consistently improving existing solutions, such as the Quantum Outdoor and Quantum Portal.

The latest cutting-edge release, Quantum 2.3, promises to revolutionise the user experience with a suite of new functionalities and userdriven enhancements.

Introducing Quantum for Motor Sports: Track Mode

Designed to be a game changer for motorsport venues, Track Mode comes with custom views, ensuring effortless noise management and compliance and a high-quality integrated race camera for clear video recording to identify vehicles that have breached legislation.

Features include:

t A user-friendly, browser-based interface

t Secure storage on dual redundant cloud servers

t Advanced event management with HD imagery capabilities

t Comprehensive customisation options for triggers, notifications, and more

t Seamless integration with the MyCirrus platform for account and user management

The Power of Open API

Quantum 2.3 boasts a feature-rich open API, giving users unparalleled data extraction and management flexibility. This API is your one-

stop solution for real-time noise, weather, gas and particulates and ground-bourne vibration data, allowing you to transform raw data into actionable insights and enhance the way you understand and interact with the world around you.

Features include:

t Real-time data access at your fingertips

t Unparalleled flexibility ensuring a tailor-made experience

t Infinite connectivity offering a seamless connection to a diverse range of data sources

t Data intelligence to enhance the innovation and creativity of your projects

t Peace of mind with safeguarded data from unauthorised access

Providing support for theTrolex Air XDi Sensor

Continuing with the commitment to versatile monitoring, Cirrus Research has now integrated support for the Trolex Air XDi Sensor, designed explicitly for high dust environments. The Air XDi provides accurate, reliable, real-time dust monitoring and is ideally suited for high dust concentration environments.

This device can now be added to the Quantum platform to ensure all your data is kept in the same place.

Find out more about the Trolex Air XDi Sensor on their website.

Evolving User Experience

This update has developed and evolved the customer experience and interface to make it more user-friendly with features such as:

t Enhanced event viewing, including audio playback, ensuring accurate event source identification

t Improved custom and auto-scaling functionalities on graphs for sharper data visualisation

t Personalised first-time setup to make the process smoother and more straightforward

t Dark mode for those who prefer less glare from their screens, providing reduced battery drain on mobile devices

t Detailed Instrument Focus View offering a comprehensive perspective on data, settings, health, stats, and more

Within the Quantum Portal, organisations can now amplify their branding by displaying their logo, offering a personal touch to the noise monitoring process.

This update also provides other fixes, including an issue with the date picker, and an issue when navigating from event quick view to event viewer, plus numerous other bug fixes and tweaks.

If you’re interested in trying out any of the new features on the Quantum Portal, you can do so by accessing the Quantum Demo.

For more information and to explore the cuttingedge noise and vibration monitoring solutions by Cirrus Research, please get in touch with our noise experts.

Oliver Valvetek Double Gate Valves on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

Oliver Valvetek has manufactured a number of 1” Double Block Subsea Gate Valves with manual and hydraulic actuation destined for the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

This dual functioning valve consists of a 1” hydraulic gate valve and a 1” multi-turn manual Gate valve both positioned on a single unitary forged valve block for dual redundancy and functionality.  This unique and customised design brings additional benefits to subsea tree engineers in that it now provides flexibility to be used as standalone and fully functioning valves on other applications of the tree due to its standardised valve footprint.

To date, Oliver Valvetek has manufactured more than 150 double gate valves with the hydraulic gate valve being a coil spring design as specified by the end-user.

Interestingly, a continental shelf is a

shallow and relatively flat stretch of seabed that extends from the shoreline to water depths of around 200 metres, before dropping off to deeper waters in what’s called the continental slope.

The importance of the continental shelf to Norway is that it holds huge natural resources such as oil and gas, but also fishing. The best-known fishing areas are found on the Shelf and at the edges where it meets the deep sea. Under international law, coastal states are entitled to their continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles from their shores with some exceptions made to lengthen this, with NCS being one.

For information on how Oliver Valvetek can provide subsea valve solutions for your project, telephone +44(0)1565 632 636 or visit our website at www. valves.co.uk

Powering Up Subsea Operations

In the ever-evolving realm of underwater technology, German firm SubCtech stands out with its innovative approach to ocean monitoring and subsea power solutions. Guided by the expertise of founder and CEO Stefan Marx, and COO Sören Johannsen, the company has carved out a significant niche in this highly specialised industry. Both here discuss SubCtech’s pioneering products, the challenges of subsea engineering and the sustainability of modern subsea energy storage.

Based in Kiel, Germany, SubCtech has two primary business units – Ocean Monitoring and Ocean Power. The company began by manufacturing products to monitor seawater quality, and, over time, its focus evolved to meet the increasing demand for battery power underwater.

From its relatively small beginnings, crafting small underwater batteries, the firm now boasts a staggering 1 MWh battery storage system set to be in operational use from beginning of 2024.

SubCtech’s Ocean Power unit manufactures subsea batteries that can be deployed aboard underwater vehicles – particularly unmanned vehicles – or as backups for Oil & Gas industry applications offshore. To ensure its customers are comprehensively serviced, the Ocean Power unit is subdivided into three sectors: offshore energy, underwater vehicles, and standard subsea power products.

According to founder and CEO Stefan Marx, SubCtech’s Ocean Power unit offers both standard batteries and bespoke solutions: “We are able to offer solutions that fit into the customer’s available space and within its weight limitations – that’s where our roots lie, and that’s the service that has delivered our growth thus far.”

Record-breaking storage

The company’s engineering prowess was on full display in late 2023, with SubCtech’s unveiling of the latest, greatest and biggest battery that it has ever produced: a jawdropping 1MWh battery storage system.

The battery, which was produced to order for a client, is the

first subsea MWh battery in the world. But it is also only one amongst many other batteries sold by SubCtech each year. The company’s off-the-shelf battery solutions – dubbed ‘Big Jim’ and ‘Long John’ – are perennial best-sellers. Both battery units have standard physical dimensions and similar weights, but the innards can be customised according to the customer’s specific requirements, including for both the capacity and voltage, both within set limitations.

For vehicle-based solutions, SubCtech offers three different standard battery housing diameters, namely 260mm, 310mm and 416mm internal diameter sizes. Bespoke sizes, energy, power and voltage ranges are meanwhile available on request.

Quality German engineering

SubCtech was founded in 2010 by current CEO Stefan Marx, who boasts over 30 years’ experience working in oceanrelated industries in various scientific and business roles. The company was originally headquartered in a small town near Kiel, but soon moved into Kiel proper, where its staff-count has gradually risen from 20 to 80, in order to accommodate growing demand for the company’s products.

Following several relocations around Kiel to accommodate its growing workforce and workload, SubCtech has put down roots via the construction of its own production space. Its new facility includes 1,300sqm of covered space and 1,500sqm of outdoor/storage areas. A move to a 4,000sqm building is planned.

SubCtech’s products are qualified according to military standards, and all are certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), an internationally accredited registrar and classification society headquartered in Norway. This DNV certification, which seeks to guarantee the safeguarding of life, property and the environment, ensures not only total peace of mind for users of the company’s products but crucially, it is also a legal qualification for any equipment fitted to the deck of a vessel.

The importance of materials

SubCtech sources the highest-quality raw materials from around the world for the construction of its products. COO Sören Johannsen highlights the reason that’s so important:

“The steps from prototyping to operational use for any material and any product is a long process involving testing and certifications. There’s a big difference with the quality of materials used underwater and our task is to sell a fully qualified, 100 per cent-secure product.”

One of these materials is titanium, which is used for every battery’s pressure hull. The pressure hull and most of the battery’s internal components are manufactured at SubCtech.

“We build most of the components in-house, including the pressure vessel,” Mr Marx says. “We also develop and produce the battery management systems,

hardware, software, testing, control systems and all battery components in-house. While we’d prefer to use existing products, so many components that our products need for deep-sea operations simply aren’t available on the market, and so we have to make them ourselves.”

The same applies to the company’s production machinery and even its testbed equipment, almost all of which had to be developed and built in-house since it simply didn’t exist to buy.

Perhaps mercifully, then, one of the most important components – the lithium battery cells themselves – are sourced from well-known producers with whom SubCtech has supply contracts.

Sustainable electric power

While rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have become commonplace in the daily lives of most consumers, it’s a relatively new technology where subsea operations are concerned. “It’s a big step forward for the subsea industry and it’s an important topic for us,” Mr Marx confirms. “Particularly in terms of the way in which it improves the sustainability of the industry.

“First, because we’re replacing primary batteries with rechargeable batteries, and secondly, because hydraulic systems are being replaced by battery-electric systems which have a design life of 25 years, so it’s very robust and that makes it very sustainable because clients don’t have to replace it frequently. Lowering CAPEX and OPEX costs is important – it’s beneficial to us, our customers and our partners, and ultimately it will lower energy prices.”

At the end of one of SubCtech’s battery lives, all of the components can be recycled. Customers can simply return the batteries to SubCtech, which then forwards them to specialist partners for recycling. Although they’re also fully recyclable, the titanium pressure hulls housing SubCtech’s batteries have an endless design life and are simply reused by the customer.

The recycling process must follow strict legal guidelines to ensure full transparency, as Mr Johannsen points out: “Recycling is strictly regulated by German law, requiring that every item we recycle be documented so that the flow back to raw material is also documented.”

Concluding, Mr Marx highlights how the company’s best assets are driving it forward: “We’ve learned over the years that even as a medium-sized company, we’re able to move the world a little bit. Today, we have the best products with a great reputation and a high-quality team. In my 30 years in the industry, that’s the recipe for success.”

Health & Safety Update

Make your project possible

DCON Safety Consultants Limited offers leading health and safety consultancy and construction statute advice services. The company prioritises and specialises in the highest levels of informed and intelligent advice, senior project resource allocation and compliance assurance. Informed by industry expertise, DCON Safety Consultants Limited knows that every project has potential risks, no matter what its potential benefits, so its team of highly experienced construction professionals helps to ensure clients’ statutory conformity.

Upon gaining understanding of the specific needs, goals and desires of each client and their project, DCON Safety Consultants Limited is dedicated to implementing a design and construction management plan that will meet or

exceed these requirements. And, DCON Safety Consultants Limited ensures that there is honesty, integrity, trust and professionalism underpinning every project. Moreover, the company’s services are centred on three delivery principles:

▼ Maximising Quality: The company implements proven health, safety and wellbeing strategies to help clients achieve high quality and cost-effective work commensurate with the design of their projects.

▼ Minimising Risk: The company effectively manages design and delivery risk on projects to match each client’s desired risk level profile.

▼ Managing Compliance: The company relies on its extensive background working on a wide variety of projects to assist clients in developing, monitoring and maintaining compliance performance.

This excellent service would not be possible without the leadership of Diarmuid Condon, a construction industry leader who brings unique perspectives to encourage, support and mentor the abilities of his colleagues. As a construction professional with a surveying background and experience

spanning two decades, Diarmuid is emblematic of DCON Safety Consultants Limited’s commitment to providing outstanding services to clients. Diarmuid has contributed his invaluable expertise to over 400 projects over 20 years, with a client list including public sector departments, corporate owners, real estate developers, main contractors, design professionals and infrastructural bodies. With this incredible portfolio, Diarmuid is helping DCON Safety Consultants Limited to become a leader in health and safety consultancy across the construction industry.

Key to DCON Safety Consultants Limited’s services is working as a Project Supervisor for the Design Process and CDM Advisor in various sectors across the Irish construction market. No project is too simple or too complex for the company’s construction safety consultants, all of whom are construction professionals with an average of 20 years’ experience in the built environment. The ability to maximise this knowledge and skillset means DCON Safety Consultants Limited can generate distinctive and innovative ideas from traditional PSDP service inputs and outputs.

Additionally, DCON Safety Consultants Limited offers planning compliance assurance services. The ability to strategically support a positive planning decision is exclusive to the company. Its Draft Construction Management Plans (DCMP) inform the overall planning, coordination and control of a project from the beginning of construction to completion. The DCMP also safeguards the obligation placed upon a client to produce a safe, functional and financially viable project.

DCON Safety Consultants Limited also provides its main contractor clients with intelligent, practical, and reasonable physical site safety advice to support compliance and good practice adherence. Behavioural safety outcomes inform how the company approaches each solution with the contractor and their supply chain, identifying opportunities for improvement.

To complement this, DCON Safety Consultants Limited can also help with clients’ health and safety strategy. Its holistic and integrated approach can help unlock substantial benefits for clients by providing a structured, objective and SMART framework for full optimisation through the creation of an environment that embraces health, safety and wellbeing.

This means DCON Safety Consultants Limited helps clients to improve their health, safety and environmental performance; enhance staff satisfaction thanks to improved performance; improve risk management and corporate governance with a clear audit trail; gain confidence from long-term planning, better sustainability and performance; and improve overall corporate reputation, including greater staff satisfaction and a more efficient procurement and supply chain.

Finally, DCON Safety Consultants Limited can offer a safety expert witness service, which is headed by Diarmuid himself. He has extensively supported safetyrelated matters, and is a certified and competent safety professional who will work with clients to identify exactly what kind of safety expert is needed. Then, he will use an extensive network of contacts to recruit the right person to protect clients’ interests.

DCON Safety Consultants Limited’s fantastic service offering and proven track record of offering leading health and safety consultancy services makes the company a worthy winner of our Commitment to Excellence award. Such achievements are proof that DCON Safety Consultants Limited is wellplaced to help ensure your safety, health and wellbeing and make your project possible.

If you are interested in finding out more information on DCON Safety Consultants Limited’s full range of excellent services, head to the website or get in touch directly using the contact details below.

T +353 (0)1 611 1556 diarmuid.condon@dconsafety.com www.dconsafety.com

The Aico|HomeLINK Community Awards to return for 2024

After the success of their first Community Awards in 2022, Aico|HomeLINK are bringing this spectacular event back for its second year, returning on Thursday 18th of April 2024, at the International Convention Centre Birmingham.

Hosted by Carl Jones, who presents Shropshire Business Live TV, and works across print, radio and TV, the awards ceremony will welcome over 400 guests and finalists for an evening of celebration, and recognition of excellence within the social housing industry and local community.

The evening will also include a special guest appearance. The Community Awards consists of 13 different categories, all of which are now open to enter:

t Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative

t Neighbourhood Transformation

t Resident Engagement

t Lifetime Achievement Award

t Woman in Fire Safety Award

t College Initiative of the Year

t Rising Star Award

t Electrical Contractor of the Year

t Inspirational Colleague of the Year

t Sustainability Project of the Year

t Best Distributor Community Initiative

t Collaborative Partnership

t Apprentice of the Year

Aico is delighted to launch the Apprentice of the Year Award for 2024. The award has been established to honour the brightest talents within the electrical industry. The top six candidates for this award will be invited to the Aico|HomeLINK Community Awards Ceremony, where the winner will be announced.

The Community Awards by Aico|HomeLINK are open for nominations to the public and organisations across the UK. Entries will be accepted until the 16th of February 2024. To enter an individual or organisation, please find the Community Awards entry forms here: www.aico.co.uk/news-and-events/ aicohomelink-community-awards-2024/

Neal Hooper, Managing Director of Aico, comments “We are thrilled to be bringing back the Community Awards, these awards are a celebration of the inspirational people and organisations within social housing and our local communities.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a key focus for Aico|HomeLINK. We believe it's about making a real difference in the lives of those around us, that’s why it’s so important to recognise the individuals and organisations who are going above and beyond to make their communities a better place. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the nominees at the Awards in April.”

The Aico|HomeLINK Community Awards are a unique opportunity to recognise the outstanding work that is being done by individuals and organisations across the UK to improve the lives and safety of others.

To find out more, and how to enter, please visit: www.aico.co.uk/news-and-events/ aicohomelink-community-awards-2024/

The first ever Machine Building Live

Machine Building Live (MBL) is the UK’s only event specifically for machine builders and system integrators and offers a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry professionals and keep up to date with the latest industry innovations, developments and problems.

The one-day event gifted the best opportunity to machine builders, system integrators and OEMs seeking to automate their processes and even offered a free breakfast to the early birds who arrived before 11am as well as a free visitor pass to the National Motorcycle Museum.

On the 4th October 2023, MBL hosted over 100 specialist exhibitors who immersed themselves amongst the busy crowds, showcasing their products and services whilst receiving feedback

from new and current customers.

From Beckhoff Automation and Crompton Controls to HepcoMotion and Matara UK Ltd, the event more than delivered a renewed optimism for the UK’s machine building and systems integration community.

Across the day many workshops took place from companies including PILZ, Lenze, Euchner, SICK, OMRON, and many more, completing a top-quality speaker programme that laid out a platform for the discussion, evaluation and discovery of the newest ideas and processes that have just been or yet to be introduced to the industry.

Don’t miss out on next year’s event which takes place on the 2nd October 2024 at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, 08:30 - 15:00.

www.machinebuilding.live

Drive technology of tomorrow –Smart System IHD

As a drive unit, the IHD defies the most diverse circumstances and requirements. Thanks to new, segmented winding technology, the AC servo motor of the IHD has a high-power density. The thermal optimisation of the IHD design also makes the system the perfect module for high performance applications in both stationary and mobile drive technology.

Other key features of the IHD System

t Freedom for programming.

t Future-oriented, sustainable and efficient, the IHD is ready for use as a smart system in no time.

t As rigid as a direct drive and as compact as a geared motor. Thanks to innovative technology, the IHD servo drive system performs highly rigid motion tasks. Precise positioning without the influence of the load from the application.

Solving demanding drive tasks

As a Smart System, the IHD is equipped with software tools including a thermal behaviour that can be evaluated quickly and conveniently. The IHD provides maximum performance for a wide range of applications, in particular, core aspects such as precision and stiffness.

Other technical features include:

t Low voltage supply 24/48 VDC

t Gear reduction ratios 50/100/160

t STO functionality

t Digital & analogue input

t Communication interfaces (Ethernet, EtherCAT, CANopen)

Decentralised drive via daisy chain

Each system can be assigned an individual address, so that the structure in a large machine network can be easily changed or supplemented depending on the task at hand. With IHD software solutions, initial programme sequences can be realised and motion sequences are user friendly.

www.harmonicdrive.co.uk

ID6000 Series, reading up to 90 codes a second

At the Machine Building Live 2023 show, Trevor Pearson and Jack Versey from Scorpion Vision exhibited with a powerful demonstration of the Smart Code Reader systems from HIKROBOT. Using the very latest product in the ID6000 series, it is capable of reading barcodes and matrix codes at an incredibly fast speed of 90 codes per second with remarkable accuracy.

Furthermore, the ID6000 series has the capability to be paired with a wide range of external integrated light sources. When coupled with advanced decoding algorithms, it can achieve an impressive depth of field effect

exceeding 700mm. This remarkable feature enables the camera to effectively capture and analyse packages that are within the range of 700mm. The Built-in AI enables vastly improved reading ability when the quality of the barcode label is poorly printed or even faded. The benefit of this new generation of smart code readers is seen in very robust reading performance resulting in lower maintenance costs with more tolerant machine reading than ever before.

www.scorpion.vision

mk Profile Systems

mk Profile Systems, the UK distributor for the mk Technology Group, showcased their products at Machine Building Live in October. They supply the complete mk Technology Group product range for the whole of the UK and Ireland and can provide the mk aluminium profiles and accessories in kit format, or as an assembled item.

mk Profiles can also assist with your design and selecting the most appropriate products from their range to create the best solution for your requirements. Similarly, the full range of mk conveyors and transfer systems can also be purchased via mk Profile Systems for any UK and Irish customers. Again, they can help with the design and realising the most appropriate solution to your conveying

needs. All of the mk products are modular and can easily be adjusted, enhanced and integrated with one another.

All assemblies are manufactured here in the UK and they plan to start manufacturing a selection of the mk conveyors at their Nottinghamshire factory in the near future. Other conveyors may be shipped to you directly from the mk head office in Germany or mk’s Spanish division. mk profile Systems have very close links with all of the other mk divisions and distributors across both Europe and America.

To find more contact

mk Profile Systems on (01949) 823751, email info@mkprofiles.co.uk or visit www.mkprofiles.co.uk

2023 UK Dairy Day

Marking its ninth year, 2023 UK Dairy Day turned out to be another successful event celebrating all things dairy.

The show welcomed everyone connected to the dairy industry giving them the opportunity to network, share knowledge, learn and do business with each

AG Products

AG Products are an agricultural engineering and livestock bedding company based in Cheshire. AG dispensers are sold worldwide and are the recipients of multiple awards.

Our range of products help dairy and poultry farmers improve livestock health and farming efficiency by allowing farmers to use a variety of bedding materials dependent on the farm’s preference with a cubicle dispenser to suit farms of any size.

Innovation is at the heart of AG Products and the company has invested heavily in research and development to keep pace with developments in dairy and poultry farming. The company has recently launched its DUO model, a self-propelled bedding dispenser and cubicle brush and optional scraper that is fully rechargeable to help reduce farmers carbon footprint.

With many more exciting product

other. From existing to new exhibitors, the event was a true reflection of the great support from the dairy industry as well as the dedicated team that year on year deliver the UK’s leading free-to-attend dairy trade event.

The 2023 Principal Sponsors were Holstein UK, NWF Agriculture, Crystalyx, and Lely. The timetable was fully loaded with seminars, presentations, cattle show judging, Grand Championships, award ceremonies and competitions.

The Cattle Show attracted prestigious industry expert judges such as Iwan Morgan, Brian Weatherup Jnr, Colin Christophers, Gwyndaf James, and John Waller, all of which have vast experience in judging shows across the UK and internationally.

There was also a Sharing Knowledge Zone sponsored by Harper Adams that featured industry panels discussing the future of the dairy cow, seminars covering a range of subjects related to dairy herds and farm business, a careers board for exhibitors, sponsors and visitors to advertise on, as well as table top exhibitors with displays promoting industry initiatives, training providers and charities.

And not to forget the New Product Competition which is always a highlight. This year it was sponsored by IDEXX, and featured 11 finalists from new product entries launched into the market between 1st August 2022 and 31st July 2023.

launches in the pipeline, AG products mission is to be the world’s number one dispenser manufacturer by providing farmers a range of machines to meet the demands of current farming efficiency methodologies and capitalize on the data driven and robotic advancements on the farms of the future.

T +44 (0) 1565 722 922

www.ag-products.co.uk

This year’s award winners were:

BEST NEW PRODUCT

Methane Efficiency Index - Semex UK

HIGHLY COMMENDED NEW PRODUCT

Octaklean System - Kersia UK

JUDGES SPECIAL MENTION

SlurryForSoil - Sylgen Animal Health

UK Dairy Day 2024 will take place at the Telford International Centre on Wednesday 11th September 2024.

www.ukdairyday.co.uk

Your automated milking and feeding experts

Lely Center Midlands is a family run business with over 70 years of experience in delivering the latest agricultural technology, innovations and solutions to UK farmers. Based in Stafford, the company also has hubs in South West Wales, Cheshire and Nottinghamshire.

Over its 10 years establishment, it has evolved to provide a full sale to service package that includes project coordination and aftersales support to its customers. Its team of 10 engineers aim to work with farmers to help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their farm from a productivity and financial perspective. Specialising in all Lely products from astronauts to vectors, its engineers are based at their hubs and available to give a fast and reliable service all year round.

Alongside its sales support, in

house barn design expert and farm management support team, Lely Center Midlands offers a complete and ongoing partnership to assist its robot farmers in achieving the best possible results from Lely products.

Contact

T 01785 281250

www.lely.com/midlands

The Emergency Services Show

The Emergency Services Show 2023 review

The Emergency Services Show was back at the NEC, Birmingham from the 1920 September 2023 and for the first time with the co-located Emergency Tech Show. The show is a calendar event for the blue light industry, bringing together over 500 exhibitors, more than 10,000 products and 16,000 professionals across police, fire and rescue, ambulance, search and rescue and the voluntary and support sectors.

The statistics speak for themselves: 94% of exhibitors viewed the show as important for their businesses and 92% said the 2023 show exceeded all expectations.

This year’s show, with the added welcome of The Emergency Tech show saw exceptional innovations such as The Deep Trekker REVOLUTION- this cuttingedge ROV is designed to allow operators to rotate the camera, manipulators and sonar all while station holding in moving

water. The ROV is operated remotely and can be actively deployed quickly in emergency situations, proving the importance of advanced technology in these scenarios.

Visiting medical professionals were impressed by the Defib Store 4000PL –Defibrillator Cabinet- permanent Light- Green (unlocked.) this marketleading defibrillator cabinet has been updated to include a permanent LED light, thermostat-controlled heater, unlocked wing handle and polycarbonate inspection window. This 4000-model is fire retardant, UV-protected against direct sunlight and is the only polycarbonate defibrillator cabinet that is built to withstand high impact fires.

Save the date:

The Emergency Services Show: (Co-located with The Emergency Tech Show) 18-19 September 2024 NEC, Birmingham www.emergencyuk.com

SADS UK Help Save Lives

The cardiac charity SADS UK have been involved in the manufacture of defibrillator cabinets for Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) for the past 12 years.

Charity members raising funds for defibrillators wanted to put them in the public domain (CPAD). At this time cabinets typically cost £650, a lot of money to raise after fundraising for the defibrillator. Our Technical Director, a retired design engineer, was certain he could make a cabinet for much less. He

D-Tech’s SMART lockers offer smart solution for critical asset storage

For over twenty years,

D-Tech International Ltd has been a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of highperformance technology for public and private organisations in the UK and overseas.

Having initially served the library sector, D-Tech’s cutting-edge development has led to an increase in cross-industry demand, not least for its smart lockers.

The SMART storage solution

Secure, efficient and intelligent, D-Tech’s SMART locker range provides a multi-functional storage solution for emergency services. The modular design is customisable, storing items from shared-use critical equipment to evidence, uniform, kit bags, radios, body-worn cameras, tablets and laptops. It offers enhanced asset management, including RFID technology to support comprehensive asset tracking and reporting; an electronic access control system that only permits authorised access; and charging capability, ensuring essential devices are always ready for use.

Show. He said: “It was a fantastic couple of days at the NEC. We were proud to be part of the conversation on how evolving technologies like our SMART lockers are benefiting our key workers and the communities they serve – whether it’s keeping environments clear and safe, offering efficient access to assets to aid emergency response or reducing admin costs through automated, up-to-date reporting.”

T 01394 420077

D-Tech UK’s Managing Director, James Breakall attended the Emergency Services

info@d-techinternational.com www.d-techinternational.com

reduced the cost by approximately 50%.

Recently the media has covered horrendous stories about stabbings in the UK, many lives are lost each year. The national clinical director for violence reduction for NHS believes children should be trained in schools to use bleed control kits.

After speaking with paramedics about these awful stabbings SADS UK designed a cabinet with a defibrillator and a bleed kit inside.

These cabinets were first exhibited at the All Wales Arrhythmia Meeting shortly followed by the Emergency Show (ESS) at the NEC. There was a lot on interest in the bleed kits and cabinets, and there was an excellent uptake. John is talking with other cabinet manufacturers about the best way to register these kits with the ambulance service.

Contact SADS UK at sadsuk@btconnect.com for more information.

The Emergency Services Show Review

International Road Rescue & Trauma Consultancy Ltd

International Road Rescue & Trauma Consultancy Ltd – (IRRTC) are a highly qualified instructor team who specialise in rescue and trauma care training to a worldwide audience.

The specialised training we provide at IRRTC allows you or your team to rescue ‘Anyone, Anytime and Anywhere’ and give any injured persons the best possible chance at survival through our accredited rescue training courses.

Our team provide training to a large proportion of the United Kingdom Fire and Rescue services in the UK and also for our overseas clients.

We provide specialist training in the following disciplines: Road Traffic collisions instructor courses, Heavy Vehicle rescue courses, Trench

Rescue courses, Electric Vehicle Responder awareness courses, Specialist Responder course, Trauma and medical courses.

All of our instructional team are greatly experienced in the above subject matter areas and are chosen specifically to ensure high quality training is delivered to our students.

For full details of our team and our available courses please visit our website at IRRTCrescue. com.

Introducing CLIO: critical incident management software from Altia

About Altia

Altia is a trusted partner for intelligence and investigation organisations globally. We have been helping improve the management of a broad range of investigations, for the public and private sector, for almost 30 years.

We specialise in improving the management of criminal and civil investigations, fraud and financial investigations, incident management and covert operations.

Introducing CLIO

Developed with practitioners from the police and emergency services, CLIO (Central Logging of Intelligence Operations) has a proven track record of 20+ years in the most demanding environments and is recognised nationally by police as their tool for managing critical incidents and crimes in action.

CLIO is a versatile, easily configurable, management system used to plan for and manage a variety of incidents, including disasters, event planning and civil resilience response.

Currently used by over 75% of UK Police forces, CLIO can effectively:

t Plan, test, automate and optimise to reduce human error.

t Monitor and record activity in real time.

t Ensure everyone is kept in the loop in any fastdeveloping situation.

Our low-code methods allow for a faster and easily configurable system, allowing you to focus on the incident at hand to save lives and improve outcomes.

Get in touch with us to find out more about CLIO, the UK’s leading critical incident management system at www.altiaintel.com

Drone Gas Detection with Sniffer4D

The AlphaGeo Team teamed up with London Fire Brigade to carry out a demo of one of the most popular multi-gas detection devices - Sniffer4D from Soarability. Paired with the DJI M300 RTK drone, the module detected numerous substances to provide vital situational awareness in real-time.

During the demonstration, the Sniffer4D and UAV were flown above a burning building, to see which gases and pollutants it could detect. The sensor can detect up to nine aprticles at a time and identified carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) as well as their location, concentration, and direction of travel.

Sniffer4D Aerial Gas Detection - The Solution

The Sniffer4D ecosystem combines the physical gas detection unit with the Sniffer4D Mapper, using software that helps analyse distribution of air pollutants and identify their source.

Sniffer4D can be used across a wide variety of industries from Environmental Monitoring to Scientific Research and is compact and robust weighing just 400-500g. Measuring 157 x 103 x 87mm, it is protected by an anti-EMI aluminium casing and has an IPX2 rating. It also benefits from an internal suspension mechanism and has built-in 4G/3G/EDGE/GPRS connectivity.

For more bespoke missions, gas sampling modules with different capacities can be attached to the DJI M300 RTK and DJI M210 Series and controlled via the DJI Pilot App or Sniffer4D Mapper.

AlphaGeo are the official UK suppliers of DJI and Soarability.

www.alphageouk.com

social media sites @alphageouk

Vehicles ready for immediate delivery

Blue Light Services (BLS) were back with a bang at the Emergency Services Show 2023 showcasing its large variety of brand-new emergency vehicles, as well as handing out freebies from their top of the range LED torch pens to their ever so popular BLS stress relievers.

BLS was established in 2011 after identifying a gap in the market for high quality emergency and non-emergency vehicles. Over a decade later, BLS is now the number one choice for private companies, NHS and prison services around the UK.

As one of the UK’s largest ambulance convertors, BLS produce a full range of PTS, HDU, A&E and secure mental health vehicles on the popular Renault Master chassis.

Of course, different services have different objectives which is why BLS work with you to create a bespoke

vehicle that meets your exact needs. With over 150 chasis in stock, BLS work with a range of partners and key suppliers to ensure your everyday problems are solved.

Whatever you need, BLS can supply. From OTF Stretcher Locks to Multiplex 1&2, Infection Protection, and Seat Belt Warnings, BLS is renowned for its innovative vehicle designs and passion to work alongside its customers in providing an excellent customer service.

For more information, see below.

T 020 8965 8357

bluelightservices@mail.com

www.bluelightservices.com

Window

Glue Gun Services

Chemical Labelling

Dual Pumps

3D Printing

Campaign challenge as village’s births boom brings blockages

New pumps and local collaboration help to resolve problem

WITH a high birth rate and baby wipes clogging up the local pumping station, the Cambridgeshire village of Cambourne presented a challenge for Anglian Water’s Keep it Clear Campaign.

Rising to the task, the team launched an innovative programme with Cambourne Parish Council and the village’s Morrisons supermarket to let residents know about the damage caused by unflushables.

“We installed two extra pumps at Cambourne Pumping Station to give us capacity as the community grew, but almost immediately had to run on all four pumps due to the volume of wipes,” said Programme Manager Rachel Dyson.

“We were getting on average 15 jobs a month to clear blockages, some leading to sewage flooding. In September, we invested a further £28,000 to replace two of the existing pumps with super pumps that shred wipes that are flushed. Since then we havent had any problems, but there is still

a huge amount of unflushables coming through the system. were calling for local residents to do their bit to solve the problem.”

The Keep it Clear team worked with Cambourne Parish Council to publish information in their Cambourne Crier magazine and to send out letters to all 5,000 homes in the area reminding residents to responsibly dispose of unflushable items and used cooking oil.

John Vickery, Cambourne Parish Clerk, said: “This partnership is a good example of how different bodies within Cambourne work together to improve conditions for residents.”

Keep it Clear signs have also been placed around Morrisons and hundreds of reusable fat traps, sink strainers, bathroom waste bags and information leaflets have been given to customers by Morrisons’ staff.

“This is just the beginning,” added Rachel. “We’ll

be continuing to work with the community to raise awareness of this issue.”

P&M Pumps have been supplying VAUGHAN CHOPPER PUMPS in the UK and Ireland for over 30 years. These pumps are integral in providing a solution to the ongoing problem of blockages in pipes. P&M Pumps have vast experience in moving solids through the process in many situations and even in the most challenging applications where a wide range of major corporations and utilities have benefited. From Food & Drink Processing to Industrial Manufacturing, Waste Water Management, Above or Below Ground, Short or Long-Term effect, any time any place, P&M Pumps can provide a solution.

www.pumpmix.co.uk