Equipment and Materials

A roundup of technologies and services designed to increase the productivity, efficiency, and safety of New Zealand’s engineering and manufacturing sector. Product of the Month is a new high performance, lightweight battery charger that can handle a wide range of batteries.

Plastics and Composites

A special feature devoted to New Zealand’s plastics and composites industry. First up is Jenny Baker’s fascinating story on the work of Brien O’Brien’s Silverdale company Plastic Design Technologies – a specialist in the field of rapid resin-based prototyping. Discover how this technology is helping another North Shore company to recreate authentic parts for extremely rare Alfa Romeo racing cars.
Also in this special section, read about the toastie machine that paved the way to a revolutionary new plastic recycling process – one that has enormous export potential.

Welding & Fabrication

Laser Welding Ltd is a specialist commercial laser welding firm specialising in repairs and modifications on plastic injection moulds, blow moulds, and a wide range of industrial, medical and scientific parts. Read about laser welding, and read about the capabilities of Air New Zealand Gas Turbines, including electron beam welding – unique in New Zealand.

Compressors & Pneumatics

The quest to address efficiency in compressed air systems has seen an increase in the use of variable speed drive compressors. Coupled with this is the often incorrect assumption that a VSD will always provide a more energy-efficient compressed air solution than an on/off motor. Quentin St Baker explains how VSD compressors can be a more efficient option for certain applications, and how conventional on/off load compressors often still provide a more cost-effective solution.

Columns, News & Events

Our regular employment and maintenance columns, plus who’s making news and what events are coming up!