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Fixing manufacturing’s billion-dollar harm problem
Steel awards showcase local industry’s expertise and sophistication
Aotearoa’s Industry 4.0 journey
5S – Not That Old Chestnut
Scott Aylett, SEA Electrical a winner

doug

About doug

http://asiapublishinggroup.com

Posts by Doug Green:

New microgram load cell key to redefining the kilogram

 A new microgram load cell is for use in an experiment aimed at establishing a new definition of the kilogram. The kilogram is the last unit of the International System of Units (SI) still based on an artifact – the international prototype of the kilogram (IPK), kept at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). Mass comparisons with the IPK have indicated a mean drift in the official IPK copies of 0.5 µg/year. To get better stability, scientists have been working on a new definition of the kilogram based on a physical constant of nature, which should be reproducible regardless of geographical location. The IPK prototype, machined in 1878, is a cylinder of platinum-iridium alloy (Pt 90% – Ir 10% in mass) whose height (39 mm) is equal to its diameter. Six copies were designated as official copies and are kept in the same protective conditions as the international prototype. To assess the evolution of the official copies relative to the IPK, three comparisons have been carried out since 1880. The results of these comparisons have clearly put in evidence, a relative drift of this set of masses with respect to the IPK, evaluated at 0.5 µg/year. Today, all modern mass measurements are directly related to the IPK. The relative uncertainty of each measurement is declared according to the comparison of a test weight used on the same weighing apparatus with the IPK. There is no currently accepted standard for defining the kilo in the same way as for other standards e.g. the meter is defined according to the distance light travels in a vacuum in a specified time period. The relative weight between the IPK and its copies is changing minutely over time and it is this which is driving scientists to redefine the kilo. METAS, in conjunction […]

Feeling a bit better but still worried

The latest New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) Survey of Business Conditions completed during May 2013, shows total sales in April 2013 increased 3.28% (export sales increased by 0.76% with domestic sales increasing 5.53%) on April 2012. The NZMEA survey sample this month covered NZ$489m in annualised sales, with an export content of 46%. Net confidence rose to -9, up from the -50 result reported last month. The current performance index (a combination of profitability and cash flow) is at 101, up from 92.5 in March, the change index (capacity utilisation, staff levels, orders and inventories) went up to 100 from 99 in the last survey, and the forecast index (investment, sales, profitability and staff) is at 99.75, up on March’s result of 97. Anything less than 100 indicates a contraction. Constraints reported were 82% markets, 9% production capacity and 9% skilled staff. Staff numbers for April decreased year on year by 0.74%. “This month’s results are a bounce back from last month, driven mostly by improved domestic sales. Export sales improved from their negative position last month. Generally trends are flat to negative.” says NZMEA Chief Executive John Walley. “Falling staff numbers reinforces a soft declining overall trend, that said manufacturers continue to report difficulties in finding skilled staff.” “Net confidence improved but is still in negative territory – the number of optimists continues to decline.” “For exporters, markets are soft, and improving domestic demand is little help for those who operate predominately in export markets.” “A recent RBNZ speech from Graeme Wheeler expressed a more pessimistic sentiment than usual, reflecting concerns over the overvalued dollar, increasing current account deficit and risks in the housing and credit markets to financial stability. We have expressed this view for some time and encourage the RBNZ to be much more active […]

X4 for parting off and grooving of small components

X4 is a new multi-edged, tangential tool for parting off and grooving of small components. Available in cutting widths from 0.5 Ð 3.0 mm (.031ÕÕ Ð .093), X4’s inserts minimise material consumption in parting off and enable precise grooving and copying of small and medium-sized, complex parts. Performance is further enhanced through X4’s tangential insert bodies that ensure high rigidity, stability and productivity. To increase flexibility, every specific X4 insert seat can accommodate all X4 insert types, allowing for reduction of tooling inventory. Depending on the cutting edge width, the tool’s maximum cutting depth ranges from 2.6 – 6.5 mm (.102  .256) and can cut off maximum bar diameters from 5.2 – 13 mm (.205 Ð .512). X4 inserts are available in neutral, right-hand angled and left-hand angled cutting edge options. Ideal for a wide variety of common workpiece materials, X4 uses CP500 and CP600 insert grades. CP600 features a mix of toughness and wear resistance suitable for most general applications, while CP500 provides increased wear resistance for more challenging applications. To further increase X4’s performance, inserts with the MC chipbreaking geometry can be applied. This versatile geometry achieves excellent formation of comma and clock-spring chips in a variety of materials and uses a straight front edge line to guarantee a straight bottom within a groove. All toolholders provide the unique Jetstream Tooling Duo technology to further enhance productivity, lengthen tool life and improve chip control. By delivering coolant from two outlets to optimal points in the cutting and heat zones, Jetstream Tooling Duo contributes to efficient cooling, improved chip control and high part quality. X4 will be offered in shank sizes metric 2020 and 2525, imperial sizes .63, .75 and 1.00, and Seco-Capto C4, C5 and C6.          

Free-Form headlamp kits

A comprehensive range of Free-Form Headlamp conversion kits allow owners to upgrade the lighting on their work vehicles, or for use in new applications. Free-Form technology utilises a specially designed and complex reflector to precisely control the light. In each case, the reflector has an important relationship with the globe filament to maximise the light output and pattern of light on the road. Because of the precise design of the reflectors within each headlamp unit it is critical to the lamps performance that only  approved globes are used. The new range of Free-Form Headlamp conversion kits covers all popular round and rectangular sizes used in many vehicles, from utes and SUVs to trucks and buses. The smaller round and rectangular lamps are each fitted with a glass lens with no optic function itself. Larger rectangular units such as the 200 x 142mm and the 7 round headlamp inserts each have virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lenses, which effectively reduce the weight and add to the durability and active life of the lamp. The full range of these stylish and attractive headlamp inserts includes High and High/Low beam functions and incorporates the popular 7 (178mm) and 5  (146mm) round, plus the all new 165 x100mm and 200 x 142mm rectangular units. Each headlamp insert is ADR approved and is ideally suited to upgrade applications in popular vehicles or fitted as original equipment or upgrades in buses, trucks and special vehicles.        

Custom toolkit of the future

The world offers a wild number of tools to the modern tinkerer. Yet the perfect tool never seems to be within arm’s reach, or available at all. The angle of the handle is off, the fitting imprecise, or the size awkward. How convenient it would be if we could fashion our own adaptation from clay, or styrofoam, or duct tape, throw it in a bag of sand, and pull out a solid, working version. That future is here . . . or nearly so. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Distributed Robotics Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, have devised a self-sculpting sand that will duplicate whatever object is thrown at it, or into it. Each grain (or module) is a cube filled with processors and electropermanent magnets. The cubes do not fidget about to assemble themselves into whatever new shape is demanded of them; individual mobility would add an entirely different engineering headache. Rather, they start as a latticed block, and then learn from their neighbours the shape of any object placed amidst them. They pass along messages as to which ones should stay together and which should fall away. It’s more akin to a sculptor “removing the excess material, to reveal the shape that’s always been underneath,” says Kyle Gilpin, a graduate student at the lab who led the project. A previous edition of the module measured 1.7 in per size. The current version is 12 mm. Shrinking them meant losing room for connectors, so at the moment they only work in two dimensions. “In the long run we would like a module approaching a millimetre in size,” says Gilpin “You can create objects with much higher resolutions.” Smaller means stronger as well. Where a single module of the 1.7-in version could support a chain of 17 additional modules, […]

Local engagement for tomorrow

Electropar is a multi-disciplined engineering company operating predominantly in the industrial electrical area. They contested and won a contract to supply for complex electrical equipment which had to be manufactured to meet very demanding standards for shock and vibration; protection against radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Their equipment was fitted to the 8 ANZAC ships built in Australia and New Zealand. A key motivation in using a competitive local supplier was to reduce whole of life cost. They completed the contract successfully and subsequently won more Defence contracts and they continue to supply spares and maintenance for ANZAC ships to this day. Beca Applied Technologies Ltd When the NZDF committed to upgrade the Orion fleet of aircraft they recognised that effective management of software maintenance costs through life was critical. They therefore encouraged bidders to identify local companies who could maintain and upgrade the system through life. The winning contractor – L3 Communications Ð ran a competition amongst NZ companies top select an organisation to work with them (L3) during the design of the system and outfitting the first aircraft. Beca Applied Technologies Ltd was the successful company and they sent a team of 7 people to work with L3 in Texas during the design phase of the project. Beca Applied Technologies has subsequently signed a support contract with the RNZAF and has established a team on RNZAF base Whenuapai to support the Orion fleet. (The size of this group has almost doubled since the inception of the contract.) The experience gained has been the kernel of significant growth in capability such that they have now delivered two simulators designed from scratch; recovered the Flight Training Device (simulator) for the P3 Orion delivered from another US based manufacturer which did not meet requirements and support the A109 […]

SouthMACH 2013 Highlights

SouthMACH 2013 is now in the last afternoon of the two day event. Below are pictures from the show. Cold weather was everywhere, but enthusiasm was high.      

Remote services for resistance welding

Miyachi now offers remote services for high end resistance welding modules, reducing total cost of ownership thanks to maximised uptime and reduced travel cost. Available for the Peco ISQ20 series with programming pendant AWS, AWS3 systems, MG3 standard, as well as most customised resistance welding systems, this new business service is ideal for customers with high system uptime demand. Remote services minimise support efforts and avoid planning and cost for on-site technical support. Specific AWS3 and MG3 products can be upgraded to remote access capabilities. Remote access is achieved with the use of a PC and the installation of a VPN connection that serves as an interface between the Peco product and the remote service expert. The new business service increases uptime as it allows for fast and efficient diagnostics remotely. It eliminates traveling time to the site and reduces development time by providing remote application support. Customers can also take advantage of core and peripheral system device monitoring, convenient and efficient process adjustments, and availability of continuous process data for long term on-site process statistics.  

Free-Form headlamp kits

A comprehensive range of Free-Form Headlamp conversion kits allow owners to upgrade the lighting on their work vehicles, or for use in new applications. Free-Form technology utilises a specially designed and complex reflector to precisely control the light. In each case, the reflector has an important relationship with the globe filament to maximise the light output and pattern of light on the road. Because of the precise design of the reflectors within each headlamp unit it is critical to the lamps performance that only E approved globes are used. The new range of Free-Form Headlamp conversion kits covers all popular round and rectangular sizes used in many vehicles, from utes and SUVs to trucks and buses. The smaller round and rectangular lamps are each fitted with a glass lens with no optic function itself. Larger rectangular units such as the 200 x 142mm and the 7 round headlamp inserts each have virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lenses, which effectively reduce the weight and add to the durability and active life of the lamp. The full range of these stylish and attractive headlamp inserts includes High and High/Low beam functions and incorporates the popular 7 (178mm) and 5  (146mm) round, plus the all new 165 x100mm and 200 x 142mm rectangular units. Each headlamp insert is ADR approved and is ideally suited to upgrade applications in popular vehicles or fitted as original equipment or upgrades in buses, trucks and special vehicles.  

X4 for parting off and grooving of small components

X4 is a new multi-edged, tangential tool for parting off and grooving of small components. Available in cutting widths from 0.5 – 3.0 mm (.031 – .093), X4’s inserts minimise material consumption in parting off and enable precise grooving and copying of small and medium-sized, complex parts. Performance is further enhanced through X4’s tangential insert bodies that ensure high rigidity, stability and productivity. To increase flexibility, every specific X4 insert seat can accommodate all X4 insert types, allowing for reduction of tooling inventory. Depending on the cutting edge width, the tool’s maximum cutting depth ranges from 2.6 – 6.5 mm (.102 – .256) and can cut off maximum bar diameters from 5.2 – 13 mm (.205 – .512). X4 inserts are available in neutral, right-hand angled and left-hand angled cutting edge options. Ideal for a wide variety of common workpiece materials, X4 uses CP500 and CP600 insert grades. CP600 features a mix of toughness and wear resistance suitable for most general applications, while CP500 provides increased wear resistance for more challenging applications. To further increase X4’s performance, inserts with the MC chipbreaking geometry can be applied. This versatile geometry achieves excellent formation of comma and clock-spring chips in a variety of materials and uses a straight front edge line to guarantee a straight bottom within a groove. All toolholders provide the unique Jetstream Tooling Duo technology to further enhance productivity, lengthen tool life and improve chip control. By delivering coolant from two outlets to optimal points in the cutting and heat zones, Jetstream Tooling Duo contributes to efficient cooling, improved chip control and high part quality. X4 is offered in shank sizes metric 2020 and 2525, imperial sizes .63, .75 and 1.00, and Seco-Capto C4, C5 and C6.  

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