Product News

A specially-designed, 5-axis CNC vertical machining centre is for the production of turbine blades from forgings, castings, bar stock, or solid billets of titanium and stainless steel. It will be officially introduced to the metalworking industry at the International Manufacturing Technology Show, September 10 – 15 in Chicago. According to the manufacturers, several customers provided design criteria, including a reasonable capital cost per part, small machine footprint, the ability to rough and finish parts in competitive cycle times, and improved part accuracy and surface finish. “In other words,” says Tom Dolan, VP of Mitsui Seiki, “the total machining centre package had to be smaller, faster, and more accurate than what they had been using – all at an affordable price.”After about 18 months in development, the new Vertex 550-5XB machine is the result. Key specifications include a footprint of approximately 65 sq. ft., an X, Y, Z working envelope of 550mm x 600mm x 500mm, and rapid traverse rates in all linear axes of 48m/min. A and B axes are represented in a rotating/tilting table. A-axis tilts from +45 to Ð 90 degree angles, and the B-axis features infinite positioning points. The engineering of the rotary axes offers a new, non-traditional approach, which Dolan says enhances manual and automatic load/unload operations, including the integration of a robot and cellular manufacturing capability. Further, Mitsui Seiki has incorporated its proven spindle configuration in the new Vertex 550-5XB, ideally suited to cut hard titanium and stainless steel grades. It also is directed by the latest and most advanced Fanuc control system. Mitsui Seiki’s tradition is to build rigid and ultra precise metal cutting and grinding machines. The Vertex 550-5XB’s geometric accuracy is carefully monitored in the tightest temperature-controlled factory environment in the world. The machine features a cast bed which provides an ultra […]

Ever tried to top up oil in a hard-to-reach filler opening in your car and spilt it all over the engine? Then you’ll appreciate the new range of FloTool funnels that offer easy ways to re-fill oil, fuel or any other liquids around cars, trucks and boats. FloTool has designed a range of funnels that cover a variety of applications and turn a possible messy task into a clean and quick job. Ordinary funnels often don’t do the job properly because they won’t stand up in opening or cannot reach it properly or they are too small and the oil/fuel overflows Ð thatÕs when you need a smart funnel designed specifically for the job. Rather than just expect one funnel to do different tasks, FloTool has created a variety of funnels, most designed with specific jobs in mind. For instance, there’s the Tight Spot Funnel, which is made from flexible material so that it can be squeezed to fit into places ordinary funnels won’t go. Or there’s the Multi-Task 5-in-1 Funnel that that a flexible spout that can bend in several direction and is designed to securely hold a 1-litre container of oil/fluid without it falling. Other interesting funnels include: * Giant Funnel – designed especially for pouring large containers of fluid/fuel, to avoid spills * Super Quick Fill Funnel – specially designed for economy sized containers it has a large diameter and extra wide neck for quick pouring * Utility Funnel – ideal for hard-to-reach places with its flexible spout, it also has special hand-holds to provide a better grip * Gas Gauge Funnel – this one’s great for use in a lawn mower fuel tank because it has an indicator that signals when the petrol is nearing the top, thus preventing spills and over-fills * Measu-Funnel – this […]

  The KMD 53 K/P completes a series of conical twin-screw extruders for the medium output range. The parallel twin-screw extruders can extrude profile cores and outer layers with a mix of virgin and recycled resin plus fillers. The machine combinations are ideally suited to window profiles based on their core technology, layer technology and combination technology. The machines are designed to manufacture a premium quality end product using cost-effective raw materials. Processors are increasing their use of fillers for the production of the unseen profile core, which is covered by a thin external layer of a new colourfast material. They are also utilising dry blends from materials with a low additive proportion, but a high filler proportion. Depending on the output of the individual layers, a coextruder can be used both to process the core layer and top layer. The process concept of parallel and twin-screw extruders ensures optimum melt homogeneity and permits the processing of different formulations with only one screw geometry. The screws are molybdenum-plated and can provide active wear resistance when combined with the deep nitride barrels, are ideally suited for processing recyclables and dry blends with high filler proportions which are very abrasive.              

  OCME S.r.l. from Parma Italy, a world leader in packaging, filling, handling and palletising systems for the beverage and consumer products industries, were acknowledged at the recent official opening of Coca Cola Amatil’s upgrade of their Auckland plant. OCME in collaboration with their local partner HBM, supplied a VEGA HT70 and Vega HT 60 Shrink Wrapper and Tray Packer, two Gemimi N70, a Gemini S50 combined.Wrap-Around Case Packers – Shrink Wrappers and other conveying equipment were part of the NZ$50M upgrade of manufacturing facilities within the Auckland and Christchurch plants. Present were Prime Minister John Key and Coca-Cola Amatil Managing Director George Adams.      

  Fluke Networks has announced a new remote analysis capability for its portable wireless LAN (WLAN) tools, making them the first to enable both real-time troubleshooting and spectrum analysis of remote wireless networks. This lets organisations with remote sites that do not need WIDS/WIPS 24/7 monitoring to resolve connectivity and interference problems, identify rogue devices and detect security violations without having to make expensive site visits. The analyser not only helps customers avoid site visits, it also reduces productivity losses that affect an entire organisation while they work to fix a problem or issue. The remote analyser solution is comprised of AirMagnet WiFi Analyser PRO 10.0, AirMagnet Spectrum XT 3.5.1 and AirMagnet Series Sensors. Sensors can be deployed to remote sites and then be monitored via WiFi Analyser PRO or Spectrum XT at a control site.    

  Concept Express is the combination of ‘NHP Drawing Express’, a software tool that enables the user to instantly design a distribution board from a website, and a new manufacturing line that employs a direct connection to the software tool and uses lean manufacturing methodology to achieve incredible results. With Concept Express, a staff member is capable of entering a website where they can design the distribution board for their customer by indicating all of the components that are required and more importantly, how they are to be connected. Drawings include General Arrangement, Schematic and Bill of Material details and within minutes of completing this simple process, made easier by a user friendly interface and an easy to follow step by step process, an automatic drawing is generated and sent directly to the staff member via email, which can then be forwarded on to their customer. With a simple click of a button, this drawing can be turned into an order for manufacture by sending the manufacturing information directly to the manufacturing line, thus enabling the distribution board to be manufactured within 48 hours of clicking that button. With a short shipping time from Australia to nearby destinations, such as New Zealand, customers are able to obtain a distribution board faster than ever before. This is a first of its kind panelboard ordering solution that revolutionises the way panelboards are ordered in the industrial electrical industry! The Drawing Express technology was developed in order to decrease the drawing lead time from 5-7 working days to a matter of minutes, while completely eliminating any potential human error. In order to satisfy customer demand for fast distribution board manufacture, the next logical step was to create a new dedicated manufacturing line capable of direct communication to the technology to remove the steps […]

The Allen-Bradley 440N-Z SensaGuard Non-Contact Switch with a magnetic integrated latch combines a non-contact interlock switch and door latch into one integrated solution. It replaces separately mounting an interlock switch and door catch in lightweight guard doors. The switch features the latest RFID technology for coding, inductive technology for sensing and output switching signal device (OSSD) safety outputs. It is available with a uniquely coded sensor and actuator to help protect against operators or maintenance personnel defeating the switch, helping to enhance safety. In addition, an LED on the switch provides diagnostic status.  

Two 7-stage automatic battery chargers have features that are ideal for small and large automotive workshops. The 12Volt, 7Amp Intelli-Charge model is a sophisticated and compact charger, fitted with protective rubber moulded end caps for enhanced durability and protection, designed for the rigours of workshop environments. With multi-chemistry settings for charging Wet, Calcium, AGM or Gel batteries, it is ideally suited for starting, marine and deep cycle batteries. The power supply mode retains vehicle computer settings when changing a battery and it can also run 12V appliances, making it a very versatile piece of equipment. The charger is shock- and dust-proof for the toughest of environments and is aimed at batteries used with small passenger vehicles through to heavy-duty 4WD’s. The second charger, the powerful 12Volt 25Amp model, is also fitted with protective rubber moulded end caps for superior durability and to prevent the charger from slipping off or damaging the vehicle’s duco. With multi-chemistry mode capabilities for charging Wet, Calcium, AGM or Gel batteries this charger is ideally suited to a wider range of workshop applications, covering vehicles and craft from motorcycles, jet skis, passenger cars, caravans and boats, to tractors and larger equipment. The Projecta Intelli-Charge 25A charger maintains a constant voltage on a battery so that it protects the integrity of the battery while carrying out diagnostic work. Its output can be easily adjusted, making it an ideal choice for a busy workshop handling a wide variety of batteries, right up to, and including, large truck batteries. Both battery chargers feature world-class, 7-stage quality charging to maximise a battery’s performance and life, and are competitively priced in the New Zealand market. They also benefit from a two-year warranty.            

  An advanced environmental test laboratory has been established to ensure lighting and Projecta battery products are safe, durable and meet the latest regulations. The new laboratory is equipped with the latest test rigs, including a High/Low Humidity Test Chamber, Thermal Shock Test Chamber, Rain Simulation Chamber and a Dust Test Chamber, which have been designed to meet and exceed the most stringent tests required by international vehicle and equipment manufacturers and to ensure total product reliability. The new division will take an active role in looking at product lifetime costs, with accelerated aging tests among many other tests, ensuring long-term product durability and reliability that is important to both the industry and customers. Internal product development engineers and industrial designers, plus international suppliers ensure all products are completely suited to the harsh environments encountered in this part of the world and to ensure they are fit for purpose. With temperature ranges beyond the automotive industry requirements, tests such as High/Low temperature performance, temperature/humidity cycles testing, condensation, material durability as well as PCB solder joint durability, adhesive bonding, rain exposure and car wash tests, dust exposure plus shock and impact tests are now in process. The new testing laboratory is the latest step in further lifting the performance of Nava and Project products. The company has also set up a fully equipped automotive photometric and optical laboratory that is regarded as one of the most advanced in the South Pacific region, together with the latest fully equipped research and development department. These new testing facilities will ensure those products continue to meet the expectations of customers operating in a variety of demanding environments and work places.                        

    Durma’s entry-level AD-E series of press brakes has been superseded by the new AD-R range Ð with no increase in price. Available from Leabourn & Rose Ltd, the new AD-R machines use the same frame as the manufacturerÕs top-of the-range models, so they offer greater daylight (530mm), stroke (365mm) and throat depth (410mm) than the previous AD-E models. Bending lengths vary from 1,250mm to 6,050 mm. The respective bending force is 60 to 400 tones. Features of these press brakes include particularly long double guides for easy and accurate moving of the top beam, CNC operation of the back gauge in the X axis, easily adjustable sliding front arms that offer Òfinger Ð tipÓ lateral adjustment, and Euro-style top and bottom tool holders. Manual or motorised crowning is available on all machines. Control options comprise the Durma CNC Easy Bend, which offers a simplified screen format and a minimum of keys, along with easy-to-follow bending steps. It is also possible to upgrade to the Durma CNC advantage; this offers automatic bending sequences, off-line programming, motorised crowning and up to 85, 12-step programs. Also available is the CYBELEC DNC 880s control unit. This features a 10in TFT colour screen, a 2-D display with multi-simulation capability, and Windows XPe for multi-tasking and file management.