Get ready for Southern Manufacturing and Electronics 2016

For nearly 20 years the Southern Manufacturing show has been a favourite among engineers from across the South. But after years of consistent expansion the show now exerts an influence over a very much wider area. An area, in fact, that now stretches from Lithuania in the north of Europe, to Italy and Spain in the south; from Poland in the east to Eire in the west. The origins of the products on show are even wider than that - everywhere from Japan to the USA. In one show, it is possible to see an incredible range of products, technologies and services. The claim 'something for everyone' is very apt for Southern Manufacturing.

At around 18,000 square metres, and hosting more than 800 exhibitors, the show is a significant gathering and one that is extremely relevant for anyone involved in machine building or process engineering. Show Director Phil Valentine highlights the usefulness of the show for busy engineers facing tight budgets and intractable deadlines: "The basic concept behind Southern and Northern Manufacturing was to create an event that offers as wide a range of products and services as possible. Consequently visitors from all manufacturing departments with ever-increasing multi-discipline responsibilities can address several issues in one visit. Around every corner there is something new for visitors."

Breadth and depth

With so many exhibiting firms, there are no shortage of corners to turn. The range of products is staggering; a huge selection of components and OEM parts for 'virtually every possible application.' Cosel Europe will exhibit its range of power supplies, including a new 700W unit to be introduced at the show. Trans-Tronic will exhibit transformers and wound components for a wide variety of applications. Igus UK will promote its drylin W linear guide system constructed using carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Extremely lightweight, the carbon drylin rail features additional advantages over metallic alternatives by being stiffer and non-magnetic. Available for travel lengths of up to 2m, the drylin W linear guide system is up to 60 per cent lighter than a traditional steel rail system, and 40 per cent lighter than the conventional 'lightweight' alternative featuring an aluminium rail.

Binder showcases its recently launched Harsh Environment Connectors, designed to resist fluid and dust ingress to IP69K in difficult environments such as washdown and extreme weather exposure. Manutech Europe will exhibit a range of current sensors and transformers. New for 2016 is a wireless current sensor system designed to work with a wide range of transducers. More transducers - this time of the LVDT variety - can be seen on the RDP Electronics stand. Among them will be the new DCC and DCV Series displacement transducers with built-in signal conditioning.

Supplementing the tooling and production is a galaxy of companies addressing almost everything from advanced adhesives, engineering plastics, CAD/CAM, 3D printers, components, labelling &and marking systems, clean room contractors - even flooring and lighting. A full list of the exhibitors taking part and a searchable product database can be found at www.industrysouth.co.uk.

Pre-registered visitors also get a free comprehensive Show Guide to help them find their way around the event. Those registering before January will also receive a free 16-page Show Preview magazine profiling nearly 100 exhibitors and the products they will be showing.

Entrance to the event and the extensive programme of technical seminars is free to business visitors, and FIVE Farnborough offers ample free car parking and easy access by road or public transport. Follow the link to register for tickets. To see the latest event and exhibitor news visit the show's official blog, follow @industry_co_uk and #southmanf on Twitter, or join the show's official group on LinkedIn. The Southern Manufacturing and Electronics 2016 website is at www.industrysouth.co.uk.