Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2020

Farnborough itself is the epicentre of the UK aerospace business, with almost a quarter of the UK’s £35bn aerospace industry based within a 50 mile radius, accompanied by a considerable number of major international manufacturers, for example Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream and Airbus Space & Defence.

All of these industries are dependant on a thriving supply chain of suppliers, often highly specialised, the vast majority of whom are classed as SMEs. Southern Manufacturing’s long-established track record and its highly accessible format have long made it a favourite for these kinds of businesses, resulting in a uniquely vibrant atmosphere and a highly diverse range of exhibitors that has tremendous appeal across a wide variety of industrial activities.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2019 received 8,644 individual visitors, drawn by an impressive exhibitor list covering everything from advanced materials, Industry 4.0 and high-tech machine tools to electronic components and subcontract services. The 2020 show will introduce a similarly large selection of companies from all over the UK, along with an appreciable quantity of international exhibitors from across Europe, Asia and the Far East.

The exhibition is split approximately equally between manufacturing and electronics. In the former, the Machinery area is among the most popular, offering visitors the opportunity to view the latest offerings from an excellent selection of the UK’s leading suppliers. Matsuura will exhibit its best-selling single table 5-axis MX-520 CNC machine tool and HP Multi-Jet Fusion 580 3D printer. Exclusively for the show, Matsuura will be machining live on the MX-520, utilising fixtures and work-holding printed on the HP Multi-Jet Fusion 4200 3D printer, working in harmony to demonstrate the hybrid additive and subtractive production strategies now available to UK manufacturers. Hurco will be showing its two most popular machines at Southern Manufacturing. The versatile and compact Hurco VM10i machining centre, with a working volume of 660 x 406 x 508 mm, and the Hurco TM8i 2-axis CNC lathe. The performance of this compact, accurate turning machine is complemented by its popular Max5 control. Simple, easy-to-follow graphics guide the user through all operations and tooling selection. The new XP model enhancements mean that concurrent programming, improved graphics and roller guideways are now standard features.

Trumpf returns to Southern Manufacturing 2020, presenting its wide range of sheet metal fabrication machinery and industrial lasers, together with 3D printing systems, power tools and electronics. Boxford will be showing one of the latest in its range of C02 laser cutting and engraving machines, as well as a fully enclosed, fibre laser marking system. The latest addition to the Boxford laser range is the BFM110 Fibre Marking Laser, a compact, but extremely powerful bench top machine capable of permanently marking and engraving a wide range of metals, coated metals and some non-metals.

Brady will have two stands at the show this year, demonstrating its wide range of products for wire identification, labelling materials and tools for wire and cable marking in the electrical, electronic and telecommunication markets, high performance identification products, labels and signs that remain legible and highly adhesive even in harsh environments. VisionAid will be showcasing a range of exceptionally high quality, 1080P 60fps Scandinavian digital magnifiers, microscopes and inspection solutions with magnification up to 750x. 

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is an excellent place to discover specialist components such as sensors, EMC products, displays and thousands of others. Hamamatsu Photonics, a manufacturer of optoelectronic components and systems will be showcasing a range of products at Southern Manufacturing including X-ray cameras and sources for NDT, to laser systems for plastics welding, printed electronics sintering and light measuring devices for many LiDAR applications. Micronel will be showcasing its new range of IP67 ruggedised miniature DC blowers, aimed at a wide variety of industrial and process control, pressure or suction/vacuum applications. Other notable names present for 2020 include Wurth Electronics, TDK Lambda, Luso Electronics, Easby Electronics – the largest single exhibitor at the show – and Yamaichi Electronics.

Alongside the hardware, Southern Manufacturing is a vitally important marketplace for subcontract services of all descriptions, from contract electronics manufacture to highly specialised precision engineering and finishing. Electronics service providers include Shenzhen X-Mulong Circuit, European Circuits, Heber, the Carfulan Group, Nemco, SouMac, Corintech and many others. Engineers taking part include Orbital Fabrications, Fife Fabrications, Hammond Manufacturing, Havant Sheet Metal, Perfect Bore Manufacturing.

Together with the exhibition and demonstration areas, the complementary seminar programme is a tremendously popular feature. Two programmes run in parallel in two theatres, focused on manufacturing and electronics respectively. Subjects tackled include technology, innovation, business management, marketing and a look at current industrial legislation and polices. Complimentary access to this variety of high-calibre technical and business knowledge is yet another compelling motive for manufacturing professionals to attend the exhibition.

Farnborough International Conference and Exhibition Centre provides free car parking for 3,500 vehicles and is well-served by road and public transport links. A regular free shuttle bus service operates from both of Farnborough’s mainline railway stations directly to the event. The venue itself provides a high standard of facilities including a complimentary WiFi service in the foyer area and high quality catering outlets.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2020 opens from February 11th to 13th. Admission to the show is free of charge.