January/February 2020

www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS January/February 2020 39 government agencies, research bodies, trade associations, and manufacturers. Chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA), Mike Wilson, will discuss how the growth of robotics will generate better ROI and productivity. He will also explain the ongoing practical challenges, continued efforts around education, and investment in robotic technology as a means to help UK manufacturing compete with other major economies. Dr. John Ahmet Erkoyuncu, from the Cranfield University will take a look at the importance of condition monitoring as part of a digitalisation Strategy. In addition, Nikesh Mistry, sector head – Industrial Automation, GAMBICA, will be exploring why demand for automation technology is set to grow throughout the coming year, and how to retain a competitive advantage in the face of these new demands as well as overall automation trends in the UK. Panel discussions will also be a major feature of the Engineering Forum with issues such as Predictions for manufacturing: Industrial trends for 2020. In light of the changing relationship between the UK and the EU, this panel discussion will offer a lively debate around the direction UK Manufacturing is heading over the next twelve months, as well as the products and initiatives hailed as ways to help transform manufacturing businesses. The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) will also be discussing practical ways its members can help inspect, maintain, and manage the machinery and equipment which keeps manufacturers functioning. Other seminars will include presentations by The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT), who will be looking at ways to manage the condition and energy efficiency of your plant assets, as well as seminars and case studies from the CSA Catapult, British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), Pilz, Primary Engineer, plus many others which will be updated on the show websites. Digitalisation Forum The Digitalisation Forum, sponsored by Pilz, will fully reflect the ongoing global transformation to the smart manufacturing era and provide a fascinating insight into the potential plants of the future, covering all aspect of the digital transformation across the manufacturing spectrum. Leading experts will address the vast array of information around 4IR, discussing the practicalities, technologies and issues surrounding transition and implementation of digitalisation in UK manufacturing. Over the course of the three-day seminar programme, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how they can seize the opportunities that exist and promote the benefits of adopting emerging digital technologies through a range of practical case studies, panel discussion and seminars. Steve Brambley will present papers on getting started on your smart manufacturing journey by discussing IT, cyber security, cloud computing and Industrial Automation and what it all means for Smart Manufacturing. While Made Smarter will explore the barriers and challenges North West Manufacturers have experienced around bringing technology into their businesses. Key representatives from the North West Pilot will share steps that manufacturers can take to help them start their digital journey and examples of businesses who have taken their first steps to successfully implement technology. Other key issues will also be highlighted. Andrew Hodgson, Strategic Lead - Digitalisation at Siemens, and Vice President of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), for example will pose the questions, what Digital Twins really mean for the manufacturer, and how can it benefit the design, the production and the service either as a complete unbroken value chain or as a supplying SME in B2C and B2B? Hodgson will help demystify the term by breaking it down into meaningful concepts as well as giving examples of what it can do for you as the drive towards digitalisation gains momentum. As part of the MTC’s significant presence at the co-location of events in 2020, The Manufacturing organisation will highlight the changing manufacturing landscape - challenges and opportunities as well as case studies that will help provide practical steps, which manufacturers can take on the journey to embrace digitalisation. The MTC is playing a key role in maturing the application of digital technologies for use in manufacturing and is well placed to provide insight into this vitally important area. BCAS, Executive Director, Vanda Jones will also help demystify an often- overlooked aspect of digitalisation by highlighting how compressed air systems within the context of the Smart Factory can provide major efficiency gains. The variety and scope of both Forum programmes for 2020 is extremely exciting, adding real value. The combination of leading manufacturing events, with a highly engaging seminar programme, will give visitors a genuine opportunity to keep abreast of the latest industry developments. Biggest event to date DFA Media’s commercial director, Ryan Fuller, commented: “The whole team at DFA Media are looking forward to what promises to be our biggest co-located event yet, with more exhibitors and more extensive floor space than ever before, together with the brand new Digitalisation and Engineering Forums. The industry niches these exhibitions represent are rapidly evolving technologically, and this event will provide visitors with the ideal opportunity to learn more about these recent developments and how they could potentially prove to be of major value and benefit to their businesses. We very much look forward to welcoming both our exhibitors and visitors to the industry’s main event in April.” Fluid Power & Systems 2020 exhibitor taster Just some of the many companies exhibiting at Fluid Power & Systems 2020 include: Abdex/Uniflex Abdex will promote a brand-new range of Uniflex machines at Fluid Power & Systems, including the Uniflex HM400 machine with a large 300mm opening without dies. Abdex comments that this machine is very effective for crimping large bore hoses. The company adds that it will demonstrate why Uniflex machines offer the lowest cost of ownership with the best return on investment. Abdex will also display its full range of hoses from C02 and the 4000 bar ultra-high-pressure Parker Polyflex hoses. Additionally, the company will display its new-design P160 test rig with data logging software and will launch its UG20 and UG32 low-cost greased machines at the show. All machines and hoses are offered with independent BFPA training courses to include the brand-new Hydrostatic Proof Pressure Testing Course. AirTAC AirTAC is a global leader in pneumatic automation. AirTAC was founded in 1988 in Taiwan, and in 2008 established its headquarters in Europe, in Italy: ATC Italia srl manages the European market. Over the years, AirTAC has grown exponentially, becoming one of the most important producers of pneumatic equipment. The company’s product range has also grown as well, and today it can offer a full range of pneumatic components, such as air treatments, control components (valves and solenoid