The annual Southern Manufacturing & Electronics will take place early next month. PES is a favourite show. It takes a closer view at what visitors can see at Farnborough Exhibition Centre, February 7-9, 2023.
Southern Manufacturing will feature hundreds of companies, many of which will showcase a variety of mechanical, electrical and electronic components and assemblies.
Machine tools and tooling suppliers will be present, as well as workholding systems and metrology equipment. These equipment can also be used for non-contact and tactile measurement and inspection. Finishing machines, laser cutting, marking equipment, additive manufacturing machines, consumables, production planning aids, engineering and business software. Along with controls, displays and HMIs, data acquisition and data visualization systems, industry 4.0 solutions will be on display.
Oil and coolant supply, workshop tools, dust and fume extract, humidity control and workplace storage systems are just some of the other services that will be offered.
The show has been supported by a large percentage of exhibitors since its inception in 1998. It began as a regional gathering of entrepreneurs in engineering companies. Now it is the UK’s largest engineering exhibition.
It relocated to its current location in 2008, and was the first event held at Farnborough’s new exhibition centre in 2018, when it was built. It was held two years later, just prior to the pandemic. Nearly 800 companies were represented and 9,256 people walked through the doors.
This event has a unique character because it features the best in electronics and mechanical engineering working together to innovate across multiple sectors. Visit the event if you are looking for new business opportunities and ways to improve your order books in these difficult times.
It is the best place to find multiple suppliers in a time of tight supply chains. This is made possible by the lack of physical barriers between engineering disciplines. Many visitors say that this is a great advantage, because it allows them to find suppliers and technologies they might not otherwise have known. Technology Trails is a network of firms that have expertise in the same areas. This allows visitors to navigate the showground logically.
It is also a good place to network with subcontractors. Companies will display samples of components that they have fabricated from a variety of materials.
Other 3D printers and metal machining companies will join the subcontract machining businesses. Additional subcontract engineering services are available for electronics assembly, test, inspection, and finishing. All of them will be eager to discuss how they can support industrial companies in maintaining momentum and profitability well into 2023, despite the well known supply chain and financial challenges.
A strong technical seminar programme will be held over the three days, in addition to the demonstration areas and exhibitions. It will provide valuable learning opportunities to both visitors and exhibitors, with a focus on environmental, technical and managerial issues facing manufacturers today.
Presentations will include topics like lean continuous improvements, design for tests, marketing, team motivation and business succession planning. They also cover management techniques, CE marking and UKCA marking.
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2023 opens from 7-9 February and will co-locate again with AutoAero, a specialist theme within the exhibition devoted to aerospace and automotive engineering. There is a regular, free bus service between Farnborough’s railway stations and the show. Access to the show and parking are also free. The event website has more information about entry and a complete list of exhibitors. www.industrysouth.co.uk
Machine tools and peripherals
In many different areas, there will be plenty to interest visitors at the exhibition. Here’s a sampling of some of these products and services.
This year, machine tool companies are particularly prominent, with more then a dozen of the most well-known names represented. These could be either UK or Ireland subsidiaries of global OEMs, as well as their sales and service agents. Ajax Machine Tools (StandJ220). It will display examples of Atom CNC lathes equipped with Fagor, Siemens and other control options. Proton 3- to 4- and 5-axis machine centers with Siemens controls will also be on the stand. Additionally, the company supplies manual lathes, mills and drilling machines as well as grinders.
AMOB UK (Stand 210) The largest selection of equipment for tube and pipeline bending and end-forming is available. There are many options, from simple manual machines to fully automated CNC systems. The company is a leading manufacturer specializing in section bending, mandrel, and rotary draw. It designs and develops products that can be used in a variety of industries, including the automotive, marine and offshore sectors.
Bruderer UK (Stand N235) It will be back to promote its coil and wire handling equipment and servo feeds. Chester Machine Tools (Stand B270) will present its own brand of CNC and conventional machine tools as well as its portfolio of third-party equipment including Kitchen & Walker drilling machines, Brierley grinders and Astra lathes, mills and saws.
Sliding-head turn-milling is an example of this. Citizen Machinery (K170) It will include a Cincom L12VIILFV with integrated laser cutting capability and a Cincom L12VIILFV. It is possible to machine geometric shapes and precise holes directly into tubular stock or solid bar.
Features can be produced in a much shorter time than it would take to mill cutters in drive stations within the tool carriers of the lathe. This is in addition to producing features with a higher degree of precision. For efficient chip-breaking, the company will remind visitors about its LFV (low frequency vibratory) software.
With over 100 models available and 14,000 units per year sold, CNC Machine Tool Manufacturing is recognized as one of the top CNC machine tool manufacturers in the world. Haas Automation (Stand E220). It claims that it has more than 250,000 horizontal and vertical machining centers and CNC lathes worldwide. These machines are used in almost every OEM or subcontract manufacturing environment.
Vertical machining centres, including dual-column and 5-axis machines, as well as CNC turning centers are the specialty of Hurco Europe (Stand M200). All types of applications can be accommodated, including small components and molds to large-scale production.
The machine can be programmed using the Winmax control, which is easy to use. It also has full CNC capabilities. Hurco will exhibit a VM series 3-axis machining center to highlight its claim that all models have a large working volume and a small footprint.
Chinese company Jinan Bodor CNC Machine Co. (Stand M210) is another company claiming to be the largest in its field, in this case the production of high-power fibre laser cutting machines at its 30,000 m² factory in Jinan. Total floor area amounts to 50,000 ², including administration, research and development. The company has over 2,100 employees including 350 in R&D.
The staff from MACH Machine Tools (StandJ275) And Machine Tool Sales Online (MTSO), (Stand H310).The Vigilance Group will host two stands for both Vigilance Group members. The first will display its new CNC and manual machines. Models that will be displayed include the DynaPath-controlled MDS 845-8T toolroom mills with integrated Toolchanger and MDS 900-4T high-productivity toolroom mills, a large MDL 1800 flatbed turning lathe with an automated tool post, a VS-1SP high quality, turret type mill, and a recently introduced 1440 UV training lap lathe. MTSO will promote the extensive stock of pre-owned, high-quality machines.
Live 5-axis machining demonstrations using a 10-pallet, 900-tool MX330 PC10 machining center will be a highlight of the event Matsuura Machinery (E260) Stand alongside the Desktop Metal Studio System 2 3D printer and Desktop Metal Fibre composites 3D Printer, which will both be running special demonstrations for the event.
The company’s strategy was to convince manufacturers it could supply the best platforms for additive and subtractive manufacturing.
Mills CNC (StandC160), the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions’ and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland, will feature an SVM 4100 machining centre manufactured by the former, Korean principal.
The machine’s BT40 18.5kW/12,000rpm/95.5Nm spindle, impressive rapids and fast acceleration and deceleration are said to dramatically improve customers’ part processing times. A versatile M1509 Doosan Cobot will also demonstrate the productivity and efficiency gains possible with low-cost automation.
In 1964, it was founded. NCMT (Stand G230). It is a well-known name in CNC machining. It is sole UK and Ireland agent for two major Japanese machine tool brands – machining centre, turning machine and grinder manufacturer Okuma, and machining centre and EDM machine producer Makino. It will exhibit an Okuma M460V-5AX vertical, 5-axis compact machining center that produces high-precision parts and delivers impressive metal removal rates.
XYZ Machine Tools’ (Stands G260/H260) Portfolio includes CNC vertical machining centers, turning centres, and the ProtoTRAK-controlled lathes and mills that are perfect for small to medium-volume production.
The highlight at this year’s show will be the company’s new TMC range of four toolroom machining centres, which combine the advantages of the latest ProtoTRAK control with a fully enclosed machine design and up to 20-station toolchanger. Every model comes standard with an electronic handwheel in every axe. This allows users to use the DRO facility to manual-machine the machine like a bed mill. The company has booked two stands to demonstrate this product line.
One of the world’s largest manufacturers of machine tools and laser cutting machines, Yamazaki UK (Stand F180). The stand will be redesigned to focus on automated 5-axis machining for subcontractors, start ups and job shops.
The UK-made CV5 500 vertical machining centre will be the star of the show. It is equipped with a plug-and-play MA-20/400 automatic component loading/unloading system that allows for lights-out operation. The workholding structure has a rigid design and a 500 mm wide rotary table that moves in the Y axis. This ensures a precise, compact machining solution.
The machine has a rapid traverse rate of 36m/minute on the linear axes. It can also be enhanced by an 18,000rpm spindle that is 18.5kW in power.
Another firm that specialises in the supply and support advanced machining centers, CNC turning centres, and integrated automation is YMT Technologies (Stands: E210, E215 and E220)..
The company also offers workholding and tooling at affordable prices through a separate division. The company will be exhibiting new, high precision toolholders from Tuscan and a range of machine vices and tables, as well as Jergens fixturing and workholding.  There will also be Tuscan rotary tables on the stand and a mist extraction system from AR Filtrazioni. Diebold heat shrinkers will be also promoted.
There will be many accessories around the machine tool that can be found on multiple stands. Oemeta, Stand E190 And Kernow Oils (StandK225) Their coolants, cutting oil and lubricants as well as greases will be promoted. The former states that it is eager to discuss the advantages of its HYCUT multifunctional steelworking fluid concept. It is based upon a coolant/neat oil and washing liquid and allows users to independently control the oil and additive levels in an emulsion.
You will find cutting tools and holders at Industrial Tooling Corporation (Stand S250), Guhring (Stand S185), Hoffmann (Stand F190). And Mapal (Stand E180).While Zoller UK (Stand S200) The company will be demonstrating its tool presetting equipment and measurement equipment.
Heidenhain (Stand A230) It will display its CNC systems and DROs as well as touch probes, encoders and touch probes. It will advocate the use of modular, modern workholding equipment and automation over machine vices and manual load. 1st Machine Tool Accessories (StandG205), Lang Technik UK (Stand l250) And Thame Workholding (Stand 230). Roehm (Stand K260). It will demonstrate the benefits of its Duro-M series, which includes two-, three, four- and six-jaw lathechucks, for clamping parts on turning, milling, rotary tables, and dividing attachments.
Thame Workholding (Stand 230), a renowned UK manufacturer and solution provider will be demonstrating new products at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2023.
Making its first showing in the UK will be AirVise’s precision self-centring pneumatic vice. The vices come in a table or 4-inch version, as well a 6-inch version for rotary applications.
You can use the vices either manually or in an integrated system that uses collaborative robot loading-unloading to maximize productivity (UR+ certified).
HWR’s 52 pneumatic zero point plate will also be on display. This plate complements the extensive range of zero-point mechanical technology. The machine will be able to integrate this plate into its operation for automatic loading or unloading.
3D printing
Because many of the firms that fall under the latter category offer subtractive machining functionality, additive manufacturing solutions will almost be as strong.
A variety of companies that supply additive manufacturing equipment and bureau services, in addition to the Matsuura offerings mentioned above, will be exhibiting. Additive-X (Stand E185) 3D printing specialists selling and repairing 3D Printers as well as professional advice and a printing service. It will have a variety of machines and parts that were additively made on display. The engineers will be available to answer any questions.
Carfulan Group company SYS Systems (Stand B200)Another participant is Stratasys 3D Printing Technology Distributors. They specialize in PolyJet as well as FDM-based printing technology. Also, CDG 3D Tech (Stands: P230, and P2253D Systems, Intamsys. Sinterit. Omni3D. Fusion. Zmorph. Inkbit. 3D scanners. Evatronix, Shining3D. Geomagic software.
Creat3D (Stand J270) Similar supplies 3D printers as well as consumables, support, and services, including training, maintenance, managed service, and applications engineering. FFF, SLA or SLS, composite, metals, and large-format 3D printers with high temperatures are some of the additive technologies.
Visitors can get up close and personal with the most recent materials such as nylons and high performance ULTEM. You will find everything you need to build a drone or electric vehicle, as well as industrial equipment and end of-arm tooling.
Europac3D’s (Stand J145) It will showcase its scanning and printing equipment, and promote its bureau service. The handheld scanners Artec3D from Artec3D are fast and portable, and can capture almost any 3D shape. This makes them ideal for quality inspections or reverse engineering.
Uniontech SLA resin additive production systems are designed to be used in large volumes and can work with a wide range of open-source materials. Stand will include Kreon portable measuring tools in 6- and 7 axis versions. Supar Augmented Reality Interactive Inspection software is now available for 2023. It uses the iPad Pro’s scanning technology.
The MakerBot METHODX 3D printers are also on display. GTX Europe (Stand K100).. The machines can be used by designers to create parts quickly and accurately from their desktops in a variety of plastics, carbon fiber and other materials. The company also sells 3D scanners and imaging devices.
Metrology
A number of well-known names in the field of quality control, inspection, measurement and quality control will encourage attendees to look at what they have presented.
Arc Metrology (Stand M235) Offers support, equipment, and software solutions that include metrology workstations. The firm is able to provide subcontract inspection; training in CMM programming, operation and GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing); fixture design; reverse engineering; 3D scanning and inspection; and cover for absent CMM operators and programmers.
Ash Technologies (Stand A205). An Irish company that specialises in digital magnification, imaging solutions for production process improvements and fault detection. The company’s low-cost inspection and measuring tools can increase operator productivity and aid in training.
Blum-Novotest (Stand L210)The company, which is a developer of tool measurement and in-process components for the machine tool sector, will be demonstrating its products to support automated CNC machining. This will ensure that every part is perfect and that scrap and work are avoided. The latest Digilog products will be on display. Visitors will be able to see the latest Digilog products in action and learn how data feedback can help improve their quality control on the shop floor.
Moore & Wright, Baty, Sylvac, Trimos, Wyler and Gagemaker are all brands of the Bowers Group (Stand 240)The company will exhibit a range of metrology instruments. It will display a variety of standard and custom products as well as its application team’s Bradford-developed products. There will also be a selection third-party calibration tools and height gauges, vision systems, hand tools and optical profile projectors.
Carfulan Group also has members that are active in metrology OGP UK And Vicivision UK (Stand B200) The show was attended by several companies. Another company, Optimax Imaging Inspection & Measurement (Stand D190), sells products from Alicona Starrett and Inspekto. It will feature the Alicona InfiniteFocus universal 3-D measuring instrument. Also, other products such as the AI-guided visual inspection instruments, 4K video microscopes and video endoscopes will be available on the stand. The company specialises in difficult-to-inspect, high precision engineering applications.
The company claims to be a global leader for the manufacturing of factory automation solutions. It is well-known for its extensive range of high-performance products, including machine vision, laser markers, and metrology systems. Keyence UK (Stand B200) It will display its most recent measurement and inspection line up.
There is also the VHX7000N, a digital microscope in 4K with high resolution. It produces images that rival those of a scanning electron microscopy. It features intuitive interface, advanced features like optical shadow effect mode and one push calibration, automatic reports generation, handheld observation mode, and automatic report generation. Metrology engineers will also be able to see the most recent versions of the IM/LM measuring and inspecting systems. These systems have the speed and repeatability that allow them to verify up 300 parts in a matter seconds.
Sempre Group (Stand F270) Another company that offers optimum quality control systems and software to increase productivity is Optimum Quality Control Systems. Visitors will see the entire process of quality control, which is completed with minimal operator intervention and error. This includes auto ballooning drawings, generating inspection plans, loading and automating measurement, and finally importing the results into FAI (first article inspector) and PPAP(production part approval process). Report templates are also available.
On the stand will be a Micro-Vu optical CMM, Opticline shaft measurement and Sensofar optical profilers, as well as High QA Inspection Manager software, capable of importing results from any CMM and automating the process of scanning entire drawings and extracting GD&T data.
The stand will feature the CHOTEST flash measuring devices and CMMs powered by PC-DMIS. Status Metrology, Stand F245,It also offers retrofit, service and support as well as programming and training.
The company offers ergonomic microscopy, digital 3D visualization and metrology. Vision Engineering (Stand J260).. The company’s stereo microscopes, measurement systems, and telecommunications equipment are used in many industries, including the aerospace, electronics and automotive sectors. The Discover DRVZ1 Deep Reality Viewer, a digital stereo inspection system, is the only one that produces full 3D HD images that are viewable without 3D glasses.
Software
Global leader in NC code simulation CGTech (Stand A215) Software solutions ensure CNC machines run smoothly and are free from collisions. The company will demonstrate its Vericut CNC simulation and verification software at the show.
This software can run independently but integrates with most CAM systems. The company will highlight its Force optimisation module, which in combination with Vericut provides an integrated simulation/optimisation solution that can significantly reduce machining times when running new or legacy programs, extending the lifetime of cutting tools and of the machine tool.
When machining aluminum, the reduction in program time can result in savings of between 8 and 15%. This is especially true for difficult-to-cut material.
Another software company E-Max Systems (StandG145)The company is active in enterprise resource planning. E-Max ERP from Its Company is designed to assist those who struggle with spreadsheets and legacy systems.
It can be used to cover all manufacturing processes within any production environment. It has all the functionality necessary to help you make informed decisions about production scheduling, planning and work order management. You can also track resources and raw materials.
It is described as a true quote to cash system and includes integrated financial accounting to control costs. The company is keen to return to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics to promote its new cloud product, as the show’s visitor profile very closely matches its customer base of SMEs, precision engineers, job shops, fabricators and subcontractors.
Medatech UK (Stand g120) Provides creative ERP solutions and other IT-related services with a broad range of functionality. For customers who are in particular vertical markets, smaller additional modules may be available. Priority Manufacturing ERP offers businesses a complete view of their manufacturing facility on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. It allows them to optimize manufacturing performance, run more efficient operations, boost analysis capability and strengthen customer loyalty.
Software focuses on personalization, automation, and personalisation of the system for each individual user. This includes hiding inactive fields to suggesting fields as users log in. Live demonstrations will be on display at the stand.
Another ERP and production control software provider with more than 25 years of experience is MIE Solutions UK (Stand A230). MIE Track Pro is a software program that streamlines workflow and business processes in manufacturing industries. It also promotes competitiveness at a low price. It’s used by many UK companies, as well as many other countries, and is simple to install.
SapmanV12 (Stand E105) Software for manufacturing and distribution that includes inventory management, barcoding and labels, batch and serial number trackability, batch and serial numbers traceability. BOM, shopfloor data collection, MRP, and full audit trail. The software integrates with Sage 50 and Sage 200 to manage all business processes, including customer delivery, invoicing, and sales enquiries.
Visitors to the Theorem Solutions (Stand E250) Experience augmented, virtual, mixed reality. You’ll be able see how design is evolving in full-scale, in context, collaborative visualisation.
TheoremXR, a software package that creates extended reality experiences for manufacturing or design-related tasks, will be displayed by the company.
Products are not often developed in one location. XR can facilitate remote collaboration and creativity. Many find that the hardest part of adoption is the entry of 3D data to XR. Visualisation Pipeline automates CAD data preparation. It brings 3D data assets directly to Theorem XR, or allows for the creation of assets that can be used internally in XR solutions. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about CADverter direct, CAD translation tools and 3D PDF suite. This suite enables data sharing and collaboration through interactive documentation.
Finally, a Canadian company VKS (Stand K140) Its intuitive software allows for the creation of digital work instructions in a quick and efficient manner. This is a great tool to standardise and optimize processes from entry-level to advanced smart factory applications.
Digitalization is possible without paper. Users can digitalise work instructions and checklists, audits, maintenance procedures, and other information. This allows users to record and integrate process and quality data into existing systems. It is flexible and easy to use in production. The benefits include higher productivity and better quality. It reduces training time, provides complete traceability, and allows for greater flexibility.
Automation
There will be two independent exhibitors who will discuss what they can offer in the field of automation. Denny Bros Engineering, Stand G255 More than 40 years’ experience in the manufacturing of automation machinery in Bury St Edmunds production plant for a wide range industries including pharmaceuticals, packaging, and label.
Indus Engineering (Stand c260)New to the show is, which specializes in the design, manufacturing and installation of custom-made factory automation and control systems. It also integrates mechanical components from leading brands.
The company recently purchased new premises to increase its production capacity after having worked on large control and automation projects for several major South customers. This will enable the firm to support a wider array of engineering activities such as the design, manufacturing, and testing special purpose machinery.
Automation of machine tools is a great way to increase efficiency and minimize costs in high-wage economies. But, this area has seen tremendous growth over the past few decades, with an abundance of automated pallet, component, and tool changing options available.
These range from AGVs that move around factory floors, through 6-axis industrial robotics for machine tool tending, and highly-sophisticated gantry systems to cobots that work alongside shopfloor operators. Although they will not display this type of equipment, the machine tool companies attending the show will be glad to discuss them with interested parties.
More products, more technology
Exhibiting at Stand C310 Southern Manufacturing’s ultra-hard coating and thermal processing expert, Wallwork Group wants to highlight the large investments made across its UK sites.
The company operates from four locations: Manchester, Birmingham and Cambridge, and provides quick turnaround services to customers in the aerospace, automotive and motorsport industries.
Wallwork has increased its capacity for vacuum carburising (vacuum nitriding), vacuum brazing, vacuum brazing, PVECD coating, and vacuum brazing since the last exhibition. “Despite the economy only recently emerging from the pandemic and notwithstanding the current energy and economic setbacks, we are investing to keep up with demand for advanced and specialised processes alongside our more usual heat treatments,” explains director, Simeon Collins.
In addition to increasing its capacity to meet demand the company also renovated buildings and expanded its in-house mechanical testing facility. It also renewed Nadcap certifications across several sites. Customers can get parts processed quickly and cost-effectively by using the company’s dedicated pick-up/delivery fleet.
“Continuing growth is only part of the story,” Mr Collins concludes. “A strong service ethic is rooted in our people and combining this with low-cost pick-up and delivery, UKAS certified in-house mechanical testing, and Nadcap and multiple aerospace prime accreditations, customers really appreciate the full end-to-end experience with many services accessible from one supplier. Fast, efficient and without compromising quality.”
Visual planning system developer T Cards Direct (Stand #150) It celebrates its 60th birthdayTh Birthday in 2023. To celebrate, the company will showcase the latest release of T Cards Online at Southern Manufacturing. T Cards has been hard at work on new features over the last year.
T Cards Online is easy to customize to specific applications. This can improve efficiency in a business. Users can immediately start the software once they have registered under the no-obligation 21-day trial. This includes T Cards Direct’s UK team providing personal support to get you up and running with the minimum of disruption.
“T Cards Online is designed to be used very much like the tried and tested manual system,” explains company partner, Philip Heine. “Clients often need a clear and precise status of work, and this does exactly that but with all the benefits and analysis tools available digitally. Having a ‘Go to Board’ at your fingertips can really help staff get on with their day-to-day tasks in a systematic a structured manner.”
T Cards Online’s development has been driven by customers over the past ten years. Customers have provided suggestions and made improvements to the core concept of keeping it simple. The Southern Manufacturing Show has provided the opportunity for the company to share these ideas with potential clients and customers.
“We have been a regular exhibitor at Southern Manufacturing for the last 15 years, starting with the manual systems,” Mr Heine adds. “Now the Online System is what the industry is most interested in.”
The new release, which is being shown here, represents a significant improvement in planning and controlling work. It includes a new ‘What If’ engine that can generate automated workflows.
“Think of it as an ‘If This Then That’ process – action then consequence,” Mr Heine says. “For example, if a card or job is moved to a predefined position, a consequence or alert is automatically triggered. The consequence could be an obvious visual change in colour or email alert, or simply a flashing card. The customer is free to decide.
“One application already being used is to highlight delays when a due date is passed. Showing automatically on the screen rather than waiting for a report or trawling through pages of data.”
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics
www.industrysouth.co.uk