Personalized Engraved Slate – the perfect gift for those who are hard to buy for

Personalized Engraved Slate – the perfect gift for those who are hard to buy for

Sheffield Engraving offers bespoke engraved slate products, handcrafted to your exact specifications. Drawing on the city’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, they combine modern techniques with timeless artistry to create unique and enduring pieces.

Supply your own slate or let them source the right piece for you slate – carefully selected for its quality and appearance. Slate provides a durable and elegant surface for your personalized message or design. Sheffield Engraving’s skilled engravers work meticulously to bring your vision to life, whether it’s a simple inscription, a complex artwork, or a cherished photograph.

From wedding gifts to corporate awards, our personalized slate products offer a distinctive and lasting memento of any occasion.

Visit their website: Sheffield Engraving

Wedding Dress Cleaning – Sheffield dry cleaning company goes from strength to strength

Over 50 years ago in Sheffield a small, local dry cleaning business was established. Today, Crystal Clean Bridal launched their newest website providing the highest quality wedding dress cleaning services throughout the UK. Based in South-West Sheffield, they’re one of the city’s great success stories as they continue their growth and expansion

Preserving Your Memories

A wedding dress is more than just an article of clothing; it’s a tangible memory of one of life’s most special occasions. However, after the wedding festivities are over, the wedding dress may require professional cleaning to restore its former brilliance and ensure its long-term preservation.

Why have your wedding dress professionally cleaned?

Leaving your wedding dress uncleaned can have several negative consequences. Food stains, perspiration, and even champagne spills can cause discoloration and attract insects over time. Additionally, dirt and dust particles can damage delicate fabrics and beading. Professional cleaning removes these contaminants, preventing permanent damage and ensuring the dress retains its beauty for years to come.

How to choose a Wedding Dress Cleaning Service

Several factors should be considered when selecting a wedding dress cleaning service:

  • Experience and Expertise: Look for a company with a proven track record of cleaning wedding dresses. Their experience should encompass a variety of fabrics, embellishments, and cleaning techniques.
  • Cleaning Methods: Inquire about the cleaning methods used. Many reputable services offer eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are gentle on delicate fabrics.
  • Inspection and Consultation: A thorough inspection of your dress is crucial before cleaning to identify any specific stains or potential risks. The cleaner should discuss these findings with you and obtain your approval before proceeding.
  • Preservation Services: Some companies offer preservation services in addition to cleaning. This involves packaging the dress in a specially designed, acid-free box to prevent future damage from light, dust, and mildew.
  • Insurance and Guarantees: Ensure the cleaning service offers insurance on your dress in case of accidental damage. Additionally, inquire about any guarantees or warranties provided on their cleaning work.

Additional Tips for Wedding Dress Cleaning

  • Act Promptly: The sooner your dress is cleaned, the easier it will be to remove stains. Ideally, schedule your cleaning within a few weeks after your wedding.
  • Communicate Clearly: Provide the cleaning service with detailed information about any specific stains or tears on the dress.
  • Store Properly: Once cleaned and preserved, store your dress in a cool, dry, and dark location.

Crystal Clean Bridal – the best choice for Wedding Dress Cleaning

Your wedding day was a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and maybe even a little champagne. But if your beautiful gown is showing the after-effects of the celebration, get in touch with Crystal Clean Bridal wedding dress cleaning today on 0800 099 6924 or by visiting www.crystalcleanbridal.co.uk

Sheffield business 2023 roundup

There has been a lot of doom and gloom on the news this year, but business goes on. One good new story from this year is that there are some really great businesses in Sheffield who are going from strength to strength and growing well. Here is around up of some of those businesses:

1. Prime Tooling – Sheffield business & supplier of quality cutting tools for all trades & industry, sign-making, graphic arts, crafts & modelling, hobbyists, DIY & woodworking

Prime Tooling is a specialist supplier of knives, tools, and blades based in Sheffield, England, known as the “Steel City” for its rich history of metalworking. Established in 1936, Prime Tooling has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality cutting tools to businesses, professional tradesmen, and individuals across the UK.

Prime Tooling’s Expertise:

  • Trimming Knife Blades: Prime Tooling is a leading supplier of trimming knife blades, catering to various industries, including packaging, printing, and plastics. Their blades are known for their precision, durability, and sharpness, ensuring clean and accurate cuts in demanding applications.
  • Hand Knives and Safety Knives: Prime Tooling offers a comprehensive range of hand knives and safety knives, catering to various trades and applications. Their knives are designed for safety, comfort, and efficiency, ensuring user protection while maintaining precision and performance.
  • Hand Tools and Power Tool Accessories: Prime Tooling provides a wide range of hand tools and power tool accessories, including screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, and cutting tools. Their tools are sourced from reputable manufacturers and are known for their quality, durability, and value for money.
  • Bespoke Tool Kits: Prime Tooling specializes in designing and supplying bespoke tool kits tailored to specific customer requirements. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and create custom-made tool kits that meet their exact specifications.

Prime Tooling’s Commitment:

  • Quality: Prime Tooling is committed to providing the highest quality cutting tools and accessories. They source their products from reputable manufacturers and subject them to rigorous quality control checks.
  • Sharp Pricing: Prime Tooling offers competitive pricing on its products, ensuring that customers get the best value for their money.
  • Sharp Service: Prime Tooling is dedicated to providing excellent customer service. They have a team of experienced staff who can provide expert advice and support to customers.

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced supplier of cutting tools and accessories in Sheffield, look no further than Prime Tooling. They can help you find the right tools for your needs and ensure that you are equipped for success.

2. Millhouses Accountancy – Sheffield business – a modern, forward-thinking accountancy practice

Millhouses Accountancy is a modern, forward-thinking accountancy practice based in Sheffield, England. They were established in 2011 by Jason Scholey, a chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience in the accounting profession. The company has since grown to a team of experienced and qualified accountants who provide a wide range of accounting services to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to SMEs.

Core Accounting Services:

  • Bookkeeping: Millhouses Accountancy can handle all of your bookkeeping needs, from day-to-day transactions to month-end reconciliations.
  • Year-end accounts: The company can prepare your annual accounts, ensuring that they are compliant with all relevant accounting standards.
  • Tax returns: Millhouses Accountancy can file your tax returns on time and accurately, ensuring that you pay the correct amount of tax.

Specialist Services:

  • Capital allowances on commercial buildings: The company can help you to maximize your capital allowances claims on commercial properties.
  • Solicitors’ accounts: Millhouses Accountancy has a team of specialists who can provide accounting services to solicitors and law firms.
  • Tradespeople and CIS: The company can help you to manage your finances if you are a tradesperson or contractor.
  • Virtual FD: Millhouses Accountancy can provide you with the services of a virtual finance director, on a part-time or full-time basis.
  • Start-up businesses: The company can provide guidance and support to start-up businesses, helping them to get off to the right start.

Millhouses Accountancy’s Approach:

  • Client-focused: The company is committed to providing its clients with a personal and professional service.
  • Proactive: Millhouses Accountancy takes a proactive approach to accounting, helping its clients to identify and avoid potential problems.
  • Up-to-date: The company keeps up-to-date with the latest accounting regulations and tax laws.
  • Competitive rates: Millhouses Accountancy offers competitive rates for its services.

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced accountancy practice in Sheffield, look no further than Millhouses Accountancy. They can help you to take control of your finances and achieve your business goals.

3. Sheffield Engraving – Sheffield Business – providing beautiful, custom engraving that makes a world of difference

Sheffield Engraving Ltd is a laser marking & engraving company based in Sheffield, England. They specialize in laser marking and deep laser engraving on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and wood. They offer a variety of engraving services, including:

  • Product engraving: Sheffield Engraving can engrave a wide range of products, including trophies, awards, pet tags, jewelry, watches, and plaques.
  • Industrial engraving: Sheffield Engraving offers a range of industrial engraving services, including engraving on tools, equipment, and machinery.
  • Medical engraving: Sheffield Engraving can engrave medical instruments and devices.
  • Gift engraving: Sheffield Engraving can engrave a wide range of gifts, including personalized gifts, corporate gifts, and wedding gifts.
  • Laser marking: Offering a laser marking service for all sectors of industry and for the individual customer. They are able to mark or engrave many diverse materials, ranging from leather all the way through to tungsten carbide.

The company is proud of its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. They use the latest laser engraving technology to create high-quality engravings that are durable and attractive. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on all of their stainless steel pet ID tags.

Sheffield Engraving is a member of the British Engraving and Signmaking Association (BESA) and the Federation of European Engravers (FEE). They are also committed to environmental sustainability and use recycled materials whenever possible.

Here are some of the benefits of using Sheffield Engraving:

  • Quality: Sheffield Engraving is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality engravings.
  • Experience: The company has a team of experienced engravers who are skilled in using the latest laser engraving technology.
  • Versatility: Sheffield Engraving can engrave a wide range of materials and products.
  • Customer satisfaction: The company is committed to exceeding its clients’ expectations.

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced engraving company in Sheffield, look no further than Sheffield Engraving. They can help you create the perfect engravings for your needs. Sheffield business but shipping all over the UK

4. Image Sign – Sheffield based but providing bespoke signage for businesses all around the UK

Image Sign (formerly Image Sign Studio) is a Sheffield business that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and installing a wide range of signs for businesses and organizations. Established in 2006, the company has a proven track record of delivering high-quality signage solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients.

Image Sign offers a comprehensive range of signage services, including:

  • Shop and office signs: The company can create eye-catching and informative signs that will help your business make a great first impression.
  • Illuminated signs: Image Sign can design and manufacture illuminated signs that will make your business stand out, even at night.
  • 3D signs: The company can create unique and eye-catching 3D signs that will add a touch of class to your business.
  • Vehicle signage: Image Sign can design and install vehicle signage that will help your business advertise its services and products.
  • Safety signs: The company can create safety signs that will help to keep your employees, customers, and visitors safe.

Image Sign is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality signs and services. The company uses the latest technology and equipment to create signs that are durable, attractive, and effective. The company’s team of experienced designers and installers is dedicated to providing its clients with the best possible service.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Image Sign for your signage needs:

  • Experience: The company has a proven track record of delivering high-quality signage solutions.
  • Quality: Image Sign is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality signs and services.
  • Expertise: The company’s team of experienced designers and installers is dedicated to providing its clients with the best possible service.
  • Customer satisfaction: Image Sign is committed to exceeding its clients’ expectations.

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced signage company in Sheffield, look no further than Image Sign (formerly Image Sign Studio). The company can help you create the perfect signs for your business or organization.

5. 360 Virtual View – based in Bakewell & Sheffield – providing visual services such as Matterport Virtual Tours, drone photography, drone mapping & promotional films

360 Virtual View is a Sheffield business that specializes in creating virtual tours, photography, drone film, drone photography, 3D walkthroughs, virtual reality tours, and other promotional photography. They have offices in Sheffield and Bakewell – but working all over the UK – and have a team of experienced photographers and videographers.

The company has a wide range of experience in creating virtual tours for a variety of businesses, including factories, workshops, showrooms, shops, hotels, holiday lets, B&Bs, restaurants, gastro pubs, wedding venues, tourist attractions, bars, estate agencies, letting agents, holiday lets, etc. They also have experience creating virtual tours for schools, universities, and other educational institutions.

360 Virtual View is a Matterport Service Provider, which means that they are trained and certified to use Matterport cameras to create high-quality virtual tours. Matterport cameras are some of the most advanced on the market and can create incredibly realistic and immersive virtual tours.

The company has a 5-star rating on Google and has been praised for their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. They are a great choice for businesses that are looking for a high-quality virtual tour that will help them to promote their business and reach a wider audience.

Here are some of the benefits of using 360 Virtual View:

  • Increased website traffic: Virtual tours can help to increase website traffic by giving potential customers a virtual tour of your business. This can help them to make an informed decision about whether or not to visit your business in person.
  • Improved customer engagement: Virtual tours can help to improve customer engagement by giving potential customers a more interactive experience of your business. This can help them to feel more connected to your business and make them more likely to become a customer.
  • Increased sales: Virtual tours can help to increase sales by giving potential customers a more realistic view of your products and services. This can help them to make an informed decision about whether or not to buy from you.

If you are looking for a company to create a virtual tour for your business, I highly recommend 360 Virtual View. They are a professional and experienced company that can create a high-quality virtual tour that will help you to achieve your business goals.

Fiduciary Services

Ever wondered what Fiduciary Services are? Here’s an explainer

Fiduciary services are a range of financial and legal services provided by professionals who are legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of their clients. Fiduciaries have a fiduciary duty to their clients, which means that they must put their clients’ needs ahead of their own and avoid conflicts of interest.

Fiduciary services can be provided by a variety of professionals, including:

  • Financial advisors
  • Wealth managers
  • Estate planners
  • Attorneys
  • Trustees
  • Investment managers
  • Corporate directors
  • Pension plan administrators

Some common types of fiduciary services include:

  • Investment management
  • Trust administration
  • Estate planning
  • Retirement planning
  • Tax planning
  • Financial advice
  • Corporate governance

Fiduciary services are important because they help to ensure that clients’ financial and legal interests are protected. Fiduciaries are held to a high standard of care and must act in the best interests of their clients at all times.

A fiduciary is someone who manages money or property for someone else. When you’re named a fiduciary and accept the role, you must – by law – manage the person’s money and property for their benefit, not yours.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (US)

Here are some examples of fiduciary services:

  • A financial advisor who helps you to create an investment plan and manage your portfolio.
  • A trustee who manages the assets of a trust on behalf of the beneficiaries.
  • An estate planner who helps you to create a will and estate plan to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death.
  • A corporate director who oversees the management of a corporation and represents the interests of the shareholders.
  • A pension plan administrator who manages the assets of a pension plan on behalf of the participants.

If you are considering hiring a professional to provide financial or legal services, it is important to make sure that they are a fiduciary. You can ask the professional directly if they are a fiduciary and what their fiduciary duties are. You can also ask for references from other clients.

An example of a company that provides Fiduciary Services is My Swiss Company who provide a range of services including Swiss resident director services.

All about Network Marketing

Network Marketing, also known as multi-level marketing (MLM), is a business model in which independent distributors sell products or services to consumers and earn commissions on their own sales as well as on the sales of the distributors they recruit.

Network marketing companies typically sell a variety of products, such as health and beauty products, household goods, and personal care products. They also offer training and support to their distributors, who work from home or other remote locations.

To succeed in network marketing, distributors need to be able to build a large network of customers and distributors. They also need to be able to sell products and recruit new distributors.

Network marketing can be a legitimate way to make money, but it is important to do your research before joining a company. Some MLM companies are scams, and others are simply not very profitable.

Here are some things to look for when evaluating a network marketing company:

  • The products or services they sell. Are they high-quality products that people actually want?
  • The compensation plan. How much money can you make? Is the plan fair and transparent?
  • The training and support they offer. Will they give you the tools you need to succeed?
  • The reputation of the company. Do they have a good track record? Have they been accused of being a scam?

If you are considering getting involved in network marketing, it is important to do your research and choose a company that is reputable and has a good product or service to offer.

About Network Marketing MLM – how they work

“Network marketing are alternatively referred to as structural sales or multi-level marketing, or MLM for short. It is referral marketing. The difference to classic direct sales with the sale of one’s own goods via sales representatives in network marketing is that some of the customers become network marketers These customers generate sales and receive commissions. For the most part, Network Marketers are not professionals, but function in their role as a layperson first. Thus, everyone gets a chance to build a new existence through network marketing. Working one’s way up presents a problem without reputable structures. Everyone starts small and gets the same chance, so to speak. Sales talent will rise quickly.”

Network Marketing MLM

Network Marketing MLM are a link between the MLM companies and those looking for MLM opportunities. Their website provides useful information along with job listings, partner programmes and FAQs

Ever wondered what a professional sign maker means by ‘flat face sign’?

Flat face signs are a type of shop or business sign that has a flat, smooth surface. They are typically made of materials such as MDO plywood, aluminium, composite material, or plastic. Flat face signs can be used for a variety of purposes, including real estate, job sites, and commercial businesses.

There are two main types of flat face signs: non-illuminated and illuminated. Non-illuminated flat face signs are simply flat panels with text or graphics printed on them. Illuminated flat face signs have a light source behind the panel, which makes the text or graphics glow.

Flat face signs are a versatile and affordable type of signage. They can be customized to fit any size or shape, and they can be used in a variety of settings.

Here are some of the advantages of using flat face signs:

  • They are affordable.
  • They are versatile and can be customized to fit any size or shape.
  • They are easy to install and maintain.
  • They are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using flat face signs:

  • They are not as eye-catching as some other types of signage, such as 3D signs or backlit signs.
  • They can be difficult to see in low-light conditions.
  • They may not be as effective as other types of signage for attracting attention.

Overall, flat face signs are a good option for businesses that are looking for an affordable and versatile type of signage. They are not as eye-catching as some other types of signage, but they can be effective in a variety of settings.

For flat face signs and all other types of business signage get in touch with Image Sign today

How to pick a great sign for your business

If you’ve ever had to squint when looking at a sign you’ll probably know just how important size and lettering is. It’s important for your new sign to be able to grab the attention of potential customers and get the desired message across. At Image Sign Studio in Sheffield and Rotherham, they help you to create the most effective, eye-catching and professional signage for your business. From assisting you in choosing the type of sign to the material, the size, shape and even the finer details such as the lettering options e.g. acrylic letters and acrylic cut out letters. They are here to help every step of the way.

Important Considerations When Choosing the Sign Size

First of all, the size of your sign makes a big difference, to help determine the most effective option for your specific needs have a think about the following:

  • The distance you want the sign to be seen from
  • The shopfront size (or size of the preferred location for the sign)
  • The available shape space

What Material Should I Use?

At Image Sign Studio, they offer a range of sign materials including aluminium, stainless steel, Perspex and wood and they are able to create a broad selection of styles. Below is a brief overview of some of the key sign materials that they use:

Aluminium

Aluminium signs are very popular. They are affordable, strong, professional in appearance and versatile. Aluminium is easy to customize making it a great option for your signage needs.

Dibond

Dibond is polythene encased in aluminium. It is lightweight, rigid and holds its shape.

Stainless steel

Signs made from stainless steel are highly durable, weatherproof and are an excellent option for use outside.

Perspex

Perspex is a very versatile material that creates signs suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is durable, lightweight and easy to cut into the desired format. Perspex is great for use in illuminated signs such as light boxes.

Wood

Signs made from wood are often heavyweight, can tolerate all weather conditions and are very strong and durable. They are also very versatile and look great.

Choosing a Letter Style

They offer a range of lettering options including acrylic cut out letters, 3D lettering, illuminated lettering and more. The lettering you decide on makes a big difference to the final look of your sign.

Acrylic Letters

Choosing acrylic letters is not only a great option for adding dimension to your sign but is also very affordable and fully customizable. The acrylic cut out letters are created with precision and are long lasting and durable.

Letters for Illuminated Signs

Choosing lettering for an illuminated sign such as halo lighting or illuminated letters is a great way to ensure your sign is advertising your business 24/7.

Top Tips When Choosing a Sign

A sign is a great way to attract customers to your business. It is important to use a professional sign maker to ensure your business has an effective, professional and well-designed sign. Below are some of our top tips when choosing a sign:

  • Remember your audience
  • Stay on brand
  • Simplicity goes a long way
  • Sign size and lettering are very important

Call Image Sign Studio today on 0114 261 7617 or visit their website at www.imagesignstudio.com

Engraving Near Me: Sheffield Engraving Ltd

Have you just typed ‘engraving near me‘ into the search engine? Are you looking for an engraving service near you? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Sheffield Engraving Ltd is a leading engraving company in Sheffield, offering a wide range of services to customers in the area.

We can engrave a variety of materials, including metal, wood, glass, and plastic. We also offer a variety of engraving styles, including laser engraving, hand engraving, and die stamping.

Whether you’re looking to engrave a trophy, a gift, or even your own custom design, we can help. We offer fast turnaround times and competitive prices.

So if you’re looking for an engraving service near you, look no further than Sheffield Engraving Ltd. We’re the best in the business.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Sheffield Engraving Ltd:

We’re a local company, so we understand the needs of our customers.
We have a team of experienced and skilled engravers.
We offer a wide range of services and styles.
We have competitive prices and fast turnaround times.
If you’re looking for an engraving service near you, contact Sheffield Engraving Ltd today. We’ll be happy to help you create a truly unique and memorable piece.

Keywords: engraving near me, sheffield engraving, sheffield engraving ltd, laser engraving, hand engraving, die stamping, trophies, gifts, custom designs, competitive prices, fast turnaround times, local company

Call to action:

Visit our website or give us a call today to learn more about our engraving services. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you create the perfect piece for your needs.

The advanced technology of 3D printing

3D printing is an advanced technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional objects from digital models. This process involves the layer-by-layer deposition of materials such as plastics, metals, ceramics, and even living cells. 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from healthcare to aerospace, by enabling faster prototyping, customization, and manufacturing.

The process of 3D printing begins with a digital model or design that is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software or obtained from a 3D scanner. The digital model is then processed by slicing it into thin layers that the 3D printer can read and print. The printer then builds the object layer by layer, using various types of materials that are melted, deposited, or cured to form the desired shape.

One of the significant advantages of 3D printing is its ability to produce customized and complex designs that may not be possible with traditional manufacturing techniques. For instance, 3D printing can create objects with intricate geometries, internal cavities, and overhangs that would be difficult or impossible to make with other methods. This makes it ideal for creating prototypes, models, and unique, one-of-a-kind objects.

3D printing has already revolutionized several industries. In healthcare, for example, 3D printing is used to create patient-specific models, prosthetics, implants, and surgical instruments. It is also used to produce drugs and vaccines and to print living tissues and organs for transplant. In aerospace, 3D printing is used to create lightweight and complex parts, such as fuel nozzles, turbine blades, and satellite components, which reduces weight and improves performance. It is also used in architecture and construction to create scale models and customized building components.

Despite its many advantages, 3D printing still faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the cost and availability of materials. Currently, the materials used in 3D printing are limited, and the cost of some materials, such as metal powders, can be prohibitive. Additionally, 3D printing is a slow process and may not be suitable for high-volume production. Another challenge is the quality and consistency of the final product, which can be affected by factors such as printer calibration, material properties, and post-processing.

In conclusion, 3D printing is a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to transform the way we design, manufacture, and consume goods. While it still faces some challenges, its ability to create complex, customized, and patient-specific objects makes it a powerful tool in many industries. As the technology advances and the materials and processes become more accessible and affordable, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of 3D printing in the future.

Power Bed Fusion

Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a category of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques that use a laser or electron beam to selectively fuse powdered material to create a three-dimensional object. In PBF, a bed of powdered material is spread over a build platform, and a laser or electron beam is directed over the powder to selectively melt and fuse the material together. The process is repeated layer by layer until the desired object is created.

PBF is a versatile and precise manufacturing technique that can produce complex geometries with high accuracy and resolution. The process is commonly used to produce metal parts for aerospace, medical, and automotive applications, among others. PBF can also be used with a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers.

There are several variations of PBF techniques, including selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and electron beam melting (EBM). SLM and DMLS use a laser to melt and fuse the powder, while EBM uses an electron beam. In SLM and DMLS, the laser beam is directed onto the powder bed, selectively melting the powder and fusing it to create the desired geometry. EBM works in a similar way, but uses an electron beam to melt and fuse the powder.

One advantage of PBF techniques is the ability to produce complex geometries with intricate details and thin walls that may not be possible with other manufacturing methods. PBF also allows for the production of high-quality, fully dense metal parts with properties similar to those of conventionally manufactured parts.

However, PBF also has some limitations. The process can be slow and expensive, and the size of the parts that can be produced is limited by the size of the build chamber. In addition, PBF typically requires extensive post-processing to remove excess powder and improve surface finish, which can add to the cost and time of production.

In conclusion, power bed fusion is a category of additive manufacturing techniques that use a laser or electron beam to selectively fuse powdered material to create complex geometries with high accuracy and resolution. While PBF has some limitations, it is a versatile and precise manufacturing technique that is widely used in industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive, and has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing of complex, customized parts.

3D printing machine manufacturers

There are several companies that manufacture 3D metal printing machines, also known as metal additive manufacturing machines. Here are some of the notable manufacturers:

  1. EOS: EOS is a German company that produces industrial 3D printing systems for both metals and polymers. Their metal 3D printing machines use various metal powders, including aluminum, titanium, and nickel alloys, to create high-quality parts for applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.
  2. Concept Laser: Concept Laser is a German company that produces metal 3D printing machines using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. They offer a range of machines that can process various metal powders, including stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and titanium alloys.
  3. SLM Solutions: SLM Solutions is a German company that specializes in producing metal additive manufacturing machines using the selective laser melting (SLM) technique. Their machines are designed for industrial applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, and can process a variety of metals including aluminium, titanium, and steel.
  4. GE Additive: GE Additive is a subsidiary of General Electric that focuses on developing and producing 3D printing machines and materials for various industries. Their metal additive manufacturing machines use the electron beam melting (EBM) technique and are designed for high-volume production of parts in industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive.
  5. Renishaw: Renishaw is a UK-based company that produces metal additive manufacturing machines using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. Their machines can process a variety of metal powders, including titanium alloys, cobalt chrome, and stainless steel, and are used in industries such as aerospace, medical, and dental.
  6. AddUp, a 3d printing machine manufacturer, was born in 2016 from the desire of two major French industrial groups, Michelin and Fives, to create an important player in the field of metal additive manufacturing. The joint venture relies on Michelin’s expertise, which has developed the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LB-PBF) technology and operates it for large-scale industrial production.

Airport security & X-Ray scanning

Airport security is a major concern for many people who travel through airports or on aeroplanes, but did you know that this is not a actually a modern-world problem? In fact, the first documented case of airport security was in the 1920s when officials would inspect hand luggage to make sure that passengers weren’t carrying bombs.

The most recent infamous case of aeroplane terrorism, or at least the one that springs to mind first for people, is the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the 11th September 2001. This attack killed almost 3000 people and continues today to claim the lives of people who were there, due to related health problems. 19 militants from al Qaeda – the Islamic extremist group – hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in America. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, a third plane was flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia (near to Washington, D.C.), and a fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, probably ultimately due to an attempt by the passengers and crew to regain control of it.

Anyone who remembers travelling through an airport before September 2001, and again afterwards, will tell you that this was the event that changed really the experience. Suddenly security was strict, and restrictions on what you could carry were uncompromising. The role of airport security was suddenly in the spotlight.

The ultimate goal of airport security is to identify potential threats and keep them out of the airport so in 1985, a new form of security was introduced, which was the metal detector. The technology was now more easily available and airports were experiencing an increase in terrorist attacks and hijacking attempts. In American, it became mandatory for all passengers to go through a metal detector before boarding their flight in 1987 and it has not changed since then. However, even earlier than that, in 1974, the Air Transportation Security Act sanctioned the FAA’s universal screening rule, forcing United States airports to adopt X-ray inspection systems for carry-on bags. X-ray baggage scanners are one of the most common security x ray scanner solution in airports and other high-security areas. They are used to detect any potential threat, such as explosives, in baggage and people. Hold baggage x-ray scanners are also used in airports to scan luggage that is placed on the belt for any potential threats. These scanners are usually large and stationary. Cargo x-ray scanners can be mobile or stationary and they scan cargo containers for any potential threats before they enter a country’s borders. Portable x-ray scanners can be used by security personnel at events to scan through bags of attendees or visitors for any potential threats. Each airport has a different set of requirements for scanning baggage including size, weight, and other factors like its destination airport or country. Some airports have more than one type of scanner installed at different locations in order to meet these requirements.

Sport during lockdown

From what I’ve seen, there are two main types of people at the moment here in the UK; those who relaxed and took things easy during the worst of the pandemic, and those who increased their exercise and outdoors time when they weren’t able to do all the normal things whilst everything was closed. A lot of people expected things to be over pretty quickly so the strictest lockdown rules were a shock to many people. Outdoors exercise was almost banned for a while – certainly all organised sports – but nevertheless, many people carried on doing what they could. As a regular in the countryside – before, during, and after lockdown – I’ve been amazed to see normally difficult-to-find paths suddenly well-trodden, and even new paths springing up. Many people who may not have really spent so much time in the countryside must have suddenly discovered a love for nature.

Basketball court

One of the most accessible sports is running and this has continued its meteoric rise in popularity right the way through lockdown regardless of any restrictions placed on people. Other sports have sadly been much more difficult to continue in the recent couple of year – in particular, sports played in-doors such as badminton, table tennis, gymnastics, and snooker. However, those lucky enough to live near open-air sports facilities may have been able to continue partaking in their chosen sports.

The main problem in relation to outdoors sport in the UK is that it just rains so much. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter – the only thing predictable is that we just don’t know what the next month or even next week holds in store for us. This is where open air but covered sports facilities come in very handy. For example, the image here shows a covered basketball court. This
basketball construction has covered the court in a rain-proof cover meaning you can still play regardless of the rain (or snow). One of the market leaders in covered courts and sports areas is SMC2 Construction, based in France.

The differences between ferrous & non-ferrous metals

Ever wondered about the differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals? The very short answer is that ferrous metals contain iron and non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron. In practice, ferrous and non-ferrous metals have their own very distinct properties which determine which applications they’re use for. Copper is probably the first non-ferrous metal you’ll think of – the discovery of this metal sparked the end of the Stone Age and the beginning of the copper age around 5000 BC. The bronze age followed that – as you probably know, bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. The wider use of ferrous metals started around 1200 BC when iron production became widespread and so began the Iron Age.

Well known ferrous metals you may have encountered are cast iron, wrought iron, tool steels, and engineering steels. Carbon steel is the most common structural steel and used in tallest sky scrapers and longest bridges. You’ll also find ferrous metal in everything from cars & shipping containers to domestic whitegoods & cutlery. Stainless steel is resistant to rust due to its chromium content and wrought iron is resistant to rust due to its purity. An easy way to find most ferrous steels is to see if they’re magnetic.

The most common ferrous metals include:

  • Carbon steel – a higher carbon content than other types of steel making it very hard.
  • Cast iron – made from iron, carbon and silicone. Hard and resistant to wear
  • Steel – made by adding carbon to iron to harden the iron. The properties can be further adjusted by adding elements like chromium and nickel (to make engineering steel)
  • Wrought iron – so little carbon it’s near pure iron. Has excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidisation

Non-ferrous metals include common materials like aluminium, copper, lead, zinc tin, gold and silver – many precious metals are now commonly used in electronics besides jewellery. Non-ferrous metals are normally more malleable than ferrous metals, and as they don’t contain iron, they normally have a higher resistance to corrosion and don’t rust. The other main benefit is that they’re not magnetic so can be used in electronic applications.

The most common non-ferrous metals include

  • Aluminium – lightweight but low strength – easily cast, forged, welded and machined.
  • Copper – high conductivity of both electricity and heat.
  • Lead – soft, heavy with a low melting point. Withstands corrosion from moisture
  • Tin – soft and malleable. Is often used to coat iron to prevent corrosion or used in alloys
  • Zinc – low strength butr very commonly used in galvanising or protective coating to steel or iron

If you’re looking for a specialist in non-ferrous metals, supplier of welding consumables, supplier of good tin ingot, or moreover zamak alloys, you could give the Metaconcept Groupe a call or get in touch with them via their website

The A to E of vitamins – what they are and what do they do

We’ve all heard of vitamins – for example, they’re one of the main selling point for many common foods like breakfast cereals – but how much do actually know about them? This is an A to E of vitamins – what they are, where they come from, and what they do

Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated nutritional organic compounds that includes retinol, retinal, and several provitamin A carotenoids such as beta-carotene. It has multiple functions in the human body, for example, it’s important for growth and development, for the maintenance of the immune system, and for vision (vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of retinal). It also functions in a very different role as retinoic acid which is an important hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells

B vitamins are water-soluble compounds that play an important role in cell metabolism and the synthesis of red blood cells. B vitamins (e.g. B1, B2, B3, etc.) are actually chemically distinct from each other but often coexist in the same foods. Often, in dietary supplements containing all 8 B vitaimins, thay are referred to as a ‘vitamin B complex’. When sold individually, B vitamins are more commonly referred to  supplements are referred to by the specific number or name of each vitamin, such as B1 for thiamine, B2 for riboflavin, and B3 for niacin, as examples.[1] Some are more commonly recognized by name than by number: niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and folate.

Vitamin C is also often referred to as ascorbic acid and is found naturally in various foods such as oranges. It’s also sold as a dietary supplement as it’s believed by many to help protect again colds and flus as it is important for immune system function (note there is some evidence that regular use of supplements may reduce the duration of the common cold, but it does not appear to prevent infection). In the body it’s an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters and also functions as an antioxidant.

Vitamin D is actually a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other biological functions. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The major natural source of the vitamin is synthesis of cholecalciferol in the lower layers of skin epidermis through a chemical reaction that is dependent on sun exposure (specifically UVB radiation). Only a few foods, such as the flesh of fatty fish, naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. In many countries, cow’s milk and plant-derived milk substitutes are fortified with vitamin D, along with many breakfast cereals. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light contribute useful amounts of vitamin D. Dietary recommendations typically assume that all of a person’s vitamin D is taken by mouth, as sun exposure in the population is variable and recommendations about the amount of sun exposure that is safe are uncertain in view of the skin cancer risk.

Vitamin E is a light yellow oil, a fat soluble vitamin, that is actually a family of substances, the tocopherols and tocotrienols, collectively known as ‘tocols’. They are found in nature in both plant and animals, however, since they are biosynthesized only in photosynthetic organisms, main sources are vegetables and seed or nut oils. There were first isolated from wheat germ oil, which is still a commonly used source of Vitamin E. The primary function of Vitamin E is as an antioxidant. Vitamin E is protective because it helps reduce oxidation of lipid membranes and the unsaturated fatty acids and prevents the breakdown of other nutrients by oxygen.

Many vitamin and minerals we buy in supplements are produced by companies like EXTRASYNTHESE  who manufacture, qualify and sell phytochemical substances as reference materials and analytical standards on a worldwide basis. Their highly purified reference substances are used in research, development, regulatory and testing activities in fields like biology, metabolomics, agronomy, crop protection, nutrition, nutraceuticals, food and feed, flavour and fragrance, cosmetics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals. For more information on herbal standards reference materials, see the EXTRASYNTHESE website

Eco-friendly Exploration Strategies of LNG by Total

The exploration strategy for Liquefied natural gas by total makes up one of five key pillars, including strategic focus based on the analysis of the main petroleum basins. Total’s basin-mastering teams share their knowledge and also assess plays on particular basins to maintain basin entry options to guarantee a firm and level-headed exploration portfolio.

The extraction, processing and transportation of liquefied natural gas require expert know-how. Total being a trailblazer of the LNG industry, aims to apply an integrated strategy that spreads from the initial exploration up to gas marketing.

The strategy includes gas production, liquefaction, logistics, marketing as well as regasification. Total is involved in each phase of the natural gas value chain and the company is currently among the leading players in this segment at position 2.

Eco-friendly Solutions

Total has embarked on the expansion of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) as one of the company’s flagship strategic priorities. The goal of the strategy is to enhance a pioneer industrial sector at a fast pace by introducing multiple initiatives such as the cutting-edge Northern Lights project.

The swift and substantial implementation of CCUS solutions is one of the main contributors to maintaining the global temperature rise under 2°C by the year 2100. The strategy will assist in decarbonizing industrial facilities, including cement factories, power plants, petrochemicals complexes and steel plants and petrochemicals.

Total energetically promotes the growth of the marine vibrator; an upcoming-generation seismic marine source. The technology offers solutions to some vital challenges, enabling the company to contain any noise impact for marine life during the exploration process. It also improves the imaging of deep locations as well as the repeatability of the company’s 4D acquisitions.

Total teams innovate more efficient, more economical solutions for the production and transportation of liquefied natural gas to ensure that the company remains Productive in a highly competitive environment. These inventions result in new gas resources within reach and at the same time reduce the energy intake and also lowers the environmental footprint of the company’s operations. Total’s goal is to increase the share of liquefied natural gas in their product mix to exceed 60% by the year 2035.

This entry was posted in Uncategorised on by .

Tips on starting a new business from Millhouses Accountancy

If you’re currently starting your own business or just considering it, you have a great opportunity to build it properly from the ground up, creating a great foundation for a successful business. Even more importantly, however, it’s a great opportunity to avoid some of the most costly mistakes than can ruin a business or worse!

You’re either working on your own dream or someone else’s – anon

Avoiding the biggest mistakes people make when starting a new business

Many people, when starting a new business, don’t give enough thought to the accounting and bookkeeping side of things. But of course, it’s perfectly understandable how that might happen. Our first worry with any new business is about the first sales, and then getting paid, and then creating steady some cash-flow, and then managing customers, and then finding the next sale… and it goes on. However, before you know it, you’re a year down the line and you’ve got a pile of invoices & receipts to sort through. Whichever way you look at it there’s a better way to do it – start with a solid financial foundation and get your accountant in place from the start.

A good way to think about starting a new business is to think of it like building a new house. Who in their right mind would try to do the architects drawings themselves, or save money by just not following building regulations, or just estimate the materials instead of using an engineer? And before all of that comes the foundation of any business – the financial side of things. Get the foundations right and you give yourself a solid base to build your business on.

Make sure you’ve for the right training you’ll need

Millhouses Accountancy have many years’ experience helping people start and grow their businesses. They provide the full range of supportive services – from standard business accounting and tax returns right the way through to virtual financial director services.

These days you’ll probably need an online accounting package so get some training on how to use it. Do you know how to properly do a VAT return or if you need to? Find this out too. Who should pay Corporation tax and when? How is best to pay yourself? Book some time in with your accountant and learn the basics of good business financials from the start

Other business support services:

Consider booking in some sessions with your accountant on:

Call Millhouses Accountancy today if you’re thinking of starting a business – and make sure you build a solid foundation for a successful business 

Water Parks & Aquatic Shows

Most of us are familiar with the big theme parks such as Euro Disney or the Magic Kingdom at Disney Park Resorts. And if you’ve ever visited one you will have most likely seen a water feature. These are anything upwards from small fountains to dancing water shows, and they’re often a big favourite of the crowds (especially the younger and older members of the audience!) However, water parks can actually be huge. As an example, the biggest water parks in the world, in size order, are as follows:

  • Chimelong Water Park at Guangzhou, China
  • Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States
  • Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States
  • Thermas Dos Laranjais, Olimpia, Brazil
  • Bahamas Aquaventure Water Park, Paradise Island, Bahamas

I’ve personally heard of Walt Disney World, but besides that, I’ve never heard of any of those other names! Which is amazing considering just those water parks alone attracted around 11 million visitors in total in 2018 (these are the most recent statistics I could find).

Aquatic Show’s, by contrast, are normally more of a spectator event. And one of the most recognised manufacturers and installers of these aquaitc shows is France’s very own Aquatique Show. There were established in 1979 and began presenting 2 to 5 shows per week in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. Their first exports outside of Europe began in 1989 with an installation for the Bicentenary of Australia. One of their best claims to fame was the creation if the biggest water show in Europe at Futuroscope Park, Poitiers, in France, in 1991, before presenting their aquatic shows throughout the Middle East in 1998 including the Dubai Shopping Festival. In 2001 they made their first installations of water shows in China before the installation of the world’s largest temporary show in Wolfsburg for Volkswagen in 2007.

With a focus on continually producing new and innovative new shows and on new movements such as the water tunner effect, the water fountain show, new textures and more powerful lighting effects on their water effects, Aquatique Show continue to be one of the world’s leading designers and producers of water shows. Their amazing water special effect continues to wow crowds throughout the world, with the creation of water effect effect year-on-year. These water features are usually tailor-made, however, there are some standardised displays allowing for more consistent production. For more information see their website.

Insurance Claims Management

Can I first start by saying I’m not an insurance expert and any statistics quoted here are not from my own research, rather taken from other companies websites I found during my research. In other words, this article is just for fun – please don’t use any information here to make financial decisions and make sure to get proper advice and do your own research first. According to a recent article I read on the Statista website (link at bottom of page), the insurance industry in the United Kingdom is the largest in Europe. Or even more surprisingly, it turns out it’s the fourth largest in the world! These is even more surprising when you consider that in terms of population, we’re only the 21st biggest country in the world (out of 235) behind countries like Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt and Iran. We’re also only 82nd in the world in terms of land area – a medium population on a little island. So, as one of the worlds leading exporters of insurance, we’re certainly appear to be punching above our weight!

The article goes on to say that in 2016, the UK insurance industry employed over 111 thousand people, and by 2017, the tax contributions from this industry were over 72 billion pounds which apparently is the largest contribution of any sector in the country. You can broadly define insurance into two main categories – life and non-life. Life insurance premiums in the UK in 2016 amounted to 168.9 billion euros whereas the rest of Europe combined amounted to under 700 billion euros in total. in the UK, there are also a further 82 billion euros of non-life insurance (e.g. car, business or home insurance) which is the second only to Germany in Europe.

Suddenly it makes sense that many of the leading companies in Europe’s insurance industry are found in the UK – 5 of the top 10 reside in the UK with Prudential being the largest with a market share of almost $54 billion USD. So you can imagine the huge scale of insurance claims management these companies will have to undertake even in an average year so moving away from the old fashioned paper style insurance claims to digital presents opportunities for huge savings. “In an increasingly digital world, removing the need to submit paper bills to health insurers offers medical providers and their patients a fantastic opportunity for improvement. The savings for insurers can be dramatic: manual claims submissions in the US are estimated to cost 74 cents, electronic submissions just 26 cents – a 63% improvement.” – Cegidim Insurance Solutions

Statista article link: https://www.statista.com/topics/4511/insurance-industry-uk/

Sports halls and gymnasiums as focal points for communities

Sports halls and gymnasiums are often very important focal points for communities providing warm, dry areas to exercise along with changing facilities and toilets. Schools and municipal facilities traditionally provided this type of resource to communities, however, increasingly, private companies are beginning to invest in this market such as private gyms. This is most likely due to a combination of the ageing infrastructure which typically dates back to the 30-or-so-years post-war which is when many of these structures were built, and also to increasing austerity & a move towards private investment in areas which were once provided by local government. What is the result? Obviously, rising prices is something we have all seen, however, what we also have now is access to new facilities which are properly maintained. Old concrete and steel structures are being replaced by modern, often wooden structures which are more eco-friendly and certainly more pleasing to the eye.

With this move to more modern building types come a whole new industry focused on providing these structures. A good example of which is SMC2, based in France, who specialise in leisure and tourism construction. On the subject of their multi-sport gymnasiums, “the design of a temperate gymnasium combines high environmental and architectural quality: it combines a glue-laminated timber structure with a translucent textile membrane roof. Our textile membrane roofs have a 17-year guarantee. Their curved shapes inspired by the world’s major sports facilities are intemporal. The air handling and double-walled roof provide thermal comfort without any risk of condensation.”

Communities need sport facilities that are not only safe and accessible, but also suitable for use. Suitable means not only of the correct size and shape, but also able to be used all through the year. Modern buildings are generally better often better insulated than the older buildings they’re replacing which is good news for us all and better for the environment. Whether it’s
tennis court construction you’re after or new gymnasium construction, taking the heating and environmental considerations into consideration is certainly something that all planners and architects need to do

 

Have you ever needed a debt collection agency?

If you’ve been running your own business or involved in company accounts for any length of time you’ll know how difficult it can be to keep up with all the different financial tasks that need to be kept up-to-date. Even more so if you’ve ever run a small business you’ll certainly understand what it’s like managing the sales, the marketing, the invoicing, the bookkeeping, the VAT, the admin, the purchases, the accounts, etc. And this is even before we get to dealing with overdue invoices! It’s a fact of life that we’ll all one day have one of those customers who simply won’t pay for whatever reason – and this is where you may need the services of a debt collection agency. Maybe your customer is just doesn’t want to pay or perhaps they’re just one of those irritating companies that avoid paying anything they can get away with. Whatever the reason, it might be time to type ‘debt collection Sheffield’ or ‘debt collection agency near me’ into the search engine.

B2B Debt Collection Sheffield

B2B Debt Collection Sheffield

Even if you’ve never needed to use the services of a debt collection agency, it’s very likely that one day you will. A debt collection agency is an independent company who job it is to recover money owed to your business on your behalf – agencies that specialise in collecting debt where the original creditor cannot get arrears paid by themselves.

Business to business debt collection agencies can take the stress out of chasing your debtors. And problem debtors are a big problem according to a recent report – it’s been estimated that 63% of small businesses are struggling with late payment issues at any one time and this is only likely to get worse during the Coronavirus lock-down as unemployment rises and businesses increasingly struggle here in the UK and further afield. It has probably never been more important to stay up to date with invoices by making sure they are constantly paid on time. Small problems can sometimes snowball and cash-flow problems are something that can cause even the most profitable businesses to struggle.

If you do feel you would like some help chasing your debtors, and need a debt collection agency in Sheffield, give Collective Solutions 4 Business (CS4B) a call on 0114 231 6080. With many years’ experience providing the full range of bespoke debt collection agency services such as debt recovery, credit control, debt collection, invoicing, tracing, and company reports, they’re on-hand to help you get your finances back on track.

Dehumidifiers in industrial applications

I was working in London in late 2000 when the capital was hit by extremely heavy rain that caused disruption on a huge scale with the inevitable flooding that followed affected numerous parts of the city. At that time, as noted by a subsequent report by the Greater London Assembly, around half of residents living in flood-prone areas were unaware to the danger that flooding posed to them so it came as a shock to many. Add to this the quantity of basement and cellar conversions in zones where land is flood prone, and you can envisage the wide-scale disruption that this extreme weather caused many Londoners – both businesses and residents the same.

industrial dehumidifiers used in the food industry among others

At that time, I was working with a company that, among other things, leased dehumidifiers for industrial applications such as drying out properties and buildings. Normally used for things like drying plaster or decorating, there was suddenly a massive demand for these machines by homeowners, once the waters had subsided and people were able to see the damage that had been caused.

Dehumidifiers work by reducing the humidity in a room. They remove excess moisture from the air by drawing it over the refrigerant-cooled coils using a fan allowing the excess moisture to condense. In works in a similar way to how the moisture forms on the glass of a cold drink on a hot day. Warm air holds much more moisture than cold air. You cool the air and it lets go of the moisture.

Dehumidifiers are important not just for homes where they’re often used to remove moisture from the air to tackle damp and mould, but they’re also very important in the workplace. Too much humidity, or simply excessive variation in levels of humidity in a workplace and you can end up with big problems. They used in many diverse industries such as the agri-food and food processing sector; industrial bakeries & pastries; the pharmaceutical industry; the chemicals industry; and all companies involved in the process of seed storage. The
industrial dehumidifier provides a fast and efficient way to remove moisture industrial (i.e. industrially) scale. Without them, many of the foods and chemicals we use on a daily basis would be much more expensive or even not able to be produced in the first place