IMfT Workshop at Perkins Engines, Peterborough
Industrial Metalforming Technologies (IMfT) arranged a visit to Perkins Engines, Peterborough on Thursday 12 June 08. The event, which was attended by representatives from 34 different companies, began with a 30 minute introduction to and overview of Perkins Engines by Chris Baty-Symes, Global Strategic Planning Manager, Technical Resources followed by a one and a half hour plant tour specially arranged for metalformers.
The afternoon was devoted to a two hour metalforming Workshop attended by Perkins technical and purchasing staff. Issues which Perkins engineers and purchasing staff discussed with attendees included the following:
Engineering
i. Pressed steel sumps especially for noise reduction
ii. Top covers again with noise reduction capability
iii. Pressed timing rings for crankshafts and camshafts
iv. Fabricated or pressed engine lifting eyes and mounting feet
v. Pressed steel rocker arms
vi. Optimisation of general engine bracketry, (many people felt we could improve our bracketry design as it is
usually a last minute activity at present)
vii. Better design and possible structural analysis of welded fabrications such as the cooler group support
brackets that bolt to the front of the engines
These were Perkins requested items but there may be alternative solutions which may be appropriate.
Purchasing
i. New technologies
ii. Quality development opportunities
iii. Trend potential for cost and capacity improvements
In a similar vein to the JCB and BMW visits organised by IMfT in 2006, the intention was to bring potential metalforming suppliers and their capabilities to the attention of a major possible customer. The day provided a forum for metalforming practitioners to inform their hosts of what the industry can offer by encouraging both an open discussion on topics presented by Perkins and an opportunity to network. Further contacts and potential exploitation were made by companies individually after the event.
Programme
10.30 Arrival (Coffee & Tea)
11.00 Perkins/Caterpillar Overview & Introduction
Chris Baty-Symes, Global Strategic Planning Manager, Technical Resources, Perkins Engines
11.30 Factory Tours
1.00 Lunch
1:30 Workshop
3.00 Questions/wrap up
3.30 Close
For further details of the Perkins Engines event please contact Dr. Peter Standring, Technical Secretary to IMfT, Tel: 0115 9514061, email events@imft.co.uk
IMfT would like to thank Perkins Engines for their kindness in arranging the Factory Tour and Workshop.