GLOBAL MACHINE TOOLS: NEW MODELS AND TECHNOLOGY AT EMEX2020
Coming off a record sales year in 2019, Global Machine Tools will be exhibiting its new CNC machine tool, 3D printing technology and cutting Tools at EMEX2020.
Feature machine: Doosan DVF5000 5-axis machining centre
The DVF5000, Doosan Machine Tools’ next generation 5-axis compact machining centre, offers a diverse range of tailored options, automation and maximum convenience, enabling unmanned machining. As such, it is part of the company’s lineup of multitasking machines designed for machining diverse and complex shapes.
The DVF5000 is rigidly built and equipped with an 18.5KW / 12,000RPM directly coupled spindle (18,000RPM built-in option) and will be exhibited at EMEX with a Doosan-spec’d Fanuc 31iMB5 controller.
The machine boasts 40m/min rapid traverse rates on X,Y & Z-axes and equipped with linear roller guideways for improved accuracy and high rigidity. The 500mm table is designed for user-friendliness and consummate work efficiency, while the motor for turning the B & C Axes features a spur gear for enhanced anti-abrasion and durability. Nodular cast iron has been applied to the entire structure to prevent structural sagging, while the addition of supports makes it possible to machine workpieces weighing as much as 400kg, one of the highest in its class.
With a number of DVF5000’s successfully installed already and a backlog yet to install, Global Machine Tools says the DVF5000 is fast becoming New Zealand’s 5-axis machine choice.
Feature machine: Doosan Puma 2600Y high precision CNC millturn centre with Y-axis
The Puma 2600Y is a box guideway, high performance, Y-axis turning centre designed to craft high precision parts from a range of tough-to-machine materials. The bed is designed for excellent rigidity and accuracy.
A standard active thermal compensation system features six sensors that collect the temperature at each location and feeds into the machine control to compensate for structural changes caused by heat growth, decreasing the effects of thermal deformation by 60-70% compared to previous models.
At EMEX you will see great features including a heavy-duty 22KW 3500RPM Spindle with 10” Big Bore chuck and 81mm bar capacity. The turret is 24 station (12 Live) with 7.5KW, 5000RPM milling capability and BMT65 interface.
Other Doosan machines GMT will feature at EMEX2020 include its best-selling DNM4500 high-speed vertical machining centre and the new Leo 1600 economical hig- performance turning centre.
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PRIME PUMP: THE PUMP VERSION OF HARE VS TORTOISE – SAME RESULT
Slow-running, high performance Wangen pumps offer outstanding, dedicated wastewater management solutions thanks to low life-cycle costs and some of the most advanced engineering in the world.
These pumps could provide some much-needed answers for the increasing number of under-pressure New Zealand cities whose ageing wastewater infrastructures are now reaching the end of their lives. Already deployed very successfully in one major city, Wangen delivers a much more cost-effective and enduring solution compared to the all-too-common, and ultimately very expensive, fall backs of short-term repairs or the relatively short-life options of competing pump brands.
Sourced from Germany by innovative New Zealand company Prime Pump, hard-wearing Wangen progressive cavity pumps are already very well-established in Europe. But far-sighted locals are also catching on. That’s according to Ben Petrie, Prime Pump key account manager. “Once clients have tried Wangen, they’ll never go back.”
His view is backed-up by users in other industries such as the agricultural effluent sector.
One key client says almost as soon as Prime Pump brought Wangen into New Zealand, he thought it was worth a look. And it’s more than rewarded his confidence. In two years, his company has seen some “fairly catastrophic” failings with other pumps of the same age, but none with German-engineered Wangen.
“The whole Wangen design is better,” he says highlighting the durable Cardan universal joint, in particular.
“They’re a really nice pump. And being slower running is a real advantage. It’s quiet, performs very well and it’s just logical that anything running slower will last longer.”
There is a very solid history behind Wangen’s success. Wangen Pumpen, which manufactures the pumps in the historic German city of the same name, located on the Bodensee, was founded in 1969. The region has a legacy of manufacturing that goes back to the Middle Ages and Wangen, as a company, has continued that venerable tradition. At the same time, it’s driven by a desire for continual improvement, extreme precision, resilience, and a dedication to ensuring long life in all its products.
Prime Pump are committed to travelling the world to find the best quality pumps, designed and manufactured to suit New Zealand conditions, and they back them up with guarantees and service. They say Wangen has more than met their expectations, not least because of its extreme hardiness. (There are well-documented examples of pumps running intervention-free for over three decades. One Wangen pump owned by an Austrian client, Mr Maier, has run for 35 years, without the need for repairs.)
The extended life of Wangen pumps comes from some significant design advantages over and above others in the market.
One of those keys to the Wangen pumps’ performance is the Cardan joint; a critical design feature. This universal joint-like system is superior to the conventional pin joint. The pin joint wears, often rapidly, resulting in characteristic “sloppiness” and ultimately the need for regular replacement. In contrast the Cardan joint operates smoothly and seamlessly, lasting the lifetime of the pump. The design, which has the same diameter as the rotor ahead also avoids constraint in the flow, and the problem of settling, which effectively removes the issues related to fibres becoming wrapped around the shaft.
A one-piece cartridge mechanical seal, filled with oil, rather than a traditional two- piece mechanical seal, is also far easier and quicker to fit while the oil, again, helps extend the life of the seal.
An extra bearing housing between the gear box and pump adds additional rigour to the structure and supports reliable performance.
The system also enables councils to customise to meet individual requirements thanks to the pumps’ ingenious modular construction and a wide range of standardised components. Available for all Wangen series pumps, this makes customising pumps to meet individual needs and environments, if not straight forward – entirely possible.
For more information call 0800 482 747, email info@primepump.co.nz or visit www.primepump.co.nz
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HI-TECH METALS GETS CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
Now one of New Zealand’s leading laser cutting companies with the introduction of the 12kw Bystronic fiber laser.
The Hi-Tech Metals warehouse is spacious and tidy. Racking is neatly stacked down the centre and an array of machines line the walls.
Filling one side of the room is something that looks at first to be out of place. A new colour scheme to a largely red and black layout. To the uneducated eye it appears a bit like a high-speed bullet train. It’s not though, it’s their latest piece of high-tech equipment – the 12 kilowatt ByStar 3015 Fiber Laser from Bystronic.
Edan and Michelle Newell have run Hi-Tech Metals for almost 15 years now and previously have only purchased machines under the Amada brand. However, with technology developing at rapid speeds, the high-powered piece of technology is the very best on the market.
Last year, the pair travelled to Switzerland and took a tour of the Bystronic factory. Impressed by what they saw, the philosophies of the company and the workmanship, they decided that to keep ahead of the game they would need to buy something new to the market that no-one else had.
With this, they became the proud owners of the first ever 12kw Bystronic laser machine in New Zealand.
“We have a massive loyalty and a great history with our previous supplier but the laser cutting technology is evolving so quickly. Top manufacturers are getting out of phase as they leapfrog each other and timing is now so important when purchasing new equipment,” says Edan.
“Even just a few years ago, technology was developing at a much slower pace. A machine would last a good few years in a company before needing to be upgraded.
“Power is taking leaps and bounds,” he says. “For the first five or six-years of fiber laser technology, a range of companies only produced 4-5 kw fiber lasers and they stayed like that for so long. Then all of a sudden they’ve jumped up to 6kw, 8kw, 10kw, 12kw and even 16 and 20 with talk of 30kw machines. The development side of the industry is just intensifying so much.”
“Some suppliers will rush machines into production and others will take their time. Because of the short time frames and the leaps in technology, they are getting out of sync with each other. What is impressive this month is surpassed by another next month.”
For this reason, Edan and Michelle wanted to get the latest and most powerful laser cutter available so that Hi-Tech could provide faster cutting speeds and offer superior cut quality in the thicker market.
Auckland has an array of laser cutting companies now and last year there was a noticeable number of impressive machines arriving into Auckland. Companies were investing in the new 8-10 kw laser cutters and Edan and Michelle knew that following what others had done just wouldn’t ‘cut’ it.
“There was no point getting another 8-10 kw laser cutter and competing on that level. For us, ever since we started, we have always been fortunate enough to purchase the latest technology.”
It was a big step for the company to branch out to another brand and Edan says the transition has had a steep learning curve.
“Brand loyalty had to step aside for timing and the desire to stay on top at that point in time, rather than waiting for the next best thing. There are some great sheetmetal companies in Auckland and some really smart people. They are all putting in good machines which means that there is an influx of laser cutters coming into Auckland. This new 12kw machine is all about power. It’s harder to compete against 8 and 10kw machines with a 5 or a 6kw. You need to be right up there and buying the exact same machine that other people have doesn’t give you that necessary edge in what is a tight market.”
As well as being significantly more powerful, the new machine is also a new series with a brand-new cutting head which Edan expects to increase production by 20% over the older models.
It has also allowed them to take on new clients and new jobs that they previously couldn’t do.
“That’s another key part of why we bought this machine. We were traditionally a sheet metal company specialising in 5mm and below. While we could process thicker material up to 16mm we were never that efficient at it. We didn’t buy our old machines to get into the plate business. We never wanted to cut 25mm but now you can buy a machine that’s fast, has made a big improvement in the thinner market but also has huge capabilities in the thicker market too.
“Now we can do jobs we’ve never been able to look at before which gives us the opportunity to service both ends of the market – customers who require thicker parts cut accurately.”
The machine also allows for ‘lights out’ manufacturing. This automation of the Bystronic ByTrans Extended gives the machine another competitive edge over other companies as the ByTrans can take a pallet of material and process it without needing an operator to be there.
This in turn reduces overhead costs and increases overall processing times which mean Hi-Tech Metals can offer faster turn arounds and more competitive prices.
The advantages of this new 12kw machine will only open up more opportunities for this company that already operates smart. Offering quality laser cut components now up to 25mm, coupled with the most accurate of folded components will keep Hi-Tech Metals ahead of the game.
“We’ve never been one to follow what other people have done. We have always aspired to be different to all the others.” And the new ByStar 12kw does just that.
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PACKAGING MACHINERY MANUFACTURING GROWS AGAIN
Last year, 2019, was the ninth consecutive year of growth for packaging machinery manufacturers from Germany.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, the approximately 250 mainly medium-sized companies produced packaging machinery worth around 7.3 billion euros, an increase of 2 percent. The production of beverage packaging machines increased by 4.3 percent to 2.3 billion euros. The production of other packaging machines increased by 1.2 percent to just over 4.9 billion euros.
While the production figures for packaging machinery in the first three quarters of 2019 still showed a total increase of 8 percent, they fell in the fourth quarter by 10 percent below the previous year’s figure. The slowdown in demand in the second half of the year was already affecting the German production.
Europe remains largest sales region
Half of all German packaging machinery exports went to European countries. The delivery volume reached a value of 3 billion euros and was thus 3.1 percent above the previous year. Asia purchased machinery and equipment worth just over 1.1 billion euros (plus 16 percent) and North America worth 886 million euros (plus 8 percent). Deliveries to Africa amounted to 351 million euros (plus 1 percent). Less positive was the development of the export business to Latin America, the Near and Middle East and Australia-Oceania. Exports fell by a double-digit percentage.
USA largest single sales market
With an export volume of 786 million euros (plus 7 percent), the USA remained the largest single sales market for packaging machines made in Germany in 2019. China is in second place with 451 million euros (plus 23 percent), followed by France (309 million euros, plus 3 percent), Poland (296 million euros, plus 9.5 percent) and the United Kingdom (248 million euros, plus 18 percent). Exports to Russia increased by 5 per cent to 203 million euros. This puts the country in eighth place among the ten largest export markets, after Spain (234 million euros, up 24.5 percent) and the Netherlands (219 million euros, up 29.1 percent).
Outlook: Everything open
It is currently impossible to estimate or quantify how the packaging machinery industry will develop in 2020. Due to the weak order activity in the second half of 2019 and, in particular, the drop in foreign orders, the German Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association already assumed in its November 2019 forecast that production of packaging machinery would decline in the current year.
“The extent of the decline caused by the outbreak of the corona crisis and the consequences associated with it will only become really clear in the coming months,” says Richard Clemens, managing director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association.
Companies are increasingly feeling the effects of the corona pandemic. In addition to disruptions in the supply chain, especially in Europe, disruptions on the demand side in particular have increased further. Not only are fewer orders coming from Europe, but also from Asia and North and Latin America. Order intake in the first quarter was down 19 percentage points year-on-year. If this trend continues, it will continue into the coming year.
“However, we are optimistic that demand will recover quickly following the easing of government restrictions. The increasing global demand for hygienically packaged and safe food and pharmaceutical products is a major contributor to this,” says Clemens.
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END OF AN ERA FOR MAJOR MACHINERY COMPANIES
After more than 40 years in business, Aotea Machinery announced that on May 15 the company has gone into liquidation along with PT Equipment Limited.
“On 15 May 2020 at 8.40 am, it was resolved by special resolution of shareholders pursuant to section 241(2)(a) of the Companies Act 1993 that Aotea Machinery Limited and PT Equipment Limited be liquidated and that Christopher Carey McCullagh and Stephen Mark Lawrence of PKF Corporate Recovery and Insolvency (Auckland) Limited, both RITANZ Insolvency Practitioners accredited by CA ANZ, be appointed jointly and severally as liquidators for that purpose,” a public notice stated.
Aotea has been a leading provider to New Zealand’s manufacturing industry, with a range of equipment for sheet metal, CNC, fabrication, injection moulding and more.
PT Equipment Ltd traded under the name Sheet Metal Tooling and was the New Zealand agent for German brands Pass|Stanztechnik and UKB, and Yestool from Korea.
The liquidators have fixed July 15, 2020 as the day on or before the company are to make their claims and establish any priority their claims may have.
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BUDGET TO BOOST CIVIL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
More than $1.2 billion has been set aside for rail infrastructure in the Budget 2020 and could significantly boost to New Zealand’s civil engineering and construction sector says State Owned Enterprises Minister Winston Peters.
This includes $246 million to support investment in the track and supporting infrastructure, $400 million to help replace the Interislander ferries and associated portside infrastructure and $421 million for new wagons and locomotives.
Changes proposed through the Land Transport (Rail) Legislation Bill will also provide long-term certainty for rail by allowing network investment to be channelled through the National Land Transport Fund. Budget 2020 provides $148 million to support the fund to make these investments once the Bill has been passed.
Mr Peters says this is a milestone in securing the future of New Zealand’s rail system, and a step towards economic recovery.
“Rail is a critical part of our integrated transport network. Not only is investment essential to address decades of under-investment, but further investment in rail will play an essential role in our economic recovery post-lockdown,” Mr Peters says.
“KiwiRail is a major contributor to New Zealand’s infrastructure projects, and currently employs almost 4,000 people.
“The investment in rail infrastructure, is not only helping to secure the thousands of existing jobs at KiwiRail but will be a huge boost to New Zealand’s civil engineering and construction sector, with hundreds of contractors, and their material suppliers, needed nationwide for track renewal, mechanical facility upgrades and ferry terminal projects.”
Transport Minister Phil Twyford says these investments will help future proof the economy and reduce emissions.
“The Coalition Government has a bold vision for a 21st century rail network as outlined in the draft New Zealand Rail Plan. We need a resilient and reliable rail system to support freight and get our cities moving.”
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PRESTIGIOUS AWARD RECOGNISES ENGINEERING IMPACT
Dr Yifan Chen
Internationally recognised academic leader and University of Waikato Professor Dr Yifan Chen is the recipient of the prestigious Engineering New Zealand Fellows Award.
Dr Chen has worked in many well-renowned international universities and pioneered the emerging field of computational nanobiosensing, which involves smart tumour targeting using nanorobots.
These nanorobots can search for tumours by learning the biological environment. He has also contributed to the technological, clinical and commercialisation advancement in the area of microwave medical imaging and sensing.
The Engineering New Zealand Fellows Award recognises those who have made an impact on engineering in New Zealand and inspired others in their industry.
Professor Chen says receiving the award and being recognised by a leading engineering body in New Zealand was a great honour.
“Since joining the University of Waikato in 2017, in my role as Associate Dean External Engagement for the Health, Engineering, Computing and Science Division, I have fostered external linkages with top universities and institutes, particularly in China,” he says.
Dr Chen developed a wide range of electromagnetic medical examination technologies for low-cost healthcare, including microwave breast imaging, microwave stroke detection, and microwave cognitive impairment detection in collaboration with medical instrument companies and universities in the UK and China.
Professor Chen has also been elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (FIET) due to his innovation in the area of wireless technologies in medical diagnostics, therapy and information transmission. He is also currently part of several research projects, including one looking at developing hand-held high-resolution medical imaging in conjunction with Lincoln Agritech, the University of Auckland and the Université Nice Sophia Antipolis.
“As well as that project, I’m also looking into a portable low-cost microwave brain scanner for stroke detection and recovery monitoring, and I am writing a book on ‘Computational Nanobiosensing’ for Cambridge University Press, which would be the first book on this emerging area in the market,” says Professor Chen.
The award ceremony and dinner was to be held at the end of March however it was postponed due to COVID-19 and will now be held later in the year.
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3D PRINTING PROJECT COULD BE USED TO STUDY COVID-19
UC Mechanical Engineering Senior Lecturer Dr Yilei Zhang
New technology being developed by a University of Canterbury mechanical engineer could be used to study the effects of Covid-19 and screen potential cures.
Senior mechanical engineering lecturer Dr Yilei Zhang is working on a prototype of a 3D printer that uses hybrid laser beams to speed up production and retaining accuracy.
He says the technology could be used to quickly print in-vitro organ models to study the virus’ effects, or to screen drugs that might potentially cure it.
“We’ve developed a novel hybrid, high-speed 3D printer based on laser beam shaping technology, which allows us to print large, complex structures faster than traditional 3D printers. This technology has broad applications in high-speed 3D printing of engineering and biological products.
“In the biomedical field it could be used to make not only scaffolds for tissue engineering, but also in-vitro organs with cells embedded inside for implantation.”
The technology would also allow for mass production of highly complex and accurate items, Dr Zhang says.
“3D printing is normally quite slow because it involves adding a thin layer of materials at each step, which enhances accuracy but reduces productivity. By using hybrid laser beams we can print fast without compromising on quality.”
Additive manufacturing is recognised as one of the key elements of future manufacturing and is already used in the aerospace, food, agriculture and marine industries.
Dr Zhang expects to have a working prototype for the printer ready in six months and has sponsorship from Auckland-based technology incubator Astrolab.
His project is also a UC Innovation Jumpstart 2019 winner, which means he receives $20,000 to help with experimentation and development.
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SAFETY PLAN NEEDED FOR BUSINESSES REOPENING UNDER LEVEL 3
As the country moves towards alert Level 3, WorkSafe New Zealand is reminding businesses they need a COVID-19 safety plan if they are permitted to operate.
Head of WorkSafe’s General Inspectorate Jo Pugh says it is important that businesses involve their workers in the development of the plan and then discuss and share the plan with everyone at work – including workers, contractors, and suppliers – before the work starts.
“The purpose of the plan is to ensure the health and safety of workers and others is not put at risk from changes that are made to work arrangements because of this pandemic. We know that for some workplaces, resumption of business in a way that minimises risk to workers is going to be hard to do and this template will support them through the process of considering risk, and controlling it.”
“It is also important that businesses continue to identify and control non-COVID-19 related risks that exist in their operations and consider whether the pandemic risks require any change to management of those pre-existing risks.
The key steps necessary to minimise the risk of passing on the COVID-19 virus at work are:
- supporting people with flu-like symptoms to self-isolate
- ensuring separation distances
- disinfecting surfaces
- maintaining good hygiene, particularly hand hygiene and good cough/sneeze etiquette
- keeping records to facilitate contact tracing.
“The template is not compulsory to use but businesses need to have a plan to protect their workforce and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Jo says.
Businesses who have been operating as an essential service under alert Level 4 do not need a COVID-19 safety plan. However the systems they have in place must continue once the country transitions to Level 3.
“Our first approach with businesses will be to make sure they’re aware of the need for a plan and point them to the resources available on our and industry websites to assist them. We are making proactive calls to businesses to do just that. In the event of sustained non-compliance, we will consider our enforcement options.”
Worksafe also recommends seeking advice from industry organisations, who may have industry specific guidance and assistance available.
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LEVEL 3 CONSTRUCTION PROTOCOLS WELCOMED BY ENGINEERS
Clear protocols around restarting construction work at level 3 are a crucial part of economic recovery says Engineering New Zealand.
Chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene says the announcements are welcomed by the organisation and will mean engineers can begin to plan how to safely restart work.
The protocols cover physical distancing, hygiene practices, site entry and exit, cleaning, deliveries, and visitor protocols.
Engineers fully support the Governments efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 by staying home and saving lives, says Ms Freeman-Greene.
“Lockdown has been tough for the industry, but we are keen to play our part in recovery.
“When its safe, economic activity needs to restart as quickly as possible. The projects that engineers design, manage and monitor play a key role in regaining economic momentum.
“It’s been amazing to see how the industry has come together to generate, review and endorse these frameworks for a new way of working.”
The industry standards were developed by the Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) in collaboration with government agencies, WorkSafe, Construction Sector Accord member groups and client organisations.
Development of the protocols has been led by SiteSafe, Civil Contractors New Zealand and the Accord’s Vertical and Horizontal Leaders, in partnership with industry experts.
“Now it’s really important to share these widely and make sure everyone running a project is clear on their level 3 plan. This isn’t just a tick-box exercise – developing and managing a robust plan on every site is crucial for New Zealand’s health.”
There are two sets of protocols – one for the residential sector, and another for the civil and vertical sectors. They can be found here.
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GLOBAL MACHINE TOOLS: NEW MODELS AND TECHNOLOGY AT EMEX2020
Feature machine: Doosan DVF5000 5-axis machining centre
The DVF5000, Doosan Machine Tools’ next generation 5-axis compact machining centre, offers a diverse range of tailored options, automation and maximum convenience, enabling unmanned machining. As such, it is part of the company’s lineup of multitasking machines designed for machining diverse and complex shapes.
The DVF5000 is rigidly built and equipped with an 18.5KW / 12,000RPM directly coupled spindle (18,000RPM built-in option) and will be exhibited at EMEX with a Doosan-spec’d Fanuc 31iMB5 controller.
The machine boasts 40m/min rapid traverse rates on X,Y & Z-axes and equipped with linear roller guideways for improved accuracy and high rigidity. The 500mm table is designed for user-friendliness and consummate work efficiency, while the motor for turning the B & C Axes features a spur gear for enhanced anti-abrasion and durability. Nodular cast iron has been applied to the entire structure to prevent structural sagging, while the addition of supports makes it possible to machine workpieces weighing as much as 400kg, one of the highest in its class.
With a number of DVF5000’s successfully installed already and a backlog yet to install, Global Machine Tools says the DVF5000 is fast becoming New Zealand’s 5-axis machine choice.
Feature machine: Doosan Puma 2600Y high precision CNC millturn centre with Y-axis
The Puma 2600Y is a box guideway, high performance, Y-axis turning centre designed to craft high precision parts from a range of tough-to-machine materials. The bed is designed for excellent rigidity and accuracy.
A standard active thermal compensation system features six sensors that collect the temperature at each location and feeds into the machine control to compensate for structural changes caused by heat growth, decreasing the effects of thermal deformation by 60-70% compared to previous models.
At EMEX you will see great features including a heavy-duty 22KW 3500RPM Spindle with 10” Big Bore chuck and 81mm bar capacity. The turret is 24 station (12 Live) with 7.5KW, 5000RPM milling capability and BMT65 interface.
Other Doosan machines GMT will feature at EMEX2020 include its best-selling DNM4500 high-speed vertical machining centre and the new Leo 1600 economical hig- performance turning centre.
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PRIME PUMP: THE PUMP VERSION OF HARE VS TORTOISE – SAME RESULT
These pumps could provide some much-needed answers for the increasing number of under-pressure New Zealand cities whose ageing wastewater infrastructures are now reaching the end of their lives. Already deployed very successfully in one major city, Wangen delivers a much more cost-effective and enduring solution compared to the all-too-common, and ultimately very expensive, fall backs of short-term repairs or the relatively short-life options of competing pump brands.
Sourced from Germany by innovative New Zealand company Prime Pump, hard-wearing Wangen progressive cavity pumps are already very well-established in Europe. But far-sighted locals are also catching on. That’s according to Ben Petrie, Prime Pump key account manager. “Once clients have tried Wangen, they’ll never go back.”
His view is backed-up by users in other industries such as the agricultural effluent sector.
One key client says almost as soon as Prime Pump brought Wangen into New Zealand, he thought it was worth a look. And it’s more than rewarded his confidence. In two years, his company has seen some “fairly catastrophic” failings with other pumps of the same age, but none with German-engineered Wangen.
“The whole Wangen design is better,” he says highlighting the durable Cardan universal joint, in particular.
“They’re a really nice pump. And being slower running is a real advantage. It’s quiet, performs very well and it’s just logical that anything running slower will last longer.”
There is a very solid history behind Wangen’s success. Wangen Pumpen, which manufactures the pumps in the historic German city of the same name, located on the Bodensee, was founded in 1969. The region has a legacy of manufacturing that goes back to the Middle Ages and Wangen, as a company, has continued that venerable tradition. At the same time, it’s driven by a desire for continual improvement, extreme precision, resilience, and a dedication to ensuring long life in all its products.
Prime Pump are committed to travelling the world to find the best quality pumps, designed and manufactured to suit New Zealand conditions, and they back them up with guarantees and service. They say Wangen has more than met their expectations, not least because of its extreme hardiness. (There are well-documented examples of pumps running intervention-free for over three decades. One Wangen pump owned by an Austrian client, Mr Maier, has run for 35 years, without the need for repairs.)
The extended life of Wangen pumps comes from some significant design advantages over and above others in the market.
One of those keys to the Wangen pumps’ performance is the Cardan joint; a critical design feature. This universal joint-like system is superior to the conventional pin joint. The pin joint wears, often rapidly, resulting in characteristic “sloppiness” and ultimately the need for regular replacement. In contrast the Cardan joint operates smoothly and seamlessly, lasting the lifetime of the pump. The design, which has the same diameter as the rotor ahead also avoids constraint in the flow, and the problem of settling, which effectively removes the issues related to fibres becoming wrapped around the shaft.
A one-piece cartridge mechanical seal, filled with oil, rather than a traditional two- piece mechanical seal, is also far easier and quicker to fit while the oil, again, helps extend the life of the seal.
An extra bearing housing between the gear box and pump adds additional rigour to the structure and supports reliable performance.
The system also enables councils to customise to meet individual requirements thanks to the pumps’ ingenious modular construction and a wide range of standardised components. Available for all Wangen series pumps, this makes customising pumps to meet individual needs and environments, if not straight forward – entirely possible.
For more information call 0800 482 747, email info@primepump.co.nz or visit www.primepump.co.nz
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HI-TECH METALS GETS CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
The Hi-Tech Metals warehouse is spacious and tidy. Racking is neatly stacked down the centre and an array of machines line the walls.
Filling one side of the room is something that looks at first to be out of place. A new colour scheme to a largely red and black layout. To the uneducated eye it appears a bit like a high-speed bullet train. It’s not though, it’s their latest piece of high-tech equipment – the 12 kilowatt ByStar 3015 Fiber Laser from Bystronic.
Edan and Michelle Newell have run Hi-Tech Metals for almost 15 years now and previously have only purchased machines under the Amada brand. However, with technology developing at rapid speeds, the high-powered piece of technology is the very best on the market.
Last year, the pair travelled to Switzerland and took a tour of the Bystronic factory. Impressed by what they saw, the philosophies of the company and the workmanship, they decided that to keep ahead of the game they would need to buy something new to the market that no-one else had.
With this, they became the proud owners of the first ever 12kw Bystronic laser machine in New Zealand.
“We have a massive loyalty and a great history with our previous supplier but the laser cutting technology is evolving so quickly. Top manufacturers are getting out of phase as they leapfrog each other and timing is now so important when purchasing new equipment,” says Edan.
“Even just a few years ago, technology was developing at a much slower pace. A machine would last a good few years in a company before needing to be upgraded.
“Power is taking leaps and bounds,” he says. “For the first five or six-years of fiber laser technology, a range of companies only produced 4-5 kw fiber lasers and they stayed like that for so long. Then all of a sudden they’ve jumped up to 6kw, 8kw, 10kw, 12kw and even 16 and 20 with talk of 30kw machines. The development side of the industry is just intensifying so much.”
“Some suppliers will rush machines into production and others will take their time. Because of the short time frames and the leaps in technology, they are getting out of sync with each other. What is impressive this month is surpassed by another next month.”
For this reason, Edan and Michelle wanted to get the latest and most powerful laser cutter available so that Hi-Tech could provide faster cutting speeds and offer superior cut quality in the thicker market.
Auckland has an array of laser cutting companies now and last year there was a noticeable number of impressive machines arriving into Auckland. Companies were investing in the new 8-10 kw laser cutters and Edan and Michelle knew that following what others had done just wouldn’t ‘cut’ it.
“There was no point getting another 8-10 kw laser cutter and competing on that level. For us, ever since we started, we have always been fortunate enough to purchase the latest technology.”
It was a big step for the company to branch out to another brand and Edan says the transition has had a steep learning curve.
“Brand loyalty had to step aside for timing and the desire to stay on top at that point in time, rather than waiting for the next best thing. There are some great sheetmetal companies in Auckland and some really smart people. They are all putting in good machines which means that there is an influx of laser cutters coming into Auckland. This new 12kw machine is all about power. It’s harder to compete against 8 and 10kw machines with a 5 or a 6kw. You need to be right up there and buying the exact same machine that other people have doesn’t give you that necessary edge in what is a tight market.”
As well as being significantly more powerful, the new machine is also a new series with a brand-new cutting head which Edan expects to increase production by 20% over the older models.
It has also allowed them to take on new clients and new jobs that they previously couldn’t do.
“That’s another key part of why we bought this machine. We were traditionally a sheet metal company specialising in 5mm and below. While we could process thicker material up to 16mm we were never that efficient at it. We didn’t buy our old machines to get into the plate business. We never wanted to cut 25mm but now you can buy a machine that’s fast, has made a big improvement in the thinner market but also has huge capabilities in the thicker market too.
“Now we can do jobs we’ve never been able to look at before which gives us the opportunity to service both ends of the market – customers who require thicker parts cut accurately.”
The machine also allows for ‘lights out’ manufacturing. This automation of the Bystronic ByTrans Extended gives the machine another competitive edge over other companies as the ByTrans can take a pallet of material and process it without needing an operator to be there.
This in turn reduces overhead costs and increases overall processing times which mean Hi-Tech Metals can offer faster turn arounds and more competitive prices.
The advantages of this new 12kw machine will only open up more opportunities for this company that already operates smart. Offering quality laser cut components now up to 25mm, coupled with the most accurate of folded components will keep Hi-Tech Metals ahead of the game.
“We’ve never been one to follow what other people have done. We have always aspired to be different to all the others.” And the new ByStar 12kw does just that.
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PACKAGING MACHINERY MANUFACTURING GROWS AGAIN
According to the Federal Statistical Office, the approximately 250 mainly medium-sized companies produced packaging machinery worth around 7.3 billion euros, an increase of 2 percent. The production of beverage packaging machines increased by 4.3 percent to 2.3 billion euros. The production of other packaging machines increased by 1.2 percent to just over 4.9 billion euros.
While the production figures for packaging machinery in the first three quarters of 2019 still showed a total increase of 8 percent, they fell in the fourth quarter by 10 percent below the previous year’s figure. The slowdown in demand in the second half of the year was already affecting the German production.
Europe remains largest sales region
Half of all German packaging machinery exports went to European countries. The delivery volume reached a value of 3 billion euros and was thus 3.1 percent above the previous year. Asia purchased machinery and equipment worth just over 1.1 billion euros (plus 16 percent) and North America worth 886 million euros (plus 8 percent). Deliveries to Africa amounted to 351 million euros (plus 1 percent). Less positive was the development of the export business to Latin America, the Near and Middle East and Australia-Oceania. Exports fell by a double-digit percentage.
USA largest single sales market
With an export volume of 786 million euros (plus 7 percent), the USA remained the largest single sales market for packaging machines made in Germany in 2019. China is in second place with 451 million euros (plus 23 percent), followed by France (309 million euros, plus 3 percent), Poland (296 million euros, plus 9.5 percent) and the United Kingdom (248 million euros, plus 18 percent). Exports to Russia increased by 5 per cent to 203 million euros. This puts the country in eighth place among the ten largest export markets, after Spain (234 million euros, up 24.5 percent) and the Netherlands (219 million euros, up 29.1 percent).
Outlook: Everything open
It is currently impossible to estimate or quantify how the packaging machinery industry will develop in 2020. Due to the weak order activity in the second half of 2019 and, in particular, the drop in foreign orders, the German Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association already assumed in its November 2019 forecast that production of packaging machinery would decline in the current year.
“The extent of the decline caused by the outbreak of the corona crisis and the consequences associated with it will only become really clear in the coming months,” says Richard Clemens, managing director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association.
Companies are increasingly feeling the effects of the corona pandemic. In addition to disruptions in the supply chain, especially in Europe, disruptions on the demand side in particular have increased further. Not only are fewer orders coming from Europe, but also from Asia and North and Latin America. Order intake in the first quarter was down 19 percentage points year-on-year. If this trend continues, it will continue into the coming year.
“However, we are optimistic that demand will recover quickly following the easing of government restrictions. The increasing global demand for hygienically packaged and safe food and pharmaceutical products is a major contributor to this,” says Clemens.
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END OF AN ERA FOR MAJOR MACHINERY COMPANIES
“On 15 May 2020 at 8.40 am, it was resolved by special resolution of shareholders pursuant to section 241(2)(a) of the Companies Act 1993 that Aotea Machinery Limited and PT Equipment Limited be liquidated and that Christopher Carey McCullagh and Stephen Mark Lawrence of PKF Corporate Recovery and Insolvency (Auckland) Limited, both RITANZ Insolvency Practitioners accredited by CA ANZ, be appointed jointly and severally as liquidators for that purpose,” a public notice stated.
Aotea has been a leading provider to New Zealand’s manufacturing industry, with a range of equipment for sheet metal, CNC, fabrication, injection moulding and more.
PT Equipment Ltd traded under the name Sheet Metal Tooling and was the New Zealand agent for German brands Pass|Stanztechnik and UKB, and Yestool from Korea.
The liquidators have fixed July 15, 2020 as the day on or before the company are to make their claims and establish any priority their claims may have.
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BUDGET TO BOOST CIVIL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
This includes $246 million to support investment in the track and supporting infrastructure, $400 million to help replace the Interislander ferries and associated portside infrastructure and $421 million for new wagons and locomotives.
Changes proposed through the Land Transport (Rail) Legislation Bill will also provide long-term certainty for rail by allowing network investment to be channelled through the National Land Transport Fund. Budget 2020 provides $148 million to support the fund to make these investments once the Bill has been passed.
Mr Peters says this is a milestone in securing the future of New Zealand’s rail system, and a step towards economic recovery.
“Rail is a critical part of our integrated transport network. Not only is investment essential to address decades of under-investment, but further investment in rail will play an essential role in our economic recovery post-lockdown,” Mr Peters says.
“KiwiRail is a major contributor to New Zealand’s infrastructure projects, and currently employs almost 4,000 people.
“The investment in rail infrastructure, is not only helping to secure the thousands of existing jobs at KiwiRail but will be a huge boost to New Zealand’s civil engineering and construction sector, with hundreds of contractors, and their material suppliers, needed nationwide for track renewal, mechanical facility upgrades and ferry terminal projects.”
Transport Minister Phil Twyford says these investments will help future proof the economy and reduce emissions.
“The Coalition Government has a bold vision for a 21st century rail network as outlined in the draft New Zealand Rail Plan. We need a resilient and reliable rail system to support freight and get our cities moving.”
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PRESTIGIOUS AWARD RECOGNISES ENGINEERING IMPACT
Dr Yifan Chen
Internationally recognised academic leader and University of Waikato Professor Dr Yifan Chen is the recipient of the prestigious Engineering New Zealand Fellows Award.
Dr Chen has worked in many well-renowned international universities and pioneered the emerging field of computational nanobiosensing, which involves smart tumour targeting using nanorobots.
These nanorobots can search for tumours by learning the biological environment. He has also contributed to the technological, clinical and commercialisation advancement in the area of microwave medical imaging and sensing.
The Engineering New Zealand Fellows Award recognises those who have made an impact on engineering in New Zealand and inspired others in their industry.
Professor Chen says receiving the award and being recognised by a leading engineering body in New Zealand was a great honour.
“Since joining the University of Waikato in 2017, in my role as Associate Dean External Engagement for the Health, Engineering, Computing and Science Division, I have fostered external linkages with top universities and institutes, particularly in China,” he says.
Dr Chen developed a wide range of electromagnetic medical examination technologies for low-cost healthcare, including microwave breast imaging, microwave stroke detection, and microwave cognitive impairment detection in collaboration with medical instrument companies and universities in the UK and China.
Professor Chen has also been elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (FIET) due to his innovation in the area of wireless technologies in medical diagnostics, therapy and information transmission. He is also currently part of several research projects, including one looking at developing hand-held high-resolution medical imaging in conjunction with Lincoln Agritech, the University of Auckland and the Université Nice Sophia Antipolis.
“As well as that project, I’m also looking into a portable low-cost microwave brain scanner for stroke detection and recovery monitoring, and I am writing a book on ‘Computational Nanobiosensing’ for Cambridge University Press, which would be the first book on this emerging area in the market,” says Professor Chen.
The award ceremony and dinner was to be held at the end of March however it was postponed due to COVID-19 and will now be held later in the year.
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3D PRINTING PROJECT COULD BE USED TO STUDY COVID-19
UC Mechanical Engineering Senior Lecturer Dr Yilei Zhang
New technology being developed by a University of Canterbury mechanical engineer could be used to study the effects of Covid-19 and screen potential cures.
Senior mechanical engineering lecturer Dr Yilei Zhang is working on a prototype of a 3D printer that uses hybrid laser beams to speed up production and retaining accuracy.
He says the technology could be used to quickly print in-vitro organ models to study the virus’ effects, or to screen drugs that might potentially cure it.
“We’ve developed a novel hybrid, high-speed 3D printer based on laser beam shaping technology, which allows us to print large, complex structures faster than traditional 3D printers. This technology has broad applications in high-speed 3D printing of engineering and biological products.
“In the biomedical field it could be used to make not only scaffolds for tissue engineering, but also in-vitro organs with cells embedded inside for implantation.”
The technology would also allow for mass production of highly complex and accurate items, Dr Zhang says.
“3D printing is normally quite slow because it involves adding a thin layer of materials at each step, which enhances accuracy but reduces productivity. By using hybrid laser beams we can print fast without compromising on quality.”
Additive manufacturing is recognised as one of the key elements of future manufacturing and is already used in the aerospace, food, agriculture and marine industries.
Dr Zhang expects to have a working prototype for the printer ready in six months and has sponsorship from Auckland-based technology incubator Astrolab.
His project is also a UC Innovation Jumpstart 2019 winner, which means he receives $20,000 to help with experimentation and development.
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SAFETY PLAN NEEDED FOR BUSINESSES REOPENING UNDER LEVEL 3
Head of WorkSafe’s General Inspectorate Jo Pugh says it is important that businesses involve their workers in the development of the plan and then discuss and share the plan with everyone at work – including workers, contractors, and suppliers – before the work starts.
“The purpose of the plan is to ensure the health and safety of workers and others is not put at risk from changes that are made to work arrangements because of this pandemic. We know that for some workplaces, resumption of business in a way that minimises risk to workers is going to be hard to do and this template will support them through the process of considering risk, and controlling it.”
“It is also important that businesses continue to identify and control non-COVID-19 related risks that exist in their operations and consider whether the pandemic risks require any change to management of those pre-existing risks.
The key steps necessary to minimise the risk of passing on the COVID-19 virus at work are:
“The template is not compulsory to use but businesses need to have a plan to protect their workforce and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Jo says.
Businesses who have been operating as an essential service under alert Level 4 do not need a COVID-19 safety plan. However the systems they have in place must continue once the country transitions to Level 3.
“Our first approach with businesses will be to make sure they’re aware of the need for a plan and point them to the resources available on our and industry websites to assist them. We are making proactive calls to businesses to do just that. In the event of sustained non-compliance, we will consider our enforcement options.”
Worksafe also recommends seeking advice from industry organisations, who may have industry specific guidance and assistance available.
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LEVEL 3 CONSTRUCTION PROTOCOLS WELCOMED BY ENGINEERS
Chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene says the announcements are welcomed by the organisation and will mean engineers can begin to plan how to safely restart work.
The protocols cover physical distancing, hygiene practices, site entry and exit, cleaning, deliveries, and visitor protocols.
Engineers fully support the Governments efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 by staying home and saving lives, says Ms Freeman-Greene.
“Lockdown has been tough for the industry, but we are keen to play our part in recovery.
“When its safe, economic activity needs to restart as quickly as possible. The projects that engineers design, manage and monitor play a key role in regaining economic momentum.
“It’s been amazing to see how the industry has come together to generate, review and endorse these frameworks for a new way of working.”
The industry standards were developed by the Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) in collaboration with government agencies, WorkSafe, Construction Sector Accord member groups and client organisations.
Development of the protocols has been led by SiteSafe, Civil Contractors New Zealand and the Accord’s Vertical and Horizontal Leaders, in partnership with industry experts.
“Now it’s really important to share these widely and make sure everyone running a project is clear on their level 3 plan. This isn’t just a tick-box exercise – developing and managing a robust plan on every site is crucial for New Zealand’s health.”
There are two sets of protocols – one for the residential sector, and another for the civil and vertical sectors. They can be found here.
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