Developments

Reduce development risk

Offering both tools and services, Maplesoft Engineering Solutions help engineers validate and optimise product designs, produce extremely fast simulation code for hardware-in-the-loop and other types of simulations where execution speed is critical, and develop specialised analysis and design calculation tools. Maplesoft Engineering Solutions also support model development for model predictive control, an advanced technique used to represent the behaviour of complex systems. The Maplesoft Engineering Solutions team has expertise in a variety of engineering fields and extensive experience in model-based design. By leveraging the unique benefits of MapleSim and Maple, advanced engineering design tools from Maplesoft, they help engineers reduce development risk, create better products, and get to market faster. MapleSim and Maple are also available for engineers to use directly in their own development projects. MapleSim is an advanced system-level modelling and simulation tool from Maplesoft that applies modern techniques to dramatically reduce model development time, provide greater insight into system behaviour, and produce fast, high-fidelity simulations. MapleSim is based on Maple, the technical computing software for engineers, mathematicians, and scientists. Maplesoft Engineering Solutions are used by customers in a variety of domains, such as electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, ground transportation, space systems, batteries, mining, and manufacturing. Past projects include a robotic arm for drilling in mines, a motion platform for driving simulators, a torsional vibration analysis tool for marine drivelines, batteries for hybrid-electric vehicles, and dialysis machines. While projects vary greatly, they frequently involve the following: High performance plant models for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) applications. Generating high-fidelity plant models from many system design tools typically results in code that is not fast enough for real-time, HIL execution, and engineers often perform a trade-off between model fidelity and performance.

Designing and troubleshooting 802.11ac networks correctly the first time

There is now a range of new 802.11ac features in AirMagnet Survey PRO/Planner and AirMagnet WiFi Analyser PRO to help organisations optimise their migration or co-existence path to the new 802.11ac technology standard. With new modeling applications, toolkits, and the industry’s only 3×3 portable capture and analysis capability, businesses can now leverage the industry’s first complete wireless lifecycle solution to design, deploy and troubleshoot 802.11ac networks accurately, quickly and more cost effectively. As enterprise networks rely more heavily on Wi-Fi networks and increasingly face bandwidth and capacity challenges, IT is transitioning from the 802.11a/b/g/n wireless standard to Gigabit 802.11ac for more reliable connections, better performance, and higher capacity. Independent research firm Infonetics Research estimates 802.11ac access points (APs) could well account for three-quarters of access point shipments by 2017. But just moving to 802.11ac will not solve all IT challenges. According to Gartner, “More bandwidth is good, and 802.11ac can better support high transaction dense environments; however, this does not solve the underlying problem of poorly or inadequately implemented WLANs.”** Wireless engineers and system integrators are already facing challenges integrating new equipment and ensuring deployments meet and maintain the Gigabit Wi-Fi standards. However, with the AirMagnet tools, the users are assured of designing and deploying networks that “simply work” and with the maximised performance possible. To help address these challenges, AirMagnet Survey PRO, the industry’s most accurate wireless design and site survey solution, and AirMagnet WiFi Analyser PRO, the premier solution for mobile auditing and troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks, now include 802.11ac functionality to help IT teams effectively phase new wireless infrastructure into existing WLANs without blindly performing a 1-to-1 rip-and-replacement of existing equipment. The AirMagnet tools also let IT teams solve 802.11ac network issues correctly the first time, which prevents costly repeat visits and, more importantly, minimise user downtime. 802.11ac […]

Delcam launches new PowerMILL CAM for five-axis machining

Delcam has launched the 2015 version of its PowerMILL CAM system for high-speed and five-axis machining. The new release includes improvements to the Vortex high-efficiency area-clearance strategy, improved collision checking to also cover near misses, and more efficient raster finishing. The Vortex area-clearance strategy produces safe toolpaths with a much deeper cut by using a controlled engagement angle that maintains the optimum cutting conditions for the whole toolpath. As a result, higher feed rates and material-removal rates are possible, making the cutting time shorter by as much as 70%. In addition, cutting is undertaken at a more consistent volume-removal rate and at a near constant feedrate, so extending tool life and protecting the machine. Two enhancements in PowerMILL 2015 will give even greater reductions in machining time with Vortex compared to conventional roughing. The first change allows toolpaths to approach the part from outside the stock at the cutting height, both for open pockets and in areas where earlier cuts have made this possible. Previously, all entry moves had to be made by plunging onto the surface or by ramping into the material. The second change allows an increased feed rate to be set for non-cutting moves. The default value is set at double the rate for the cutting moves but this can be altered as required for each machine tool. The extra time that can be saved depends on the shape of the part but an additional saving of around 20% should be expected above the earlier releases of Vortex. Another problem in previous versions of PowerMILL was that unnecessary lifts could be added to area-clearance toolpaths when the cutter moved outside the stock or close to its edge. Changes to the roughing algorithm in PowerMILL 2015 have reduced the number of lifts per toolpath slice to the minimum […]

Army helicopter can fit in your pocket

It weighs 16 g, can fly for up to 20 minutes, and fits in the palm of your hand. It’s the Prox Dynamics PD-100 Black Hornet, a mini helicopter which uses embedded cameras and a digital data link to provide real-time video for ground troops. Information is king on the battlefield, and this pocket-sized UAV offers advanced situational awareness for soldiers with negligible impact on troop load. Ever been on a hike with 70-100 pounds strapped to your back? It sucks..Military service members tote heavy loads regularly (especially in a warzone), so any “additions” can’t weigh them down further. And at .035 lbs, the PD-100 Black Hornet provides a valuable service without burdening anyone. Under the Cargo Pocket Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (CP-ISR) program, the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Centre has been tasked with developing a small aerial system to give dismounted troops increased situational awareness. And situational awareness — and knowing more than the enemy — wins wars. “While larger systems have been used to provide over-the-hill ISR capabilities on the battlefield for almost a decade, none of those delivers it directly to the squad level, where soldiers need the ability to see around the corner or into the next room during combat missions,” the Army said. One of these squad-based ISR systems is the Black Hornet. Operated remotely via GPS, this diminutive drone is small, quiet, and virtually undetectable. And at 4 inches x 1 inch, it won’t present a fat, enticing target for the enemy. The PD-100 was already issued to the UK Armed Forces last year, and early returns are promising. The company will need to initiate a data-link redesign to make the pocket-sized ‘copters compatible with the US Army’s tactical network. Otherwise, there should be few hurdles to the Black Hornet’s immediate deployment […]

NZ manufacturing activity ebbs in July while growing for 22nd straight month

New Zealand manufacturing activity fell in July while remaining in expansion for the 22nd straight month as an increase in new orders made up for a dip in production and employment. The BNZ-Business NZ seasonally adjusted performance of manufacturing index fell to 53 from last month from 53.3 in June from a downwardly revised 52.6 in May, although below 54.9 in June last year. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector. The manufacturing sector in New Zealand has proven resilient in the face of a strong New Zealand dollar, which erodes the value of overseas sales. Bank of New Zealand senior economist Doug Steel said. Those headwinds have receded as the kiwi has come off its highs and manufacturers are also likely to benefit from local sales into the construction industry, he said. All five diffusion indexes in the PMI were in expansion in the latest month. New orders rose to 55 from 52.2 in June while production fell 1.9 points to 54, the lowest level since March last year. Employment fell 1.4 points to 51.3. Finished stocks rose back into expansion at 51.5 while deliveries slipped 1.9 points to 53.3. The Northern region recorded the strongest growth last month, rising 6.9 points to 57.5, while central fell to 46.6, the first contraction since January. Canterbury/Westland recorded 52.3 and Otago-Southland fell further into contraction at 45.

Sustainable bending technology from Germany

Picture: The new, easy-to-operate machine control from Schwarze-Robitec clocks the individual working steps synchronously for time-optimised production. The rising costs for raw materials and energy make it clear: to remain competitive in the future, it is imperative to handle resources particularly carefully, to tighten production process and thereby increase efficiency. The resource Man can also be supported with labor-saving solutions, thereby also increasing repeating accuracy. To design tube processing especially resource-conserving and efficient, Schwarze-Robitec has developed a series of sustainable solutions over the last years. These include, for example, the integrated residual length optimisation for tube bending machines for the automobile industry suppliers, which reduce residual tube lengths to a minimum, thereby making considerable material savings. Trials have shown that the material input, depending on the respective tube system, could be reduced by up to 20 percent. The Terminal-End-Bender, which is used for the manufacture of tube systems in power plant construction, bends in both directions conducted subsequently at the rear end of the produced tube coil without having to interrupt the fully automatic manufacturing process. Therefore, the Terminal-End-Bender essentially helps to save time. A further new development of the tube bending specialist are the rapid clamping systems for bending tools in series and mass production, which enable fast and easy tool change. Unproductive set-up times are reduced significantly. The bending machine CNC 60 E TB MR which is equipped with multi-tools, allows production of different radii as well as bend-in-bend systems. It is particularly suitable for the manufacture of exhaust pipes with a bending radius of 1 x D without straight intermediate lengths between two bends. Thanks to the multi-bend tools, set-up times are reduced to a minimum. Further cost savings can be achieved with the separating system integrated in the bending system. Here, several individual tubes are coupled […]

PowerMILL 2015 to launch at IMTS

Delcam will launch the 2015 version of its PowerMILL CAM system for high-speed and five-axis machining at IMTS 2014 in Chicago from 8th to 13th September on booth E3222, the largest CAM software booth at the show. The new release will include improvements to the Vortex high-efficiency area-clearance strategy, improved collision checking to also cover near misses, and more efficient raster finishing. The Vortex area-clearance strategy produces safe toolpaths with a much deeper cut by using a controlled engagement angle that maintains the optimum cutting conditions for the whole toolpath. As a result, higher feed rates and material-removal rates are possible, making the cutting time shorter by as much as 70%. In addition, cutting is undertaken at a more consistent volume-removal rate and at a near constant feedrate, so extending tool life and protecting the machine. Two enhancements in PowerMILL 2015 will give even greater reductions in machining time compared to conventional roughing. The first change allows toolpaths to approach the part from outside the stock at the cutting height for open pockets or in areas where earlier cuts have made this possible. Previously, all entry moves had to be made by plunging onto the surface or by ramping into the material. Picture:The improved collision detection in PowerMILL 2015 will be demonstrated at IMTS. The second change allows an increased feed rate to be set for non-cutting moves. The default value is set at double the rate for the cutting moves but this can be altered as required for each machine tool. The extra time that can be saved depends on the shape of the part but an additional saving of around 20% should be expected above the earlier releases of Vortex. Another problem in previous versions of PowerMILL was that unnecessary lifts could be added to area-clearance toolpaths when […]

Aurora process solutions and Fuji robotic pallitising systems

Aurora is excited to announce the addition of the FUJI range of Robotic Palletising systems to its extensive range of process equipment on offer. Aurora have for many years provided superior machinery for the Bulk Materials Handling industry and as solution providers we are able to combine modular type equipment for materials handling plants large and small. The addition of the Fuji range of Robotic Palletisers means Aurora offers its clients the choice of a high capacity, economical solution to handling bags and boxes on their packaging lines. Fuji Ace have been developing, supplying and improving palletising technology for nearly 40 years. In 1982 Fuji recognised the changing market and met the demands of the palletising industry by developing the first Robotic Palletiser. They have since perfected the mechanical and electrical aspects of robotic operation to match the needs of virtually every palletising application currently available, with over 10000 installations in operation. As a specifically designed palletising robot the Fuji-Ace system provides many benefits over conventional robotic arm alternatives. The Fuji-Ace Palletiser reduces space and power requirements, provides the highest capacity cycle available, and is easily programmed and adjusted from the specific palletising controller, removing the previously time consuming task of programming the robot. Up to 30 stacking patterns can be programmed into the robots memory. Fuji also utilises a point to point control system that further reduces and simplifies programming time, with only the pick and drop points needing to be programmed for the first two layers. For a live demo of the Fuji Robot visit our stand #3078 at the Foodtech Packtech Exhibition, held at the ASB Showgrounds Auckland, 25th – 27th of September 2014. Aurora provides full automation and pallet transfer systems, specified to suit whatever application within all production environments. At Aurora we stand close behind […]

Improve productivity through Workflow

Workflow specialises in assisting New Zealand and Australian manufacturing companies improve productivity, through the supply of cost effective, automated, real time production data tracking tools and the application of lean thinking processes. The reality is that manufacturing costs are increasing, and if you are not improving your productivity at the same or faster rate, then you are going backwards. What sets Workflow apart from many other companies is that workflow doesn’t just sell you something and walk away leaving the rest up to you. Training, guidance, and coaching are available to put in place the processes and systems that you need to use the information in a structured way to drive actions and continuous improvement. From simple training sessions right through to a full Lean implementation journey, workflow can assist you. There is no point having great data on how your process is running and not using it. That is a waste of time and money. The XL800 Visual Productivity Appliance is a remarkably cost effective visual scoreboard that tracks your production performance, measuring down time and overall efficiency. Access to automated productivity and efficiency monitoring is now within reach of all sized production environments, not just the large multi nationals. The XL800 “bolts on” to any existing lines or process and immediately delivers real-time manufacturing performance data, including: • Automatic down time detection including small stops. • Tracks overall production efficiency, down-time reasons, shift/job performance, OEE, changeovers, and can provide over 100 key performance indicators. • Provides visual display that motivates your operators to peak performance. • Snaps into your network for instant web access. • Plug-and-play simplicity with built-in data collection and reporting. Up and running in minutes. • A complete solution in one hardware appliance – no software to install. Workflow has installations in over 40 diverse […]

Poor quality costs even more

HERA Industry Development General Manager Nick Inskip (left) Quality has a cost and a value and buying solely on cost can mean that the quality you think you are getting may not be there. The recent asbestos issues with the locomotives imported from China by KiwiRail highlights the danger where quality is compromised. While much was made of the fact that it was a subcontractor to the main supplier who used the offending coating, nothing can take away from the fact that it is KiwiRail’s supplier’s responsibility to ensure that their supplier provides a conforming product. How do they do this? They assess their supplier’s processes and systems. The first of which might be to look at how they translate the requirements detailed in their customers order into an output. This raises questions about what it was that was on the locomotive suppliers order to the sub-contractor. Did they pass on KiwiRail’s requirement for no asbestos, or not? If not then the fault isn’t with the sub-contractor. Which poses another question, would a different material supplied by the sub-contractor have cost more and is that why the asbestos coating was used? The more worrying concern is if the coating was such a quality failure, what about the rest of the locomotive? Do we now have to test bolts to make sure they are the right tensile strength and galvanising to make sure there is no antimony present? So as a company and as a country purchasing offshore, you really need to price on the quality risk. From the KiwiRail example even if your offshore supplier has a quality system and it is certified, that does not mean it actually works to the level we would expect in New Zealand. In which case as a purchaser you need to check […]

«‹ 116 117 118 119 ›»

News Ticker

Developments