Production aids for SMEs

CLIFF Electronics manufactures a wide range of production aids suitable for SME’s and micro-businesses.

Widely used for electrically testing or servicing electrical and electronic products in factories or laboratories the Cliff Quicktest enables fast connection to mains power without requiring the device under test to be fitted with a plug or connector. Available without a power cord the Quicktest may be bench or rack mounted singly or in multiples for test or burn-in applications. For portable use the Quicktest is also available with a mains lead fitted with a British, European Schuko or USA Plug.

To operate the lid is opened and the wires of a plug-less connecting lead are inserted. When the lid is closed current is passed to the equipment on test and a neon indicator shows that the connector is live and ready for use. The Quicktest is made from robust and safe materials and can be wall or bench mounted. The Cliff Quicktest is available direct or from Farnell, Conrad, Comptel, JPR, Rapid, RS Components, Buerklin , Conrad ,elfa -Distrelec and TME

The Cliff PM-1 component forming machine is designed to cut to length and pre-form axial leaded components ready for mounting on to PCBs. Components may be fed into the machine in bandolier form or loose via the chute slots. Forming adjustments are made at the top of the machine where simple to follow instructions are displayed. The PM-1 is constructed of anodised aluminium with heavy steel sides. The cutting and bending wheels are manufactured from high carbon steel and are hardened and tempered for long life. The Cliff PM-1 can cut and bend 40,000pcs/hour and a motorised version is also available.

The company also manufactures a range of flexible PC Workframes. Designed to facilitate component loading and soldering of small batch assembled PCBs three size options are available which will accommodate most Euro-norm sized PCBs in one or two rows depending on the PCB dimensions and size of frame. Components are held in place by anti-static foam and PCBs are retained by spring loaded bars.

The Cliff PM-1 and Workframes are available from Rapid, Farnell and JPR components.

The Cliff PC Rack is designed to safely hold PCBs at all stages of assembly, cleaning and testing. The width of the standard rack is adjustable between 0-270mm and additional lengths of extrusion are available to allow the width to be extended to 970mm. The PC Rack module is stackable in all directions offering no limit to the height and depth which may be constructed. A conductive version is available for use when electrostatic sensitive components require protection during handling while being assembled and tested. Cliff PC Racks are available from Rapid Electronics.

For use in small manufacturing or prototyping facilities Cliff manufacture an economical and compact bench top Fumes Extractor. Primarily designed to be used adjacent to hand soldering and gluing operations, the on-board activated charcoal filters are cost effective and easy to replace when required. The Cliff SFE/1 is supplied with a stand for angling the machine for the most effective fumes extraction. The SFE/1 is available from JPR

To complete their range of production aids Cliff offer a wide range of hand tools including pliers, cutters, nippers and bending tools. Manufactured with tempered steel and insulated grips the full range or tools is available through Farnell and Rapid


Melvyn French, Sales Manager at Cliff Electronics, comments, "We have first-hand knowledge of what is required for safe and reliable manufacturing processes and our UK manufactured production and test aids are put to daily use in our own facility. Ideally suited to the large number of SMEs in the UK, customers for our production aids regularly come back for more as their own businesses grow.”