Start your year right with DPA’s January issue!

Manufacturing is poised for an exciting year ahead – and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of automation. For my first column of the year, I investigate the top three trends that are poised to shape automation in 2024 and beyond (p. 4).

Meanwhile, to prevent potentially disastrous ignition and explosions caused by hydrogen leaks in HGV engines, Helical Technology enlisted Elta Fans to create a bespoke bifurcated axial fan – an innovative solution that extracts fumes during testing and ensures constant protection. Learn more in our cover story (p. 8).

Continuing on the theme of innovation, let us now turn to the automotive sector. Remarkably, the surge in the adoption of EVs continued amid significant industry challenges like supply chain disruptions and pandemic-induced labour shortages. Yet, as Schneider Electric points out, while this is encouraging news for the environment, it brings in challenges for the metals and mining sector...(p. 30)

Plus, don’t forget to check out these key stories:
• A global hub for technology and innovation: Southern Manufacturing returns next month (p. 33)
• The advantage of involving miniature motion design at the outset of OEM projects (p. 20)
• Video of the Month: Network communication choices (p. 37)
• Picking up bad vibrations: The efficacy of backwards engineering (p. 12)
• Engineering excellence: Springs in safety-critical aviation applications (p. 24)
• The changing face of metrology (p. 10)

You can read the full free digital issue here.

Wishing you all a very happy New Year.

Do let me know what you think, and if you think there are any specific topics we should be covering. Email me at sophia.bell@imlgroup.co.uk.