Let’s consider the pros and cons between battery and fuel cell powered vehicles. Both are extremely environmentally friendly, cheaper to run than the fossil fuel variety, require less maintenance and some of them are extremely quick. On the downside there’s limited battery range, battery lifespan issues and cost, long charging times and environmental impact implications based on non-sustainable electricity generation for both charging and battery production. ‘Fuel cells themselves work like batteries, but they do not run down or need recharging and they produce electricity as long as hydrogen is supplied. They consist of two electrodes—a negative anode and a positive cathode sandwiched around an electrolyte,” says Oliver Jackson, Principal Research Engineer at Intelligent Energy. “Hydrogen is fed to the anode and ambient air is fed to the cathode, where a catalyst at the anode separates hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons, which take different paths to the cathode. The electrons go through an external circuit, creating a flow of electricity, whereas the protons migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode. A catalyst at the cathode combines the protons with oxygen and the electrons to produce water vapour and heat.” “The technology can be applied across a broad range of uses too, thus putting materials testing at the forefront of R&D. Tinius Olsen equipment tests materials for mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive and bending strength, which is obviously vital.” “For all these properties, we need to apply a range of forces to see how they will respond to changes in pressure.” “There are also things like gaskets and seals, as well as supporting other departments across the business such as the mechanical design team. “The Tinius Olsen equipment and support we receive is fundamental to what we do, so you could say they’re very much on the front line of these developments, generating confidence in materials used and the finished product.”

We’re excited to announce that Tioga will be exhibiting at Advanced Engineering 2025. This October, the Tioga team will travel to Birmingham for the UK’s leading exhibition for the manufacturing and engineering supply chain. The event takes place at the NEC on 29th–30th October 2025. It is expected to attract thousands of design engineers, manufacturers, and innovators from across multiple industries. You’ll find us on the ADS Pavilion, Stand R180-A, where we’ll showcase why Tioga is one of the UK’s most trusted contract electronics manufacturers. Why visit Tioga at Advanced Engineering 2025 The Advanced Engineering exhibition is a key event in the industry calendar. As a result, it offers valuable opportunities for anyone involved in design, manufacturing, and supply chain partnerships. The show features dedicated zones for aerospace, defence, automotive, medical, and more. This means visitors can explore the latest technologies while connecting with the people driving innovation forward. For Tioga, it’s the perfect platform to demonstrate our expertise. In particular we’ll highlight our strengths in PCB assembly, box build, design services, test & inspection, and logistics management. These services allow us to support customers at every stage of the product lifecycle. What to expect from Tioga at the show Visitors to our stand will be able to: Learn how we deliver reliable, high-quality electronics manufacturing at scale. Understand the benefits of working with a UK-based, ISO-accredited, employee-owned partner. Explore our experience supporting organisations across aerospace, defence, medical, industrial, transport and communications sectors. In addition, our team will be available to answer questions, explore potential projects, and discuss how Tioga can provide value as part of your supply chain.

With the MEGA-Deep-Drill-Steel, MAPAL showcases the new standard for deep drilling at the EMO, which has been specially designed for machining steel and cast iron. The solid carbide deep drills are optimally protected with an innovative coating with HiPIMS technology in the cutting edge area. The head coating also ensures frictionless chip removal and is therefore the prerequisite for the reliable production of deep bores. The remaining length of the MEGA-Deep-Drill-Steel remains uncoated. “In our opinion, there is nothing smoother than a polished solid carbide surface”, Michael Villwock, Product Manager for Solid Carbide Tools, reaffirms the approach. Spherical cutting edges provide a high level of stability and thus ensure a long tool life and high level of productivity. The point angles were selected so that the deep drills always start the cut with the chisel in the pilot bore. The standard range available from stock includes length ratios of 15xD to 40xD and the diameter range from 3 mm to 16 mm, with the long designs up to 9 mm. Adapted pilot drills are available for difficult drilling conditions. With the MEGA-Deep-Drill-Steel, deep drilling is possible without pecking cycles at very high feed rates. The tools are suitable both for use with internal cooling and for minimum quantity lubrication, which has a positive effect on the tool life in steel machining. Field tests have shown that the new deep drills from MAPAL meet the highest requirements for tool life and performance even with demanding materials. Compared to its predecessors, up to 50 percent higher feed rates can be achieved.

Production figures for vehicles with combustion engines are in decline but are still very high, at around 75 million cars built per year. Ample reason for the industry to continue seeking ways to optimise series production. MAPAL is lending its support with new tool solutions for modern combustion and hybrid engines. The automotive industry consistently prioritizes reducing cycle times and minimising costs per part. With two examples from crankshaft manufacturing and valve seat machining, MAPAL shows how this can be achieved with the combination of processing steps and innovative tool technologies. Read more on our website in the link above...

Sheet metal forming is a fundamental process in the metalworking that’s generally used for low-volume production applications. It has been employed in aerospace production lines for many years to create various airframe and engine components. The automotive industry metal forms engine cradles, suspension components, radiator and instrument panel support beams and engine components. And the military will often produce one-off replacements for the repair of damaged vehicles and aircraft using metal forming.

Following the installation of the of one of the first and largest Large Format Additive Manufacturing machines in the UK in August 2022, we have now installed and commissioned our 2nd machine. Due to overwhelming interest in our new capability to print large format moulds and tooling we have invested in a further machine. The new machine has the same working envelope 4.2m x 3.2m x 1.0m but has an higher temperature head capable of printing mould tools for use in process of up to 204 degrees C. Carbon Fibre filled Mould tools can be printed, machined and sealed ready for use in Autoclaves thus removing the need for costly Patterns and reducing the lead time from design to product production. we will be exhibiting examples of LAFM parts on our stand at Advanced Engineering in November but please contact us via the links on our website to find out more about what we can offer.

Transcend proudly announces the launch of its new SSD475P 2.5” solid-state drive, purpose-built for industrial applications and high-performance environments. Featuring Power Loss Protection (PLP) technology, the SSD475P uses built-in capacitors to continue supplying power during unexpected power outages, ensuring data is properly written and significantly reducing the risk of data loss. The SSD475P is equipped with a SATA III 6Gb/s interface and 112-layer 3D NAND flash, offering storage capacities of up to 8TB, combining high-speed access with exceptional capacity. With sustained read/write speeds of up to 560/530 MB/s and a built-in DRAM cache, the drive enhances random access performance and overall endurance. Thanks to its Direct Write firmware, the SSD475P provides outstanding write stability for prolonged, intensive data workloads. It ensures consistent write speeds without throttling, making it ideal for industrial use cases involving frequent access and high write volumes, such as industrial PCs, embedded systems, and data logging devices. Designed to withstand demanding operating environments, the SSD475P undergoes Transcend’s rigorous 100% testing and maintains stable performance across a wide temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. With an Uncorrectable Bit Error Rate (UBER) of 10⁻¹⁷, the SSD475P ensures exceptional data integrity. It supports key reliability and security features, including Dynamic Thermal Throttling, S.M.A.R.T. health monitoring, 4K LDPC ECC (Error Correction Code), AES encryption, and TCG Opal to enhance data protection. With its large capacity, robust PLP technology, and high durability, the SSD475P is an ideal solution for applications that require long-term operation and prioritize data integrity, such as industrial automation, embedded systems, surveillance recording, aerospace & defense, and edge server computing. It ensures reliable, high-speed storage performance even under extreme conditions.

Transcend Information announces the launch of its new industrial-grade Embedded Camera Modules. Leveraging over a decade of imaging expertise in dashcams and body cameras, Transcend is extending its imaging capabilities to Edge AI and smart applications, delivering high-performance, easy-to-integrate embedded vision solutions to empower industries worldwide. Transcend’s Embedded Camera Modules adopt the MIPI CSI-2 interface, ensuring seamless compatibility with mainstream AI platforms including NVIDIA Jetson Orin, AGX Orin, Nano, and Raspberry Pi 5. Featuring built-in Auto Exposure Control and Auto White Balance, the modules maintain consistent brightness and natural colors across diverse lighting conditions. This makes them an excellent fit for a number of applications, such as smart factory inspection, humanoid robot vision, intelligent surveillance, AI model training, and smart city infrastructure. The ECM series offers flexible options tailored to different application requirements. The ECM100 delivers an optimal balance of cost-efficiency and low power consumption, equipped with a 2.8μm large-pixel sensor, high frame-rate output, and High Dynamic Range technology—ideal for long-duration operation. For more demanding environments, the ECM300 features a Sony STARVIS 2 technology with support for 2K resolution, HDR, and Near-Infrared enhancement, delivering superior imaging performance in low-light conditions. This makes it particularly suitable for high-precision inspection and advanced surveillance applications. With over a decade of experience in imaging technology, Transcend is committed to addressing the growing need for high-quality imaging and reliable integration in industrial applications. Providing flexible customization services, including driver-level image parameter adjustments and ISP tools, enabling customers to fine-tune camera settings for optimal results in specific use cases.

Transcend Information Inc. (Transcend®), a global leader in storage solutions, is proud to announce its new DDR5 6400 CUDIMM DRAM modules. Designed specifically for gamers, content creators, DIY PC enthusiasts, and demanding professionals, these modules offer enhanced performance and stability to meet varying speed and capacity requirements. Optimized from standard DIMMs, CUDIMMs include a Client Clock Driver (CKD) for stable and efficient operation, making them ideal for high-performance desktop systems that require greater bandwidth and reliability. With data transfer rates of up to 6400MT/s, Transcend's DDR5 6400 DRAM modules significantly boost gaming performance, video editing smoothness, and large file processing speeds. Whether you are tackling the latest AAA gaming titles, editing high-resolution videos, or multitasking across multiple applications, these modules keep your system running smoothly even under extreme load and deliver an exceptional user experience. Plus, built-in on-die Error Correction Code (ECC) technology ensures data integrity, safeguarding important files, game progress, and creative content. The DDR5 6400 DRAM modules combine high performance, low latency, and stability to deliver ultra-smooth experiences for gaming and creative workflows. Transcend also plans to release new CSODIMM DRAM modules to further expand the product line and provide more options for users with diverse needs. All DDR5 6400 DRAM modules come with a limited lifetime warranty and undergo rigorous testing and verification to ensure professional and stable quality, proudly made in Taiwan and trusted worldwide.

Transcend introduces the new ETD210T enterprise 2.5-inch SSD, designed to meet the read-intensive needs of business users. Featuring enterprise-grade TLC NAND flash and a SATA III 6Gb/s interface, the ETD210T includes a built-in DRAM cache to deliver fast data transfer, exceptional Quality of Service, ultra-low latency, and superior endurance. Ideal for read-intensive and high-capacity storage workloads in cloud and data center applications, it provides a reliable and efficient storage solution for enterprise computing. The ETD210T supports various enterprise applications, including data centers, virtualized servers, and large-scale data processing. Equipped with high-endurance eTLC NAND flash, it delivers exceptional read and write performance. Its endurance rating of DWPD = 1 meets the requirements of most enterprise-class applications, while its read and write speeds of up to 530MB/s and 510MB/s, respectively, address the need for highly efficient storage. The ETD210T is equipped with Power Loss Protection, ensuring data integrity during power instability or unexpected outages to prevent critical data loss. Additionally, its built-in Error Handling mechanism enhances device reliability and reduces the risk of data corruption. With latency as low as 0.5 milliseconds (QoS = 99.9%), the ETD210T meets the stringent stability and responsiveness requirements of enterprise applications. It enables customers to maintain efficient operations for critical business tasks. Transcend’s enterprise SSD ETD210T delivers stable, efficient, and secure business storage options. As a leading brand in embedded products, Transcend leverages years of expertise in storage technology and product development. With robust R&D capabilities, long-term stable supply, its own manufacturing facility in Taiwan, and global technical support, Transcend continues to offer competitive storage solutions that help enterprise customers build modern data centers with exceptional cloud performance.

"Customers from all industries will benefit from this. Battery manufacturers in particular can use this ultrashort pulse laser to cut complex battery foils for smartphones or electric cars in industrial series production," says Steffen Rübling, product manager responsible for ultrashort pulse lasers at TRUMPF. Series production of battery foils for smartphones and electric cars Cutting high-end battery foils for the latest generation of smartphones, for example, is a demanding task. The foils have a complex structure and are sometimes even coated on both sides. "Depending on the battery type, there are different requirements and restrictions in the cutting process. Only the increased laser power and real-time control of the individual laser pulses enable cost effective series production," says Rübling. With Femto Real-Time Control, users can adapt the laser parameters to the cutting areas of the foil and switch them in milliseconds during the process. This saves manufacturing costs, as users only need one laser source for cutting complex battery foils. For laser drilling of membranes, for example for filtering microplastics, the increased power allows users to split the laser pulses into up to 500 individual spots using special optics. “It is this multispot technology that makes laser drilling of membranes suitable for industrial use,” says Rübling. The ultra-short pulse laser is designed for maximum utilization and reliability. TRUMPF relies on proven components to increase performance. Users can operate the TruMicro 6030 in shifts 24 hours a day, seven days a week in their production facilities.

"The new generation of TruFiber lasers is at the heart of our production solutions. Together with our programmable optics and sensor technology, they enable users to increase productivity in their manufacturing and improve the quality of the components they produce," says Tom Rentschler, Product Manager at TRUMPF responsible for the new fiber laser series. Robust fiber lasers for industrial use Users can order the TruFiber in many different power classes from 500 W to 50 kW and combine it with TRUMPF's complete laser system technology. This includes focusing optics such as scanners and fixed optics, as well as solutions for monitoring the status of the entire system. Lasers, controls, beam guidance, processing optics, sensors, and cooling are optimally coordinated at TRUMPF. Dynamic power control ensures precise and repeatable weld seams. This is advantageous for welding copper, for example. “The complete integration of control and optics, as well as its robustness, make the new TruFiber with its high beam quality the ideal tool for industrial applications where precision and efficiency are crucial,” says Rentschler. Easy maintenance and operation Thanks to integrated sensors, many of the laser's functions can already be monitored remotely, thereby eliminating potential errors in the welding process. If a TRUMPF service technician does need to visit the system, the modular design of the laser allows them to replace all components quickly and easily on site. This saves users time and money. The user interface and programming of the control system are particularly intuitive. Operation is like that of a smartphone. “The new user interface greatly simplifies laser material processing. Such ease of use is unique in our industry,” says Rentschler.

"Unlike many other USP lasers, the TruMicro 9010 is not only suitable for processing small components. The laser's high power enables our industrial customers to process large surfaces with high productivity. Even in roll-to-roll processes with high productivity requirements, users can cut contours from flat materials with the TruMicro 9010," says Steffen Rübling, Product Manager at TRUMPF responsible for the new USP laser. Laser beam splitting makes the TruMicro 9010 highly productive Users can split the laser beam of the TruMicro 9010 with special optics. This allows hundreds of fine holes to be drilled simultaneously. This is ideal for the manufacturing of filters, for example. “Many applications are only economically viable thanks to the high power of the TruMicro 9010, which is 1 kilowatt,” says Rübling. When the TruMicro 9010 is coupled to a polygon scanner, this rotating scanner distributes the pulses across the workpiece at a speed of up to one kilometer per second. In this configuration, the TruMicro 9010 is particularly well suited for large-area applications. Not only structuring, but also cleaning surfaces is possible at this high speed. High performance enables numerous industrial applications The high single pulse energy of 10 millijoules of the TruMicro 9010 enables users in the electronics or steel industries, for example, to cover various industrial applications with just one laser. “This increases productivity, saves costs, and reduces the amount of space required in production,” says Rübling. The TruMicro 9010 can, for example, cut contours, remove material, and apply markings in a single operation. This means that users do not need multiple laser sources or multiple processing stations, but can perform several steps in one location with a single laser source. In addition to material processing, the laser parameters of the TruMicro 9010 are also suitable for future applications such as secondary sources thanks to their high peak intensities.

Located at Stand L152, Turbex will unveil the latest in cleaning technology and post-processing solutions, designed to meet the demands of the aerospace, automotive, medical, and precision engineering sectors. Turbex will also showcase cutting-edge innovations in automated depowdering with global pioneer and leading manufacturer of depowdering systems, Solukon Maschinenbau. Turbex are the sole supplier of Solukon systems across the UK and Ireland. Visitors will see first-hand why the SFM-AT350-E is the new standard for medium-sized parts, as it is readily available with piezoelectric excitation. They will also discover more about their SPR-Pathfinder® software, a remarkable industry-leading technology that automatically calculates individual motion patterns based on the component CAD drawing. This fantastic software allows for removing 100% of powder left over from the AM process. Depowdering has historically been one of the most significant barriers to scaling additive manufacturing, creating costly delays and inconsistencies. Solukon’s automated systems transform this process, delivering reproducible results in less time, reducing manual intervention, and accelerating manufacturers’ time to market. These solutions also align with the industry’s growing demand for sustainable and responsible production practices by maximising powder recovery and ensuring safe, enclosed handling. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Turbex team at Advanced Engineering. They’d love to hear about your process and challenges. Register to come and visit us, and you can arrange a dedicated meeting with an expert at the show. https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/2ehz86mul5ggl?actioncode=NTWO000225BFS&partner-contact=3p16046q1orsr&verifier=POGM3btADLHPW4Z7YTuAk0UIWSs

Technical knowledge opens the conversation, but it never finishes it. A consultant working in science, technology or engineering must be comfortable navigating the detail while seeing the bigger picture clearly enough to explain why it matters. The language must be precise, the thinking structured and the output readable without simplifying or softening the substance. When that balance is right, the message travels further, and the value behind it becomes easier to recognise. Expertise alone, though, will not deliver results. PR lives in relationships, and those relationships depend on trust. Consultants need to earn that trust by meeting the expectations of technical audiences and building credibility with those responsible for shaping coverage. A well-built relationship can create space for deeper conversations and more valuable opportunities, but it begins with showing an understanding of what each audience needs from you in order to convince them to listen. Listening is one of the most underrated traits in consultancy, especially in high-tech industries. Great consultants ask purposeful questions and focus on drawing out the client’s goals, even when those goals are still taking shape. A strong campaign doesn’t begin with messaging. It begins with mutual understanding, shaped over time through open conversation and tested thinking. And it is that connection that is important. Jessica Pardoe, a PR consultant in entirely different industry, working with business to consumer companies in the food sector, asks, “in an industry that’s saturated with tension and tautness, it’s important to have good relationships with journalists anyway, but just how important is it to make that effort? Well, very important actually. When I asked, ‘what would make you more inclined to open a PR email?’, 54.5% said a personal connection. So, it’s probably a good idea to grab a coffee with your local writers after all.” Read the rest of the article on the Stone Junction website