Northern Manufacturing & Electronics, EventCity, Manchester

The North-West is synonymous with manufacturing enterprise, and process industries in particular, with pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and oil and gas all playing major roles in sustaining its position as the UK's lead manufacturing region. The North-West has the largest concentration of advanced manufacturing and chemicals production in the UK and is home to major global manufacturing companies such as BAE Systems, Unilever and Astra-Zeneca among many others. Supporting them is a vast and diverse supply chain, making the area a hotbed of engineering activity. Taking place in the heart of Manchester, Northern Manufacturing sits comfortably at the very centre of this highly-energetic manufacturing eco-system, providing both a marketplace and a forum for the regional engineering community.

Component suppliers

Components are one of the key elements of the show, and Northern 2017 once again fields a respectable selection of vendors in the realms of both mechanical and electronic components. Big names returning for 2017 include igus UK, demonstrating a wide range of cost-effective, lightweight and maintenance-free bearings and cable management systems for a variety of engineering applications. Live demonstrations will include the drylin W curved rail system and Compact Rotation Module. LEMO (UK) will be exhibiting its high performance ANGLISSIMO range of rotatable right-angled connectors, offering users the ability to configure cable exit angles during installation and therefore minimise system costs through simplified assembly and a consolidation of connector variants required. Also highlighted will be an overview of its recently expanded cable assembly design and manufacturing capabilities. LEMO's cable manufacturer, Northwire, will also be featured, highlighting its BioCompatic II cable that offers medical users a biocompatible cable that is suitable for demanding applications.

Fischer Connectors will demonstrate products for combining high-speed signal and power in applications with limited space with its ultra-miniature, high-density Fischer MiniMax Series connectors, which now include an even smaller connector, MiniMax 06, combining up to ten0 signal and two power (5A) contacts in a footprint of just 10mm.

Niche component exhibitors include magnetic components specialist MagDev and pressure sensor specialist ESI Technology. Established over 30 years ago, the firm introduced silicon-on-sapphire sensor technology to the industry and today provides a wide variety of sensors for applications in oil and gas, subsea, aerospace, defence, hydraulics, depth/level, hazardous area, automotive, process and industrial, test, calibration and OEM markets. Mechanical components and systems on show include pneumatic components from Flow Technology, an established manufacturer and supplier of stainless steel and high nickel alloy components to various markets including oil and gas, power, pharmaceutical and hygienic applications.

Larger components and hardware on show include vacuum systems from Leybold, offering one of the largest sales and aftersales networks in the industry. Manufacturing range includes fore and high-vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, leak detecting instruments, flanges, fittings and valves, as well complete vacuum systems. Micronel will showcase a recently launched addition to its range of high-performance radial blowers; its most powerful model yet, the U85MX radial blower is capable of producing up to 16000Pa of static pressure and up to 1000 litres/minute free blowing airflow, all in a package size under 85mm in diameter.

Processes and technologies

There is of course much more to see than just parts and components. Advanced machining and production technologies such as laser marking and 3D printing also form a major part of the show, with names such as Haas Automation, Amada, Yamazaki Mazak, Armstrong, Laser Lines and Tri-Tech 3D all demonstrating their latest offerings. There is a similarly comprehensive selection of engineering services on offer, from PCB production and contract electronics manufacture from firms such as European Circuits, UK Electronics, LCL Electronics and others, right through to precision engineering and fabrication from firms such as Jenks & Cattell, Orbital Fabrications and The Tube & Bracket Company.

Free seminars

Alongside the show itself, the comprehensive free technical seminar programme makes a welcome return, giving visitors the chance of a break from pounding the aisles and the opportunity to learn about the latest ideas in manufacturing from acknowledged experts in their respective fields. The topics under review this year include a detailed look at implementing Lean, best practice in world-class manufacturing, CE Marking, and the rise of new technologies such as 3D printing and the Internet of Things (IoT). One session of particular note examines the forthcoming General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which all businesses need to be familiar with ahead of its introduction in April 2018. A detailed list of the sessions is available at www.industrynorth.co.uk.

The show is free to enter. EventCity is easily reached by road and offers free on-site car parking for 3000 cars. Access by public transport from Manchester city centre is also very straightforward. To register online for free tickets simply visit www.industrynorth.co.uk. Visitors can follow all the latest news from the show at linkedin.industrynorth.co.uk or on the blog page at blog.industrynorth.co.uk.