Category: News

Boosting Manufacturing Efficiency: The Marvels of Anti-Mar Protection

an image showing an industrial power tool fitted with anti mar protection working on a car engine
An image showing the range of Apex U-Guard Anti-Mar Protection sockets and covers

The range of Apex U-Guard Anti-Mar Protection sockets and covers

You probably think that the sockets and adapters you use don’t have an impact on your productivity, as long as they function and are fairly durable you’re all set right?
Well we would like to introduce you to anti-mar protection, a game changer that can reduce rework time and costs.
So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s explore the benefits of using anti-mar protection during the manufacturing process.

 

What is Anti-Mar protection?
Before we get into the benefits, let’s quickly clarify what anti-mar protection is. These sockets, adapters and covers are designed to protect the surface of your finished product, ensuring that they remain free from scratches, dings or blemishes during the assembly process. In essence, they’re the unsung heroes safeguarding your products from unsightly imperfections which will then need additional reworking.

 

Benefit 1: Enhanced Product Quality
The use of anti-mar protection can greatly improve the quality of your manufactured goods. Anti-mar sockets and covers act as a barrier between your tools and the workpiece, preventing costly cosmetic defects. Imagine the flawless paintwork of a car, any scratch or imperfection will need reworking leading to additional costs and longer lead times.
Benefit 2: Increased Manufacturing Productivity
Time is money, and in the world of manufacturing, productivity is key. Anti-mar sockets and covers allow you to work faster without sacrificing quality. Since you won’t need to worry about damaging the materials you’re working with, you can focus on the task at hand, instead of treading lightly to avoid mishaps. This efficiency boost translates to quicker production times and increased output.
Benefit 3: Cost Savings
Reduced product defects, increased efficiency, and longer tool life all add up to significant cost savings for your manufacturing operation. The initial investment in anti-mar sockets is more than justified by the long-term benefits they provide in reducing rework or the potential damage to your brand’s reputation.

 

In conclusion, anti-mar sockets might not steal the spotlight in the production tooling world, but they play a pivotal role in increasing product quality and reducing costs. If you work in a production environment where finished product quality is critical, it’s time to consider integrating these unsung heroes into your processes. Find out more about the full range of U-Guard Anti-Mar Protection covers here

 

If you would like a free no obligation consultation with one of our experts then fill in your details below and we will be in touch.

Find out more about how we help our customers to unlock their manufacturing productivity here.

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Product Demonstrations and Consultations

Live and Virtual Demonstrations with Abbey Industrial Solutions

At Abbey, we understand that if you’re looking to invest in updated tooling, you’ll need more than a simple flyer to assess the suitability of a proposed asset against your own manufacturing needs. Tailored to suit your requirements, at Abbey, we present a selection of free demonstration options from personalised consultations through to group lunch and learn sessions.

It’s simple, choose the tools upon which you seek more information and book a slot with our expert teams!

Option 1 – On-site Demonstrations

If you’re wanting to update your tooling but don’t know where to begin, book in a personalised one-on-one on-site demonstration with our expert Sales Team members or specialist Assembly Engineers. Simply let us know what you are looking for from your tooling including usage, maintenance schedules and budgets and we’ll work with you to demonstrate a range of products best suited to your manufacturing needs.

 

Option 2 – Virtual Demonstrations

If your still in the earlier stages of product research and would like to arrange a consultation to better understand your tooling needs with one of our experts, the virtual demonstrations are a great opportunity to gain broad insight and knowledge from the comfort of your home or office.

These can be one-on-one consultations or involve multiple stakeholders as per your business needs.

 

Option 3 – Lunch and Learn

Best suited to larger groups, we’re also offering detailed Lunch and Learn sessions.

These in-depth gatherings are available on request at either Abbey’s Head Offices or your own manufacturing site(s). Designed to go further than the initial consultation and review stage, this is an opportunity for key stakeholders in your firm to benefit form a more hands on experience with new tooling.

Book a slot in our diaries by following this link and one of our team members will be in touch to confirm further details around the tooling demonstration required.

Click to lean about our Assembly Tooling Solutions 

What are your tooling needs?
As a proud distributor for multiple leading tooling manufacturers in the UK, Abbey Industrial Solutions bring to market, expert knowledge on solutions designed to optimise manufacturing processes for our clients. As an independent tooling solutions provider, Abbey Industrial Solutions are on hand to provide advice on the latest in tooling innovations across the industry. Whether you seek replacements for single units or require an entire suite of tooling assets, our expert team are on hand to guide you through your every tooling sales and service need.

How About Abbey One?
Personalised for your tooling needs, Abbey One is a fully customisable purchase and maintenance programme. One single monthly payment enables you to reduce costs and maximise tooling up-time, whilst we manage the complete life-cycle of your tooling. One single monthly payment enables you to reduce costs and maximise tooling up-time, whilst we manage the complete life-cycle of your tooling.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

Blog Post | Apprentices and Abbey

As a company rooted in community ethos, Abbey have been working in alignment with Wakefield College for a number of years, supporting their apprenticeship scheme with positions in our HQ workshop.

One young apprentice – Jack, has recently graduated from his apprenticeship with a Level 2 qualification in Mechanical Engineering. With a mixture of coursework and field based experience, Jack has been with Abbey throughout his tenure and is now a fully trained member of our specialist engineering team.

Working with a wide variety of engineering and tooling repair solutions studied throughout the duration of the course, Jack feels “extremely well equipped for his future in engineering and is looking forward to learning more over the coming years as Abbey continues to grow and diversify in the tooling market.”

Click to learn about our Assembly Tooling Solutions 

OEM Trained Engineers

Abbey’s team of engineers are OEM trained to repair a wide range of tooling assets ranging from pneumatic to DC product ranges from leading, global tooling manufacturers. Following ISO standards, Abbey’s national coverage and repairs at UK based service centres, ensure that you receive a timely and accurate repair on all your tooling assets.

Optimise Your Efficiency with Abbey

At Abbey, we provide comprehensive solutions towards the complete management of your tooling. Our robust tooling management programme can be integrated with existing client systems to analyse and track the life-cycle and operative status of tooling assets, delivering seamless tooling support.

Service solutions with Abbey can range from Planned Preventative Maintenance Programmes through to the on-site provision of an Abbey Assembly Engineer. Our services ensure that the lifespan and capabilities of tools are prolonged with effective product care plans, whilst reducing total cost of ownership.

Seeking a more comprehensive solution?

Designed around your individual business needs, Abbey One is a fully customisable purchase and maintenance programme designed to suit your tooling purchase and maintenance needs.

To find out more about the service we offer, please click here for more information.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

Product Profile | Apex Bits and Sockets

APEX Fastening Tools

As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial fastener drive tools, APEX hold over 80 years of industry experience. Available for sale in the UK market via Abbey Industrial Solutions, APEX high performance fastener drive tools are applicable for use in multiple manufacturing disciplines including but not limited to; automotive, aerospace and electronics.

Bits

As a trusted and leading innovator in industrial-grade screwdriver bits and bit holders, APEX products can often be found in challenging production environments. To ensure APEX bits meet exacting standards of quality, APEX use high grade tool steel and manufacture each component to some of the tightest tolerances in the industry.

As harder bits offer superior wear resistance, but lack the durability required to withstand torque, APEX offer most of their products in three different hardness levels, allowing you to choose the right bit for your specific application.

Click here to learn more about Cleco, Apex Tool’s Intelligent Tooling Systems brand.

Extensions and Adapters

APEX adapter and extensions help to expand upon the functionality of APEX’s versatile tooling line-up. Extensions range in length from 7/8” through to 14”, making them a viable solution to manufacturing halls experiencing tooling access challenges. Whilst universal wrench adapters provide sockets with the additional capabilities of a universal wrench with operating angles of up to 30 degrees. APEX universal wrenches are available with tension-type sleeves, a unique feature which prevents flopping and makes it easier to engage the tool at the desired driving angle.

A leading innovator in industrial-grade impact sockets, extensions and adapters, APEX is widely regarded as a comprehensive and trusted tooling and accessories provider.

The APEX Answer

Recognised as an industry leader with a reputation for providing innovative, functional and durable tools, The APEX Tool Group provide one of the most comprehensive selections of impact sockets on the market. Supporting the investment of quality tooling with high performance accessories, APEX accessories help to maximise tooling operational output.

Did you know that our OEM trained engineers are on hand to fully service your tooling? Click to read more.

APEX at Abbey Industrial Solutions Ltd

At Abbey, we’re a leading provider of APEX tooling and accessories in the UK. From the installation of APEX bits and sockets in major manufacturers in the UK as part of their consignment stock provision through to the delivery of detailed Toolbox Talks to measure and assess on-site tooling and consumable compatibility, at Abbey, we bring you comprehensive tooling solutions to help maximise your manufacturing productivity.

Working with Abbey and our detailed solution based ethos means receiving robust and comprehensive tooling answers to your manufacturing needs. From initial consultations and quotations through to the implementation of tooling and accessories in line with manufacturing, maintenance and budgetary requirements, at Abbey we can take total responsibility for your tooling needs to bring you industry best solutions.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

News Update | Meet The Team

As Abbey continue to grow and support our customers productivity in manufacturing, we are pleased to welcome two new members to Abbey’s Sales Team. Both new recruits bring to the company a wealth of tooling knowledge and enthusiasm and will be working across the north and central regions.

Welcoming the youngest member of our Sales Team, Callum will be the Key Account Manager for the North of England, with some crossover into neighbouring Scotland. Most recently working for Thorites, he is “excited to join Abbey and become part of such an enthusiastic and friendly team. I’m particularly looking forward to expanding my knowledge around intelligent tooling systems and contributing to Abbey’s bold and ambitious growth plans over the next few years.”

Callum will be responsible for the management of existing accounts in the region across both sales and service at Abbey.

Our second recruit is Gary. Joining Abbey from Howdens, Gary will be a Business Development Manager for Key Accounts in central England and parts of Wales. With a wealth of experience in the management of accounts in the manufacturing industry, Gary brings his knowledge of tooling and account management to this role of strategic growth across sales and service.

Gary’s role will involve the growth of existing accounts at Abbey whilst pursuing new business opportunities, particularly in intelligent, assembly tooling systems. On his role and opportunity, Gary is “thrilled by the challenges brought by this role. I’m keen to use my experience and learn something new, to do my bit in raising the performance and profile of this dynamic and vibrant company.”

At Abbey, we work hard to bring you tailored and considered solutions to suit individual business needs. We work closely with our clients to thoroughly review individual site tooling needs, budgets and maintenance schedules to create robust and tailored tooling solutions to maximise your manufacturing productivity.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

Blog Article | Abbey’s Specialist Teams

At Abbey Industrial Solutions, we pride ourselves on being a comprehensive tooling solutions provider, supporting you through the purchase, installation and maintenance of your tooling with our manufacturer trained team of engineers and specialist technical support teams.

Our specialist teams work across multiple manufacturing disciplines from aerospace to off road vehicle production, supplying both off the shelf and bespoke tooling solutions from a range of leading global manufacturers. Our teams work with you to provide detailed consultations. Conducting thorough on-site assessments to consider individual site needs, Abbey recommend tooling solutions based on multiple factors such as compatibility to existing tooling, tool usage and maintenance schedules.

Abbey Assembly Team 

Ensure your tools ae optimised for productivity with the manufacturer trained engineering specialists at Abbey Industrial Solutions. Our team can offer multiple service and support solutions to suit your Intelligent Tooling systems.

Trained by leading DC tooling manufacturers such as Bosch, Cleco, Sturtevant Richmont and more, Abbey’s team of specialist tooling engineers are fully manufacturer trained to service your tools in line with original equipment standards.

Click to learn more about our Assembly Team capabilities.

Vibration Risk Management

At Abbey, we work with a multitude of manufacturers to provide expert advice and services around vibration management and HAVS in line with HSE standards. An effective programme should ensure the health and safety of employees by thorough assessment and implementation of measures to minimise and where possible, eliminate vibration risk.

We also provide information and training for employees on vibration risks, HAVS and appropriate control measures, as part of our Toolbox Talks Service.

Abbey’s Service Team Engineers are trained to conduct on-site assessments using comprehensive testing equipment. We’ve also developed data collection methods which are meticulous and encompass details such as estimated trigger times, photos of the equipment or test and a ready reckoner which can be used in conjunction with estimated trigger times to provide an overall risk factor for the tools in question.

Click to learn more about our HAVS specialists and arrange a call back.

Tooling Management

Supporting your tooling requirements, Abbey Tooling Management encapsulates a comprehensive selection of service and support possibilities. Solutions include the implementation of total asset management systems, including Planned Preventative Maintenance programmes and compliance systems to maximise production uptime.

At Abbey, our service engineers can be assigned as a dedicated on-site resource or visit sites on a more flexible demand led basis. All tooling services completed by Abbey can be tracked by a robust tooling management system which analyses the life-cycle and operative status of your assets. This system can be integrated into existing management programmes, offering your seamless tooling support.

Abbey’s team of engineers are OEM trained to repair a wide range of tooling assets ranging from pneumatic to DC product ranges from leading, global tooling manufacturers. Following ISO standards, Abbey’s national coverage and repairs at UK based service centres, ensure that you receive a timely and accurate repair on all your tooling assets.

Click for more information on the full scope of our Tooling Management capabilities.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

Company Profile | Dotco

Dotco – Perfect Precision

As part of the Apex Tools comprehensive tooling portfolio, Dotco has long been recognised for its durability, dependability and versatility. An ethos of continuous improvement in engineering design and manufacturing processes has helped Dotco to become synonymous with helping to achieve perfection in precision tooling.

Tough Tools for Tough Jobs

Dotco Grinders are ergonomically designed with the user in mind, they are small, lightweight and comfortable to use without compromising on the three core pillars of durability, dependability and versatility. Dotco Grinders incorporate elastomer coatings whilst perfectly balancing moving parts to help keep vibration to a minimum, thereby helping to minimise operator risk from developing symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome. This optimal combination of tool characteristics allows operators to focus on doing the best job possible in the least amount of time.

Dotco Grinders meet the demanding requirements of multiple industries including ship building, pipe fabricating, transportation equipment manufacturing and welding applications amongst others. Since these types of applications typically require a high material removal rate, Dotco Grinders incorporate high horsepower / high RPM motors.

Click to read about our Vibration Risk Management Programmes 

What are your tooling needs?

As a proud master distributor of Apex Tools in the UK, Abbey Industrial Solutions bring to market expert knowledge which can help to optimise manufacturing processes for our clients. Whether you seek replacements for single units or require complete upgrades to more robust and ergonomic tooling systems, not only are there a multitude of tools under the Apex Tools banner that can complete those jobs, but the expert teams at Abbey will take the time to find the right solution to your specific tooling needs.

Are your tools fully serviced and optimised?

Alongside the sale of tooling, Abbey Industrial Solutions boasts a manufacturer trained team of engineers. Our service team members are fully trained to complete meticulous maintenance on all your tooling assets. From pneumatic to DC tool repair services, our team can help to ensure that your tools are fully optimised for your production needs.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

Product Profile | Next Generation 6 Burs

Foundry industry labourers work in very physically challenging conditions and as such, any improvements made to manufacturing methods can have a very real and impactful effect on processes.

Due to the nature of the work in the foundry industry, applications often require aggressive metal removal solutions. In answer, ATA Garryson Burs and Air Tools have been specifically developed to optimise the product performance whilst also ensuring operator comfort is maintained. This is especially evident in the recently launched Next Generation 6 range of tools which are not only outperforming all comparable burs but also, their application strengths are directly applicable to the foundry industry.

Introducing Next Generation 6

‘Developed and engineered by ATA to accelerate manufacturing processes and increase product life,’ these Next Generation 6 carbide burs have an lengthened life whilst grinding material for longer and faster and also increasing performance to deliver a better finish.

  • Demonstrated to remove up to 75% more stock on Mild Steel during the first 5 minutes of grinding when tested against other leading premium quality comparable burs.
  • With accelerator coating, the rate of stock removal is up to double that of other leading comparable burs.
  • Next Generation 6 along with the accelerator coated option, consistently outperforms similar burs in steel, stainless steel, mild steel and cast iron classifications.

Click to read more about our Material Removal capabilities 

What are your tooling needs?

As a proud distributor of ATA products in the UK, Abbey Industrial Solutions bring to market, expert knowledge on solutions to optimise manufacturing processes for our clients. As an independent tooling solutions provider, Abbey Industrial Solutions are on hand to provide advice on the latest in tooling innovations across the industry. Whether you seek replacements for single units or require an entire suite of tooling assets, our expert team are on hand to guide you through your every tooling sales and service need.

Seeking a more comprehensive solution?

Designed around your individual business needs, Abbey One is a fully customisable purchase and maintenance programme designed to suit your tooling purchase and maintenance needs.

To find out more about the service we offer, please click here for more information.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

Product Profile | Sturtevant Richmont TCVe2

Sturtevant Richmont and the TCVe2.

The pioneering torque specialists in the US are bringing to market a brand new TCV Controller now with an ethernet connection.

A Brief History

Originally launched in 1999, the I/O driven TCV controller was something of a pioneer in delivering wireless error proofing in the tooling market. Driven by a PLC, the TCV was great for controlling a process and verifying the completion of work.

With one box and one tool, the original TCV worked simply with a click wrench. Although it delivered no reporting on work completed, it did provide never before seen process verification, which for many operators was a perfect fit in their assembly processes.

Click here to read our Sturtevant Richmont Company Profile

The New TCVe2

The new TCVe2 available at Abbey Industrial Solutions, works with an Ethernet Connection, presenting MES connection capabilities. In essence, the level of sophistication in reporting and process accuracy is exponentially expanded.

Compatible for use with Sturtevant Richmont’s TAC (the digital torque and angle click wrench) and the SLTC FM 2.4 GHz, two operators can work simultaneously using the TCVe2, without any compromises on production speed.

Using Sturtevant Richmont’s new digital torque and angle wrench, the TCVe2 captures date and time stamps alongside exact torque and angle values for each fastening. This provides operators with the precise data required in modern intelligent manufacturing without compromising on takt time. The nature of the reporting highlights where the wrench clicked and where the operator ceased pulling. This is actionable data which users can then use for reporting and training.

Available at Abbey Industrial Solutions

If you have an indexing line and torque control matters, the TCVe2 and radio equipped tools by Sturtevant Richmont can go a long way in helping you to maximise your manufacturing productivity.

At Abbey, we pride ourselves on being a comprehensive tooling solutions provider, supporting you through the purchase, installation and maintenance of your Sturtevant Richmont tooling with our manufacturer trained team of engineers and specialist technical support teams. We manage the complete life-cycle of your tooling, from purchase to service and maintenance, from our UK based service centres, ensuring a proactive and swift response to your tooling needs.

The TCVe2 along with Sturtevant Richmont’s rich portfolio of torque specialist tooling is now available to purchase at Abbey Industrial Solutions. Our specialist teams work with you to thoroughly assess and understand your tooling needs before recommending robust, considered solutions to help maximise your manufacturing productivity.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240

Product Profile | Cleco’s CellTek Range

Continuing on a revolutionising innovation streak, Cleco’s new CellTek Cordless assembly tools combine superior connectivity with reliable, real-time synchronisation for manufacturing and engineering systems.

Cleco’s considered range of products from CellCore through to CellTek, are a robust answer to multiple manufacturing demands. What is worth noting with CellTek technology, is that it places safety critical assembly at centre stage, providing you with complete peace of mind on your tooling investments.

When we combine the safety critical nature of the CellTek with its best-in-class accuracy, this new range from Cleco can be recognised as the fastest cordless assembly tools in their class.

Key features of the CellTek technology include:

  • Safety/accuracy Repeatability of 2.0cm//cmk at +/-7% accuracy for safety critical joints
  • Flexible Easily connects over Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5.0 GHz) or Bluetooth 4.0
  • Reduce down-time Exchange tools in seconds by swapping all wireless parameters and run down results on the line using SmartSwap card.
  • Decreased Takt Times Patented motor technology allows for increased speeds over other battery platforms.
  • Enhanced Wi-Fi range Up to 150 feet for a broad connection within your production facility.
  • Stay Alive Function Prevents reboot during battery change, gaining time and efficiency.
  • On-Tool Storage Back-up on tool data collection in the event of a disrupted connection.

 

 

Available exclusively via Abbey Industrial Solutions

Abbey Industrial Solutions are the master distributors for Cleco in the UK. Our dedicated Assembly Engineers and Sales Team, work with you to assess your individual production needs before creating a tailored package of integrated solutions, which are fully optimised to maximise your manufacturing productivity.

Cleco’s leading range of solutions allows your assembly lines to operate at top level output, with over a 120 years’ experience in delivering a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace, white goods and heavy machinery manufacturing industries, Cleco and Abbey are perfectly matched and equipped to manage your tooling needs.

To learn more about our Assembly and Service Packages contact the team today.

Contact the team at Abbey Industrial Solutions today to learn how we can help you maximise your manufacturing productivity: discover@abbeyis.co.uk |  01924 224240