Manufacturing Update - May 2022

MANUFACTURING PDATE www.manufacturing-update.co.uk

May 2022

The Compact Palletizing Cell

by Kawasaki Robotics

Kawasak K-PALL

ock eer EMEA

sakirobotics.de info@kawasakirobotuk.com

01925 713000

Click here for the K-PALL brochure.

Weidmiiller More productivity in your workplace with our THM MultiMark printer Let’s Connect

MultiMark: the smart all-in-one solution In Weidmüller, you have a trusted and reliable partner with years of experience in cable preparation, processing and systemised marking.

Our THM thermal transfer printer integrates cutting and perforation tasks into the printing process; it can divide endless materials into arbitrary lengths. The result is a noticeably simpler production of custom cuts with a respective inscription assignment.

Using the Mulitmark printer, you reduce the potential sources of error with complete data consistency. You will streamline timeconsuming work processes and increase your productivity.

£995 RRP*

Order 1 THM MultiMark Printer (2599430000) for £995 and you will receive £1400 worth of list price marking materials FREE!

Click here to order your THM MultiMark printer!

Weidmüller UK Klippon House, Centurion Court Office Park Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1TP Tel: +44 1162 823470 Fax:+44 1162 893582 www.weidmuller.co.uk

* This action is limited to 1 printer per customer and valid until 30th September 2021 Terms and Conditions apply

MANUFACTURING UPDATE At the forefront of digital marketing, Manufactuing Update strives to bring its readers the latest in industrial manufacturing, in a format that provides the best usability and ease of use for it’s readers. www.manufacturing-update.co.uk

May 2022

Publication Director

Editorial Assistant

Publishing House

Kane Weller 01843 580 460 Kane@engineering-update.co.uk

Laura Sharpe 01843 448 443 laura@engineering-update.co.uk

Jet Digital Media Ltd, Suite 1 & 2 Spratling Court Offices, Spratling Street, Manston, Kent CT12 5AN

Sales Director Tim Johnston 01843 448 443 Vision Engineering - Half Page advert tim@engineering-update.co.uk

Stand F70 copy.pdf

1

28/04/2022

13:41

www.jetdigitalmedia.co.uk

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Manufacturing PDATE

K

www.visioneng.com

vision engineering a5 ad.indd 1

3

29/04/2022 16:35:43

Packaging Innovations and Empack returns to NEC Birmingham for 2022 Manufacturing PDATE

Packaging Innovations and Empack 2022 will reunite the entire packaging community when the UK’s flagship event returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 25 and 26 May. The event will feature a sold-out show floor with over 280 leading exhibitors presenting their newest innovations and technologies, allowing visitors to get up close to the industry’s most cutting-edge products. Elsewhere, the event’s curated seminar programme will provide visitors with the opportunity to hear from a raft of experts, plus the event will offer several networking opportunities which will allow professionals to make new industry connections.

4

May 2022

with FFS machinery, or as pre-made bags and stand-up pouches. Both barrier and non-barrier films are available, and the material is suitable for food and non-food applications. The development in PE film reduces the need for unrecyclable structures made from several different polymers and offers improved optical clarity.

Event Features Packaging Innovations and Empack will also host a curated seminar programme across three stages, catering for every part of the packaging supply chain. The Empack Technology stage will feature topics aimed at the manufacturing, logistics, and processing sectors. Talks will cover a range of subjects, including robotics, e-fulfilment, and energy efficiency. On day one, the BCMPA will host a session covering the value of outsourcing manufacturing, packing, and fulfilment operations, with the session incorporating expertise from several industry-leading companies, including Prolog, Lemonpath, and Worldwide Logistics.

Excelerate will display its unique perforated stretch product - ‘Flow’ film. The aerated wrap is designed for light to medium pallets and allows its contents to ‘breathe’ during transport by reducing moisture and condensation levels. The wrap can be used to transport a range of items, including those in the horticultural industry.

Consumables Manufacturing will display its CoPacking controlled dose sachets, which deliver a predetermined volume of liquid with one hand movement. The sachets can be used to house and dispense a range of consumer goods, including seasonings, condiments, drinks, spreads, and creams. The product does not disperse any residue, with up to 98 percent of contents used without spillage, and it is recyclable.

Waddington Europe will display its Piranha™ tray, which uses a series of raised teeth that run around its seal, instead of applying a layer of polyethylene or adhesive which are typically used to seal the lid of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Piranha can also be made with up to 100 percent recycled PET (rPET) and is Plastic Tax compliant in the UK. As a mono-material package, the tray is capable of being fully recycled, and can be used for meat, fish, and poultry products.

Global Trading UK will debut its newest innovation, EVO-PE Recyclable Flexible Packaging Films. The printed film can be supplied as roll stock for use

In association with OPRL, The Ecopack Challenge calls for industry professionals to prioritise sustainable design, by creating an all-new packaging product. Top innovations will be presented to a panel of judges, including Pret A Manger and Ocado.

The Innovation Showcase will return to the event floor, as 12 exhibitors compete for the title of ‘Most Innovative Pack’. The interactive nature of the competition allows visitors to get up close to some of the industry’s most innovative solutions and vote for their favourite, with the winner announced live at the event.

Renan Joel, Easyfairs’ Divisional Director, comments: “Our exhibition floor is already sold out and will feature the most forward-thinking packaging companies out there, offering a unique opportunity for professionals to discover the latest trends and capabilities for the entire supply chain, all under one roof. Nothing beats doing business face to face. We can’t wait to see you all there in May!”

Manufacturing PDATE

New Exhibitor Launches

Meanwhile, the Innovation and Design stage and Ecopack stage will dissect the latest industry news affecting packaging designers, agencies, and technologists. The show’s headline feature, The Big Debate, will discuss how new government legislation will impact the industry, and whether the new laws will deliver the change promised.

To register to attend Packaging Innovations and Empack NEC 2022, please visit the registration page. For any further information, please visit the Packaging Innovations and Empack NEC 2022 website or contact the show team on +44 (0)20 196 4300 or PackagingUK@easyfairs.com.

May 2022

5

Packaging Innovations & Empack Preview

Stable environmental conditions – which includes relative humidity – in your storage, production or processing facility helps maintain product and machinery in optimum condition, thereby reducing static, dimensional instability of paper and other hydroscopic materials, and improving processes such as bottling and labelling.

Humidity Solutions provides bespoke sustainable, frequently low energy humidity control solutions which also help reduce waste and in turn maximise productivity and profitability of your production.

We provide a turnkey solution from initial system design and quotation, installation and commissioning through to long term servicing and maintenance.

Call us on 01372 571 200 www.humiditysolutions.co.uk info@humiditysolutions.co.uk

STRONG VALUES FANTASTIC RESULTS Since 1946 Herbert Walkers has embodied all that is good in print and packaging production. Our values have remained constant over the past 70 years and our continual investment in people and technology ensures that we always lead the field in the production of packaging, greetings cards and gift card carriers.

We employ the latest production techniques and invest in leading-edge printing technology to ensure that our clients have access to a wide range of product formats.

From standard to tailor-made designs, we produce every kind of packaging, from affordable everyday through to high-end luxury items.

Call us on +44 (0)1274 531828 www.herbertwalkers.co.uk sales@herbertwalkers.co.uk

SEE US AT STAND K86

SEE US AT STAND B90

Manufacturing PDATE

Quantex’s revolutionary recyclable pump technology has already enabled multiple big-impact, game-changing fluid delivery innovations.

For example:

Call us on +44 (0)208 735 5880 Quantex Arc Ltd, 85 Richford Street London, W6 7HJ, UK www.quantex-arc.com quantex-info@psgdover.com SEE US AT STAND C20

6

May 2022

•

an IoT liquid refill platform for supermarkets, saving plastic packaging waste at scale

•

a low maintenance IoT frozen beverages self-serve dispense platform

•

a high-pressure sprayer to replace harmful aerosols

•

an auto-dosing laundry detergent solution that reduces shipping weight and volume by 97%

•

a far more compact and lightweight mobile phonecontrolled drug delivery IoT device

Quantex pumps are so low cost to manufacture that they replace the usual closure fitting on a liquid product pack. They therefore become a part of the disposable instead of a fixed part of the equipment and only require a simple, low-cost motor drive to run. This leads to far less expensive and more compact dispense equipment where pumps never need calibrating.

Because the liquid product remains sealed and is dispensed directly from its primary container, no fluid travels through the fixed equipment which eliminates cleaning and crosscontamination. Maintenance and running costs are therefore significantly reduced.

Featuring

Packaging Innovations & Empack 25 & 26 May 2022 | NEC, Birmingham

Discover the future of your brand’s packaging and production journey!

Do you want the chance to see what’s new in the world of packaging and discover the latest innovations and technology?

Then it’s time to add Packaging Innovations and Empack to your diary – and find out why thousands of brands make it their must-attend event.

Over two days, experience...

• 280 innovative suppliers • Free-to-attend seminars • Live demonstrations • Brand NEW interactive features • Networking opportunities with decision-makers and buyers

“It allows us to do a lot of meetings in one location and see what is new on the market, you can’t beat seeing things in real life rather than just online.”

Ian Stapleton European Technical Packaging Manager

Register to attend Scan this QR code or use code 1144

www.packagingbirmingham.com

“The UK is leading the way on environmentally friendly packaging.

It’s great to see it showcased at Packaging Innovations.”

Rob Cooke Packaging Design

Industry Stars Take to the Stage at Packaging Innovations and Empack 2022 Ocado, Nestlé, Pret A Manger, and Waitrose are just some of the major brands taking to the stage at Packaging Innovations and Empack 2022. They will form part of the event’s most comprehensive seminar programme to date when it makes its long-anticipated return to Birmingham’s NEC on 25 and 26 May.

Manufacturing PDATE

New for 2022, the seminar programme will be set across three stages; the Innovation and Design stage; the Ecopack Stage; and the Empack Technology Stage. These have been designed to provide visitors from every point of the supply chain with the chance to capitalise on the latest industry developments and solutions, as well as hear predictions for the future of packaging technology from a variety of leading experts.

Innovation and Design Stage The Innovation and Design stage will analyse the latest industry changes and the knock-on effect it is having on packaging designers, technologists, and agencies.

Day one kicks off with a session by Neil Farmer, Founder of Neil Farmer Associates, to assess the current state of the global packaging market and what will influence the sector in the next 12 months, including developments in sustainability and material innovations.

8

May 2022

Day two will host the Packaging Tax Forum, in partnership with The Pack Hub. The UK Plastics Packaging Tax has been in place less than two months, but it is already having a significant impact on the UK’s packaging industry. Speakers from Mondelez and Bantam Materials will explore the tax’s effects on the packaging operations of major brands, retailers, and packaging suppliers.

The Inclusive Packaging Forum will see speakers from 1HQ, Waitrose and Nestlé discuss the industry’s responsibility to deliver easy-to-use, accessible packaging, alongside being sustainable.

The Innovation and Design Stage will also host the HP Innovation Lab across both days of the event, as well as the E-commerce and Refills Forums.

Ecopack Stage The Ecopack stage will deliver the latest in green packaging trends and technologies, designed to help brands reach

OPRL, which will see innovators pitching their ‘green’ solutions to a panel of judges including Ocado, and Pret A Manger.

Empack Technology Stage The Empack Technology stage is aimed at arming visitors with advice on logistics, manufacturing, and processing. Talks and discussions will cover a range of integral topics, such as e-fulfilment, energy efficiency, and the use of robotics within the packaging supply chain.

On day one, the BCMPA will host a session covering the value of outsourcing manufacturing, packing, and fulfilment operations. The organisation will incorporate expertise from several industry-leading companies, including Prolog, Lemonpath, and Worldwide Logistics.

Also speaking on day one is Juan Cano, Business Development Director for SCREEN EUROPE, who will highlight sustainable water-based inkjet digital printing solutions for flexible packaging.

Also on the first day, Chair of IOM3 Packaging Society Jude Allan will lead a discussion on the future of packaging materials, where an expert panel will explore what the industry might look like in 30 years’ time.

Day two will feature a session on the ‘heroic’ status of paper in packaging, delivered by Sarah Lesting, MD of LEIPA. Sarah will explore how paper has become the preferred material for companies seeking to reach net zero, due to its multiple uses and ease of recyclability.

Supplementing this will be The Big Debate, which will delve into the pressing financial implications of packaging legislation, and the return of the Ecopack Challenge, in association with

Other noteworthy sessions include seminars covering ultrasonic sealing, automation in the packaging process, and digitising supply chains for efficiency wins.

Renan Joel, Easyfairs’ Divisional Director, comments: “Our carefully curated seminar programme sets Packaging Innovations and Empack apart from any other packaging event. The sessions allow visitors to hear from an array of speakers that are leading the way in every part of the packaging industry to discover new ideas and gain tangible advice they can put into practice to further push the boundaries of their packaging projects. With just six weeks until the event, the excitement is building! We can’t wait to see you there.”

To register to attend Packaging Innovations and Empack NEC 2022, please visit the registration page. For any further information, please visit the Packaging Innovations and Empack NEC 2022 website or contact the show team on +44 (0)20 196 4300 or PackagingUK@easyfairs.com.

Manufacturing PDATE

their sustainability goals. On day one, the stage will feature a session from the Cambridge Design Partnership who will discuss the future challenges for packaging sustainability, as well as the role innovation and technology will play in the development of future solutions.

Nulogy, GXO, and Nestlé will feature on day two to demonstrate how leading logistics providers and brands leverage purpose-built technology to level up its co-packing.

May 2022

9

Based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, CWM Automation is an established manufacturer of automated filling, end of line and bespoke machinery.

CWM has spent over 15 years designing and building automated equipment for a wide range of industries, including dairy, desserts, soups, beverages, bakery and household goods.

CWM was acquired by the Hexadex Group in 2018.

The financial and organisational strength of the Hexadex Group, together with its broad base of manufacturing expertise and geographic spread, has allowed CWM to further develop new products and markets while servicing its existing loyal customer base.

Following the acquisition, CWM has relocated to a newly refurbished 36,500 sq./ft factory, which boasts enhanced facilities and allows them to accommodate more projects to meet ambitious growth targets.

Robot Test Cell Facility CWM has recently announced their brand new robot test cell facility at their Gainsborough site, which will allow customers from different industries to see proof of concept for all of their pick and place solutions.

Manufacturing PDATE

CWM’s cutting-edge test cell consists of an Autonox Delta Robot and a Soft Robotics mGrip modular gripping system. This allows for reliable, high-speed picking of traditionally hard-to-grasp items, which in turn, leads to increased throughput and overall efficiency.

Throughout their 15 years of operation, CWM has gained the necessary experience and knowledge to provide customers with bespoke solutions, including multi-robot systems. CWM works closely with customers to develop equipment that meets their exact production requirements, with support provided at each stage of the project by their team of dedicated project engineers.

More Information If you would like to learn more about CWM Automation’s automated solutions, please visit their website: www.cwm-automation.com. Alternatively, if you are interested in arranging a visit to their site and utilising the robot test cell, get in touch with CWM by calling +44 (0)1427 614 222 or emailing sales@cwm-automation.com.

10

May 2022

Specialists in providing customers with robust and reliable filling machinery, suitable for a wide range of packaging formats including cups, bottles, buckets, jars and more.

UK Manufacturer

Ongoing support 7 days a week

In-house design & build

3A & EHEDG hygiene standards

Competitive prices & lead times

High quality machine builds

+44(0)1427 614222

▫ sales@cwm-automation.com ▫ www.cwm-automation.com

FUTUREPROOFING YOUR OP IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

A

utomated Shop Floors Where Cobots Work Alongside Operators Are No Longer The Future, But Rather The Present. Whether They Are Used In Manufacturing Packaging, Warehousing, Maintenance Or Training – Collaborative Solutions Are Already Changing The Way We Operate And, Ultimately, The Industrial World We Know. Easy To Program And Install, They Are Also Ideal For Entry-Level Automation Applications.

Barry Weller, Robotics Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, looks at the benefits of implementing collaborative robots and how easy they are to integrate into existing processes.

Automated shop floors where cobots work alongside operators are no longer the future, but rather the present.

[Source: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.]

12

May 2022

Collaborative and industrial robots are increasingly used in a wide range of industrial activities. In a decade, the global sales volume of industrial robots tripled, with up to 422,000 units shipped worldwide every year1. Cobots represent nearly 5% of this total2– a portion that continues to increase annually.

The high adoption rate for robotic solutions is primarily driven by the vast benefits they can deliver. Robots improve productivity and throughput while delivering high accuracy and reproducibility, leading to consistent production quality.

Collaborative robot solutions are particularly attractive, as they typically require smaller initial investments. They are also easier to fit into existing manufacturing setups, as no physical barriers are required to ensure a safe working environment. One of the biggest advantages, however, is how intuitive and easy they are to use and interact with.

PERATIONS WITH COBOTS

Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA Assista cobot is coupled with its intuitive, touch-enabled engineering software RT VisualBox. [Source: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.]

1 Statista Research Department. (2021). Industrial robots worldwide - statistics & facts. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/1476/industrial-robots/#dossierKeyfigures [Accessed: 19 October 2021] 2 Statista Research Department. (2021). Collaborative robots’ share of the worldwide industrial robot market 2017-2019. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/897655/cobot-industrial-robot-market-share [Accessed: 19 October 2021]

May 2022

13

[Source: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.]

Making programming instinctive

The MELFA Assista can be manually guided into a position, which is then added to the work sequence by pressing a button on the robotic arm.

Cobots utilise visual programming languages and graphical user interfaces that let users sequence the process and manipulate key functions without any coding. This significantly reduces programming complexity. For example, Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA Assista cobot is coupled with an intuitive, touch-enabled engineering software, called RT VisualBox. Futureproofing education This software supports the creation of operating sequences by linking block Finally, the ease of use of a cobot such as the MELFA Assista can be key diagrams in a chain of events. in meeting the current and future workforce training requirements. Being External devices, such as vision systems, able to work with robots and all other automation components that make up smart factories will be a key requirement for the plant engineers of can be connected to the cobot by using tomorrow. This means being able to set up these machines, interact and a software wizard within RT VisualBox inspect them as well as conduct maintenance activities. that guides them through each step of the setup process. It is also possible to automatically perform key functions, such Improving skill provision systems and upgrading education policies to as the calibration of a coordinate system advance technology skills is therefore becoming increasingly important.

To address these educational needs, Mitsubishi Electric provided Redcar using Artificial Intelligence (AI). & Cleveland College with an RV-F series articulated arm robot. The setup gives pupils the unique opportunity to develop key skills in a handsTo make things even easier, the MELFA Assista offers an additional hand-guided on learning environment. They are able to develop practical skills, such as programming different axes of motion themselves, and gain an teaching function. With it, the cobot can be manually guided into a position, which understanding on how to deploy and maintain robots. is then added to the work sequence by pressing a button on the robotic arm.

Manufacturing PDATE

These functionalities help operators create even highly sophisticated applications without any prior programming knowledge.

Installation and setup can be streamlined and businesses can start using them almost instantly. These elements are also extremely helpful to companies at the beginning of their digital transformation journey and help users grow their confidence and skills in factory automation. There is no need for operators to have a high level of expertise in robotics or programming.

This also helps companies to develop their own in-house expertise and evolve over time, which can then support the use of more complex solutions, such as conventional industrial robots.

Ultimately, businesses can increase their automation literacy and create highly effective setups that meet their specific needs and requirements.

Collaborative robots can further support this development, as they remove entry barriers and contribute to increased ‘robot literacy’ across the workforce. By implementing cobots, forward-thinking businesses can benefit from automated processes and also support their staff in developing key skills, adding value to their operations in the long run.

Further Information: Website: gb.mitsubishielectric.com/fa Email: automation@meuk.mee.com

Cobots are ideal for entry-level automation applications because theuy are particularly easy to program and install.

[Source: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.]

14

May 2022

Leaders in temperature measurement

Hand Held Instrumentation Heading 3

A selection of hand held instruments for many applications including a large range of digital thermometers, light level meter and a range of great value handheld sensors.

IR Industrial IR Medical Infrared Thermometers Thermometers

Pressure Manometers

Digital Light Meters

Anemometers

Temperature & Wood Moisture Meter Humidity Meter

Grain Moisture Meter

www.labfacility.com Bognor Regis tel: +44 (0)1243 871280

sales@labfacility.com Sheffield tel: +44 (0)1909 569446

A Laser Focus On Manufacturing Once heralded as the technology of tomorrow, lasers now play a key role within many manufacturing facilities today.

Manufacturing PDATE

Thanks to the laser, many manufacturing processes which would otherwise have been impossible, inefficient, or too costly to implement are now part of everyday production techniques across many industry sectors. The ongoing development of lasers, combined with their inherent flexibility, means that lasers continue to not only improve production processes, but open up new opportunities for the application of this technology.

Leveraging the full potential of laser technology is Bromsgrove based TLM Laser. Founded in 2006, initially as a dedicated laser service company, TLM Laser today is recognised as one of the UK’s leading laser technology suppliers with an impressive portfolio of laser sources, modules, systems, and support technologies. With distribution partnerships with a number of the world’s leading laser technology manufacturers, TLM provides solutions for Laser Marking,

16

May 2022

Engraving, Metal Welding, Plastic Welding, Cutting, Cleaning, Material Processing and 3D Metal Printing.

Choosing the Right Solution The ready availability of lasers today, combined with the choices of laser source: CO2, YAG, Fiber etc. and different wavelengths, means it is important that potential users seek qualified advice on the most appropriate solution for their application. TLM’s Andy Toms explains: “It’s never been easier to access laser technology, with opportunities to purchase from a plethora of suppliers and sources. However, just as for other technologies, it is essential that all aspects of the application be reviewed in detail to ensure that the most appropriate laser system is selected. For example, depending upon the intended use of the laser it may be that a CO2 or a Fiber laser will be best suited. In addition, it is advisable

to consider potential future needs to ensure that the investment will provide an ongoing return in the longer term.”

Technologies for all applications Lasers have become essential production tools for many manufacturers: cutting, welding, marking, cleaning, and processing many material types. Equally, different sectors have their own specific and diverse requirements, such as high-quality indelible marks used for Unique Device Identification (UDI) on medical devices, or laser scoring and converting on the packaging materials and films used within the food sector.

marking concept uses through-the-lens vision, combined with a process of “tiling” the images of the part. The camera is used to capture multiple small images and then arranges them into a single large image, just like a mosaic.

This image is then used for system training, job setup, part validation, pre-mark verification and mark alignment.

The natural straight-down view from inside the laser provides an imaging field as large as that of the laser marking area. The benefit of this configuration is that it eliminates the need for external cameras, which can sometimes cause inaccuracies due to perspective and optical distortion.

One example of the technology available from TLM Laser for high compliance marking on medical devices is FOBA Laser’s M2000 laser marking system with MOSAIC ™. This fixtureless

Lasers are available in a number of different configurations for welding applications, whether on plastics or metals. For metal welding, TLM offer a comprehensive range of both stand-alone and mobile welding systems. ALPHA Laser’s ALM250 is just one example from the range which is ideally suited to a

variety of applications. The mobile configuration of this system makes it ideally suited to mould tool repair tasks, where the laser can be brought to the workpiece, and in many cases, it’s not necessary to remove the mould from the machine.

The laser can be made ready for use in just minutes, with the laser arm quickly positioned and fixed in the desired working position via electro-hydraulic brakes. Welding can be performed manually with the joystick, semi-automatically, or via an external operating unit with a pulse function.

Flatbed laser marking & cutting Flatbed laser technology is used within multiple sectors for cutting and marking applications. These systems range from desktop units through to large selfcontained systems for processing sheet-metals and tubes. TLM has a comprehensive portfolio of systems which cover the full spectrum of applications.

Universal Laser’s extensive range offers a number of different platforms, available with a choice of CO2 or Fiber Lasers and a comprehensive array of options, including MultiWave Hybrid TechnologyTM, which allow users to configure the system to their specific requirements.

Manufacturing PDATE

Example of ULS cutting and marking platform

BODOR self-contained sheet-metal processing system

May 2022

17

For sheet-metal and tube processing, the systems from BODOR provide options on fiber laser sources from IPG or Maxphotonics, and laser power up to 40kW. These systems are ideally suited for applications on a wide range of metals including Carbon Steels, Stainless Steels, Alloys, Aluminium, Copper, and Brass. Working envelopes range from 600mm x 600mm up to 6m x 2m for the flat-bed systems, and up to 6.5m in length for tube processing, with the capability of cutting carbon steel up to 100mm thick, depending upon model and laser power.

FOBA Laser’s M2000 with MOSAICTM available from TLM Laser

Technology backed by expertise With over sixteen years of experience in applying laser technology, TLM Laser has grown to become a solutions company, recognised for its expertise in specifying, integrating, installing, and supporting laser systems.

TLM also supply a wide range of laser safety equipment, spare parts, fume extraction, chillers, training, consultancy, and subcontract laser marking.

Manufacturing PDATE

The company’s engineers are highly trained and have

18

May 2022

experienced on a complete range of lasers. Whether they are lamp pumped lasers, diode pumped or CO2, TLM also offers laser servicing and repair, carrying out scheduled maintenance visits as well as providing call out cover.

For those interested in applying

laser technology to their manufacturing processes TLM Laser will be exhibiting at MACH 2022 and can be located on stand number 6-30 at the NEC Birmingham between the 4th and 8th April.

The new Interroll Split-Tray Sorter Fast, flexible sortation for everyone Interroll introduces the new Split-Tray Sorter: the perfect solution for small and mid-sized items.

Efficiency and low maintenance make this new sorter attractive for those looking for lower operating costs and quicker return on investment.

It is an ideal solution for the 3PL , E-Commerce, Fashion and CEP industries.

Easy to install and reliable with its proven mechanical components & integrated control solution Lightweight and energy-efficient - with a single motor every 40 meters Compact but dense footprint with plenty of destinations Extremely quiet with only <70 dB(A) noise levels

Interroll Limited Unit 1a Orion Way Kettering, Northants NN15 6NL Tel. +44 / 15 36 31 27 70 Email: gb.sales@interroll.com

interroll.com

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2022

Three days of innovation, partnerships and excellence: Subcon is back for 2022!

Subcon returns on the 7- 9 June 2022 to the NEC, Birmingham. Now in its 45th year, it remains the UK’s premier event dedicated to subcontract manufacturing buyers, enabling them to source suppliers, benchmark capabilities, and form new manufacturing partnerships.

At Subcon, find everything from product design, prototyping and development, contract and subcontract products and services through to machine tools, systems and equipment.

This June, Subcon will once again be collocated with The Engineer Expo and Manufacturing Management Show, bringing together even more of the best suppliers, latest innovations and practical advice.

World-class solution providers: The exhibition Across the three show days the exhibition will deliver the contacts, connections and content that engineering and manufacturing businesses in the UK need to succeed. Visitors will be able to harness new innovations from over 200 world class suppliers to help increase capacity, optimise productivity and improve flexibility, whilst also driving down costs to stay competitive in a global market.

Subcon exhibitors span a massive range of manufacturing and engineering businesses, including assembly work, CNC machining, metal fabrication, 3D printing and many more. As this diversity of exhibitors shows, there will be huge opportunities to forge strategic partnerships and improve existing processes.

Exhibitors include: Lapping Services The UK’s largest bespoke lapping and polishing sub-contractor, Lapping Services specialise in double sided lapping, high volume to 1 off’s AS9100 Rev D and they are RR nuclear accredited.

Mintdale Engineering Mintdale Engineering are a family run business that have been supplying precision engineered parts to clients throughout the UK and internationally in a variety of industries for over 40 years.

experts discussing the key issues and trends that are driving innovation and shaping the UK’s industrial landscape in 2022: from the latest developments in key technology areas such as hydrogen mobility, electrification, and nuclear fusion to keynote insights on automation, finance and engineering skills.

Speakers confirmed this year include: •

Dave Short - Technology Director, BAE Systems: Innovation in the defence sector

•

Ian Whiting – Commercial Director, UK Battery Industrialisation Centre: Scaling up UK electric vehicle battery manufacture

•

Tony Langtry – Head of Mechanical Engineering, Tokamak Energy: The engineering challenges of nuclear of fusion

•

Hugo Spowers – Founder, Riversimple: Transforming mobility with hydrogen

•

Professor Ric Allot – Director of Business Development, STFC: Industrial applications of Big Science.

•

Professor Chris Tuck – University of Nottingham: Insight from the cutting edge of the UK additive manufacturing research community.

•

Nick Hawker, CEO and co-founder, First Light Fusion on the commercial application of nuclear fusion

•

Martin Little, commercial director, Rail Alliance on the overlooked opportunities within rail

Trust Precision Engineering Trust Precision Engineering is an AS9100 for Aerospace accredited subcontract service provider specialising in sliding head machining. The proven cost savings of 1 hit machining for both simple and complex components is fundamental to their philosophy. Trust Precision will competitively provide the highest quality for your machined component requirements.

Shaping the future: Free conference sessions Visitors can also enjoy over 30 hours of free conference sessions lead by industry

Jason Dante, event director for Subcon, points out that this wide range of opportunity and the chance to see so many diverse companies is no accident: “With Brexit, Covid-19 and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, we are even more aware than ever of the pressures on UK engineering and manufacturing businesses, so we have crammed as

62|

ENGINEERING PDATE

May 2022

much value into the event as we can. This year, alongside the Engineer Expo and Manufacturing Management Show theatre, we also have a brand new supply chain theatre that will bring together an expert line-up of speakers to talk about the biggest challenges and opportunities for the sector.

We also once again have ensured there will be ample networking opportunities available at the show, including the VIP buyers lounge, sponsored by Qimtek.

Plus, there will even be a couple of extra surprises in celebration of the Jubilee! We are incredibly excited to include so much new material and look forward to opening the doors at the NEC.”

Sponsored by: |63

Heatsense see 30% growth after implementing 123insight MRP system during pandemic Heatsense Cables Ltd, based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, manufacture high performance cables and wires used in extreme environments. The company had seen significant growth, doubling within a couple of years, but Commercial Manager Aaron Hulse knew that they needed to change internal procedures; “The growth brought other stresses. We needed a solid system in place that would give us rules.

We knew where we wanted to be, and we knew that we were never going to get there pushing spreadsheets and paper around - it’s ‘old school’.”

T

he main issues centred around planning and stock management. Stock was held in an Excel spreadsheet, with stock-takes manually performed every six months.

Stock outages affected delivery performance, as products couldn’t be manufactured due to missing stock.

Manufacturing PDATE

The company evaluated several MRP systems, but quickly narrowing down to two. The other vendor provided a demo of what the system could do, however this was quickly discounted.

Said Aaron; “It got quashed before we

22

May 2022

went very far, as it was clear that we would have to change our business to fit the system. It was also expensive, at around £50,000 for the software, plus implementation, training and annual maintenance.”

Heatsense attended a 123insight Evaluation Workshop in January 2020, which Aaron identified as a stark contrast to the other vendor; “It was brilliant. There was no hard sell it was all about the system and what it could give us. That really made our minds up.”

The decision was made to move forward with 123insight, however shortly afterwards the country was in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the company started the implementation, hiring a consultant with previous experience of 123insight.

A series of implementation sessions were held online, with key staff being allocated tasks such as structuring bills of materials and routings, or reshaping some of the existing Excel spreadsheets into the required format

for importing into 123insight. Aaron said; “We aimed for a go-live over Christmas, took account of where we were and transferred it to 123insight so that we knew we could go live on the first day of January 2021.”

The company went live in the New Year, and immediately saw benefits. “For the first time ever, the sales team could see live stock. Previously it might take up to an hour for someone to check stock, and this might be 10-15 times a day.

Invoicing and purchasing were quicker and now electronic, with PDFs being emailed. Procurement also saw massive benefits, as we could immediately see what needed to be purchase, how much and what supplier to use, with most purchase orders being emailed to suppliers with a couple of clicks.”

Stock control improved, as minimum stock levels were set for all key materials. Stock locations allowed items to be found much quicker than before, so ex-stock items could be ordered, picked and despatched 50% quicker.

As the stores department doesn’t have dedicated staff, a unified system delivered significant time savings; “All of our staff are multi-skilled, so we don’t have a dedicated person in stores or despatch. 123insight has given extra time to all the staff that perform these functions. I’d estimate this as at least a 25 % timesaving. It’s certainly freed up a lot of my time.” continues...

May 2022

23

Manufacturing PDATE

Staff attended online training in the Summer of 2020. Although the training is offered under noobligation prior to registration, Heatsense were confident enough that 123insight would meet their needs and registered as a customer before attending the training. “We were able to ask any questions we needed, and after this we were fully confident that the system would work for us - we asked the right questions and got the right answers.”

Works orders now included much more information. Aaron explained; “Previously we would list a part number and rely on staff experience as they had made the parts many times before, but this can lead to errors. Works orders now list both the materials and routings, plus we’re using document linking to include data sheets and other technical information.” While works orders included more content, it was estimated that paper usage overall dropped by 20%.

Lead times improved by 10% due to better stock availability and planning visibility. The company was hampered by industry supply chain issues, however the additional visibility that 123insight provided helped them to purchase more strategically, avoiding outages. Aaron expects lead times to improve further as supply chain issues ease.

Aaron also noted that 123insight allowed them to consolidate across many areas, providing environmental benefits. Inbound deliveries from suppliers could be grouped, as could outbound deliveries to customers; “We can now ask the customer if they would prefer us to send multiple orders together.” Consolidation also continued onto the shop floor; “We’re

also now pairing jobs together. For example, if we have an extrusion job using red plastic, we might consider consolidating other jobs, reducing head waste and saving on material.”

Heatsense already had ISO9001 and ISO14001 quality accreditations but plans to expand its business within the aerospace sector and therefore sought AS9100 accreditation.

Said Aaron; “During our AS9100 implementation and subsequent audit traceability was evident. Part of the audit was remote, and all the information was easily retrievable onscreen. In the old days we would have been looking through reams of files and scanning documents.”

Manufacturing PDATE

Every industry has issues that are unique to them. When Heatsense produce a batch of products for stock, items within the batch might often be different lengths, requiring more work to book items in. Heatsense discussed this with their 123insight Customer Care Manager, who identified that a modification to the software would not only elegantly solve the problem for Heatsense, but by applying the same logic elsewhere would benefit other customers. Said Aaron; “It just shows that 123 Insight listen and are there to help. I can’t think of many suppliers that would consider a change to their system for a customer.” A third of 123insight’s monthly subscription is re-invested into development, with many new features based on customer feedback.

24

May 2022

Key benefits:

With a system that is relied on company-wide, support is an important aspect, but Aaron could not be more pleased; “Support has been fantastic - I could not give them more credit. They are always at the end of the phone if I need them, and it’s always a positive experience. There’s

no comparison with other suppliers, where I might be waiting 2-3 weeks for a simple answer.”

After already taking on larger premises, the company has significant growth plans, moving more into supplying the aerospace sector now that they have AS9100 under their belt. Aaron finalised; “We could easily double in size with 123insight.

One of the key tools it has given us is staff being able to quickly retrieve any information, reducing the need for more staff. 123insight was also essential to us gaining AS9100 approval, which the auditors acknowledged.”

Implemented remotely during the pandemic

•

Paperwork reduced by 20%

•

Lead times reduced by 10%, with ex-stock items despatched 50% quicker

•

Stock inaccuracies reduced

•

Acquired AS9100 accreditation

•

New feature developed based on feedback from Heatsense

•

Consolidating inbound/ outbound deliveries

•

Have already seen 30% growth and could double without more admin staff

•

Integrated with Access Dimensions

www.123insight.com

Manufacturing PDATE

Heatsense also uses Access Dimensions accounts software, and later in 2021 decided to link it to 123insight using Accounts Gateway. This allows invoices to be created automatically within Access Dimensions, and 123insight users to be able to see data such as credit limits or if a customer is on stop.

•

May 2022

25

Directory

Manufacturing PDATE

T&D Corporation Mr Minoru Ito, European Sales Office, Gronauer Straße 1, 61194 Niddatal, Germany 0049 (0)6034 930970 europe.office@tandd.de www.tandd.com

Unit 3A, Whitworth Court, Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1WA. Tel.: (0044)-330 002 0640, sales@odu-uk.co.uk www.odu-uk.co.uk

Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies

TR Fastenings LTD

European Corporate Office, Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5TU 01635 279621 www.cwst.co.uk eurosales@cwst.com

Trifast House, Bellbrook Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QW Free phone: 08454 811 800 E-mail: sales@trfastenings.com www.trfastenings.com

Phoenix Mecano Ltd

Blackfast Chemicals Ltd

26 Faraday Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8RY +44 (0)1296 611660 www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk

Unit 5 Russell House , Molesey Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey, KT12 3PE 0207 339 7370, sales@blackfast.com www.blackfast.com

Monitran

Ecopac (UK) Power Ltd

Monitran Ltd, Monitor House, 33 Hazlemere Road, Penn, HP10 8AD, UK T: +44 (0)1494 816569 E: info@monitran.com www.monitran.com

26

ODU-UK LTD.

May 2022

Unit 4, Ridgeway, Crendon Industrial Area, Long Crendon, Bucks, HP18 9BF Tel: +44 1844204420 www.ecopacpower.co.uk

Directory

Foremost Electronics Ltd

Seepex UK Ltd.

14 Bluegate Business Park Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4PZ TEL: +44 (0) 1371 811171 FAX: +44 (0) 1371 810933 WEB: www.4most.co.uk

3 Armtech Row Houndstone Business Park Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RW

0-12 Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8JY www.hrs-heatexchangers.com Email: info@uk.hrs-he.com Tel: +44 (0)1923 232 335

Mecmesin Ltd Newton House, Spring Copse Business Park, Slinfold, West Sussex, RH13 0SZ w: www.mecmesin.com t: +44 (0) 1403 799979 e: info@mecmesin.com

1 Brownfields Court Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire, AL7 1AJ www.rotechmachines.com

BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse Carl-Sonnenschein-Straße 22 D-59348 Lüdinghausen – Germany Phone: (+49) 02591 / 91 94 – 0 info@bulte.de www.bulte.com

Wood Automated Systems UK (ATG – Systems) Tenter Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate Northampton, NN3 6AX +44 (0)7827 327231 Tim.Bednall@woodplc.com www.the-atg.com

Lascar Electronics Ltd UK Module House Whiteparish, Wiltshire SP5 2SJ +44 (0)1794 884 567 sales@lascar.co.uk www.lascarelectronics.com

Rotech Machines Limited

May 2022

Manufacturing PDATE

HRS Heat Exchangers

T +44 1935 472376 sales.uk@seepex.com www.seepex.com

27

sales@lamonde.com

     

4 Comm ports, inc Ethernet Built-in data logging to microSD Free no-limit programming Slim stackable design Multiple i/o wiring options Starter kit available

www.lamonde.com +44 (0)20 3026 2670

Lamonde Automation Limited Quality Products: Expert Advice