Subcontracting talent on show

Even the most complex fasteners turned

The use of the cutting edge manufacturing technology enables Inro to offer a wide range of standard or modified fasteners. Exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing on stand J42, Inro’s production facilities include up to 10 axis CNC single spindle lathes that can produce the most complex fasteners.

Programs for standard parts can be modified to produce specials at very competitive prices. In the catalogue, there are 150 different fastener types – all available in different sizes. Over 1.5 million components are held in stock for rapid off the shelf delivery.

There is a heavy investment programme to maintain its levels of flexibility combined with keen prices. Over the last three years over £3 million has been invested in new equipment. The investment doesn’t stop at machines; it also embraces the latest DataTrack computer system, which looks after production control, materials, purchasing and quantity control.In-house toolmaking speeds up production.

In house capability adds versatility

The in-house toolmaking capability at pressed parts supplier J & J Engineering plays an important role in maintaining its competitive edge. The company, which is exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing on Stand K1, says that for new customers or jobs, the time between order and delivery of first pressing can be cut to a minimum.

Similarly, when a tool is damaged or worn it can be in the tool room in under an hour with the press up and running again in the shortest possible time.

The company has more than 20 presses, most equipped with air cushion beds. The maximum available tonnage is 250 tonne with a maximum bed size of 72 by 48 in. There is a fabrication shops where parts can be formed while various welding processes are available for assembly

To ensure on tome deliveries the company operates its own transport throughout the UK and to mainland Europe.

Specialisation brings its rewards

As a subcontractor, NC Precision focuses on turned parts; in particular turned parts under 32 mm diameter. These are produced exclusively on Citizen sliding head lathes, which means its operators know these machines inside out. The company is exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing on Stand L1.

But that doesn’t mean the company only carries out turning operations – on the shop floor there are machines with up to 13 axes of control, that can produce in one-hit components that also require secondary operations such as milling, gear hobbing, splines, broaching, slitting, cross-hole drilling; in fact just about anything needed to deliver a finished part in one visit to the machine.

For customers this degree of specialisation brings significant benefits. The company’s knowledge of the machines is reflected in precision parts, produced in the shortest possible cycle times at the lowest prices.

The company also operates twin-spindle machines and less complex machines that are easier to set up.  Its skill is matching the job to the machine to achieve the lowest price.

New machines ensure precision

With many of its CNC machines less than two years old, Aerotech Precision Manufacturing is well equipped to take on the highest standards of CNC machining. Exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing on Stand F73, Aerotech’s customer base covers the aerospace, nuclear, marine and medical industries.

It also takes on the built of special purpose automation machines for a variety of industries. The plant list includes extensive CNC turning and CNC machining centres some with 4th axis control, Alongside the machine shop is a large assembly area where large sub-assemblies and complete machines are built.

Computer Aided Manufacturing, CAM, software can accept digital files from customers’ design software. All production is tracked using e-business resources which gives customers complete visibility on how various orders are progressing.The company is proud of the fact that returning customers account for 80% of its business.

Electronics and software design

ByteSnap Design an electronics and software design consultancy, will be exhibiting for the first time at Southern Electronics on stand D12.

ByteSnap Design will be demonstrating its work for Rotalink, a designer and manufacturer of miniature motors, transmission and controls. The companies will be highlighting a new encoder which measures the precise position of a gearbox running at up to 500rpm and the number of turns made. The new product will be of potential interest to a wide range of applications including valves, lighting effects, antenna positioning, seat adjusters, curtain openers and instrumentation.

ByteSnap Design will also be showcasing its bespoke embedded electronics design, embedded firmware and board design services. The company will highlight work it has undertaken for its clients that has speeded up product time to market and created innovative, robust and high quality electronics and software products.

Visitors to the stand will be able to see other products that ByteSnap Design has successfully helped to bring to market, including working prototypes of a GSM based M2M device, the Zigbee and Bluetooth based Plogg smart energy meter and its award winning work on the Plogg Network controller. Its recently launched SnapUI Windows CE User Interface build tool cuts development times by simplifying the graphic design element of compelling UIs will also be demonstrated.

Dunstan Power, director of ByteSnap Design said: “Visitors looking for electronic design services to complement their component, electronic parts and sub-contract technology requirements are invited to our stand to learn how we have helped companies large and small from the UK and beyond with their product design.”

ByteSnap Design’s areas of expertise include electronic product design, FPGA development, embedded firmware development and manufacturing support.

Falcon spreads its wings

Falcon Precision, exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing on Stand E55, has built a reputation for delivering fine limit sheet metal components and assemblies. Following investment in new equipment, it can now undertake CNC milling and turning to similar standards.

A growing demand for finished assemblies rather than just formed components was reflected in the greater need for machined as well as formed parts. This was all part of the changing market place where many customers are looking for one-stop-shop solutions.

To satisfy this demand, the company has full 3D CAD capability and can accept data files in various formats. In addition, a full finishing service is offered. This takes in electro-plating, anodising, alocroming, Iridite NCP, powder coating, wet painting, screen-printing, overlays and engraving.

An integrated production control system enables the company to provide a reliable ‘on demand’ supply of components which compensates for market fluctuations. Included in this service is full traceability of production batches and visibility of stock levels to allow customers to plan and, if needed, introduce product upgrades with the minimum of disruption.

Waterjet cutting means high quality and reduced cost

Hampshire-based ICEE will be demonstrating the advantages of waterjet cutting at Southern Manufacturing 2010 on stand F30. As well as a laser cutting machine the specialist sub-contractor also has one of the most up-to-date waterjet cutting systems in the UK. Waterjet is a flexible process, capable of cutting virtually any material with consistent high quality. Intricate shapes can be produced without thermal influences, heat distortion, edge hardening or heat-affected zones. Cutting capacity is 4000mm x 2000mm x 200mm thickness. Other advantages include reduced mechanical stress, quick set-up times and no restriction on cutting polished or reflective materials. Waterjet also reduces or eliminates secondary cleaning operations. There are no tool costs and intricate designs are easily created with a very high degree of accuracy.

ICEE provides cutting services for many different industrial sectors, including precision engineering, shipbuilding, automotive, aircraft and spacecraft industries, MoD, construction and interior decoration industries. At the Southern Manufacturing Exhibition, visitors are invited to stand F30 where they will have the opportunity to view a selection of waterjet cut parts and speak to the friendly ICEE team.

Sheet metal experience

Harlow Group Ltd brings its decades of sheet metal-based sub-assembly experience to Southern Manufacturing 2010 on Stand M7. The Essex-based company is one of the UK’s top precision sheet metal component suppliers, offering a full turnkey mechanical assembly service including BOM procurement, fabrication, assembly, testing and final inspection. The company supplies a huge variety of sub-assemblies to the Aerospace, Telecoms, Electronics, Environmental, Lighting and Point of Sale industries worldwide. As well as manufacturing, Harlow Group provides complete logistical management on complex projects and acts as the global source for a number of prestigious accounts.