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Learn more about best practices for mitigating corrosion in amine vessels, absorbers and stripper towers.

IGS Asset Integrity helps extend outage cycles, improve reliability, extend asset life, and minimize downtime. IGS delivers enhanced reliability, whilst meeting shutdown schedules and limiting budget impact.

Mitigate Corrosion and Erosion

Our field-applied asset integrity solutions ensure lasting protection where alternatives fall short. Turnaround schedule alignment minimizes or eliminates disruption.

 Advanced Patented Technology

IGS applies proprietary high nobility alloy cladding that meets the specific requirements of your assets and process environment. IGS assures predictability of the integrity of the asset and ensures process continuity.

 A Fast and Commercially Viable Intervention

On-site application delivers exceptional durability at a fraction of the cost and time of conventional methods. It prevents expensive replacements while meeting critical shutdown schedules.

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Smart Tank, based on a popular TV format, is coming to Smart Manufacturing Week this June. This live business and concept pitching feature will showcase inventive companies and the inspiring technologies that are poised to revolutionise the manufacturing industry. 

Smart Tank injects the excitement of the start-up environment onto the expo floor, where exhibitors in Innovation Alley will pitch their ideas to a live audience and a panel of expert judges. On the 4th of June, start-ups and university spin-offs will step onto the stage to introduce their products, services and next big ideas. But with a strict time limit of five minutes for their presentation and an additional five minutes to respond to questions from the judging panel this is certainly not a ‘death by PowerPoint’ snooze festival. 

Designed to be fast-paced, engaging, and filled with innovative ideas, Smart Tank offers emerging companies an opportunity to present their vision directly to investors, academics, industry influencers, the media and the audience (visitors to Smart Manufacturing Week). Judges for 2025 include Asif Boda, EPIC Investment Partners' Managing Director, Richard Jeffers, Owner of Two6 Services and Richard Tarvin, Innovation Lead at Made Smarter Innovation and an innovation and investment consultant for the UK Government and European Commission, with more judges to be revealed in the upcoming weeks. 

Among the contestants in the Tank is Transform IOT Services, showcasing Air Alert, its cutting-edge air quality monitoring system designed to combat unseen airborne pollutants. KFactory is entering the Tank with a bold assertion of revolutionising manufacturing through the integration of IoT, AI agents, and operational process management, while Uie will illustrate how its innovative monitoring technologies can enhance asset performance. 

Additionally, iMaintain is presenting a mobile-centric, AI-powered maintenance solution that claims to address the skills gap and provide real-time insights. Exine Technology is elevating traceability and compliance systems with tailor-made software and electronic hardware. Meanwhile, FactoryPulse is simplifying digital transformation for SMEs through user-friendly, customisable tools, without the expense or complexity of traditional systems. 

Each pitch not only offers a sneak peek into the future of manufacturing but also serves as a potential avenue for partnerships, funding and expansion. While only one company will win the title, all Smart Tank participants gain invaluable feedback and exposure that could propel a promising start-up into the next big industrial success story. 

Smart Tank’s winner will walk away with a prize package designed to supercharge their growth. Alongside a complimentary exhibitor space at next year’s event, the winner will gain access to a mentor, direct introductions to investors, coverage from the press and free online advertising with both Smart Manufacturing

Manufacturing Week and The Manufacturer. Their story won’t end on stage, they will be featured in an exclusive interview with The Manufacturer, with a write-up published in the post-event magazine.

Smart Tank is supported by Innovate UK, whose involvement underscores the competition’s role in accelerating transformative ideas in the manufacturing sector. Innovate UK will also host a stand in Innovation Alley, offering attendees the chance to connect directly and learn more about their mission to support companies to grow.

With more participants still to be announced, Grace Gilling, Event Director of Smart Manufacturing Week, said, "Smart Tank infuses a dynamic, competitive spirit onto the exhibition floor. It's where innovation meets opportunity, where ideas are stress-tested in real time, and where the most groundbreaking innovations receive the recognition, and potentially the investment, they deserve."

Smart Manufacturing Week will be held at the NEC Birmingham on June 4th-5th, 2025. For more information or to register for free attendance at Smart Manufacturing Week, please visit https://www.smartmanufacturingweek.com

There are separately run exhibitions taking place at the same time at the NEC including Automechanika by Messe Frankfurt; Med-Tech Innovation Expo and TCT 3Sixty by Rapid News Group; and Subcon by the Mark Allen Group. A single visitor badge grants access to all these events.

A total of just 12 employees at leading pump manufacturer, Landia UK, have completed a combined service record of 200 years.

Leading the way in the year that Landia celebrates 75 years since it invented the world’s first Chopper Pump, is Liz Robinson, Operations Executive, who was there on day one of Landia UK with the late and fondly remembered Hugh Vaughan.

Behind the scenes as a truly dedicated Senior Mechanical Engineer, Dave Baldock has been at the Shropshire-based business for 27 years, whilst highly renowned Technical Projects Manager, Paul Broadhurst has clocked up a quarter of a century.

Vastly experienced Key Account Manager, Paul Davies has now been with Landia UK for 23 years, closely followed by stalwart Tony Challinor, Senior Technical Engineer, with 19 years’ service.

The effervescent Howard Burton (Technical Sales Engineer) has recorded 13 years at Landia, and the meticulous Tamas Rieder (Service and Aftersales Manager) has been with Landia UK for a decade.

Senior Mechanical Engineers Kieran Hilton and Jack Foster have clocked up 24 years’ service between them, whilst Josh Edge, Technical Sales Engineer, has recorded 11 years. Kieran, Jack and Josh all began as apprentices through Landia’s proven training program.

Dave Thomas (Service & After Sales Administrator) and recently appointed Office Manager, Sam Smith have both served Landia UK for 9 years.

Liz Robinson, Landia UK’s Operations Executive, commented:

“Two hundred years of service from such a small number of people speaks volumes for Landia UK. We are all for encouraging new talent to join us, and with Josh Edge, Jack Foster and Kieran Hilton now with us for well over 10 years each since joining as apprentices, shows the solid, rewarding career path we can offer.”

She added: “From the dedicated organisation at our Whitchurch office to keep everything together and moving forward, to the hard work of our sales and service engineers out on the road, we are extremely proud of this 200-year landmark.”

Edge AI applications often mean that the hardware used is housed in tightly dimensioned enclosures, ducts or narrow boxes. Enclosures are unavoidable to protect against environmental influences, but air circulation and thus cooling suffer just as inevitably. The NRU-156U3-FT AI controller from Acceed now scores points with a new fanless chassis design for installation in confined spaces with reduced airflow and simultaneous operation at high ambient temperatures. The full-surface, flat heat sink maximises cooling efficiency across the entire top of the housing, enabling efficient heat dissipation even with reduced air circulation. The robust embedded PC has six USB interfaces (3.2) and is designed for operation at ambient temperatures from -25 to +60 °C.

The new NRU-156U3-FT is a compact, fanless box PC that is specially equipped with the Jetson Orin NX for the targeted edge AI applications. Six USB 3.2 ports are available on the front for connecting cameras, for example. The special feature of the extremely compact controller is its special flat heat sink (flat top). This new development significantly increases the cooling efficiency and makes the controller ideal for installation in closed housings, ducts and narrow installation locations without air circulation. This facilitates applications in areas such as metal processing, the food industry, AI-supported agriculture or in vehicles, where devices need to be particularly protected from dust, metal particles or moisture.

The controller in a compact all-metal housing uses the energy-saving Jetson Orin NX from Nvidia, bundled with JetPack 5.1.1, and offers an inference performance of up to 100 TOPS with a power consumption of 25W. The usual cooling fins have been replaced by a large heat sink mounted directly on the housing. The large heat-conducting surface of the flat heat sink efficiently dissipates the heat generated inside the device to the outside surface, allowing operation in a wide temperature range from -25 to +60 °C and thus significantly expanding the possible application scenarios. Other features include an M.2 socket Gen4 for connecting an NVMe SSD and standard serial interfaces. The DisplayPort video output supports a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.

In addition to the hardware, the Nvidia system comes with a wide range of AI tools and the latest deep learning frameworks. The new NRU-156U3-FT is the cost-effective answer to current performance requirements of edge AI, especially when it comes to cramped and poorly ventilated installation situations at high ambient temperatures.

As an independent distributor, Acceed offers a wide range of powerful industrial AI controllers with customised features for a variety of applications, also in larger quantities and with individual configurations.

www.acceed.com.

This week saw a landmark celebration at Combilift’s global headquarters in Monaghan, marking the 10th anniversary of the highly successful OEM Engineering Traineeship—a collaborative initiative between Combilift and the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). The event, which welcomed past graduates, current trainees and local educators, underscored the programme’s evolution from a local skills initiative to a cornerstone of regional industrial development.

Launched in 2015, the OEM Engineering Traineeship was born from a shared vision to tackle the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing with an industry-led approach. Today, with over 150 trainees having passed through its doors to achieve a QQI level 5 qualification, and with job placement rates above 80%, the programme stands as a model for how industry and education can collaborate to mutual benefit.

Combilift, a global leader in materials handling solutions, has been central to this success. As the primary industry partner, Combilift has not only provided cutting-edge workplace experience but also ensured the course content remains aligned with real-world demands. “We wanted to create more than just a training programme—we wanted to build a pathway into meaningful careers,” said Combilift Managing Director, Martin McVicar. “This traineeship has delivered exactly that, time and time again.”

The nine-month programme blends 26 weeks of classroom-based learning at Monaghan Institute with 12 weeks of hands-on work experience in Combilift. Over the years, the course content has evolved to reflect changes in the manufacturing landscape, now including modules in Hydraulics, Lean Manufacturing, and, more recently, Mathematics to prepare students for greater work or educational opportunities.

CMETB has played a vital role in coordinating and delivering the educational aspect of the programme. Their ongoing commitment to adapting the curriculum, securing government funding, and expanding the scheme to include other regional employers from 2025 reflects their strategic approach to workforce development. “It’s about staying ahead of the curve,” said Sinead McKenna of CMETB. “We’ve created a flexible, forward-looking course that equips learners with in-demand skills and supports local industry at the same time.”

One of the most compelling aspects of the programme is its accessibility. Fully funded through government and EU support, it removes financial barriers for participants and trainees are offered a €300 bursary per week during practical placements within Combilift. Trainees also benefit from additional qualifications, including City & Guilds module in Hydraulics and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt.

The 10-year milestone was marked not only by reflection but by ambition for the future. Attendees at the celebration event heard first-hand from past graduates who have gone on to build thriving careers—many still with Combilift, some even progressing to degree-level study or engineering apprenticeships.

With enrolment now open for the September 2025 intake, both Combilift and CMETB are doubling down on their commitment to the next generation. As Martin McVicar put it, “The demand for talent in this sector is only growing, and we’re proud to continue building that talent right here in Monaghan.”

Vacuum solutions from Edwards for effective cooling

As data centres and AI-driven systems continue to scale in complexity and performance, effective thermal management has become more critical than ever. With rapidly increasing storage densities and computing power, these infrastructures generate substantial volumes of thermal energy during operation. The greater the data throughput, the higher the heat load, posing significant challenges to system stability and efficiency.

Without adequate cooling, the risk of overheating can lead to costly performance degradation, system downtime, and even permanent hardware failure. Moreover, prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can drastically shorten the lifespan of sensitive electronic components. In this high-stakes environment, reliable and efficient cooling solutions are essential to ensure uninterrupted operation, protect valuable infrastructure, and optimize energy usage.

Better energy efficiency and minimal maintenance requirements
Modern cooling technologies play a critical role in managing thermal energy within high-performance systems. By effectively dissipating heat, these technologies help prevent overheating while simultaneously enhancing overall energy efficiency. Their implementation also minimizes reliance on supplementary cooling methods like fans or air conditioning units, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to thermal management.

Effective cooling solutions like heat pipes, vapour chambers, liquid cooling solutions and cooling plates are gaining in momentum that help to maintain optimal temperatures, ensuring stable performance, preventing overheating, and extending the lifespan of the components.

"With the growing demand for high-performance computing, the need for smarter, more efficient cooling has never been greater," says Ranga Venugopalan, Senior Market Sector Manager, Edwards Vacuum. "Our vacuum pumps help support heat pipe cooling solutions that not only keeps systems operating safely but also helps reduce energy consumption and dependence on traditional cooling infrastructure.“

At the heart of these innovations is the Edwards GV80 dry vacuum pump, a reliable, oil-free claw pump that is a proven solution for dissipating electronic heat. The GV80 vacuum pump is engineered to handle vapours and particles with precision. The GV80 forms part of smooth-running, environmentally conscious cooling systems that include heat pipes, vapour chambers, liquid cooling solutions, and intelligent speed control.

The clean, environmentally friendly system reliably maintains a constant temperature in its areas of application. Performance is stabilised at a high vacuum level and the service life of components is extended, especially in large servers or data centres.

For applications requiring deep evacuation before fluid introduction, Edwards offers the E2M40 and E2M80 rotary vane pumps. These robust pumps create high vacuum conditions down to 10⁻² mbar, enabling efficient fluid-based cooling processes. With proven durability and built-in intelligent control features, they are trusted for their stability in high-performance electronics.

Complementing the line-up is the EXS dry screw vacuum pump, known for its low maintenance requirements and operational efficiency. Designed to deliver consistent performance over time, the EXS pump supports large-scale electronic cooling with minimal power and fluid usage. Its ability to dissipate heat effectively ensures profitable, long-term operation for even the most demanding data environments.

Elaborating the need for specialized vacuum pumps for cooling, Tim McGrath, Product Marketing Manager at Edwards said, "Behind every high-performance cooling solution is a reliable vacuum system doing the hard work in the background. Edwards’ wet and dry pumps, like the E2M40, E2M80, GV80, and EXS, help create the perfect environment for these technologies to work at their best, supporting stable operation, preventing overheating, and helping electronics run cooler, longer, and more efficiently.

Together, these innovations reflect Edwards Vacuum’s commitment to supporting the digital world’s infrastructure with smart, sustainable cooling solutions that meet the evolving demands of electronic performance.

www.edwardsvacuum.com

Lambda Resins isn’t a typical industry giant – and that’s precisely its strength. As a highly specialized resin manufacturer, the company has emerged over the past two years – under the umbrella of Nagel Technologies GmbH – as a sought-after technology partner for OEMs and innovation leaders. With powerful, thermally conductive casting resins, Lambda Resins GmbH (Germany) addresses some of the central challenges of electromobility, especially where conventional solutions reach their limits.

 Axial Flux Motors: Compact, Efficient, and Resource-Saving

A key application area is the axial flux motor – a forward-looking alternative to the traditional radial flux motor. Where compact design, high torque, and low power-to-weight ratios are essential, axial flux motors come into their own. They also offer a tangible economic advantage: significantly less copper, iron, aluminum, and magnetic materials are needed per kilowatt of output.

 Key advantages at a glance:

• Lightweight design
• High power density
• Optimal torque-to-weight ratio
• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduced raw material consumption

The Challenge of Scalability – and How Lambda Resins Provides a Breakthrough

Despite these technical advantages, many axial motor concepts have so far failed to reach mass production. The main hurdle: costly bonding and joining processes have hampered industrial scalability. This is where Lambda Resins steps in – with an innovative encapsulation material and an integrated system approach for thermal and structural optimization of electric motors.

Why Axial Flux Motors Aren’t Yet Mass-Produced – and How Lambda Resins Can Change That

Axial flux motors promise a new dimension of power density, spatial efficiency, and torque – all while consuming fewer materials. However, the complexity of their geometry demands precise alignment, extensive fixation, and a high share of bonding operations – often paired with thermal intermediate steps. The result: high energy consumption, long cycle times, and excessive production costs.

In the automotive industry especially, this represents a major barrier to mass adoption. "For any drive concept to be viable for series production, it needs a cycle time of less than one minute per stator – a benchmark that most axial motor concepts currently fail to meet," says Uwe Köhler, CEO of Lambda Resins.

Lambda Resins offers a highly practical solution. Through targeted material development, the company has created a thermally conductive resin system so structurally robust that it can eliminate the need for bonding processes entirely. Instead of maintaining dozens of hot-press stations for bonded joints, Lambda Resins enables the direct casting of entire functional units – faster, more reliably, and with drastically lower capital investment. This doesn’t just make axial flux motors technically attractive – it makes them economically feasible.

 Radical Simplification in Production: Fewer Parts, Less Effort, Greater Control

Lambda Resins' technology radically simplifies axial flux motor assembly. Instead of bonding, fixing, and thermally treating individual teeth, the innovative resin system enables the direct casting of complete functional units – including coils, tooth structures, and insulation. The result:

• Elimination of time-consuming bonding steps
• More robust components
• Shorter cycle times
• Higher process repeatability

A further technical benefit: the resins’ thermal expansion behavior is finely tuned to match the metal components used. Traditional weak points such as cracks and delamination are effectively avoided – even under the extreme lateral and torsional forces generated by high-frequency magnetic fields.

The encapsulation process also unlocks new design freedoms. By eliminating adhesives, mounting plates, and insulation layers, many components can be left out altogether – including intricate busbar holders and expensive GFRP or CFRP covers, which are prone to failure under vibration stress. Their removal allows the air gap between coil and magnet to be reduced by more than 60% – directly boosting efficiency through more torque, greater output, or lower energy consumption at equivalent performance.

From a production planning perspective, these advantages are significant. Traditional axial motor manufacturing might require over 100 hot-press stations to meet sub-one-minute cycle times. Lambda Resins' encapsulation approach achieves similar results with a fraction of the infrastructure – reducing floorspace, energy demand, and capital expenditure, while increasing flexibility for OEMs.

 More Than Just a Material: Lambda Resins as a System Partner for E-Mobility

Unlike traditional resin suppliers, Lambda Resins goes far beyond delivering materials and data sheets. In close collaboration with the internationally active Nagel Group and its sister company Gehring Technologies, the team has developed dedicated process and equipment technologies that enable reliable, fully automated integration of casting resins into both existing and new production lines.
“We don’t just supply a material – we deliver a solution,” explains Köhler. “From component design and prototyping to casting strategies and production line integration, we support our customers as true partners.”

This includes a modular machine platform that automates the encapsulation process, controlling critical parameters like fill volume, thermal management, and curing. Complementing the hardware is design consultancy: Lambda Resins works closely with clients to optimize designs for resin integration – such as wall thickness reduction, improved thermal pathways, or even complete part substitution.

 Proven Performance Gains – Across Applications

Lambda Resins’ resin systems are already being used in projects for motorcycle drives, commercial vehicle components, industrial drives, marine systems, and aviation – and since 2023, the company has supported several Formula Student teams as a development partner. One striking example: in a motorcycle motor application, Lambda Resins enabled a performance boost of up to 40% without any mechanical modifications.
The secret? Improved thermal dissipation, which reduced internal electrical resistance – translating directly into higher torque and greater efficiency. “We prove time and again that our resin doesn’t just work technically – it delivers measurable performance advantages. And word is spreading – we’ve become a bit of an insider tip,” says Köhler.

One Contact. One Process. One System.

Together with the Nagel Group and Gehring Technologies, Lambda Resins offers a fully integrated system for electric motor production – from resin development and process integration to complete line planning. By combining materials, machinery, and application expertise, OEMs receive a solution-focused, all-in-one package that minimizes coordination overhead, interface risks, and friction losses – while maximizing market readiness and investment security for innovative motor concepts.

 Enabling the Axial Flux Motor for Mass Production

The future of drive technology isn’t just about new motor architectures – it’s about the materials and processes that make scalable production possible. Lambda Resins delivers exactly that: high-performance resin systems, combined with deep process and manufacturing know-how, specifically tailored to the needs of modern axial flux motors.
For OEMs and suppliers seeking efficiency and readiness for mass production, Lambda Resins and the Nagel Group offer a reliable and visionary partnership.

www.nagel.com

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www.brady.co.uk

Gill Instruments, a leading designer and manufacturer of meteorological measurement equipment, is proud to announce it has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade for Outstanding Short Term Growth.

Now in its 59th year, the Award programme is the most prestigious business recognition in the UK, and celebrates the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services across International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through Social Mobility). The winners, which were announced today, will be invited to a Royal reception at Windsor Castle and will be entitled to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

Gill Instruments is one of 197 organisations nationwide to receive this year’s honour, recognising the company’s exceptional contribution to international trade in its field. With a total of 199 Awards presented in 2025, Gill Instruments’ recognition highlights its outstanding short-term growth over the last three years.

Founded in 1985 in Lymington, a town in the New Forest and facing the Isle of Wight, Gill Instruments began as an innovative engineering company specialising in ultrasonic air flow measurement. Today, the company supplies advanced ultrasonic wind sensors and weather stations to customers in over 73 countries, serving a variety of applications and markets including meteorology, process control, utilities, agriculture, marine and transport. 

Alan Brooke, CEO, of Gill Instruments, commented:

“We are extremely honoured to receive the King’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade for Outstanding Short Term Growth. This recognition, which comes at a particularly significant time as we celebrate 40 years in the business, is a testament to the dedication of our team and our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to our customers around the world. We have grown from a family business into a global organisation, but our core values have remained unchanged. This award will serve as both a proud milestone and continued source of inspiration as we move forward”.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in celebrating outstanding UK businesses. Successful businesses are able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.