The Optimal Team

Optimal employs a large team of experienced engineers qualified in various disciplines who are able to produce innovative designs to customer specifications.

Automation Engineering

Optimal employs a large team of highly experienced and innovative engineers covering a wide range of disciplines.

Within the team we have full capabilities for projects and products typically involving:

Automation using PLC, DCS, SCADA and high level software platforms
Functional safety systems.
Documentation and validation services
Application and implementation of Process Analytical Technology (PAT)
A range of training and post-sale support offerings which includes our application support package, Optimal Assured

Machine Vision

Whether vision systems are employed for quality checking products, or enabling new processes within a machine, they provide a vital service to every industry. As they are a key element of any production line, their proper set up and calibration is essential.

Optimal have developed a number of vision applications based on both Cognex and Keyence systems. Our Cognex projects have applied both Visionpro and In-Sight for high speed image acquisition and processing. Our Keyence projects have ranged from using the AI powered image processing of the IV3 system, the ultra-wide field of view and depth of field from the SR-2000 code reader range, through to Multispectrum Lighting with the Highly programmable XG-X vision system.

Our expertise allows for machine vision systems to be both reliable and versatile. These applications are used to inspect and identify product defects on assembly lines. This extends to the measurement of dimensions, checking print alignment, ensuring correct assembly, identifying missing components and verifying consistency. We have provided systems to track materials and products within a production line, often using 3D barcodes or optical character recognition.

Effective machine vision can play a major role in highly regulated industries where Optimal has vast experience, traceability of parts and processes need to be logged to certain standards.

Robotics

We have been integrating robots into our designs for a number of years to produce solutions to complex handling problems.

Our skilled robotics engineers can integrate and control various types of industrial and laboratory robots to the master control system. They use robots from companies including KUKA, Mitsubishi, Universal and KX-2 and control them via industrial communications systems, including SIEMENS and Beckhoff PLCs.

Mechanical Engineering

We have full mechanical engineering capabilities using Solid Edge and Inventor 3D CAD software. Our on-site manufacturing facility allows us to make components to international standards, and enable a fast turnaround of parts when required.

Our designs, which have been used in fast moving consumer goods, pharmaceutical and food manufacturing environments, enable us to design bespoke machines to meet our customers’ specific requirements.

A small sample of our expertise is:

Special purpose machinery design
Component design and assembly
Worldwide commissioning

Project Management

Our team of professionally qualified project managers draw on knowledge and experience gained from a wide variety of national and international industries to provide a strong and decisive approach throughout each project from inception, through briefing, design, planning and implementation, ensuring completion within time, cost and quality objectives.

Robust project control mechanisms are maintained throughout the lifecycle of all projects to ensure clear stakeholder communication at every stage and to enable us to identify and effectively resolve any challenges met, reducing risk and maintaining effective project delivery.

Electrical Engineering

Our electrical engineering division has full design capabilities that meet UK, EU and other international standards, incorporating machine safety and explosive atmospheres. All of our designs are supported with a comprehensive documentation package that details the equipment and aids ease of maintenance.

Our capabilities include:

Electrical Schematics
Panel Assembly Drawings
Parts List and Recommended Spares
PLC I/O Schedules
Field Cable Schedules
Machine Safety Verification Calculations
ATEX I.S. Descriptive System Document

Our in-house build facilities, comprising 12,000 square feet of offices and workshops, allow full panel and machine build along with factory acceptance testing. We provide a full turnkey solution – our experienced team can carry out full site installations, commissioning activities and training.

Quality Team

To ensure that we have a complete, coherent, documented, traceable, and auditable project and product lifecycle system, we have a dedicated quality team who put the systems in place and then continuously monitor adherence to the policies. Where improvements are identified, the team implement the changes and inform all affected personnel. Optimal is regularly audited by leading pharmaceutical companies, assuring our customers of first-class quality and compliance.

Business Development & Sales

Our Business Development and Sales team build relationships with clients and associates around the UK (and globally!).

Sales Director: Alan Messenger

Account Managers: