Industry Update Issue 258

July 2024 | issue 258
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A testament to excellence
in industrial door solutions
Page 5
UNISIG
6-7 Schmersal
8-9 Kadant PAAL
15

Editor Recommends
Kammac achieves dual
certifications
hird-party logistics (3PL) provider
TKammac has been awarded both
the Authorised Economic Operator
(AEO) and the Fulfilment House Due
Diligence Scheme (FHDDS) certifications,
underscoring the company’s commitment
to secure, efficient, and compliant supply
chain services.
The AEO certification, endorsed by the
World Customs Organisation (WCO), aims
to improve international supply chain
security and trade efficiency. Recognised
in over 70 countries, certification holders
work together to reduce customs
restrictions and enhance cross-border
trade operations.
As an AEO certified company, Kammac
now benefits from prioritised customs
procedures, enabling faster and more
efficient import and export processes,
including filings, inspections, and
clearances.
“Achieving AEO status following HM
Revenue and Custom’s (HMRC) rigorous
six-month approval process marks a
significant milestone for us,” said Leanne
Lidell, Director of Compliance at Kammac.
“The certification ensures simplified
customs clearances and priority handling,
meaning we can offer our customers
more streamlined and reliable logistics
services.”
In response to the needs of a longstanding
global beverage client, Kammac
initially attained AEO certification for
its Wavertree site. Since then, all 15
Kammac sites have been included, further
enhancing collaboration with global
customers who require AEO status.
Kammac joins its sister companies within
the Elanders Group in 2023 who also
are AEO certified, providing a powerful
network to existing and new clients.
“With our global footprint, our AEO
certification facilitates seamless
collaboration with fellow members,
strengthening the service we can offer to
clients,” said Leanne. “This certification
bolsters logistics, particularly vital for
UK-bound goods amidst the post-Brexit
landscape.”
www.kammac.com
Easy entry into industrial
VGA thermography
Reliable temperature measurement
is a requirement for the success of
many industrial processes. Berlin-based
manufacturer Optris presents the Xi 640
infrared camera, a new member of its
Compact Line, which enables reliable,
affordable and non-contact temperature
measurement in VGA resolution for
mechanical engineering and the supplier
industry.
With its Xi
Compact Line,
Optris combines
the advantages of
precise thermal
imaging cameras
with the benefits
of infrared
thermometers.
The compact
Xi 640 VGA
infrared camera offers comprehensive,
non-contact condition monitoring for
industrial applications. With a high
optical resolution of 640 x 480 pixels
and a frame rate of 32Hz in the spectral
range of 8-14µm, the VGA infrared
camera can be used to monitor fast
thermal processes at temperatures
between -20°C and 900°C. Optris has
equipped the Xi 640 with an “Auto spot
finder” function, which can also be used
to measure the temperature of moving
objects without having to readjust the
camera.
Like the other models in the Xi family,
which has now grown to six models,
the Xi 640 uses a motorised focus for
convenient focusing from a distance. The
image processing is carried out using the
free PIX Connect software with line scan
function, which
is also included.
Important
parameters are
configured via a
USB 2.0 interface;
a USB-to-GigE
converter is
optional. The Xi
640 is supplied
with a process
interface cable
and a USB cable. The thermal imaging
camera can be used in ambient
temperatures between 0°C and 50°C as
standard. Optris offers a wide range of
accessories for the camera, from the air
purge unit and mounting bracket to the
water cooled housing, which enables
ambient temperatures of up to 250°C.
www.optris.com/en/
new-xi-640-infrared-camera
PROFINET ecosystem
forum: Fast out the gate
Well, apparently we’re on to something
here!
With the total PROFINET node count
coming in at close to 60 million nodes
by the end of 2022, it’s safe to say at
this point in 2023 the grand total has
surpassed 70 million – and therefore the
venerable PROFIBUS. It’s no wonder then
that there’s a large contingent of people
enjoying the newly-built site focused
solely on the PROFINET technology. And
PI is here supporting them.
Backed by the experts, the PROFINET
ecosystem forum is a great place to
start or continue your PROFINET journey.
Moderated by the technologists that
work with the protocol day-in & day-out,
a fast and thorough response is assured.
Some topics that have organically
appeared and are being discussed:
t “PROFINET as a software solution”
t “ASIC vs. FPGA”
t “Memory footprint”
t “PROFIdrive implementation”
t “ETS Board”
t “PROFINET certification”
Learn more:
https://forum.profinet.com
Behind-the-mirror dispensers
UDLEY INDUSTRIES has launched a
Dseries of new ‘pull-down’ soap and
paper towel dispensers, which represent
the latest additions to its ‘Classic Behindthe-Mirror’
range.
The new units include a touch-free 2-litre
soap dispenser and large capacity paper
towel dispenser. They are designed to
operate from behind a mirror or panel and
are intended principally for incorporation
into bespoke cabinets.
The distinctive ‘pull down’ feature
of the new products supports easy
replenishment; the new units feature
lockable sliding cartridges. They drop
down below the bottom of the cabinet,
providing easy access to the soap and
paper towel containers. Once refilled, they
can be raised back and locked in place to
protect the consumables from tampering.
In this respect, they differ from many other
cabinet systems, which typically require
the front-facing mirror to be opened
outward like a door.
All the dispensers in the range are
designed to be easy to install. They require
an aperture to be cut into the cabinet’s
base; the dispenser is then inserted and
screwed into position. Detailed technical
data and installation guides are available.
Supported by a 10 year warranty, all the
products in the range have been designed
by our team and are manufactured at our
production facility in Lytham, Lancashire.
Specification details for the new Behindthe-Mirror
dispensers are available at
NBS Source and bimobject.com
For more information, please visit:
www.dudleyindustries.com
2
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

7
CONTENTS
Anua Clean Air
Water, Energy &
Environmental
Spirol
Fasteners &
Sealants
Industry Update covers a range of activities in the UK
market – from publishing to training, from exhibitions
to general updates. Our aim is to reach genuine
buyers within the UK. With exciting and insightful
updates in the UK industries, Industry Update covers
a huge range of marketing possibilities and provides a
fantastic service with cost-effective prices to promote
your products and services.
Rebo Systems
Technical
Labelling
18
27
29
What’s in
this month
2-4 Editor Recommends
5 Commitment to
Excellence
6-10 Manufacturing
Update
14-17 ESS
Environmental Services
& Solutions Expo Preview
18-20 Water, Energy &
Environmental Update
23 Passive Fire
Protection Solution
Company of the Month
35-37 Print & Packaging
Update
31
Sponsored by
Tel: 01562 756960
www.industryupdate.co.uk
July 2024 | issue 258
Download our iOS app and Android app
The entire content of this publication is
advertorial based. To place an advertorial
or an advert, please call 01562 756960.

Editor Recommends
Charles Day Steels increases
sheet metal bending capacity
with new machine investment
oasting over
Bfour decades of
experience and rooted
in Sheffield’s rich steel
heritage, Charles
Day Steels is thrilled
to introduce their
latest cutting-edge
machinery acquisition
– a new sheet metal
bender. This state-of-the-art machine is
engineered to cater to a wide spectrum of
bending requirements with unparalleled
efficiency and quality; emphasising Charles
Day Steels’ ongoing investment strategy
and commitment to advancing their bending
and sheet metal pressing services.
Building on a foundation of excellence
and innovation, Charles Day Steels’ latest
in a long line of machine investments
underscores their commitment to providing
customers with cutting-edge solutions.
This strategic move not only improves their
in-house capabilities but also broadens
the range of services available to their
clientele. Boasting a tonnage of 320 tons
and a bending length capacity of 4,300mm,
this newest investment marks a significant
upgrade over previous capabilities; allowing
them to accommodate larger and thicker
materials, and expand their service
offerings to include more complex and
demanding projects. With this investment,
Charles Day Steels
reinforces its position
as a leader in the
metal processing
industry, catering to a
diverse range of client
needs with precision
and flexibility.
Renowned for its
unparalleled precision and flexibility,
this machine investment is a gamechanger
in the industry, equipped with
dynamic crowning and Pressure-Reference
technology to ensure the highest repetition
accuracy and consistent quality across all
projects. Its modular machine concept,
coupled with a broad power spectrum,
allows for the optimal configuration for
specific sheet metal work, significantly
enhancing production efficiency and
flexibility.
For more information about Charles Day
Steels and their services, or to inquire
about how the Bystronic Xpert Pro
320/4300 Press Brake can benefit your
next project, please click here to get in
touch today.
Contact
T 0114 242 0101
sales@lasercutting.co.uk
www.lasercutting.co.uk
Processing & conveying
components & equipment
Leak detection for electric
vehicle battery production
lectric vehicles are a decisive factor
Ein reducing CO 2 emissions in road
traffic. They store the energy required for
propulsion in batteries and an electric
motor converts it into motion. In contrast
to combustion engines, no fossil fuels
are required. If the batteries are charged
with electricity from renewable energy
sources, they even have a completely
CO 2 -free energy balance. Today, lithiumion
batteries are used almost exclusively
as accumulators. Vacuum technology is
indispensable for their production.
Tracer gas leak detection ensures quality
The proper functioning, quality and safety
of lithium-ion batteries, which are used as
accumulators in impermeability to external
influences such as moisture ingress. For this
reason, leak detection systems are used in
battery production to check the batteries.
Pfeiffer Vacuum supplies the necessary
vacuum solutions from a single source.
One of the world’s leading battery
manufacturers for the automotive industry
is currently using test gas leak detection
systems from Zeltwanger Leak testing &
Automation GmbH, which are equipped
with complete solutions from Pfeiffer
Vacuum. The systems must meet stringent
requirements. The decisive factors here are
achieving the required cycle time and high
reproducibility of the battery cell test.
Enabled by Pfeiffer Vacuum technology,
even the smallest leaks can be quantified
and localized with the help of Zeltwanger’s
testing systems. This makes it possible to
quickly eliminate leaks in a downstream
production step.
Changes to geometries and improvements
to production methods and processes can
be initiated based on the results obtained.
This leads to quality improvements,
increases the yield and reduces
manufacturing and testing costs.
T +49 6441 802 0
www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com
we do: process experience, manufacturing
expertise and engineering excellence.”
Enhanced coatings include: Thin Dense
Chrome (TDC) to enhance wear with low
friction and is FDA Approved for food
process environments. Ceramic Seal
coatings reduce porosity and increase
plating/coating life 4 to 10 times longer in
corrosive environments.
agog Industries are long established
MUK designers, manufacturers and
suppliers of processing, mixing and
conveying screws and barrels. Based in
Hertfordshire, the company operate across
the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond.
Magog now offer their latest range in
coatings and materials, designed to
enhance longer life and greater resistance
in for increasingly demanding processing
using recycled material.
“We constantly strive to offer solutions from
optimal design to reduce wear to offering
a wide range of surface technologies,”
explained Michael Bate, General Manager.
“We design everything in-house but also
work closely with specialist partners to
meet our customers’ specific processing
and production requirements. Our three
core competencies run through everything
In addition, HVOF (High Velocity Oxygen
Fuel) that is thermally sprayed applied
provides a crack-free 98% density with
hardness of 62 to 72 HRC. This scratchresistant
tungsten carbide coating has
gained much interest among plastics
moulders. Magog also offer screws and
barrels for processing aggressive material
from through hardened D2 tool-steel
to high-performance alloys such as
Hastelloy (nickel-molybdenum) and Incoloy
(nickel-iron-chromium).
Magog also specialise in refurbishment of
pre-used parts which extends the life of
screws and barrels by re-honing and partial
re-line of barrel bores and hard welded
re-build of screw flights in bi-metallic alloy
as standard. This provides a cost-effective
option and ensure lower operating cost.
T 01920 465201
enquiries@magog.co.uk
www.magog.co.uk
4
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Commitment to Excellence
Union Industries: A testament to
excellence in industrial door solutions
In this issue of Industry Update, we proudly recognise
Union Industries in our Commitment to Excellence feature
As the UK’s leading design manufacturer
and installer of bespoke industrial doors,
Union Industries has set the standard
with innovative products like the ICe-PIC,
Ramdoor, Bulldoor, Matadoor, Picadoor, and
the unique Eiger Freezer Door. These doors are
essential in distribution centres, warehouses,
factories, and storage facilities across the UK
and Europe, enhancing logistics and minimising
heat loss.
Union Industries caters to a broad spectrum of
sectors, including recycling and waste management,
manufacturing, logistics and warehousing,
food production, chemical and pharmaceutical,
temperature-controlled storage, and retail. Highprofile
clients such as Tesco, Cummins, Co-op, BAE
Systems, Ocado, Jaguar Land Rover, Warburtons,
Weetabix, and DHL International rely on their
exceptional products.
Founded in 1972 by Paul and Isobel Schofield as a
tarpaulin maker and repairer, Union Industries has
evolved significantly over the past 52 years. The
Leeds-based company transitioned to an Employee
Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2014, a move that has
been pivotal in driving its success. This structure
ensures employees have a vested interest in the
company’s performance, fostering a culture of
collaboration and shared responsibility.
We spoke with Andrew Lane,
Managing Director at Union
Industries, to uncover the secret
behind their success. Lane
attributes their achievements
to the durability, efficiency,
and low maintenance
requirements of their
products. “Our Bulldoor, for
instance, is often regarded
as the ‘reliable workhorse’
of rapid roll doors, performing
over 1.4 million cycles per year
and becoming a favourite across
multiple sectors,” he said.
Union Industries prides itself on offering
British-designed and made bespoke solutions,
complemented by exceptional after-sales support.
Features like the ‘Crash-Out’ facility and ‘Auto-Reset’
system reduce damage and ensure continuous
operation even after impact, making their doors
some of the most reliable in the industry. Their
commitment to quality is evident in their exclusive
Lifetime Warranty scheme, providing customers with
unparalleled peace of mind.
Innovation remains a cornerstone of Union
Industries’ success. Their VR software has
revolutionised customer interaction, allowing clients
to experience products in a 3D virtual environment
and make informed purchasing decisions.
Looking ahead, the company plans to
expand its product line, including
the new ICe-PIC Door for
automation and conveyors in
and out of cold stores.
Union Industries is also
focused on increasing
its market presence
both domestically
and internationally,
continuously innovating in
high-speed door technology,
enhancing sustainability
initiatives, and investing in
employee development. With the
recent acquisition of a new, larger facility in Milton
Keynes for their southern service division, the
company is well-positioned for future growth.
Lane highlights the company’s strong, familyoriented
culture, with high staff retention and several
employee owners who have been with Union for
over 20 years. “Union is a great place to work,” he
said. “We are always on the lookout for new talent. If
you think you’ve got what it takes to join our Union
family, keep an eye on the recruitment page on our
website and drop us a line.”
Union Industries exemplifies excellence in industrial
door solutions, consistently pushing the boundaries
of innovation and customer satisfaction. Their
commitment to quality, employee ownership, and
forward-thinking strategies ensure they remain at the
forefront of the industry.
T +44 (0)113 244 8393
enquiries@unionindustries.co.uk
www.unionindustries.co.uk
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 5

Manufacturing Update
Deep hole drilling experts
and coolant reservoirs in-house to avoid delays in our
machine building.”
UNISIG is an industry-leading American
producer of deep hole drilling machines.
The company supplies a large variety of
customers from aerospace and automotive to
energy, firearms, hydraulic cylinders, military,
medical sectors, smaller bespoke companies and
large original equipment manufacturers (OEM.)
With unparalleled installation capabilities across
Europe, Asia and America, UNISIG has the expertise
to provide advanced precision-driven machinery for
all jobs, with its complete deep hole drilling solutions
that range from machinery to tools and automation.
The drilling capabilities include: Gun drilling, BTA,
counterboring/reaming, trepanning, pull boring,
skiving and roller burnishing, bottom forming,
bottle boring and much more. With a wide range
of stock machinery lines for diverse manufacturing
needs, UNISIG can also provide bespoke-engineered
machinery across all applications.
The American heavyweight was established in
1981 and since that time, has built up to a pole
position across the global industry with its renowned
production of gun drilling and deep hole drilling
machines. Entrust Manufacturing Technologies
acquired UNISIG in 1995 and then moved the
company to its purpose-built headquarters in
Milwaukee, USA.
Their US Milwaukee facility was expanded by over
100,000ft 2 in 2019 to keep up with increased
production capacity demand levels. The CNC grinding
machine also supports greater production, alongside
regular upgrading across the production facility.
The dedicated design engineers at the UNISIG Tech
Centre in Milwaukee are more than happy to build
customised drilling machine orders, from prototypes
to finished machines.
We spoke to Philipp
Steimle, Sales and Service
Manager for Europe, to
ask more about company
developments, “Due to
ongoing supply issues,
our company is expanding
its own manufacturing
department. The Kellenberger CNC grinding machine
we have installed will allow us to finish all the
drilling spindles in-house. We have also installed
a laser-cutting machine, a CNC press brake and
welding stations so that we can do all the guarding
“The UNE6 series for medical instrument drilling with
its fully integrated automation is a game changer
for the industry and is proving highly popular in the
market. We have, and continue to invest in more inhouse
production rather than external third parties to
keep on top of our orders.”
UNISIG is a clear market leader with a commitment
to excellence to all customers. From quick machinery
and part shipping orders delivered around the world,
to meticulous service and repair jobs (conducted
on-site and remotely), all jobs are carried out by
an expert installation team made up of UNISIG
engineers.
The recent addition of two new SSI Schaefer
LOGIMAT ® vertical lift modules (VLM) in the parts
warehouse have further enhanced the alreadyexcellent
customer service. The storage units hold up
to 28 tons of spare parts each providing welcomed
streamlined organisation and tracking. UNISIG
operators can now effortlessly access parts inventory
on the touchscreen and the VLM moves the correct
tray forward, while a laser then selects the precise
bin and location of the
required part. This use of
automated technology
has optimised the
inventory storage capacity
and created a smoother,
more accurate retrieval
system.
UNISIG leads the way in
expertly engineered, high-performance gundrilling.
Another prime example of this is through the use of
the Dual-Spindle gundrilling machine that comes
with counter-rotation (UNE12-2-750-CR). This has
impressive features that include the two spindles
for advanced-precision gundrilling to
12mm in diameter and 750mm in depth,
at 12,000rpm. And, with capabilities to
produce over 2,000psi coolant pressure,
with integrated chip collection system
and a touchscreen control panel, the
characteristic counter-rotation of
cylindrical workpieces provides next-level
hole straightness that you’ve never seen
before.
Contact UNISIG to discuss how deep hole
drilling equipment would support your
business venture today: www.unisig.com
6
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Manufacturing Update
Our proven process: How UNISIG
leverages experience and expertise
to solve customer challenges
For over 40 years, we’ve helped our
customers achieve success in deep
hole drilling, providing them with the
machines, automation and support they need
to be competitive and profitable.
We have found that the initial energy we and our
customers spend at the beginning of a quoting
process pays off throughout the entire project,
from inception to installation.
We take a systemised approach not only during
this critical phase but also throughout the entire
sales process. This ensures there are no surprises
and that our customers know exactly what
they can expect when starting discussions with
UNISIG about their gundrilling and deep hole
drilling needs.
This is our approach at UNISIG:
1) We listen to our customers, ask questions
and understand what they need
This may seem obvious, but often the
temptation is there to just skip to a quote
because we think we know what is needed after a
brief discussion. Sometimes that is true, when the
application is straightforward and familiar, or it is
something we have a packaged solution for. We
always try to make the quoting process quick and
efficient, but there are times when the application
deserves a more in-depth conversation. Our
salespeople and engineers listen very carefully
and often pick up on small details – a specific
tolerance, material condition, process requirement
or a future need for flexibility – that may change
our recommendations.
2) We first identify a standard solution from
our product line that can be applied at the
lowest cost and shortest delivery possible
At UNISIG, our product development mindset
is to systemise solutions from our experience
in many different industries, make them
automation ready and embed application
flexibility whenever possible. We invest millions
of dollars annually in our product line and
related spare parts, giving us a strong starting
point for new applications. Our standard
product line encompasses much more than
machines, including standard automation,
workholding, accessories and tooling that we can
offer as part of the solution.
3) If a standard solution isn’t available, we
consider a customised solution and we stand
behind it
UNISIG is very good at building customised
machines, and we do so often. Once we and
our customers agree that a special solution is
needed, we move forward with a great deal of
confidence and experience.
We start by evaluating how we might approach
the design using standard modules or proven
concepts, thus eliminating long debug cycles
and/or high costs. Then we use our mechanical
and electrical engineering disciplines to virtually
test the new machine before we build it.
4) If a commodity solution is readily available,
we recommend that rather than upsell a
machine the customer doesn’t need
We build machines that can gundrill or BTA
drill deep holes that are impossible to drill on
machining centres. Even if it may be possible
to drill some deep holes on a CNC machining
centre, our machines have the power, speed,
dimensional accuracy, spindle density, coolant
systems and process control that will improve
productivity, tool life and reliability. Typically,
though, when a customer comes to UNISIG with
a specific part need, at that point they’ve most
likely already struggled with a conventional
machine and realised that a deephole drilling
machine is obviously the way to go.
Please visit: www.unisig.com, email:
info@unisig.de or contact us on:
+49 (0)7125 9687590.
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 7

Manufacturing Update
One AZM40 for all situations
It couldn’t be more flexible: solenoid interlock now
with new functions
The world’s smallest electronic solenoid interlock
AZM40 now offers even more versatile application
options with new accessories and new features.
With dimensions of 119.5 x 40 x 20mm, it is
particularly suitable for small safety gates or
maintenance hatches and confined installation
spaces. Despite its compact design, the AZM40
achieves a remarkable locking force of 2,000N.
With the new lockout tag, the AZM40 can now
also be used for larger, accessible machines and
systems. Service staff can attach a lock to the
lockout tag when entering the danger zone. This
means that the door of the safety guard cannot be
closed, and unintentional start-up of the machine
is prevented.
In addition, the new versions of the AZM40 solenoid
interlock can be extended with an emergency exit
or emergency release. Two different versions – with
lever or push-button – are available. The lever is
available both as an emergency exit and as an
emergency release and can be mounted directly
on the AZM40. The push button is also available
as an escape release or emergency release. Its
similarity to an emergency stop button makes it
intuitive to operate. The emergency exit ensures
that any trapped persons can free themselves from
the machine area. The emergency release is used
to ensure that the danger zone in a machine can be
reached quickly in an emergency – eg. in the event
of a fire.
The new ‘inner values’ of the AZM include the
addition of the high degree of protection IP69 and
the temperature range of -20°C to +55°C, which
open up additional application possibilities.
Another advantage is the long service life with now
500,000 switching cycles (actuator cycles) and
1,000,000 switching cycles (locking cycles).
The bistable interlock principle of the AZM40
is also sustainable, with the advantage of
permanently lower power consumption. Compared
to monostable solenoid interlocks, more than 50%
of the power consumption can be saved. A further
advantage is the added safety: even in the event of
a power failure, the safety door remains securely
closed during hazardous run-on movements.
Thanks to the 180 degree angle flexibility, the
actuator can approach the AZM40 continuously so
that the interlock can also be used on flaps that do
not close at a 90 degree angle or that open upwards
at a 45 degree angle. The angle flexibility ensures
that the interlock can be easily installed even in
confined and difficult-to-access locations.
The AZM40 can be easily mounted on standard
40mm profiles with no overhang. For other profile
system widths (20mm, 30mm, 45mm, 50mm and
60mm), a set of two universal mounting plates can
be used for the AZM40 and actuator. This ensures
quick and cost effective installation for a wide range
of profile system widths.
Contact: Steve Watkins, Marketing & Business
Development
T 01684 571980
swatkins@schmersal.com
www.schmersal.co.uk
8
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Preventive maintenance for
hazardous areas: The future of
smart leak detection in valves
The inspection of valves is an
important part of the maintenance
programme in industrial production
and the effects of leaking valves are often
underestimated. Around five to ten per
cent of all valves in industrial plants leak.
Undetected leaks caused by irregular or
improper maintenance can have serious
consequences, such as personal injury,
but also costs due to loss of raw materials
and unplanned production downtime,
contamination and environmental
pollution.
Explosion hazardous areas in industrial
production often have harsh environmental
conditions with high temperatures, corrosive
chemicals, and abrasive particles. This
can lead to damaged valves and thus to
unplanned machine downtimes.
Pumps & Valves Update
Thanks to regular in-house valve maintenance,
companies only need to replace valves when
they are defective; working valves are not
replaced during standard inspections. Valve
inspection can easily be carried out during the
production process without having to test the
functionality of the valves on an external test
bench. This avoids production downtime and
saves considerable time and money.
Valve Sense: The new generation of valve
inspection for Ex-zones
As part of modern condition monitoring
programmes, companies need easy-to-use,
digital inspection tools to check their systems
quickly and independently and to share data
within the team or management. With Valve
Sense for Ex-zones, i.safe MOBILE and their
partner Senseven have transferred today’s
digital capabilities to an intelligent valve leak
detection system. The user-friendly kit simply
connects acoustic emission sensors to i.safe
MOBILE’s 5G industrial smartphone IS540.1
and transforms it into an intelligent, mobile
valve inspection system via the Senseven
software.
The software guides the user through the
inspection process in a self-explanatory
manner, records the sensor data and
processes it. Algorithms and artificial
intelligence help to analyse the data and
provide immediate results on site. With
a Wi-Fi or network connection via a SIM
card, all measurements are automatically
synchronised with the proprietary Senseven
back office, a Cloud-based platform that
can be accessed from anywhere via mobile
devices or a desktop, eliminating the
need for data transfer via USB or card
storage. The inspection data can then be
utilised for further analysis and reporting
and integrated into existing asset
management systems.
Valve Sense requires neither training
nor in-depth expertise to detect
leaking valves of all types and
sizes for water, gas, steam, air
and viscous liquids. This allows
companies to inspect their
systems themselves regularly
and without interruption of the
process, detect leaks early and
react immediately – without
having to wait for the next
maintenance cycle by
external inspectors. They
no longer depend on expert
knowledge, can increase the
efficiency of their processes,
avoid additional costs and reduce
the safety risk for employees.
www.isafe-mobile.com/en
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 11

Electronics Update
Best practice for high limit safety sensors
lectrical heating systems have several
Esafety features built in to prevent
dangerous situations. High-limit
sensors, or safety sensors, are one
of the most important. Not only
do they protect people, they help
keep manufacturing lines running
by limiting damage to equipment
and product. In this article, Jeremy
Ohse (pictured) at industrial heater,
temperature sensor, and controller
manufacturer, Watlow, explores best
practice and considerations for high-limit
safety sensors.
Understanding safety sensors
Thermal loops consist of a heater, temperature sensor,
and heater controller. The controller has a temperature
setpoint, receives a signal from the temperature sensor,
and modulates power to the heater to maintain the
temperature setpoint.
If there is a failure in the primary thermal control loop, the
redundant safety sensor can tell the controller to reduce
power to the heater or shut down the entire system. The
most common failures are physically damaged sensors,
worn out components, and pinched wires.
In an application away from industry, a hot tub uses a
high-limit sensor to prevent the water from getting too hot.
If the primary control loop fails, the heater will continue
to heat the water. When the water temperature reaches
a certain level, usually between 110 and 120°F, the highlimit
sensor disables the heater to keep the water at a safe,
enjoyable temperature.
To provide additional safety, when the high-limit sensor
trips the system, users are ‘latched out’ until the system
is inspected and reset by an operator, system designer, or
manufacturing engineer. Once the system is
repaired and reset, it will operate normally
again. In the hot tub example, the highlimit
sensor will likely disable the pump
in addition to the heater. A technician
may need to inspect the hot tub and
replace the primary sensor – or other
defective parts – before resetting
the system. This safety latch is
often achieved in industrial systems
through a programmable temperature
controller and mechanical relay.
High limit applications
The high limit sensor in these scenarios are
often thermistors, resistive temperature detectors
(RTDs), or thermocouples (TCs). The best type of high-limit
sensor is application dependent. The controller is often
programmable so the user can adjust the primary control
loop and the safety control loop temperature setpoints.
Location is essential
For the safest operation, the safety sensor should be
attached directly to or immediately adjacent to the heat
source. The farther the safety sensor is from the heat
source, the more likely unwanted damage will occur
when the safety control loop is engaged. For this reason,
Watlow offers many heating products with sensors already
embedded in the heaters.
Multiple high-limit sensors are used on large heating
systems. A very large circulation heater may have several
safety sensors to help identify failures in different sections
of the heater. This approach allows operators to identify
potential issues before they become a bigger problem.
Additional considerations
While the primary sensor and safety sensor are often two
separate physical objects, they both plug into a single
heater controller. Just as there could be a failure in the
sensor, there could be a failure inside the heater control. If
the heater controller is agency certified (UL, CE, or ETL), it’s
likely there are two independent micro-controllers inside
the heater control box, one for the primary thermal loop
and one for the safety loop. This second safety microcontroller
is an important often forgot about distinction
when selecting a heater controller. Look for the agency
marking and inquire with the manufacturer if in doubt.
Runaway thermal systems create risk of both fire and
electrical shock.
Some systems involve a chemical reaction. Even after the
heater is turned off, the chemical reaction may continue.
If it becomes exothermic and continues to produce heat,
shutting down the heaters will not stop the temperature
from continuing to rise. In this example, the safety sensor
could activate a fire suppression system.
A less accurate, lower cost method to provide safety could
utilise a resettable thermostat or thermal fuse instead
of a high-limit safety sensor. These devices are wired in
series with the heater and create an open circuit when a
manufacturer pre-defined temperature is exceeded. These
alternatives can be good solutions in some applications,
but nearly always have lower performance and are driven
by cost.
Watlow integrates all types of thermal safety sensors
into our heaters: TCs, RTDs, thermistors, thermostats, and
thermal fuses.
High-limit safety sensors are a critical part of safe heating
systems. By using the most suitable safety sensor and
following best practices, your system will have the best
opportunity to prevent unforeseen accidents and damages.
Watlow provides a range of industrial thermal sensors.
Discover them at: www.watlow.com
12
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Test & Measurement Update
Monitoring and measuring noise
in the oil and gas industry
The oil and gas industry is a crucial pillar of
the global economy. However, this industry
presents significant environmental and
health challenges, including those related to
noise. Monitoring and measuring noise in the oil
and gas industry is essential to protect workers,
local communities and the environment from the
impacts of excessive noise exposure.
The sources of noise
Noise in oil and gas processing facilities can originate
from various sources, such as compressors, pumps,
turbines, generators, and more. The noise level and
frequency depend on factors such as the type, size,
speed and condition of equipment, the flow rate and
pressure of the fluid or gas, and the distance and
direction of the sound propagation.
The impact of noise
The noise that this work creates can have a negative
impact on workers (and in turn your organisation),
the environment and the community. For workers,
exposure to high levels of noise can cause hearing
loss, tinnitus, stress, sleep deprivation and other
illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.
When it comes to the environment, noise can
disturb wildlife, especially birds and marine
life, and affect their behaviour, reproduction
and migration habits and their survival. When
considering the community, noise can also
affect local residents causing them annoyance,
but also sleep disturbance and interfering with
their quality of life.
Managing noise
Managing noise in the oil and gas industry
requires a systematic and proactive approach
that involves identifying, measuring, assessing,
controlling, and monitoring noise sources and
impacts.
To do this effectively, it is recommended to conduct
a noise survey that will help in determining the
noise levels and frequencies at different locations
and times, and compare them with the regulatory
and occupational limits and guidelines. Additionally,
implementing a noise management plan that
outlines objectives, responsibilities, actions,
resources and timelines is beneficial.
Any plans you put in place should prioritise
eliminating or minimising noise at the source,
followed by isolating or reducing noise along the
path, and finally protecting or reducing noise at the
receiver.
Can Cirrus Research help?
Not only can Cirrus Research experts talk you
through the steps that you need to take to protect
your workers, your business, the environment
and local communities from the noise produced
by your operation, they can also suggest the best
instruments to help you do so.
Instruments recommended for monitoring noise in
the oil & gas industry:
t The Quantum Outdoor Cloud-Based Monitor –
Place this instrument around the boundary of your
site and effortlessly investigate live and historical
noise events anytime, anywhere. For an added
cost, this instrument can also monitor ground
vibration, weather and air quality.
t The Intrinsically Safe doseBadge – This
wearable device has the advantage of carrying IS
certification and is ideal for monitoring personal
noise exposure in hazardous zones and explosive
atmospheres.
t The Optimus+ Industrial – This sound level
meter captures all essential noise level data
simultaneously, allowing you to ensure your
occupational noise surveys are comprehensive
and robust.
Speak to our team by emailing: sales@
cirrusresearch.com or calling +44 (0)1723
891655, or by submitting a contact form on our
website!
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 13

ESS Environmental Services & Solutions Expo Preview
10 reasons to visit ESS Expo 2024
The Environmental Services & Solutions Expo
(ESS Expo) 2024 is set to be the UK's premier
environmental event, bringing together
professionals from across the entire supply chain
under one roof. Themes range across diverse
sectors like waste management, recycling, energy,
water, construction, manufacturing, policy-making,
environmental consultancy, and so much more.
Scheduled for 11-12 September 2024 at the
NEC, Birmingham, the event offers a plethora of
opportunities for attendees. Register for your free
ticket to check out all of the below, and more:
1. Explore the co-located shows
ESS Expo 2024 encompasses five major environmental
shows: Resource & Waste Management (RWM),
Energy, Fuels & Decarbonisation (EFD), Water
Resource Management (WRM), Contamination & Land
Remediation (CLR), and Air Pollution Control (APC).
Each show addresses critical aspects of environmental
sustainability, offering a comprehensive view of the
latest industry trends, technologies, and solutions. ESS
Expo allows attendees to seamlessly explore a wide
array of sectors and industries, all focused on addressing
the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
2. Attend expert-led conferences
ESS Expo features an expert-led conference programme
that includes interactive speaker presentations, lively
panel discussions, workshops, and Q&A sessions.
Attendees will have the chance to learn from industry
leaders and gain insights into the latest trends
and innovations across the entire environmental
spectrum. Current headliners include Chris Packham
MBE (one of the UK’s leading wildlife presenters and
conservationists) and Mike Gunton, an icon of wildlife
broadcasting as BBC Studios' Creative Director and
executive producer of record-breaking series, Planet
Earth III. More huge names will be revealed soon (think
global brands and Government officials, as well as
industry focused seminars).
3. Network with industry leaders
Networking is the cornerstone of ESS Expo, with no
shortage of options over the two days. With numerous
opportunities to connect with peers, suppliers, and
potential clients, attendees can engage in private
meetings, AGMs, tutorials, member networking events,
industry-specific forums, award presentations, breakfast
briefings, and socials around the central bar, Inn on
the Green, and ESS Live Stage. This is a prime chance
for environmental leaders to build strong, lasting
relationships and expand professional networks.
4. Check out all of the stages
ESS Expo boasts 17 Stages, 350 speakers, live bands,
DJs, live demos and a whole lot more. Discover a diverse
array of stages and themes at the show, each designed
to bring you the latest insights and innovations across
the environmental sector. From high-level government
discussions and cutting-edge technical sessions to
interactive presentations and vibrant entertainment,
the stages offer something for everyone. Attendees will
benefit from a unique blend of learning, networking, and
fun as they tackle the industry’s most pressing issues.
Check out the full list here.
5. Witness live demonstrations
From spectacular displays of cutting-edge machinery,
to live demonstrations of waste-processing equipment,
refuse collection vehicles or street sweepers – the
outdoor section of the show is a unique opportunity
to see apparatus working in its intended environment,
offering practical insights into their applications and
benefits. It’s also a great excuse to step outside and
enjoy some of the sunshine! Witness jaw-dropping
displays that feature shredders, balers, material
handlers, fire safety, dust suppression equipment and
more – live in action. Discover the latest developments
and innovations in municipal waste & refuse vehicles,
and how they’ll benefit your operation, or see the latest
fire protection and prevention solutions in action.
6. Be Inspired at the award schemes & initiatives
ESS Expo proudly features a variety of award schemes
and initiatives that celebrate the achievements
and contributions of outstanding individuals and
organisations within the environmental sector. Women
in Resource & Sustainability is dedicated to celebrating
and exploring the contributions of women in the
resource, recycling, and waste management sectors. It
offers a fantastic opportunity for professionals within
the industry to share experiences, challenges, and
success stories, fostering a supportive community and
encouraging greater inclusion and diversity in the sector.
The 35 Under 35 Awards identifies the trailblazers
in the environmental sector under the age of 35 who
are striving for professional excellence, promoting
industry innovation, and giving back to their company or
community. The Environment 100 Recognition Scheme
recognises our environmental leaders and sustainability
champions, shining a light on the visionaries driving
forward environmental sustainability in the UK. Check
out what else is on here.
7. Engage in interactive workshops
Participate in hands-on workshops designed to provide
practical skills and knowledge. These sessions are
tailored to various expertise levels and offer a deeper
understanding of specific environmental technologies
and practices. Workshops and talks will cover a range
of topics, offering practical insights and solutions for
everyday challenges in the environmental sector. Keep
an eye out for the networking areas across the shows!
8. Meet world-class suppliers, discover world-class
solutions
Discover products and services from some of the
world's most influential brands and suppliers. This is
an excellent chance to explore new solutions, compare
products, and find the best fit for your organisation's
needs, discover innovative products and services
from over 600 environmental suppliers showcasing
cutting-edge technologies and strategies in net-zero,
decarbonisation, resource management, circular
economy, water scarcity and management, biodiversity
conservation, energy management, environmental
emergency response, land management, emissions
control, and more. Check out our full list of exhibitors
here.
9. Further your contribution to sustainability
New for 2024, the ESS Green Ticket donates 100% of
the proceeds to our partner environmental protection
projects. These initiatives are carefully selected to ensure
they have a meaningful impact, helping to offset the
carbon emissions generated by the event. You will also
be able to get a green ticket on site.
A Green Ticket Contribution:
t Supports vital environmental protection projects
t Contributes to the global effort to combat climate
change
t Helps carbon balance the emissions associated with
attending the event
Learn more about our environmental protection
partner projects here.
10. Enjoy the outdoor space, live music, and social
events
We know that walking around the show can be thirsty
work. Which is why there’s ample opportunities to
relax and enjoy a drink or two and unwind in-between
meetings. Whether it’s checking out the ESS Central
bar, sitting outside by the Inn on the Green, or soaking
up the sun with some live music at Paignton on the
Park or the ESS Live Stage, put your feet up for a minute
and network in a more informal setting. The dedicated
outdoor space features cold drinks, warm welcomes and
is the perfect opportunity to take a break from the show
and relax with customers, suppliers, or colleagues in a
more relaxed setting. Check out what else is on here.
Whether you’re a visitor looking to gain insights into the
latest environmental trends or an exhibitor aiming to
showcase your innovations, ESS Expo 2024 promises a
wealth of opportunities to engage, learn, and grow. Don't
miss out on this unparalleled event in the environmental
sector – secure your ticket today!
www.ess-expo.co.uk
14
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Introducing BALEiD by PAAL
We all agree the ‘cradle to grave’ material
traceability is the goal that we should all be
aspiring to, but bale identification has not been
reliable and has depended on inefficient manual
processes.
Let us introduce you to the new, patented BALEiD by
PAAL system, which is set to revolutionise traceability
within the industry.
Let us allow you to shake off the limitations of
manual process and bring you an efficient closed
loop patented system. It is now possible to generate,
print and attach a label to each bale automatically
and securely.
Our initial challenge was to devise the process that
would automatically and securely attach the label to
the bale. The patented PAAL applicator has achieved
this and is linked to a label printer. With this set up
it is possible to automatically generate, print and
attach each label to a bale that shows whatever
ESS Environmental Services & Solutions Expo Preview
relevant information that is contained within the
baler control system.
We appreciate a huge amount of work and effort
goes into producing a bale and now for the first time
BALEiD by PAAL enables the complete picture to be
captured in a convenient label. Not only will this
system capture the fundamentals such as date/ time/
location and material type, it can also track each bale
individually for shipments.
Let us open up a world of opportunities for your
waste management system, by attaching a label
(containing a unique RFID chip) to each bale you
would be able to automatically record, monitor and
control your bale output with valuable information,
for example:
t Date and location where the
bale is produced
t Precise weight of bale
t Purity of material
t Storage location and
shipment onto truck
By implementing the BALEiD
by PAAL you can eliminate the
rejection of material (by the end
processor) which is hugely costly
and disruptive, any such risks are
addressed prior to despatch.
The scanning of the RFID tags
on the bales, the end processor
receives, updates the RFID
database. This results in the
provision of evidence for the recycler that the
material has been processed in a certain way, giving
the necessary ‘cradle to grave’ traceability.
Our priorities are changing, driving today’s standards
and business practices. Closed loop recycling is at
the heart of today’s circular economy demonstrating
a strong commitment to sustainability. Adhering to
environmental regulations is
crucial, closed loop recycling
helps businesses stay compliant
with waste management and
sustainability regulations.
Let us take you to the next
stage of waste management
efficiency, let us maximise your
potential with BALEiD by PAAL.
Join us at RWM Show
September 11th and 12th,
Stand ME-A90 where we will
be demonstrating BALEiD by
PAAL.
www.kadantpaal.com
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 15

ESS Environmental Services & Solutions Expo Preview
CPL/Puragen Activated
Carbons at ESS Expo
CPL/Puragen Activated Carbons has
been a long-time supporter of the
Environmental Services & Solutions
Expo (ESS, incorporating RWM and
EFD) and will again have a large stand
at the show, which takes place at the
NEC on 11-12 September 2024.
They again plan to display one of their
eye-catching large Clean-Flo ® mobile
carbon filters on their Stand (EN-F50)
and the company’s Head of Strategic
Partnerships, David Reay, will be
making a presentation on Day 1 of the
event, on the EFD Technical Stage.
He will outline the various applications
for activated carbon filtration relevant
to the sectors covered
by the ESS expo, with
a particular focus on
PFAS-group ‘forever
chemicals’ that can now
be effectively removed
and destroyed with CPL/
Puragen’s technical
solutions. PFAS-group
chemicals are a
particular concern for the
water industry, as well
as society in general,
and activated carbon is
the best available technique for their
efficient removal.
The presentation will also touch on
developments in the purification of
biogas and biomethane, as well as
the recent energy-from-waste BREF
that demands far lower emissions
of mercury and dioxins from EfW
facilities.
Come see us on Stand EN-F50. To
contact CPL/Puragen in advance of
the expo:
T 01942 824240
info@activated-carbon.com
www.activated-carbon.com
Impact Air Systems
Impact Air Systems, the world’s leading
air-based technology provider for
the environmental, waste, recycling,
and resource management industry,
announces they are to exhibit their
innovations at RWM in Birmingham,
11-12 September 2024 on Stand D224.
“We are excited to formerly announce
our latest innovations at these key
industry events. Impact strives to be at
the cutting edge of technology to offer
solutions built for the industry. The
promotion of resource recovery and the
circular economy is a common theme
across all our innovations this year with
our Airlift and Zigzag Air Classifier (ZAC)
solutions at the forefront, which enables
waste operators to effectively recover
materials such as flexible plastic
packaging, glass, and aggregates, with a
remarkably high success rate,” said Nick
Ball, Impact’s Managing Director.
Impact Air Systems pride themselves
on their British engineering roots
along with innovative air system
design applied to solutions to separate
materials, which catapulted them
into the recycling equipment market
back in the early 1990s. Many years of
working with industry professionals and
listening to their issues with regards to
separating waste to recover valuable
materials, has resulted in Impact’s
catalogue of impressive solutions which
add value while easing the pressure to
produce quality material streams.
Impact’s solutions are in high demand
by waste operators for their distinctive
ability to separate material effectively &
efficiently, while being engineered to an
exceptionally high standard, providing
minimal maintenance and downtime.
RWM is the perfect platform for Impact
to showcase its range of solutions
to the recycling market. For those
who are seeking reliable equipment
to improve their material quality, it
is recommended that you take this
opportunity to find out how Impact can
make a difference for you.
Find out more at: www.
impactairsystems.com or contact
the team on +44 (0)116 244 8855 or
email: sales@impactairsystems.com
16
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

ESS Environmental Services & Solutions Expo Preview
Breather valve testing
There is a common misconception that all breather
valves are rigorously tested to a certain standard
before they are sold, but unfortunately, this is
definitely not the case. Many breather valves on the
market are not subject to stringent testing protocols,
leading to significant safety and operational risks.
When these untested and, more importantly,
unsafe breather valves are procured, the end user
unknowingly takes on many risks.
It is crucial to know the facts by conducting
thorough due diligence from the initial purchase
and throughout the entire lifecycle of the unit. First,
ask yourself: Are your breather valves set correctly?
Incorrect settings can lead to valve malfunction,
causing potential overpressure or vacuum conditions
that could compromise tank integrity. Are your
breather valves performing safely? Regular testing
ensures they function within safety parameters,
preventing hazardous situations.
Do you know your breather valve leak rates, and is
your media hazardous, flammable, costly or toxic?
Understanding leak rates is vital for environmental,
occupational health and safety compliance. Do they
function as per intended design and specification,
and do they meet the set point? This ensures that
valves operate as required under specific conditions.
Has your breather valve been tested in accordance
with API2000 Section 5.4? Compliance with this
standard guarantees that valves meet industry
requirements. Do you monitor your
breather valves as part of your
aging plant management plan?
Regular monitoring can identify
wear and tear before it leads to
failures. Lastly, are you confident
that all your breather valves
maintain optimum efficiency and
performance? Ensuring this can
prevent costly downtime and
environmental hazards.
The only irrefutable test method
is using the Vent-Less test bench.
This groundbreaking technology is
revolutionising testing, ensuring that breather
valves are tested prior to installation and during
the life term of the unit. The award-winning
Vent-Less test bench aligns with the API2000
Section 5.4 test protocol, and the instantly
generated certification stands up to
regulatory scrutiny. The documented
leak rate is also invaluable for
LDAR, IED, and Regulation 61
reporting. These questions
are critical for assessing your
vulnerabilities and ensuring
the safety and efficiency of
your operations. Don't leave
it to chance – make sure your
breather valves are thoroughly
tested and maintained using the
Vent-Less test bench.
Come see us on Stand EN-J71.
T +44 (0)1726 844707
info@assentech.co.uk
www.assentech.co.uk
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 17

Water, Energy & Environmental Update
LogiDataTech’s
dynamic MF-Oxy
LogiDataTech’s dynamic MF-Oxy
is an oxygen measurement
system that can
determine
residual
oxygen
content in
exhaust gas
from combustion
plants precisely and reliably.
Therefore, with the use of a
coupled controller, a plant
operator can minimise the
excess air specified for safety
reasons, optimise combustion
in the boiler and thus increase
efficiency.
In this way it is possible to
compensate for fluctuations in
fuel quality for modern wood
firing. Unlike Lambda probes,
which measure the relative
oxygen content, this robust
measuring system determines
the absolute content. For this
reason, fluctuations in air
pressure, humidity and
temperature have no
effect on the accuracy of
the measurement.
The system is calibrated
electronically, without the need
for reference gas or human
intervention, in atmospheric
air at the end of the furnace’s
ventilation phase, thereby
reducing maintenance work.
The measuring range is defined
from 0.1-25Vol% oxygen.
The system is offered with a
temperature range of 0-250°C
or 0-350°C, and a range of probe
lenghts and two types of sinters.
www.logidatatech.com
Anua Clean Air UK Ltd
Anua Clean Air UK Ltd stands at the
forefront of air pollution control,
specialising in the cutting-edge biological
treatment of air and biogas. Our expertise
shines through our patented Biofiltration
and Bio Trickling technologies, designed
for high performance and cost-effective
emission abatement using innovative
recovered media.
Our flagship technologies, Monashell ®
and CrumRubber , are sustainable
marvels that incorporate reclaimed
materials as
key filtration
components. These
materials’ unique
properties not only
excel in capturing
and treating
pollutants but also
deliver significant
environmental
benefits, including
contributions to the circular economy
and a reduced carbon footprint through
minimal water and energy usage and
zero consumables.
In recent years, alongside our parent
company Anua Clean Air International
Ltd and our Italian sister company Air
Clean SRL, we’ve expanded our footprint
across the UK, Ireland, and globally.
Our international portfolio boasts
impressive projects, such as the Dual
Pass Monashell ® installations in Riyadh,
Jeddah, Laguna Lake in the Philippines,
Coimbatore in India, and Sindos in
Greece. Our CrumRubber technology
has been successfully deployed in the
Canary Islands, China, Oman, and the
UK and Ireland. Exciting collaborations
with Air Clean SRL and Air Clean USA
are underway, bringing Dual Stage
CrumRubber /Monashell ® systems
to Puglia, Southern Italy, and across
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, and
Rhode Island in the US.
Anua Clean Air
UK also excels
in maintaining
the health and
efficiency of
existing odour
control units. Our
services include
comprehensive
equipment health
checks, process
upgrades, and media replacement
services. Over the years, we’ve
consistently provided these essential
services to hundreds of biological air
treatment installations worldwide,
ensuring optimal performance and
longevity.
Join us in our mission to purify the
air and protect the environment with
innovative, sustainable solutions.
Contact us today: +44 (0)1450 420017
www.anuacleanair.co.uk
18
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Water, Energy & Environmental Update
Bluewater to revolutionise UK
drinking water dispenser market
with launch of Bluewater Flow
Bluewater, a world leader in
innovative water purification and
beverage solutions, is thrilled to
announce the launch of its innovative
solution for high-quality drinking water
dispensers in the UK, the Bluewater
Flow. Already a smash hit in the United
States with over 14,000 installations,
the Bluewater Flow sets a new standard
across the UK and Ireland for dispensing
on-demand pure, great-tasting water in
offices, gyms, hospitals, and schools that
is free from potential contaminants such
as toxic PFAS chemicals or waterborne
germs.
The self-sanitising, free-standing Bluewater
Flow indoor refill stations are designed for
simple installation & connect to any potable
water line within a 100-foot range for easy
replacement of existing water fountains,
water coolers, and large jug dispensers. Users
can enjoy chilled, fast-flowing water that
undergoes a revitalising process including the
infusion of electrolytes, increased alkalinity,
oxygenation, and trace minerals, providing a
great-tasting hydration experience.
Bluewater Flow 7 x Advanced Purification
uses an existing water source and removes
up to 99% of any impurities that can be
found in typical tap water. The Bluewater
Flow purified water system also improves
the water by adding trace elements of
essential minerals and electrolytes, and
finally, finishes the water through a coconut
carbon filter for a crisp, fresh, delicious taste.
The new Bluewater Flow refill stations for
easy access to pure drinking water offer the
following product highlights:
t Great-tasting, high-quality water free of
lead, toxic chemicals like PFAS, and other
contaminants
t Convenient small footprint
t Easy to install and maintain
t High capacity, rapid filtered water
dispensing
t Serves both cold and hot water
t Sustainable, cost-efficient solution that
reduces single-use plastic bottle waste
and energy usage
t Foot pedal for no-touch dispensing
t Competitively priced with finance
purchase or leasing packages available
Bluewater key account sales manager,
Antonio Tedeschi, says the advanced
filtration technology offered by the
Bluewater Flow indoor station is a gamechanger
in the drinking water dispenser
industry.
Offering reliable and eco-friendly access to
clean water, the Bluewater Flow is already
a top seller in the United States with
thousands installed at premium brands such
as Red Bull, Apple, Marriott, Peloton, United
Airlines, and Google as well as many state
schools and other educational institutions.
“Our commitment to innovation and
sustainability is exemplified by the
Bluewater Flow station that delivers business
customers the opportunity to provide
healthier drinking water to customers and
staff while reducing their environmental
impact,” Antonio Tedeschi said.
M 07785 302694
david.noble@bluewatergroup.com
www.mynewsdesk.com/bluewater
www.bluewatergroup.com
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 19

Water, Energy & Environmental Update
Compendial water compliance has never
been easier thanks to the new Ionpro
from Veolia Water Technologies
The next-generation Ionpro system is
a compact and portable solution that
ensures the production of high-purity,
bacteria-free water that meets the stringent
standards set forth by pharmacopoeias
worldwide. By providing a streamlined and
efficient approach to purified water generation,
Ionpro empowers pharmaceutical companies to
navigate the intricate landscape of regulatory
compliance needed to provide safe and effective
medicines while optimising their operational
processes.
As the pharmaceutical industry navigates an
increasingly complex regulatory landscape, ensuring
the compliance of purified water production on-site,
has become paramount. Stringent standards set forth
by pharmacopoeias worldwide demand unwavering
adherence to purity and quality benchmarks,
presenting significant challenges for small-scale
production facilities, laboratories engaged in scale-up
processes, and research and development institutes.
These challenges stem from their limited space,
resources and fluctuating water demands.
Implementing and maintaining compendial water
systems that meet regulatory requirements can
be resource-intensive and costly, particularly for
facilities with limited budgets and personnel. One
of the main hurdles is ensuring consistent water
quality and microbial control, which can be difficult
due to stagnant water, frequent start-stop cycles,
and the complexities of designing and maintaining
efficient piping and distribution systems within space
constraints.
Additionally, validating and monitoring these
systems to comply with evolving regulations can
strain resources. Training and retaining personnel
with the necessary expertise to operate and
maintain compendial water systems is another
challenge, especially in smaller organisations with
high staff turnover. Addressing these challenges
requires careful planning, efficient water purification
strategies tailored to specific needs, and effective
resource allocation to ensure regulatory compliance
and meet production demands.
The next-generation Ionpro solution
Recognising these critical needs, Veolia Water
Technologies has developed the next-generation
Ionpro system, a comprehensive and innovative
solution tailored to address the different
requirements of compendial water compliance.
Thanks to its new design, Ionpro offers enhanced
management and control of consumption during
production while retaining its compact and portable
appearance.
t Ionpro is prefabricated and housed in a single
cabinet. This compact system combines
four technologies such as a softener, carbon
filter, reverse osmosis (RO) technology and a
pharmaceutically certified electrodeionisation
module (EDI). Thanks to its plug-and-play design,
it can be connected directly to the main tap water
supply on site, to produce high-purity, bacteriafree
water.
t Ionpro is flexible due to its different models
allowing the production of between 570 and
1000 l/h of high-purity water but also due to its
eight options allowing, for example, the addition
of a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) membrane deaerator.
t Ionpro features enhanced control with the
addition of an emergency stop button, a new
RO40 controller and a 7” HMI screen compatible
with Veolia's Hubgrade digital solution. These
new features have been developed to ensure
better management of water consumption and
enable the system’s energy consumption to be
anticipated and controlled.
Hubgrade digital services meeting customer
challenges in the water industry
Hubgrade is a digital solution combined with
Veolia’s human expertise that ensures compliance,
operational excellence and sustainability of the
water treatment process in a convenient, secure and
resilient way. The three innovative services of this
data management solution:
t Evaluate and continuously follow the quality of
the service and communicate with transparency.
t Measure and improve performance and guarantee
a quality level of service.
t Accompany clients in their progress plans and
remotely advise in the piloting of their facilities.
One product for several applications.
Ionpro produces pure water that meets
pharmacopoeia standards, making it suitable for
other pharmaceutical applications such as laboratory
use, for example. This level of purity is also of
interest to other markets such as cosmetics or, more
widely, the microelectronics industries.
www.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk
20
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Cleaning Update
Dual Pumps Limited: Dependable under pressure
We are a leading provider of pumps, power
equipment, and fluid handling solutions
to a wide range of industries throughout the UK
and export markets. Our expertise extends to
manufacturing and selling pressure washers,
pumping systems, and component assemblies.
With a deep understanding of our products and a
network of industry experts, we can cater to the
specific needs of our customers.
We are recognised as offering exceptional service,
characterised by speed, accuracy, & flexibility. Our
customers can count on us for support & assistance,
allowing them to focus on serving their clients.
We value open communication and respect in all
our interactions and strive to be helpful, personable,
and friendly. We take responsibility for our actions
and always follow through on our commitments.
With over 48 years in the industry,
a dedicated team, and our own
warehouse, production, and testing
facilities, we are well-equipped to
meet the demands of our partners
and stock a wide range of quality
products.
Located in Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire, in the heart of the East
Midlands, we have good transport
links and offer next-day delivery to
most of the UK. Good access to East
Midlands, Birmingham, and London
Stansted international airports
enables easy travelling for overseas
visitors.
We pride ourselves on long-lasting
relationships with our customers and suppliers
built on trust and excellent service
t Customer Care & Sales team are ready to take
your orders and help with enquiries.
t Technical experts to offer advice.
t Dedicated export sales advisor for European and
international export matters.
t Dual Pumps has a proud tradition of long-serving
staff.
t 99% of customers surveyed, rated our service as
good or excellent.
t In a typical month, 99% of more than 2,400
calls are answered within a minute.
t More than 96% orders fill on active products
over a typical monthly period.
Our experienced distribution team ensures
you and your customer’s consignments are
despatched securely and on time
Unrivalled stocks are ready for your choice of
delivery. Optional plain cover delivery direct to your
customer.
Our purchasing team liaises with suppliers daily,
placing orders and negotiating the best possible
prices
The warehouse team receives daily deliveries from
suppliers and replenishment of stock is constant.
T +44 (0)1664 567226
info@dualpumps.co.uk
www.dualpumps.co.uk
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 21

Handling & Storage Update
Coming soon: Our NEW GB
Domestic Hours feature!
We’re excited to be launching a brand new GB
Domestic Hours feature into our award-winning
app...
Here at CheckedSafe, the UK’s leading
provider of vehicle compliance and fleet
management solutions, we are proud to
be launching a new feature of our multi-awardwinning
fleet management system: a new GB
Domestic Hours tracking feature.
This latest addition to our Software-as-a-Service
(SaaS) platform is designed to keep fleet operations
within the legal boundaries of the Drivers’ Hours
Legislation and the Working Time Directive.
While we’ve still got this feature under wraps for
now, we’re expecting to launch this new venture at
the end of July/early August…
So keep your eyes peeled for updates!
How we’re helping you comply with the Working
Time Directive
In the UK, operators and drivers of goods vehicles,
buses and coaches, are mandated by law to
maintain precise records of working hours. This
requirement, crucial for both safety and regulatory
compliance, can often be cumbersome due to its
paper-based tracking system.
Our new development simplifies this process by
providing real-time alerts on any infringements,
allowing for immediate corrective actions. This
proactive approach ensures that drivers adhere
to legislative requirements which govern the
hours drivers can operate and the necessary
breaks, thereby reducing the risk of penalties and
enhancing road safety.
Notably, the new feature will be an extension of our
existing fleet management platform but can also
operate independently.
It offers a comprehensive dashboard built into their
current app, that allows fleet managers to:
t Ensure full legal compliance with the Working
Time Directive
t Eliminate the need for cumbersome paper
records
t Manage driver fatigue and mandatory rest
periods effectively
t Generate detailed reports on driver hours at the
click of a button
However, innovation is nothing new for us here
at CheckedSafe. This development to our SaaS
platform follows last year’s advancements in
providing driving licence checks.
The future looks bright…
As we continue to expand our suite of compliance
and management solutions, our team
remain dedicated to their original mission of
revolutionising the fleet management industry
through technology, simplicity and innovation.
Co-founder and Director,
Gary Hawthorne,
comments, “Ultimately,
what we’re doing is
making the roads safer
places to be. Whether that’s by changing driver
behaviour or ensuring fleet operators are compliant
with legislation. We exist to make life safer and
simpler.
“Our software is used by thousands of vehicles
throughout the UK, and we’ve absolutely no
intention of things slowing down. However, it
doesn’t escape us that in order to stay at the
forefront of fleet management technology, it’s
important that we’re continually improving
and innovating. This makes sure our clients are
equipped with the best suite of tools to manage
their fleets effectively.”
So, for fleets looking to modernise their operations
and ensure stringent compliance with UK laws,
here at CheckedSafe, we offer a comprehensive,
robust app and portal that meets not only
current needs but is constantly adapting to
future challenges and regulations within the
transportation sector.
Keep your eyes peeled for updates and register
your interest at by emailing us at:
info@checkedsafe.com
Alternatively, get in touch with us on
01282 937228 or drop us a message
here if you have any questions!
22
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Team life protectors
In this issue of Industry Update, we are delighted to welcome CH Materials
Ltd as our Passive Fire Protection Solution Company of the Month
CH Materials Ltd is a leading supplier
of high-quality industry materials and
products to the Passive Fire Protection
sector, with premium products including:
intumescent materials for manufacture of fire
stopping devices, thermal protection tapes and
accessories for fire rated doors, glazing and
ducting applications.
Established in 2005, the Lancaster company became
part of the svt group of companies in 2022, which
supplies passive fire protection products for the
construction, rail, air and marine transportation
sectors. svt is also known as a heavyweight expert
in battery safety, notably fire protection. With an
upgraded office and warehouse space, the team at
CH Materials have built up a large loyal customer
base over the years across the UK.
Passive Fire Protection Solution Company of the Month
CH Materials prides itself on offering rigorously
tested products, built on meticulous product design
and industry expertise, dating back years. The
resident R&D team are well placed to offer expert
advice on products through application, testing and
product insulation and integrity characteristics. To
prepare for certification, indicative fire tests can
be conducted on doors, facades,
glazing, partitions and more
at the company’s test sites
and customers can also
request fully certified
testing and final external
accreditation.
This year’s Fire Safety
Event was the perfect place
to showcase the range of passive
fire protection solutions and leading intumescent
products, with the Flamro range proving to be one of
the stars of the event.
The Flamro range of structural passive fire protection
solutions have been perfected over a thirty-year
period for a wide range of applications such as: cable
and pipe penetration seals, linear
joint seals, cable protection and
ducting.
“We offer high quality fire
protection products that
meet high specifications
and the bespoke needs
of our customers. We work
closely with our customers to
improve and make their products the
best they can be and with prospective customers to
develop new and innovative products to add to their
PFP portfolio.
“We are
looking for
partners with
a knowledge
of and passion
for the passive
fire protection
market. The
Flamro product
range offers
new and
innovative
solutions for
penetration
seals and cable
protection. We
believe building strong relationships with our clients
is key to success in this area.
“svt are already one of mainland Europe’s major
players in passive fire protection, the plans are to
grow our ever-expanding portfolio of passive fire
protection products into our existing and emerging
markets.
“The depth of knowledge and expertise available
through the wider svt Group is exceptional and,
in our opinion, second to none. We are available
to provide advice on a huge range of materials to
help ensure you have the information available to
develop your product range to offer innovative and
competitive solutions,” outlined Corinn Sobczak,
Technical Sales Manager.
See CH Materials at The Fire Safety Event 2025:
8-10 April 2025 – NEC Birmingham
To find out more about these leading passive fire
protection solutions, see the details below:
T 01524 406088
www.chmaterials.com
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 23

Access Platforms Update
IAS for your perfect access platform
Access Platforms are indispensable for working at
heights or hard-to-reach places, providing workers
with a robust structure across many industrial sectors.
Many essential services such as air conditioning units,
pipes, and ductwork are often stored high in the roof and
access platforms are key to installation and essential
repairs/maintenance throughout the year. With health
& safety in mind, the steady, well-fabricated structures
give extra reassurance to workers, throughout the
operation period.
Independent Access Sales (IAS) is a relatively new
company but with decades of expertise behind it.
Established in 2020 by Managing Director, Richard
Martin, the Huntingdon-based company is set to take the
country by storm.
IAS is a distributor of access platforms across the UK
and Ireland and Richard brings more than 35 years of
industry experience, from scaffolding, cradle platforms,
erection, surveyor, to supervisor, “We are getting noticed
now across the industry. We have won three awards
in the last twelve months, including a Golden Award
from Media2. We’ve been to numerous trade shows and
generated a lot of interest.”
“We are excited to reveal that we have exclusively
signed with SOCAGE, producer of globally-leading aerial
platforms, to distribute their truck-mounted platforms,
up to 100 metres. A truck-mounted platform is a mobile
elevating platform, which can be attached to a roadlicenced
chassis and is great when you require an access
platform to
be adaptable,
as it can be
switched from
site to site
easily. We
are looking
forward to
adding this to
our growing
portfolio and
by the New
Year, expect
to be selling a
wider range of
Easylift Spider
Platforms,
SOCAGE
Truck Mounting Platforms and Leonardo HD by Bravi
HD to new and existing customers across: facilities
management, construction, heritage restoration to tree
surgery and many more.”
The existing SOCAGE truck line has been flying off the
shelves with customers already this year: the SOCAGE
20T carries loads up to 230kg and is a favoured mounted
platform for working at height. The SOCAGE 21DJ works
up to 20.3m and is a second popular choice for many
applications.
For those working in facilities management or heritage
restoration, the Easylift srl Piattaforme Aeree R360
provides a turret rotation of 360° for cleaning and
delicate work in limited spaces. Designed to work at a
height of 35.4m, it is also preferred by tree surgeons for
all aspects of arboriculture. The R260 model works to a
maximum height of 26m, with an outreach of 13.5m,
precision-designed for maintenance & installation jobs.
The Bravi Platform HD meanwhile is the default choice
for tight spaces and doorways, offering a sturdier
alternative to scaffolding or ladders.
IAS offers a full consultancy service for new customers,
to source the perfect access platform and moving
forward, offers six-monthly inspections, servicing and
maintenance, meaning you can just get on with the job
at hand.
“It is a real pleasure to hear repeat custom across many
sectors. We take great pride in customer service, from
our expert, technical know-how, to quick lead delivery
times.”
“In the near future, we are hoping to begin talks with
a dealership of little truck booms. These are ideal for a
variety of one-day applications from street work, signage,
windfarms to pest control. Look out for our Spring demo
road tour round the UK! We look forward to meeting new
and existing customers then.”
The company currently has an extensive range of used
machinery for interested customers, including: JLG660SJ
Articulated Boom, Aerial AL22 Truck Mounted, Multitel
MJ201 Truck Mounted and Easylift R180 Spider Platform,
please see this link for details:
https://iasales.co.uk/used-machines
For more information, or to view the product range,
please see the website below or ring Richard Martin:
M 07483 246878
enquiries@iasales.co.uk
service@iasales.co.uk
www.iasales.co.uk
24
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Union Industries’ Bulldoor addresses extreme
weather challenges for LoneStar
Union Industries, the leading manufacturer of
bespoke high-speed industrial doors, has helped
LoneStar Leeds Limited, a world-class provider
of precision engineered components, sealing
technologies and specialised coatings and plating
reduce costs and improve efficiency through the triple
installation of its Bulldoor.
Union Industries was first approached by LoneStar in
2023 and was subsequently tasked with providing
solutions for site enhancement projects at its facilities,
primarily on doorways frequently accessed by forklift
trucks for deliveries and stock movement. The three
Bulldoors were designated for deployment across
LoneStar’s two sites in Leeds.
Headquartered in the West Midlands, UK, and
employing more than 1,000 people across 13 sites,
LoneStar Group has proven itself in global logistics.
It utilises a worldwide network of its own
manufacturing and distribution operations, as well
as primary supply sources, to supply and support
customers in America, Europe, the Middle East, Central
and South East Asia and Australia with precision
engineered components.
The primary objective was to mitigate heat loss within
the premises, thereby reducing energy expenditure
and improving the company’s ECG performance.
The existing roller shutters and sectional overhead
security doors, characterised by slow operational
speeds, often remained open, resulting in substantial
heat dissipation and increased energy consumption,
especially during harsh weather conditions.
Union Industries developed tailored solutions for each
opening, including reducing the opening size of a large
doorway to curtail heat loss while maintaining optimal
clear opening sizes to suit LoneStar’s requirements.
Additionally, it crafted a door to fit within tight
spatial constraints without compromising operational
functionality. Importantly, all three doors seamlessly
integrated with existing security measures, ensuring
comprehensive site security post working hours.
Like other doors in their range, Bulldoor also benefits
from Union’s simple yet proven ‘Crash Out and Auto-
Reset’ facility, in case of vehicle impact to the bottom
Handling & Storage Update
beam, thus ensuring minimal downtime and repair
costs.
Rob Howe, Technical Sales Engineer at Union
Industries, said, “We take pride in delivering tailored
solutions that address our clients’ unique challenges.
The successful installation of our Bulldoors at LoneStar
underscores our commitment to innovation, efficiency,
and customer satisfaction.”
Gemma Juniper, HR & HSE Manager at LoneStar Leeds,
said, “The installation of Union’s doors was a pivotal
step in our journey toward environmentally focused
improvements across our company portfolio. The
comprehensive heat loss payback report highlighted
not only the potential cost savings but also the
tangible benefits of enhanced energy efficiency.”
T +44 (0)113 244 8393
enquiries@unionindustries.co.uk
www.unionindustries.co.uk
Union Industries blows away competition with use of
virtual reality configurator
in the manufacturing industry who aim to address heat
loss and wind chill through open doorways.”
“The Bulldoor is one of our best-selling doors and has
been developed by our own R&D team over the years to
become the reliable workhorse that it is today. Its robust
design ensures minimal maintenance and can withstand
constant high-volume operations.”
nion Industries, the UK’s leading manufacturer of
Ubespoke industrial doors, has utilised virtual reality
(VR) to help Leeds-based Met Fab Solutions maintain
comfortable working conditions with the installation of
a Bulldoor.
Union Industries has successfully deployed its innovative
new VR software to assist Met Fab Solutions, a leading
UK manufacturer of aluminium panels and aluminium
pressings, specify and configure the correct door suited
to its needs.
This innovative tool allows Union to immerse prospective
clients in a 3D showroom where they can experience their
high-speed door offerings and interact with the products
in a virtual environment. The software, comprising a VR
headset and handheld units representing the customer’s
hands, showcases the extensive features, specifications
and benefits of Union Industries’ products.
Met Fab’s powder coating facility contains an extraction
unit which draws the temperature outside of the building
to keep the area cool during hotter periods. However,
when windy, the extraction unit causes a wind-chill
resulting in employee discomfort, hence the company’s
need for a fast acting and reliable door.
The Bulldoor not only ensures the integrity of Met Fab’s
facility but also significantly reduces the impact of
adverse weather conditions. Operated conveniently via
remote control, the door incorporates a ‘Crash-Out & Auto-
Reset’ feature as a standard safety measure, minimising
costs associated with door impacts.
Renowned for their reliability and efficiency, Union
Industries’ doors, including the Bulldoor, have become
the preferred choice for manufacturers dealing with
heat loss and escalating energy prices. With a robust
design requiring minimal maintenance, these doors can
withstand constant high-volume operations, making them
an ideal solution for industrial settings.
Rob Howe, Union Industries’ Technical Sales Engineer,
said, “Once again, the Bulldoor is the first choice for those
“We are also thrilled with the success of our new virtual
reality configuration tool. This software enables us to
immerse prospective customers into our world, providing
a first-hand experience of the advanced features and
capabilities of our rapid roll doors.”
Steve Cockerham, managing director at Met Fab Solutions,
said, “The collaboration with Union Industries has proven
invaluable in addressing our specific needs.”
“In utilising the VR software, Union was able to
demonstrate to us in detail how the Bulldoor was best
placed to serve our specific needs and address the
challenges we faced.”
“The Bulldoor has not only enhanced the integrity of
our facility but has also significantly improved working
conditions for our employees.”
Please see our video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_pZjPdKGwg&t=4s
T +44 (0)113 244 8393
enquiries@unionindustries.co.uk
https://unionindustries.co.uk
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 25

Transport Update
Drivers who refuse driving licence
checks: What to do
Got a driver that
won’t consent to
having their licence
checked? Unsure
how to tackle the
situation? Here at
CheckedSafe, we
explore your options...
Do you have a driver that won’t
consent to having their driving
licence checked? Eager to get on the
road without the necessary checks being
done first?
Let’s take a look at what to do if you’re a fleet
operator in these circumstances…
The importance of checking employee
driving licences
As a fleet operator, you must check all of your
driver’s licences at regular intervals. This
means at the outset of employment before
they are allowed to drive, and consistently after
then – typically at least quarterly.
It is typically advised to take a risk-based
approach to this process, which means drivers
who have points on their licence should be
checked more frequently.
Whatever your stance, your approach to the
frequency of conducting driving licence checks
must be established in a written policy. This
provides full transparency to your team of
drivers and also protects your business in the
event of questions down the road.
What to do if a driver refuses licence checks
A driver refusing to have checks carried out on
their licence poses a problem. Simply put, as an
operator, if your drivers are on the road without
a valid licence you may face:
t Prosecution and a legal sentence
t Action from the Traffic Commissioner
t Invalidated insurance
It is therefore essential that despite the
difficulty of the situation, you do not allow a
driver to drive on behalf of your business.
Step 1 – Speak to your driver and explain
your legal obligations
The first step in tackling this would typically
be to speak to your driver about the legal
obligations you face. This would also be a good
time to get out your written policy on the topic
and explain the consequences of not adhering
to the law. It is also advisable to ask them for
their reasons for refusing.
Step 2 – Remind the driver they are subject
to disciplinary action
If after that initial conversation, your driver still
refuses to let you check their driver’s licence –
it is time to remind them that must obey any
reasonable and lawful management requests,
or they will face disciplinary action.
Step 3 – If they still refuse, dismissal is likely
Finally, if they still refuse to participate in
mandatory licence checks, you are within your
rights as an employer to dismiss the driver (or
refuse to work with them, if they are an agency
driver). Legally, both ‘illegality’ and a lack
of ‘capability’ are potentially fair reasons to
dismiss someone during these circumstances.
How can CheckedSafe’s driving licencechecking
software help?
At CheckedSafe, our licence-checking software
revolutionises how you ensure your fleet drivers
are both compliant and hold clean driving
records. We use advanced Optical Character
Recognition technology which boasts an
accuracy rate of over 95% to efficiently verify
driver licences remotely.
We make it easy for you to check for:
t Licence types – That your driver’s details
are correct and whether or not they have the
correct licence for their role (ie. full, copy,
HGV or professional)
t Driver offences – That all previous driver
offences have been identified (ie. speeding,
drunk driving)
t Points on licence – That the number of
points stated on the driver’s licence is
correct.
t Tachograph and CPC – The driver’s
Tachograph Card and CPC expiry dates.
The benefits of our licence-checking software
are as follows:
t Check the driving licences of your entire fleet
remotely.
t Retain peace of mind that your business is
compliant and safe.
t Create custom data points and personalised
alerts.
t Make use of impressive Optical Character
Recognition (OCR) technology.
t Easily identify drivers who are at risk within
your fleet.
t Minimise the likelihood of you paying
expensive fines.
t Stay informed of any new offences from
drivers in your fleet.
t Manage your fleet from one streamlined.
t Use our innovative ‘pay-as-you-go’ service to
check licences.
Remember, making sure every employee
behind the wheel has a current & valid driving
licence isn’t just a legal checkbox for you to
tick – it is also a key part of managing your
operations efficiently, effectively and safely.
If you’d like to learn more about our solution
to managing your fleet and ensuring your
business is compliant, please give us a call
on 01282 908429 or email us at:
info@checkedsafe.com
26
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Fasteners & Sealants Update
The benefits of stainless
steel coiled spring pins
Michael Pasko explores the advantages of employing 420 chrome
stainless steel coiled spring pins across diverse applications
stainless steel alloys which are
inherently corrosion resistant.
Platings and coatings provide
excellent performance though they
are consumed over time, whereas
stainless steel provides a lifetime
of protection providing free oxygen
is available in the environment
(free oxygen allows the fastener’s
protective chromium oxide layer
to reform if damaged). For plated
and coated parts, once the plating
or coating is depleted, the carbon
steel is left unprotected and
rapidly corrodes.
This graph shows how time impacts the corrosion resistance of
coated steel compared with stainless steel
Coiled Spring Pins are offered in light,
standard and heavy duty to meet applicationspecific
requirements
Spirol invented the Coiled Spring Pin in
1948 and they are used in companies
developing automotive, medical,
heavy equipment, military, aerospace, and
consumer products. In applications requiring a
combination of high strength, superior fatigue
life, and corrosion resistance, 420 martensitic
chrome stainless steel offer a host of technical
benefits and provides an overall robust costeffective
solution.
High strength
Spirol’s 420 stainless steel Coiled Spring Pins are
hardened to values approximating their high carbon
steel equivalents and share the same minimum
rated shear strength. This process also develops
desired spring properties and fatigue resistance.
Chrome stainless steel Coiled Pins also offer
good corrosion protection against most common
atmospheric and environmental conditions without
the risk of rapid work hardening associated with
302/304 austenitic stainless steel. In most cases,
companies may use 420 chrome stainless steel
Coiled Spring Pins as drop-in replacements for high
carbon steel pins assuming galvanic potential has
been considered relative to the host material.
Corrosion resistance
When companies require corrosion resistant Spring
Pins, there are two common options: carbon steel
with a sacrificial protective plating or coating or
420 martensitic chrome stainless
steel also provides good corrosion resistance in
environments, including, but not limited to, normal
atmosphere and humidity, steam, fresh water,
alcohol, ammonia, alkalis, mild acids (eg. carbonic),
petroleum products such as gasoline, oil, crude, and
mild detergents and sterilising solutions.
While 302/304 austenitic stainless steel Coiled Pins
provide excellent corrosion protection, this material
is not an appropriate solution when the pin will be
subject to dynamic loads, or where strength and
fatigue resistance must equal or exceed that of high
carbon steel. Alternatively, 420 martensitic chrome
stainless steel provides an exceptional combination
of strength and fatigue resistance – in addition to its
inherent corrosion resistance.
Fatigue life
420 chrome stainless steel also provides enhanced
fatigue life, an important consideration given
that Coiled Spring Pins often function as dynamic
elements within many applications. A unique
characteristic of Coiled Spring
Pins is that their flexibility after
installation protects host holes
and assemblies by dampening
vibration and shock loading.
For comparison, Coiled Pins of the
same duty (ie. material thickness)
produced from material of equal
dimensions, were tested in the
three standard materials: MBK – a
standard duty, high carbon steel,
plain finish; MCK – a standard duty,
420 chrome stainless steel, plain
finish; and MDK – a standard duty,
300 series austenitic stainless
steel, plain finish.
Resultant trend lines demonstrate 420 chrome
stainless steels superiority in fatigue when tested at
increasing percentages of assigned minimum double
shear strength.
Summary
Coiled Spring Pins manufactured from 420 chrome
stainless steel are an excellent material choice where
high strength, moderate corrosion protection, and
superior fatigue life are critical. Additional benefits
to consider include cost/benefit relationship in
performance applications, high-wear resistance, good
tensile and creep strength at moderately elevated
temperatures, oxidation and erosion resistance,
improved component cleanliness as compared to
high carbon steel, and reduced potential for mixed
product & debris compared to plated and coated
carbon steel product.
Michael Pasko is Applications Engineer at Spirol
International.
www.spirol.com
Data for comparative purposes only – conditions in this test
do not infer performance benchmarks in any application as
varied load, host materials, hole size, and shear plane quality/
clearance will impact performance
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 27

Health & Safety Update
Schmersal now also sells a safe laser scanner on the
European market
The safe laser scanner UAM-05LP offers
maximum vewrsatility for safe area monitoring
The Schmersal Group continues to expand
its range of products for safe area
monitoring: the company is now selling the
UAM-05LP safety laser scanner from Japanese
manufacturer Hokuyo in Europe, beginning
with markets in Germany, France, Austria and
Switzerland. The safety scanner is characterised
by its extremely compact design and low
weight, as well as its flexible integration
options and high safety standards. This helps
it to ensure maximum personal protection in
logistics, manufacturing & the process industry.
Contactless protective devices, such as
laser scanners, offer many benefits in the
implementation of safety requirements. In
contrast to guard fences and guard doors, there
is no manual opening and closing requirement,
and they do not impede materials transport.
In addition, they also enable a clearer view of
machinery and processes.
The UAM safety laser scanner handles presence
control on stationary machinery and robot
systems, with the UAM’s sensor utilising
Why should you service and
maintain a safety shower
aintaining a safety shower is crucial for
Mensuring its optimal performance and
effectiveness during emergency situations.
Here are several reasons why maintaining a
safety shower is essential:
infrared beams to scan the environment and
detect the entry of people and objects into
the safety zone. This also allows the Hokuyo
UAM to achieve a wide range: with a detection
range of up to 270°, a safety clearance of up to
5m and a warning detection area of 20m, the
laser scanner can be used in various machinery
safety applications.
The laser scanner can be easily configured for
a wide range of uses and also has the ability to
monitor two hazardous areas at the same time,
eg. two adjacent robots. Each of the two safety
zones switches its own OSSD output.
Furthermore, the safety laser scanner is also
able to undertake access control as well as
arm and hand protection for safety-critical
areas in work zones, eg. as part of insertion and
assembly workflows.
Another advantage of the Hokuyo laser scanner
is its encoder input: with the help of encoders,
the speed and direction of travel of automated
guided vehicles (AGVs) are transferred to the
laser scanner, so that the safety zones can be
dynamically adjusted to stop the AGV in case
of danger.
The Hokuyo UAM-05LP is suitable for use in
machinery safety applications up to PL d, Cat. 3
in accordance with EN ISO 13849 and SIL 2 in
accordance with IEC 61508.
Contact: Steve Watkins, Marketing Manager
T 01684 571987
swatkins@schmersal.com
www.schmersal.co.uk
1) Reliable Emergency Response
Regular maintenance ensures that the
safety shower is in proper working condition
and ready to be used when needed.
By conducting routine inspections and
maintenance activities such as testing
water flow, checking water temperature,
adjusting controls, and inspecting valves,
any potential issues or malfunctions can be
identified and addressed promptly, ensuring
that the safety shower will function reliably
during an emergency.
2) Employee Safety
The primary purpose of a safety shower is
to provide immediate decontamination in
case of exposure to hazardous substances.
Regular maintenance helps ensure that
the safety shower delivers the appropriate
water flow rate, temperature, and coverage
necessary for effective decontamination.
3) Compliance with Regulations
Safety showers are often subject to regulatory
requirements and standards that specify their
maintenance and inspection. By adhering to
these regulations, organizations demonstrate
their commitment to compliance and
workplace safety.
4) Extended Lifespan
Proper maintenance and care can
significantly extend the lifespan of a
safety shower. By promptly addressing any
issues, replacing worn-out components,
and conducting regular cleaning, you can
prevent major breakdowns and costly
repairs.
5) Reputation and Employee confidence
Demonstrating a commitment to maintaining
safety showers indicates a strong safety
culture within an organization. Regular
maintenance instils employee confidence in
the workplace safety measures and shows
that their wellbeing is a top priority.
Conclusion
Maintaining a safety shower is essential
for its reliable performance, employee
safety, regulatory compliance, and overall
operational readiness. Regular maintenance
and inspections help identify and address
any issues promptly, ensuring that the
safety shower is always ready for use
during emergencies.
For more information on service
and maintenance, please contact
Aqua Safety Showers on:
+44 (0)1942 318096 or
sales@aqua-safety.com
30
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Building Products Update
ABB Robotics teams with
innovative tech start-up
to deliver sustainable and
affordable housing
BB Robotics announced it is collaborating
Awith UK-based tech start-up AUAR, to
advance the use of robotic micro-factories
to build affordable, sustainable low energy
timber homes.
AUAR’s transformative approach to
integrating robotic automation into the
building process will tackle skills shortages,
boost sustainability, and improve health and
safety by deploying robots in a global network
of local micro-factories. These micro-factories
will construct energy-efficient, affordable
buildings from sheet timber. AUAR reports
today that it has completed a £2.6 million
seed round led by deep-tech and AI fund Miles
Ahead, alongside ABB Robotics & Automation
Ventures and several other investors.
“The increasing capabilities of robots
enabled by vision and AI, coupled with their
inherent speed, flexibility and consistency,
makes them the ideal solution for meeting
the growing need for affordable, high
quality, sustainable housing,” said Craig
McDonnell, Managing Director Business
Line Industries, ABB Robotics. “With
95%* of building firms in our recent
market survey describing sustainability
as ‘important’ or ‘very important’ to their
businesses, and 38%* seeing robots as a
way of reducing waste, our collaboration
with AUAR opens new possibilities for
homebuilders to deliver affordable
sustainable homes at scale.”
ABB is already heavily involved in helping
construction companies automate their
processes. ABB robots are widely used in a
range of modular assembly and 3D printing
building projects worldwide, as well as
academic projects researching new ways to
integrate robotic automation into construction.
The collaboration with AUAR follows the
announcement by ABB working with German
management consulting firm, Porsche
Consulting, to develop innovative new
practices in modular housing manufacture.
go.abb/robotics
*ABB Robotics global market survey, 2023
Plas-fit UK Water Fittings
The Water Fittings
market for PE
pipes is a very
mature market
in the UK
and is well
served by
a few old
established
companies.
Therefore, to
succeed, a big new
player needs to have superior
products, a massive investment
in stock on the ground, a total
commitment to customer needs
and success.
That’s exactly what happened
last November, when we, at
Plas-fit UK Ltd. had launched
our highly respected top-quality
range of WRAS approved
fittings. Until recently sold
successfully in Germany
and the Netherlands, and
now quickly building a great
reputation in the UK amongst
merchants and installers alike.
You can now buy
Plas-fit UK products
in almost every
corner of the
country,
with our
attentive
operation
backed
up by our
centrally
located
warehouse
in Stoke-On-Trent, assuring
reliable next-day delivery.
Have a look online plas-fit.
co.uk at our range of highest
quality products, or better still,
pick up one of the Plas-fit UK
fittings and see and feel the
difference yourself. You’ll find us
to be reliable & good people to
do business with, so let’s talk.
T 01782 894912
office@plas-fit.co.uk
www.plas-fit.co.uk
Denso system repairs
damaged factory coating
at London railway
terminal
bitumen tape wrap system
A from Winn & Coales (Denso)
Ltd was utilised for the repair of
damaged pipework at the new
HS2 terminus at London Euston
train station.
Following damage to the existing
factory coating, corrosion had
already begun to inflict damage
upon the pipe and had propagated
underneath the coating itself, causing
it to delaminate. To eliminate further
damage, the Denso Bitumen Tape
Wrap System was applied to not only
protect the pipe from the effects of
further corrosion, but to provide a
large degree of mechanical protection
too.
Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd are
leading manufacturers and suppliers
of corrosion prevention and sealing
systems. The bitumen tape wrap
system supplied for the project was
comprised of a bitumen-based primer
(Denso Primer D ), a heavy-duty
PVC-backed bitumen tape (Densoclad
70 Tape), and a protective
outerwrap (Denso Glass Outerwrap).
The protective outerwrap offers
exceptional mechanical and impact
strength for buried pipes exposed
to aggressive backfill conditions.
Once applied and fully cured, the
whole system provides a long-term
protective coating that is ready for
immediate service.
T 020 8670 7511
mail@denso.net
www.denso.net
Quick-Pig: Access to your
Rising main without a
manhole made easy
Blocked rising
mains often lead
to considerable
problems, and if there
is no access to the
rising main,
this usually means
increased effort.
What would it be like
to have access to the
rising main without
manholes?
With the Quick-Pig
system, you can do all
this from the top of
the ground.
t Inspect your
wastewater
pressure pipe
without degassing the manhole
and personal protective equipment
– thanks to the launcher that is
integrated into your pipe during
normal day-to-day operations
t Cleaning (pigging & flushing)
t Camera inspection (from OD
140mm)
t Protection of employees from
hazards
in the manhole (health & safety)
t and much more...
The Quick-Pig system is an established
system in Germany & Switzerland.
The first trial is also underway in the UK
and will also ensure greater safety in
your rising main.
Because prevention is always better
than having the problem in your line.
Contact person: Nico Hindriks, Area
Sales Manager
T +49 5921 8347-883
nico.hindriks@reinert-ritz.de
www.quick-pig.com
32
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

DCON Safety Consultants is an independently owned
Built Environmental Safety, Health & Wellbeing Consultancy
We prioritise and specialise in the highest levels of informed & intelligent advice, senior project resource allocation and compliance assurance.
We know that every project with potential benefits also has potential risks with the art of planning centring on the co-ordination of these two zones of
uncertainty. Our team of highly experienced construction professionals consistently ensures each client’s best interest and statutory conformity.
Recent Projects
If you would like to know more about the services we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us
DCON Safety Consultants, Suite 5, Fitzwilliam Square East, Dublin 2, Ireland
+353 (0)1 611 1556 info@dconsafety.com www.dconsafety.com

Print & Packaging Update
Future of the print industry:
Emerging trends and technologies
What printing industry trends will make the biggest impact on the
industry’s future? Soyang looks into its crystal ball.
The future of a printing industry forged by its past
It’s easy to take the printing industry for
granted, so here’s something to consider.
When we talk about the technological
evolution of the human race, we tend to measure
it in terms of the journey from one of two key
moments: the start of the Industrial Revolution,
and the invention of the Printing Press (in
1436 by Johannes Gutenberg, in case you were
wondering).
Print has been changing the world ever since. And
we imagine that ever since Johannes first worked out
that a roomful of monks slaving over manuscripts
probably wasn’t the fastest way to spread the word,
people have been looking to the future of print.
Industry evolution was slow at first. It wasn’t until
the late 19th Century that print took its next great
leap, with the invention of lithography (or offset
printing) which dramatically cut the cost, improved
the quality and boosted the consistency of print.
Innovation accelerated rapidly over the following
century. But where will it take us next?
On demand in demand
If we look at the shift in our client profile over the past
few years, it’s safe to say that the most profound is
in the growth of print on demand businesses.
Print on demand gives customers the print they need
fast, but that inevitably places greater pressure on
the print business and its suppliers to operate in an
agile way. Hook everything up in a streamlined way,
and on demand means the business needs to carry
less stock, which means reduced need for storage,
lower operating costs and less waste. Set up times
are minimised. Short print runs become much easier
to a) do and b) make profitable.
Better still, print on demand enables a print business
to adapt its tactics quickly, which makes responding
to a changing market much easier. Of all printing
industry trends we can expect to shape the next
few years, this is perhaps the one likely to have the
biggest impact on business.
Intelligent application of AI
It’s not news to announce that AI will play a growing
role in print. It’s set to play a growing role in
everything. What is perhaps a little more refreshing
is that, unlike in many industries, the predictions for
AI in print are a little more realistic. Take AI’s role in
the future of print industry production, for example.
The suggestion isn’t that AI will take over the world.
But it will do things that make print companies more
efficient, keep production humming, and remove
some of the more laborious tasks.
AI has a big role to play in maintenance optimisation,
for example, predicting maintenance needs so
there’s less chance of a breakdown when you can
least afford it. It’s likely to play a larger role in
workflow automation, streamlining workflows in the
most efficient way.
And AI has a big role to play in ensuring the quality
and consistency of print projects – from clarity and
sharpness to colour balancing – is on point.
A sustainable future
Not so long ago, the future of a print industry
that relied on lots of natural resources and not
very eco-friendly solvents didn’t feel particularly
encouraging.
As the world shifted to digital and realised the full
extent of the climate emergency, there was a worry
that print would be left behind. Of course, that didn’t
happen. One of the reasons for that is that print
changed.
Now, when we look to the future, print industries can
point to the increasing use of water-based inks, the
reduction in solvents, the growth in recycled print
materials and the way print equipment has changed
to optimise energy use.
We’d argue that the world was always going to need
physical print. But there’s no doubt that the ongoing
efforts to create a more sustainable future is making
the decision to use print a much easier one for
carbon-conscious clients.
Making print more personal
It’s perhaps more of a data trend than a print one,
but as marketing becomes more personal, with
evermore granular use of data, so the outcome of
that is a shift to printing products featuring not
just individual names, but which are personalised
with images and text. It’s all part of using print
to find new ways to engage in a deeper way with
consumers.
Secure print
The future of printing technology is smart. Take
security for example. With a digital signature or
code printed onto your products and stored in
blockchain, end users need only scan the code to
verify authenticity.
Already in use in academia (for example, on exam
papers), and product labelling, there’s much wider
potential in tackling counterfeits.
Erasable ink
Why, in an article on the future of printing technology
and processes, are we featuring tech that’s a good
ten years old? Well, it’s because erasable print may
have been around for a decade, but it’s remained on
the fringes.
It certainly sounded like the stuff of spy movies.
Print your document and, if you don’t like the results
(or you need to hide the results from SPECTRE) run
it through the printer again where a heat plate will
wipe the ink, leaving you with an almost blank page.
To date, the issue has been that word ‘almost’. The
ability to reuse paper up to five times has been
somewhat offset by the fact that the erased print
wasn’t always entirely invisible, which could lead to
some fairly messy looking documents.
As tech improves, however, it’s still possible that
erasable print may become part of the future of print,
helping to cut waste and costs.
Talk to Soyang
How will the future of the printing industry directly
impact you business’ future? To explore how the
latest technology and materials could support you,
talk to Soyang.
Contact
T +44 (0)161 765 3400
sales@soyang.co.uk
https://soyang.co.uk
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 35

Print & Packaging Update
Soyang Europe builds
sustainable future for
customers with Reconomy
oyang Europe has been working with
SReconomy to offer customers access to
environmentally focused and responsible
waste management services.
International circular economy specialist
Reconomy has revealed how its relationship
with wide-format and superwide-format
media manufacturer and distributor Soyang
Europe is helping UK print service providers
to improve their environmental credentials.
Reconomy combines technology and skills
to enable businesses to better manage
their resources, helping to reduce waste,
optimise their supply chains, and contribute
in a meaningful way towards the circular
economy.
While this involves working directly
with print companies, Reconomy is
also partnered with several leading
manufacturers and distributors, supporting
their customers with textile waste
management. One such partnership is
with Soyang Europe, whereby printers
using materials from Soyang Europe can
responsibly dispose of their waste.
This partnership came about three years ago
with the support of FESPA UK. Reconomy
was working on various sustainability
initiatives with FESPA, while Soyang Europe
is a long-term member of the association.
The process works with Reconomy providing
customers with a baler to prepare their
textile waste. Soyang Europe then collects
the bales when delivering new products
to customers, with the waste taken to its
facility in Altham in Lancashire ready for
bulk collection and transportation to a
recycling facility for processing.
“It was a perfect fit,” said Reconomy
Director, Jon Hutton. “Soyang has always
been proactive in wanting to offer their
customers, and the wider industry, waste
management solutions for their products.
“Sustainability is a hot topic for several
reasons. Brands and consumers are looking
down the supply chain for environmental
credentials, so it’s therefore a driving
factor in how to not only maintain and
gain business, but how a printer positions
themselves for the long term.”
Mark Mashiter, Managing Director at Soyang
Europe, added, “It provides our customers
with an outlet for their waste. This works
well with local customers when we deliver
orders to them; we can bring any textile
bales back with us and store them in our
yard until they are collected.”
Renewable energy and recycling materials
Originally, Reconomy had sourced a solution
for recycling PVC banner and polyester
fabrics at a UK site, whereby waste was
blended with other polymers to produce low
grade products. While this process ended
when more desirable material became
available to the market, a recovery route
was soon set up and, with the support of
Wheeldon Brothers, waste could now be
diverted from landfill to renewable energy.
Reconomy combines technology
and skills to enable businesses
to better manage their
resources, helping to reduce
waste, optimise their supply
chains, and contribute towards
the circular economy
However, recycling has since been reestablished
and material is again being
used in manufacturing processes. Coupled
with its use for renewable energy, all of this
is helping work towards a circular economy.
An additional benefit to the service is that
Soyang Europe is willing to take other
supplier’s waste textiles along with its own.
This option is available to customers using
their own transport within a set radius of
Soyang Europe’s facility and when making
deliveries.
“Soyang Europe wants to be part of
the environmental solution and not
the problem,” Jon said. “The take-back
scheme provides a platform for printers
to demonstrate their sustainability by
providing customers with an outlet for their
recycling waste.
“Several customers have engaged with
Reconomy further and are now collecting
their own clients’ end-of-campaign textiles,
integrating this with the collection of
their materials. All loads are tracked, and
Certificates of Recycling can be issued once
the material has been processed.”
The work does not stop here for Reconomy,
with Jon saying the company will continue
to work with Soyang Europe, FESPA UK and
its wider membership base to provide more
sustainable solutions to the UK industry.
“It’s our aim to continue to be a driving
force in educating the industry on the
importance of recycling and developing
circular economies,” Jon said. “This, with
the continued support of Soyang Europe,
will ensure more customers take up this
service.”
T +44 (0)161 765 3400
sales@soyang.co.uk
https://soyang.co.uk
36
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Print & Packaging Update
Embracing personalisation with DTF
Here we discuss the rise in demand
for personalisation, the subsequent
rise of DTF technology, and some of
the applications it can be used for
Personalisation has been one of
the stand-out trends in the print
industry for some time now,
offering customers the opportunity to
create unique pieces and put their own
stamp on products.
While more demand is always welcome
news for print businesses, it can create some
headaches in terms of having the capacity
to continue to create quality work, time after
time. This is especially true when it comes
to personalisation and the many different
designs, fonts and colours that come with it.
With this in mind, how do you ensure that
you can produce quality work in a quick
and cost-effective manner? One method
that has increased in popularity in recent
years is direct-to-film, or DTF if you would
rather, which transfers print onto a range of
substrates using a heat press mechanism.
You only need to look at what some of
the major manufacturers are doing in this
sector to see how popular the technology
is becoming. Take Mimaki for example;
just last year, the company released its
new Mimaki TxF300-75, a production DTF
printer, which is built on the same stability &
functionality of the TxF150-75, its first DTF
printer that launched a few months prior.
But why is the Mimaki TxF300-75, and
indeed its sister machine – with well over
300 sales to date – so popular with printing
companies around the world, especially
when it comes to personalised print? What
is it about DTF machines that makes them
such a solid choice for this type of work?
First and foremost, the TxF300-75 is an
incredibly cost-effective way of producing all
sorts of printed pieces, be them personalised
or standard. The relatively low costs of
film and inks will stand print companies
in good stead if they are looking to make a
go of personalised print, allowing them to
maximise profit on each job.
There is also the fact that the TxF300-75
is capable of producing highly accurate
and quality work,
repeatedly, thanks to
a top print resolution
of 1,440dpi. Other
built-in features also
help users to achieve
high accuracy such
as a degassed ink
pack, which lowers
the risk of poor ink
ejection, as well as
a Nozzle Check Unit
and Nozzle Recovery
System, both
allowing for stable,
uninterrupted print
production.
Such is the attention
to detail and ability to
produce high-quality
output that some
print service providers
are now using the
Mimaki TxF300-75 to create custom designs
that look like they have been embroidered.
Of course, there will always be a place for
old-fashioned embroidery in personalisation
but being able to offer customers a similar
end result, for a cheaper price, will only help
to bring in more work.
DTF also typically offers a wider colour gamut
than other types of printing. As such, you
can offer customers a greater choice when
it comes to colour for personalised work
and open up more options for them. This is
certainly the case with the TxF300-75, which
offers users the very much sought-after
white ink option. In addition, the machine
features a built-in ink circulation system to
prevent white ink clogging, thereby further
enhancing ease of production.
It is also important to remember that it is not
only the design that differs on personalised
printed work. To maximise the reach of your
services, you need to be offering a wide
range of options to customers, rather than
just a handful of personalised products. With
the TxF300-75, the machine can handle all
manner of fabric such as cotton, mixed fabric,
polyester, and dark coloured fabrics – all in
widths of up to 810mm.
What is more, customers who run the
TxF300-75 can also respond to rising
customer demand for more sustainable
printed work. The machine prints
directly onto DTF film using Mimaki’s
PHT50 pigment inks, which are ECO-
PASSPORT certified, validating their lower
environmental impact and meeting the
requirements for OEKO-TEX certification.
Of course, working with a quality printer can
only get you so far; you also need reliable
substrates to ensure success in personalised
print. With this in mind, Soyang Europe
will soon add a new DTF film to its range of
solutions.
Available to purchase from early July,
customers can combine this specialist film
with the leading qualities of the Mimaki
printer to produce high-quality personalised
print for customers across a range of markets.
If you would like to learn more or see
the technology in action, please email:
hardware@soyang.co.uk
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 37

Classifieds
TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections
Force Measurement
Leak Detection
Surface Technology
Key Replacement
Plastic Products
Hinges
Solenoid Valve Operating Magnets
Cleaning
Engineering
Health & Safety
Meshes & Filtration
Sustainable Packaging
Leaders in Built Environmental
Safety and Health and Wellbeing
Consultancy
Specialist in filtration equipment, media,
metal, nylon meshes and technical fabrics
+44 (0)151 647 4579
karl@plastok.co.uk www.plastok.co.uk
+353 (0)1 611 1556
info@dconsafety.com
www.dconsafety.com
38
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23

Classifieds
Leak Detection & Repair Pollution Control Systems Precision Technology
Plastic Products
Cases & Enclosures
Chemical Labelling
Sustainable Building
3D Printing
Custom made multi layer labels,
Digital flexible films printing & more
labels@opm-europa.com
www.oenpm-europa.com
Valves
Window Cleaning
Glue Gun Services
Industry Update is sponsored by CH Materials – see them on page 23 39