FTL Technology Ltd
FTL Technology delivers custom engineered solutions for critical applications.
Across a wide range of industries, from oil and gas through to food and pharmaceuticals, our experienced team of engineers will optimise the efficiency of your business by resolving problems based around leakage, friction and wear.
From single components to complete sealing systems, FTL Technology focuses on the needs of the customer as well as the application. This allows us to deliver excellence as standard across every project we undertake. Whatever your sealing challenge, our team has the experience and hte expertise to deliver a precision engineered solution.
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Q&A with Business Development Director: Warwick Lockwood
21 August 2019Many factors determine a company's choice of supplier but added value and exceptional service levels must be up there on any engineer’s wish list.
FTL offer a consultative approach to customer projects whereby we support customer requirements from project conception through to installation, commissioning and beyond. That’s because customers are at the centre of our businesses and it helps when you have a senior employee with over 30 years’ experience! This staff spotlight is shining brightly on our Business Development Director- Warwick Lockwood.
Tell us how you got into the industry
I took the typical route into engineering, which back then was a mechanical engineering apprenticeship within a company specialising in high speed rotating equipment. Which transpires, was a very useful introduction to the world of sealing solutions.
What brought you to join FTL Technology?
I’ve previously worked in a single product manufacturing facility, but I was keen to learn more about other opportunities in engineering and wanted a new challenge.
FTL has a broad customer base which would expose me to diverse opportunities and other areas, giving me the opportunity to learn and expand my horizons, so I jumped at the chance.
It’s that breadth and depth of variation that interested me and I’m still as engaged and enthusiastic now as I was when I first joined.
What does your role entail?
As mentioned above, I have been working at FTL for 30 years now. Over time my roles and responsibilities have changed, but at present, my core focus is Business Development Director for the Driveline solutions market sector.
I have overall responsibility for driving the sector forward and working with colleagues to develop and implement a strategy to expand the business and meet the overall company objective.
As part of my responsibility, working with colleagues, we look to identify new technologies that we can design and add to our offering. As well as establishing and identifying customers and prospects that fit our profile and experience.
Is there a project that has stood out, that you enjoyed working on?
My enthusiasm for problem-solving and engaging with customers on their challenges is as strong as ever! I particularly find the work I have encountered within the Military and Defence sectors to be of high interest, where critical applications and real-world challenges are at the forefront of design.
Why should Companies contact FTL with their application issues?
One of the main reasons is our in-house depth of knowledge and understanding.
We work with customers to solve their problems. We address their issues to improve longevity, efficiency and effectiveness, which we demonstrate through the vast international experience of the personnel that work here.
As cliché as it sounds, we’re leaders. We have a track record of problem-solving and providing customer focused application solutions that work right, first-time.
When you’re not at work, what are you getting up to? Interesting facts...
I’m a keen cyclist both road and off-road and nothing makes me happier than hill climbing on my road bike, or in the wild on my mountain bike.
Anything else to add?
I’m very proud to be part of a team that provides solutions to international companies in Europe, North America, Asia, and to be engaging with leading blue chip companies on both commercial and military applications.
On behalf of everyone at FTL, we’d like to say a huge thank you to Warwick for his tenacity, diligence and expertise over the last 30 years; we wouldn’t be where we are without you!
If you want to speak to a Driveline Solutions (incorporating Central Tire Inflation Systems) expert to discuss your vehicle mobility and performance issues, please do give Warwick a call on 0113 252 1061 or email him at WLockwood@idexcorp.com.
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FTL’s 2019 Carbon Footprint & Sustainability Plan
21 August 2019Small changes to become greener can be very impactful, and here at FTL Technology, we are committed to minimising the impact our activities have on the environment.
Our core focus is to help businesses with their engineering problems, but that doesn’t mean in doing so we cannot do our small part to reduce the planet’s carbon emissions.
After conducting an in-depth environmental assessment of the production activities that are carried out within our site, we identified some priority areas that have remained a key focus in our day-to-day operations.
Andrew Hewitt, Business Unit Leader at FTL, commented:
“It is our duty to operate responsibly and in accordance with ethical principles, with respect to the environment. Our goal in 2019 surpasses just meeting all the environmental legislation that is required by law but to go above and beyond to improve our Carbon Footprint.”
So for complete transparency, here are 8 processes we’ve introduced in our Sustainability Plan:
- Minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible. This includes reducing our printing and water consumption.
- Actively promoting recycling within the business with good waste facilities.
- Encourage staff to reduce fuel use with various initiatives such as carpool, Walk to Work and Cycle to Work scheme.
- Reducing energy usage by installing energy efficient lighting, making sure lights are switched off when not in use and switching off office equipment overnight.
- We’re also trying to reduce heating energy use by investing in better insulation and undertaking regular maintenance.
- Flying less frequently; our business often sees us go overseas so where possible, we’re replacing it with video conferencing to minimise business travel.
- Adopting sustainable procurement principles by sourcing items such as recycled paper and stationery which are respectful to the environment and human health.
- Communicating this policy with all employees and customers to get everyone on board and engaged to champion these initiatives together!
We will be reviewing our Environmental Policy periodically to ensure it continues to remain appropriate.
- Minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible. This includes reducing our printing and water consumption.
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Guide: Central Tire Inflation Systems for Agricultural Vehicles
21 August 2019In agricultural environments, tire pressures can be adjusted to suit field operations to increase floatation and help to reduce soil compaction.
This relates to farming tractors, combined harvesters, trailers, sprayers and forage harvesters.
Operating a vehicle on incorrect pressure shortens tyre life and unnecessarily increases soil compaction, which reduces crop yield.
Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) can deliver optimum performance in agricultural vehicles.
CTIS has been used in the industry for several years now, allowing farmers and users of the vehicles to control and adjust the air pressure in tyres, to increase traction and spread the weight.
This means the vehicles accommodate varying, challenging terrains and conditions quickly; resulting in increased production and reduced soil compaction.
Soil compaction is a serious issue for many farmers. When soil is compacted, it loses the ability to store air and water, which are crucial for seed germination and crop growth.
Why are CTIS so beneficial?
- By decreasing the tyre air pressure, the surface area of the tyre in contact with the ground increases – making driving on softer terrains much easier.
- Likewise, increasing the tyre air pressure decreases the tyre surface area in contact with the ground, making driving on harsher terrains much easier.
- Incorrect tire pressures can have a significant negative impact on the vehicle’s operational ability including increased tyre wear, fuel consumption, ground compaction and increased driver fatigue.
- There are many links between poorly optimised tire pressures and poor vehicle performance.
What is the right configuration for agricultural vehicles?
CTI Systems are available in two main configurations, internal and external.
These two systems share many components such as a UEPCU (Universal Electrical and Pneumatic Control Unit) OCP, (Operator Control Panel), air tanks and wheel connection hoses.
But there are also significant differences between the systems.
For agricultural applications, the typical solution would be an External CTI system. The key advantages of an External CTI system include:
- Ease of retrofitting
- Ease of removal
- Do not require the axles to have an internal air passage
How can they improve your agricultural vehicles?
- Your tyres could last up to 15% longer
- Keep your downtime to an absolute minimum
- Peak performance across all terrain in all weathers
- Average cabin vibration levels up to 10% lower
- Save between 1% and 4% on fuel costs
- Better wheel slip - incorrect pressures can result in up to 40% of engine power lost through tyre slip
- Reduce vehicle maintenance costs
- Better preservation of the top 200mm of a road surface
- Reduction in risk of vehicle breakdown - just two tyre bursts in five million kilometres of CTIS-assisted travel for one client
FTL Technology has an outstanding track record of improving the operational performance of vehicles through custom Central Tire Inflation Systems. Working alongside vehicle and axle OEMs, as well as retrofit providers, we have supplied and installed CTI components for clients across the globe.
We do not have a one-size-fits-all approach; using our vast technical expertise and experience, we develop unique CTI solutions to solve every problem.
If you would like to speak to the expert, please contact our Director Warwick Lockwood who has been working in the field (no pun intended) for over 27 years now.
Please give him a call on 0113 252 1061 or email him directly at WLockwood@idexcorp.com.
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FTL Technology’s Core Capabilities
21 August 2019Here at FTL Technology, we’ve been a leading supplier of precision engineered seals, bearing and material solutions for over 40 years.
In addition to providing a comprehensive consultancy service, we’ve provided off-the-shelf products and custom solutions to solve thousands of engineering problems.
Mark McCormack, Engineering Director, said:
“We add value to companies across the world by improving equipment and operation efficiency with our vast expertise; and we’re proud to say we have a great number of technical strengths.”
Here’s a breakdown of all our core capabilities and why we should be your leading choice when it comes to problem-solving...
In-house test validation
Our experts can provide proof of concept through validation, testing and analysis.
FTL offers an extensive range of independent testing services for companies looking for help in investigating materials, sealing or generic engineering problems.
Materials technology is at the core of our business, so our state-of-the-art training facility includes an advanced laboratory and development cell which possess a wide range of equipment dedicated to the development of manufacturing processes for new materials.
As new materials and designs are developed, processing characteristics are fully understood before manufacturing begins.
Strong testing capabilities can analyse:
Chemical- Seal materials are often used in unique combinations of fluids over a wide variety of temperatures. Our test facilities allow chemical compatibility trials to be performed to solve specific needs. We can examine changes in physical properties and determine the best material for the chemical environment.
Failure Analysis- A seal or bearing that has failed in an application is analyzed using various techniques to identify the root cause and mode of failure. This often involves investigating possible causes - such as mechanical failure, environmental stress, premature ageing, contaminants/inclusions and poor design.
Thermo-mechanical Evaluation- Using environmental chambers to test the physical properties of materials at actual or elevated operating temperature provides accurate results which are much more representative of actual applications. The data is then used in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) computer modelling to create accurate simulations of seal designs.
Explosive Decompression ED Testing- Explosive decompression (ED) damage of seals occurs when seals are under high pressure for some time and then rapidly de-pressurise.
We have advanced ED testing equipment that can pressurize seals of various geometries up to 20,000 psi (13.8 MPa) and can decompress over any desired cycle or time, whilst at a temperature of up to 250°C (482°F).
Compounds can be developed and tested to confirm the performance of seal types and grades before installation.
With a 3L cylinder, the ED test rig has been designed to meet Total, NACE, NORSOK and Shell test requirements with all temperatures, pressures, gas mixtures and depressurization rates detailed there-in.
The O-ring carrier insert is interchangeable to allow O-rings to be tested at various squeeze levels and piston geometries. This equipment also tests high-pressure sealing capability versus diametral clearance and back-up ring performance.
Rotary Shaft Seal Test Rig- Elsewhere, we have a rotary shaft seal test rig that can test up to Ø165. The test rig runs through pressure and vacuum cycles that can be changed to suit specific parameters up-to 10 Bar and 5m/s. We have a standard test we use for comparative validation, it runs through 2, 4, 6 and 8 bar pressure as well as vacuum.
Cycle time is 60 minutes and we normally test for 500 cycles; whilst the seal is dynamic.
Weld bead test rig- What’s more, we have a weld bead test rig for pipeline wheels.
Access to Clean Room Manufacturing
Our sister company- PPE- operates five ISO 1,000 cleanrooms dedicated to manufacturing components for the semiconductor, food/dairy and pharmaceutical/medical industries.
By working together, FTL Technology can harness these state-of-the-art clean rooms on your behalf - giving you access to superior controlled manufacturing environments (three in the UK, two in the USA); so you can get peace of mind of a unique quality product.
Equipment for measuring and control
FTL has equipment for measuring and managing temperature controlled environments via our:
- Manual CMM Machine
- CNC CMM Machine
- Optical (non-contact) measuring machine
- Surface finish measurement
- Usual Micrometers, Vernier caliper, digital calipers, torque wrenches, pressure gauges, all contained within a controlled calibration register.
5s Fundamentals
FTL first adopted the 5S methodology in October 2017 as part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in the workplace.
We took more steps in 2018 to implement the findings across the FTL facility.
The 5S team (comprising Production, Dispatch and Operations) dedicate time to the five principles of Sort, Set, Shine, Standardise and Sustain to transform our workspace into a leaner, cleaner and more efficient environment.
Through the process, we have created dedicated hubs for displaying and discussing our standards to improve the visibility of our progress throughout the business.
The 5S team meet weekly to discuss the status of projects, identify new tasks and find ways to improve our 5S system.
Product Design and Material
FTL Technology’s engineering solutions go far beyond seals, bearings and packings. 40 years’ experience in the sealing market and our role as leakage, friction and wear problem solvers, we deliver an extensive range of engineering components for all kinds of applications and industries.
We can design and manufacture tailored solutions that are specific to a particular set of operational parameters and we do this through our:
- Autodesk Inventor Professional 3d CAD software to allow for assembly modelling, detail drawing and FEA.
- Material expertise – we have a combined 120+ years experience, so it’s safe to say we know a thing or two!
As you can see from the above, our core capabilities are far-reaching; so the only question to ask is simply how can we help you? If you’ve got a tough engineering problem, let us rise to the challenge.
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Top Engineering Expos, Shows & Conferences of 2019
21 August 2019FTL Technology’s engineers have a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to sealing, bearing and material handling.
But as with any reputable engineering company, the FTL team are always keen to expand their knowledge of new industry trends and products.
Regardless of the industry in which you work, whether you manufacture large-scale mixers or plunger pumps, there’s a huge calendar of events coming up this year to keep you right up to speed with the latest developments in your sector.
Here’s our list of key expos, shows and conferences that may be of interest to you. We’ve categorised them into industries to help...
Here are some generic events that are specific to Technology & Advanced Manufacturing:
Event Event Location Event Date Emerging Technologies: the future of engineering University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK 04/03/2019 WES Centenary Conference 2019 RAF Museum, London, UK 15/03/2019 SEMICON China 2019 New International Expo Center, Shanghai, China 20/03/2019 - 22/03/2019 SEMICON Southeast Asia 2019 MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 07/05/2019 - 09/05/2019 AchemAsia Shanghai 21/05/2019 - 23/05/2019 Subcon 2019 NEC, Birmingham 04/06/2019 - 06/06/2019 SEMICON West 2019 Moscone Center, San Francisco, United States 09/07/2019 - 11/07/2019 SEMICON Taiwan 2019 Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1, Taiwan 18/09/2019 - 20/09/2019 PPMA Show 2019 NEC, Birmingham, UK 01/10/2019 - 03/10/2019 Advanced Engineering 2019 NEC, Birmingham, UK 30/10/2019 - 31/10/2019 Food
Event Event Location Event Date Food Processing Expo 2019 Sacramento Convention Centre, California, USA 12/02/2019 - 13/02/2019 IFE International Food & Drink Event Royal Victoria Dock, London, UK 17/03/2019 - 20/03/2019 FA&M Conference & Expo Doral Resort, Miami, Florida 14/04/2019 - 17/02/2019 THAIFEX- World of Food Asia 2019 IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
28/05/2019 - 01/06/2019 ICEF13 2019 Melbourne, Australia
23/09/2019 - 26/09/2019 International Materials Handling Exhibition 2019 NEC, Birmingham
24/09/2019 - 27/09/2019 Foodex NEC, Birmingham
30/03/2020 Pharmaceutical
Event Event Location Event Date INTERPHEX 2019 Javits Center, New York City, United States 02/04/2019 - 04/04/2019 Making Pharmaceuticals Exhibition & Conference Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK 30/04/2019 - 01/05/2019 MedtecLIVE 2019 Nuremberg, Germany 21/05/2019 - 23/05/2019 Pharmaceutical Development & Technology Yokohama, Japan 12/07/2019 - 13/07/2019 Medical Technology Ireland Galway Racecourse 25/09/2019 - 26/09/2019 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo Las Vegas, Nevada 27/10/2019 - 30/10/2019 Agricultural
Event Event Location Event Date Farm Expo Kent, UK 06/03/2019 AEA Conference 2019 One Great George Street, London, UK 09/04/2019 The Great Yorkshire Show Harrogate, UK 09/07/2019 - 11/07/2019 Agriculture & Horticulture Rome, Italy 15/08/2019 - 16/08/2019 ICFAE (Food & Agricultural Engineering) Manchester, UK 18/08/2019 - 19/08/2019 Construction & Steel
Event Event Location Event Date Steel & Civil Engineering Seoul, South Korea 09/09/2019 - 10/09/2019 Transportation
Event Event Location Event Date M&CCE Expo Mayflower Park, Southampton, UK 11/06/2019 - 13/06/2019 Power Generation
So whether you’re looking to upskill or simply keep your finger on the pulse of your industry, get yourself along to some of the above events. Who knows, we may even see you at some of them ourselves!
And if you have any other events or expos that you’d like to share with us that you think should be featured on this page as they would be of interest to fellow engineers, please let us know at ftltech@idexcorp.com.