With over 80 years’ experience in the industry, Cheal offers extensive expertise across the fields of engineering, surveying, planning, 3D laser scanning and precision monitoring.
Our strong history and experience has seen Cheal become the partner of choice across much of New Zealand, with offices in Taupō, Rotorua, Hamilton, Napier, Ohakune and Taumarunui we provide a nationwide service. Our multidisciplinary structure enables clients to get the best in collaboration on projects. A strong team of highly qualified professionals brings big-picture thinking and a focus on exceptional outcomes.
Leading technology plays a key role in the business; from quality management systems, through to CAD design and 3D modelling software, and the use of drones, 3D laser scanners, laser trackers and top of the range surveying equipment. This ongoing investment maximises our ability to perform for our clients. Our team is our most valued asset – we would like to make it yours.
Headquartered in Auckland, Rakon is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of frequency control products and timing solutions. Its products can be found at the heart of many applications, from 5G networks and satellites, to even vehicles on Mars.
Its latest technology is a series of NewSpace equipment for platforms and telecommunications payloads. The range includes NewSpace GNSS receivers and S-band transceivers designed for smallsat platforms, data communications and transmissions. It also features master reference oscillators (MRO) and master local oscillators (MLO), which can be delivered as an integrated frequency generation unit (FGU).
This equipment is the recent evolution of Rakon’s “high-reliability frequency control products and timing solutions for the space industry”.
NewSpace MRO
The NewSpace MRO is designed for applications that require high stability and reliable 10 MHz to 1 GHz frequency signals. The equipment is suitable for Telecom satellites of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), small Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) and satellite constellations.
Key features:
High-frequency stability with an overall frequency stability guarantee of ±200 ppb for 12 years
Low phase noise with a floor noise as low as -160 dBc/Hz for a 10 MHz unit
A choice of power bus of 28 V or 50/75 V
A distribution unit with blocks of eight outputs
NewSpace MLO
This piece of modular equipment is designed for applications that require highly reliable signals from 500 MHz up to 40 GHz. It is also suitable for high-frequency Telecom satellites of LEO, small GEO and satellite constellations.
Key features:
High frequency output signal from 20 to 40 GHz
Low phase noise (-130 dBc/Hz floor noise for a 1 GHz unit)
Integrated DC/DC converter
TM/TC interface module
Frequency distribution unit with blocks of eight outputs
GNSS receiver
The GNSS receiver is an “easy to customise multi-constellation, multi-frequency and multi-antenna piece of equipment”. The company says it is off-the-shelf compliant with Galileo and GPS signals, and its design can be adjusted to take into account new constellations or new signals on request.
Key features:
Warm/cold TTFF: <10s / < 100 s
High position accuracy (800km): < 8 cm
Up to 48 channels
1PPS signal output
Power consumption: up to 5W
Supply voltage: 5 V
In-orbit reconfiguration
S-band transceiver
This is a low SWaP (size, weight and power) full-duplex piece of equipment. Designed for tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) and high data rate communications between satellites or between satellites and ground stations, it operates over commercial frequency ranges and only needs passive external antennas to be fully operational.
Key features:
Full duplex communication
In-flight re-configurable frequency range (Tx/Rx)
In-flight re-configurable data rate
Triple safety watchdog
Low power consumption (<12W on Tx)
Max. Tx & Rx baud rate: 5 Mbps
CAN-bus and RS-422 interfaces to onboard systems
RF output power of up to 33 dBm (2W)
Supply voltage range: 5-28 VDC
This new range of equipment will support emerging NewSpace payloads and platforms with cost-effective and short lead-time solutions.
Leveraging industrial opportunities in metal 3D printing
Mentioning the word 3D printing (3DP) generally brings visions of plastic filament being melted into rough layered prototypes. This kind of 3DP (Fused Deposition Modelling) led the charge in the dramatic uptake of the technology with machines now commonplace in many New Zealand schools and available from commercial suppliers like Jaycar. While these are certainly useful, it is easy to see how industry reliance on more robust materials like steel, titanium and aluminium could easily mistake 3DP as irrelevant. Thankfully, recently there has been a shift in this paradigm with metal-based technologies (e.g. SLM) seeing greater and growing industrial use.
Industry such as aviation and racing have demonstrated increases in performance and efficiency by leveraging 3DP’s ability to create parts from designs which have been optimised via generative design/topology algorithms. These techniques are manufacturing agnostic and as such typically contain complex shapes which would otherwise be incredibly difficult to manufacture without 3DP. Popular examples include the redesigning of a block manifolds which resulted in an over 90% reduction in weight (Figure A).
While 3DP’s cannot compete with the cost-efficacy of injection moulding as a mass manufacturing technology it has shown promise in the optimising mould tool fabrication. Inserts for which can be manufactured with embedded conformal cooling channels allowing for faster production and increased productivity (Figure B).
While the technology has proven adept at optimising strong industrial parts, the devil is in the detail. 3DP resolution is not yet on par with the capabilities of certain traditional manufacturing techniques. In general, the surface roughness characteristics of metal 3D printed parts is similar to sand casting, as such for most high precision engineering some form of post-print machining/processing is still required.
Metal 3DP is also still clouded by a reputation of being cost prohibitive which is not an entirely fair or accurate representation. While attempting to use the technique to create traditionally designed parts can be very expensive, as shown in Figure A the technology has the potential to create better products at a similar cost if designed appropriately.
Figure A
Figure B
Dr. Juan Schutte works at the University of Auckland’s Creative Design and Additive Manufacturing Lab as an R&D Engineer consulting with industry and academia on the opportunities of 3D printing.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
Arbitration clauses in construction contracts: the ‘may’ versus ‘must’ debate
There is a question whether a party is entitled to litigate instead of referring its dispute to arbitration where an arbitration clause in a construction contract such as clause 13.4 in NZS3910:2013 provides that the parties ‘may’ refer their dispute to arbitration, but does not say anything about litigation.
There is limited case law in NZ about this and often look overseas for guidance. A recent case in the Hong Kong High Court has found that an arbitration clause that says ‘may’ arbitrate means the parties ‘must’ do so.
Background
In Kinli Civil Engineering Ltd v Geotech Engineering Ltd, the construction contract provided that in the event of a dispute, both parties may submit that dispute to arbitration for resolution. The dispute between the parties related to unpaid amounts under the contract, so Geotech referred the dispute to arbitration and commenced arbitral proceedings. Kinli issued Court proceedings.
The Hong Kong High Court was asked to consider whether Kinli was entitled to issue Court proceedings without having first referred its dispute to arbitration under the contract. Kinli argued that the word ‘may’ meant that arbitration was another option to litigation so it could choose whether to arbitrate or litigate.
The Court held the relevant clause gave the parties a choice to arbitrate, but once that choice had been exercised by one party, it would be binding on the other. The Court determined that arbitration was mandatory despite the clause using the word ‘may’.
To arbitrate and/or litigate?
Standard form clauses 13.3 and 13.4 of NZS3910:2013 provides that the parties ‘may’ by notice require that the matter in dispute be referred to mediation and/or arbitration. It does not say anything about litigation.
Courts are increasingly enforcing arbitration clauses. If a party wants to argue that they did not intend their disputes to be submitted to arbitration, i.e. want the option to litigate, then this should be spelt out and made clear in the arbitration clause in the contract.
In NZ, a party/parties are entitled to refer a dispute under a construction contract to adjudication and the CCA 2002 cannot be contracted out of.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter. No warrant or guarantee whatsoever is given as to the accuracy of any information contained in the article, nor is any liability accepted for any actions taken based on this information.
Dentons Kensington Swan has New Zealand’s largest team of construction lawyers and we have worked on many of New Zealand’s largest construction projects. We are experts in both front end and back end construction matters.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
A wave of prosecutions related to guarding and the safe use of machinery are an eyeopener to the complacency of business in keeping their workers safe. From the Wellington pastry worker degloving his hand in a pastry maker to the female sawmill worker killed when she was dragged into machinery, the reality is that our statistics have not improved despite the best intentions of MBIE and WorkSafe.
According to WorkSafe there are too many workers whose safety is compromised by having to operate inadequately guarded machinery.
“The need to guard machinery is a legal requirement and one of the easiest ways to ensure your workers’ safety. It’s not new and businesses must ensure these simple protective devices are installed, and operated, on their machinery.
“If a machine doesn’t have adequate guarding, then it shouldn’t be used. It’s that simple.”
Safe use of machinery (guarding) requirements have been in place since last century, however recent fines underline the intent to get serious. A $200,000-$300,000 fine is now the starting point for most prosecutions.
WorkSafe simplified the AS/NZS 4024 requirements with its own Best Practice Guide, but this alone is not enough. Competency and confidence training is required so that businesses can incorporate machine safety into their normal operations. It is simply not good enough to ignore safety when making capital purchases, or to hand the guarding issues off to tradesmen without considering the management responsibilities, or to assign staff to machinery without considering their competency. Training in the application of WorkSafe’s Best Practice Guide for the Safe Use of Machinery is available and this is an ideal starting point to understanding how to keep workers safe and where everyone in the organisation fits into a complete solution.
So, what can you do if you use machinery in your business? There are several basic steps you can take to ensure your workers and your business are not at risk:
Arrange a scoping machinery safety audit. This will confirm your level of compliance, or alternatively provide a roadmap for improvement. External audits often uncover obvious faults that existing personnel are blind to.
Train staff members in the safe use of machinery best practice guidelines. Train a cross section of employees, not just your engineers, to embed the awareness, competence and confidence across your organisation, and help the business understand the overarching responsibilities.
Check your own systems; do we have safe systems of work? Do we do guarding checks? Do we train our staff on hazards or risks that could hurt them? Do we record that training and systemise the training to remind us in the future?
Whatever suits your business, hiding your head in the sand is no longer a viable option for 2022.
Craig Carlyle is director at Maintenance Transformations. His expertise lies in the practical application of maintenance and health and safety management systems in the workplace. He is also a life member of the Maintenance Engineering Society of NZ.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
It’s dangerous at the best of times to get out the crystal ball in an attempt to foretell the year ahead, and even more so at times of so much change, but I thought I’d give it a go anyway!
Supply chains will remain challenged: I’ll start with an easy one. Supply chains will remain strained for the foreseeable future. Freight will remain an ongoing challenge – both from an availability and cost perspective – and logistics professionals will be front and centre like never before. Having robust supply chains with alternative means of supply will be critical to business success.
The war for talent will remain: Good people will remain highly sought-after, and not necessarily in the areas we’ve come to expect (see logistics professionals above). More exporting businesses will appoint people off-shore to negate the impact of travel disruptions, and there will be strong demand for those that can operate cross-culturally.
NZ innovation will continue to shine: We’ll see new challenges arise, and old challenges persist. My crystal ball tells me New Zealand manufacturers have made good use of any downtime over the festive period to bring their innovative world view to these challenges and will continue to surprise and delight customers with their ability to professionally solve problems others can’t or won’t tackle.
Relationships will still matter: 2021 was the year of the Zoom call, but in 2022, personal relationships will still be king. Whether that is virtual or in the flesh, people do business with people, and the ability to build, maintain and grow strong relationships will remain pivotal to business success. Take relationship building seriously, and see it as an investment, not a cost.
The manufacturing landscape will continue to evolve: Expect to hear plenty more about Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, the continued rise of AR/VR, and much more besides. Even for so-called traditional manufacturing businesses, those who choose not to stay across these rapid evolving areas do so at their own peril – the move from “nice to have” to “must have” will be swift.
Whatever 2022 may hold, NZTE will be here to support exporters grow bigger, better and faster.
Daniel leads NZTE’s Manufacturing Export Customers team. He has held roles as trade commissioner in Europe and Australia, and NZTE private secretary to the Minister for Economic Development. Before joining NZTE, Daniel was operations manager at Global Fruits.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
Steel is a hero of the circular economy: Study estimates 85% of Aotearoa’s building and construction steel waste is recycled
In June 2021, HERA published its Steel Recycling Report that indicated an impressive 74% of scrap steel in New Zealand was recycled. The recycling of steel not only provides significant environmental benefits but also helps to secure the future of the steel industry. Recycled steel is cheaper and easier to produce (recycling steel saves almost 74% of the overall energy used in production), saves natural resources, and prevents excess greenhouse gas usage.
Sector recycles 85% steel waste
We believed the building and construction sector recycled more steel than the New Zealand average. To estimate the sector-specific recycling rate, HERA commissioned thinkstepANZ to investigate. The new report confirms our prediction.
The sector produces 332 kilotonnes of steel scrap annually, mostly in the form of reinforcing bars, structural sections, and sheet products. This amounts to 45% of the scrap steel produced in New Zealand. Of this, only 50 tonnes are lost to landfill. The remaining 85% is recycled.
The study considered the Global Warming Potential (GWP) as the most important environmental indicator. It allows comparisons to be made of the global warming impact of different gases. It is a measure of how much energy the emission of one tonne of CO2 will absorb over a given period of time. In New Zealand, steel accounts for 2.2% of the country’s carbon emissions.
This recovery rate leads to savings in GWP, per tonne of steel scrap generated of 1,249kg CO2-equivalent. The challenge for the industry is to achieve 100% recovery, which would lead to even greater potential savings of 1,473kg CO2-equivalent.
Module D – end of waste state
The report also provides a value for Module D estimates for use in comparative carbon calculation. This should be considered when assessing the relative carbon performance of materials over their life, or in the case of steel, over its infinite potential lives.
This is of particular importance to the infrastructure sector. A holistic view of GWP should account for all components relating to a project during all life stages. Many carbon calculations ignore end-of-life and simply focus on embodied carbon. This is a mistake. Steel can be infinitely recyclable, unlike other materials, like timber, that are more likely to go to landfill sites to release their carbon back into the atmosphere.
Moving to 100% circularity
Moving to 100% circularity is not farfetched. Many countries have recycling rates of over 90% (e.g. UK 95%). The solution is twofold. Firstly, more steel scrap needs to be recovered, and secondly, there is a need to reduce the GWP impact of transport.
The report recommends:
encouraging products to be designed to make disassembly and separation easier at the end of its life; and
improving waste management and recycling infrastructure.
The report demonstrates the role that steel plays in Aotearoa’s circular economy, supporting a whole industry in steel recycling and contributing significantly to global carbon emissions reduction.
Dr Troy Coyle brings more than 20 years’ experience in innovation management across a range of industries including materials science, medical radiation physics, biotechnology, sustainable building products, renewable energy and steel. She is a scientist with a PhD (University of NSW) with training in journalism and communications.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
Seismometers to give clearer image of subduction zone earthquakes
Scientists hope that the deployment of new ocean-bottom seismometers off the east coast of Wellington will help reveal the earthquake and tsunami potential for a ‘locked’ part of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone. But before then, plenty of work needs to be done.
Tomography helps geophysicists understand Earth’s interior. However, nearly all seismic networks are located on land, precluding seismologists from getting a complete picture of the planet’s internal churning.
Luckily for New Zealand, the Earthquake Commission (EQC) has funded research which will next year see 20 ocean-bottom seismometers deployed for 12 months to better understand how the Pacific Plate is slipping underneath the Australian Plate, off the east coast of Wellington.
The research is being conducted by Professor Martha Savage and her team from Victoria University of Wellington, CNS Science, as well as from Canada’s University of Ottawa and Dalhousie University.
“My colleagues in Canada are getting the instruments ready, being tested and doing follow up,” says Savage, who is a geology academic and Professor of Geophysics.
Permissions are also being readied from the likes of Fisheries New Zealand.
“The reason it’s going to be next year is it’s the first time the RV Tangaroa can help,” says Savage. “We have been on their list of projects – it is the NIWA ship that is going to help with deployment.”
And there is plenty of preparation to be done before the instruments are deployed – with no way for them to be accessed for data retrieval or maintenance during the 12-month period, it has to be ensured that everything is ready.
Once the seismometers have been shipped from Canada to New Zealand, and batteries are installed in each, they are then craned onto the RV Tangaroa.
“Then to get off the ship, they also get picked up by cranes and then dropped into the ocean. They are designed so that they will settle down onto the sea floor and be upright.”
While modern research seismometers are electronic and detect and record motions in all directions, the orientation remains unknown until the data is retrieved. After the 12 months of deployment, the anchors of each seismometer will be burned off and the seismometer will return to the surface.
“There are various issues every once in a while – people lose seismometers, hopefully that won’t happen this time,” says Savage.
Importance of the research
Being deployed off the east coast of Wellington, once the seismometers are back on land, the data will help scientists improve understanding of why the locked and slipping sections of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone behave differently.
“This is a big hazard for us because if it goes, it’s going to go fast. The result would be a large and sudden earthquake that could also trigger a tsunami,” says Savage.
“The GeoNet network does an excellent job of monitoring earthquakes on land. Yet, we are effectively blind to small earthquakes offshore. The behaviour of these more frequent small earthquakes can tell us more about the larger earthquakes that occur less often. We’re expecting to see 10 times more earthquakes than are currently reported.”
Ocean-bottom seismometers have previously been used to study earthquakes at the Hikurangi Margin further up the east coast and in short-duration subsurface imaging around New Zealand, but none have ever been deployed for time periods greater than a few weeks in the ‘locked’ area in the lower North Island.
“Our building standards are what keep people safe. We hope results will feed into the National Seismic Hazard Model and help to increase our overall resilience and preparedness as a nation.”
EQC research manager Dr Natalie Balfour says: “EQC has previously funded research on the Hikurangi Subduction Zone, but Professor Savage’s work will hopefully add another valuable piece to that puzzle.”
Did you know?
Seismometers used in earthquake studies are highly sensitive to ground movements, so that movements as small as 1/10,000,000 centimetres (distances almost as small as atomic spacing) can be detected at very quiet sites.
Modern research seismometers are electronic and detect and record motions in all directions.
Seismometers also commonly record ground motions caused by a wide variety of natural and man-made sources, such as trees blowing in the wind, cars and trucks on the highway, and ocean waves crashing on the beach.
The largest earthquakes create ground motions over the entire Earth that can be several centimetres high.
Climate action: Engineering change
Engineering New Zealand says it is time for industry to accelerate climate action. And the good news is that many companies are already stepping up to the challenge – WSP being one.
“We must prioritise addressing climate risks within our roles, seizing every opportunity to mitigate, transition and/or adapt to climate change. What this looks like will differ depending on the discipline, projects, clients and local context,” says Engineering New Zealand.
To help, the organisation is developing case studies, a new practice note, client facing resources, and collective position statements for advocacy.
“Watch this space. This year we are also planning to introduce drop-in pan-engineering ‘climate conversations’.”
WSP making moves
In late last year, WSP announced its commitment to half the carbon footprint of infrastructure designs and advice provided to clients by 2030.
“With estimates suggesting that 20% of global carbon emissions relate to the construction of the built environment, and a further 30% relating to the operation of buildings and infrastructure, our commitment underscores the essential role that organisations in the sector have in helping to address climate change and contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy,” says WSP.
The company hopes that this commitment will make a significant impact on carbon emissions working with public and private sector clients on building, transport, water and power projects.
“We are committed to acting with urgency and providing leadership to help achieve the country’s emissions reduction targets by promoting world-class low carbon solutions for New Zealand infrastructure,” says WSP’s New Zealand managing director Ian Blair.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has now also awarded WSP a contract to investigate the feasibility of non-hydroelectric energy storage options as part of the Government’s NZ Battery Project.
This project focussed on how to best address the country’s ‘dry year problem’ where the existing hydroelectric power catchments sometimes don’t receive enough rainfall or snowmelt.
WSP’s role will be to investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of these alternative technologies and how viable it may be to integrate them into New Zealand’s electricity market. The project team will also look at the social, cultural and environmental feasibility of each option.
“Renewable technologies represent an important low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels in all applications, including for electricity shortage,” says Rebecca Tjaberings, WSP’s director of power.
“The study is firmly aligned with Aotearoa’s goal of achieving long-term energy security in a renewable future, as well as WSP’s own commitment to supporting technological and policy solutions that will help with that transition.”
Treotham: Supplying quality, major brands to key industries
As the exclusive distributor for the many international product lines, Treotham customers gain from its local presence and the extensive knowledge and experience of the company’s staff.
“We strive to create a total solution for our customers, using a range of products with many years of technical experience. Treotham Automation is a leading supplier of high-quality components and products to industrial markets,” says Alec Stanley, Treotham national sales manager.
Treotham was established in New Zealand in 2010 and supplies high-quality electrical components and products to a wide range of industrial markets. Its’ years of experience in industrial automation and long-term partnerships with key suppliers including igus, Kabeltec, PMA, Wittenstein and more, provide a “market-leading position”.
Treotham acquired Automation Equipment in August 2020 which allowed Treotham to offer customers even more support as well as a larger range of products and services to provide a more complete solution for its customers.
The expanded business now operates out of an Auckland office and Hamilton warehousing, engineering and sales office making it even more convenient for customers. Through the introduction of new ranges of products from suppliers such as Schmalz Germany (vacuum automation, vacuum handling and vacuum clamping), Pneumax Italy (pneumatics), Interroll Australia (conveyor components) and others, Treotham Automation is now able to offer customers across New Zealand a more complete solution. With an increased support and engineering staff, Treotham Automation has combined its years of experience from both companies to offer extended customer service experiences and greater opportunity for technical solutions; visits enabling stronger engineering support.
The warehouse is governed by a rigorous supply chain management system. This means that the efficient and capable logistics officers are working hard to ensure customers receive their order quickly, keeping them informed of its delivery time along the way. Often stock items are available for next-day delivery – if not, products are air-freighted on a weekly basis direct from Treotham’s suppliers in Europe. A fully equipped workshop facility with factory trained service and technical engineers provides fast and reliable service and custom-built solutions for special applications.
Treotham is the exclusive distributor for over 20 major international product lines. Through a network of warehouses in New Zealand and Australia, Treotham stocks thousands of high quality products. “We strive to be the market leader in the field. Many of the companies we represent are world leaders.
One of the main reasons for the company’s continued success is diversity.
“We supply a diverse range of products and components to a variety of industry sectors – everything from mining to railways and theatres. We don’t rely on any one sector. Also, we offer only the highest quality products and we pride ourselves on outstanding customer service.”
The diverse range of products includes flexible cables, accessories, chains, bearings, connectors, flexible conduits, safety products, sensors, position controls, gear boxes, linear units vacuum technology, clamping systems, pneumatics and conveyor components.
“To survive tough economic times New Zealand manufacturers now have to work smarter. Innovation is extremely important with a need to become more automated. Many of the products from Treotham are now equipped with smart monitoring, alerting engineers ahead of time when maintenance is necessary.
“It is no longer sufficient to just sell products – you have to sell a total solution. Treotham is committed to embracing new technologies and pushing the boundaries of industry best practice. We are one of only a few companies in New Zealand that can offer a total solution. As a leader in automation control we have a broad capacity to provide systems and solutions using a diverse range of products and components.”
Treotham is involved in many industries including food processing, agricultural, medical, stage lighting, robotics, rail, mining, packaging and handling and dairy.
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Cheal Consultants Ltd
Ph: 07 378 6405
With over 80 years’ experience in the industry, Cheal offers extensive expertise across the fields of engineering, surveying, planning, 3D laser scanning and precision monitoring.
Our strong history and experience has seen Cheal become the partner of choice across much of New Zealand, with offices in Taupō, Rotorua, Hamilton, Napier, Ohakune and Taumarunui we provide a nationwide service. Our multidisciplinary structure enables clients to get the best in collaboration on projects. A strong team of highly qualified professionals brings big-picture thinking and a focus on exceptional outcomes.
Leading technology plays a key role in the business; from quality management systems, through to CAD design and 3D modelling software, and the use of drones, 3D laser scanners, laser trackers and top of the range surveying equipment. This ongoing investment maximises our ability to perform for our clients. Our team is our most valued asset – we would like to make it yours.
Registered professional surveyor: Steve Bowden
Senior surveyor: David Stewart
Branches: Taupō, Hamilton, Napier, Rotorua, Ohakune, Taumarunui
Rakon launches new equipment for space
Headquartered in Auckland, Rakon is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of frequency control products and timing solutions. Its products can be found at the heart of many applications, from 5G networks and satellites, to even vehicles on Mars.
Its latest technology is a series of NewSpace equipment for platforms and telecommunications payloads. The range includes NewSpace GNSS receivers and S-band transceivers designed for smallsat platforms, data communications and transmissions. It also features master reference oscillators (MRO) and master local oscillators (MLO), which can be delivered as an integrated frequency generation unit (FGU).
This equipment is the recent evolution of Rakon’s “high-reliability frequency control products and timing solutions for the space industry”.
NewSpace MRO
The NewSpace MRO is designed for applications that require high stability and reliable 10 MHz to 1 GHz frequency signals. The equipment is suitable for Telecom satellites of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), small Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) and satellite constellations.
Key features:
NewSpace MLO
This piece of modular equipment is designed for applications that require highly reliable signals from 500 MHz up to 40 GHz. It is also suitable for high-frequency Telecom satellites of LEO, small GEO and satellite constellations.
Key features:
GNSS receiver
The GNSS receiver is an “easy to customise multi-constellation, multi-frequency and multi-antenna piece of equipment”. The company says it is off-the-shelf compliant with Galileo and GPS signals, and its design can be adjusted to take into account new constellations or new signals on request.
Key features:
S-band transceiver
This is a low SWaP (size, weight and power) full-duplex piece of equipment. Designed for tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) and high data rate communications between satellites or between satellites and ground stations, it operates over commercial frequency ranges and only needs passive external antennas to be fully operational.
Key features:
This new range of equipment will support emerging NewSpace payloads and platforms with cost-effective and short lead-time solutions.
Leveraging industrial opportunities in metal 3D printing
By Dr Juan Schutte, R&D engineer at UoA’s Creative Design and Additive Manufacturing Lab
Mentioning the word 3D printing (3DP) generally brings visions of plastic filament being melted into rough layered prototypes. This kind of 3DP (Fused Deposition Modelling) led the charge in the dramatic uptake of the technology with machines now commonplace in many New Zealand schools and available from commercial suppliers like Jaycar. While these are certainly useful, it is easy to see how industry reliance on more robust materials like steel, titanium and aluminium could easily mistake 3DP as irrelevant. Thankfully, recently there has been a shift in this paradigm with metal-based technologies (e.g. SLM) seeing greater and growing industrial use.
Industry such as aviation and racing have demonstrated increases in performance and efficiency by leveraging 3DP’s ability to create parts from designs which have been optimised via generative design/topology algorithms. These techniques are manufacturing agnostic and as such typically contain complex shapes which would otherwise be incredibly difficult to manufacture without 3DP. Popular examples include the redesigning of a block manifolds which resulted in an over 90% reduction in weight (Figure A).
While 3DP’s cannot compete with the cost-efficacy of injection moulding as a mass manufacturing technology it has shown promise in the optimising mould tool fabrication. Inserts for which can be manufactured with embedded conformal cooling channels allowing for faster production and increased productivity (Figure B).
While the technology has proven adept at optimising strong industrial parts, the devil is in the detail. 3DP resolution is not yet on par with the capabilities of certain traditional manufacturing techniques. In general, the surface roughness characteristics of metal 3D printed parts is similar to sand casting, as such for most high precision engineering some form of post-print machining/processing is still required.
Metal 3DP is also still clouded by a reputation of being cost prohibitive which is not an entirely fair or accurate representation. While attempting to use the technique to create traditionally designed parts can be very expensive, as shown in Figure A the technology has the potential to create better products at a similar cost if designed appropriately.
Dr. Juan Schutte works at the University of Auckland’s Creative Design and Additive Manufacturing Lab as an R&D Engineer consulting with industry and academia on the opportunities of 3D printing.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
Arbitration clauses in construction contracts: the ‘may’ versus ‘must’ debate
By Laressa Mills, senior associate, and Andrea Lim, solicitor, at Dentons Kensington Swan
There is a question whether a party is entitled to litigate instead of referring its dispute to arbitration where an arbitration clause in a construction contract such as clause 13.4 in NZS3910:2013 provides that the parties ‘may’ refer their dispute to arbitration, but does not say anything about litigation.
There is limited case law in NZ about this and often look overseas for guidance. A recent case in the Hong Kong High Court has found that an arbitration clause that says ‘may’ arbitrate means the parties ‘must’ do so.
Background
In Kinli Civil Engineering Ltd v Geotech Engineering Ltd, the construction contract provided that in the event of a dispute, both parties may submit that dispute to arbitration for resolution. The dispute between the parties related to unpaid amounts under the contract, so Geotech referred the dispute to arbitration and commenced arbitral proceedings. Kinli issued Court proceedings.
The Hong Kong High Court was asked to consider whether Kinli was entitled to issue Court proceedings without having first referred its dispute to arbitration under the contract. Kinli argued that the word ‘may’ meant that arbitration was another option to litigation so it could choose whether to arbitrate or litigate.
The Court held the relevant clause gave the parties a choice to arbitrate, but once that choice had been exercised by one party, it would be binding on the other. The Court determined that arbitration was mandatory despite the clause using the word ‘may’.
To arbitrate and/or litigate?
Standard form clauses 13.3 and 13.4 of NZS3910:2013 provides that the parties ‘may’ by notice require that the matter in dispute be referred to mediation and/or arbitration. It does not say anything about litigation.
Courts are increasingly enforcing arbitration clauses. If a party wants to argue that they did not intend their disputes to be submitted to arbitration, i.e. want the option to litigate, then this should be spelt out and made clear in the arbitration clause in the contract.
In NZ, a party/parties are entitled to refer a dispute under a construction contract to adjudication and the CCA 2002 cannot be contracted out of.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter. No warrant or guarantee whatsoever is given as to the accuracy of any information contained in the article, nor is any liability accepted for any actions taken based on this information.
Dentons Kensington Swan has New Zealand’s largest team of construction lawyers and we have worked on many of New Zealand’s largest construction projects. We are experts in both front end and back end construction matters.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
Getting serious about machine safety in 2022
By Craig Carlyle, director at Maintenance Transformations
A wave of prosecutions related to guarding and the safe use of machinery are an eyeopener to the complacency of business in keeping their workers safe. From the Wellington pastry worker degloving his hand in a pastry maker to the female sawmill worker killed when she was dragged into machinery, the reality is that our statistics have not improved despite the best intentions of MBIE and WorkSafe.
According to WorkSafe there are too many workers whose safety is compromised by having to operate inadequately guarded machinery.
“The need to guard machinery is a legal requirement and one of the easiest ways to ensure your workers’ safety. It’s not new and businesses must ensure these simple protective devices are installed, and operated, on their machinery.
“If a machine doesn’t have adequate guarding, then it shouldn’t be used. It’s that simple.”
Safe use of machinery (guarding) requirements have been in place since last century, however recent fines underline the intent to get serious. A $200,000-$300,000 fine is now the starting point for most prosecutions.
WorkSafe simplified the AS/NZS 4024 requirements with its own Best Practice Guide, but this alone is not enough. Competency and confidence training is required so that businesses can incorporate machine safety into their normal operations. It is simply not good enough to ignore safety when making capital purchases, or to hand the guarding issues off to tradesmen without considering the management responsibilities, or to assign staff to machinery without considering their competency. Training in the application of WorkSafe’s Best Practice Guide for the Safe Use of Machinery is available and this is an ideal starting point to understanding how to keep workers safe and where everyone in the organisation fits into a complete solution.
So, what can you do if you use machinery in your business? There are several basic steps you can take to ensure your workers and your business are not at risk:
Whatever suits your business, hiding your head in the sand is no longer a viable option for 2022.
Craig Carlyle is director at Maintenance Transformations. His expertise lies in the practical application of maintenance and health and safety management systems in the workplace. He is also a life member of the Maintenance Engineering Society of NZ.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
What does 2022 have in store?
By Daniel Taylor, head of manufacturing, NZTE
It’s dangerous at the best of times to get out the crystal ball in an attempt to foretell the year ahead, and even more so at times of so much change, but I thought I’d give it a go anyway!
Supply chains will remain challenged: I’ll start with an easy one. Supply chains will remain strained for the foreseeable future. Freight will remain an ongoing challenge – both from an availability and cost perspective – and logistics professionals will be front and centre like never before. Having robust supply chains with alternative means of supply will be critical to business success.
The war for talent will remain: Good people will remain highly sought-after, and not necessarily in the areas we’ve come to expect (see logistics professionals above). More exporting businesses will appoint people off-shore to negate the impact of travel disruptions, and there will be strong demand for those that can operate cross-culturally.
NZ innovation will continue to shine: We’ll see new challenges arise, and old challenges persist. My crystal ball tells me New Zealand manufacturers have made good use of any downtime over the festive period to bring their innovative world view to these challenges and will continue to surprise and delight customers with their ability to professionally solve problems others can’t or won’t tackle.
Relationships will still matter: 2021 was the year of the Zoom call, but in 2022, personal relationships will still be king. Whether that is virtual or in the flesh, people do business with people, and the ability to build, maintain and grow strong relationships will remain pivotal to business success. Take relationship building seriously, and see it as an investment, not a cost.
The manufacturing landscape will continue to evolve: Expect to hear plenty more about Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, the continued rise of AR/VR, and much more besides. Even for so-called traditional manufacturing businesses, those who choose not to stay across these rapid evolving areas do so at their own peril – the move from “nice to have” to “must have” will be swift.
Whatever 2022 may hold, NZTE will be here to support exporters grow bigger, better and faster.
Daniel leads NZTE’s Manufacturing Export Customers team. He has held roles as trade commissioner in Europe and Australia, and NZTE private secretary to the Minister for Economic Development. Before joining NZTE, Daniel was operations manager at Global Fruits.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
Steel is a hero of the circular economy: Study estimates 85% of Aotearoa’s building and construction steel waste is recycled
By Dr Troy Coyle, HERA CEO
In June 2021, HERA published its Steel Recycling Report that indicated an impressive 74% of scrap steel in New Zealand was recycled. The recycling of steel not only provides significant environmental benefits but also helps to secure the future of the steel industry. Recycled steel is cheaper and easier to produce (recycling steel saves almost 74% of the overall energy used in production), saves natural resources, and prevents excess greenhouse gas usage.
Sector recycles 85% steel waste
We believed the building and construction sector recycled more steel than the New Zealand average. To estimate the sector-specific recycling rate, HERA commissioned thinkstepANZ to investigate. The new report confirms our prediction.
The sector produces 332 kilotonnes of steel scrap annually, mostly in the form of reinforcing bars, structural sections, and sheet products. This amounts to 45% of the scrap steel produced in New Zealand. Of this, only 50 tonnes are lost to landfill. The remaining 85% is recycled.
The study considered the Global Warming Potential (GWP) as the most important environmental indicator. It allows comparisons to be made of the global warming impact of different gases. It is a measure of how much energy the emission of one tonne of CO2 will absorb over a given period of time. In New Zealand, steel accounts for 2.2% of the country’s carbon emissions.
This recovery rate leads to savings in GWP, per tonne of steel scrap generated of 1,249kg CO2-equivalent. The challenge for the industry is to achieve 100% recovery, which would lead to even greater potential savings of 1,473kg CO2-equivalent.
Module D – end of waste state
The report also provides a value for Module D estimates for use in comparative carbon calculation. This should be considered when assessing the relative carbon performance of materials over their life, or in the case of steel, over its infinite potential lives.
This is of particular importance to the infrastructure sector. A holistic view of GWP should account for all components relating to a project during all life stages. Many carbon calculations ignore end-of-life and simply focus on embodied carbon. This is a mistake. Steel can be infinitely recyclable, unlike other materials, like timber, that are more likely to go to landfill sites to release their carbon back into the atmosphere.
Moving to 100% circularity
Moving to 100% circularity is not farfetched. Many countries have recycling rates of over 90% (e.g. UK 95%). The solution is twofold. Firstly, more steel scrap needs to be recovered, and secondly, there is a need to reduce the GWP impact of transport.
The report recommends:
The report demonstrates the role that steel plays in Aotearoa’s circular economy, supporting a whole industry in steel recycling and contributing significantly to global carbon emissions reduction.
Dr Troy Coyle brings more than 20 years’ experience in innovation management across a range of industries including materials science, medical radiation physics, biotechnology, sustainable building products, renewable energy and steel. She is a scientist with a PhD (University of NSW) with training in journalism and communications.
The information and opinions within this column are not necessarily the views or opinions of Xpress Engineer NZ, NZ Engineering News or the parent company, Hayley Media.
Seismometers to give clearer image of subduction zone earthquakes
Scientists hope that the deployment of new ocean-bottom seismometers off the east coast of Wellington will help reveal the earthquake and tsunami potential for a ‘locked’ part of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone. But before then, plenty of work needs to be done.
Tomography helps geophysicists understand Earth’s interior. However, nearly all seismic networks are located on land, precluding seismologists from getting a complete picture of the planet’s internal churning.
Luckily for New Zealand, the Earthquake Commission (EQC) has funded research which will next year see 20 ocean-bottom seismometers deployed for 12 months to better understand how the Pacific Plate is slipping underneath the Australian Plate, off the east coast of Wellington.
The research is being conducted by Professor Martha Savage and her team from Victoria University of Wellington, CNS Science, as well as from Canada’s University of Ottawa and Dalhousie University.
“My colleagues in Canada are getting the instruments ready, being tested and doing follow up,” says Savage, who is a geology academic and Professor of Geophysics.
Permissions are also being readied from the likes of Fisheries New Zealand.
“The reason it’s going to be next year is it’s the first time the RV Tangaroa can help,” says Savage. “We have been on their list of projects – it is the NIWA ship that is going to help with deployment.”
And there is plenty of preparation to be done before the instruments are deployed – with no way for them to be accessed for data retrieval or maintenance during the 12-month period, it has to be ensured that everything is ready.
Once the seismometers have been shipped from Canada to New Zealand, and batteries are installed in each, they are then craned onto the RV Tangaroa.
“Then to get off the ship, they also get picked up by cranes and then dropped into the ocean. They are designed so that they will settle down onto the sea floor and be upright.”
While modern research seismometers are electronic and detect and record motions in all directions, the orientation remains unknown until the data is retrieved. After the 12 months of deployment, the anchors of each seismometer will be burned off and the seismometer will return to the surface.
“There are various issues every once in a while – people lose seismometers, hopefully that won’t happen this time,” says Savage.
Importance of the research
Being deployed off the east coast of Wellington, once the seismometers are back on land, the data will help scientists improve understanding of why the locked and slipping sections of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone behave differently.
“This is a big hazard for us because if it goes, it’s going to go fast. The result would be a large and sudden earthquake that could also trigger a tsunami,” says Savage.
“The GeoNet network does an excellent job of monitoring earthquakes on land. Yet, we are effectively blind to small earthquakes offshore. The behaviour of these more frequent small earthquakes can tell us more about the larger earthquakes that occur less often. We’re expecting to see 10 times more earthquakes than are currently reported.”
Ocean-bottom seismometers have previously been used to study earthquakes at the Hikurangi Margin further up the east coast and in short-duration subsurface imaging around New Zealand, but none have ever been deployed for time periods greater than a few weeks in the ‘locked’ area in the lower North Island.
“Our building standards are what keep people safe. We hope results will feed into the National Seismic Hazard Model and help to increase our overall resilience and preparedness as a nation.”
EQC research manager Dr Natalie Balfour says: “EQC has previously funded research on the Hikurangi Subduction Zone, but Professor Savage’s work will hopefully add another valuable piece to that puzzle.”
Did you know?
Climate action: Engineering change
Engineering New Zealand says it is time for industry to accelerate climate action. And the good news is that many companies are already stepping up to the challenge – WSP being one.
“We must prioritise addressing climate risks within our roles, seizing every opportunity to mitigate, transition and/or adapt to climate change. What this looks like will differ depending on the discipline, projects, clients and local context,” says Engineering New Zealand.
To help, the organisation is developing case studies, a new practice note, client facing resources, and collective position statements for advocacy.
“Watch this space. This year we are also planning to introduce drop-in pan-engineering ‘climate conversations’.”
WSP making moves
In late last year, WSP announced its commitment to half the carbon footprint of infrastructure designs and advice provided to clients by 2030.
“With estimates suggesting that 20% of global carbon emissions relate to the construction of the built environment, and a further 30% relating to the operation of buildings and infrastructure, our commitment underscores the essential role that organisations in the sector have in helping to address climate change and contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy,” says WSP.
The company hopes that this commitment will make a significant impact on carbon emissions working with public and private sector clients on building, transport, water and power projects.
“We are committed to acting with urgency and providing leadership to help achieve the country’s emissions reduction targets by promoting world-class low carbon solutions for New Zealand infrastructure,” says WSP’s New Zealand managing director Ian Blair.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has now also awarded WSP a contract to investigate the feasibility of non-hydroelectric energy storage options as part of the Government’s NZ Battery Project.
This project focussed on how to best address the country’s ‘dry year problem’ where the existing hydroelectric power catchments sometimes don’t receive enough rainfall or snowmelt.
WSP’s role will be to investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of these alternative technologies and how viable it may be to integrate them into New Zealand’s electricity market. The project team will also look at the social, cultural and environmental feasibility of each option.
“Renewable technologies represent an important low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels in all applications, including for electricity shortage,” says Rebecca Tjaberings, WSP’s director of power.
“The study is firmly aligned with Aotearoa’s goal of achieving long-term energy security in a renewable future, as well as WSP’s own commitment to supporting technological and policy solutions that will help with that transition.”
Treotham: Supplying quality, major brands to key industries
As the exclusive distributor for the many international product lines, Treotham customers gain from its local presence and the extensive knowledge and experience of the company’s staff.
“We strive to create a total solution for our customers, using a range of products with many years of technical experience. Treotham Automation is a leading supplier of high-quality components and products to industrial markets,” says Alec Stanley, Treotham national sales manager.
Treotham was established in New Zealand in 2010 and supplies high-quality electrical components and products to a wide range of industrial markets. Its’ years of experience in industrial automation and long-term partnerships with key suppliers including igus, Kabeltec, PMA, Wittenstein and more, provide a “market-leading position”.
Treotham acquired Automation Equipment in August 2020 which allowed Treotham to offer customers even more support as well as a larger range of products and services to provide a more complete solution for its customers.
The expanded business now operates out of an Auckland office and Hamilton warehousing, engineering and sales office making it even more convenient for customers. Through the introduction of new ranges of products from suppliers such as Schmalz Germany (vacuum automation, vacuum handling and vacuum clamping), Pneumax Italy (pneumatics), Interroll Australia (conveyor components) and others, Treotham Automation is now able to offer customers across New Zealand a more complete solution. With an increased support and engineering staff, Treotham Automation has combined its years of experience from both companies to offer extended customer service experiences and greater opportunity for technical solutions; visits enabling stronger engineering support.
The warehouse is governed by a rigorous supply chain management system. This means that the efficient and capable logistics officers are working hard to ensure customers receive their order quickly, keeping them informed of its delivery time along the way. Often stock items are available for next-day delivery – if not, products are air-freighted on a weekly basis direct from Treotham’s suppliers in Europe. A fully equipped workshop facility with factory trained service and technical engineers provides fast and reliable service and custom-built solutions for special applications.
Treotham is the exclusive distributor for over 20 major international product lines. Through a network of warehouses in New Zealand and Australia, Treotham stocks thousands of high quality products. “We strive to be the market leader in the field. Many of the companies we represent are world leaders.
One of the main reasons for the company’s continued success is diversity.
“We supply a diverse range of products and components to a variety of industry sectors – everything from mining to railways and theatres. We don’t rely on any one sector. Also, we offer only the highest quality products and we pride ourselves on outstanding customer service.”
The diverse range of products includes flexible cables, accessories, chains, bearings, connectors, flexible conduits, safety products, sensors, position controls, gear boxes, linear units vacuum technology, clamping systems, pneumatics and conveyor components.
“To survive tough economic times New Zealand manufacturers now have to work smarter. Innovation is extremely important with a need to become more automated. Many of the products from Treotham are now equipped with smart monitoring, alerting engineers ahead of time when maintenance is necessary.
“It is no longer sufficient to just sell products – you have to sell a total solution. Treotham is committed to embracing new technologies and pushing the boundaries of industry best practice. We are one of only a few companies in New Zealand that can offer a total solution. As a leader in automation control we have a broad capacity to provide systems and solutions using a diverse range of products and components.”
Treotham is involved in many industries including food processing, agricultural, medical, stage lighting, robotics, rail, mining, packaging and handling and dairy.
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