In this newsletter

	Welcome from Jon Lewis - Area Panel Secretary, Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
	Case study - Jetshape Limited, Water Jet Cutting Specialists
	Spotlight on Gary Hicks, Production Supervisor, Preci-Spark Ltd
	Events and Workshops
	News

Jon Lewis
Area Panel Secretary,
IMechE West Devon and Cornwall

Imagine if someone allowed you to throw away the rule book on how things are made? Advanced manufacturing techniques give you the ability to do just that. As an engineer looking back on my training, some of the technology that exists today really does make the impossible dream a distinct reality. Often manufacturers feel that using the latest technology is just for the 'big guys' and certain niche markets, but the reality is many companies could and should be using it to their advantage.

The benefits of embracing new manufacturing technologies are wide-ranging - from accessing new markets to staying ahead of the competition, reducing costs, and improving process and quality.

Sound interesting? Here are a few examples of cutting edge advanced manufacturing techniques currently being developed:-

Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) is an exciting new concept for the direct production and repair of components. The process produces metal parts through a deposition of material in incremental stages. Complex structures can be 'grown' from the inside out and applications are wide and varied and even include the production of complex chocolate forms!

Stereo-lithography is another layer-based manufacturing approach. This allows direct digital manufacturing from computer-aided design (CAD) to a physical part and is the most flexible and versatile form of the fabrication process. Imagine the reaction of customers when you can switch from a 3D CAD drawing to a physical prototype in a matter of minutes.

And Sintering, a well established process for making ceramic items from pressed powders, can now be utilised with a range of different materials including metals and plastics. Solid structures can be made much lighter and stronger, opening up a host of applications for existing products and opportunities to approach new markets.

Advanced manufacturing goes way beyond the current methods used to generate output. It encapsulates not only the 'how we do what we do', but also how we align our production processes and information flow to get the best out of materials, people, processes and profits.

As engineers and business people, we have never before faced such a challenging future. However, the challenge is there to be embraced and MAS-SW can help companies take their first steps on the fascinating and rewarding journey through advanced manufacturing.

"Advanced manufacturing encapsulates how we align our production processes and information flow to get the best out of materials, people, processes and profits."
Jon Lewis - Area Panel Secretary, IMechE

Spotlight:

Spotlight on Gary Hicks

Production Supervisor
Preci-Spark Ltd

What excites you about your day-to-day work?

For me it's the 'every day' stuff - problem solving, organising production and dealing with people.

In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

Working with a good team of people that I know I can depend on to assist me in meeting target times and customer orders.

What advanced manufacturing practices do you use within your business and why?

The core competencies of the company are process based. Our processes, approved by the National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Programme (NADCAP), include vacuum brazing and heat treatment, electro discharge machining, laser machining, welding and non- destructive testing. These allow us to be the leading manufacturer of components for the jet aircraft, gas turbine and other advanced- technology industries.

What piece of advice would you give to any manufacturers looking to adopt advanced manufacturing practices?

Looking at advanced manufacturing practices does not necessarily mean big changes within the company, although it will involve some degree of investment. Beforehand, businesses can do research and test these techniques via local universities or organisations such as MAS-SW.

To read more please click here

Would you like to appear in next month’s e-Newsletter in the Spotlight section? We are looking for manufacturers who are willing to answer eight simple questions about their day-to-day role. More than 10,000 people worldwide read the monthly e-Newsletter, so if you would like to share your thoughts on working in manufacturing or tell us more about your role, email the editorial team on info@swmas.co.uk

Case Study:

Jetshape: a cut above the competition

Somerset-based Jetshape Limited is keeping ahead of the competition by using the latest in high-pressure abrasive water jet profiling technology to provide a high precision profiling service to over 60 customers throughout the South West region and beyond.

High-pressure abrasive water jet profiling technology uses a very powerful jet of water combined with an abrasive called garnet to cut a wide range of materials such as stainless steel, marble, plastic, glass and rubber. In the cutting head a very fine 'beam' of water sucks in garnet and fires it at the material being cut at extremely high velocity. This produces a very accurate cutting process which leaves no heat distortion or discolouration, unlike alternative methods such as laser cutting.

Anthony Locke, managing director of Jetshape and Frocester Engineering, said: "At Frocester Engineering we were experiencing an increasing demand for profiled parts and also had mixed experiences in sourcing profiles from laser cutting companies in the area. Control of drawing changes, lead times, accuracy and quality of cut had all presented problems in the past, impacting adversely on our ability to deliver products to our customers on time. We therefore decided to bring profiling in house and founded Jetshape, which has been operating now for about four and a half years."

To read more please click here

News:

Rise in manufacturing activity boosts hopes of revival

British manufacturing activity rebounded to the highest level since October, according to results of a recent survey carried out within the sector and published in the Financial Times. The findings have helped to boost hopes that manufacturing is turning a corner and can be a catalyst for the revival of the UK economy.

The UK is not the only country that has seen such positive results. Across the US, Europe and Asia manufacturing output has reportedly been rising at the fastest rate for five years, which is leading to improved employment prospects within the sector.

Stralfors wins environmental company of the year award 2009

Stralfors UK, the information transfer specialists based in Redruth, has won the much coveted environmental company of the year award at this year's PrintWeek awards.

The PrintWeek 2009 awards were held in London with over 1100 people in attendance, from major print producers to suppliers and customers.

The judges praised the business, stating that the portfolio presented by Stralfors "blew them away".

For more information please visit www.stralfors.com

A new energy saving programme will make manufacturing more competitive

The Carbon Trust has this month announced a new £15million innovation scheme. The Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA) is an energy saving programme designed to cut carbon, reduce costs and make the UK manufacturing sector more competitive.

Through the IEEA, the Carbon Trust aims to transform the traditional sector-specific processes that underpin British manufacturing. In partnership with industry leaders, the organisation will identify and demonstrate new, lower-carbon solutions that can be replicated widely across each sector.

The programme is expected to reduce energy costs for businesses by over half a billion pounds and cut carbon emissions by more than three million tonnes.

To read more click here

China turns to UK for aerospace advice

China is looking to the UK for help developing its emerging aerospace industry.

Senior officials from the Chinese Aviation Industry Base, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China are visiting the UK to hear about the British aerospace sector.

The group met with British officials from UK Trade & Investment at the end of last month to discuss doing business in the Chinese aerospace industry.

The UK aerospace sector is regarded as a world leader in composite technologies. British companies are also developing more fuel-efficient engines, expertise that the Chinese are keen to learn from.

To read more click here

Offshore wind industry supply chain events – UK dates announced

The Crown Estate has announced the dates of a series of twelve UK supply chain events for the offshore wind industry. This developing industry is creating some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world with a potential market investment of over £100 billion. The investment will be a significant boost to the UK economy, along with the prospect of tens of thousands of new jobs.

The supply chain events will be delivered regionally through a working partnership of The Crown Estate, the UK Government and the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The South West event will be held in Bristol on 9th March 2010 with the support of the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and Regen South West.

For more information please click here

MAS-SW Events and Workshops

	You can now book your place at South West MAS events online. Simply visit the South West MAS website, provide your details and you will receive confirmation of your booking, be able to pay online and download maps and directions. You can also quickly see what events you've attended in the past.

Operational Leadership Programme

A series of Operational Leadership Programmes will be held in 2010 at the University of Exeter Business School aimed at line managers, operations, service, production and technical managers in manufacturing technology and knowledge based businesses.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

For further information or to book please click here.

OLP1, EXETER – Commencing Thursday 14th January 2010

OLP2, BRISTOL – Commencing Wednesday 20th January 2010

COST: £1,475 per delegate (grants may be available to qualifying organisations)

Partners & Other Events

Product Regulations Roadshow

This half day regional seminar held by the Department for Education and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is aimed at small and medium sized enterprises which import, manufacture or sell electronic or electrical products in the UK.

Covering an introduction to eco-design, Energy using Products (EuP), packaging, Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Waste Electrical & Electronics Equipment (WEEE) and batteries legislation, this event will provide an overview and update as to how current and future environmental legislation may affect your business. Experts from Defra and BIS will also be on hand to provide information and advice on what you need to do to comply and where to go for further support.

For more information or to book please email info@swmas.co.uk.

Tuesday 19th January 2010, 2pm – 4.30pm, CREATE Centre South West, Bristol

Connecting with the NHS in the South West

Attend this one-day conference and hear from leading figures in healthcare procurement about how to maintain and grow business opportunities with the NHS in the South West.

For more information or to book please click here.

Tuesday 1st December 2009, Taunton Conference Centre, Somerset

MOD Defence Suppliers Service Annual Conference and Exhibition

This conference and exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for both current and potential suppliers to be kept informed of the latest initiatives being deployed within the defence acquisition marketplace.

For more information or to book email info@swmas.co.uk.

Thursday 25th February 2010, 9am – 4.30pm, Thistle Hotel, Bristol



Further News Articles

NetRegs

For more information on the latest free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK visit their website

MAS is the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success.


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