Virtually every aspect of engineering on show

A SIGNIFICANT increase in stand bookings by overseas companies at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 has propelled the event firmly onto the international stage and ensured that it will be a sell-out again.

The event is divided roughly equally between the mechanical engineering and electronics sectors. However, there is no physical demarcation between the stands, allowing cross-over between the different disciplines. People say this is a defining feature of the show, as it often results in the discovery of things not on their original shopping list. Technology Trails grouping companies with similar expertise help to guide visitors around the show.

The comprehensive exhibitor list covers virtually every aspect of engineering, from mechanical, electrical, electronic, electromechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic components and assemblies, to PCBs, connectors, sensors, drives and encoders, and on to fasteners, pressings, springs, mouldings, castings and more. High-technology production cells with Industry 4.0 interconnectivity, 3D printing, test and inspections systems, business and manufacturing software, and a wide range of subcontract services are also well represented.

Multiple procurement opportunity

Other offerings encompass controls, displays, HMIs, data acquisition systems, virtual reality, robotic machine tending and additional automation solutions. Other no less essential items will include workshop essentials, dust and fume extraction, humidity control, workplace storage systems, bespoke case and foam manufacture, plastic packaging, hand tools, adhesives, industrial flooring, waste removal and recycling, training and financial consultancy. It makes the event a great place to tackle multiple procurement challenges in one visit.

Among the exhibitors will be Servo Components & Systems, which will exhibit an extensive range of motion products including linear electric actuators, linear electric motors, servo drives, brushless motors and gearheads. They can be assembled into pick-and-place, XYZ gantry, push/pull or stacking systems for entry level automation.

WMH Transmissions will offer its transmission and linear products and is a go-to source for standard and customised linear bearings solutions. The focus of its robotics division is to become the top supplier to manufacturers and integrators across the UK. The company will present its latest UR20 palletising solution at the show.

Thermal Protection and Controls will show its range of control solutions including temperature sensors, thermostats, thermal switches and electronic controls. The products are designed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment by monitoring and regulating temperature levels.

Mountz Torque will demonstrate its DC control solutions, including innovative torque automation systems that provide process reliability through smart fastening strategies and high torque accuracy. The error-proof equipment minimises operator error and manufacturing risks.

Look out also for Variohm Eurosensor, which will demonstrate incremental encoders that allow engineers to use NFC to configure the device on-site via a smartphone app, eliminating the need for cables and adapter boxes. The company will also show what is believed to be the smallest Hall-effect rotary sensor currently available.

Technical seminars

Over the three days there will be free technical seminar programmes to give visitors and exhibitors alike valuable learning opportunities, with a particular focus on the technical, managerial and environmental issues facing manufacturers today. As usual, the specialist AutoAero theme within the exhibition devoted to aerospace and automotive engineering will add extra value for people involved in those sectors.

There is free car parking and the site is well served by road and public transport links. A regular, complimentary bus service runs between Farnborough’s railway stations and the showground. Admission is also free of charge. Tickets and further information, are available via the website below.

www.industrysouth.co.uk