Show celebrates its centenary

With almost 500 exhibitors and more than 5000 tonnes of working machinery, MACH 2012 offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the very best of British, European and global manufacturing technology. Paul O'Donnell, head of external affairs at the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) outlines what visitors can expect of the show, which celebrates its centenary this year

Here at the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) we are very excited about staging what promises to be one of the biggest and best MACH exhibitions in recent memory. This enthusiasm is increasingly rubbing off on exhibitors and visitors alike as the exhibition, which takes place from 16-20 April 2012, moves ever closer.

Visitors attending MACH will not only see the latest in metalcutting, forming and grinding that has long been at the heart of the exhibition but will also be able to experience emerging technologies and new processes from a host of world class companies. From additive manufacturing to industrial laser applications and advanced CAD/CAM to the latest developments in metrology, MACH has it all.

As well as working machinery and new technology, MACH 2012 will feature a vibrant Education and Training zone designed to further the MTA's goal of promoting engineering-based manufacturing as a career to bright, young engineers. The zone will feature the AMRC's MANTRA 3D manufacturing simulator as well as Bloodhound, the supersonic car being built to showcase British engineering capability - and in the process break the 1000mph barrier.

An insightful and informative seminarWprogramme will also feature and will offer networking opportunities for participants to meet the speakers and learn how they can put into practice what they have heard. The seminars continue the MACH 2012 theme of providing sector specific applications for new technologies and processes and will be a busy part of the event.

Some of the equipment will be on show for first time in the UK and, in some instances, the very first time anywhere in the world.

For example, Mills CNC will be bringing out their big guns in the form of 16 Doosan machine tools. These include a large number of large-capacity machines which are making their MACH debuts.

Ward CNC has also confirmed that big is beautiful as they will have six large-capacity machines filling the massive 500m2 display area. They will also be launching new products.

Yamazaki Mazak, manufacturer of metal cutting machine tools, will have seven machines at MACH 2012 and all will be livecutting throughout the show.

Sandvik Coromant, a cutting tool and tooling systems specialist, will use MACH 2012 to showcase a number of new innovations such as exhibiting the world's fastest solid carbide drill.

Also in attendance will be Hardinge Machine Tools sponsored Jenny Tinmouth, the only female in the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. Jenny will be on the Hardinge stand to meet visitors.

While MACH celebrates its centenary this year, another piece of history will be present in the form of Engine Burrell 3166 'Joe Chamberlain'. The engine, built in 1909 has been meticulously rebuilt and restored by Bartlett Engineering using MTA member's technology.

In short, the entire manufacturing process from design to manufacture will be on display. This should ensure that whatever you are looking for, you will find it at MACH 2012 on our world class stage at Birmingham's NEC.