QA Dept video – Sorting mixed bolts using a Sorting Bridge
This video demonstrates the use of a Sorting Bridge in our QA Department.
A Sorting Bridge allows the user to separate mixed batches if items with equivalent dimensions but differing material types become mixed.
If the material of the sample matches the test piece, a sinusoidal waveform is produced. If the material of the sample does not match the test piece, the waveform is inconsistent.
Made in Wigan – proudly supporting local economy
A Wigan Borough Council photographer visited our premises on Monday 9th January and took plenty of good manufacturing shots for a new eCommerce Framework brochure.
We are delighted to help the local economy.
Renewable UK 2011
There was a good level of interest in our manufactured bolts at this important exhibition for the On & Off Shore Wind Industry.
Many visitors were pleased to learn that certain sectors of the bolt manufacturing industry are still able to flourish in the UK.
Renewable UK 2011
Our special bolt production capability will be displayed on stand 320 at the Renewable UK 2011 exhibition at the Manchester Central Convention Complex from 25th to 27th of October.
Our stand is hosted by Envirolink North West.
Chemical Analysis onsite
Our recently acquired Spectromax metal analyser is now operational.
We are now able to analyse many material types including Carbon, Alloy, Stainless Steel & Aluminium.
Obviously, the chemical composition of the raw material that is used to produce a fastener is all important.
We are one of the few fastener companies who have an in house capability to undertake material analysis.
This Spectromax analyser will be an important addition to the equipment in our Quality department.
Advanced Forming Research Centre
Tim Garton and Peter Standring, Technical Secretary of the IMfT, visited the Advanced Forming Research Centre in September.
This world class research centre pioneers forming and forging techniques to support the manufacturing industry. It was officially opened in January this year by HRH the Duke of York, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited in March 2011.
We are indebted to Professor Jeff Brooks for hosting our visit to this new and exciting metal forming centre, which is based in Inchinnan close to Glasgow airport.
Nuclear Supply Chain – AMP Technology Centre
Smith Bullough were invited at the beginning of March to attend a workshop held at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre.
A group of industrialists and academics received presentations from Professor Andrew Sherry and Stephen Clements, Nuclear ARMC Programme Manager, as well as one from John Roberts of Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester. John visited our Company last year.
After lunch we toured the Aerospace Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – Factory of the Future – significantly funded by Boeing and Rolls Royce.
The ongoing construction work at the Nuclear AMRC can be seen on the picture below.
We then took part in a Breakout session that was facilitated by Parsons Brinckerhoff on Quality and Accreditation. We are pleased that our existing systems and procedures ensure that we are compliant for this industry.
Fastener Fair 2011
Tim Garton and John Hilton visited the bi-annual Fastener Fair in Stuttgart, Germany.
This event is a shop window not only for the EU fastener industry but for the global market with over 600 stands.
Meetings were held with a number of our existing and potential customers.
Special Bolts – Hot Forging Demonstration
This video demonstrates a bolt being hot forged. The developed length material is being heated to 1150 C using induction heat. Closely controlled temperature ensures dimensional accuracy and optimal material movement. A wide range of materials are worked and tooling is produced in-house.
Fasteners for the Nuclear Industry
Nuclear Energy is going to be the major provider of electricity in the years ahead. 10 sites have been identified as suitable for the building of new nuclear power stations. These new power stations are planned to come into operation betweer 2018 and 2025 with a combined capacity of 16.2 GWe.
We believe that there are significant opportunities for our special bolts in these projects.
To ensure we are able to service our customers in these areas we have been attending seminars that have been organised by MAS and the NWDA. We have also hosted a visit to our factory by academics from the Dalton Nuclear facility at Manchester University who are, along with Sheffield University, jointly responsible for the Advanced Nuclear Research Centre that is to open in 2011.
On the 25th November, we were represented at the Energy Opportunities Supply Chain Project’s ‘Meet the Buyer’ event held at Sellafield. Contact was made with a number of companies who are interested in our supply of bolts into the Nuclear sector.
If you are interested in learning more, or have any requirements in this area, please do not hesitate to contact us.