In this fourth preview of Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, the UK’s leading annual engineering trade fair – held 4th to 6th February 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre – Easyfairs, the show’s organiser, highlights the prominence of quality control this year.
A significant number of companies will present advanced and novel equipment for test, inspection and measurement at the event. These quality control procedures are applicable to both the mechanical engineering and electrical/electronic sides of the show, which are covered in approximately equal measure.
Founded in 1989, the family-owned Carfulan Group will show metrology products offered by three of its five member companies. OGP UK provides multi-sensor systems for inspection and others designed for measurement using a scanning probe, Vicivision UK specialises in systems for quality control of turned components, while Zoller UK focuses on cutting tool inspection and measurement to ensure the accuracy and quality of mills, drills and turning tools.
CDG 3D TECH offers products for scanning, including stationary and mobile options, manufactured by various global companies including Evatronix and Shining 3D. It also has in its portfolio industrial 3D scanners from Faro, suitable for large-scale applications such as scanning entire vehicles or large machinery. In addition to laser scanners, the range extends to photogrammetry systems, which use multiple cameras to capture images from different angles to create 3D models.
Offering both equipment and services, Central Scanning is a reseller for several brands of scanner including Artec 3D, GOM and Zeiss Optotechnik. In addition to 3D scanning, services include inspection for quality control and reverse engineering. The company’s offerings are widely used across industry, including sectors like aerospace, medical, automotive, toolmaking, R&D and even sculpture and the arts. There will be demonstrations of new Artec Scanners, the Leo and RAY II, as well as the Zeiss T-Scan Hawk 2 and GOM Scan 1.
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence will explore its full suite of cutting-edge solutions tailored to enhance efficiency, accuracy, operational consistency and productivity across various manufacturing processes. Metrology solutions will include precision measurement devices designed to optimise quality control in complex production environments, from portable measuring arms and laser trackers to handheld laser scanners. Visitors will also learn about the firm’s production software for streamlining manufacturing workflows. The solutions integrate seamlessly with its hardware, providing data-based insights that drive productivity and reduce lead times.
British co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufacturer LK Metrology will show an Altera C HA high-accuracy series model equipped with its new EcoAir function, an energy-saving device that automatically stops delivery of compressed air to the CMM after a period of inactivity, reducing consumption by up to 95% when the machine is idle. New also will be LK’s own CMM laser scanner, the SLK25 VIVID, and the company’s modular tool storage and change racks for tactile probes, laser scanners, extension bars and other sensor accessories. On show will be a third-generation LK FREEDOM arm, now supplied as standard with a 4.5 inch rather than a 3.5 inch diameter mounting ring to allow the unit to sit on a larger base for increased stability and accuracy. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to experience LK’s new Interactive virtual reality showroom featuring 10 CMMs running inspection programs.
MJ Allen Precision, an arm of the MJ Allen group, specialises in high-precision tooling, metrology equipment and component manufacturing. Its involvement in measurement centres on the sale of Verdict Gauge products, including precision gauges, dial test indicators, lever indicators, depth gauges and bore gauges. The products, known for being robust, reliable and of high quality, can be supplied in bespoke configurations for special applications. Customisations may include adjusting the measurement range, increasing or decreasing the resolution for finer or coarser measurements, customising the dial layout or markings for enhanced readability, different mounting options, and adapting the product for use in demanding applications.
Established for over 50 years, RDP Transducers & Instrumentation is a UK company that designs and manufactures general-purpose and harsh-environment transducers for measuring position, pressure, force and torque. With a dedicated engineering team and in-house manufacturing facilities, it has the ability to tailor products to suit customers’ requirements and applications. They are frequently found in the nuclear, renewables, oil & gas, marine, subsea, aerospace, automotive and rail sectors. A vast variety of transducers is offered, with displacements from 0.5 mm to 940 mm, operating pressures from full vacuum to 20,000 psi, PT rating from IP68 to 2.2 km, and operating temperatures from -220 to 600°C.
Printed circuit board (PCB) test cells from Absolute Robotics are configured with one or more Omron/Techman TM S Series collaborative robots for automated depanelling/breakout/singulation, labelling, programming and testing, for almost any size and shape of PCB. Sub-assemblies and complete units may be tested and existing manual or semi-automated fixtures may be integrated. Built-in machine vision reads barcodes and checks components, including LED colour and intensity. Conveyor infeed/outfeed is provided for Euro storage trays and/or SMT magazine racks. Having a solid customer base requiring automated PCB testing, the company has coupled its experience of delivering efficient solutions with a flexible, modular approach to reimagine the future of PCB testing.
NTD Shielding Services is a leading designer, manufacturer, project manager and supplier of high-performance shielding solutions for electronic equipment, such as EMC, EMI, antenna, RF, Tempest and HEMP chambers, Faraday cages, 40GHz mmWave 5G solutions and EMC test and measurement equipment. The company also provides RF shielded tents, bench top RF boxes and mobile shielded rooms, as well as EMC facility maintenance, service and shielding effectiveness testing. The integrated solutions are configured with practicality, user friendliness, high performance and cost effectiveness in mind. Based in northwest England, the company also hires to its UK and European customers electromagnetic compatibility test and measurement equipment. A large range of EMC and antenna absorbers, ferrite tiles and both new and reconditioned boards are stocked, alongside a variety of high-performance RF filters, specialist pipes, penetrations, attenuvents and RF/EMC/chamber components, plus entire RF/EMC reconditioned facilities.
Micro Precision is a leading global provider of calibration, repair, maintenance, validation, asset management and test equipment solutions. Serving a range of applications and industry sectors, the firm offers extensive electrical, RF, microwave, optical, mechanical, dimensional and temperature calibration solutions. Headquartered in California, it has more than 30 laboratories worldwide and provides customers with equipment management solutions through localised service outlets.
As a manufacturer of automated test equipment, Yelo focuses particularly on laser diodes, LEDs, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and other photonics components. For example, its systems measure the performance parameters of laser diodes, including output power, wavelength and modulation response. Other instruments measure the light-current-voltage characteristics of laser diodes, providing insights into their efficiency and reliability. The company offers extensive expertise in providing bespoke solutions for simple or complex needs. It designs and builds both final functional and bed of nails test fixtures for PCBs and provides comprehensive test solutions from its software and electronic departments. The company will present various customisable test fixtures on its stand, and its experts look forward to connecting with visitors.
There is free car parking at the Farnborough centre, which is well served by road and public transport links. A regular, complimentary bus service runs between the two local railway stations and the showground. Admission to the exhibition is also free. Register today using the address below.
https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/00mf6xsmh61zw?actioncode=1027
