Technology extravaganza
Published: 09 February, 2017
Southern Manufacturing and Electronics 2017 returns to FIVE, Farnborough, from March 21 - 23. The show brings together an array of hardware, component vendors and engineering service providers in a single event. PWE reports.
Southern Manufacturing 2017 will host an array of companies from across the globe, covering every aspect of engineering design, production and management. The event is divided between mechanical and electronics engineering.
Components and OEM parts are a key attraction for many visitors. Around half of all visitors travel to the show in search of components, both mechanical and electronic. One of the key benefits of Southern Manufacturing is that it attracts vendors from across the world, offering visitors an opportunity to meet companies that are rarely seen in the UK. Examples this year include Swiss ceramic component specialists, Ceramaret, KS Terminals from Taiwan, Cosel Europe, Yamaichi Electronics and Vexos from Germany and Poland’s Transfer Multisort Elekronik, one of central Europe’s leading distributors of electronic products and components.
On the mechanical side, Pneumax debuts at Southern 2017 with three new product lines, including a range of ATEX-certified stainless steel components designed for the oil and gas industry, and a complete range of vacuum components and pneumatic controllers. Another new exhibitor, The West Group, specialises in the design and supply of fluid components to medical /scientific markets. It has been providing products for the conveyance of fluids and gases for various industries for over 40 years.
For larger projects, there is a good selection of firms supplying motion and power transmission components. igus UK returns with its lightweight, maintenance-free bearings and cable management systems. New for this year is the Compact Rotation Module, designed as an easy to install rotary system to manage electrical and fluid power lines. Other familiar faces include HepcoMotion with its range of linear, track and ring motion systems, and cable management specialists Kabelschlepp Metool. Machine safety specialist Bernstein also returns for 2017, and there are literally hundreds of other suppliers of industrial hardware and consumables, among them Brady, Optris Infrared Thermometers, Q8 Oils, Ambersil and Henkel Loctite.
Machinery is also another big attraction, with international manufacturers running live demonstrations of the latest machining centres and press brakes. But there is also a good selection of other plant-related equipment too. Nabertherm travels from Germany to promote its extensive range of furnaces and heat treatment systems, encompassing everything from compact hardening furnaces to fully-automatic plants with conveying technology and process documentation. Filtermist International will highlight products for the removal of oil mist, dust, smoke and fumes. Its recent acquisition of Multi Fan Systems means the company can also offer VOC abatement, evaporative cooling, ventilation and cooling, production waste extraction, vacuum cleaning and conveying services.
Seminars
The programme for 2017 has presenters drawn from industry, academia and commerce. A total of 28 sessions over three days will address a wide range of technical, business and regulatory topics; subjects that will appeal to everybody involved in engineering enterprise. Some of the hot topics covered in 2017 will include an in-depth look at the latest advances in manufacturing. Wayne Kite provides an overview of 3D Printing and the potential benefits for manufacturers. Zoe Webster from Innovate UK discusses how innovation and new technology adoption can drive growth in manufacturing. The Industrial Internet of Things comes under the spotlight in two sessions, looking at what the future might hold and how IoT technology can be employed right now to enhance efficiency and productivity.
In his perennially popular presentations, Stefan Knox from Bang Creations returns with his workshop on what makes a good design and how to generate new ideas. At the other end of the product development process, Antonio Falco gets to grips with how to sell effectively with some practical tips on how to close that deal, no matter how complex the product.
More practical workshops include Ailsa Carson’s review of best practice in world-class manufacturing. Andrew Farral and Debbie Wade of Advanced Rework Technology examine global workmanship standards within PCB design, fabrication and assembly processes. Mathias Bunte of Phoenix Mecano Enclosures looks at adding real value to machining, printing & keypads. Further sessions deal with how to implement Lean, CE Marking for 2017 and beyond, and vibration testing.
Following last year’s Brexit referendum, Dr Alex Martin discusses the implications of Life after Brexit – what comes next in trade relations and product regulation? Further sessions look in more detail at the implications for business of the next wave of Data Protection legislation and its likely impact on a post-Brexit UK.
Admission to the show and the technical seminars is free of charge, and FIVE Farnborough provides complimentary car parking. Pre-registration as well as a complete listing of seminar sessions and online reservation form is available at: www.industrysouth.co.uk
