Engineering Tomorrow: Electro-Mechanical Apprentice Alex

As Neutronic continues to grow as a business, we have implemented a strong focus on training and educating aspiring Engineers to become qualified in their desired field. Supported by local colleges, we have developed an extensive apprenticeship programme.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship week, we wanted to check in with our Apprentices and let them tell their story so far, of their journey at Neutronic Technologies.

Alex joined the Neutronic Technologies team in September 2023, since then Alex has developed an outstanding understanding of the industry, and how Neutronic operates as a business. We recently sat down with Alex to ask him about his highlights during his Apprenticeship.

“I enjoy learning new skills each day during my Apprenticeship, and the freedom to be an engineer and problem solve a repair.”

“They will not find a better job at young age to start their career path.”

“Over the next 5 years, I aim to become trained on all equipment and departments within the Electro-Mechanical workshop and become a multi-skilled Engineer. I would like to become first aid trained to support my team members, and in the future gain my forklift truck license.”

“Being trusted to use the balancing machine after training from department members, another highlight is passing my first-month assessment. Everyday is a highlight because I enjoy coming to work.”

“I applied for Neutronic Technologies after attending an open day, which showed me what types of repairs they complete and the facilities. This made me want to work here as it showed opportunities for me to grow my career.”

It has been great to see how our Apprentices are shaping their future careers at Neutronic Technologies. As they go on to complete more projects and develop new skills, we look forward to tracking their journeys.

If you are interested in an Electro-Mechanical or Electronics Apprenticeship, send your CV to recruitment@neutronictechnologies.com, or visit our careers page. We are always looking for aspiring and ambitious Engineers to join our team, if you think this is you, let us know!

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Engineering Tomorrow: Electro-Mechanical Apprentice Ronnie

Our 3 Electro-Mechanical Apprentices have each been supported and mentored by our experienced Engineers. Training them to use tools and machinery within the workshop. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship week, we wanted to check in with our Apprentices and let them tell their story so far, of their journey at Neutronic Technologies.

Ronnie joined the Neutronic team in September 2023. Since starting at Neutronic, Ronnie has been able to apply his transferable skills from his Motor Vehicle qualification, and implement his knowledge to the industrial repair industry. We recently sat down with Ronnie to ask him about his highlights during his Apprenticeship.

“Last week, I worked on fixing a David Brown gearbox with Ernie. We Disassembled the gearbox, taking off the bearings and pinion, and fitting the bearings back onto the shaft.” An exciting opportunity for Ronnie to learn the parts and identify faults, whilst being supported by Ernie, a senior Engineer. This repair is in progress, however Ronnie is looking forward to seeing the final repair completed.

“After researching the company, I felt it was a modern engineering company who wanted to support young aspiring engineering. I had transferable skills from Motor Vehicle qualifications, which I put into practice at Neutronic.”

“Gain confidence in my abilities and skills in the Electro-Mechanical workshop. Gain experience in going onto sites for Engineering visits, and supporting our customers onsite.”

“Go for it! Make sure you listen to every thing which is being told you, make notes and ask questions! Make sure people are bored of you asking questions, as this is how you learn and understand procedures.” Our team are always happen to answer questions, there is no such thing as a bad question in our workshops at Neutronic!

“Once you have gained an understanding try and give things a go, whilst being safe. And don’t always rely on people.”

It has been great to see how our Apprentices are shaping their future careers at Neutronic Technologies. As they go on to complete more projects and develop new skills, we look forward to tracking their journeys.

If you are interested in an Electro-Mechanical or Electronics Apprenticeship, send your CV to recruitment@neutronictechnologies.com, or visit our careers page. We are always looking for aspiring and ambitious Engineers to join our team, if you think this is you, let us know!

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Engineering Tomorrow: Electro-Mechanical Apprentice Tristan

At Neutronic we have implemented a focus on supporting and educating aspiring Engineers into the industrial repair field. Working with local colleges to educate and train students to become qualified Engineers. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship week, we wanted to check in with our Apprentices and let them tell their story so far, of their journey at Neutronic Technologies.

Tristan joined the Neutronic in August 2023 as an Electro-Mechanical Apprentice. We recently sat down with Tristan to ask him how he is enjoying his Apprenticeship and how the opportunity has shaped his future.

“I have enjoyed learning and developing new skills and the essential regulations whilst being an apprentice. At Neutronic I have been supported by my team and they have explained to me how to resolve common problems and faults on machinery assets.”

“I decided university wasn’t the right path for me, and an apprenticeship would allow me to learn the practical side, whilst learning the theoretical side at college. The repairs which Neutronic receive interested me, and they support industries which I had thought about working in.”

“Each day varies in my role, from supporting my team members on machinery repairs, to surge testing stators to see if they pass or fail, plus balancing rotors. Each week I attend college for 1 day per week to gain theoretical and practical experience.”

“The apprenticeship at Neutronic has allowed me to see all the types of careers available in an Electro-Mechanical workshop. This has allowed me to gain an insight into what jobs are available for me in my career, and gain experience in each of these. I have learnt to work within a team and communicate with my fellow employees.”

It has been great to see how our Apprentices are shaping their future careers at Neutronic Technologies. As they go on to complete more projects and develop new skills, we look forward to tracking their journeys.

If you are interested in an Electro-Mechanical or Electronics Apprenticeship, send your CV to recruitment@neutronictechnologies.com, or visit our careers page. We are always looking for aspiring and ambitious Engineers to join our team, if you think this is you, let us know!

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Choosing Your Electric Motor Repair Partner

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Not all motor repair facilities are equal, in fact the difference between a motor repair company and a quality motor repair provider could mean a huge difference for the longevity and efficiency of your repaired motor.

Unfortunately, the industry has no legislation to enforce the quality of the repairs that are carried out, so it falls to the person in need of the repair to do their due diligence, and ensure that they are procuring a high level of quality when choosing a repairer.

Repairers vary from independent 1 man operations working from tiny premises, to multinational businesses operating in various places around the globe. So when choosing your repairer, does big mean better? And does being affiliated with a trade body such as the AEMT guarantee a high standard of repair? The answer is no to both of those questions.

Motor being repaired in the Neutronic Technologies Workshop

When choosing your repairer, you need to ensure they have the appropriate equipment to carry out the repair properly and if the repairer has multiple sites. Make sure they have the equipment needed at the branch you are using. You would be amazed at how many companies I have come across over the years who are poorly equipped or even lack basic essential repair equipment.

What to ask your Electric Motor repairer to demonstrate?

Surge Tester:- Without a surge tester the repairer has no real way of performing electrical tests on the stator. A multi-meter and megger test is simply not capable of testing electric motors sufficiently. In our repair shop we use the Electrom Instruments iTIG III Winding analyser.

Pyrolysis Oven:- One of the major processes of rewinding a motor is to remove the old windings, varnish and insulation. It’s not an easy process unless you have one of these Ovens which you must not mistake for a curing oven, they are very different. It’s surprising how many rewind shops don’t have this equipment but without it you cannot guarantee the ongoing efficiency of the motor after the repair.

Dynamic Balancing:- Another large and expensive piece of repair equipment that is essential to a high quality repair. The balancing machine ensures the rotor assembly is finely tuned and balanced for all speeds of rotation. Remember a slight imbalance on a rotor can quickly degrade bearing life and cause damage to other areas of the machine the motor is connected to.

There are lots of other pieces of equipment that we use in the repair process such as sand blasters, wash tanks, curing ovens, rotor removal equipment, bearing heaters, cranes, mechanical measurement devices and countless other tools, but in my opinion the 3 listed above are by far the most important for any rewind shop to effect a quality and reliable repair.

Book in your Repair with Neutronic Technologies:

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    Repair It, Rather Than Replace It…

    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    Table of content

    In the event of a breakdown, your first thought may be to replace the HMI, Power supply or machinery asset. This could be due to production pressures or an obsolete part. However, it may be more expensive to replace the existing one, than to repair it!

    Motor Gearbox Repair

    In most scenarios, repairing faulty parts is most likely the best financial option, until the cost exceeds the economic repair costs. Another benefit for companies is the repaired part can be easily reinstalled into situ, rather than installing a new part. Research conducted by the AEMT and EASA associations reveals that electric motors can be rewound multiple times. This process can maintain, or even improve, the motor’s electrical efficiency without needing to be replaced.

    Repairing Obsolete Parts

    As technology advances, there will be an increase in obsolete repairs due to capabilities and automation developments. A part becomes obsolete because it is no longer produced by manufacturers or has been discontinued.

    At Neutronic, we understand the need to continue using obsolete parts. We support our customers with our in-house equipment and skills to complete obsolete repairs. Our testing facilities can run test obsolete parts to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency.

    An obsolete part we regularly have sent to Neutronic is a Mitsubishi E1012 HMI, commonly used by Food and Beverage manufacturers. These are widely used in the industry, however, are no longer manufactured by Mitsubishi. Our engineers can repair and run test the obsolete E1012 HMI back to working order with our in-house facilities.

    How can I reduce breakdowns?

    Regular asset maintenance will help reduce unexpected breakdowns, ensuring the machinery meets OEM specifications to keep running at peak efficiency.

    Implementing a Condition Monitoring system into your workshop will help you to monitor the equipment’s efficiency. Indications of concerning changes that could lead to breakdowns in the future will be outlined. Preventative maintenance allows you to schedule the repair, suiting your production schedule, minimising unexpected downtime.

    Asset management helps to monitor the operation of your parts. Research recommends that Motors should be serviced every 6 months. Performing routine preventative and predictive tasks can extend a motor’s life and improve its efficiency.

    Keeping a Spare on the shelf?

    Storing spares helps you quickly get your production lines back up and running in the event of an unexpected breakdown.

    Financial costs can be reduced by storing replacement equipment onsite. This will help reduce downtime. Exchange the faulty part for a working part to start production again. The failed part will then be sent in for repair.

    Neutronic supplies major manufacturing brands such as WEG, SEW-Eurodrive and Control Techniques. We are an official distributor of WEG products, providing high-quality products to our customer base. Contact our team for advice on which product will best fit your machining needs.

    Neutronic has the expertise to repair most obsolete repairs. If you have an obsolete part which you are looking to get repaired, contact us on 0845 180 0483.

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