Time to look, listen and learn

Plant & Asset Management 2016

An event for plant, asset, maintenance and works management engineers and directors, the exhibition will showcase the latest in condition monitoring, computerised maintenance management, outsourcing/contract maintenance, energy efficiency, boilers/burners/combustion, handling and storage, and much more. 

Complementing the exhibition will be a programme of free technical seminars in the Maintenance Seminar Theatre which is sponsored by Shell Lubricants. Speakers will offer expert insight and practical advice on important and topical issues concerning today’s maintenance professionals.

There will be sessions on: Improving maintenance – how a combination of condition monitoring technology and international standards can help; The convergence of calibration activities with maintenance inspections to drive efficiency; Quantifying the business case for timely maintenance or asset renewal; Managing plant availability and lifecycle cost; Oil sampling and analysis – online and onsite tests; Steam trap management; Challenges and opportunities in lubricating modern integrated systems; One-stop maintenance, repair and overhaul of rotating equipment; Learn how less can be more: develop a multi-skilled workforce; De-risking your electrical infrastructure by identifying problems early; New horizons in asset reliability.

In addition Paul Sacker, Crimson Industrial Vision, will present an overview of the current status of the thermography technology market.  Specific references will be made to the increased user choice of resolution; an explanation of the technology used in various image overlay and resolution enhancement incorporated in thermography cameras; and their increasing use in production quality and NDT applications.

Other presentations will include: Jyoti Sinha from the University of Manchester who will look at vibration-based condition monitoring of rotating machines; Andrew Starr, Cranfield University, will present a session on autonomous maintenance scheduling. While Tom Berry from GE, will look at production asset reliability (PAR) - predictive maintenance to better manage your assets; and Geoff Walker from Artesis will present a session on improving maintenance: how a combination of condition monitoring technology and international standards can help. George Varga, SPM Instrument, will also look at the economic benefits of condition-based maintenance.

Drives & Controls Exhibition & Conference

The Drives & Controls Exhibition & Conference 2016 will bring together key suppliers of state-of-the-art equipment representing the multi-tasking culture of today’s design engineer, covering critical areas such as energy efficiency, machine safety, drives, motion control, robotics and automation plus much more, all under one roof.

With a rush of new companies booking stands, it is anticipated that the 2016 show will cover at least 50% more floor space than in 2014 with a prediction of at least 50 more exhibitors in Drives & Control alone. A diverse range of automation companies of all sizes are supporting the event.

Within the Drives & Controls Seminar Theatre there will be a programme, which brings together all aspects of robotics and automation, energy efficiency, machine safety, drives, motion control, legislation, system strategies and technological developments. Featuring representatives from across industry including government agencies, the EU, research bodies, trade associations, and manufacturers.

The Drives & Controls conference programme will focus on practical solutions to real-life industry requirements. For example, GAMBICA’s Steve Brambley will be presenting a seminar on future trends – circular economy, Industry 4.0 and EcoDesign, and a panel discussion on trends in the industrial automation sector and what are the influencing factors. Other highlights include: Optimising Energy Consumption in motor driven systems, by Steve Schofield of the BPMA, and a seminar on Driving the future of robotics by Graham Mackrell, Harmonic Drive. UK MTC will also be giving a presentation on Industry 4.0 and the reality for UK industry, while Dr Scott Steadman will be presenting a seminar on ‘Technical Standards & the EU in-out referendum.

The event will feature a dedicated area where some of the latest industrial robot technology will be demonstrated. The demo area has attracted many big names including: ABB Robotics, Applied Engineering, B&R, Harmonic Drive AG, Mitsubishi, Universal Robot, RA Rodriguez, Staubli, Active8 Robots.

There will be several examples of the new generation of 'collaborative' robots (cobots) at the Drives & Controls Exhibition designed to operate safely alongside human workers, without needing a protective cage. 

The growing importance of robots will also be emphasised within the free seminar programme with presentations covering topics such as dispelling the risks, fears and unknowns of modem day robotics; as well looking into the trend for removing the guarding from robotic cells, and understanding the practical advantages and disadvantage of robotic applications and what the physical, practical, technical and regulatory constraints can be. Mike Wilson of BARA will present a paper on the ‘The impact of automation on motion control'.

Air-Tech

Air-Tech 2016 is set to highlight current key themes related to the very latest in air compressor and related technology from companies from around the globe. The event is supported by the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS).

Vanda Jones, BCAS executive director, highlighted that Air-Tech continues to be a much-valued fixture on the Society’s events’ calendar: “It’s the UK’s only dedicated event for the compressed air, generators and vacuum market and provides the ideal arena for our members to network with each other and also an ideal platform for the Society to promote its expertise and range of services.”

Fluid Power & Systems

Fluid Power & Systems 2016, an exhibition that is focused on hydraulics, pneumatics, systems and related equipment, has the support of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), and as such continues to be the popular choice for fluid power system manufacturers and distributors. 

Chris Buxton, CEO, The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), incorporating the British Fluid Power Distributors Association (BFPDA), said of Fluid Power & Systems: “The 2014 event was a great success providing visitors with a panorama of the technology and products available to them and the exhibitors with unrivalled access to serious decision makers from their customer community.” 

The Fluid Power & Air Seminar Theatre will include a collection of high profile papers from industry leaders, with papers covering: The impact of Automation and Motion Control; Technical Standards and the EU In-Out Referendum, Understanding the New Trailblazer Scheme - an opportunity for the Motion & Control Industry; UK Government’s New Training Levy and the Impact on the Motion & Control Industry.

European Offshore Energy 2016

European Offshore Energy 2016 will bring together under one roof, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers for the entire upstream offshore energy marketplace – exploration, production, design, maintenance, upgrade, procurement and energy generation.

Industry Entrepreneurship Network (IEN)

New for 2016 - exhibition organiser, DFA Media has teamed up with The Industry Entrepreneurship Network (IEN) to put on a series of three panel discussions which will run alongside DFA Media’s other seminar programmes. The three sessions will cover the topics of ‘Bridging the skills gap’ (chaired by Susan Scurlock, CEO, primary & secondary engineer),  ‘Financing innovation and entrepreneurship in industry’ (chaired by Lee Hopley, chief economist, EEF), and ‘Developing UK innovation and entrepreneurship’, with panels formed from the network’s membership of established entrepreneurs, industrial companies and leading UK trade, science, education and engineering organisations.

The Network provides an umbrella framework for a diverse group of organisations, businesses and media to come together and provide high quality outputs that bring together ideas, campaigns, initiatives and expertise for promoting and developing industry entrepreneurship and tackling important associated issues such as STEM education and equality.

IEN is supported by many of the leading trade bodies and membership organisations, including, among many others; Primary Engineer; GAMBICA; IMechE and the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, as well as other influential thought leaders and influencers.