Silverstone Technology Cluster
16th November 2022STC members have spoken of the numerous benefits that a special Innovation Zone arranged for them at this year’s Advanced Engineering Show has had for them.
Thirteen members took advantage of the places in the high-profile zone, arranged by the STC, to exhibit their products and services before thousands of visitors to the event.
The Innovation Zone is part of the VIP Lounge at the show, hosted by the STC with support from founding member Silverstone Park and MPA.
EOS demonstrated parts made from metallics and polymers applied across the industry, manufactured from its laser-based printing machines.
These included the sole of an athlete’s running shoe, the arm rest from an Etihad passenger jet and compact heat exchangers that improve thermal management in tight areas.
Its UK and Ireland Sales Manager Garth Stevenson enthused: “The Innovation Zone really draws visitors in and we were able to engage with a broad range of professionals, from purchasing to project managers to lead engineers.
“The people attending Advanced Engineering are of high interest, so this was a really good investment in time for us.”
HV Wooding showcased components it manufactures – through both wire-erosion and laser cutting – for the electric vehicle market including busbars (electric conductors) and silicone steel core packs.
Sales and Marketing Manager Matthew Lacey said: “It’s been really good for us. We’ve established contact with potential new clients, but it’s also made for a valuable meeting point with existing customers to catch up with where they are with their businesses and plans.
“Importantly, this was a great opportunity for us to showcase our work with the Nuclear Advanced Materials Research Centre (NAMCR) on future busbar coatings. We had so many people come and see what we’ve done; it’s got people’s tongues wagging.”
Silverstone Composites has revolutionised the manufacturing of carbon fibre across the motorsport sector, including Formula 1.
MD Marcus Trofimov reported: “’We always look forward to the STC VIP Lounge at Advanced Engineering – it enables us to reach out to new potential clients and share the value and importance of being an STC member.
“Equally it allows us to catch up with all our suppliers and thank them face to face for their support during the year.”
Partner Electronics’ team of embedded firmware engineers provide businesses with crucial support in electronics that helps them bring products to market faster and more trouble-free.
MD Richard Rydon enthused: “Having the presence is the big thing. Being part of the STC Innovation Zone improves our presence among high performance engineering companies here and it is a really big show.
“The resulting brand awareness means we are recognised and seen as credible in our industry; being part of the STC really helps us with that, as does being part of this set up (the Innovation Zone).”
Symetri UK provides solutions for architects, engineers, construction and manufacturing.
Head of its UK automotive arm Nick John said: “In 2021, what has turned out to be one of our largest customers came from a contact we established by being part of the Innovation Zone.
“We’ve made some interesting leads this time, too, floating new ideas in AI (artificial intelligence) and the reception has been really good – it tells us we’re looking in the right areas, so it’s been excellent as a test bed.
“We’ve also re-connected with existing and new customers and also talked with other STC members on ways we might be able to explore collaboratively as digital twins – we’ve got the software and ideas, but we need customers to try things, so why not collaborate?”
Report & pics Carl McKellar
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