Category: News

With increased emphasis on the importance of efficient and more connected, smarter methods of manufacturing, Cleco continue to bring to market a powerful and innovative range of cordless tooling solutions, specifically created to suit a range of budgets and requirements.

Dynamic and adaptive in a fast moving manufacturing environment; Cleco recognise that ‘as the pace of manufacturing continues to accelerate, so too does the pressure to adopt Industry 4.0 and smart, more connected solutions.’ And so; in response to market needs, Cleco have developed a range of cordless solutions with three key elements in mind; versatility, traceability and connectivity.

Versatility

No longer limited by a length of cable; cordless tools provide operators with enhanced versatility, improved ergonomics and heightened safety and flexibility over corded tool counterparts.

Offering improved efficiency in usage; Cleco state that their ‘cordless tools can either run without a controller, on a dedicated cordless controller, or alternatively; on a hybrid controller that runs both corded and cordless tools.’ The cordless tools are also able to communicate directly to a manufacturing execution system (MES) using an application programming interface (API).

This flexibility in production creates opportunities for ‘users to repurpose, replace or relocate tools very quickly and easily.’

Traceability

Traceability is identified through multiple opportunities with Cleco’s cordless tools, a necessity to certainly consider as ‘most of today’s automated production lines use flexible manufacturing systems to assemble multiple products and versions on a single line, making traceability and error prevention critical to a successful containment strategy. Using spatial systems, barcode scanners and socket trays, or even a combination of all three is just one of the few ways manufacturers can address their own unique tracking and containment needs.’

In overview; Spatial Systems help to ‘leverage user defined geofencing parameters. Spatial systems can track the tool location and application, thus preventing users from working ahead or moving the tool out of the work zone.’

Click to view Cleco product demonstrations 

Connectivity

Cordless tools require a significant amount of connectivity in order to be able to operate at maximum efficiency. Cleco suggest that ‘connectivity is one of the most critical considerations to evaluate when choosing the right cordless tool for your production needs.’

In its most basic premise; the cordless tool will collect the rundown strategy from the controller, perform the rundown and on completion, send the results back to the controller, for the controller to then send these results to the plant. These features gain importance, and prominence in manufacturing environments where the measurement of accuracy and tolerance levels is critical to the product’s safety integrity.

All of these components combined come back towards our original recognition of creating a smarter and more connected working environment. This level of connectivity, traceability and versatility ensures that within a myriad of cordless applications available in the market, Cleco provides an answer within a specified budget range without compromising on quality and safety.

The adaptable nature of Cleco’s cordless range of tools allows manufacturers to extract optimum usage opportunities from their investments. Unlike Cleco’s competitors with loftier price tags and less flexibility, Cleco have specifically developed their range to appeal to the widest range of buyers possible through a sustained high quality, and price sensitive product offer.

From offering free software updates for many of their tooling solutions, to creating multiple products with the ability to function from one master controller; rather than creating a necessity for multiple tools and components, Cleco bring to market solutions with lasting ingenuity and ease of use.

As a proud master UK distributor for Cleco’s range of products; the team at Abbey are able to advise on the best solutions to remove your tooling headaches whilst also providing comprehensive service solutions which repair tools to original manufacturer standards.

As Cleco seek to provide Cordless and DC tooling solutions in the UK market through Abbey Industrial Solutions; this competitive and alternative option to the large, but often less agile competitors in the industry is here to help revolutionise, smarten and better connect your tooling 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

Thanks to advancements in knowledge and technology we are in a safer era of manufacturing than perhaps ever before. And yet certain tools, when not operated correctly, can lead to irreparable damage as a direct result of negligence at behest of the company and operator in question.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is an entirely preventable illness, and yet, once the damage has occurred it becomes a permanent fixture in the lives of those affected. It is a serious and often disabling condition. The Building Safety Group published a series of articles in 2019 highlighting the pains behind HAVS. One such article recognised that between 2008 and 2017 there were over 7000 new claims for HAVS according to the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

The damage incurred by HAVS can include the incapacity to carry out previous job functions which may have required fine work, besides this; the cold weather can also trigger painful finger blanching attacks. Early symptoms of the illness include tingling and numbness in the fingers, and an impaired ability to be able to feel things with your fingers for simple everyday tasks such as fastening buttons. Whilst strength will notably decrease in the hands of those affected, continued use of vibration tools in light of these symptoms, can lead to the numbness becoming a permanent fixture as the ability to feel things is eventually completely lost.

The same article by The Building Safety Group goes on to speak at length regarding the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations, which came into being in July 2015. This law has been designed to where possible eliminate or at least control vibration exposure.

With over 35 years’ experience in the industry, Abbey Industrial Solutions are leading providers of tooling resolutions and can help you to monitor and regulate vibrations. Within Abbey, we have a dedicated team of technical engineers fully trained to conduct full, on-site assessments using HAVS testing equipment, before offering tangible and fully HSE recognised solutions to reduce both risk on site and with equipment, whilst also advising of best practice.

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

Abbey Industrial Solutions has a long-standing commitment towards training engineering specialists of the future. Many members of the Abbey team joined the company as young apprentices through college-based engineering courses and have remained with the business for several years. Adopting a variety of roles and responsibilities, they form the critical backbone of Abbey.

In our long and rich history, Abbey has carefully nurtured employee talent and enthusiasm through the encouragement of training and mentoring programmes. With two new apprentices; Georgia and Jack enrolling within Abbey in the month of October, they join the likes of Nathan our current Service Team Leader, Harry who is our Service Engineer and Mick, Technical Engineer who, as former apprentices now hold significant roles within the Abbey family.

One of our longest serving team members is Tim, who has been with the company for almost 17 years. Whilst working on his Electrical Mechanical Engineering Course at Whitwood Mining Technical College Tim joined Abbey in 2003 as an apprentice, after his father came across the job advert and encouraged him to apply. Tim’s naturally inquisitive nature and curiosity to learn, quickly earned him the opportunity to enrol upon multiple manufacture led courses to further specialise his knowledge.

Over the years, Tim has travelled the world to attend various state-of-the-art facilities owned by large multinational corporations to complete several specialist courses. Completing training in multiple disciplines with the likes of Ingersoll Rand, Sturtevant Richmont and Cleco. Tim has completed in excess of 13 different training courses.

This high level and regular training schedule for our dedicated service engineers, allows Abbey’s clients the reassurance that all tools processed within Abbey Industrial Solutions, are being done so with manufacture trained specialists, who are equipped with detailed knowledge around both the product and this industry. Abbey team members such as Tim can not only help to service and repair a tool, but also advise on alternatives better suited to a clients individual needs and requirements.

Today, Tim is the Service Centre Supervisor for Abbey’s headquarters in Wakefield. Leading his enthusiastic service team; they work hard to deliver a robust and yet bespoke repair and testing service for a diverse client base.

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

At Abbey Industrial Solutions, our enduring commitment towards improvement has witnessed a successful re-certification of both ISO 9001:2015 (Quality) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental) standards, certified by QMS International.

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) audits are part of a wider collection of management principles which provide a positive framework for operations. These standards support Abbey in delivering a confident commitment to both stakeholders and employees, through a programme of continued improvement.

The ISO 9001 standard is one of the most widely adopted quality management standards in the world, and supports Abbey to continuously monitor, manage and improve our service offering. As highlighted on the QMS website; the ISO 9001 Standard is a powerful business improvement tool which provides the framework and guidance a business needs to consistently meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Meanwhile; ISO 14001 aids Abbey in its ongoing environmental commitments through the reduction of waste, improving resource efficiency and cutting waste management costs. This global standard promotes compliance with increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations.

Sasha, Operations Manager at Abbey Industrial Solutions expressed the importance of these accreditations for the business; “These accreditations not only serve to comfort clients in the knowledge of Abbey stringently adhering to widely recognised guidelines for management systems and environmental frameworks, but they also help the business to achieve consistent operational excellence and deliver on the Abbey Promise across the multiple services we offer.”

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The Abbey Promise

Alongside ISO certifications; Abbey is also recognised by the Institute of Acoustics, the UK’s professional body for those working in acoustics, noise and vibration. This accreditation is practiced by all of Abbey’s specialist engineers through manufacture led training. This allows the safe observation of Vibration Testing either on a client’s site or at one of our workshops. Employees who regularly use power tools may be at risk of developing a range of occupational hazards related to the vibrating nature of hand tools, these are collectively known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

It is estimated that over a million users are exposed to an increased risk of developing HAVS, a risk compounded if operators exceed usage against the recommended limits outlined by Health and Safety guidelines. To this end; Abbey can work with businesses to both manage and mitigate  employers’ risk. Our Institute of Acoustics trained experts will conduct a full on-site assessment using Abbey’s own specialist testing equipment before offering tangible ways to reduce risk whilst advising on best future practice.

Abbey are also CHAS accredited, which allows our clients to confidently to call upon our engineer’s services on a contractual basis, knowing that with this accreditation we will always operate with stringent recognition of robust health and safety standards.

Finally, Abbey are also acknowledged by Achilles; a UK construction industry accreditation and risk management scheme. All of these accreditations work in synchronisation to deliver the Abbey Promise; to work in close alliance with our clients to reduce all tooling related challenges. A promise substantiated by a robust, time served team of engineers forming the backbone of Abbey’s success.

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

Working in close alliance with Cleco, Abbey are proud to announce the availability of the Cleco CellCore range of products, exclusive to the UK market, through Abbey Industrial Solutions.

The new Cleco CellCore range prides itself on its ease of use, putting the user firmly in control, the tools are smart, durable and designed to withstand the toughest of environments. The lightweight ergonomic design reduces operator fatigue whilst simultaneously delivering state-of-the-art power, weight and balance. Meanwhile, a large user interface makes it quick and easy to program the rundowns on the tool with out a controller.

CellCore offers a great deal of versatility; the easy to use cordless tools allow users to program up to 10 rundown strategies named “FastApps” directly onto the tool in standalone mode. Furthermore,  Celco have stated that users can also pair their CellCore tools with Cleco’s new mPro200 controller. By pairing these devices, users can capture data with ease and in real time.

As an independent provider of tooling solutions; Abbey work closely with a range of leading industrial suppliers to provide our valued customers with the most innovative and suitable tooling solutions.

Advancing this dedicated proposition; Andrew, Sales and Marketing Director at Abbey Industrial Solutions, is incredibly excited by the value offered to Abbey’s customers through this promotion. “The CellCore range of products will be offered in the UK exclusively via Abbey Industrial Solutions. Moving forward as a master distributor of Cleco products in the UK, we are able to ensure a premium level of sales and service opportunities to our valued customers, setting us apart in the market place. Working closely with Cleco, I look forward to bringing forth an extensive range of extremely exclusive offers to our customer base over the course of 2020.”

To find out more about the CellCore range, click here to download your copy of the brochure 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

Need a robust, compact Flat Head Grinder with power, torque and agility?

Metabo have both corded and cordless versions that have impressive pedigree backed by their XXL 3 Year Warranty.

Choose from the WEF9-125 5” Flat Head Grinder, output at 900 watts, with 5” Flat head which allows you to work to an acute angle of 43° or the Safety Version the WEPBF15-150 output at 1500watts, with a 6” Flat head  which allows you to work to an acute angle of 39°, both grinders as standard have an in built safety clutch (Anti-Kick back), electronic overload protection and re-start protection, the safety version has the added features of a brake which will stop the disc, when the safety paddle trigger is released.Both Corded tools are available with 110v & 240v.

Cordless tools are no less impressive and come either as a body only or as a kit with batteries and charger. Metabo Batteries are also covered by their XXL 3 Year Warranty and are available in both Li Lithium and Lithium HD especially suitable for high power, high torque applications.

Whatever application, steel, rail, construction or indeed, any heavy industry, you can be guaranteed that a Metabo tool will be a great asset.

As a leading, independent tooling solutions provider; Abbey work closely with companies such as Metabo to bring to market innovative solutions at competitive prices. We provide not only bespoke tooling solutions to customer needs, but also provide manufacture trained service solutions, so you can be assured of receiving the best products and prices with comprehensive service solutions designed to protect and prolong the life of your tooling assets.

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

INGERSOLL RAND W7152

For a tooling solution that genuinely pushes the boundaries of innovation, Ingersoll Rand have launched the W7152 Impact Tool.

At 20 volts, the ½” drive ImpactTool is a convincing challenger to common pneumatic tools currently available. Its intelligent torque settings allow the operator to multi-task between applications using pre-set shut-off torques and max power. Ideal for industrial use, its high torque capability can help to streamline processes because the Ingersoll W7152 won’t over tighten and can apply consistent torques, unlike its pneumatic competitors.

It is one of the most powerful cordless tool on the market right now, and Abbey Industrial Solutions are proud to bring this innovative tooling solution to the UK market. At Abbey we not only provide tooling solutions to customer needs but can also service and repair tools to manufacture standards through our comprehensive service plans. Contact the team today to learn more about the products we have on offer and the service proposition we provide.

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

Andrew joins Abbey Industrial Solutions as the UK Sales and Marketing Director. He brings both academic pedigree and 25 years of hands-on, industry experience to the role and we are delighted to welcome Andrew to the Abbey team.

His previous roles, within B2B sales and marketing, have included multi-national companies such as BP, where he was responsible for developing the brand within Northern Europe and forging strategic partnerships with BP’s manufacturing distributors.

Andrew not only brings expertise in sales but will also apply his considerable insight into the manufacturing industry to help Abbey extend their products and services across their customer network.

With a remit to develop customer relationships, Andrew will focus on identifying needs and creating strategies that will help Abbey’s customers to operate effectively and maximise profit.

Andrew’s appointment demonstrates Abbey’s commitment to building in value for their customers. On joining the company Andrew said: “This role allows me to use both my engineering background and my experience in sales and marketing within the manufacturing industry. The Abbey team’s objectives and mine are very much aligned, in that we are dedicated to offering customers tangible solutions that will maximise productivity. Abbey’s range of products and services mean that I have great tools to work with and a solid proposition for customers.”

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

Why invest in Torque and Angle monitoring, especially if the tools you’ve got already do the job?

It’s a question that crops up quite a bit. Any manufacturer or fitter knows only too well the cost of discovering a problem at the end of the assembly process.

Take the auto industry for example. The financial implications of recalling a vehicle, due to technical issues are huge, not to mention the logistics of carrying out thousands of safety checks across many locations. In fact the cost of recalls to the motor industry is tens of millions each year. And then there’s the damage to reputation and the hidden marketing costs to regain customer confidence. In this scenario, wouldn’t it be better to identify the problems on the assembly line? It would certainly be more cost effective.

When the safety and accuracy of joints is critical, you need a tool that can achieve the correct Clamping Load on several materials and in various environmental conditions.

A tool that can offer both torque and angle settings is undoubtedly the best choice. True, there may be a slight trade off with assembly speed but most businesses accept that precision and consistency wins hands down when safety and reputation are paramount. And the new generation of powered tools certainly cancel out any loss of efficiency.

The benefits of torque and angle tooling include being able to control the bolt stretch or tension and ensure the fastener is snug and fitted in its optimum position for wear.

There are often erratic influences on the torque measurement which can be caused by changes in materials, the nature of the fastener or forces applied through use. Using a tool that records both torque and angle is the best way to mitigate against such variations and guarantee the most accurate assembly.

But what about ‘human error’? How can businesses avoid the inevitable mistakes made by their workforce?

Tools that alert the user of any oversights during the assembly process are valuable assets to businesses who rely quality and consistency.

Market leaders, Sturtevant Richmont are pioneers in developing tools that take the risk out of production, including those that slip through even the most robust procedures. Sturtevant Richmond make leading manual wrenches and some of its product range offer an accuracy of +/- 1&. There are also powered versions available, such as Cleco’s range of corded electric tools.

And there are even more benefits: torque and angle wrenches can be programmed to ‘intelligently’ monitor assembly and flag up any errors or omissions. For example, pre-set parameters are consistently achieved because the tool will shut off or display an ‘error’ alert if over tightened. Likewise, a correctly fitted joint will get the green light.

It’s also possible to apply further steps to avoid mistakes, including a fixings count in the program, eradicating the risk of missing screws. The tool will even prompt the use of the correct fixing and the correct order of application.

And the advantages don’t end on the production line. All actions can be recorded, hugely important for traceability in the event of a problem. The historic usage can show the precise tension applied and any errors or missing steps in production. A powerful tool indeed.

Abbey Industrial Solutions are the main distributor for Sturtevant Richmont and Cleco tools and are pleased to offer its customers the duel benefits of world class tooling ranges along with Abbey’s maintenance service contract. With a reputation for innovation and problem solving, Abbey’s experienced engineers will identify any potential weak links in assembly and work with businesses to eliminate costly production issues.

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

When tools represent a significant investment for businesses, it’s imperative that the investment is protected and maximum value leveraged out of those assets.

Unplanned downtime has a devastating impact on output and revenue, as well as affecting reputation: an issue which may take many years to resolve through expensive crisis management and brand building campaigns. Successful businesses will take measures to avoid or mitigate such risks by making sure their tools are maintained regularly.

A carefully managed service plan will provide continuity of production whilst ensuring that tools are kept working efficiently and safely. Indeed, efficiency is often overlooked, especially if production ‘appears’ to be normal. In many cases, tools are operating below capacity and deteriorating at such a slow decline, it goes un-noticed. Poor performance will, undoubtedly eat into profits, while the cost of servicing represents a fraction of the investment when compared to replacing tools, loss of production or overtime payments due to down time.

Employers and the self employed must also consider the PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment) regulations. There is a duty of care to make sure that equipment is:

• Maintained in a safe condition so people’s health and safety are not at risk
• Inspected to ensure that it is (and continues to be) safe for use
• Any specific risks created by the use of the equipment is controlled
• Take any appropriate measures to fit guards, warning devices or stop buttons
• Provide safe systems of work, for example only carrying out maintenance when the equipment is isolated and providing adequate training and information
• The PUWER regulations are in place to comply with health and safety rules but any business who values its investment and reputation will see the financial advantage to applying regular checks and repairs to their tools.

A strategic service plan will maintain the reliability of tools, lessen the impact of malfunctioning tools and almost certainly lessen the overall cost of tooling to a business.

The key to a robust plan is a procedure which tracks individual tools, flags up when they need to be serviced and turns around collection and delivery, getting efficient and calibrated tools back in production quickly. Abbey has invested in a system which tags every tool and alerts the user when it needs servicing. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, our dedicated service centre takes care of all makes and type of compressed air and electric power tools. Our OEM trained workshop engineers and large stock of parts means that tools are returned with a fully traceable history and warranty.

There’s also a plan which includes a ‘swap out’ offer, where replacement tools are loaned until the servicing or repair has been carried out, allowing businesses to continue with unbroken production. Quite simply, the benefits of working with an experienced, independent partner to maintain the productivity of tooling adds significant value for manufacturers and assembly lines.

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

Manufacturers are only as good as their end product and the reputations built around those products. In most cases, there will have been significant investment in tooling and setting up the production process: a capital expenditure that must deliver a ROI.

So why wouldn’t a business protect that investment by ensuring their tools are working efficiently and profitably?

Tools that are operating to incorrect parameters are not only inefficient, they expose businesses to poor brand perception and, more seriously, the risk of litigation should faults occur.

Regular calibration for tools is recommended to ensure that they are working within the original manufacturers parameters and consistency is being maintained. Even those tool manufacturers offering impressive guarantees of up to 1 million cycles of maintenance free usage should be calibrated on a regular basis.

However, calibration must be precisely carried out, using a transducer calibrated under laboratory conditions. It’s vital also, that the transducer is certified at the lab by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), the internationally recognised standard of calibration. The laboratory environment will ensure that parameters have been correctly set and any testing by that transducer will also satisfy regulation.

Click to read about our accreditations 

Why is this important? Because businesses need be assured of an unbroken chain of traceability, therefore calibration should be traceable to UKAS standards. This may prove to be invaluable if problems occur during the production process or worse, once products are out in the marketplace and have to be recalled due to faults.

Certified, calibrated tools, with the appropriate documentation and traceability are imperative should a fault result in litigation. A business employing this system can prove competence and retain credibility should a problem arise later.

There are plenty of companies who will not only supply tools but also offer to service and calibrate them. Manufacturers are advised to thoroughly investigate their suppliers to make sure they are providing a robust offer and delivering a high standard of service. Certainly, only those offering UKAS traceable certification are worth considering.

Abbey Industrial Solutions have been supplying tools to some of the most well known blue chip companies within the manufacturing sector, including auto assembly, gas & oil industry, heavy plant manufacturers and aerospace for a number of years. For those businesses where precision and reputation is paramount, Abbey offer a considerable wealth of expertise. Abbey can create a bespoke service and calibration plan, advise on tooling procurement and even assist with a specific challenge. Renowned for innovation, Abbey’s qualified, manufacturer trained engineers are often consulted about specific issues.

Being an independent supplier allows Abbey to offer a truly unbiased approach, a valuable asset for those investing considerable sums in tooling. Customers are assured of straightforward, expert input.

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