Southern Manufacturing set to return to Farnborough

With a good many of the show’s regular participants having weathered the storm of the pandemic, the 20,000m² Farnborough International Exhibition Centre in Hampshire will once again host a comprehensive exhibitor list covering the complete range of engineering activities, from high-tech machine tools and automation to components and subcontract services. Vendors from throughout the UK will be present, plus a surprisingly large contingent of international firms from Europe and beyond. 

Automation and collaborative working has emerged as one of the key themes of 2022. Design & Automation Solutions will be demonstrating one such solution on its stand at Southern 2022, using a MELFA ‘Assista’ Collaborative Robot, supplied by Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems UK. Another specialist exhibiting this year is ICS Robotics, an independent Systems Integrator, with a wealth of knowledge that covers all makes of robots, including Panasonic, KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Kawasaki and Yaskawa. The firm provides a turnkey service, from design and simulation through manufacturing to installation, training and lifetime support.

Germany’s Zimmer Group will be highlighting its many capabilities around automation, mechatronics and Industry 4.0 transformation. Along with over 40 years experience at developing automation solutions for a wide variety of industries, the firm manufacturers a range of machine building components such as manipulators, linear and rotary motion systems.

Exhibiting for the first time, AS Controls, is the sole UK representative for Spohn & Burkhardt controls, NBB radio remote controls, Sitec safety switches and Koduct Cable Chains in the UK & Ireland. The firm supplies a wide variety of control system components, from joystick controllers to complete operator console units and control stations tailored to each individual requirement. Also available is a wide range of cable chain products, supplied fully assembled with all components including highly flexible cables, guide channels & connectors, providing a ‘plug and play’ solution according to customer’s specifications.

Secure embedded memory products will be showcased by Nexus Industrial Memory. Its Flexxon’s X-PHY solid state drives (SSD) have security implemented in the drive’s firmware, which monitors for threats in real-time and locks down the moment a threat is detected. There will be demonstrations to simulate cyber-attacks on the X-PHY as well as a range of Flexxon’s memory ICs, cards and modules.

RF Solutions will be displaying additions to its range of LoRa radio modules launched back in 2019 together with its latest HIRK modules, launched 2021. Showcasing the Lambda 62 RF module, an 868/915Mhz LoRa transceiver, a class leading, cost effective radio module; featuring the Semtech SX1262 LoRa providing ultra-long range of 20KM+. 

Manufacturers exploring how automation and IoT can benefit their businesses will also find much to interest them at the show. InTouch Monitoring will showcase its Intouch i4 Cloud monitoring, scheduling, reporting and analytics system, which improves throughput and reduces energy consumption, says the firm. Available on monthly subscription, the system ensures all machines are fully utilised and increased efficiency usually means there is no need to buy new machines, says the company, as jobs can be moved around so that all deliveries are met. The system connects to any ERP and can improve overall equipment efficiency and throughput, decrease downtime, increase profit and reduce energy consumption.

Reducing energy consumption in a manufacturing context is also one of the issues tackled in the show’s ever-popular free seminar programme, which makes a welcome return in a socially distanced format. Sessions run over all three days, covering many other topics such as CE marking, lean manufacturing strategies, additive manufacturing and many more.

Extensive anti-infection measures will be in place throughout the event, including the requirement to submit a negative test result and/or evidence of vaccination prior to entry. Farnborough International Exhibition Centre is one of Europe’s most modern event venues, equipped with state-of-the-art filtered fresh air ventilation. Access to the show by private vehicle is easy, with 3,500 free onsite parking spaces. A dedicated free shuttle bus runs from the railways stations direct to the show. Once on site, visitors can benefit from a high standard of facilities which includes a selection of catering options and free WiFi service in the foyer.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2022 opens from February 8th to 10th. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge. More information and tickets are available from www.industrysouth.co.uk