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How manufacturers can prepare for the ESPR
Tech isn’t the Hero, it’s the plucky sidekick
Finding Your True Competitive Edge: A Guide for Manufacturers
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

Developments

Orica invests $35m at Mt Maunganui

Picture: (From left to right) Andrew Larke (Global Head of Chemicals for Orica), Matt Cawte (General Manager of Orica NZ), Stuart Crosby (Mayor of Tauranga). A $35 million state-of-the-art upgrade has taken place at of Orica’s manufacturing facility at Mt Maunganui. The investment is a response to growing demand for Orica’s products. The upgrade resulted in major changes to the site’s manufacturing, storage and handling, and waste management facilities, to increase efficiency and ensure the operation’s long-term future. Today’s facility is an exemplar of environmental and manufacturing best practice, which is crucial in an industry where safety is paramount. “We’re always seeking to raise the bar,” said Orica New Zealand General Manager Matt Cawte. “We supply essential products to many of the country’s leading industries. This significant upgrade ensures we have the flexibility and capability to meet the rapidly changing needs of our customers; it signals our commitment to the Bay of Plenty as the centre of our operations and the source of our future growth.” Mr Cawte says the benefits of Orica’s investment will reach well beyond the site gates and extend into the wider Bay of Plenty community. The upgrade has led to a reduction in waste through better capture and recycling operations; it has also enhanced the separation and management of storm and waste water streams. The site’s chemical storage and handling facilities, too, have been improved. This includes a comprehensive upgrade of its main storage tanks, new containment compounds and advanced control systems. ICI (now Orica) first established a presence in the Bay of Plenty in 1963. Orica now employs over 75 staff at the Mt Maunganui site. Today, Orica is a leading provider of chemicals to New Zealand’s dairy, food and beverage, water, and pulp and paper industries, supplying over 300,000 tonnes per year. Key Mt […]

Projecta clamps down on voltage

Testing electrical current in buildings, vehicles, equipment or marine applications has been taken to the next level with the introduction of the new Projecta DT910 test meter in New Zealand. Superceding Projecta’s popular DT900 digital clamp meter, the new DT910 is an all-in-one test meter that retains the vast array of applications of its predecessor, but packs even more functionality to reduce the tool count in the workshop or on the utility belt. Loaded with features, but simple and intuitive to use, the DT910 is an all-in-one test meter that will quickly measure and accurately display a myriad of electrical test data. A clamp meter is an electrical tester that combines both a voltmeter with a clamp-type current meter, but with an in-built current transformer, which can be used for testing any combination of AC or DC. What separates a digital clamp meter like the DT910 from an ordinary multimeter is an ability to measure AC/DC current (up to 400 amps) without interfering with the test circuit, by way of a clamping mechanism that can test wiring up to 38mm in diameter. It is also capable of measuring low amp current flows, which have traditionally been difficult with some clamp meters. And now it offers more practical options for the user. These include a new, non-contact voltage detector, which allows the user to safely measure AC live voltage without contact or breaking the wire insulation. Projecta has also added a temperature tester that can display up to 250°C (300°C for short periods) and a capacitance tester that negates the need for a separate meter. Like its predecessor, the DT910 also measures DC voltage and frequency, resistance and continuity, and can be used to test diodes as well. A larger screen now offers better accuracy at lower currents and a ‘data […]

HAMMAR Refines Empty Container Transport

HAMMAR has refined a solution to the costly task of transporting empty or lightly-filled containers and flats without tying up large sideloaders or large, expensive prime movers.  It’s the all-new HAMMAR 140 series, a versatile lightweight sideloader/crane ‘clip-on’ system, still with an impressive 16-tonne SWL, which works with smaller trucks and can be temporarily fitted to an existing chassis. Following success with the concept in Australia, the first of these units are now available in New Zealand, arousing interest among transport companies. Everyone is faced with the issue of having to move empty or lightly-filled containers, but they don’t want to use their big trucks in such loss-making roles, so now they can reduce costs by using the 140 sideloader system and increase the versatility of their operation. An unbelievably versatile sideloader with its clip-on sub-frame, the HAMMAR 140B is easily mounted onto all kinds of vehicles, so long as they are equipped with 20’ twist locks, providing a 16-tonne SWL, making it more than capable of dealing with any empty or partly loaded container. With its onboard petrol engine each HAMMAR 140B unit is totally independent and can be remotely controlled by the driver, just like all the other HAMMAR sideloader models. The hydraulic tank and pump is mounted with the engine on the crane.  No special tools or connections are needed for mounting the HAMMAR 140B onto a truck or chassisand the position of the cranes can be optimised using the twin corner castings spaced 200mm apart,then finely adjusted in steps of 50mm. The complete HAMMAR can be removed from the vehicle by using the hydraulic stabiliser legs on the lifting side and the mechanical utility support legs on the opposite side, then simply lift it up and drive away. Alternatively, a forklift can also be used to lift […]

Precious metal and alloy XRF analyser

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of manufactured materials by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a crucial tool in many industries. The latest handheld XRF analyser from Olympus, the Delta Element, is ideal for scrap metal sorting, positive material identification (PMI), alloy QA/QC, and precious metals analysis. The Delta Element is the most affordable hand-held XRF analyser produced by Olympus to date. The model was developed for those customers who require the speed, reliability and ease of operation expected from the Delta Premium, yet do not require the extended element range necessary only for some specialty applications. ” With a powerful X-ray tube and Si-PIN detector, the Delta Element provides quick identification, screening and sorting of alloy and precious metals. The analyser still incorporates the latest hand-held XRF technologies at an affordable price for small to medium businesses. It’s unique combination of features is ideal for most alloy identification and sorting applications. The analyser is a powerful tool, yet simple to operate. Operators can switch between precious metals and alloy mode at the touch of an onscreen icon. The Delta Element displays measured results and grade identification in seconds. With Olympus’ unique Grade Match Messaging (GMM) feature you can assign customised messages to any grade and use real-time or pop-up messages for immediate sorting instructions and improved user efficiency. The “Delta Report” software then allows for fast and professional reporting and certificate generation of any analysis. With its lightweight, handheld design and durable construction, the Delta Element features rubber overmolding to protect the analyser and an ergonomic grip for comfortable operation.

Rising stocks

The manufacturing sector experienced its fourth consecutive increase in expansion levels during September, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted PMI for September was 58.1 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining). This was 1.1 points higher than August, and the second highest result recorded so far for 2014. BusinessNZ’s executive director for manufacturing Catherine Beard said that the continued upwards track of the overall result was encouraging for the sector. “Although the start of 2014 produced some healthy expansion results, activity levels recorded during the middle of the year were at a more moderate pace. The fact that the last two months have shown strong growth bodes well for the manufacturing sector as we enter the last quarter of the year.” BNZ Senior Economist Craig Ebert said “A falling trend in the NZ dollar will help manufacturers’ export revenue but will also create pressure on import costs and the servicing of any unhedged foreign-currency debt.” All five seasonally adjusted main diffusion indices were in expansion during September. Deliveries (62.4) led the way, with its highest result since July 2013. New orders (60.0) rose 1.5 points, while production (59.3) dropped 1 point, although still showing very healthy levels of activity. Finished stocks (58.1) recorded its highest value since the survey began in 2002, while employment (56.0) rose another 2.0 points. All four regions were in expansion during September. In the North Island, the Northern region (58.9) decreased 1.7 points after a large increase in expansion during August. The Central region (53.5) recovered from consecutive months in contraction to record its highest value since May. In the South Island, the Canterbury/Westland region (55.9) rose 1.2 points, while the Otago-Southland region (65.4) continued its […]

NZ employment confidence edges up to six-year high in third quarter

New Zealand employment confidence rose to a six-year high in the September quarter as sentiment in Canterbury bolstered the nation’s outlook on jobs, according to the latest Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index survey. The index rose to 111.5 in the September quarter from 109.9 in the June quarter, in a measure were a number above 100 indicates optimists outweigh pessimists. The index has risen for seven consecutive quarters and is now at its highest level since September 2008, when the global financial crisis began to weigh on sentiment. It remains below its peak of 135.9 in September 2007. New Zealand’s unemployment rate fell to a five-year low 5.6 percent in the June quarter as employment growth in Canterbury fuelled the labour market. Meanwhile, businesses intended to hire more staff according to ANZ Bank’s latest business outlook survey for September, with a net 21.3 percent of businesses intending to employ more people, from August’s 18 percent. Business and consumer confidence measures have fallen in recent months on concerns the pace of economic growth is slowing, as falling dairy and log prices, the country’s largest and third largest exports respectively, and the historic strength of the New Zealand dollar weighs on export receipts. “The rise in employment confidence might seem to go against the recent run of play, with business and consumer confidence surveys falling over the September quarter,” said Michael Gordon, Westpac senior economist. “However, we don’t see these messages as contradictory. The labour market typically lags the broader economic cycle, and it is only in the last year or so that we’ve seen a marked lift in employment growth.” Employment confidence rose in eight out of 11 regions, and Canterbury returned to the position of most confident region after being overtaken last quarter by Auckland. The area is in […]

First on-machine switch simplifies network design

Rockwell Automation has announced the launch of the Allen-Bradley ArmorStratix 5700, its first on-machine switch. Built with ruggedised IP67 protection, the Layer 2 managed industrial Ethernet switch can be mounted directly onto a machine or application, reducing the overall size and cost of a control cabinet, and shrinking the machine footprint. In many applications, cabinet space for system-level networks is limited or nonexistent. The ArmorStratix 5700 switch expands the Allen-Bradley On-Machine offering from Rockwell Automation – an industrially hardened portfolio of products that requires no cabinetry – and leverages pre-configured, quick-connect systems and simplified wiring layouts to reduce installation, troubleshooting and maintenance activities.” The ArmorStratix 5700 managed switch advances connected enterprise goals by delivering integration of machine-level data that, due to cost or location, would otherwise remain isolated from business-level systems. Using the Cisco IOS network infrastructure software, this switch manages the transfer of production data to enterprise-level databases and information systems for improved decision making. Senior analyst with ARC Advisory Group comments: “Machine-mounted Ethernet switches with M12 connectors and IP67 ratings are very popular among machine builders. The new ArmorStratix 5700 switch is a joint Rockwell Automation-Cisco developed product that includes these features along with Cisco IOS. This robust, machine-mounted switch is a new development that should go a long way toward resolving the information technology/operational technology struggles in manufacturing plants today.” This industrial switch simplifies the design and development of machine-level networks through configuration and monitoring tools. These tools help enable easy setup and diagnostics from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system – bridging the gap between IT and the automation engineer. The ArmorStratix 5700 Layer 2 switch offers high availability, Quality of Service (QoS), and automated monitoring to help simplify network optimization and convergence. The switch comes standard with 8, 16 and 24 fixed-port configurations, and […]

Aerospace inspection gear takes off

The AeroCheck Eddy Current Flaw Detector is fully capable of all the typical eddy current inspection applications on an aircraft including paint thickness, sub-surface and surface crack detection. The AeroCheck is ideal for inspecting areas such as: Wheel brakes; Wheels; Landing gear; Fasteners; Engine mounts; Fuselage; Wing surface and hinges; Bulkheads; Door access points; Engine blades; Engine discs and much more. Fitted with the industry standard 12-Way Lemo connector and co-axial Lemo 00 connectors the AeroCheck can be used with absolute, bridge and reflection probes without the need for adaptors. The AeroCheck includes rotary capability as standard and can be used with the ETher Mercury, Hocking 33A100, and Rohmann MR3 Drive. With a crisp daylight readable LCD colour screen, weighing just 1.2kg and housed in a tough case, the AeroCheck is ideal for working in any environment and can be used for up to ten hours with a pencil probe and seven hours with the rotary drive and probe attached. The intuitive menu options can be configured to the user’s personal preferences and with the built-in “flip” function the AeroCheck works equally well for left or right-handed operators.

New PowerINSPECT inspection software launched

The latest release of Delcam’s PowerINSPECT inspection software has a new interface with new icons that make the software more intuitive and even easier to use. Other enhancements in the new version include the ability to create compound items, and so speed up and simplify repetitive measurements, enhancements to the measurement dialogs and a further increase in the range of geometric features that can be inspected. The new interface was developed to further improve the ease of use that has been central to PowerINSPECT becoming the world’s leading hardware-independent inspection software. Over the last few releases, the software has seen a significant increase in the range of measurements that it can make. The software can now be used to take all types of simple measurements and to inspect a growing variety of geometric features, as well as offering more tools for analysing complex 3D surfaces. In addition to making it easier to negotiate the greater range of options, the new interface features freshly-designed icons, which give a cleaner look and feel to the software. In addition, PowerINSPECT now has the ability for users to create custom toolbars, which allow frequently-used commands to be grouped together in one convenient place, and so improve speed and ease of use. It is possible to export and import toolbars, so users can easily transfer their set-up to a different PC or share their toolbars with other operators. During inspection, 2D features (circles, slots, rectangles and the like) are always projected to a reference plane. For example, when inspecting a circle representing the top of a cylinder, the user will want to measure the properties of the circle and its height. PowerINSPECT can now create a compound item that combines the plane and the feature together into a single compound feature, and assumes that the […]

Robots benefit plastics technology company

“One of the most appealing aspects of Universal Robots’ new generation of industrial robots is they no longer require specialist knowledge to operate.”       Pic: Steve Wilson High labour costs and geographic remoteness have meant to be competitive in global markets, New Zealand (NZ) manufacturers have needed to apply new, innovative technologies to their production processes to deliver products to market faster, cheaper and with the highest level of quality. To solve part of that problem, Talbot Technologies deployed two of Universal Robots’ UR10 industrial robot arms to perform in-mould modelling, transfer moulding and co-moulding tasks on the company’s Christchurch production line. Since the installation of the first UR10 in 2013, Talbot Technologies has already reported increases in productivity, reliability, quality and cost savings. Best-in-class technology and support: Talbot Technologies is an integrated technical plastics manufacturer and solution provider that works as a design, development and production partner across a wide range of industries, for companies across the globe. Talbot Technologies, like so many NZ companies, has been trialling various technologies aimed at providing high quality output at a lower cost. Having been introduced to Universal Robots’ technology by Design Energy, the company’s NZ distributor, Talbot Technologies began exploring various application options. According to Steve Wilson, Executive Director of Talbot Technologies, the business required a flexible, ease-to-program five axis robot for a particular type of application. “We conduct complex in-mould labelling which has quite a few components and a fixed rail robot simply doesn’t have the capacity or the versatility to deliver the type of results we need. After extensive discussions with Design Energy, we agreed that the style of robot offered by Universal Robots would best suit our requirements,” Wilson commented. “We had looked at other robots, however the strong ROI combined with its reliability and versatility […]

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