CLIENT: Husco

MATERIALS: Husco Products, Display Stands, Paint

TECHNIQUES: Show Finishing, Chroming, 3D Printing

“Husco has now been working with EF Engineering for nearly 7 years. Each year, the partnership grows, and the impact of EF Engineering’s treatment of our unique products gets more and more impactful. It is a true partnership, and they are now considered an extension of our marketing team where we can trust everything they do is going to highlight our hardware to a key global audience.”

Simon Yardley, Director of Business Development & Corporate Marketing

At EF Engineering, we understand the importance of having standout exhibition displays to increase footfall, regardless of the product size. For brands like Husco, success often lies in clearly communicating multiple technologies at once, each with its own story to tell. This project demonstrated how careful coordination, strong communication, and detailed project management can turn many small components into a powerful, cohesive exhibition display.

PROBLEM.

Husco regularly exhibits at international trade shows with clear marketing objectives, including product launches and technical education. For Agritechnica 2025, the challenge was not one large display item, but ten individual products, each requiring show-standard finishing and precise presentation.

Managing multiple components introduced additional complexity:

• Numerous products, each with different finishing requirements
• Tight exhibition deadlines influenced by shipping, customs, and logistics
• The need for clear, consistent communication between teams
• Ensuring every item is aligned with the overall stand narrative

For marketers, this type of project demands absolute confidence that nothing will be missed and that each product will arrive event-ready.

PROCESS.

Clear communication and planning were central to the project’s success. Husco worked closely with EF Engineering from the outset, with Simon Yardley at Husco coordinating the selection and shipment of all products requiring show finishing.

Each item was supported by a detailed reference document, outlining specific requirements for every product. While EF Engineering brought the technical expertise, Husco remained the product expert, a collaborative approach that ensured accuracy and consistency across the entire display.

Once all items arrived, EF Engineering:

• Inspected and assessed each component individually
• Held a detailed review meeting with the Husco team to confirm scope, priorities, and timelines
• Gained a full understanding of the overall stand layout, including which elements were being handled elsewhere

This level of coordination allowed the team to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously while keeping the project firmly on track.

SOLUTION.

With the project fully defined, EF Engineering scheduled chroming, preparation, finishing, and presentation to coordinate completion with the freight deadline. Where required, in-house 3D printing was used to support and enhance the overall display.

Every item was finished to exhibition standards, featuring flawless paintwork, chroming of fittings, polished surfaces, and careful detailing, before being securely packed in bespoke crates for transport.

The result was a cohesive stand made up of many individual products, each clearly presented and collectively delivering a strong visual impact. For marketers, this approach ensured:

• Clear communication of complex product ranges
• Flexibility to showcase multiple technologies at once
• Confidence that every detail was managed, even under tight timelines

As this project proved, you don’t need one large product to create a show-stopping display when communication and project management are done right; small components can make a big impact.

At the show:

In the workshop:

The post CASE STUDY: SMALL PRODUCTS, BIG IMPACT – COMMUNICATION IS KEY appeared first on EF Engineering.

At EF Engineering, we thrive on projects that push boundaries. When Atmus Filtration Technologies (Atmus) approached us with the idea of combining a 3D printed scale engine with augmented reality to showcase their filtration technology, it presented an exciting opportunity to bring digital innovation and physical engineering together in a single exhibition display.

The project allowed us to demonstrate our in-house 3D printing capabilities, collaborate with specialist AR partner Zubr, and deliver a display designed to captivate, educate, and drive meaningful engagement at trade shows.

PROBLEM.

Atmus required an interactive, centrepiece display for an upcoming trade show that would attract visitors, encourage longer dwell time on the stand, and support technical conversations with their team.

The display needed to:

• Engage users intuitively, without complex instructions
• Clearly explain how Atmus’ filtration technology works
• Combine physical and digital elements seamlessly
• Help visitors understand what differentiates Atmus’ filters from those of competitors

Above all, the experience had to be both educational and user-friendly, ensuring visitors left the stand with a clear understanding of the product benefits.

PROCESS.

The project began with CAD development, splitting and tweaking supplied STEP files into scaled sections, suitable for 3D printing. Components were carefully engineered to be assembled by hand, with layered construction designed to conceal fixings and maintain a clean, professional appearance, resulting in a scaled yet true-to-life engine model.

Using EF Engineering’s in-house 3D printers, the model was manufactured in sections before being passed to our sister company, Revelare, for finishing and paint application. Once complete, the engine was assembled by our engineering team, bringing the physical display to life.

To integrate augmented reality, EF Engineering partnered with Zubr, specialists in educational AR software. As this was a new workflow for the team, strong communication and regular progress meetings were essential. The completed model was taken to Zubr for live AR testing, ensuring the digital overlays aligned accurately with the physical engine and remained intuitive for users. Atmus were closely involved throughout this stage, reviewing content to ensure technical accuracy and authenticity.

Final stages included scaled labelling to make filters look true-to-life, along with the design and manufacture of a bespoke stand to support the engine, showcase Atmus branding, and securely hold the iPad used for the AR experience. Once complete, the display was carefully packed and prepared for transport, ready for installation at the show.

SOLUTION.

The finished display combines physical engineering, digital interaction, and thoughtful design to create an engaging exhibition experience. Visitors can explore the engine visually whilst using augmented reality to understand filtration technology in situ, encouraging longer engagement and deeper technical conversations.

EF Engineering delivered full project management from concept through to completion, coordinating design, manufacture, finishing, logistics, and specialist partners to ensure the project stayed on schedule and within budget.

“It has been a pleasure working with the team at EF Engineering. Their proactive approach and attention to detail have ensured the model’s accuracy, giving us exactly the result we required,” says Rachel Robb, marketing communications manager for EMEA at Atmus Filtration Technologies.

This project represents an exciting step forward in how products can be presented at exhibitions, blending innovation with engineering craftsmanship and demonstrates EF Engineering’s ability to manage complex, multi-discipline projects with creativity and confidence.

“We had a fantastic opportunity to work with Atmus on this very innovative project. Once the scope was agreed, we were able to utilise our in-house 3D capabilities alongside our supply partner, Zubr, who dealt with the AR. This was a fully collaborative project that we engaged all parties to ensure this impressive display piece gave the client that cutting edge at future events.” said John Knight, Managing Director at EF Engineering.

The post Case Study: Bringing Augmented Reality to Products at Live Shows appeared first on EF Engineering.

MATERIALS: Jaguar Engine, Metal Work

TECHNIQUES: Show Finishing

At EF Engineering, we thrive on creative engineering challenges. With expertise spanning restoration, fabrication, and show finishing, we were approached by a private client to transform a classic Jaguar engine into a functional furniture piece. This bespoke project required reimagining components, materials, and manufacturing techniques to create a one-of-a-kind design that blended form, function, and engineering heritage.

PROBLEM.

The objective was to transform a Jaguar X300 engine block into a functional and visually striking clothes rail. The piece needed to act as a statement feature, celebrating automotive engineering history while fitting seamlessly into a contemporary interior environment.

The key challenge was maintaining the authentic character of the original engine while ensuring the final product was durable, practical, and finished to exhibition standard.

PROCESS.

Our first task was to source a suitable engine that works well as the main display component. Working with our network we found a Jaguar X300 engine that would work perfectly. Once we set to work stripping the engine using the same meticulous process applied to our show engine restorations and exhibition displays. Each component was cleaned, inspected, and prepared for finishing to ensure the highest possible quality. 

In this case, minimal structural repair was required and the engine showed no signs of corrosion, allowing the project to move efficiently through the restoration phase. 

Our team then engineered custom metal arms and a tailored base, transforming the engine block into a stable and fully functional structure. The whole display was then mounted on a specially designed column stand that would enable it to function as a coat stand. Components were painted, re-chromed, and finished to preserve the engine’s distinctive features while elevating it to a premium, furniture-grade aesthetic.

Final assembly and polishing were completed by our experienced engineers, ensuring the piece met EF Engineering’s exacting standards for durability, finish, and visual impact.

SOLUTION.

The completed clothes rail delivered a unique fusion of mechanical artistry and practical design. By repurposing an iconic Jaguar engine into a functional interior feature, EF Engineering demonstrated its ability to rethink traditional components and deliver bespoke, show-finished products across both commercial and private projects.

This project also gained recognition beyond the workshop, being featured in Jaguar World, highlighting the appeal of specialist engineering craftsmanship within the automotive community.

If you have a project like this you would like brought to life please contact John at info@ef-engineering.co.uk

The post Case Study: A One-of-a-kind Jaguar Engine Clothes Rail appeared first on EF Engineering.

As one of the world’s leading clutch manufacturers, supplying major vehicle OEMs globally, Valeo required an interactive demonstrator that could attract attention at trade shows, explain clutch operation clearly, and withstand frequent use and transport.

Challenge

To design and build a practical, mechanical display that:

• Demonstrated clutch functionality with clear visibility of internal mechanisms.
• Withstood repeated use at exhibitions such as Automechanika and at ongoing training events.
• Engaged audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge: from garage owners to technicians and distributor staff.
• Was compact, portable, and easy to protect during storage and transport.
• Reflected Valeo’s branding and visual identity as part of their TechCare campaign.

Process

Working closely with Valeo, EF Engineering began by designing a custom stand tailored to the client’s needs. The stand featured a removable top, a painted steel drop skirt, and lockable casters to ensure mobility and stability during setup and use.

Using Valeo’s detailed training schematics, our engineers developed a CAD model of an exploded clutch assembly, accurately representing key internal layers while maintaining visual clarity. Every component position was carefully reviewed with Valeo to ensure both technical accuracy and instructional value.

The final model combined precision machining, robust materials, and exhibition-grade finishing to ensure longevity and professional presentation. To maximise usability, EF Engineering also supplied a user guide for safe setup, operation, and transport to support both display protection and operator safety.

Once complete, EF Engineering coordinated full logistics and installation, with two skilled engineers delivering and setting up the display at Automechanika, NEC Birmingham, ensuring seamless integration with Valeo’s exhibition environment.

Outcome

The finished demonstrator provided a technically accurate, engaging, and durable solution for Valeo’s marketing and educational goals. Built for repeated use, it continues to perform at trade shows and training sessions two years later: a testament to EF Engineering’s commitment to quality, functionality, and reliability.

As a Tier One manufacturer for car parts and systems, we were looking for a mechanical solution to display our technology, within tight deadlines and were also looking for a practical display. EF Engineering met all our expectations. Thanks to their professionalism, from quoting to planning the project, they delivered very high standard displays that we are still using often at shows and technical events after 2 years. A great company to work with!

— Valeo

The post Case Study: ‘How It Works’ Clutch Demonstrator, Built to Last appeared first on EF Engineering.

That’s why every item that returns to our facility goes through a checking process to ensure its show quality. Our goal is to ensure it’s in pristine, show-ready condition before being packed securely for storage. If issues are found then we investigate the source to improve our process, contact the customer and arrange repairs.

Thanks to a strong partnership with our trusted freight providers, Exhibition Freighting, we can adapt quickly to prevent repeat incidents. With us taking on new challenges we are always learning and improving our processes.

The Challenges

• The display engine was returned to our workshop after a show and, during the post event inspection, found to be damaged.
• While a respray addressed the visible surface damage, a rubber end cap on the unit was beyond repair and could not be reused.

Our Response

• We immediately informed the client of the damage and outlined our repair plan.
• Our in-house designer could swiftly to create a replacement cap using 3D CAD software.
• The cap was 3D printed in-house and finished with a rubberised coating for durability and a show-quality finish.

The Result

• The product was restored to full show-ready condition without needing to return it to the customer or the customer sending parts out to us at their expense.
• The client had confidence that their equipment was event-ready and looked after.
• EF Engineering demonstrated the ability to create custom replacement parts internally, saving time and avoiding additional costs for the customer.

Conclusion

EF Engineering’s investment in 3D printing technology goes far beyond prototyping—it’s now a core part of how we maintain quality and respond to challenges. Whether it’s bringing your vision to life or ensuring your equipment remains flawless from show to show, our in-house capabilities let us act fast and deliver reliably.

If you’re looking to create a showstopping piece with the confidence it can be maintained for repeated use, get in touch with the EF Engineering team today!

The post Case Study: 3D Printing Making EF Engineering Responsive to any Challenge appeared first on EF Engineering.