Developments

A ‘one size fits all’ approach has never been part of the Jonassen Industrial Projects Limited (JIPL) philosophy. At JIPL the focus is on quality engineering drawn from many years of experience, where the engineers take pride in their ability to cross transfer technologies and ideas, and to provide innovative, practical and effective engineering solutions. In conjunction with Metal Skills Ltd, one of the largest and most sophisticated sheet metal fabricators in New Zealand, JIPL have completely re-thought how to manufacture process ovens by utilising innovative designs and the latest in fabrication technology. “We have done a complete re-design of our successful existing ovens to retain the sophisticated European technological elements, but taken a more cost-effective, innovative approach in the way the ovens are physically constructed,” says managing director, Chris Jonassen. “The result is an extremely ‘low heat-loss’ oven utilising common, precision-made components.” JIPL has developed a pioneering way of doing things where the client has more input, giving the client the opportunity to be more involved in terms of quality and assembly. The new ‘modular’ oven designed by JIPL is providing an affordable, high quality option for a wide range of clients from a variety of industries both in NZ and particularly for export. Essentially, the new concept features an interlocking, insulated panel system which incorporates integral structural supports, all internal ducting, roof explosion relief panels and insulated floor. The concept is also designed to incorporate JIPL’s highly effective, dual-action air-seals. One big advantage is the oven can be produced as a ‘flat-pack’ for easy transportation and thus reduce export costs. By integrating the ducting and support structure within the whole oven, the labour content to install the oven is significantly reduced. It means that for many projects, a job supervisor is able to install the oven simply and […]

A new line of stretch blow moulding machines called ‘Start Blow’ is specifically designed for emerging markets entering the PET bottle market. The new machines are available in two versions, with two or four cavities, and are capable of producing bottles at output speeds from 2,000 to 6,000 bottles per hour. Both models are fully electric, with servo drives governing principal movements, including stretch rods. Every machine axis movement is under closed loop control. The market for bottled water continues to grow at around 8% every year and the growth is shifting to emerging markets. With Start Blow, the needs of new entrants into the market are being met, and a solution is being offering which fits with local requirements. The compact machine incorporates a number of SIPA technologies from the existing SFL (linear) and SFR high output rotary blow moulding machine ranges such as low-energy infrared heating, a high efficiency neck air cooling system and quick and precise stretch and blow functions. The ‘Start Blow’ range has been designed with a user friendly interface and a simple and reliable preform loading system.      

Pluck a hair from your head and take a close look. Now imagine a fibre 500 times thinner. ThatÕs what Revolution Fibres create on a daily basis, right here in New Zealand. Revolution Fibres Ltd has developed its own technologies for the industrial production of nanofibre. Using its proprietary ‘Sonic Electrospinning Technology’, it creates continuous nanofibre in the form of non-woven mats with enormous surface area, high porosity and incredibly strong-yet-thin and lightweight structures. Revolution Fibres unique nanofibre technology is already in market in air filters (through ventilation company HRV). They have also launched a skincare range using collagen fibres to deliver plant extracts into the skin; and carbon fibre reinforcement products (Xantu.Layrª) – which have recently been included in a range of fishing rods through Kilwell. “Xantulayr is an especially exciting product”, says Iain Hosie, Technical Director of Revolution Fibres. “It is used as reinforcement in composite materials, making them tougher and less prone to cracks and de-lamination. We’ve seen amazing results in fishing rods and load-bearing fibreglass parts”. In Kilwell’s words “The polymer hybrid of continuous nanofibres forms a non-woven web that bonds with resin and carbon fibre to create a rod blank, giving a dramatic increase in flexural lifting power without increasing weight.” Nanofibre for composite reinforcement has been well researched, but not commercialized as there are very few manufacturers capable of making nanofibre at a scale and price that is attractive to the composites industry. Until now. “We are the only commercial producer of electrospun nanofibre in Australasia and only a handful worldwide” explains Hosie. “There’s a gap for contract manufacturers and product development in the nanofibre market. New Zealand companies have a fantastic opportunity to integrate this technology into their products before anyone else.” NZ companies better act fast. Many more products are under development […]

Leapfrog Geo is a new workflow-based solution for modelling geology and mineralisation. The business benefits for users can often be measured in millions of dollars, making it an essential tool. Developed in collaboration with industry heavyweights and customers, Leapfrog Geo advances the techniques pioneered in Leapfrog Mining with intuitive workflows that simplify operation and enhance flexibility. The focus was on solving key problems with geological modelling that were significantly adding to risk, including not being able to quickly and easily look at different scenarios and hypotheses, and not being able to make the most of the latest information. A workflow-based solution simplifies model production and make it systemised and auditable. Leapfrog Geo allows geologists and business managers to stand back and see the big picture, better and faster than ever. Speed, efficiency and flexibility mean opportunities can be capitalised on and risks identified without delay. ROI can also be achieved quicker. Hence limiting their risk exposure and optimising modelling and overall operating efficiency. Leapfrog Geo’s speed, agility and workflows make light work of building multiple models, which can be tested against multiple futures. It makes it easy to incorporate new data straight away and change course when needed, which can have a dramatic impact on the bottom line. Another highlight is the auditable model build process which can be easily verified. A central chronology table sets the geological sequence of model components, and workflows guide the user through the building process. This approach simplifies and standardises their work, and allows models to be easily updated, reviewed and shared. Decisions become transparent and traceable, further reducing an organisation’s exposure to risk.  Interpolation module Leapfrog Geo features an add-on Interpolation module that provides a robust indication of the available resource whilst ensuring the effects of geology are incorporated clearly and effectively. Intuitive […]

The portable battery powered Sentry L.E.D Strobe Light equipped with magnetic base is available in an attractive blister pack with clear graphics illustrating product features and benefits. The new, robust packaging means the strobe light is better protected against damage in transport or in stores and the design will make it stand out even more on retail shelves Powered by two D size batteries the ultra-low current draw of the latest in L.E.D technology delivers more than 100 hours of operational life before replacement batteries are required. The lamp has a powerful magnetic base and hanging cord, making it ideally suited for applications on work vehicles and in a wide range of environmental conditions requiring flashing caution lamps such as warehouses, construction sites, shipping docks, rail yards etc. Features include an external on/off switch with waterproof rubber boot, plus a slide switch that activates a light sensor to automatically turn the light on in low light conditions and off when daylight returns. A useful optional extra that is also now available is a handle that fits neatly to the base to turn the lamp into a traffic wand. This 45mm handle can fit into the top opening of some large traffic cones, too.        

It sounded like a dream that could not come true – a price-stable, carbon neutral, almost infinitely available replacement for aviation and motor fuel. And then a small company announced that its engineers had made it happen Ð and had succeeded in creating petrol using just water, electricity and air. AFS readily admits that for some people, reading some of the more lurid reports, the process seems just too good to be real. “In fact, of course, we are serious scientists, engineers and business people at AFS, our sound engineering processes have been supported by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and we have a solid business proposition,” said a spokesperson. And plans for exciting business developments are under way. Thanks to its successful demonstrator programme, AFS is now ready to build a commercial plant capable of producing levels of one tonne a day – perhaps specialist fuels for top-end motorsport applications, initially. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has recognised that the AFS approach is a great example of pioneering UK innovation in green, clean technology. Dr Tim Fox, head of energy and environment at IMechE, said: “Air capture technology ultimately has the potential to become a game-changer in our quest to avoid dangerous climate change. “What was just a smart idea in the minds of a handful of academics a few years ago is now a proven, engineered method for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and making a useful product. “The beauty of petrol from air is that you are effectively recycling CO2 and avoiding further transport emissions.” The business potential was also recognised during a recent Cleantech Investor Future Transport Challenge event. A panel of investors that included Dr Dominic Emery, chief development officer for BP Alternative Energy, and Andreas Schamel, Ford’s chief engineer for powertrain […]

  PowerbyProxi, developer of the world’s most advanced and safest wireless power system, attracted strong interest in its In-Device Wirelessly Rechargeable Battery Solution at the recent China Hi-Tech Fair. The breakthrough technology enables all devices using AA batteries to remain charged eliminating the cost of replacing batteries and the hassle of removing rechargeable batteries to place them in an external charger. “Keeping devices, like TV remotes, cameras and video game controllers, charged throughout their lifespan usually requires purchasing dozens of batteries,”said Greg Cross, Executive Chairman of PowerbyProxi. “We offer a convenient alternative with the added environmental benefit that fewer toxic materials are ending up in landfills.” Cross says PowerbyProxi’s innovative technology has generated a lot of attention at the technology show, the largest of its kind in the world. “We fielded a lot of interest from attendees and local media. Our technology featured on China TV which has an audience of 1.3 billion.” PowerbyProxi’s advanced In-Device Wirelessly Rechargeable Battery Solution, comprising AA wireless batteries and a charging unit, works with any device powered by AA batteries instantly transforming it into a wirelessly rechargeable device. When batteries are low on charge, simply place the device into the In-Device charging unit. This ‘In-Device Charging’ illustrates PowerbyProxi’s innovation in wireless power and miniaturization. PowerbyProxi’s solution delivers major advances in wireless power including the world’s smallest wireless power receivers, integrated directly into the existing form factor of AA batteries. It also houses a unique wireless transmitter design to provide for unprecedented three-dimensional charging with full spatial freedom (the device can be placed in any position and orientation), as well as the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously. This technology enables consumer electronics OEMs and ODMs and battery suppliers to develop a system capable of re-charging millions of everyday consumer devices completely wirelessly.  

  A free 3D CAD minibike model has been launched by Competenz under its Tools4Work programme for schools. It is available online as a PDF, enabling it to be used on any computer that has Adobe Acrobat, and can be downloaded at tools4work.co.nz The 3D CAD (computer-aided design) model was produced by Competenz, the industry training organisation for the engineering industry, to support students and teachers with the in-school minibike programme, where students purchase a minibike kitset and assemble it, welding the frame and adding their own engine, suspension, steering and bodywork. The 3D model lets students pull apart and re-assemble the minibike on screen. They can rotate the bike to view it from any angle, zoom in on a section, or isolate different parts, for example, the user can isolate just the frame and fuel tank. It is also possible to render different parts transparent to ‘see inside’ the bike, or to view the bike as line-art. A model-tree function means bike parts can be removed and replaced, right down to the smallest nut and bolt. Pre-set views also isolate parts one-by-one, relative to the frame. Click on any part or on the model-tree, and the model-tree will tell the user what that part is, which means users can identify and learn the names of all the parts very easily. The idea for a 3D model resulted from Competenz staff attending the National Secondary Schools Minibike Grand Prix at Manfield last year. They fully understood the enthusiasm the students and teachers had for building the bikes and learning mechanical engineering skills, and were keen to support that passion. The budding young engineers are supported throughout the process by learning resources from Tools4Work. “The minibike programme gives the students practical hands-on skills like welding, which can help them progress into […]

  New Zealand’s most wind-resistant outdoor umbrella range has taken the global market by storm with exports to 35 countries. The newest product, which was designed locally and tested by scientists at the University of Auckland in the country’s strongest wind tunnel was able to withstand wind speeds of up to 40km/ph. The managing director of Shade7 Michael Pearce, says he is thrilled with the wind test results of the 3.5m wide cantilevered umbrella – which he believes will help to grow exports in other markets. “It’s taken us nearly three years to complete the design and testing of the Riviera, which we believe to be the strongest cantilever umbrella in the southern hemisphere right now. “We took this umbrella for a test drive at The University of Auckland wind tunnel – which is the largest wind tunnel in the country, and the umbrella handled the maximum wind speed without any problems,” says Pearce. “The Riviera umbrella is also much larger than most umbrellas ranging from 3x3m square right up to 4.0m wide octagonal. It’s made from marine grade aluminium, stainless steel and plastic resin parts making it ideal for coastal environments common in NZ. “We designed it with NZ conditions in mind and as we all know, there are some places in the country that can get pretty wild and windy, so we know if it can withstand our weather patterns then it’s going to do well overseas,” he says. Shade7’s last bestseller, the Solar cantilever umbrella, was released to the market over 12 years ago. Shade7 is a Kiwi export success story and is run by businessmen and philanthropists David Jesze and Michael Pearce. The company regularly supplies umbrellas to retail stores and commercial projects around NZ, Australia, Fiji, Tahiti and throughout multiple resorts in the Pacific Islands. […]

Kate McGrath (Picture courtesy Victoria University Image Services.) Victoria University is helping launch the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators through a new programme which will bring graduate students together to create advanced technology start-up companies. The introduction of a one-year Master of Advanced Technology Enterprise, commencing in January 2013, will see students combine their skills in a team environment, and culminate with teams pitching their business plans to an expert panel of investors. Graduates from science, engineering, design, commerce, law and other disciplines will develop their technology start-ups with mentoring and support from academic supervisors. They will also work with some of Wellington’s leading companies including Baldwins Intellectual Property, Creative HQ, Deloitte, start-up firms Magritek and Mesynthes, and technology investors Movac and No 8 Ventures. Kate McGrath, Professor of Chemistry at Victoria University and Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, instigated the programme and says it is a unique opportunity for students with a creative, entrepreneurial streak to come together and work intensively on a commercial project. “This is the only programme of its kind in New Zealand where students from a wide range of disciplines can come together and work in an essentially real-world environment, to develop an advanced technology business concept. “We’re hoping that a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators will be able cut their teeth on this programme and that successful companies can be forged through the process. “We’re looking for passionate, creative students from a wide range of backgrounds, who are interested in working in a dynamic environment to set up a business.” Students will take part in an intense four-week development course to learn the practical and theoretical frameworks necessary to develop an advanced technology start-up company, along with collective brainstorming, team development, collaboration and communication skills. During this […]