Jan 29, 2018  -  Heading a list of innovations unveiled by 3D Systems for 2018 is the industry’s first scalable, fully integrated production platform for plastic and metal parts, providing manufacturers true factory solutions for durable, repeatable end-use parts.

The company’s new Figure 4 modular, scalable platform produces small, plastic parts with up to 15x throughput improvements versus competitive offerings, and up to 20% lower part cost than current manufacturing processes.

3D Systems also unveiled a next-generation additive metal platform for high productivity factory production of metal parts, including seamless large parts and the largest diameter parts available in the industry.

The new DMP 8500 Factory Solution features integrated powder management and a closed-loop system to ensure uniform, repeatable part quality, providing customers with a lower total cost of operation.

Similar to Figure 4, the new DMP 8500 Factory Solution has a modular design that reduces required capital equipment and maximises utilisation.

3D Systems has also bolstered its current line of leading SLS production systems with the ProX SLS 6100, as well as introduced three new nylon materials

New production SLS materials include DuraForm FR1200 fire retardant nylon, DuraForm EX BLK nylon 11 and DuraForm AF+ aluminum-filled nylon.

Thus this offering is quickly presenting itself as one of the quickest and most efficient means of production.

| An ITBrief NZ release  ||  jnuary 29, 2018   |||

Jan 29, 2018  - Membership of ‘Tropical Fruit Growers of New Zealand’ is soaring since a Northern Advocate report last year wrote about the potential for profit in growing bananas, pineapples and other tropical plants in Northland and other warmer parts of New Zealand.

Jan 29, 2018  -  Synlait Milk (NZX: SML; ASX: SM1) has reaffirmed its milk price forecast of $6.50 kgMS for the 2017 / 2018 season.  However the company has signalled that this forecast is dependent on commodity prices continuing to firm for the rest of the season.

Jan 26, 2018  -  The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that only 60% of seats were filled on the ratepayer subsidised Wellington-Canberra flight route, compared to an average of nearly 80% for all flights in and out of Australia. Taxpayers’ Union Economist, Joe Ascroft, says that “Figures published by the Australian Government in their international airline review for 2016/17 make for sober reading. It is no surprise that Singapore had to move their flight route to Melbourne. Making profit, even after ratepayer subsidies, on a route where 40% of seats are empty on an average flight was never realistic.” “Changing the route to Melbourne is unlikely to be successful either. Jetstar had to discontinue their Wellington-Melbourne route in 2016 because it was unprofitable to compete with Air New Zealand and Qantas. Ratepayers shouldn’t be forced to subsidise an airline, and especially on a route which is already serviced by two other airlines.”

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency to cancel their deal with Singapore Airlines. We’ve started a petition which you can view here.

|A Taxpayers Union release  ||  January 26, 2018   |||

Jan 26, 2018 - Amid a $1.2 billion, 86-hectare campus rejuvenation, the University of Canterbury has managed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a third.

Jan 26, 2018 - The world’s largest exporter of dairy products, Fonterra, has announced a $165 million investment in manufacturing plant upgrades in Victoria and Tasmania.  Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll said the investment included $125 million to double the size of Fonterra’s primary cheese plant at Stanhope, which will create around 36 ongoing local jobs.

Jan 26, 2018  -  Proposed changes to the current employment relations legislation remove flexibility the EMA believes is required to compete internationally.

Jan 26, 2018  -  Changed employment relations rules will mean increased compliance for employers but are reasonably pragmatic regarding pressures on small firms, says BusinessNZ.

Jan 25, 2018  - The changes to the 90-day trial period announced today by the Government will present additional challenges for medium sized manufacturers to finding the right staff they need, adding to the already critical skill shortage issues which hold back growth of the sector.

Jan 25, 2018  -  Wine maturation startup Wine Grenade has recruited technology executive Brett O’Riley to its board.  The appointment of O’ Riley, who also becomes chairperson, strengthens Wine Grenade’s commercialisation capabilities as the company expands into new wine growing territories and leverages data captured during maturation.