Subcon show is one month away

The event is the UK's only event that is completely focused on contract and subcontract manufacturing, including prototyping, 3D printing, machining, moulding, fabrication, electronics assembly, casting and forging, finishing, treatments and testing. With 86% of the exhibitors UK subcontractors, Subcon also offers access to global markets, with 13 overseas countries represented this year, including France, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, Singapore, India, Taiwan and China. Registration is open online at www.subconshow.co.uk Phoenix Dynamics will be one of those companies taking part. A designer and manufacturer of specialist wiring harnesses and interconnect systems, it will highlight how a new 3D printing system will be used in a variety of ways to enhance its services to customers that range from the Defence industry, through to power generation and motorsport. Phoenix Dynamics is now able to create functional prototypes and form and fit space models for evaluation in very short spaces of time. In addition, the facility can also be used for rapid production of supporting assembly parts. "This additional capability is a major benefit to customers, as we are now able to accelerate the design process, prove design principles with realistic models and, where required, produce parts on the fly to enhance existing production techniques," says Phoenix Dynamic's business development manager, Carl Kirk. "The 3D printing facility is a perfect match for our existing moulding technology, allowing us to manufacture scale replicas of parts before investing in any tooling. This helps not only to speed up the process, but also reduce or eliminate any costs related to redesigning mould tools." Typical parts that will be produced using the 3D printing system will include connector housings and enclosures. These can then be assessed for practical issues such as access and assembly issues, as well as providing customers with a 'physical interpretation' of the finished component early in the design cycle. Individual parts measuring up to 250 by 150 by 150 mm can be produced and the capacity is there to manufacture larger components in sections if required. A further advantage of the system installed at Phoenix Dynamics is the level of detail that can be incorporated into the 3D models. With a resolution down to 100 micron, it is capable of producing fine details and textures, while, if the requirement is for high speed production or less detailed models, the resolution can be reduced accordingly. Functionality and appearance of the 3D models is enhanced by use of high strength low warp engineering plastic in a range of colours.