Event review: NAA companies at the Advanced Engineering Show 2014
The Advanced Engineering UK group of events took place on 11-12 November 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham. The event consisted of the Aero Engineering Show 2014, Composites Engineering Show 2014, Automotive Engineering Show 2014 and Auto Electronics 2014. It was an extremely busy show and the NAA had a stand presence along with five of our companies.
The companies exhibiting with the NAA had the following comments about the show:
“We attended the Advanced Engineering Show alongside the NAA to gain an insight into this highly attended show as we have never exhibited here before. We can certainly see a benefit of attending and will certainly follow up several leads for new business opportunities. We would definitely consider exhibiting as a standalone business in the future.”
Neil Darwent, Technical Planning Engineer, Mini Gears.
“This is the first time I have attended the Advanced Engineering Show and can say we have gained some high quality leads which will undoubtedly turn into actual business opportunities. We will certainly be considering attending again next year.”
Paul Caine, Sales Manager, Performance Springs.
“As a company in the early stages of R&D and commercialisation of the Libralato engine, I knew I would not have a high volume of enquiries, however the event has enabled me to create new contacts and has been an opportunity to network within the automotive sector.”
Dan Aris, Managing Director, Libralato
These were the companies that took part in the NAA stand at the Advanced Engineering Show 2014:
FDM Digital Solutions
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing to allow the design and testing of parts without the need for high cost tooling
FDM Digital Solutions offers 3D printing and additive manufacturing and the company also has in-house 3D CAD design, 3D laser scanning and reverse engineering capabilities. 3D printing can produce low volume customisable parts, allowing clients to design and test functional components for form and fit, without the need for high cost tooling. FDM’s parts can be used for prototype concepts, painted parts for final look approval, or quarter scale cars for visual and wind tunnel testing – or even end-use applications.
Festo
We drive automation for your success.
We are your partner to inspire you.
We shape the future together.
Festo is a leading supplier of automation technology within the GB market and is a proven innovator and problem solver in the fields of pneumatics, handling and positioning, process and electronic controls. Festo works closely with many global and GB leading companies. Festo is a trusted sole supplier partner worldwide to companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Ford. Our automation expertise in supporting such demanding environments is a significant asset to any company looking to develop automation further and improve productivity either in house or via a chosen OEM.
Libralato
The Libralato rotary engine: 40% efficient (using petrol) yet 50% smaller and 30% lower cost than reciprocating engines
Libralato Ltd. has been established to conduct research and development of the revolutionary Libralato rotary engine. The Libralato engine is a truly revolutionary new rotary engine; an enabling technology for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. It is capable of 40% efficiency (using gasoline) yet it is 50% smaller and 30% lower cost to produce than reciprocating engines. The Libralato engine solves the problems of the Wankel rotary engine, through a completely new thermodynamic cycle and engine mechanism. The Libralato engine has received a number of awards.
Mini Gears
Specialist subcontract manufacturing of high precision machined components, gears and racks for a wide range of applications
Mini Gears is a large privately-owned subcontract engineering company specialising in the manufacture of high precision machined parts, gears and racks to both commercial and high end markets. With over 100 machines we supply to a global customer base. We are well renowned for our input into design help and cost saving ideas to give our customers a competitive advantage and have won many industry awards for machining, innovation and supply chain partnerships.
Performance Springs
Performance Springs is the UK’s premier designer and manufacturer of made to order, high quality, precision spring products.
Performance Springs is a specialist designer and manufacturer of high duty and high precision springs at the leading edge of spring technology and innovation, working closely with global OEMs, engine design houses and aftermarket companies. The applications range from passenger cars, race cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and off-road vehicles to the world’s largest diesel engines. Our compression springs can be found in:
- Engine systems – engine valve and fuel injection
- Drivetrain assemblies – gearbox, transmission and clutches
- Suspension, braking and steering systems.
STRIVE (Simulation Tools for Rapid Innovation in Vehicle Engineering)
An AMSCI-funded project to significantly reduce timescales for the development of new vehicles by the use of high fidelity simulation and immersive virtual prototypes
STRIVE (Simulation Tools for Rapid Innovation in Vehicle Engineering) is an AMSCI-funded project led by the NAA to create a new ‘digital’ supply chain for the UK automotive sector. STRIVE is bringing together the latest state-of-the-art virtual engineering technologies to improve the design for manufacture of new vehicles, saving time, costs and helping to bring new designs to market faster than ever before. The project is working with Bentley Motors in the development and engineering design of new models.
If you’re interested in exhibiting with the NAA next year please express your interest now – contact Carol C.Holden@nwautoalliance.com
