The Testing Times

Tantec UK & Ireland manufacture Plasma and Corona Surface Treatment Systems, which improve the surface of materials, especially non-stick polymers like polypropylene, so that they can be adhered to when bonding, printing and coating. The company has a rich history supplying some of the world’s leading manufacturers since 1974, producing plasma and corona surface treatment systems for cutting-edge industries including aerospace, automotive and medical. Their products play a critical role in everyday life. Revolutionising the world of surface treatments by inventing plasma and corona systems for 3D components, Tantec have continued to operate at the forefront of the sector, being one of the few organisations worldwide specialising in both technologies.   “For almost half a century we were developing thousands of surface treatment solutions and we continue to work closely with a broad range of industry sectors, supplying standard and bespoke systems to meet their requirements,” sa...

A new generation of instrument has been added to our highly successful FH Series of hardness testers - the Micro Vickers, Vickers and Micro Brinell FH14  The machine has improved on conventional hardness testing methods, with the introduction of features such as digital/optical image evaluation and combined   intuitive operator software, helping eliminate operator influence on final test results.   The incorporation of a unique force actuator system, which utilises an electronically controlled closed loop system and advanced force sensor technology, also allows for  forced feedback data to achieve absolute accuracy, reliability and repeatability on each of the forces used for a specific test. “In addition to the advanced electromechanical force application system, the FH-14 offers superior quality mechanical and optical components, as well as innovative software functions of I-Touch™ workflow control,” said Sean Malloy, Hardness Application Testing and Technical ...

Robotic exoskeleton technology has been with us for almost sixty years but the most recent advances in its composites base could see it being an integral part of missions to Mars in the 2030’s. A more detailed technical analysis of the composites engineering utilised in the development of the exoskeleton can be found by listening to an Inform webinar, produced via IOM3, via  https://vimeo.com/563847105/6cdf28dbdf To many of us the term exoskeleton is reserved for the realms of science fiction or conjures up images of body armour clad superheroes such as Iron Man or even Batman. Although the vast majority of these have sprung from the fertile imaginations  of artists and writers, the equally fertile lobes within the scientific community are turning this science fiction into science fact. An exoskeleton is a rigid structure that wraps around the body and is often used to assist joint movement. This ‘exosuit’ try ’ s to act like an artificial muscle, aiding the wearers’  mus...

The Tinius Olsen Sales Team are spread all over the world, from the USA to China and almost everywhere else in between. George Jackson is an excellent case in point.    George is originally from Gloucestershire, where he spent a lot of his time playing rugby! He started at under 8’s and progressed all the way though the age groups to play for Thornbury RFC, with the highlight playing a cup final at the memorial stadium in Bristol – the old home of Bristol Rugby.    He also represented Bristol combination U20’s and his County at U20 level playing on major rugby grounds such as Gloucester’s  impressive ground, Kingsholm and the REC in Bath.   “I don’t get much chance to play these days, with my role here at Tinius Olsen taking priority. There’s also the Covid situation but never say never. If I never pick up a rugby ball again I have a huge number of great memories to look back on,” said George.    Starting his career in engineering with a Renisha...

Tinius Olsen are delighted to be supplying one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of electrical terminals and earthing products, as part of their significant company investment in 2020. Total Connections 2009 have made this investment to expand their in-house testing facility as a part of their overall product development strategy. Based in Calne, Wiltshire, they supply some of the largest organisations in the UK including Airbus (specifically A350), McLaren for non-production motorsport cars and BAE Systems for military applications. Other customers include Jaguar Cars, the London Underground and the Royal Navy.  They have also supplied products to the NHS Temporary Nightingale and Field hospitals in the fight against the current Covid 19 pandemic.  “Total Connections 2009 Ltd have made a significant investment in new machinery in 2020, mainly to automate our manufacturing processes and increase our overall offering,” said Director of Engineering, Ross Davies.  “A...