The only national British event devoted entirely to instrumentation and sensors.
NEWS - NUACHT
Email details of your exhibit at mtec08 to mtec@read-out.net This exhibition is co-located with seven specialist industry events and
is organised by Canon Communications
Some of the happy 6,109 visitors that thronged the aisles of mtec and associated exhibitions in February 2008.
Three lucky manufacturing professionals who visited these co-located shows are now proud owners of
iPod nano media players, after having their names selected from the draw of people who completed the
show's visitor survey.
The winners are: Dr Graham Jay, Senior Director of Device Strategy at Sanofi-Aventis, Cheshire;
Steve Charlton, Control Systems Integration Management Engineer at Rolls-Royce, Derby; and Florian
Jeanrichard, Manufacturing Engineer at Medtronic & Kyphon Sarl of Neuchatel, Switzerland.
When two is better than one! Sensor Technology, the company that developed practical non-contact
torque measurement, unlail a major innovation at the show. The TorqSense RWT330/340 series is
designed for use in applications where spac
e is limited. Like other units in the TorqSense family,
it provides non-contact measurement of torque, speed, power and position of rotating
shafts, such as machine drives, drive shafts for pumps, fans, mixers etc, and in the critical axes
of test rigs.
Titan flowmeters at the show! When you have been confused by all the various flowmeters on display at the show, consult Titan
Enterprises for advice on how to choose an accurate liquid flow measurement system for your
application. They offer a British manufactured range of liquid flow sensors, ranging from
high precision Oval Gear meters, capable of monitoring viscous fluid flow with 0.25% accuracy at
flow rates up to 500Litres/min, using stainless steel, PEEK or other body materials, down through
non-metallic turbines, to cost engineered mini-turbines measuring flows as low as 0.03Litres/min.
New ARMS rotary motion simulators provide positioning and rate
Aerotech's new ARMS series rotary motion simulators provide highly accurate angular rates, acceleration and position profiles for inertial component test systems and instruments. The new simulators include a choice of slip ring assemblies and rotary unions for interfacing with the Unit Under Test (UUT) and are supplied with matched servo drives, motion controls and GUI motion design software.
Kemo features electronic filters for measuring small, noisy signals Kemo is featuring its comprehensive range of electronic
signal-processing systems designed to aid the measurement of small, noisy
signals in sensor-based instrumentation. The flagship of the Kemo range is BenchMaster 8: a full redesign of the
company's classic VBF 8 dual-channel benchtop filter/amplifier - originally
launched in 1975 and now in its fifth generation, with thousands of the
earlier units in use worldwide.
Pressure calibrators take pride of place AMETEK Calibration Instruments will be showing Version 4.0 of the popular JOFRACAL documenting
calibration software for the first time in the UK at MTEC 2008. This new version provides automatic
calibration of sensors using a PC and is now capable of performing pressure calibration as well as
temperature calibration. Also on show will be the latest pressure calibrators from the JOFRA IPI
range and the recently announced JOFRA DPC-500 documenting pressure calibrator. Temperature
calibration will be represented by the The JOFRA ATC-125 ultra cooler which can reach -90°C
New products on show by RDP Electronics
Transducer solutions specialists RDP
Electronics will be showing the latest developments in sensor technology. Offering a
comprehensive range of transducers, which includes load cells, pressure sensors, LVDTs and
magnetostrictive transducers complete with instrumentation and measurement software; RDP are
specialists in providing cost effective solutions to a broad range of measurement needs, right from
the point of measurement through to PC display of data.
Virtual instruments from NI
At the show
National Instruments will demonstrate the
latest innovations in virtual instrumentation and graphical system design. It will be the UK trade
show debut for their Smart Camera family They are transforming the way engineers and scientists
design, prototype and deploy systems through graphical system design for test and measurement,
industrial control and automation, and embedded design applications. NI empowers customers with
productive software, such as NI LabVIEW, and modular cost-effective hardware, selling to a broad
base of more than 25,000 different companies worldwide each year. (Stand: 1408)
A Host of New Products from IMC The IMC Group, formed earlier this year by
the amalgamation of Lamerholm Electronics Ltd, Hanwell Instruments and Jekyll Electronic Technology,
will be showing a host of new products on stand 1315 at Mtec 2008.
On display will be their comprehensive range of products for industrial measurement and control,
including the new ELMO energy monitoring system and Tel2 industrial modem ranges from Jekyll and a
working demonstration of the new Evolution wireless signal conditioner from Hanwell. For the first
time in Britain, Lamerholm will show one of its new Glacier industrial computers, ideal for use in
harsh factory conditions. And that's not all. A new range of alarm auto diallers will also be
launched. These are the first products to be developed using the extensive expertise of all three
companies in The IMC Group.
New dew-point instruments
make debut! The new S8000 Integrale is the latest addition to the Michell
Instruments Cooled Mirror Dewpointmeter product range and appears at this show for the first
time. Based on the tradition of excellence in design of products with highest measurement
performance and reliability, the S8000 responds to the latest feedback from many customers and
humidity equipment users. Available in several versions, the instrument offers unmatched accuracy in
dew point measurements for both calibration and process critical applications.
Simple, compact temperature
transmitters The ILTX high accuracy, in-line 2 wire transmitter form Labfacility provides an unique,
rapid and simple solution to convert to, or add 4-20mA loops using existing sensors, in-situ without
process downtime. Re-calibration and re-scaling are facilitated by minimal interaction between span
and zero adjustments.
Pressure transducer records directly into computer Ellison Sensors International (ESI) has released the GS4200-USB digital pressure transducer. The
GS4200-USB Digital pressure transducer uses the same superior Silicon-on-Sapphire sensor technology,
which has long been incorporated into ESI sensors for high accuracy pressure transducers used in
demanding applications.
Hardware independent vision software "The
world's leading machine vision software can now be used with any camera or image source." It's now
easier than ever to get started with a trial version of the VisionPro® 5.0 software available for
download from the new Cognex web site. Powerful acquisition software in VisionPro provides
pre-configured, tightly integrated acquisition support for the complete range of industrial cameras
and video formats. This allows cost-effective image acquisition using GigE Vision™, FireWire®,
Camera Link®, high-speed analog, or any other image source.
Extending the applications of fluxgate technology Fluxgate World harnesses fluxgate technology to provide
innovative sensing and measurement products. It also continually extends the
capabilities of the technology by matching fundamental developments with innovative
magnetic, electronics, mechanics and software design.
These advances deliver brand new sensors with improved sensitivity and resolution
across all products. The Fluxgate World range of reliable, non-contact, robust OEM
sensing and measurement subsystems for the environmental, industrial, consumer,
medical and automotive sectors now includes tilt and rotary angle, electric current and
fluid flow sensing.
New High-Speed Infrared Linescanner from Raytek Raytek has a new high-speed Infrared Linescanner MP150. With a scan speed up to 150 Hz, built-in
Ethernet capability, an integrated laser sighting and a wide range of
accessories the MP150 provides one of the fastest and most complete noncontact temperature
measurement solutions on the market today. The MP150 features the latest electronics, optics,
communications and mirror technologies. System packages are available that are specifically designed
for continous noncontact temperature monitoring in modern, high-speed manufacturing processes
in many industries, e.g. glass, metals, plastics, etc.
Wireless temperature measurement for industrial applications
The JUMO Wtrans RF temperature probe, type T01.G1, for mobile or stationary measurement of
temperature at movable and fixed locations, and the matching T01.EC1 multifunction receiver, were
developed so that temperature measurements can be transmitted in future without needing any wiring -
wireless. The transmitter is built into the probe handle, and is protected by a waterproof housing.
The transmission frequencies which are used are largely insensitive to external sources of
interference, and permit transmission even in tough industrial environments. The transmitter is
designed as an insertion probe. The probe is available with fitting lengths from 50 to 500 mm, and
includes a platinum chip resistor as the sensing element. The transmitter can cover a temperature
measurement range from -30 to +85°C.
Automated functional testing solutions QualiSystems will present a comprehensive
overview of the latest and most advanced version of its TestShell Suite of functional testing
solutions. Functional testing is currently a major bottleneck for product manufacturers. A major
challenge is how to speed up time to market, while still increasing product quality and reducing
production costs.
Pickering Interfaces Showcases Their Comprehensive Line of PXI & LXI
Switching and Instrumentation Pickering Interfaces, global supplier in switching and instrumentation
solutions, will showcase several new additions to
its comprehensive line of PXI & LXI products at the show "MTEC is ideal for us to
demonstrate the breadth and depth of Pickering Interfaces, unique product
range," said Keith Moore, Sales Manager of Pickering Interfaces. "The show is a
good opportunity to highlight the most complete range of switching cards and
focused instrumentation in the industry to an even wider audience in the
electronic's market. Pickering has the tools necessary, allowing our
clients to innovate without boundaries".Sensors and Systems Impress Sensors &
Systems Ltd will be exhibiting on stand 1516 . They are showcasing some exciting new products
including, BAROLI, Battery operated digital pressure gauge; SRD-99, 8 channel LCD low cost graphical
recorder; Submersible level transmitters including SDi-12 interface, integrated temperature sensor,
chemically inert submersible level transmitters; AS, ASM & ASL, Autosport pressure transmitters;DPS
200, differential pressure transmitter with display.
From the Organisers report:
As the Birmingham NEC closed its doors on this year's successful co-located manufacturing events
MEDTEC UK, Mtec, Machine Building Drives & Automation, IPOT, 3C and Practical Vacuum & Semiconductor
Processing - which attracted 6,109 visitors - a new door in the UK event calendar was opened with
the launch of Advanced Manufacturing UK as an exciting new event for 2009.
Announced by Mark Temple-Smith, Event Director, Europe and Asia for organisers Canon Communications, Advanced Manufacturing UK
will incorporate the UK's first ever Green Manufacturing Exhibition and Conference, focused on
sustainable manufacturing processes and the introduction of eco-friendly products.
Advanced Manufacturing UK will be held at the NEC on 25-26 March 2009.
Mark Temple-Smith outlined how industry's encouraging response to this year's series of events has
spurred Canon Communications to expand the showcase into "an extravaganza of manufacturing
excellence that creates an unrivalled annual forum for high-technology manufacturing".
He said: "In order to compete globally, UK companies must continue to accelerate product design
and manufacturing processes to achieve the highest degree of efficiencies and quality control.
Advanced Manufacturing UK will provide all of that and, with Green Manufacturing, advanced
manufacturers can get ahead of the regulatory curve, achieve significant cost savings and introduce
eco-friendly products."
With almost 400 companies displaying their wares at this year's event - many of them announcing new
product launches - exhibitors and visitors alike were full of praise.
"We've had an excellent first day - the best in the past three/four years of the show - with some
very good leads," said PR
electronics. And igus
described the show as "absolutely wonderful" with lots of leads and very good quality
visitors.
If the showfloor seemed busy, then the comprehensive series of complementary education programmes
were equally well supported - and enthusiastically received.
For example, Ulrike Sturman from access hardware manufacturer Southco, attended the MEDTEC session 'Biological Medical Devices' presented by
Phil Brown of Wright Medical Technology, and she
said: "The session was well-presented and a useful signpost of the many regulations that have be
adhered to."
Commenting on the MEDTEC show exhibits, she reflected: "The show illustrates what the UK has to
offer and has helped me, for instance, in gaining some good contacts with design houses."
Eoin Barry, managing director of ARV Excellence, and the chairperson for the Validation education programme
series, said his opening address concerning process validation master planning was well-received,
since it illustrated to delegates what validation means in terms of bottom-line business benefits as
well as patient care.
It all adds up to a highly successful two days for manufacturing professionals across the advanced
manufacturing spectrum and, with the exciting news about next year's just-announced Green
Manufacturing Exhibition and Conference as part of the Advanced Manufacturing UK extravaganza, the
dates of 25-26 March 2009 will already be in the diary of many potential visitors.
More mtec Releases on Processingtalk
See also Machine Building, Drives and Automation Show preview on Machingbuilding.netAdvanced Manufacturing UK 2009
will be held at the Birmingham NEC on 25-26 March 2009 and will incorporate these co-located
manufacturing -focused events:
MEDTEC UK, Mtec Sensors, Measurement & Instrumentation, Machine
Building Drives & Automation, IPOT - image processing and optical technology/Vision Technology
(VTX), 3C Contamination Control & Cleanroom Products, Practical Vacuum & Semiconductor Processing
and the new Green Manufacturing Exhibition and Conference.
Our thanks to Eoin Ó Riain of
Read-out for braving last
month's mtec, arguably the
only significant UK event
with some claim on the
attention of automation
users:
When your correspondent
arrived at the halls housing
mtec and its seven
associated exhibitions, the
first thing to notice was the
queue to register. No worry
for 'Express Ticket' holders,
except that they had their
own queue to collect a see-
through holder to put it in!
Nevertheless, there was a
definite buzz about the
show on the first morning
which had been missing in
recent years, due perhaps
in part to the fact that all
seven shows were more
integrated. They're also
under the new ownership of
Canon Communications
who plan big changes for
2009. Described at as "an
extravanganza (sic) of
excellence", next year's
shows will take place
under the catch-all title of
Advanced Manufacturing
UK 2009 and will include
mtec, MEDTEC UK, Machine
Building & Automation,
IPOT, 3C, Practical Vacuum,
Vision Technology (VTX)
and, for the first time in
Britain, a new Green
Manufacturing Exhibition
and Conference. This last
will "include practical
solutions to reduce, reuse
and recycle, as well as
pioneering developments
such as new bio-materials
and fuels, wind and solar
alternative energy, new
recycling equipment and
control software." As for
this year' s event, details of
what individual companies
showed can be found at
read-out.net/mtec
Three lucky manufacturing professionals who visited these co-located shows are now proud owners of
iPod nano media players, after having their names selected from the draw of people who completed the
show's visitor survey.
It will be the UK trade
show debut for their Smart Camera family 
Hardware independent vision software
Impress Sensors &
Systems Ltd
Announced by Mark Temple-Smith, Event Director, Europe and Asia for organisers