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Why Australia Needs to Invest in Future Skills for a Thriving Economy

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St. Joseph, Michigan, USA, 2022-Jun-17 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — As our world becomes ever more technologically advanced, so the requirements for skills are undergoing a dramatic shift. While there has historically been a fear within workforces that computers and robotics will reduce the need for humans to carry out tasks, the opposite is proving to be the case.

Instead, automation is removing the need for humans to carry out tasks that are repetitive and boring, and replacing this with an increasing level of non-routine cognitive tasks. Rather than reducing the number of jobs on offer, tech is causing a shift that requires very different skills from workers.

With this comes a challenge for future investment into the skills that will be in demand in the upcoming years and decades.

The Skills that are Driving Economic Growth

Since before the Industrial Revolution it’s fallen to humans to carry out multiple repetitive tasks that have driven economic growth. Although machines have now taken over much of this element, this has created many other higher order and digital openings that demand an increased level of human expertise in order for an economy to advance. The issue with this is that it’s leading to a shortage of those adept to fill the roles – something that needs to be addressed now if we’re to avoid a dramatic skills shortage in the near and medium-term future.

The so-called STEM skills of science, technology, engineering and mathematics underpin what’s needed to drive the circle of elements that are needed for the future. This circle is made up of the following:

  • Future skills
  • Innovation
  • Thriving economy
  • Jobs
  • Solving social, environmental and economic challenges.

These 5 linked elements are crucial for future economic growth, the well-being of the population and addressing environmental issues, such as disease, food and water supplies alongside climate change.

STEM skills aren’t solely limited to the disciplines mentioned above. Instead, a cross disciplinary aspect is what will be needed to solve many of the quandaries that face future generations. Education is key to developing the critical thinking and capabilities that will arm today’s children and young adults with the skills to solve many of today’s environmental issues as well as ensuring that Australia remains a player on the global stage.

Future predictions say that by 2030 it’s expected that the amount of time workers spend solving problems will double, with more than 77% of their time using mathematical and scientific skills.

STEM Education will Drive the Future Workforce

The shift that’s come from technological change means that going forward virtually everyone is going to need at least a basic level of STEM skills. This will, of course, be spearheaded during mandatory education for those of school age, but also through upskilling of those already in employment.

While this will represent significant cost – it’s been estimated at around $600 billion from 2015 to 2030 – it’s also bringing about economic gain. While this might not be as much as the cost of education in the short term, in the medium to long term this on-going expenditure is essential for a future thriving Australian economy.

Manufacturing and engineering are two examples that are representative of current investment at both local and national scale. Australia’s once world-leading manufacturing industry was allowed to reduce to a mere shadow of its glory days. Thankfully, and with substantial government investment, this is beginning to be turned around.

This, along with strategic education of the current and future workforce, is exactly what’s needed to ensure that our country once again becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Precision engineering and CNC machining providers, SixDe, are at the forefront of this new way of working. Not only has the company invested into its workforce and capabilities, but it provides local WA businesses with an expert supplier in their own back yard.

Discover what makes SixDe stand out from the crowd at https://sixde.com.au and get in contact to discuss your requirements.

Jason De Silveira
Managing Director – SixDe
https://sixde.com.au/

Founder and director of specialist manufacturing and engineering companies for both, SixDe and Nexxis Pty Ltd. Jason has over 20 years’ project management experience on installations, commissioning and start-ups in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Kuwait, Ghana and Dubai.

SixDe, a Nexxis Company, is a 450m2 locally owned CNC machine shop that delivers manufacturing, rapid prototyping, tooling, and engineering solutions to a variety of Australian industries. Its bespoke precision machining service has delivered competitive and cutting-edge solutions for mining, oil and gas, construction and building companies in Australia and overseas.

Bearings, Cable & Wire, Casting Molding Machining, Components, Engineering, Engines, Factory Automation, Fans, Fiber, Filters, Hardware, Heavy Industry, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Goods, Industrial Services, Industrial Supplies, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Manufacturer, Materials, Metals, Motors, OEM, Parts, Steel, Supply Chain

Haizol celebrate Chinese New Year by offering their customers lower prices on their part manufacturing

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SHANGHAI, 2022-Feb-3 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — OEM manufacturing platform Haizol are a Chinese sourcing platform and in-house manufacturer of metal and plastic custom parts and products. Based in Shanghai, they are currently celebrating the Chinese New Year, the year of the tiger.

Haizol’s platform has over 600,000 manufacturing partners in China, providing on-demand manufacturing to more than 100 countries around the world. Haizol offer their customers direct access to the best specialized engineers and factories across China enabling small and medium sized enterprises to streamline and lower the cost of their supply chain by outsourcing their production efficiently and at high quality.

To celebrate the turn of a new year, Haizol are offering reduced prices on their on-demand manufacturing services, bringing increased savings to their customers. Whether it is a prototype, or full scale production, customers can receive low cost quotations with fast lead times. Covering both components and whole products, as well as reverse engineering, Haizol provide tailor made services

As of today, Haizol has achieved five rounds of financial and industrial investments, including Haier Financial Capital, Fortune Capital under Tsinghua Holdings, ZD Capital and Hong Tai Ji. From 2015 Haizol has grown into a leading domestic manufacturing supply chain and production services.

It is a great time to check out their capabilities and make savings on your manufacturing projects.

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Digital Manufacturing platform Haizol expands with a new office in Suzhou, China

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LONDON, 9-Jan-2022 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Haizol are growing from strength to strength in the manufacturing industry. From inception in 2015, they have opened offices throughout China year on year. Haizol now have a presence in 12 cities across China, making them the go to platform for connecting with manufacturers for custom OEM parts and products. Currently Haizol are in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Wuxi, Dongguan, Foshan, Huizhou, Suzhou, Changzhou, and Hangzhou. Last month they opened a new office in Suzhou, with an opening ceremony attended by government officials.

Haizol assists small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises in the procurement of resources, meeting output quotas, and manufacturing of traditional parts and components. Their one-stop sourcing solutions platform offers buyers a complete service from start to finish. From your requirements, they locate the best suppliers, then take care of the whole process from the initial order, to quality and inspection, and shipment.

Haizol’s connections span throughout China, having partnered with the best factories that specialize in CNC Machining, Injection Molding, Casting, Stamping, Fabrication, and Mold Making. Haizol also manufacturing products, from a simple CAD design, they can produce the product from prototype to full scale production. Haizol are experts in reverse engineering, whereby products are broken down into the separate parts in order to re-build and re-brand them.

Haizol’s instant quoting technology and extensive network of suppliers has revolutionized the custom manufacturing industry. Providing customers with quotes in under a minute, they get on demand access to high quality low cost manufacturing. For startups or large companies, 2D or 3D drawings can be securely uploaded to receive a dynamic quotation.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Bearings, Components, Engineering, Factory Automation, Handling Equipment, Hardware, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Goods, Industrial Services, Industrial Software, Industrial Supplies, Lighting, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Manufacturer, Material Handling, Materials, Metals, Motors, OEM, Oil, Packaging, Parts, Raw Materials, Supply Chain

Haizol adds component assembly to its digital manufacturing platform

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LONDON, 23-Oct-2021 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Haizol, one of China’s largest manufacturers of custom parts, expands its offering to meet increasing customer demand. Now, the manufacturing giant offers services spanning from OEM manufacturing, to component assembly, and product development and manufacturing.

A true one-stop parts procurement and key component assembly platform, Haizol offer their customers a 20% increase in engineering productivity, 30% average cost savings, and 50% faster lead times.

OEM manufacturing requests come from countries worldwide, with their capacity to cater to anything from prototype to full scale production being a key driver. Haizol’s expertise in machining, injection molding, sheet metal manufacturing, customer service, and supply chain enable them to achieve customized goals in strict time frames. Offering over 100 metal and plastic options, and more than 10 surface finishes, the rapid prototyping and on-time delivery mean it is a one-stop solution to supply chains.

As an extension on OEM manufacturing, Haizol have introduced manufacturability solutions for core components of products through high-end machining and precision mold forming. Within the sphere of modern manufacturing services, Haizol is well placed thanks to its strong digital platform and vast project experience. They invest in engineering research and development to ensure the top quality delivery of parts. Haizol’s platform produces specialist equipment resources to improve manufacturing solutions for customers, whilst managing supply chains and production capacity.

Due to increasing demand, Haizol also now offers product development. For those with a product design, or wanting brand an existing product, Haizol offers manufacturing from drawings, and also reverse engineering, where they break an existing product down into components, and can manufacture it in this way.

Haizol simplifies the process of product customization procurement by providing customers with a huge supplier base and diverse production capacity features. Assess the world’s top manufacturing companies through Haizol, and let them handle the communication and production, covering all issues from quality control to delivery and customs.

Haizol’s manufacturing processes include Prototyping, Molding, Stamping, CNC Machining, Casting, Fabrication and more. Such comprehensive manufacturing capabilities allow Haizol to meet the needs of many industries across a wide range of product categories, including Automotive Parts & Equipment, Aerospace, Electrical Equipment, Electronics, Design & Engineering, Fabricated Metals, Medical Supply & Equipment, Machinery & Tools, Packaging, Toys, as well as general consumer goods.

Since its inception in 2015, HAIZOL Online has enthusiastically awarded multiple rounds of committed financial investment from the world’s top establishment and financial institutes such as Haier, Woofoo Capital, Eastern Bell Capital, Stala Capital and Hongtai Capital Holdings. Their clients include MicroPort, Roche, Siemens, Haier, Zeiss, Whirlpool, Rocker, and Hybrid Racing.

For more information or to learn more, head over to their new website at www.haizolglobal.com.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

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Haizol unveils new digital platform

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LONDON, 17-Sep-2021 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Haizol, an industrial data and engineering manufacturing service, have launched a brand new interactive digital platform. The new site is a user friendly portal where customers can get instant access to quotes for metal and plastic custom part manufacturing. Buyers and engineers worldwide can access a host of information on manufacturing, outsourcing, and suppliers in China, as well as quality assurance and assistance with design and prototyping.

Haizol is innovating the path to a new age in manufacturing. With technology at the centre of their efforts, they facilitate access to high-quality machine parts, component assembly, and product development, manufacturing to customers across the world.

A one stop sourcing solution that provides instant manufacturing services to original brands, private labels, distributors, subcontractors, system integrators, startups, value-added resellers and patent creators worldwide. They provide end to end manufacturing services, alongside dedicated consulting and project management.

Haizol’s manufacturing processes include Prototyping, Molding, Stamping, CNC Machining, Casting, Fabrication and more. Such comprehensive manufacturing capabilities allow Haizol to meet the needs of many industries across a wide range of product categories, including Automotive Parts & Equipment, Aerospace, Electrical Equipment, Electronics, Design & Engineering, Fabricated Metals, Medical Supply & Equipment, Machinery & Tools, Packaging, Toys, as well as general consumer goods.

Since its inception in 2015, HAIZOL Online has enthusiastically awarded multiple rounds of committed financial investment from the world’s top establishment and financial institutes such as Haier, Woofoo Capital, Eastern Bell Capital, Stala Capital and Hongtai Capital Holdings. Their clients include MicroPort, Roche, Siemens, Haier, Zeiss, Whirlpool, Rocker, and Hybrid Racing.

For more information or to learn more, head over to their new website at www.haizolglobal.com

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Services, Industrial Software, Industrial Supplies, Software

Inspector 3.0 Changes The Face Of RVI Inspection

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Perth, WA, Australia, 2021-Jul-26 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Inspection tasks are undergoing rapid advancement thanks to Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) tools, like the Elios 2. However, while there are many advantages to such drone inspection (speed, visualisation of hard to reach areas, increased health and safety etc), it also brings with it one significant challenge: 

That of pinpointing the location of defects. 

Unlike traditional inspection, where the defect is determined by the person in front of it, RVI inspection in areas like boilers requires multiple data input to gain an accurate location. This might include the use of maps, blueprints and barometric measurements. This is a complex task. Getting it wrong can have serious implications, the worst of which is undertaking significant effort (AKA time and money) to gain access to repair the defect, only to find you’re in the wrong place. 

Enter Inspector 3.0 

Inspector 3.0 is the newest version of Flyability’s Inspector software, specifically designed to be used with the Elios 2 for indoor inspections. 

This revolutionary data localisation program allows inspectors to create a 3D map immediately following an indoor drone inspection flight. The advantages of this are many, all of which combine to create one thing – significant savings for repair and maintenance tasks. 

  • Accurate defect location in real time: The whole reason for inspections is to identify defects. Being able to pinpoint them immediately after an inspection flight has taken place means efficient action plans can be immediately put in place.
  • Lowered costs: Wholly accurate localisation of a defect in a hard-to-reach asset area allows for exact planning to gain access. Whether this involves scaffolding, digging through dirt, cutting into the asset or any other means of access, it negates the risk of ending up in the wrong location. Such unhappy incidents are common and result in prolonged downtime and the associated loss of revenue.
  • Better communication: Industrial maintenance often includes many different personnel. From inspectors through to maintenance staff, C-suite level and managers, accurate data localisation can assist in helping everyone understand the needs of the inspection data. A 3D map speaks volumes and bypasses much of the requirement to fully understand technical data, therefore aiding comprehension at all levels and improving communication.
  • Improves customer relations: Performing inspections often causes frustration if a customer can’t see a tangible report of defect locations as soon as its finished. The ability to present them with a 3D visualisation straight away is hugely advantageous to customer confidence.

How Inspector 3.0 Works

1. Launch the indoor inspection mission: Using the Elios 2

2. Collect visual data: On the fly collection of data, allowing you to mark points of interest at the touch of a button

3. Create a 3D map: Following the flight, utilise the mapping feature of Inspector 3.0 to create a sparse map of the asset that includes the points of interest detected. This takes between 20-50 minutes to generate 

The Elios and next-generation Elios 2 continue to evolve, along with the software that goes alongside. Such innovations are key to driving down costs and increasing productivity in an ever-competitive marketplace.

Equipment provider, Nexxis, is committed to procuring such technology and providing the unique availability of a dynamic model that allows their customers to take full advantage of tech as it becomes available. 

Head to www.nexxis.com to discover the Nexxis difference, and why they’re becoming the equipment supplier of choice to industries as diverse as oil & gas, petrochemicals, manufacturing and aeronautical.

Engineering, Handling Equipment, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Services, Manufacturer

Royal Caribbean Awards Handling Specialty its Largest Fixed Price Contract in 58-Year History

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Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 2021-Jul-05 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — To have recently landed a project that can be identified as a company’s largest fixed price contract in its long history is reason enough to celebrate, but when it’s with a corporation who is intimately familiar with your work and company values, that validates an organization’s processes from sales and engineering to manufacturing, installation and service.

Handling Specialty made history in 1995 when it was contracted to produce the underwater stage lift system for Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio, in Las Vegas. The ‘O’ show continues to perform 2 shows per night after 24 years on the original Handling Specialty lift systems. It is an extraordinary engineering feat from a world class SME located in the heart of Niagara, in Grimsby, Ontario.

Since that monumental moment for the company, several underwater stage lift systems have been designed, built and installed into multiple theatres including the City of Dreams theatre, which runs The House of Dancing Water show in Macau. This epic undertaking gained Handling Specialty a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Handling Specialty is the world leader in underwater theatrical spectacles, and is installing systems all over the world. They are also flown to remote vacation locations to provide highly skilled technicians to repair or maintain these multi million-dollar systems efficiently to ensure that the show(s) go on.

This latest win for the company is the accumulation of an almost 20-year relationship designing and building for Royal Caribbean International. “This project began 2.5-years ago with technical sales and conceptual engineering leading the charge to win this prestigious venture,” says Tom Beach, President of Handling Specialty and the lead sales associate on this project. “We cherish our relationship with Royal Caribbean and with a revenue stream via new builds, service, and dry dock overhauls that will last over 10-plus-years, we understand what it takes to keep our customers happy.”

Handling Specialty’s turnkey solutions for Royal Caribbean includes conceptual engineering and contract settlements to full design including all electrical and hydraulic networks, custom stage flooring, installation, training, commissioning and on-going MRO.

“Experience goes a long way in winning a project as large as this,” Beach goes on to say. “Deploying professionals and skilled technicians to Finland over the next 6 years to install our equipment will be a challenge, but we’ve completed similar scenarios many times before.”

In March of 2021, Handling Specialty sent a team of technicians to Barbados where they quarantined on the Allure of the Seas for 14 days, one of the Oasis class of ships, and then performed planned maintenance on the ship’s underwater stage lift equipment. This same group of people went on to Spain where they completed similar work on Harmony of the Seas. Freighting the parts and flying people to these locations during a pandemic and successfully completing the work ahead of schedule is another nod to Handling Specialty’s abilities to organize massive projects and perform the work without interruption. It also speaks to the quality of the people working at Handling Specialty, and the lengths they will go to, to see a job through.

“Having worked together for almost 20 years on our Oasis class ships, I’m thrilled to be partnering with Handling Specialty again.” – Christopher Vlassopulos, Superintendent SLVR & Architectural Lighting for Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises, says.

The financial impact on the Niagara-based company is a welcome one. Entertainment industry builds have been scarce through the pandemic and to come out the other end with a project of this size is a boost to company moral and another nod to Handling Specialty’s impressive track record designing and building stage lift systems for the entertainment industry.

Beach says of the future, “I feel certain that Handling Specialty will continue our relationship with Royal Caribbean International and international ship yards for decades.”
______________________________________________________________

Since 1963, Handling Specialty has been exclusively dedicated to the custom design and manufacture of your material handling systems & equipment for demanding applications. We are the premier source for made to order lifting, tilting, rotating and traversing equipment for clients seeking innovative solutions, exceptional professional support, world-class credentials and unmatched experience.

Via EPR Network
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The Future of Robotics In The Petroleum & Petrochemical Industries

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YANGEBUP, Perth, Western Australia, 23-Nov-2020 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — The petroleum and petrochemical industries, although booming, face numerous challenges. These are only set to intensify as obtaining crude oil and petrochemicals by conventional and non-conventional means becomes more demanding financially, environmentally and in ever more hostile habitats. For these reasons the use of robotics and autonomous systems to carry out practical tasks is virtually a necessity for the industry to progress.

The time of the robot is well and truly upon us, and strategic use of such technology is set to bring about significant safety advances and cost efficiency for global industry. And this is particularly true when it comes to the production of petroleum and petrochemicals.

Because of the colossal value of these industries, with assets totalling billions of dollars, it’s understandable that those held responsible for ensuring continued profits are decidedly cautious when it comes to embracing new technology.

This means that the use of robots for inspection and maintenance is by no means the norm quite yet. But as more and more proof of the advantages becomes common knowledge, such solutions are becoming more widespread.

Inspection and maintenance challenges 

Historically, achieving efficient inspection and maintenance of assets is a necessary but expensive task that needs to be carried out on a regular basis. Challenges posed include:

  • Significant downtime of assets causing reduced revenue
  • High costs associated with the opening, inspection, cleaning and maintenance of assets
  • Lengthy preparation periods to set up scaffolding and vent toxic gases to create a safe environment for human entry
  • The risk to human life when entering confined spaces and non or reduced oxygen atmospheres
  • The high cost of specialist inspection and maintenance teams
  • Worker compensation following accidents or incidents
  • The risk of human error during inspection
  • Inadequate visualisation of certain structures that are inaccessible for humans

Such challenges have meant that inspections and necessary maintenance can take weeks – even months – to complete. While this is taking place revenue ceases, so the need for speed is paramount. In addition, such challenges create little enthusiasm for companies to carry out proactive inspection over and above what’s required by legal industry standards. 

Enter the robots

Rapidly advancing technology over the past decade has brought us to an era that’s truly able to overcome many of these challenges. And whilst we’re not quite in the realms of the most futuristic of sci-fi movies yet, the tech continues to advance. Today, robots such as crawlers and drones are able to reduce multiple challenges of inspection and maintenance, providing the opportunity for companies to not only meet health and safety requirements, but to exceed them, therefore reaping the benefits of proactive asset analysis and associated reduction in maintenance costs

Advantages of using robotics

As technology increases it becomes possible for companies to take advantage of robots to carry out tasks that present significant hazards to human life. Not only does this lower exposure to danger in this high-risk industry, but also provides a financial edge thanks to minimizing employee costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.

The latest in robotic developments have been dedicated towards ensuring they can be employed in real world situations, not simply in a laboratory. Over recent years the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has been pivotal in pushing such technology forwards, organising various tests and challenges for robotic manufacturers to overcome. These include the ability to handle tools, open doors, overcome unexpected obstacles, open valves and more.

Manufacturers have also had to ensure that such automaton tools are able to withstand explosive blasts. 

Recent advancements

The speed of technological advancement is expanding fast. Perhaps the most significant progression is that of increasing autonomy. Once only able to perform the basics, the capacity for robots to carry out more complex tasks is now either in existence or poised on the cusp of becoming reality. These include:

  • The ability to navigate autonomously
  • Identifying and solving problems
  • Learning from their experiences and those of others
  • Sharing a workspace with humans and interacting with them. 

Current and future opportunities

The four major industry processes of exploration, development, production and site abandonment are all ripe for increased usage of robotic technology to reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase safety.

Throughout all these stages there are many opportunities for robot use, especially in that of inspection and maintenance. Current and potential applications as the industry and technology moves forward include:

  • Using robots to enter confined spaces to carry out tasks. Not only does this dramatically decrease human risk, but negates the need for unnecessary downtime to prepare for human entry. Currently such health and safety procedures account for up to 80% of asset downtime, therefore the adoption of a robotic element within the workforce provides cost reduction on a significant scale.
  • The use of robots for other potentially hazardous tasks: These include working at height, working within low or non-oxygen environments, firefighting and working in non-temperate conditions.
  • As a replacement for humans in remote locations: Robots that can carry out more complex operations will reduce the need for human operators in locations such as offshore sites.
  • Reducing safety preparations in hazardous work locations: For example, a robot working at height or in a difficult to reach location will not require health and safety measures such as scaffolding and other preparations, therefore reducing costs, downtime and risk.

Furthermore, the reduced cost and time effect of using advanced robots allows for the adoption of much improved inspection and maintenance programs. Proactively carrying out such tasks leads to a considerably reduced chance of any unplanned maintenance issues and/or the occurrence of catastrophic events.

In short, the use of robots in the future will lead to a significant reduction in downtime of industry assets, lowered costs, increased human safety and the ability to work in ever more hostile, hard to reach environments.

In a global marketplace that’s predicted to reach over $7 trillion US dollars* (Oil & Gas) by 2024 and $958.8 billion** (Petrochemical) by 2025, companies, although sensibly judicious in their eagerness to take advantage of such technology, are fast-becoming aware of the competitive edge it can bring.

* https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/07/12/1536385/0/en/Oil-Refining-Market-worth-over-7-trillion-by-2024-Global-Market-Insights-Inc.html

** https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-petrochemical-market

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Casting Molding Machining, Components, Engineering, Factory Automation, Handling Equipment, Hardware, Heavy Industry, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Goods, Industrial Supplies, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Manufacturer, Materials, OEM, Parts, Robotics, Supply Chain

The Upside of COVID? Closing Australia’s Skills Gap

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The fate of Australia’s diminishing manufacturing industry has long been hanging in the balance – and then?

BIBRA LAKE, Perth, Western Australia , 23-Nov-2020 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Along came COVID-19. For a sector that had been neglected for decades, while the pandemic wasn’t quite the final nail in the coffin, it certainly brought with it the shock wave that made our government sit up and take notice.

And maybe – just maybe – the situation might bring the stars into alignment that will help close the country’s chasm of a skills gap.

Manufacturing is Crucial for Our Economic Recovery

Change is always hard to come by, especially at the extent manufacturing needs. But there are some green roots showing. Thanks to the new government taskforce set up in response to an industry-led recommendation plan, the desperately needed funding for investment and growth is beginning to trickle through.

So what does this mean for the industry, and in particular the small and medium-sized businesses that make up the majority of the sector?

To fully comprehend this we need to drive deep into the rot that’s now endemic throughout. Only by understanding the mistakes that’ve been made and why we have such a major skills crisis, can we begin to turn this unfortunate turn of events around.

By far the most effective way of doing this is to lay bare the biggest error of all, and it all boils down to this: we’ve forgotten the value of local business and manufacturing capabilities. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when this occurred, but if COVID has brought about anything, it’s that we’ve had a hard, sharp lesson as to the importance of local support and expertise. Suddenly the crucial need for home-grown supply chain capabilities has become vital for our businesses and industries, and this can only be brought back up to scratch with a long-term strategy and, most importantly, the necessary funding.

Manufacturing Provides the Building Blocks from which All Other Industries can Grow

The world desperately scrabbled for commodities (ventilators, PPE, toilet roll!) and we were among them. Once upon a time our powerhouse nation boasted some of the best skilled workers on the planet. Today we are but a shadow of our former selves.

So has COVID achieved what many industry experts have failed to do over the previous few decades, and forced the hand of our government to invest in the sector? Perhaps so… What has definitely happened is the following:

  • We’re beginning to understand the many benefits of local support and expertise
  • We’ve realised that the value of local business and manufacturing capabilities is more about quality and service, and less about price
  • The importance of great B2B relationships is something our economy relies on

These are the reasons that, at last, the funding is starting to be put into place for SMEs to be able to upskill their workers and invest in advanced manufacturing processes. It’s only through initiatives such as these that we can become competitive on a global scale. In addition, it gives these companies the opportunity to innovate and commercialise new technologies.

So… Is 2020 the year that manufacturing turns the corner and provides the bedrock necessary for our country to begin to close the skills gap? Only time will tell for sure. But what it has meant is that companies such as SixDe have begun the slow uphill climb – and long may it continue.

An example of this is SixDe’s expansion in preparation of the commercialisation of Magneto, a robotic platform that is the future of inspection robotics. The industry relies on such innovation. With such projects and advancement, we not only get the chance to retrain our current workers, but we lay the foundations that will attract the brightest young minds from around the world to come and live, study and work in our wonderful country. So perhaps, just perhaps, we can drag some positivity from the awful situation that is COVID, and use it to bring about a greater good for Australia.

To find out more about Magneto and the home-produced precision machine components from SixDe, visit www.sixde.com.au or call 08 9434 1112.

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Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Metals, Steel

EWF along with its partners developed the first International Additive Manufacturing Qualification System

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PORTO SALVO, Portugal, 28-Nov-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Additive Manufacturing is entering fast into the mainstream since most industries, if not all, are bound to benefit from its nearly endless possibilities of customization and on-demand production. It is already redefining many industries, and it has the potential to disrupt traditional business models and value chains, providing companies willing to fully embrace this technology with a significant competitive advantage. One of the reasons that its growth has not been as fast as anticipated is the lack of qualified professionals capable of dealing and operating in Additive Manufacturing. Essentially, the shift in existing job definitions and the emergence of new skill sets require continuous up/reskilling to meet the needs of an economy that is increasingly blurring the lines between the physical and digital world. That is why EWF has, along with its network of partners, developed the first International Additive Manufacturing Qualification System to support the fast adoption of this new market.

This new qualification system relies on EWF’s expertise in the development of advanced harmonized qualifications that are broadly used and recognized. These qualifications, as with all other developed by EWF, are a result of the cooperative work between the federation and experts representing both industry and education (e.g. training centres, universities, and research organisations), that agreed on the technical and pedagogical structure of the qualifications needed for current and future professionals in metal additive manufacturing. The collaboration with organizations supported by several European projects, ensures that a crucial fast track adoption of this first European/International Qualification System for Additive Manufacturing personnel is made possible.

EWF currently offers Qualifications in Metal AM, three at the Operator level and three at Engineering level. And they have been gathering momentum, with the International harmonised qualifications for professionals in additive manufacturing already recognized in 33 European countries. The first countries offering these qualifications are Italy, Germany, France, UK and Spain, and the first course for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) operator started this year in Italy, with the first diplomas already awarded.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Metals, Steel

SLM-XL project: Printing large-scaled parts with Laser Powder Bed Fusion process

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LISBON, 31-May-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Additive manufacturing technologies are increasingly used, as they allow the manufacturing of parts with geometries not achievable by traditional processes, leading to increasingly more efficient parts for the intended applications, but mostly for smaller build envelopes and rapid prototyping. In the case of Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology, the SLM-XL project has taken the parts size shortcoming head-on and it has managed to produce large stainless steel parts of over one meter compliant with the 316L specification (image 1). To achieve this milestone, the project included the development of a prototype machine for larger parts using LPBF technology with a new, breakthrough technology, tiled laser melting, that is paving the way for the seamless production of small to large parts for the most demanding usage scenarios. Printing large-scaled parts with laser powder bed fusion process provides a fast and efficient way to create low volume parts of any length and height, allowing flexibility in design and overcoming disadvantages of traditional manufacturing technologies.

The project experiment has produced samples on the customized LPBF machine with relative densities above 99%, with the best result at 99,655%. This is a positive indicator towards the ultimate goal of zero-defect manufacturing in producing large components with LPBF. The SLM-XL projectwas led by an equipment manufacturer (Adira Metal Forming Solutions) with the collaboration of research organizations (Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Nova de Lisboa – Faculdade de Ciência e Tecnologia, INEGI – Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) and one end user (MCG – Manuel Conceição Graça).

There is a growing market demand for this type of machines and this specific prototype includes a unique TLM (Tiled Laser Melting) printing process technology developed by Adira. By being able to produce larger parts, the project has brought the broad utilization of Laser Powder Bed Fusion into the mainstream, with clear benefits in efficient resources utilization, cost effectiveness for customized smaller production runs and overall flexibility on the production. The project’s outcomes included a methodology for selection of parameters to fabricate large metal parts in stainless steel 316L, as well as contributing for the development of the final prototype machine.

Empowering industry with large parts production capabilities

Laser powder bed fusion is one of the metal additive manufacturing technologies available. It is a layer by layer process in which a defined powder thickness is melted by the laser allowing the manufacture of functional complex-shaped objects, with high structural integrity for low volume and affordable costs in different materials. Being able to deliver parts produced through this technology is not a novelty, and has already been used, among other, for biomedical devices. But ensuring the production of larger parts, retaining the expected features of materials made from traditional subtractive manufacturing, has proven elusive so far. The consortium tested the ultimate ability to reach the highest possible density for a larger part, which in turn would reveal the type of potential applications.

By showing the capability of producing large build envelopes of 316L stainless steel samples, the project has paved the way for other materials to follow in the near future. To achieve the results of 99% plus density in all the part, it was required to adjust the parameters at the outer zones, and a methodology to perform this adjustment has also been proposed as an outcome of this project.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Engineering, Engines, Factory Automation, Handling Equipment, Heavy Industry, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Services, Machinery, Material Handling, Transportation & Handling

Jeroen Schouten will represent AeroGo air bearing products, air cushion vehicles, and wheeled transfer carts in the EU

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SEATTLE, WA, United States, 20-Mar-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — AeroGo, Inc. is pleased to welcome Jeroen Schouten to the position of Regional Manager for Europe. Jeroen’s considerable expertise in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing and high-tech will serve him well as he focuses on growing and maintaining partnerships and increasing overall awareness of AeroGo product offerings that solve challenges inherent to moving heavy loads. Jeroen will represent AeroGo air bearing products, air cushion vehicles, and wheeled transfer carts. He will also manage the distributor network in the EU.

“AeroGo products are used in every major industry in Europe. We are committed to providing local distribution and on-site assistance to this market,” stated Paul Jakse, Vice President of Sales, “Jeroen is crucial to our continued success in the region.”

Jeroen can be reached via mobile at +31 (6) 1108.5918 or via email at Schouten.j@aerogo.com.

Founded in 1967, AeroGo is the world leader in providing innovative machine moving solutions for heavy, awkward, fragile or exceptionally heavy loads. Visit www.aerogo.com for more information.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Software, Robotics

Automotive Paint Robots Market: Collaborative Robots to Steer Future Trajectory of Automotive Industry

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DUBLIN 2, Ireland, 08-Nov-2018 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS — Robotics in the automotive industry has been acclaimed as the impetus behind driving optimization and rethinking of production and process through innovative measures. Prospect of artificial intelligence is promising, with the ability to eliminate various inefficiencies in the automotive manufacturing, ranging from design and planning to maintenance and sales.

Robots have become increasingly palpable in supporting repetitive operations of car manufacturers, with the consensus that the robotics process automation (RPA) has translated into a proven technology, providing tangible benefits to automakers who deploy it. As in case of most technologies, with time, expenses linked with implementation and maintenance of RPA have diminished sharply – gaining significance as a manufacturing efficacy and capability enhancing option among small and large businesses alike.

A sample of the report is available upon request https://www.factmr.com/report/2232/automotive-paint-robots-market

Automotive paint robots are already a standard practice in the industry, wherein robotic arms spray bodywork – depriving the need for proficient manual painters and providing a more even, faster, and smoother finish. Automotive paint robot sales worldwide are foreseen to bring in revenues nearly US$ 700 Mn in 2018, recording a Y-o-Y growth of approximately 8%. Automotive paint robots have evolved over the years to become faster, lighter, and integrated with several activators and sensors.

Collaborative Robots to Steer Future Trajectory of Automotive Industry

Automotive industry continues to remain one of the largest and quickest adopters of the industrial robotics technology. Carmakers have huge plans for next-generation development of their factories, with smarter designs, collaborative robots and artificial intelligence emerging as secret ingredients to the flexible manufacturing – humans. For example – GM’s plant in Shanghai will soon produce electric vehicles with the aid of machines that work quietly in self-directed harmony.

Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” unrestrained by steel cages are being programmed in GM’s plant for working abreast humans on production lines – one unusual operation being handling installation of gears in transmissions. Automakers worldwide are embracing industry 4.0 and the concord alludes lesser intervention of humans. Focus is currently on improving efficiency and flexibility between humans and machines, while automakers concentrate on development of multiple models that are powered by electric motors or gas engines or both.

Approaches toward using collaborative robots and relevant digital tools will determine future layout and size of automotive manufacturing facilities. Ford Motor Co.’s future vision for electric vehicle production alludes the requirement for lower investment, fewer workers, and relatively compact floor area. The company has installed few collaborative robots in its recently renovated truck plant at Louisville, Kentucky. Digital tools such as augmented reality and predictive analytics for mapping new assembly lines and scheduling maintenance & repairs prior to machine breakdowns are also being deployed by this leading automaker.

Reluctance to Enormous Infrastructure Investment and Scarce Skillset Undermine Permeation

Most artificial intelligence systems and robotics are witnessing slow rate of adoption among leading players. For instance, Ford Motor Co has been reluctant to investing more on dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing unless there is consistent and sufficient demand for justifying the expense. Even Tesla, which long acclaimed implementation of robots to translate into an “alien dreadnought,” recently concluded at the fact that human intervention is underrated and excessive automation could involve more technical glitches.

Request methodology of the report at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RM&rep_id=2232

Automotive companies are partly cautious in huge infrastructural investment, sensing future production orders might fall in line with new vehicle sales in the next economic downturn. Manufacturers currently favor lower debt loads to rid huge loan payments in case of stagnant revenue generation in the down market.

Scarce skillset is a key challenge being addressed by the automotive industry when it comes to RPA-driven plants. This can be attributed partly to Millennials’ distaste for manufacturing work as robots steadily replace humans against the backdrop of pressures on automakers to reduce the overall vehicle cost.

The report is available for direct purchase at https://www.factmr.com/checkout/2232/S

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Contactors, Engineering, Handling Equipment, Heavy Industry, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Goods, Industrial Supplies, Infrastructure, Machinery

Global Crawler Cranes Market: Demand for crawler cranes continues to rise, with sales estimated at over 3,600 units in 2018

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DUBLIN 2, Ireland, 26-Oct-2018 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Fact.MR recently announced the launch of its report that provides detailed assessment on the crawler cranes market. A comprehensive analysis has been offered on the key factors that are likely to shape the crawler cranes market’s trajectory. The report also profiles key stakeholders in the automotive fuel injectors market, along with assessment on their product portfolio and key developments. Production and sales of crawler cranes have been tracked across key markets including Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Japan and Europe.

Request the sample of the report at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2236

Key Takeaways from the Report:

  • Demand for crawler cranes continues to rise, with sales estimated at over 3,600 units in 2018
  • Greater China is the largest market for crawler cranes; the region accounted for over 30% of the global crawler crane sales in 2017
  • Gains are significant in the U.S. and India – collectively, these two markets account for nearly one-fourth volume sales of crawler cranes
  • Crawler cranes with <150 tons load capacity are the top-selling category; volume growth is likely to be 2X as that of 300-600 tons category
  • Construction industry accounted for the highest demand for crawler cranes; wind farms are an upcoming avenue

Greater China – The Manufacturing Hub of Crawler Cranes

Crawler crane sales in Greater China are likely to surpass 1,200 units in 2018—this is 2X greater than sales in the second most lucrative market – India. Greater China’s position as the largest manufacturing hub for construction machinery continues on an upward spiral, complemented by the Dragon’s ascendancy as a global economic powerhouse. While these trends continue to pose significant impact on crawler cranes production and sales in the country, regulatory bodies such as EPD have imposed emission regulations that delay approval of these equipment being sold or leased.

Crawler Cranes Production by Key Countries (Units)
2016 A 2017 A 2018 A 2022 F 2028 F
Greater China 1,160 1,196 1,232 1,407 1,706
India XX XX XX XX XX
U.S. XX XX XX XX XX
Japan XX XX XX XX XX
GCC XX XX XX XX XX

To get more information on redacted data, speak to the report authors

“The crawler crane industry in India is at crossroads, as the market has matured in recent years and shed its skepticism on utility of highly advanced machinery. End-users are now willing to invest in premium equipment, thereby providing an impetus to manufacturers to introduce high-tech products,” says Mr. Shambhu Nath Jha, Senior Consultant at Fact.MR.

“The transition phase of the construction equipment industry in India alludes a cascading effect on crane rental cost, if there is any slack in demand. However, presence of manufacturers that sell counterfeit products at lower cost continues to pose adverse impacts on productivity, reliability and performance of crawler cranes. This will confine future growth prospects of the industry,” concludes Mr. Jha.

The report is available for purchase at https://www.factmr.com/checkout/2236/S

About the Report

Fact.MR’s report titled ‘Crawler Cranes Market Forecast, Trend Analysis, and Competition Tracking – Global Market Insights 2018-2028,” gives a comprehensive analysis on production and sales of crawler cranes across key regions. Prominent trends impacting growth of the crawler cranes market have been identified and analyzed in detail. The study also offers a segmental analysis and forecast on the crawler cranes market.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Contactors, Electric, Engineering, Heavy Industry, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturer, Power

M. Davis & Sons Acquires Val-Tech Inc.

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Wilmington, DE, 2017-Oct-17 — /EPR Industrial News/ — M. Davis & Sons, Inc. announces the recent acquisition of Valtech, Inc., a manufacturer of VTi Power Distribution Equipment. M. Davis will continue the manufacturing and sale of this equipment under the new brand name “VTi by M. Davis”.

The types of power distribution equipment that will be manufactured at the Newark, Delaware facility located at 24 McMillan Way are Portable Power Distribution Equipment (PPDC), Fused Distribution Panel (FDP) and Unitized Distribution Substation (UDS). The UDS equipment is the main product that is currently produced.

The UDS equipment is utilized by engineering firms, plants and facilities due to their smaller footprint. “Facilities that have space constraints are looking for the UDS because of the compact footprint and the ability to distribute local, clean power” stated Edward J. Harrison, Project Manager for the VTi by M. Davis production facility. Additionally, the UDS equipment is customizable for color and accessories such as lighting contactors and heat trace EPD breakers.

M. Davis & Sons, Inc. has fabricated custom process control panels for years at the 200 Hadco Road, Wilmington, DE location. The addition of the VTi by M. Davis product line is an introduction into the power distribution market. “The VTi by M. Davis production business compliments the existing custom process controls panel shop,” says CEO Peggy Del Fabbro.

About M. Davis & Sons, Inc.
M. Davis & Sons, Inc. is a fifth generation woman-owned mechanical/electrical contractor and fabricator based in Delaware. M. Davis & Sons has all of the in-house service capabilities to handle the entire scope for the customer to expedite a quality project. For more information, visit www.mdavisinc.com. For more information about VTI by M. Davis, visit www.vt-inc.com.

 

# # #

Contact-Details: M. Davis and Sons, Inc.
Contact: Elaine Buonopane
Email: elaine.buonopane@mdavisinc.com
Phone: 302-993-3365
Website: www.mdavisinc.com
VTI by MDavis website: www.vt-inc.com
Address: 19 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804

Via EPR Network
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Components, Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Material Handling, Mechanics, Metals, Performance, Steel, Systems

Machine time on LSPT’s laser peening equipment at ZAL will be available to manufacturers seeking metal fatigue enhancement

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Dublin, OH, Aug-01-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — LSP Technologies (LSPT) is now filling its schedule for laser peening application development in Europe. This landmark opportunity coincides with the impending delivery of LSPT’s Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System to the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research (ZAL Zentrum für Angewandte Luftfahrtforschung) in Hamburg, Germany. Beginning in 2018, LSPT is making the Procudo® System available to European manufacturers for laser peening research and application development.

Key features of the Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System:

• Production-quality system engineered for high-volume laser peening
• Diode-pumped, pulsed YLF laser delivers high beam quality for consistent processing
• Fastest (20 Hz) and most powerful (200 W) pulsed laser peening equipment available in the world
• Real-time diagnostics and selectable beam parameters for comprehensive process control

“This is the first opportunity for many European manufacturers to access an industrial laser peening system for application and product development research,” said David Lahrman, VP of Business Development for LSPT. “We’re introducing a superior fatigue enhancement solution to the European market, and we’re excited to form new partnerships in pursuit of stronger, more reliable components.”

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a powerful metal improvement process that produces a 10X fatigue life enhancement over shot peening. LSP utilizes a high-energy pulsed laser to generate controlled stress waves that impart compressive residual stresses up to 12 mm beneath the material surface. Laser peening has been proven to significantly extend the service life of metal parts by providing enhanced resistance to common failure mechanisms:

• Fatigue Cracking
• Stress Corrosion Cracking
• Foreign Object Damage
• Fretting Fatigue
• Creep Deformation
• Erosion

Laser peening improves the performance and reliability of metal components, adding value to critical parts across a broad range of industries:

• Aviation and Aerospace – Engine components, turbine blades, bulkheads, wing attachments, landing gear, helicopter components
• Automotive – Axles, drive shafts, valve stems, connecting rods, pistons, impellers
• Medical – Orthopedic implants, replacement joints, spinal fixation devices
• Power Generation – Land-based turbine blades and components, nuclear containment vessels, wind turbine gears
• Manufacturing – Metal forming dies, machine tools

LSP Technologies’ newest laser peening facility will reside in the heart of the Hamburg Aviation Cluster at the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research. The ZAL TechCenter is one of the largest and most advanced aeronautical research facilities in the world, offering an innovative research space for collaborative development of emerging technologies.

Companies looking to improve the fatigue strength and performance capabilities of their parts should contact LSP Technologies regarding access to the Hamburg laser peening facility. Highly trained technicians will work alongside OEM researchers to develop custom applications addressing specific material performance issues.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Calibration & Testing, Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Industrial Services, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Maintenance, Measurement, Motors, Pumps

The Effects Of Misaligned Equipment

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Perth, Western Australia, Jun-27-2017 —  /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/  — Nexxis are one of Australia’s leading suppliers of specialist remote visual inspection (RVI) technology and non destructive testing (NDT) equipment and they have all the answers to your equipment misalignment problems.

Industrial operations are losing huge sums of money because the centrelines of the shafts of their rotating equipment (such as pumps and motors) aren’t running on the same axis and are therefore misaligned – with some industry sources going as far as saying that shaft misalignment is to blame for up to 50% of all machine breakdowns.

And when you consider that a survey by a leading rotating equipment service company found that less than 10% of machines that were evaluated were aligned within acceptable tolerances, misalignment is clearly a widespread problem.

Here are some of the costly and damaging effects of equipment that is poorly aligned or misaligned.

Excessive vibration
Misalignment is one of the leading causes of vibration problems – and as the reliability of the machine corresponds directly with the level of vibration, excessive radial and axial vibrations will impact negatively on performance. All rotating equipment will produce a certain level of noise, but when the shafts are misaligned and the equipment vibrates excessively, noise levels will also escalate correspondingly.

Premature failure of seals and bearings
Accelerated failure of seals and other parts is costly – and even the slightest misalignment can result in excessive force and stress being put onto the bearings and seals. Replacement parts are expensive, plus there’s also the risk of damage and contamination of other components from the leaking fluid from the stressed seals and bearings.

Increased energy costs
Misalignment correlates directly to higher power consumption as the machines are less efficient and therefore draw greater amounts of energy.

Excessive heat
In the same way that variations in temperature can cause misalignment, misalignment can cause machines to overheat which results in lubrication issues as well as safety risks.

Broken shafts
Misalignment can cause the shafts to break or crack – and this can lead to unplanned downtime and production problems as well as costly equipment repair.

Higher operating costs, loss of production and increased maintenance costs
Misaligned machinery generally has a shorter service lifespan and this premature failure of capital equipment adversely affects outputs as well as negatively impacting the operation’s balance sheet. Higher maintenance costs, costly downtime, unexpected capital costs for equipment replacement, increased inventory for spare parts and even the potential for catastrophic machinery failures are all consequences of misalignment-induced mechanical failures.

Inferior quality outputs
Misaligned machinery can also result in inferior or defective products which can impact on profitability.

Implementing a careful and thorough preventative maintenance programme will go a long way towards minimising the risk – and the associated costs – of misaligned machinery. To find out how a customised solution can ensure that your operation runs at optimum efficiency, you should contact Nexxis on 08 9418 4952 or via their website, nexxis.com.au.

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Components, Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Material Handling, Metals, Performance, Steel, Systems

LSP Technologies Procudo® Laser Peening System can deliver 20 pulses per second – the fastest laser peening system ever built

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Dublin, Ohio, USA, Jun-14-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — LSP Technologies announces the sale of its state-of-the-art Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System to the ZAL Zentrum für Angewandte Luftfahrtforschung in Hamburg, Germany. The equipment is being delivered to the ZAL TechCenter in Hamburg during the 3rd quarter of 2017, and being used to study metal fatigue enhancement applications for the civil aviation industry.

“We are very excited to introduce the first production-quality commercial laser peening system into Europe,” said Dr. Jeff Dulaney, President and CEO of LSP Technologies, Inc. “Laser peening is becoming the aviation industry standard for increasing fatigue strength in titanium and steels, and LSPT’s Procudo® Laser Peening System is the most powerful and versatile machine available for component service life extension.”

Laser peening is a proven method for significantly increasing the fatigue life and fatigue strength of metals. The mechanical surface enhancement process utilizes a high-energy pulsed laser beam to impart compressive residual stresses up to twenty times deeper than shot peening. The compressive stresses introduced by laser peening add strength and robustness to metal parts by improving their resistance to damage, fatigue, crack initiation and crack propagation. Benefits of the process include: extended component service life, reduced maintenance and repair costs, improved part performance, and enhanced resistance to failure. The process has been employed for years by major aerospace OEMs including GE Aviation and Rolls Royce.

LSP Technologies’ Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System is the only commercially available laser designed exclusively for laser peening. It employs a diode-pumped, pulsed YLF laser that produces a flat-top beam for smooth energy distribution and consistent processing. The flexible system offers selectable laser parameters, along with custom controls and diagnostics developed from LSPT’s 20 years of laser peening experience. Engineered for high-volume production processing, the Procudo® Laser Peening System can deliver 20 pulses per second, making it the fastest laser peening system ever built.

The Hamburg Center of Applied Aeronautical Research was established in 2009 as a technological research and development hub for the Hamburg Aviation Network. It is a public-private partnership that not only includes collaboration from some of the aviation industry’s largest organizations, such as Lufthansa and Airbus, but also from suppliers, SME, universities, research institutions, start-ups and many more. The ZAL TechCenter opened in Hamburg in 2016, and the 95-million-euro facility immediately became one of the largest and most advanced aeronautical research facilities in the world.

LSP Technologies is the world’s premier laser peening services, technology and equipment provider. It is the only company in the world selling, installing, and integrating state-of-the-art laser peening systems into manufacturing and research facilities. The company has been providing laser peening production services for clients in the aviation and power generation industries for over twenty years, and has been awarded more than fifty patents for innovations in laser peening equipment and technology.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Calibration & Testing, Control, Electric, Engineering, Factory Automation, Handling Equipment, Industrial, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Equipment, Machinery, Machinery & Tools, Mechanics, Packaging, Performance, Robotics, Safety, Transportation & Handling

Improve Your Palletising To Save Money And Increase Business Efficiencies

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Willetton WA, Australia, Apr-20-2017 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — AccuPak are Australia’s leading supplier of packing, filling, bagging and palletising machinery and equipment, and they have the answers on how you can increase your productivity, reduce your personnel requirements and minimise the risk of injury. Accupak helps business owners save money and improve efficiencies with automated palletising systems. The advantages of automatic palletising are numerous, as detailed below.

Any industrial and warehousing operation that is still relying on manual palletising is likely to be compromising their productivity, quality and business efficiencies.

Manual palletising is no match for modern automated equipment in terms of speed, precision, productivity, safety, quality and outputs and in today’s highly competitive environment, businesses need to take every opportunity to improve.

Palletising is the final step in an assembly line whereby the products (such as boxes, bags, cases, cartons, bottles, sacks etc) are loaded onto pallets. Semi-automatic and automatic palletising systems have undergone major changes in recent years, with advances in robotics technology driving significant improvements in terms of pallet pattern flexibility, tooling flexibility, cycle times as well as the presentation of the stacked pallets.

In basic terms, a robotic palletiser utilises various end-of-arm-tools which alleviate the need for manual stacking of bags, cartons or drums onto a pallet, thereby increasing productivity and profitability while allowing greater flexibility and versatility.

Although automated palletising equipment requires a capital outlay, many businesses are surprised at just how quickly they get a return on their investment. It doesn’t take long before the companies’ bottom-lines reflect the improvements in productivity and efficiencies that are made possible by the new equipment – and customer satisfaction levels are also a lot higher.

Let’s take a closer look at how palletising equipment will benefit a business:

Speed of operation. Humans can’t compete with automated or even semi-automated palletising equipment when it comes to speed. The equipment works faster than any person possibly can, plus it can operate continuously.

Quality control. Because human error is eliminated, a robotic palletiser ensures that quality standards are consistent and deliveries/outputs are always correctly counted and packed. The overall consistency of the loading and unloading processes improves, thereby reducing costly stoppages required to fix errors and inconsistencies as well as reducing the likelihood (and therefore, the cost) of returns or damaged goods.

Reduce labour costs. Eliminating the human element or substantially reducing the level of human intervention leads to substantially lower labour costs and greater efficiencies. The likelihood of error and contamination from human handling is minimised plus there are the obvious productivity and profitability benefits as a result of lower labour costs. Another reason why automated palletisers can improve business efficiencies is that personnel who are no longer required on the manual packing line can be redeployed to other areas within the organisation and used to greater effect.

Greater flexibility. Versatile palletising equipment makes it easy to reconfigure systems to handle different shapes, case sizes, pallet stacking patterns, layers of product and weights as well as handle multiple production lines. This means faster turnaround times and productivity improvements.

Improved working conditions. An automated palletising system reduces the need for workers to do heavy lifting and repetitive work, and minimises the likelihood of OH&S issues. This means a safer working environment with reduced likelihood of workplace injuries and costly workers compensation claims.

Improved data handling and reporting. Computerized controls and a seamless interface with other business software systems allow improved data gathering, real-time reporting and analysis as well as reducing invoicing errors and enabling a more streamlined and secure information chain.

More efficient use of floorspace. A robotic palletiser generally occupies less space than a manual operation which means businesses can use their square meterage more cost-effectively. In some instances, operations are even able to reduce the size of their factory or warehouse, which results in substantial cost savings.

Find out more by calling the AccuPak professionals on 1300 793 476 or visit www.accupak.com.au to learn more about their extensive range of palletising equipment and solutions.

Computers, Control, Engineering, Industrial, Industrial Equipment, OEM, Safety, Sensors, Software

Z3 Technology introduces 4K H.265 IP camera for broadcast, industrial, medical, security and corporate applications

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z3cam-4k-product-image_europawire

LINCOLN, NE, 10-Sep-2016 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Z3 Technology, LLC, a leading provider of embedded video compression systems, and Sony Electronics Inc., an international leader in image sensors camera technology, are announcing the availability the Z3Cam-4KTM, a 4K H.265 IP camera leveraging Sony’s FCB-ER8300 4K camera. The Z3Cam-4K brings clarity and detail to high movement and low light conditions with optimized 4K technology. This unit captures stunning video with 20x optical zoom with integrated auto focus. The Z3Cam-4K provides crystal clear images for broadcast, industrial, medical, security and corporate applications while adding the ability to broadcast and analyze your video around the world.

The Z3Cam-4K is the first 4K video system capable of encoding and streaming 4K H.265/HEVC video with ONVIF integration for easy camera management. The innovative Z3Cam-4K has multiple options for your IP transmission. The system can output both H.265/HEVC and H.264 video over IP in 4K resolutions. It can also send a simultaneous HD stream. Camera control can take place remotely with VISCA control commands sent over IP to the Z3Cam-4K from a comm port on your PC. Where seeing sharp lines is key, Sony’s 4K noise reduction algorithm provides the highest quality imaging fit for virtual reality imaging and high detail data analytics.

“Sony is privileged to work with Z3 on providing the 4K optics and image capture subsystem integrated into the Z3Cam-4K. With fast auto focus, 20x optical zoom and electronic image stabilization we expect this new camera to be deployed widely in demanding commercial and industrial 4K applications,” said John Monti, Director, Sony Visual Imaging Solutions.

“The Z3Cam-4K camera provides high quality, low bit rate video to be streamed over IP networks at 4K resolutions,” Aaron Caldwell, CEO Z3 Technology said. “In the past the bandwidth requirements for 4K were too high for many of our customers to make the switch to 4K. The Z3Cam-4K solves this dilemma by taking advantage of state of the art H.265 compression technology that uses very low power and low bandwidth. Z3 is excited to be collaborating with Sony to offer the industry this 4K H.265 IP camera solution to allow 4K imaging to be sent around the world with no distance limitations.”

Z3Cam-4K Features:
H.265/HEVC and H.264 encoded video
4K (Ultra-HD) and HD resolutions
High sensitivity image processor
20x optical and digital zoom
Integrated auto focus zoom and optional manual focus
Visibility enhancer ICR (Day and Night)
Noise reduction algorithm for high frequency and high detail areas
GigE interface for IP output
IP control and configuration
Supports Sony VISCA camera control over IP and ONVIF Profile S
Microphone input
Composite output
Device recording options via USB 2.0 interface
Network recording options over IP
PoE power or DC power

About Z3 Technology:
Z3 Technology is a Sony Authorized Integrator and is a leader in the embedded video market with focus on OEM ready system-on-modules and technology transfer licensing.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

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