Manufacturing Technology

Labour-saving tools at EMEX 2018

A time and labour-saving range of Enerpac Sync Grip Pullers that enable one person to safely handle many jobs previously requiring two will be highlighted at the EMEX 2018 engineering machinery exhibition in Auckland from May 1-3. The SG puller range – in mechanical and hydraulic capacities up to 45 tons – will be a highlight of the joint Jonel Hydraulics-Enerpac stand 232 at EMEX, which will simultaneously feature Enerpac’s go-anywhere XC cordless pumps, offering the performance capabilities of an electric or pneumatic powered pump with the convenient portability of a hand pump. XC cordless pumps are constructed of lightweight materials, equipped with a powerful, one-half horsepower motor, and feature 28-volt, Lithium-Ion battery technology. Used with Enerpac’s global range of lifting, forming, crimping, cutting, fabrication and maintenance tools – including hydraulic SG pullers – they promote operator safety by removing trip hazards associated with traditional powered pumps. SG pullers – which feature synchronised movement of their locking jaws for simultaneous engagement and optimised safety – can be used as a standalone tool or hydraulic units can be combined with the cordless pump to deliver outstanding safety and convenience, particularly in hard-to-access areas. “The XC/SG combination is ideal for a wide variety of common maintenance tasks either off-site or in workshops where operations staff appreciate the power and precision of safety-first hydraulics that are easy and convenient to apply to sometimes less accessible and potentially hazardous jobs,” says Enerpac New Zealand Country Manager Mr Neville Stuart. SG-Series Sync Grip Pullers optimise safety, simplicity and speed of removal of bearings, bushings, gears, sleeves, wheels, fly-wheels, sprockets and other shaft-mounted items. They enable one person to do jobs that often previously took two, in applications such as maintenance of fixed and mobile machinery and plant as well as heavy vehicles and rolling […]

Shakeup at Mastip

Mastip has been a stalwart of NZ manufacturing for over 25 years. Regarded as a pioneer of the global plastics hot runner industry, its products are now in 40 countries. But importantly, the company is receiving a shakeup from new CEO Marc Michel, calling on him to grow the company, double its earnings accelerate new products and innovation and streamline its IP and manufacturing processes. We grabbed him in between his global customer visits and asked him to share his plans. NZM: Where is Mastip now, and what’s your roadmap? MM: Mastip Technology has been a NZ-based manufacturing exporter since day one. We pioneered hot runner solutions and established a strong global reputation. However, the company never scaled as it should and we’re now in a boom market for hot runners, worth over $2.7billion USD annually with a CAGR of about 6.5% pa. We focus on a relatively narrow niche of specialist hot runner solutions to the plastics industry; and are the only supplier based in the Southern Hemisphere. Our main point of difference is the deep domain knowledge of engineering grade polymer materials and production techniques, underpinned by global customer focus and service capability. We’re now in Y2 of a three-year plan building a platform for global growth covering every aspect of the business from culture to channel strategy, manufacturing, product and marketing. Suffice to say nothing remains the same when you’re looking at a shakeup of this magnitude. During 2017 we launched our new tagline “We make things better” reflecting we are a critical partner to hundreds of globally-known brands across segments as diverse as automotive, medical, packaging, electronics, whitegoods and electrical. NZM: So how did a professional yachtsman turn out to be CEO in a manufacturing company? MM: The board knew my background in high growth technology-based […]

Machines can’t dream

People are concerned about robots. Ever since a computer system defeated chess champion Gary Kasparov 20 years ago, public perceptions of progress in artificial intelligence (AI) research have been defined in terms of high-profile competitions pitting human against thinking machine. Anxiety is high about what the ultimate consequences could be. In the wake of Deep Blue’s triumph, other machines powered by AI have racked up momentous victories against human opponents in the game show Jeopardy and, most recently, against the world champion Go player. The latest version of Google’s AlphaGo software taught itself to play the strategy board game without any human help at all. The debate among leaders, technologists, futurists, employees of all stripes is on the profound impact AI will have on our workplace, our societies, our lives. The scale of this impact is hotly debated. Could machines replace us? Could they actually take over? There are smart minds on all sides of this issue. Some, like Professor Stephen Hawking, believe AI’s rise represents an existential threat. He told a BBC radio audience: “I think the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” Others believe the rise of automation represents a veritable utopia made possible by smart machines. Optimism is a free stimulus in any country. In that spirit, this evolution could create massive potential for the human race. Any way you look at it, one thing is clear: there is nothing to be gained by hand-wringing about a dystopian future that we have the power to avoid. Let’s create the future we want to live in. Even in divisive times like these, we see human qualities such as ingenuity, kindness, innovation, and creativity rise up, take hold and gain unstoppable momentum. It is possible to create a world where AI benefits humanity, […]

Connexionz wins contract to connect multiple transit agencies across three States

Integrated rural transit solution enhances community mobility, improves traveler experiences, increases driver and passenger safety, improves operational processes and access to important vehicle diagnostics. Connexionz, a leading provider of smart transit innovations, has been awarded a unique contract to deliver a multi-agency regional passenger information system. The new “iTransitNW” portal and smartphone app will connect several transport networks across three US States to enable passengers convenient access to real-time information on all rural and intercity transit and transfer connections. Connexionz will initially manage and support seven partner agency fleets, with potential to scale and link up to 18 separate transport operators across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Valley Transit based in Walla Walla County, Washington is the lead agency in the contract. General Manager Dick Fondahn says, “We have an excellent interconnected public transportation network that provides a lifeline for people to important services, such as medical appointments, human services, and government offices. “But, despite brochures and websites, transit providers kept receiving feedback from medical providers and social service offices that their patients and clients did not have transportation for appointments, even though a transit service was available.” Valley Transit and its partner agencies wanted a solution that would provide a single point of entry for current riders and prospective customers to access relevant information for where they live and want to go. Accurate bus arrival prediction times would also enable riders to confidently minimize their time spent waiting at bus stops. With several parties involved in the project and more joining over time, the iTransitNW contract is one of the most thorough proposals ever presented and won by Connexionz. Connexionz CEO Rhod Pickavance explains, “The solution is based on the TransitManager ITS suite. However, instead of managing just one agency network, the iTransitNW system will manage multiple networks across a […]

Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 for construction, design and forensics

Faro Scene 7.1 enables an immersive VR experience with integration of detailed photographic textures, i.e., surface details of an object and rendering of 3D scan data so quickly that it appears to be generated in real time. While Scene 7.1 is optimised for the Faro laser scanning product portfolio, e.g. FocusS or Freestyle, it is also device agnostic, so it can seamlessly accept and manage 3D scan data from other, non-FARO laser scanner products. Immersive Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 enables users to view an entire project, i.e., the full range of related scans in full 3D virtual reality through a compatible VR headset from the comfort of the user’s office or workstation chair. This significantly elevates the beneficial use and reduces project cycle time by enabling architecture, engineering and construction professionals, public safety forensics experts and product designers to quickly simulate and compare reality for such tasks as evaluating as-built documentation, reconstructing crime or accident scenes, or optimising design plans. Productivity Enhancements in Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 advances well beyond the “see it better to understand it better” concept common in most industrial VR solutions. It enhances productivity by enabling users to take/capture screenshots, tag comments or notes specific to images and navigate the system overview map in real time, all without needing to exit the Virtual Reality environment. Merging of Faro Terrestrial and Handheld Scanning Data Historically, Faro Focus and Freestyle products have had their own unique, coded targets (markers that identify scan areas/specific targets), which could not be shared by the other scanning device. With Scene 7.1 enhanced functionality, not only can both devices share coded targets, but they can also now verify registration of scans from both devices in a single, real time registration report. This ensures not only a more cohesive workflow between these devices but […]

Microchip MPLAB ICD 4 with faster processor and increased RAM

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers, has announced the new MPLAB ICD 4 in-circuit debugger from Microchip. The MPLAB ICD 4 is an In-Circuit programming and Debugging (ICD) development tool for PIC microcontrollers, including the latest PIC32C MCUs, and Microchip’s portfolio of dsPIC digital signal controllers, via the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This latest version of the MPLAB ICD includes not only all the features of the ICD 3 debugger, including support for all the headers of the ICD 3, but also delivers enhanced capabilities such as higher speed via a faster processor and increased RAM. The MPLAB ICD 4’s significant improvement in speed is accomplished through a 32-bit MCU running at 300 MHz. Faster processing, together with an increased buffer memory of 2 MB, results in a product that is up to twice as fast as its predecessor. The MPLAB ICD 4 is housed in a durable black case that is shaped like an ice-hockey-puck. The case has a brushed aluminium top that also includes an LED light strip to show the device’s debugging status. Major features of the new ICD 4 include: a wide target voltage range, from 1.2 to 5.5V; an optional 1A external power supply; a selectable pull up/pull down option to the target interface; data-integrity check; programmable adjustment of debugging speed for optimised programming; and JTAG debugging capability. In addition to the MPLAB ICD 4 in-circuit debugger module, the kit includes a USB cable, a 6-inch RJ-11 modular cable and an interface test module. The MPLAB ICD is connected to a PC via a high-speed USB 3.0-compatible interface and to the target via the RJ-11 connector, which is also compatible with the MPLAB ICD 3 and the MPLAB REAL ICE systems. Supporting Windows, OSX […]

New technology drives growth at EMEX 2018

The growth trend within the engineering and manufacturing industries already visible at Emex 2016, sees next year’s show set to be the biggest event in its 40 years history. Demand now sees it expand and further develop its reputation as the premier Technology event to showcase and see services relating to the manufacturing, engineering and electronics industries. The response from industry has been so great that another hall has been added. Featuring amazing examples of technology, inspiring manufacturing and innovation excellence, the new hall will be a hub for innovation, industry training and employment opportunities. EMEX 2018 will look quite different from previous editions. There will be more categories represented and more activities to participate in. In conjunction with the Manufacturers’ Network and Competenz, the industry apprenticeship organisation as well as the Manukau Institute of Technology, there will be apprenticeship workshops and speed meet sessions for motivated high school students looking to start a career in engineering or manufacturing. There will be a myriad of live demonstrations at regular times of the latest equipment such as CNC Machine Tooling, Laser cutting, Waterjet cutting as well as welding with augmented reality competitions and much more. If you have ever given it thought to be part of EMEX as an exhibitor, now is the time to do it and to benefit from the increased visitation, a trend that started with the 2016 show. The expansion of the event has opened up more space for exhibitors that wish to bring their products to a wider audience. EMEX 2018 has also some very attractive sponsorships available. Please get in touch if you’re interested in getting more exposure at the show by picking up one of these options. With thousands through the show doors, it’s a great place to be seen and promote what your […]

Is your talent management strategy ready for the global skills gap?

By Alexandre Pachulski, Co-Founder of Talentsoft Our global economy has begun yet another transformation. We are in the early stages of a fourth industrial revolution that will bring major changes to our societies, driven by advances in connectivity, automation, and artificial intelligence. With that, has come a global gap in the skilled talent necessary to keep pace. As expert Klaus Schwab, puts it, “the changes are so profound that, from a perspective of human history, there has never been a time of greater promise or potential peril.” So how do we fulfill this great promise? A critical piece involves rethinking how we cultivate and manage the talent whom will be leading us forward; whom we will reply upon to innovate, deliver, and maintain these unprecedented developments in technology? The greatest promises of technology cannot be realised without human talent. For that technology to grow and for our economies to thrive, we must be aware of and work to bridge the widening global gap in qualified talent, particularly in manufacturing and STEM-dependent careers, which are central to this latest industrial revolution. There’s an exciting opportunity for forward-thinking leaders to be proactive—especially those in HR, as they are often at the centre of their company’s talent management strategy. The first step for leadership is to assess where they are right now and what changes need to be made to compete effectively in this new era. Leaders who can readily embrace new technologies and strategies will have a significant advantage over those who don’t. Key areas to assess are: Integration and Connectivity The pace of business and reliance on real-time data insists that companies embrace cloud-based technologies and software that can connect easily to existing solutions. Teams needs to be able to work from centralized data so decisions can made from up-to-date information; […]

Move Fast and Break Things

(On Jonathan Taplin)He is hunting big game; it is his contention that the giants of the cyberworld-from Google to Amazon-are threats to the fundamental foundations of democracy and that they also cement inequality into our systems in new and dangerous ways. (Jonathan Taplin is Director of the Annenberg Innovation Lab and a former tour manager for Bob Dylan and The Band, as well as a film producer for Martin Scorsese. An expert in digital media entertainment, Taplin is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and sits on the California Broadband Taskforce and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Council on Technology and Innovation. Fake news. Digital monopolies. Stealth Marketing. This is the story of how the internet, which began as a dream, has become a nightmare and the people that did it. The modern world is defined by vast digital monopolies turning ever-larger profits. Those of us who consume the content that feeds them are farmed for the purposes of being sold ever more products and advertising. Those that create the content – the artists, writers and musicians – are finding they can no longer survive in this unforgiving economic landscape. But it didn’t have to be this way. In Move Fast and Break Things, Jonathan Taplin offers a succinct and powerful history of how online life began to be shaped around the values of the entrepreneurs like Peter Thiel and Larry Page who founded these all-powerful companies. Their unprecedented growth came at the heavy cost of tolerating piracy of books, music and film, while at the same time promoting opaque business practices and subordinating the privacy of individual users to create the surveillance marketing monoculture in which we now live. It is the story of a massive reallocation of revenue in which $50 billion a […]

Immersive booths to bring business expos to life

Technology that brings standard exhibition booths alive with video projections has launched this month. The immersive booth technology is the brainchild of Andy Roberts, the founder of Rogue Lumens, a technology company in Adelaide, South Australia. In a previous role, Roberts had travelled the world attending conferences and was constantly uninspired by the static displays of posters and logos on show. “At an exhibition in October 2016 I was standing there and it occurred to me that we could do a lot more in a booth by introducing new technology,” said Roberts. He first looked into incorporating augmented or virtual reality but found the technology was not ready for a mass market. “The uncomfortable interruption of having someone ask you to put something over your face in a crowded room is such that you just can’t do it. But we wanted to find a way we could produce an immersive type experience without having to interrupt someone naturally,” he said. Roberts and his team came up with a software program that allows projectors to seamlessly turn the three sides of a standard 9sq m booth into screens. The software package allows companies to upload photos or videos and easily produce them into an eye-catching display that moves across all three walls. Companies can also upload professionally-produced work. “We built our own software and web portal to solve how we would populate this size of screen,” said Roberts. The web portal allows users to see what their booth would look like from all angles as people approach the stall, and incorporates a human outline to ensure the scale is correct. “It is all put together with a bespoke interface that companies can make with their own content – such as photos and video – and the software scales it,” said Roberts. […]

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Manufacturing Technology