Developments

(Pic) ‘Nam Trams’ a winner for Access Automation. The general manager of Access Automation of the Hutt, Darin Phillips-Brown, shared with NZ Manufacturer the Solidtec software of choice his company uses in day by day operations.  NZM: Which Solidtec software are you using? AAL: We have two seats of SolidWorks 2013 (1 x premium and 1 x standard) NZM: Why have you chosen this particular software? AAL: We chose Solid Works as it seemed to be the mechanical design CAD software of choice. Its 3D modelling capabilities coupled with its ease of use have made it a key tool in our design office. As every project we do is bespoke to each client’s site, we are able to model the entire cable car if required and check interferences on the screen rather than out on site. NZM: Why have you chosen Solidtec? AAL: We choose Solidtec, mainly because of the people but also because of what they offer. Their technical support and turnaround is great. We have also developed a relationship with the staff from sales through to tech support and they know and understand what we do. NZM: How has the software made your company work better? AAL: SolidWorks has allowed us to accurately complete a design with the confidence of knowing that everything will fit together and operate as intended once installed on site. NZM: Is your company more efficient from using it? AAL: We are definitely more efficient from material usage through FEA (finite element analysis) and reduced rework required on site. *NZM: What applications is it used for? AAL: We use SolidWorks for the following: Product design Sheet metal Lasercut templates and flat patterns R & D Error and collision detection FEA We use it to model everything from structural steel work to fully enclosed custom […]

The invention is one of five on the Society of Manufacturing’s 2013 List of Innovations that could change the way you manufacture. An easy-to-make rainbow filter that could help users identify the true color of everything from paint to medicine has been named to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) list of 2013 Innovations that could change the way you manufacture. This year’s list includes just five items: a technique for mass producing robotic insects and other devices; super-water-repellant coatings; stronger, lighter carbon nanotubes; a more efficient welding process; and the UB invention — an “everyday spectrometer.” The technology is a rainbow-colored polymer that UB engineers created using a one-step, low-cost holographic lithography method. Employed as a filter for light, this polymer could form the basis of handheld multispectral imaging devices that identify objects’ “true colour.” Such accurate color detection could make it easier for governments to identify counterfeit money, for homeowners to match paint colors in renovation projects, and for doctors to analyse colo-urs in medical images to detect disease. There are potential applications in fields from climate monitoring to remote sensing for military and defense. Visit the following link for a video the technology:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF2d2wUf0Gg The simple process for fabricating the polymer could make it feasible to develop small, low-cost, high-performance devices that connect with cell phones to conduct multispectral imaging. In addition, the filters can be produced at less than $US10 apiece, making them a viable, state-of-the-art alternative to the much more expensive linear variable filters that are currently used for spectral analyses. The UB researchers who led efforts to develop the technology are Alexander N. Cartwright, PhD, professor of electrical engineering and biomedical engineering and UB vice president for research and economic development, and Qiaoqiang Gan, PhD, assistant professor of electrical engineering. Both are members of UB’s […]

A major new investment in New Zealand’s titanium materials research is set to enable the development of a pan-industry manufacturing base for high value export products, say participants in the programme. “Titanium Technologies New Zealand” (TiTeNZ), funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), will provide a major boost to research activities with widespread national and international application across the medical, aerospace, defence, marine, energy and general engineering sectors. The research collaboration has initial funding of $3.1M pa for two years, but is aiming to establish a long term programme to support high value manufacturing based on Titanium alloys. Titanium Technologies New Zealand builds on current research capability and infrastructure in titanium metallurgy, high temperature materials processing and fabrication, and advanced surface coatings at Callaghan Innovation, GNS Science, the University of Waikato, the University of Auckland and the Titanium Industry Development Association (TiDA). “This investment will enable the development of a world class titanium research platform in New Zealand and create a multi-company, multi-sector manufacturing base for high value export products,” says Professor Ian Brown of Callaghan Innovation who is leading a cluster of Crown Research Institutes and University applied materials research teams working in partnership with New Zealand industrial manufacturers. Oversight of the new programme will be managed by an Industry Advisory Panel which includes Chairs, former Chairs and Deputy Chairs of NZTE, F&P Appliance, Auckland Airport, Wakefield Health and IRL, as well as managers and owners of award-winning manufacturing and engineering companies. The Advisory Board panel members are Jon Mayson, John Calder, Keith Turner, Barry Robinson, Michael Ludbrook and Andy Cameron. The Chair of the Advisory Panel, Jon Mayson, says: “New Zealand has an amazing opportunity around the research and commercialisation of Titanium materials. We are currently at the leading edge internationally in some of our […]

Recently developed are methods and product innovations for processing the most rapidly renewable surface layer of peat instead of using it for energy production. The goal is to develop bio-based composite materials containing peat fibre for the manufacture of consumer products and construction materials, at the same time reducing the use of oil-based raw materials in production. The advantages of products containing peat fibre are their bio origin, low cost, water resistance, impact strength, excellent fire endurance characteristics and biodegradability. Through its various projects VTT has developed materials containing thermoplastic and panel-form peat fibre, as well as fibre-suitable preprocessing methods. Milled peat can be used as peat fibre because it contains several peat fractions and preferably long fibres, which are not silt up, so it can function both as filling material and as reinforcing material in composite structures. The amount of raw material necessary for composite products would equate to a fraction of current peat production, which is a factor in support of its use in ecological products. Composite production is also an alternative to peat burning, and would preserve jobs in the peat industry. Materials containing peat fibre are suitable for processing with normal plastic processing methods, using compounding, extrusion and injection moulding, for example. Currently no company in Finland is producing or exploiting these kinds of peat composite materials. Material solutions containing peat fibre can be used in construction (boards, moulding, profiles, plate structures), product applications in horticulture and in agriculture and forestry (seedling guards, planters, peat-coloured wall structures, plant supports), consumer products (golf tees, ornaments), biodegradable packaging, earth-moving (erosion protectors, biodegradable support structures) and funerary products. VTT currently has three patent applications pending related to peat containing bio composites.          

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 […]