Advanced Engineering show & Composites UK awards 2015

It was lovely to meet so many people last week at the engineering show. 

As always this show reminded us what a friendly industry we work in.  It was great to catch up with those we’ve worked with for years and make new acquaintances too. We were there with our new small step sander and new routing tools (as well as the usual composites training and consultancy) and the response we got was really positive.  We will be filming some video of the new small step sander in action soon, so watch this space.......

A few people we chatted to about dust issues in composites were unaware of the HSE's guidelines regarding fixed and portable 'Local Exhaust Ventilation' (extraction).  Here are two links to the HSE's website regarding this:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/faqs.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/index.htm

We are happy to advise on the generation and capture of composite dust and provide assistance with compliance. Nobody wants to short out expensive electrical equipment with carbon dust, or realise they are not compliant with legislation. Please drop us an email or call us. 

The development of our extracted tool kits came about because we run training programmes (including repair) for large OEMs as well as individuals.  We wanted the best 'off the shelf' tools for our courses without rigging up 'make do' solutions.  After much evaluation, we took on developing extracted air tools and portable extraction specifically for composites with the support and of both Dynabrade and Festool.  At a later date we’ll tell you all about the process and what we learned on the way.

On an even nicer note we also attended the composite awards dinner hosted by Composites UK. Among the awards given was the lifetime achievement in composites/services to the composite industry award which went to Brian-O’Rourke.  It was really interesting to hear his recount of the composite industry from the start of his career in the aerospace industry through to his longstanding work at Williams F1.

http://www.kingston.ac.uk/alumni/our-alumni/made-in-kingston/profiles/Brian-ORourke/
As I'm sure Rodney will tell you "all the best engineers went to Kingston polytechnic" or Cranfield University (or preferably both), pure bias, we know, sorry.  

We would like to thank Clare Whysall and Sue Haliwell in particular for the evening, as it was clear how much effort they had put into the event, especially those table plans; 250 happily seated people in good company, that's no easy challenge.

Lastly a special mention to Harriet Little on her presentation on the evening, for her charity Whizz kids, she was excellent!
http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-help/young-people/ambassador-clubs

Looking forward to doing it all again next year.

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