Categories

Machine tools working on predominantly ‘prismatic’ components. These include machining centres, and also specialised machines for milling, boring, drilling, broaching, gear cutting etc.

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Machine tools working mainly on turned or ‘rotosymmetric’ parts. These include single or multispindle/multiaxis lathes or turning centres, and vertical turning lathes; and millturn machines with turning/prismatic capability.

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All types of grinding machine including surface, creep feed, cylindrical, centreless, abrasive band/belt; honing, deburring and lapping and polishing equipment; also cutter grinding machines.

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All types of EDM machines; associated hybrid systems and processes (EDG, ED milling etc); specialist micro/nano machining equipment; rapid manufacturing/additive/laser-based methods; ultrasonic machining systems; special purpose machinery.

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Pressing, shearing and punching machines; laser, waterjet and plasma cutting equipment; forging equipment; machines for working semifabricated  products including plate, sheet, strip, bar section and tube; joining and welding equipment; sawing equipment; tooling systems used on forming and fabrication machinery.

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Fixtures, collets, chucks, vices and clamping systems (standardised or bespoke); flat, tilting, rotary and indexing tables.

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Cutting tools, geometries, coatings, inserts, tool holders and toolholding systems.

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Software and controls for NC and part programming, cutter path generation, optimisation and verification; simulation and visualisation; scanning and digitising; part nesting; quality control and inspection.

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Software or hardware which handles process control and scheduling, DNC and networking; specialised equipment for process monitoring/improvement (including systems for tooling management, presetting and breakage).

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Products, systems and equipment for testing, measuring and monitoring components and assemblies (in-process or post-process); SPC systems; marking/identification and traceability equipment.

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Standalone robots or linked systems; raw material and workpiece storage systems; pallets and pallet handling systems; gantries and robots; work manipulation and load/unload systems including barfeeds.

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Subcontractors using any process where material is machined - milling, turning, thread or gear cutting, drilling, boring, grinding, EDM etc. The process may range from single operations to complete machining, from one-off components to large batches, in any engineering materials.

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Subcontractors processing materials - principally sheet or plate - by cutting (e.g. laser, waterjet, plasma), punching, pressing, forming, bending/folding, spinning, welding/joining. The process may range from single operations to multiple operations, to manufacture of complete fabrications.

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Subcontractors creating finished assemblies or products through a variety of processes. Assemblies are generally mechanical, electrical or electronic items comprising two or more parts; finishing operations include heat treatment, surface preparation/finishing, plating/coating.

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Category which recognises supply and effective application of low-cost, user-friendly CNC equipment. It is open to case study-based, collaborative entries - featuring both supplier and user of equipment - which demonstrate improved productivity for SMEs following investment in ‘entry-level’/relatively simple/‘budget’ production technology (a classic example would be a subcontractor’s first CNC installation).

Judging Criteria
* Type and range of work enabled by the installation
* Installation support and operator training
* Productivity enhancement through improved manufacturing methods
* Contribution to cost reduction
* Greater reliability or reduced maintenance requirement
* Sustainability and energy/raw material efficiency
* Contribution to a safer workplace
* Value for money, fitness for purpose

Supporting material can include brochures, machine user’s customer testimonials, case studies demonstrating benefits.

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Open to both technology suppliers and users  - i.e. any engineering OEM, SME, prime contractor or subcontractor which can demonstrate development, supply, implementation or management of manufacturing technology in a way which addresses health and safety/environmental imperatives. Entries may typically cover cutting fluids, cleaning systems, guarding, waste management, energy/water conservation, ISO 14000 accreditation.
 
Judging Criteria
* New products or processes driven by health, safety or environmental considerations
* Response to legislation e.g. Solvent Emissions, WEEE, CoSHH, EU Machinery directive
* Monitoring and control of factory atmosphere, noise levels and cleanliness
* Waste control and disposal
* Environmentally sensitive and sustainable product and process design, including materials usage
* Staff training on safe working methods
* Energy efficiency
* Health and safety record
* ISO 14000 or other relevant accreditation
* Cost benefits and productivity improvements arising from environmental initiatives

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Open to any engineering OEM, SME, prime contractor or subcontractor which can demonstrate commitment to staff training and development -  through in-house initiatives; relationships with outside training organisations, schools, and colleges; uptake of government and trade association-backed schemes/funding.

Judging Criteria
* Analysis and understanding of skills gaps and training needs
* Level of priority given to training
* Delivery of training, including style and content
* Follow-up and use of new skills
* Evaluation of benefits to the business
* Career and ‘quality of life’ benefits to the trainees

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Open to any company or service organisation delivering a service to production equipment users that helps to ease capital equipment purchase and installation, and enable its effective and profitable use. This can include finance and funding, warranties, planned maintenance, tooling/fluid/consumables management, spares and breakdown service, diagnostics, marketing, introduction of lean principles.

Judging Criteria
* Level of priority given to support, service and backup
* Speed of response and geographical coverage
* Benefits to recipient(s) of services
* Reliability and sustainability of services

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Open to any manufacturing-related project - for example new processes, methods and materials - undertaken by individuals, groups or teams. Company R&D or engineering departments, academic or research organisations, trade associations - or any combination these - may enter.

Judging Criteria:
* Objectives, and results achieved
* Potential benefits to production engineering and manufacturing - including impact on productivity, costs, carbon footprint
* Partnerships with industry
* Encouragement for young engineers
* Degree of innovation and ingenuity
* Development of new processes, equipment and products

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