Enriching the cause of high-tech engineering

Now in its ninth incarnation, The Advanced Engineering Show has grown to be one of the biggest annual trade events dedicated to high-value manufacturing in the UK.

The two-day event, held this year on November 1st and 2nd at the NEC Birmingham, showcases the very latest manufacturing technology, processes, products and services found on the UK’s modern industrial landscape.

More than 700 exhibitors will be attending the show as well as thousands of engineers, procurement managers and senior decision makers from large and small companies; all looking to source, specify and invest in the most up-to-date products and explore industry innovations.

The show’s organiser Easyfairs says the event’s continued success is due to its ability to keep abreast of the latest manufacturing advances accommodated in dedicated show zones. Aero Engineering, Composites Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Performance Metals, and a new addition this year, Connected Manufacturing can all be found in halls 2, 3 and 3a of the NEC.

Alison Willis, industrial divisional director at Easyfairs states: “We develop new sectors and zones to ensure we remain relevant and offer the visitor the right exhibitor experience. This is largely thanks to our advisory board made up of industry stakeholders who are the leaders in their fields from all the various sectors and industries we feature.

“It means we can look to the future to see what is happening in engineering and reflect that back to our visitors. We also partner with the right industry organisations and associations to ensure that the show not only has credibility but includes the right content.”

Pioneering support

Innovation is very much a driving force at the show. This year the Enabling Innovation hub sponsored by Magna International and supported by Innovate UK partner, the Knowledge Transfer Network, has expanded and will feature 50 start-ups and researchers presenting the next generation of new technologies across all engineering sectors. The zone will be an opportunity for those selected to attract investment in their ideas.

Ms Willis explains: “This year more start-ups will be able to access this fantastic marketing opportunity. We will welcome thousands of visitors, many of whom will be potential investors, customers, suppliers and technology professionals. We are still accepting applications for the showcase until September 30^th, so start-ups can apply on our website.”

The Open Conference Programme is one of the biggest attractions for visitors to Advanced Engineering. Held in presentation areas in each zone, attendees can gain industry insight on topics such as: Power Electronics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT); The Wing of the Future from Airbus; an overview of UK manufacturing and the effects of Brexit by the EEF; digital manufacturing from the ADS; aerospace engineering by GKN and Meggitt Modular Modifiable Manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 by Magna International.

Ms Willis says: “The conference will provide insights into topics affecting the array of industries our show covers. We have something for everyone and expert industry keynotes will allow for interesting discussions and Q&As, especially around the hot-topic of Industry 4.0.

“Our open conference programme offers great flexibility. People can pick and choose which presentations they want to attend located in each show zone. They are not stuck in a single conference room. We also keep the presentations intentionally short so there is plenty of time to see the rest of the show.”

In the zones

The Aero Engineering zone is the longest established element of the show and this year visitors are expected from leading names such as Marshall Aerospace and Defence, the Advanced Propulsion Centre and GE Aviation. OEMs such as Airbus and Boeing will also be participating.

The Aero zone is said to be the only trade show entirely dedicated to the UK aerospace supply chain. The exhibition is supported by the government trade body ADS which will also be giving a keynote presentation on SC21 and the requirements for companies involved in supplying parts for aerospace.

Automotive Engineering continues its growth as the UK’s dedicated event for manufacturers and the automotive industry supply chain, covering all areas of the industry, from R&D, through design, test, and production.

In the aisles visitors will find suppliers of parts for engines and transmissions, auto exteriors, interiors, chassis, brakes, steering, suspension, electronics, electrical and multi area components and consumables, design and test, and consultants.

Low carbon vehicles are expected to be one of the biggest focuses of the show. Electric, hybrid and other new powertrain technology is also expected to be on display.

One feature will be the Riversimple car, which is made of composites and powered by hydrogen fuel cells. There will also be a focus on autonomous vehicles. Those exhibiting include: The SMMT, Niche Vehicle Network, North East Automotive Alliance, Kawasaki Robotics and SMC Pneumatics. There will also be presentations from Cosworth, Nissan and Magna International amongst others.

The Composites Engineering show has established itself as the annual gathering for the UK composites industry. The zone is supported by Composites UK (which holds its annual awards dinner during the show) and NetComposites.

Visitors can expect to see: raw materials; semi-finished products; processing technology; composite machining and joining; automation; finishing technology; recycling and training.

Jeremy Whittingham, head of marketing at Advanced Engineering says: “We originally launched the zone because of the huge overlap with the aerospace sector but in recent years there is increasing interest due to composite applications in automotive, marine, rail, construction, motorsport, sport and other consumer goods. There is growing need for more affordable composites, products and processes that can be used in higher volume sectors such as automotive.”

The demand for lightweight and high-performance metals is continually growing across many industries. In the performance metals zone, visitors can see products and services relating to casting processes; stamping, forging; powder metallurgy; friction drilling; sheet metal and tube forming; additive manufacturing; and more.

Aluminium, magnesium, titanium and other lightweight metals that are used in advanced engineering applications will feature, along with companies involved in supplying performance metals. Associations such as ALFED (Aluminium Federation) and the European Powder Metallurgy Association will also be taking part.

Joined up solutions

The biggest development at this year’s Advanced Engineering Show is the introduction of the Connected Manufacturing zone, dedicated to the latest manufacturing hot topics Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things.

Visitors will see cutting edge technology and service providers, focused on connected manufacturing advances, including: 3D printing; analytics; automation and IT; autonomous vehicles; laser systems; cloud computing; predictive maintenance; energy efficiency; robotics; and human machine interfaces.

Key company exhibitors here include Siemens, Rockwell Automation, ABB Robotics, Dassault Systèmes, and associations such as GAMBICA and the British Automation and Robots Association (BARA).

Ms Willis affirms: “Demand for this zone has come from many of our exhibitors. We know this is the way manufacturing is developing, but in the UK, there is still a need to enlighten some companies about the benefits of Industry 4.0, from large organisations down to SMEs.”

Crossing sectors

One of the great pluses of Advanced Engineering is the crossover between the various show zones. For example, exhibitors and visitors involved in aerospace manufacturing are also likely to find applications and technologies of interest in the Composites Engineering zone, Automotive Engineering zone or Performance Metals zones. There is also a broad cross section of exhibitors from global tier 1 companies down to the smallest specialist subcontractors.

R&D and academic institutions are also well represented at Advanced Engineering, which this year is also being staged at the same time as its sister show Lab Innovation.

Backing business

So what is the feedback from those that both attend and exhibit at the show?

Ms Willis concludes: “The retention year on year from our exhibitors is very high, which shows they have a great show with us. At Easyfairs we feel our role is not just providing a stand for the two days of the show but also all the additional support that we offer our exhibitors throughout the year so that they get optimum ROI for being at the event.”

Advanced Engineering Show www.advancedengineeringuk.com