Northern Manufacturing & Electronics, the North’s top manufacturing and industrial technology exhibition, once again returns to EventCity, Manchester on 27th and 28th September for the fifth year in a row.

This year’s show features an impressive line-up of leading machine tool industry names demonstrating their latest machines and technologies, along with an equally strong display of vendors and engineering sub-contractors.

The show’s location at the heart of one of the UK’s main hubs for aerospace, automotive and public transportation manufacture ensures that it is one of the key annual UK events for the major machinery manufacturers.

The exhibition’s free entry and free on-site parking for 3,000 cars make it possible to easily fit in a visit as part of a working day. EventCity is also easily reached by public transport from Manchester city centre, for those wishing to spend a more relaxed day exploring what the show has to offer.

To register on-line for free tickets, simply visit the ETES web site (www.industrynorth.co.uk).

Visitors can follow all the latest news from the show via Linkedin (linkedin.industrynorth.co.uk), or on the show blog page (blog.industrynorth.co.uk).

Yamazaki Mazak (www.mazakeu.co.uk), based in Worcester, has expanded its presence to two stands for 2017 (stands D26 and H14), giving live demonstrations of its Variaxis range of five-axis machining centres.

Combining a compact footprint with the ability to offer simultaneous five-axis machining across multiple surfaces, the Variaxis j-500/5X can be used in a variety of sectors, including aerospace and oil and gas.

Its advanced manufacturing capabilities — it comes equipped with a five-axis version of Yamazaki Mazak’s SmoothX technology — are suited to small batches, volume production or prototype work, says the firm.

Two new machines from Norwich-based Haas Automation (www.haas.co.uk) on stand E26 will make their UK debut at Northern Manufacturing 2017; the new 2017 ST-15 turning centre and DM-2 high-speed drill-mill centre. Both machines will be put through their paces with live cutting demonstrations.

The ST-15 is the latest addition to Haas Automation’s line of big bore turning centres, while the DM-2 compact drill-mill centre is pitched at high-mix production shops looking to increase their throughput, as well as job shops looking for a small, fast 40-taper machine.

Regular exhibitor Bystronic UK (www.bystronic.com), based in Coventry, returns with its Xpert 40 press brake paired with its innovative Mobile Bending Cell on stand J120.

This system is designed to help users get up and running quickly, by automating as many processing steps as possible while at the same time providing the option to work manually when required.

The compact Xpert 40 can be set up and put into operation in virtually any environment, and users can set up the robotics system in just a few minutes. When not in use, the bending robotics can simply be moved to one side.

Automation is also featured by Huddersfield-based Olympus Technologies (www.olympustechnologies.co.uk) on stand H32.

The firm’s Universal Robot welding system provides a cost-effective robotic MIG welding solution, suitable for companies that have previously not been able to justify the investment in an industrial robot cell, or simply do not have the space for one.

Following very successful outings at Southern Manufacturing, Yeovil-based YMT (www.ymtltd.co.uk) will exhibit its comprehensive range of tooling and workholding at Northern Manufacturing for the first time on stand D31.

The firm’s portfolio ranges from spindle tooling, collets and machine vices, through to angle heads, heat-shrink technology and rotary tables.

Oil and mist extraction systems are also included; these are supplied to a variety of industries including motorsports, medical, aerospace and electronics.

Kidderminster-based Amada UK (www.amada.co.uk) will be back at Northern Manufacturing 2017 showcasing its advances in both stand-alone press brake technology, automated press brake technology and supporting software on stand E38.

Built on the solid foundation of the HFE series, Amada HFE 3i 1003 press brake includes additional production-enhancing features and an innovative touch-screen AMNC 3i interface.

An 18.5in multi-touch display offers multiple modes of data entry (angle, depth, 2-D and 3-D) for ultimate programming flexibility. A user-friendly graphic interface and tool library assist operators in the quick set-up of complicated parts.

Also on the stand will be the Amada HG-ATC, ideal for variable lot sizes and difficult tool layouts — its automatic tool changer can load even the most complex tool layout within three minutes and allows operators of varied experience levels to efficiently use this bending system.

Companies are constantly facing the competitive challenge of analysing and converting engineering data into business-critical information for a faster time to market.

Amada’s software can play a major role in this process, as it enables customers to collect and easily access large volumes of data. The company provides a range of software products totally focused on applications for the sheet metal industry.

Another familiar face from Southern Manufacturing is Nuneaton-based Leader CNC Technologies (www.leadercnc.co.uk) a CNC machine tool service and sales specialist, which will be exhibiting on stand D14.

The company is the main European dealer for Toshiba Machine, and the UK distributor for Kitamura, DMC, Gruppo Parpas and FAT Haco machine tools.

Accredited to the latest ISO 9001:2008 standard, Leader specialises in factory relocation, preventative maintenance, machine rebuilds, DNC interfacing and the management of complete turn-key projects. Its customers include Rolls-Royce, Cameron, GE, VTL Group, Caterpillar, Gardner Denver, JCB, Weir Group and Goodwin.

Devon-based Axminster Tools & Machinery (www.axminster.co.uk) will be exhibiting at ii>Northern Manufacturing 2017 for the first time this year on stand H20. Axminster’s technical consultant Donal Grogan, said: “We will be testing the water in Manchester, — the powerhouse of the North West — and we’ll be displaying some exciting and innovative products. Additionally, this gives Axminster Tools & Machinery a fantastic opportunity to meet with new customers.”

Axminster will be showcasing its own brands of machinery including the Axminster CNC Technology Series iKX1 mill and iKC6 lathe, along with pillar drills from the Axminster Engineer Series.

These machines are perfect for prototype engineering, small component makers, R&D and the education sector, including University Technical Colleges. The team will demonstrate the two CNC machines, milling an aluminium component and turning a brass component on the lathe.

Cardiff-based Ultrawave (www.ultrawave.co.uk) will showcase its latest IND-series of ultrasonic cleaners on stand D86.

Its robust high-performance ultrasonic cleaners are designed for demanding manufacturing and maintenance environments; help to increase production efficiency and cleaning quality.

For high-precision cleaning requirements, the company offers the Neon series; a modular precision system that offers advanced features and high-quality design.

The integral recirculation helps maximise cleanliness whilst running costs and environmental impact are kept to the minimum.

Since its foundation in 1990, Ultrasonic has supplied over 55,000 ultrasonic cleaning systems across a wide range of sectors, including electronics, automotive, aerospace, engineering, moulds and castings, and medical-device manufacture.

Along with conventional machining, advanced manufacturing is also well represented this year. Banbury-based Laser Lines (www.laserlines.co.uk) on stand F62, a Stratasys Platinum Partner for UK and Ireland, offers a portfolio of over 20 3-D Printer and Rapid Manufacturing systems, together with industrial lasers for cutting, welding, marking and cladding. On display will be a compact laser marker, together with a mechanical marking system.

Also exhibiting is Stoke on Trent-based Tri-Tech 3D (www.tritech3d.co.uk) on stand F139, offering a complete package of services — from initial specification and supply of 3-D printing hardware and software to on-site 3-D printer installation, staff training and full product support.

Rob Pitts of Tri-Tech 3D is one of the presenters of the show’s free technical-seminar programme. In his ‘Introduction to 3-D Printing’, he will be sharing case study examples of the limitless applications that are being discovered for this new technology across all manufacturing sectors and the new opportunities it could open up.

Among the many contract engineering firms present in 2017 is Chesterfield-based Mintdale Engineering (www.mintdale.com, stand A68), a well-equipped CNC machinist that also offers clean medical assembly, brazing and induction brazing to medical standards. Parts are produced to ISO 9001-2008 quality standard.

After several years’ project delivery MES (NW) (www.mesnw.co.uk) has recently been awarded a five-year facilities management contract by a blue-chip automotive client. The professional engineering services provider will be exhibiting on stand D80.

Its highly motivated and experienced workforce — combined with a wide range of electrical and mechanical resources — makes it an extremely versatile service provider, able to tailor its approach to individual customers’ requirements and expectations.

The services available include — but are not limited to — electrical and mechanical services, machine relocations, bespoke engineering, fabrications and material handling, project management and facilities management.

Other well-known names exhibiting include St Ives-based Orbital Fabrications (www.www.orbitalfabrications.co.uk, stand E56), which offers a stainless steel and high nickel alloy welding engineering service, and Wednesfield-based Jenks & Cattell Engineering (www.jcel.co.uk, stand F8), which specialises in sheet-metal presswork, with presses from 10 to 1,000 tonnes, as well as laser fabrication and welding services.

Machinery Market (www.machinery-market.co.uk) will be attending the show for the third year running and distributing free copies of the leading weekly magazine on stand J25.

Visitors will find out why Machinery Market is the best place to source new and used machinery (www.machinery-locator.com) and how it can promote UK manufacturers, machine tool companies and suppliers of related production equipment to a world-wide audience — in print, digital and on-line.

Alongside the show itself, a comprehensive free technical seminar programme gives visitors the chance to hear about the latest ideas in manufacturing from acknowledged experts in their respective fields.

Some of the other topics under review in the 2017 programme include implementing Lean Manufacturing, CE Marking, the advance of Industry 4.0 and an insight into the forthcoming General Data Protection Regulations.

A full list of seminars can be found at www.industrynorth.co.uk