Graphic Packaging International (GPI), has enhanced its manufacturing capacity with the introduction of Bobst Masterfold 110 machinery.  The new equipment includes Easyfeeder/Batch/Inverter 4 and Cartonpack 4 at its Leeds facility.

HMI Technologies/Ohmio announces a US$20 Million investment agreement with the Heshan Industrial City Management Committee to establish an Ohmio manufacturing plant for Autonomous Vehicles The agreement was signed by Mohammed Hikmet, the founder and Chairman of HMI Technologies and its subsidiary, Ohmio Automotion Ltd, and the Deputy Director of the Heshan Industrial City Administration Committee, Wu Xiaoqing.

Virtual Commissioning - In 1895, pioneer of astronautic theory, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, developed the concept of the space elevator, a transportation system that would allow vehicles to travel along a cable from the Earth’s surface directly into space.

After 149 years of trading, one of New Zealand’s largest and oldest engineering companies, A&G Price was put into voluntary liquidation in July 2017.

#CADPRO presented Autodesk #BIM360 to over 60 customers in Christchurch. Great to see so many new faces in the audience. Collaboration in the AEC industry certainly seems to be gathering pace!

The digital revolution that has begun will change, redefine and disrupt almost every sector across the country, New Zealand Techleaders chair David Kennedy says.

Achilles was a great warrior of ancient Greece and the hero of Homer’s Iliad, but despite his legendary invulnerability, an arrow to the heel led to his downfall. Likewise, something as small as a washer can become the Achilles heel of any design if not considered carefully.

Stamped parts like washers – found in everything from recliners, to kitchen blenders, to cars, and much more – come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. With so many options, design engineers might pick the first material and form that meets their basic requirements, but this can lead to a sub-optimal design and problems down the line.

Engineers can work closely with washer manufacturers like New Process Fibre Company, Incorporated (NPF) to ensure they avoid any unexpected arrows to the heel of their design.

“A lot of engineers pick out the material, dimensions and tolerances they are looking for, but if they pick out a material and it doesn't work, then they’re kind of stuck,” said Bill Rust, director of sales and marketing at NPF. “We’re here to help.”

Material Considerations for Stamped Parts

Engineers have plenty of good reasons to move away from metal materials and toward non-metallic ones such as thermoplastics, laminates and fibers for stamped parts.

Vulcanized fibre is a light and strong material often comprised of wood pulp, paper and rag material. With good impact and abrasion resistance, as well as high flammability ratings, vulcanized fibre can be used in automotive components or provide electrical insulation, among many applications.

Applications open today for scholarships aimed at boosting the power of New Zealand’s business managers, with a change in focus from earlier years to include a wider range of Kiwi businesses.

The Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships provide an opportunity for managers to gain valuable skills and experience by undertaking world-class executive education at international business schools.

While they were previously aimed at exporters and internationalising New Zealand-based firms, the criteria have been expanded to include domestically-focused firms that can take advantage of New Zealand’s competitive advantage, such as in areas like agricultural technology.

There is also a particular focus on expanding the diversity of recipients to include more women, Maori and Pasifika people.

“These Scholarships open the door to opportunities not readily available in New Zealand, giving business leaders access to international experts, global networks and knowledge to bring home to their businesses and share with colleagues and the wider business community,” Economic Development Minister David Parker said.

“Lifting management capability in New Zealand’s businesses will help strengthen and develop the productive potential of this economy, which is a priority for the government.

“Having the people who lead our companies equipped with the best skills possible is crucial for driving greater efficiency, innovation and productivity.”

The Scholarships fund 50 per cent of the cost of overseas study at an international business school, up to a maximum value of $110,000.

Recent recipients include leaders from the IT, agriculture, electricity, technology and textile industries. Recipients attend business schools including Harvard, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the European Institute for Business Administration (INSEAD).

“As a small nation at the bottom of the world it is not always easy to get exposure to the world’s business learning resources and that’s why the Government is pleased to offer this opportunity,” David Parker said.

The Scholarships close at noon on 9 July 2018. To apply visit www.mbie.govt.nz/pmbs  

Waitrose is experimenting with a new form of non-plastic punnet which uses tomato leaves to help package tomatoes reports Tony Corbin for PackagingNews.

Now is the time to stop creating regulations and start to create a building industry that works, writes Victoria University of Wellington's Dr Nigel Isaacs for Newsroom.