Product News

A Step Forward in Safety – The New Rules for Smoke Alarms

New Zealanders’ homes are set to become safer with the implementation of a Building Code update by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. From 01 November 2024, it will be mandatory for all new homes to have a Type 1 Smoke Alarm System. C1-C6 Protection from Fire – Acceptable Solution C/AS1, published by MBIE on 02 November 2023, requires that “each household unit shall be provided with a minimum of Type 1 domestic smoke alarm system in compliance with NZS 4514.” What is a Type 1 Smoke Alarm System? A Type 1 is a smoke alarm or multiple interconnected smoke alarm devices, each containing a smoke detector and an alarm sounding feature. According to MBIE, interconnected smoke alarms alert occupants in residential fires faster and provide occupants more time to respond and escape from a fire. Where does NZS 4514:2021 require smoke alarms to be installed? Smoke alarms are required in all bedrooms, living spaces, hallways, and landings within the building. How Do Interconnected Smoke Alarms Work? Interconnected smoke alarms work by sending signals between the smoke alarms in a house. This means that if one smoke alarm in a particular room detects a fire, all the smoke alarms in that house will activate and sound an alarm – adding an extra layer of safety by letting everyone in the house know about a fire at the same time, even if they are further away or sleeping. Transition Period Changes From 01 November 2024, previous versions of acceptable solutions and verification methods will no longer be deemed to comply with the Building Code. For new buildings, a hard-wired interconnected smoke alarm system can be installed during construction while the house is being wired. For those who wish to upgrade to the new Building Code requirements in the course […]

Helping Proline Steel gain new sustainability certification

www.thinkstep-anz.com The challenge Proline Steel was seeking to become one of the first businesses to be certified by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI)’s new Steel Sustainability Australia program (SSA). They approached the thinkstep-anz team knowing that they had helped ASI develop the new program. About SSA certification SSA certification independently verifies a company’s social, environmental and health processes. The certification, which replaces the ASI’s Environmental Sustainability Charter (ESC), recognises fabricators that have lower environmental impacts, are reducing carbon emissions, are transparent about their supply chain, respect human rights and are moving towards circular solutions. About Proline Steel Proline Steel fabricates structural steel in their factory in Padstow, New South Wales, and has nine staff. The manufacturer is a member of ASI. The company wanted to gain its first SSA certification to support its construction customers in the green building market. The certification contributes points to rating tools like Green Star. It also wanted to maintain industry leadership. As a smaller business, Proline needed help to document the good work it currently does, refine some of its processes and show it complies with SSA requirements. What thinkstep-anz did They worked with Proline to develop systems that support good business governance and manage its Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) activities. They held two workshops to help Proline document these systems and also helped the business better understand its supply chain. thinkstep-anz then worked with the Proline team to develop ten documents that met the SSA requirements. Once the documents were complete , they supported Proline with its submission to the SSA, and guided the company on how to best present the information to the assessor. Proline received the Level 1 SSA certificate in May 2023. It will aim for Level 2 next year. Helping Proline Steel to succeed sustainably thinkstep-anz’s work is helping […]

Tanaka develops first high-entropy alloy powder of only precious metals

Enabling proposals tailored to customer needs through the establishment of five or more different precious metal alloy powder production methods TANAKA which develops industrial precious metals products as one of the core companies of TANAKA Precious Metals, has succeeded in creating a high-entropy alloy powder composed of precious metals with a fine particle size of 10µm or less high crystallinity and excellent composition uniformity. This product is the world’s first high-entropy alloy powder composed of only five precious metals: platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru), and rhodium (Rh). TANAKA has already established a mass production process for this product and began providing samples in October. TANAKA has established five or more precious metal alloy powders and their production methods, which are used in this product, and obtained a basic patent in June 2023 (Patent No. 7300565)[1]. The precious metal alloy powders in this product are alloys composed only of five or more precious metal elements that maintain the corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and other excellent properties of precious metals. They are micro-order[2] alloy powders that are easy to use in industrial applications. Unlike conventional nano-order precious metal high-entropy alloys, micro-order alloys are stable as alloys due to their large crystallite size, and they satisfy the original requirements of alloys, such as improved mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and controlled thermal expansion. They are also expected to contribute to the improvement of the functions and properties of precious metal alloys, whose properties vary greatly depending on the composition ratio of the alloy. High-entropy alloy powder The precious metal alloy in this product is in powder form, and in addition to modeling using a 3D printer and rod forming (forming rod-shaped material by solidifying powder), it can also be used in paste form, which is often used in various circuits and […]

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 […]

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