Product News

New charger supports expanding EV infrastructure

Hospitals, train stations, retail stores, industrial buildings, multi-unit residential buildings and more have access to a new reliable charging solution for New Zealand EV drivers. The new EVlink Pro AC from Schneider Electric is promising to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure amid increasing business and consumer transition to EVs. From hospitals to retail stores and multi-unit dwellings, the new charging station has been designed specifically for sustainable and efficient buildings of the future. It is an advanced solution for electricians and other specialists that meets the world-leading compliance standards set by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) in Europe. The new charging station supports optimised energy consumption, maximised uptime and efficiency, and helps ensure a seamless user experience for EV installers, operators, and drivers. It has an enhanced degree of repairability with easily accessible spare parts that make the unit more serviceable. Charging for an hour on the EVlink Pro AC can give up to 120 kilometres of driving range, depending on the vehicle, and a completely flat battery could be charged in around six to eight hours to get to an optimal almost full charge – ideal for people who will charge at their workplace or dwelling. The station includes a modem as an optional accessory. The EVlink Pro AC charger helps to offset on publicly available EV infrastructure as the transition accelerates in line with the resolution of a backlog of previous orders and the resumption of the full petrol tax. At present, according to the EECA’s 2023 survey of BEV (battery EV) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid EV) owners, 97% of EV owners are charging at home at least some of the time, and the majority are charging off-peak, with 69% having access to off-peak pricing plans; 54% of home charging starts between 9pm […]

New miniaturised Galaxie gearbox

Wittenstein’s miniaturised Galaxie gearbox, available from Treotham, is newly developed, high precision with axial power transmission. Compared to strain wave gearboxes with the same footprint, it convinces with much better torsional rigidity, significantly higher torque density, double the emergency stop torque and an almost 50% larger hollow shaft diameter, depending on the size. It offers true zero backlash throughout its entire lifetime, characteristics ideal for applications in medical and precision robotics, semiconductor and wafer handling systems or high-end machine tools. Dynamic single teeth as well as tooth contact over a large surface rather than simply linear contact when the teeth are in mesh are just two of numerous features inherited as “genetic code” from its multi-award-winning “big brother / sister”, which first appeared on the scene in 2015. Smaller sizes due to kinematics with axial power transmission Power transmission in the gearbox is axial, not radial – a most ingenious idea. The single teeth in the tooth carrier, arranged in a gear ring, are axially driven by a polygonal disc with two high points into the flat wheel with special helical crown gearing, similar to a screwing movement. High rigidity in small sizes along with a high ratio The teeth are designed as so-called “crown” teeth, in other words they have more flanks per tooth and thus more flank surface, enabling almost complete surface contact when in mesh – in contrast to strain wave gearboxes with linear contact. In addition, the movement of the polygonal disc means the majority of the crown teeth constantly contribute to torque transmission and torsional rigidity. The bottom line is three times better rigidity compared to strain wave gearboxes. The crown tooth concept also has another advantage: it allows the Galaxie to achieve ratios of i=60/61 and in the future even higher – which is […]

Miller Vortex HDV provides next level of welding respiratory protection

Protecting the respiratory health of welders during grinding and welding operations is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for respiratory protection that not only offers increased protection, but also enhances comfort and visibility while welding. These advantages are particularly important within industries that use stainless steel, steel/manganese alloys, aluminium, galvanised steel in their production. Depending on the process and filler metal used, some welding operations can create more hazardous welding fumes and contaminants than others across industries including mining and mineral processing, oil and gas reticulation sites, plus pipelines and vessels in industries such as water and wastewater and chemical processing, manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and metal fabrication, as well as tanks and vessels involved in bulk materials handling, primary industry, and process engineering. Weldwell New Zealand has addressed this need with its latest innovation, the Miller Vortex HDV powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) System. Designed to take respiratory protection to the next level, the Miller Vortex HDV PAPR System offers a range of features and exclusive technologies that set it apart from other systems, says Product Manager Aleksandr Koshelyev, who consults extensively with users of welding equipment concerning their industries’ particular and evolving needs. Exclusive Miller technology The Vortex HDV PAPR system standout is its HDV technology which provides a sharp, detailed view at any angle with minimal distortion. This feature makes it easier for welders to see their work with increased visibility. Other technologies include: ClearLight™ 2.0 which offers a second-generation view through the lens, providing advanced high-definition optics for a clearer, brighter, and more realistic weld view. “X-Mode is another benefit to welding operators. Designed for outdoor usage, it eliminates sunlight interference, as the lens only darkens when the welding operator strikes an arc. […]

No battery left behind in NZ’s first nationwide end to end recycling solution

A one hundred percent Kiwi, privately owned recycling company has become the very first New Zealand business to offer an end-to-end nationwide ‘all waste batteries’ recycling solution. Phoenix Metalman Recycling (Phoenix) founder and CEO, Eldon Reeve, says this represents the first time a complete domestic end-to-end solution for battery recycling has been achieved in New Zealand, to enable the product stewardship of an essential product used prevalently in society. Phoenix has already prevented more than 100,000kgs of waste batteries from ending up in landfills. Since this programme’s inception, the chemistry mix has evolved into over 20 subtypes of batteries within these main categories: Alkaline, Lithium, Nickel Metal Hydride and Nickel Cadmium. To make it even easier for Kiwis to be part of the solution; recycling their end-of-life batteries, Phoenix is creating a network of hundreds of collection points in towns and cities right across the country. “These locations will include popular hardware chains, product manufacturers, schools, community centres and shopping malls. For larger and industrial batteries, we also have our transportation fleet and drop off points at our 19 sites nationwide. Phoenix’s footprint has tripled within two years to deliver nationwide solutions like these,” says Reeve. Phoenix has invested in ‘sort at source’ technology to produce accurate data about the volumes of renewables recovered. This data will also allow participating partners to report confidently about their own sustainability measures. “This is a major milestone towards New Zealand delivering product stewardship and achieving its 2030 UN climate goals, which Phoenix is proudly committed to through our Toitu Envirocare Net Carbon Zero programme and operational environmental management practices,” says Reeve. Phoenix Product Stewardship Manager, Jasmine Faulkner, has been focusing on this offering since 2019 and says: “The solution encompasses all batteries, ensuring each battery chemistry is confirmed and separated – from domestic […]

HamiltonJet reimagines the waterjet with the LTX36

HamiltonJet has unveiled a new range of high efficiency waterjets, starting with the LTX36 model. Optimised for medium and low speed operation, they’ve produced the first waterjet to rival the energy efficiency and bollard pull of the best propeller-based systems between zero and 30 knots. Waterjets have always been the most efficient choice for going fast. The absence of hull-appendages and their highly optimised pump geometry have allowed HamiltonJet customers to save fuel for over a generation, but as HamiltonJet CEO Ben Reed explains not everyone wants to go fast. “Our customers’ needs are changing, and so is our environment. We understand that operators not only want to reduce their impact on the environment and lower their energy costs, but also maximise efficiency,” says Ben. Some operators achieve this by operating at lower speeds, while others rely on the electrification of the driveline rather than continuing to rely on fossil fuels. Meeting their customer’s needs and expectations is very important HamiltonJet. “LTX36 is a game changer. It delivers incredible energy efficiency at low speeds. Customers can enjoy all the benefits they’ve come to expect from HamiltonJet waterjets – shallow draft, manoeuvrability, and safety of people and marine life in the water – allowing you to do more without compromises,” Ben says. To produce the most efficient propulsion system on the market for low to medium speed applications, HamiltonJet looked to Mother nature for inspiration. “The Moon jellyfish expends far less energy than any other swimming animal, evolving over a millennium to become a marvel of jet-propelled efficiency! Thankfully, we didn’t take a millennium to design the LTX36. The LTX36 uses a large nozzle, lower input energy, lower jet velocity, and lightweight structure to achieve its goals. So, whether you’re looking to optimise your entire enterprise or simply gain incremental benefits […]

New low-cost igus energy chain for unsupported applications

Benefit from the advantages of the E4Q and save up to 20%: the new E4Q.64L shines in applications with medium loads (such as machine tools) and features high strength, long service life and low weight. (Source: igus GmbH) New addition to the igus energy chain portfolio: the E4Q, a globally proven e-chain for applications with large unsupported lengths and high fill weight, now has a new variant: the “L”. Users for whom the E4Q is too large can now save costs of up to 20% with the E4Q.64L. They will still benefit from the advantages of its big brother, such as quick, tool-free opening. From the seventh robot axis in linear robot applications to machine tools, the igus E4Q-series energy chain has established itself in recent years in demanding applications with large unsupported lengths and high fill weights. There are two reasons for this. One is that the e-chain’s wide side links and four stop-dogs per chain link make it very robust. The other is that assembly time is reduced by up to 40% because the crossbars can be opened in seconds – without tools and with just two fingers. The problem is that, in applications with medium loads (machine tools, woodworking, car washes etc.), the E4Q is oversized. “To offer users the advantages of the E4Q in these applications as well, and at a lower price, we developed the L version – the E4Q.64L,” says Christian Ziegler, Head of e-chain Product Management at igus. “Depending on the width, the low-cost version of the energy chain costs between 15% and 20% less than the E4Q.” Design ensures low weight and robustness To reduce costs, the igus designers have modified the E4Q’s design. The aim was to strike a balance between low dead weight and maximum robustness. The side links are narrower […]

Kuva: Aki Loponen, 2023Pictuner Oyaki.loponen@pictuner.fiwww.pictuner.fi

The rise and rise of portable welding machines

It is not that long ago that portable welding machines were seen as heavy, clunky equipment. Limited in their capability, they could usually only perform one type of welding, such as stick, TIG or MIG. And because of their power output, were mainly relegated to performing light and small welding tasks. Over the last 20 years however, portable welding machines have evolved significantly. While single-process welders are still available in the marketplace and no doubt have a place in the industrial landscape, operators can now also choose from a wide range of multi-process machines. These provide greater convenience and flexibility as they can be used to tackle various fabrication or construction jobs and projects both in the workshop and out in the field without the need to switch power sources. Greater productivity Apart from the ability to tackle a wider variety of work, quality portable welders also help deliver excellent welding results. According to Paul McVicar, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia, this is because of the machine’s stable arc. “Quality portable welding machines usually provide a very stable and even arc that allows the user to deeply penetrate various metals and produce consistent, high-quality welds. This reduces the need for reworking the weld as well as post-weld cleaning, which allows the operator to increase their output, while saving them both time and money,” explains Paul. Also contributing to improved productivity is that modern portable welders are far more powerful than their predecessors. Today, operators can choose a portable multi-process machine that has a 320 A with a 40-60% duty cycle. Or a 200 A with a 40% duty cycle. The greater amperage combined with the higher duty means that machines such as the new Kemppi Master M 205 let the welder safely create quality welds for a longer period of time […]

Kemppi adds Pulse model to X5 FastMig welding range

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its latest addition to its range of X5 FastMig welders – the new X5 FastMig Pulse. The X5 FastMig Pulse multi-process welding system has been specifically designed for steel, aluminium and stainless steel welding in industrial environments. The machine delivers a range of features that help significantly enhance arc welding productivity. Built using energy-efficient inverter technology, the X5 FastMig Pulse offers faster welding and quality welds thanks to Touch Sense Ignition, effortless operation, excellent welding ergonomics, flexible equipment setup and is industry 4.0 ready. Faster welding, better quality weldsA high-performing machine, the X5 FastMig Pulse features the latest in ignition technology – Touch Sense Ignition – as standard. When combined with WiseSteel software, which is also included in the X5 FastMig Pulse, it delivers precise ignition capability and stable arc control. The X5 Pulse tackles the challenges of globular arc by alternating between short arc and spray transfer. In short-circuit transfer, it improves the arc stability adaptively, providing better out-of-position steel welding capabilities. In spray transfer mode, micropulsing of the current and voltage increases travel speed significantly. In doing so, the X5 Pulse helps to minimise the spatter produced by a traditional globular arc, as well as the need for post weld cleaning, saving the welder both valuable time and cost, while helping to deliver better quality welds. For more challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminium applications, the arc control can be further optimised with optional MAX welding programs and Wise special processes. Effortless operationDesigned to be hassle-free, the new model can be quickly set up thanks to Weld Assist.This feature guides the welder to set the right parameters for each application so they can start welding faster. The X5 Pulse is also very easy to operate. It features a large, graphical and […]

More sustainable and productive steel turning with new carbide inserts

A recent survey by OpenText found that 92% of manufacturers consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) to be important for their overall reputation in the markets. Even though steel turning is, by nature, a waste producing process, it is possible for manufacturers to improve their sustainability without compromising process security — even against the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. Here is a different approach to steel turning. According to the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development set out by the United Nations (UN), manufacturers are expected to minimise their environmental impact while going further than just optimising energy use. Although CSR is important to companies,manufacturers waste between 10% to 30% of material in their machining processes, with a typical machining efficiency of below 50%, which includes at the design, planning and cutting phases. So, what can manufacturers do? The UN’s goals recommend two main avenues that take into account such factors as a growing population, finite resources and the linear economy. The first is to address these challenges with technology. Industry 4.0 concepts — like cyber physical systems, big data or the Internet of Things (IoT) — are frequently cited as being the way forward for manufacturers seeking to reduce waste. Yet, this does not allow for the fact that most manufacturers are yet to apply modern machines with digital capabilities to their steel turning operations. Most manufacturers are aware of how important the choice of insert grade is for making steel turning more efficient and productive; and how this affects overall performance and tool life. However, many are missing a trick by not considering the whole tooling concept; everything from advanced inserts, tool-holders and easy-to-adopt digital solutions. Each of these factors can help to make steel turning more sustainable by reducing energy consumption and minimising waste. Reduced cutting speeds Manufacturers face […]

NanoLayr’s sustainability roadmap charts the way

Article from Dr.Barbara Nebel,CEO, thinkstep-anz www.thinkstep-anz.com Want to make your manufacturing business more environmentally and socially sustainable? When you’re a busy manufacturer, investing in a sustainability roadmap can be the difference between talking about sustainability and making it happen. In this article we explain what a sustainability roadmap is and why your business needs one. We also talk with Auckland-based functional textile manufacturer NanoLayr about the benefits it’s seeing from theirs. What is a sustainability roadmap? A sustainability roadmap charts the course your business plans to take to become more environmentally and socially sustainable. Think of it like a Google map. Plug in your destination (a more sustainable manufacturing business) and Google offers up a host of ideas to help you with your journey. Street names and directions? These are the high-level sustainability actions you need to take to reach your destination. In a manufacturing business they may include sourcing renewable materials or tackling waste in your packaging. Alternative routes? Think of these as your options and trade-offs. There are many ways to become more sustainable. You’ll need to assess different projects and prioritise them. Distances and different modes of transport? These are the resources you’ll need to commit and the people you’ll need to involve: team members with clear responsibilities, external stakeholders such as suppliers, and (probably) some budget. Journey times? They’re the high-level timelines you’ll work to. Map your sustainability actions into blocks of time. You may be able to complete some within six months to a year. Other activities will take longer. Assign them over the medium term (say one to two years) and longer term (say two years plus). Bring this ‘journey’ information together and you have your sustainability roadmap: a summary of your sustainability goals and the projects, resources and timetable that will help […]

‹ 1 2 3 4 ›»

News Ticker

Product News