Developments

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 […]

Picture:The Weta Workshop crew with Mongoose vehicles based on designs from the Microsoft game Halo. To stay ahead of the commercial challenges of the world’s creative industries, Weta Workshop has found necessity and desire to shift from a purely handcraft company to one that utilises all available digital technology – primarily laser cutting, plasma cutting, 3D modelling and printing, and CNC milling. Jordan Thomson has pioneered this division at Weta Workshop and his unique take on the technical design and engineering of the equipment that the team uses has offered the technicians at Weta an extensive suite of tools available for production output. The 3D Department, lead by Mary Pike, includes thirteen digital artists all working with ArtCAM, and PowerMILL CAM system for high-speed and five-axis machining, to service an extensive number of varying jobs per week. Ms. Pike notes, “Deadlines are our primary challenge. The technical know-how and capability of the team is never in question but of course the wild card is always time. This demands a fluid and unfaltering interplay between the digital artist at the computer, the capability of the toolpathing software to realise these complex models, and then the complete reliability of the machines that we have purchased and built here under Jordan’s guidance.” Mr. Thomson acknowledges that “irrelevant of the hardware solutions, it is the fantastic reliability and ease with which the software interfaces with our machinery that makes this such a seamless process. I get asked daily to facilitate some wonderful and whacky jobs on one of the six machines that we run. “It can be like an acrobat juggling plates while balancing on a ball, as you have so many tasks bouncing between all the different machines utilising the appropriate software to output what is required. From a 1mm button to a […]