Suppliers will be out in force at this year's inaugural AeroEngineering aerospace supply chain exhibition with a number of exhibitors announcing new products and cutting edge solutions.
Applied Computing & Engineering specialises in providing computer simulation services, software and hardware technology within the engineering sector. During the exhibition, the company will demonstrate its computer software and hardware for simulating and offline programming of robots used in automated manufacturing and assembly processes within the aerospace environment. Its Cimstation Robotics (CSR) and Softmachines have been used effectively by major aerospace and automotive organisations for offline programming and for optimising automated riveting, polishing, painting and machining processes for many years. As a leading supplier of software and hardware for engineering, scientific and research applications, Adept Scientific offers a wide range of solutions for collecting, analysing, managing, simulating and presenting technical data. The company will introduce a range of software and hardware for engineers engaged in data acquisition, statistical process control and simulation in the test, manufacture, quality, development and research fields. 
ATI Stellram will unveil its new strategy for thin wall machining of titanium components on its stand during AeroEngineering. The solution provider for difficult-to-machine materials has developed the 8:1 rule which has shown that optimum cutting conditions can be achieved through the combination of a strength ratio of height to width of 8:1 and the application of a variable cutting edge. ATI Stellram will also showcase a variety of cutting tool programs designed for use on difficult-to-machine materials. These include the new solid carbide RSM programme which has been specifically launched for the machining of titanium airframes. As UK agents for Breuckmann, Concurrent Design Group will be demonstrating its new NaviSCAN system to the UK market. Working hand in hand with the high end StereoScan system for scanning objects to a very high accuracy and resolution, NaviScan allows scanning of larger objects without the need to use index marks or photogrammetry. 
CGTech will demonstrate two converse software solutions. Visitors will be able to see the latest release of one of the leading machine independent CNC simulation and verification software programs, VERICUT 7, as well as the new VERICUT Composite Programming (VCP) and VERICUT Composite Simulation (VCS) software suite. This latest version of VERICUT is said to feature significant performance improving enhancements that reduce the time required for manufacturing engineers to develop CNC programs and machining processes. CMS will be placing emphasis on its Tecnocut waterjet range during the event. As part of the CMS Group, Tecnocut provides solutions for the aerospace sector. CMS will also demonstrate its Cronus range of 5-axis machine centres, whilst its CMS Advanced Materials division will also feature. Dantec Dynamics will launch its latest Shearography and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) systems during AeroEngineering. Shearography is an optical non-destructive testing technique widely used in the aerospace industry for inspecting composite materials. DIC is also an optical technique, measuring strain and deformation. As one of the leading suppliers of integrated optical measurement systems for fluid dynamics and solid mechanics applications, Dantec Dynamics deliver state-of-the-art turn-key systems to customers worldwide. Delcam will demonstrate its latest developments for the machining and inspection of aerospace components including the new releases of its PowerMILL machining software for high speed and 5-axis machining, and of the PowerINSPECT inspection software, plus a range of adaptive machining solutions to allow more accurate manufacture and repair of complex components. The company will also show new ways in which machining and inspection can be integrated to enable adaptive machining. One example of this integration is electronic fixturing with the NC-PartLocator program. With this technique, toolpaths are adjusted to match the actual position of the surface of the workpiece, rather than trying to align the part into exactly the nominal position specified in the CAM system. This approach can overcome the problems encountered when machining large, heavy components or flexible composite panels. 
Dormer will unveil a replaceable head drilling solution for its solid carbide tooling. Offering high productivity across a wide range of materials, the range - branded Hydra - represents an extremely cost-effective and innovative alternative to solid carbide drills. Two head types are available: The Hydra-M (R960) has been developed specifically to give optimum performance in stainless steel and cast iron, but is also recommended for drilling operations in titanium and nickel, whilst the Hydra-P (R950) is ideal for machining carbon and alloy steels. Meeting the demands of the aerospace sector for consistent component finishing, Finishing Techniques will use the event to demonstrate the specialist automated finishing and surface inspection equipment available. The company will also be promoting its efficient and cost-effective subcontract finishing service. As a UK supplier of deburring and polishing solutions, it will also demonstrate state-of-the-art equipment from its Otec range of advanced finishing equipment, as well as 3D measurement and inspection systems from GFMesstechnik. GOM UK will present the ATOS 3D digitising system, used for detailed inspection and high quality reverse engineering applications. This 3D scanning technique is used widely throughout the aerospace industry. Other GOM products include systems for static and dynamic measurement of components during testing. The exhibition will provide Guhring with the opportunity to present the aerospace industry with solutions to the many cutting tool applications that are currently encountered, such as drilling, milling, reaming and countersinking composite and sandwich materials where cutting edge strength allied to abrasive resistance are key factors of tool design. Interface Force Measurements will be displaying examples of its complete range of Force, Torque and Pressure measurement solutions. This includes Load Cells from Interface Inc's extensive range, including its Gold Standard calibration grade load cells and electronics. Interface will also be running live demonstrations of XSensor's Pressure Mapping Systems. These innovative and flexible pressure sensors are increasingly being used by designers, engineers and researchers to aid design of automotive and aircraft seating, seat harness, door seals, windscreen wipers and tyre profiles.
LGG Charlesworth will be at AeroEngineering to offer its total plastic moulding solutions from conceptual design and tooling through to volume production, which it claims make it an ideal subcontract manufacturing partner for aerospace related OEM manufacturers and brand owners. The company offers injection, compression and transfer moulding, assembly work and other secondary processes.
MacInnes Tooling says that AeroEngineering will see the UK introduction of Hangsterfer's new oil free coolant called Crystal Cut 777. Hangsterfer's coolants allow the machining of the most difficult aerospace materials without the need for tank side additives. This product is ideally suited to multi-purpose machining centres with VIPER grinding. MacInnes Tooling will also display one of Accustrip's smaller tramp oil removal systems.
With an investment of over £8 million, The National Composite Certification and Evaluation Facility (NCCEF) has been established under the umbrella of the Northwest Composites Centre at Manchester University and will become operational next January. The facility will comprise NADCAP/ISO/ASTM accredited laboratories, including facilities for mechanical testing, non-destructive evaluation, material characterisation and composite processing. Visitors attending AeroEngineering will have an opportunity to visit the facilities at the University of Manchester, which includes an exclusive overview of the NCCEF and the materials testing and analysis unit, and a unique insight into the Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility.
Sandvik Coromant will present its latest ‘Aerospace Engine Solutions Package' containing a number of new and existing products designed to offer a complete solution and genuine productivity benefits to a number of typical aerospace engine industry applications. All of its solutions for aerospace engine machining are detailed in its 20 page brochure; ‘Aerospace Engine Total Component Solutions', which can be downloaded at www.aero-knowledge.com.
Since the acquisition of Unigraphics - now Siemens PLM Software – Siemens claims it is the only manufacturer able to offer an end to end solution from plan to production. At the AeroEngineering Conference 2009, attendees can to talk to Siemens representatives about its innovative technologies including factory simulation, intelligent manufacturing software and advanced 5-axis machining backed up by comprehensive service, support, training and financing solutions.
SimX will demonstrate how next generation design and simulation tools have been used at all levels of the supply chain in the design of aerospace facilities. The company plans to describe by example, how Digital Factory models support Lean manufacturing techniques, enabling production efficiencies to be made and throughput to be assured.
With the aerospace industry under increasing pressure to demonstrate its ecological credentials, Sodick will put environmental innovation at the heart of its machine development programme, as proven by the latest AG600L and AG60L wire and die sink machines. Sodick's latest machines have been optimised in terms of physical footprint, machine tool components and consumables, helping provide vital environmental sustainability. Sodick machine users can expect a healthy reduction in their carbon footprint – something that their aerospace supply chain customers are increasingly demanding. Exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to discuss with Sodi-Tech engineers how the latest technical innovations, including the new AG600L wire and AG60L die sink EDM machines, can help them solve their manufacturing challenges in the greenest way possible.
Synergy Composites will be demonstrating its composites engineering skills for the first time during the show. The newly formed company offers specialist expertise and experience in the design and manufacture of carbon fibre components and in refining existing composite processes and defining the controlling manufacturing parameters to increase yield and profitability.
The Routing & Packaging Company (www.trppackaging.co.uk) will be on hand to demonstrate its continued support to the aerospace sector with bespoke transportation products and services. The company designs, manufactures and supplies specialist bespoke transport boxes for all sizes of assemblies large and small. It also supplies high quality machine parts, flat and foam details, kit spares and line side components. Foam lined kitting shadow trays are supplied to a wide range of tier one and two aerospace companies for the safe transportation of high quality and high cost parts and assemblies. With its origins in military electronics systems, Ultra Cems has considerable experience in the manufacture of high reliability products. As part of the Ultra Electronics group of 25 individual aerospace businesses, Ultra Cems will demonstrate its strong presence in the aerospace and defence marketplace through its participation in the production of civil systems, civil air equipment, defence equipment, military aircraft equipment, Battlespace IT and Naval sonar systems. Ultra Cems specialises in rapid prototype, small, medium and larger volume production of PCB and system assemblies, from its UK operations in Cambridge and Weymouth. www.aeroconf.com
