Category Archives: Engineers

Why Australia Needs to Invest in Future Skills for a Thriving Economy

St. Joseph, Michigan, USA, 2022-Jun-17 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — As our world becomes ever more technologically advanced, so the requirements for skills are undergoing a dramatic shift. While there has historically been a fear within workforces that computers and robotics will reduce the need for humans to carry out tasks, the opposite is proving to be the case.

Instead, automation is removing the need for humans to carry out tasks that are repetitive and boring, and replacing this with an increasing level of non-routine cognitive tasks. Rather than reducing the number of jobs on offer, tech is causing a shift that requires very different skills from workers.

With this comes a challenge for future investment into the skills that will be in demand in the upcoming years and decades.

The Skills that are Driving Economic Growth

Since before the Industrial Revolution it’s fallen to humans to carry out multiple repetitive tasks that have driven economic growth. Although machines have now taken over much of this element, this has created many other higher order and digital openings that demand an increased level of human expertise in order for an economy to advance. The issue with this is that it’s leading to a shortage of those adept to fill the roles – something that needs to be addressed now if we’re to avoid a dramatic skills shortage in the near and medium-term future.

The so-called STEM skills of science, technology, engineering and mathematics underpin what’s needed to drive the circle of elements that are needed for the future. This circle is made up of the following:

  • Future skills
  • Innovation
  • Thriving economy
  • Jobs
  • Solving social, environmental and economic challenges.

These 5 linked elements are crucial for future economic growth, the well-being of the population and addressing environmental issues, such as disease, food and water supplies alongside climate change.

STEM skills aren’t solely limited to the disciplines mentioned above. Instead, a cross disciplinary aspect is what will be needed to solve many of the quandaries that face future generations. Education is key to developing the critical thinking and capabilities that will arm today’s children and young adults with the skills to solve many of today’s environmental issues as well as ensuring that Australia remains a player on the global stage.

Future predictions say that by 2030 it’s expected that the amount of time workers spend solving problems will double, with more than 77% of their time using mathematical and scientific skills.

STEM Education will Drive the Future Workforce

The shift that’s come from technological change means that going forward virtually everyone is going to need at least a basic level of STEM skills. This will, of course, be spearheaded during mandatory education for those of school age, but also through upskilling of those already in employment.

While this will represent significant cost – it’s been estimated at around $600 billion from 2015 to 2030 – it’s also bringing about economic gain. While this might not be as much as the cost of education in the short term, in the medium to long term this on-going expenditure is essential for a future thriving Australian economy.

Manufacturing and engineering are two examples that are representative of current investment at both local and national scale. Australia’s once world-leading manufacturing industry was allowed to reduce to a mere shadow of its glory days. Thankfully, and with substantial government investment, this is beginning to be turned around.

This, along with strategic education of the current and future workforce, is exactly what’s needed to ensure that our country once again becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Precision engineering and CNC machining providers, SixDe, are at the forefront of this new way of working. Not only has the company invested into its workforce and capabilities, but it provides local WA businesses with an expert supplier in their own back yard.

Discover what makes SixDe stand out from the crowd at https://sixde.com.au and get in contact to discuss your requirements.

Jason De Silveira
Managing Director – SixDe
https://sixde.com.au/

Founder and director of specialist manufacturing and engineering companies for both, SixDe and Nexxis Pty Ltd. Jason has over 20 years’ project management experience on installations, commissioning and start-ups in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Kuwait, Ghana and Dubai.

SixDe, a Nexxis Company, is a 450m2 locally owned CNC machine shop that delivers manufacturing, rapid prototyping, tooling, and engineering solutions to a variety of Australian industries. Its bespoke precision machining service has delivered competitive and cutting-edge solutions for mining, oil and gas, construction and building companies in Australia and overseas.

Engineering Firm ENERCON Expands U.S. Operations To San Clemente

Enercon Services, Inc. (ENERCON) has added a San Clemente office located at 1201 Puerta Del Sol, to serve Southern California Edison’s (SCE) San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station bringing the total number of ENERCON offices to 25, nationally and internationally.

ENERCON, specializing in environmental, engineering, licensing, technical and management services will be adding additional resources to support its nuclear utility clients as a result of this expansion.

ENERCON President John Richardson said, “Our Power Generation Division is opening an office in San Clemente to support a recently awarded Engineering Services Contract from Southern California Edison Company for its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Under this contract, ENERCON will be providing Design Engineering Services in the Civil, Structural, Electrical, Instrument and Control, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering disciplines. The opening of the San Clemente office is our third one in California.  Delivery of high-value services to our clients has continued to facilitate job growth and market expansion.”

Via EPR Network
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Chiller Noise No Longer Problem After Acoustifence Barrier Installed

Installation of a 24-foot noise barrier utilizing Acoustifence outdoor sound abatement material at the new Sheboygan Festival Foods store is complete, ending complaints from nearby residents over extreme levels of noise leaking from the store’s industrial refrigeration chillers into the community.

Folks in Sheboygen were celebrating when the popular Wisconsin-based Festival Foods grocery chain opened the 70,000 square foot mega store here on September 16, 2011. Less than two weeks later, the community’s warm welcome had grown icy as neighbors began to complain about noise from the store’s industrial refrigeration chiller that was so loud, it violated the city’s noise ordinance.

Festival Foods enlisted the help of Acoustical Engineer Eric Wolfram of Milwaukee-based Scott R. Riedel & Associates, LTD, who consulted with Acoustiblok’s Jay Boland to choose Acoustifence noise barrier material, a product of Acoustiblok, Inc. of Tampa Florida, to bring the decibel level down below the legal threshold and restore peace and quiet to the neighboring community.

When Wolfram first investigated the site in September, decibel readings ranged between 78.4 and 90.7, loud enough to be a risk for noise-related health problems to nearby residents and workers, had they been subjected to the noise over time. The Sheboygan Department of City Development demanded the level be reduced by at least five decibels, Wolfram said.

“The existing refrigeration pump and motor systems produce extreme noise levels,” Wolfram said. “This noise reverberates within the sheet-metal paneled enclosure interior and escapes through several different exhaust and ventilation openings.

“Additional noise was generated by the cooling and exhaust fans mounted above the enclosure.”

Working with sound consultants from Acoustiblok, Inc., Wolfram designed a two-step solution, creating a barrier with Acoustifence noise deadening material to block noise around the massive system, and incorporating another Acoustiblok product, QuietFiber, to help reduce sound from reflecting off of the taller adjacent building behind the chillers.

Minimal structural changes were required, as the ⅛- inch Acoustifence was easily attached to an existing chain link fence and the outdoor-rated QuietFiber with a perforated metal cover was capconed to the building.

The results were better than Wolfram had hoped, with decibel levels reduced to 57.3 the moment the barrier was in place – well below the City’s legal threshold, and more than 20 decibels lower than before the Acoustiblok products were installed. Neighbors are no longer bombarded with the irritating chiller noise, now replaced with the ordinary ambient sounds that existed before.

“Sounds from local traffic and roadways exceeded that of the compressor equipment after installation of the Acoustifence and QuietFiber products,” Wolfram said.

Lahnie Johnson, founder and president of Acoustiblok, Inc., applauded Festival Foods’ quick action in addressing the noise complaints right away, stating that the product combination was the perfect solution for this particular type of noise challenge.

“The Acoustifence and QuietFIber treatments were the perfect solution for the Festival Foods chiller noise, as both of these materials are designed to hold up in inclement weather, and as you can see from the results, they do their job well beyond everyone’s expectations,” Johnson said. “The Acoustifence and Quiet Fiber are also substantially less costly than attempting a structural enclosure solution.”

For more information on industrial noise solutions, visit the Acoustiblok website, Email sales@acoustiblok.com, or call 813-980-1400.

Via EPR Network
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Acoustiblok Creates Damped, Expandable Acoustical Envelope in New York ITB Recording Studio

Acoustiblok noise abatement material was installed in the nearly completed Artist Workshop Studios recording facility, an in-the-box (ITB) studio designed and built by Artist Workshop Studios owner Tom Donofrio. Acoustiblok was chosen to provide a sound barrier for the small, 12 foot x 12 foot basement studio that could drop decibels levels within the space and provide a neutral acoustical environment for recording.

Donofrio, an electrical engineer, and musician who has built recording studios in the past using different sound deadening materials, chose Acoustiblok for his newest project after consulting with Marilyn Myers of Acoustiblok, Inc., because of its sound damping and noise blocking qualities, as well as its thin, flexible structure that adds no volume to walls within the studio space. Attached to the studs before drywall is hung, Acoustiblok performs without the need to add layers of rigid drywall or modified drywall, a method Donofrio used in the past with mixed results and significant floor space reduction.

“I was looking for a product that would lower the decibels in the studio without taking up any additional space,” Donofrio said. “I was able to achieve the neutral acoustics desired in the space, which makes me extremely happy.

“I didn’t want a sound quality that was too dead or too live, so the Acoustiblok turned out to be an excellent choice.”

Donofrio and a friend were able to hang the 3mm Acoustiblok on the newly framed stud walls within the studio space, including cutouts around a window and electric sockets, and seal the seams according to installation recommendations, all in less than four hours.

The Artist Workshop Studios recording space was built for Donofrio to indulge his own talents as an acoustical guitarist and vocalist, and to be made available to artists on a budget who need an affordable studio with high quality production equipment and the expertise of a seasoned technician to record a song or album.

“Acoustiblok is a perfect choice for establishing sound quality within a sound recording studio like this one,” said Lahnie Johnson, president and founder of Acoustiblok, Inc.

“Unlike additional drywall or other solid rigid materials used for sound reduction, the 1/8-inch heavy, limp Acoustiblok allows the room to be a damped, expandable acoustical envelope. As such, a studio or home theater has less reflection and actually sounds significantly better.”

Via EPR Network
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Quiet Fiber® Used to Quiet Industrial Generator Noise at Galleria 360 in Santo Domingo

Installation of 18,000 square feet of non-fiberlass Quiet Fiber® noise abatement material has been completed in the massive generator room of the newly constructed, 750,000 square foot Galleria 360 mall in Santo Domingo.

Quiet Fiber, a product of Acoustiblok, Inc. in Tampa, Florida, was installed on the ceiling and walls of the mall’s generator and substation rooms. These rooms house the industrial emergency generators necessary to keep power running in this coastal area of the Caribbean, plagued by frequent power outages.

The Galleria 360’s industrial generators, installed by Santa Domingo-based Edelca, are a staple in this island republic. Edelca owner Carlos Montos, Edelca consulted with Jay Boland of Acoustiblok, Inc., and used Quiet Fiber on the project after achieving excellent results with Quiet Fiber on a similar project at the La Sirna Superstore in the eastern coastal town of Higuey, Dominican Republic.

“Even though Quiet Fiber is not the least expensive product on the market, I keep coming back to it because the results beat all the competitors’ noise deadening products with double the noise insulating qualities,” Montos said. “The customer on this job wanted to install a double layer of a different product but I convinced him to try the Quiet Fiber.

“I’ve been designing and installing these emergency generators for 20 years, and I have never had the results from other noise abatement products that I have with Quiet Fiber, and now I’m trying to use it everywhere.”

Montos says noise from these industrial generators on which the island has become dependent in order to maintain consistent power is a major problem plaguing businesses and residential property owners when the generators are running. Not only is generator noise bad for business, but its constant drone can cause permanent hearing loss. Another important consideration in the selection of soundproofing material is its fire resistance.

Recently in Santo Domingo a serious fire started in a generator room, and the existing foam sound proofing material was a prime contributor. The fire caused Montos to search for a new fireproof solution. Quiet Fiber is fire resistant even at 2,000 degrees.

“The noise levels are almost unbearable, so you need to have an adequate level of soundproofing in place when they are running,” Montos said. “I always install noise absorbing material wherever I install my generators, and Quiet Fiber is the best soundproofing product we’ve ever used.”

Montos and his crew were able to easily cut the Quiet Fiber to fit around electric conduits, and secured the material to the walls and ceiling with standard insulation stick pins.

The sound deadening qualities of Quiet Fiber will help to protect the mall’s employees, and streams of tourists and local residents from the high volume industrial noise caused by the generators when they are operating.

Lahnie Johnson, president and founder of Acoustiblok, Inc., says that the application of Quiet Fiber in the Galleria 360 generator and substation rooms was exactly what was needed for addressing the high decibel, reverberant sound emanating from the concrete walls.

“Quiet Fiber was designed with this type of hot, humid environment in mind,” Johnson said. “When you’re addressing solid surface noise issues, which in this case with concrete walls, you need a product with proven maximum sound absorption, high temperature rating for fire blocking, and hydrophobic (resistant to moisture).”

Via EPR Network
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Tech2select Makes Manufacturing Data Viral

Tech2select is the most advanced technical industry portal for parts and components. It`s focused on detailed manufacturing information to provide a high level matching quality for buyers and suppliers. For suppliers Tech2select provides additional social media services from now on and supports the industry to increase visibility.

So, Tech2select reacts on an US longterm-study about Social Marketing, which shows very significant figures in the industry: 84% of the industry companies mean, that social media is very important for their business. 57% will use videos for their marketing activities in the future.

Tech2select reacts on this trend and provides social media services for suppliers to support them for increasing exposure and traffic. So company and manufacturing data become viral.

From now on company profiles can be shared on Twitter, Facebook and Delicious with a click. Additional the clickrates for the company profiles are published. So, online marketers can navigate and control the social media activities from their Tech2select company profile. For convincing buyers from the industry with additional emotions, marketers can publish a look-and-see video on Tech2select.

www.tech2select.comwww.tech2select.dewww.tech2select.atwww.tech2select.co.ukoffice@tech2select.com

Via EPR Network
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Direct Drive Air Bearing Rotary Tables

IntelLiDrives newly released RTH Series rotary tables combine planar air bearings and RotoLinear motor technologies in the compact, direct drive configuration.

These rotary tables eliminate friction, backlash and the wear problems associated with worm gears and belt driven stages.

Small 1.5” height profile tables manufactured with diameters 4”, 6”, 8” and 12”, operate on air bearings for frictionless, maintenance free operation, and can be supplied with aperture opening through the center.

Torque ranges from 5 to 50 lb*ft, resolution up to 1 arc-sec, repeatability 5 arc-sec, speed up to 200 rpm with unlimited rotation.

Series RT rotary tables are compatible with standard micro stepping indexer/drivers and offer a low cost, compact envelope direct drive rotary positioning systems and can also be supplied with high resolution tape encoders for ultra-precise positioning and closed servo loop operation.

Typical applications include semiconductor assembly equipment, wafer inspection and cutting, fiber-optics alignment, optical applications, precision part indexing and robotics.

Via EPR Network
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New Analyzing Tool for sourcing foundries

To meet the requirements of industrial buyers, Tech2select developed a new analyzing tool for casting parts – sourcing of European and Asian supplier already possible.

Sourcing for new casting suppliers can be very time consuming, because casting is not casting. It depends on a catalogue of technical details, if a supplier fits or not. Especially normal searching machines offer a lot of information, but it lacks in a technical exact searching and matching tool.

The industry portal Tech2select launches a special analyzing tool for finding the exact foundry now. It is based on all the needed technical criterias, which buyers have to keep in mind: material, processes, machines, batches and quality measure methods. So the sourcing time for a casting part can be shortened.

At the moment, there are 300 foundries from Europe and Asia online, which can be sorted that way. They are offering various casting methods – from steel castings, grey castings to gravity die casting. So industry buyers find technical fitting castings very easy and time efficient.

Via EPR Network
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Acoustiblok Named “Best Practices” Customer by Hubspot Internet Marketing

Eighteen months after adopting Hubspot’s all-in-one marketing platform, Tampa, Florida-based Acoustiblok has increased website traffic by 210 percent, increased organic search leads by 307 percent, and increased customer transactions by 40 percent, contributing to Acoustiblok’s record sales increases in 2011.

Hubspot named Acoustiblok a “Best Practices” customer based on its application of Hubspot marketing tools for website management, blogging, search engine optimization (SEO), lead management, marketing analytics, social media monitoring, and website analysis.

“Being recognized by an industry leader as a “best practices” customer is a real accomplishment, and one we’ve worked hard to achieve,” said Liz Ernst, director of public relations for Acoustiblok, Inc. “We have a small marketing and PR team, and we had been trying different approaches to increasing traffic and drawing attention to our Acoustiblok soundproofing product line, and our Thermablok aerogel insulating strips.

“Hubspot gave us some serious one-on-one attention and guidance to understand where to best devote our efforts for the greatest return on our marketing and PR campaigns.”

Acoustiblok President and Founder Lahnie Johnson says that Hubspot provided the traffic building tools he had been looking for in order to achieve the huge growth goals the company had set for itself.

“We knew we had to get more web traffic, and that more traffic would equate to more leads,” Johnson said. “We were able to use the HubSpot software to help us with our traffic building initiatives, and our leads increased dramatically as our traffic increased.”

HubSpot, Inc., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, provides an all-in-one marketing software platform used by more than 5000 companies in 34 countries. HubSpot is also the developer of WebsiteGrader.com, a website analysis tool with more than 3 million users. HubSpot, Inc. was founded in 2006.

Via EPR Network
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Acoustifence Installed at Coca-Cola Plant Cuts Industrial Noise Pollution Almost in Half at Neighboring Residences

Coca-Cola has completed installation of Acoustifence® noise barrier fencing along the west perimeter of its Bay City plant, bringing to an abrupt halt those noise issues that had been plaguing neighbors in the surrounding community and attracting local news organizations as the outcry from area residents grew.

Architect Jack Zelazny of Dearborn, Michigan, acting as a consultant to Coca Cola’s contractor Kirco Manix, chose Acoustifence noise barrier fencing for the core of the 300 foot wide noise barrier project designed to alleviate noise from idling delivery trucks at the plant that had been plaguing neighbors in the South End Community.

Zelazny said the initial plan was to construct a 30 foot acoustical metal fence along the perimeter roadway to address the problem, but he nixed the idea in favor of something significantly less expensive and more aesthetically pleasing to the community’s residents.

“I didn’t think it was appropriate for the neighbors to have to stare at a 30 foot industrial metal fence from their small residential yards,” Zelazny said. “I really wanted to find something more organic and natural.”

After researching sound barrier fencing options, he found Acoustifence, a product of Acoustiblok, Inc. in Tampa Florida, and discussed his options with acoustical consultant Paul Getts of Acoustiblok. After conferring with Getts, Zelazny moved ahead with construction of a grass covered, 300 foot wide berm that incorporated a nine foot high Acoustifence barrier and landscaping for an attractive roadside aesthetic. The project was completed in the final weeks of December, and both company officials and neighbors rang in the New Year with their new found peace and quiet.

“The Acoustifence went up flawlessly, and it’s not unpleasant to look at,” Zelazny said. “When we covered it with the dark green acoustical fabric covering it looked natural and organic, as we had hoped.

“But the real surprise was the immediate impact it had on the noise.”

Zelazny said the plant noise measured at 89 decibels before installation of the Acoustifence began, and registered at 68 decibels immediately after the Acoustifence went up. His hope was to lower the noise by 20 decibels, a figure that was exceeded at the plant, and more than doubled at the neighboring residence as soon as the Acoustifence was put in place. A reading taken at the adjacent residential property registered in the low to mid 40 decibel range.

“It exceeded my expectations, I think it exceeded everyone’s expectations,” he said.“The people at Coca Cola are happy with it, and most importantly the neighbors in the surrounding community are happy with it.

“I couldn’t speak more highly of it.”

Lahnie Johnson, president and founder of Acoustiblok, Inc., said that the application of Acoustifence in the bottling plant’s noise barrier berm was the soft drink company’s best alternative for significantly reducing noise, and respecting the surrounding community’s call for peace and quiet.

“I think Coca Cola acted quickly and responded to the area’s residents as a good corporate neighbor should,” Johnson said. “It’s particularly important that they sought out a serious noise blocking option while respecting the fact that neighboring residents would be living with whatever solution they chose, and viewing it every day – some from their own back yards.”

Acoustifence was designed to address outdoor noise pollution in residential communities, or any community that cares about its appearance.”

ABOUT ACOUSTIFENCE:
Originally developed as a noise barrier on loud offshore oil rigs, Acoustifence is a simple and economical first-step noise abatement solution for both residential and commercial usage.

A 1/8-inch (3mm) thick unique sound deadening material measuring 6 feet (1.82 meters) high by 30 feet (9.14 meters) long with black anodized brass eyelets along the top and bottom edge for easy attachment to any existing fence or structure. Heavy-duty nylon ties are included with each roll. Easily installed or removed in less than one hour, impervious to mold, mildew, and UV, Acoustifence is virtually indestructible. The soundproofing material in Acoustifence is a proprietary formula of the Acoustiblok Corporation, developed and refined over a 10-year period.

Via EPR Network
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STAR Concrete Pumping Hires New General Manager

STAR Concrete Pumping Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Barclay Branch from Regional Sales Manager to General Manager. Mr. Branch is a native Houstonian with 22 years of experience in the concrete industry providing STAR with a wealth of practical experience as it continues its expansion into new and challenging markets. The responsibilities of the highly coveted leadership position include strategic planning, corporate team building, equipment delivery logistics, and organizational accountability, while focusing on improving company services, growth, and sustained profitability.

Since its acquisition by Abacus Financial [http://www.Abacus-Financial.net] in early 2011, STAR Concrete Pumping continues its pursuit as a national leader in the concrete delivery and placement services industry. Mr. Branch will champion the company’s rapid growth while continuing its transition into new industry technologies. STAR Concrete Pumping is the 3rd largest concrete delivery and placement service in the United States.

At STAR Concrete Pumping, Mr. Branch has served various leadership positions in sales, operations, and management, excelling in every field throughout the entire organization.

Upon acceptance of his new position, Mr. Branch stated, “I am humbled to have been selected to this leadership position of trust. It is my personal goal to further organize and develop STAR into America’s single source concrete placement provider, while pursuing the highest levels of professionalism and technology within the concrete pumping industry.” With Mr. Branch’s years of experience, leadership, and talents, STARmay now focus on capitalizing and sustaining its vertical growth success.

His passion for the industry started while working part time for his father Clair Branch at Hydro Conduit during summers throughout high school and college. In 1989, he relocated to Delaware to assist with the construction of Middletown Concrete Products and managed production of the small bore machine. He returned to Houston in 1993 and held various positions with increasing responsibility and developed a specialty in the concrete pumping industry. In 1998 he started Branch Concrete Pumping, LLC with Gary Nichols and Rusty Hicks and served as managing partner and General Manager until 2005.

Mr. Branch maintains strong ties with the local community, devoting personal time and precious resources to a variety of needed charities. He is a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a Vice Chairman on the Breeders Greeters Committee and Committeeman on the Speakers Committee with his wife Lauri. He is an avid horseman and enjoys riding with his daughter Shelby Claire.

Via EPR Network
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Static Control Ionizer Specifically Designed To Ionize Nitrogen Gas Flow In Pure Nitrogen Environments

ION Systems, an ITW Company, the leader in static charge neutralization and control products for high tech industries, announces the In-line Ultra Clean Nitrogen Ionizer, Model 4214, the first in-line ionizer specifically designed to ionize a nitrogen gas flow in ultra clean medical, semiconductor, or other high purity processes where static charge generation is an issue.

The Model 4214 In-line Ultra Clean Nitrogen Ionizer was developed to provide a solution to the problem of materials readily charging to 30-40 kV when handled in pure nitrogen environments. Many processes in the medical, semiconductor, and electronics industries are carried out in five 9’s pure nitrogen environments (99.999% nitrogen). Nitrogen ensures a clean, non-oxidizing environment that enables critical processes to be carried out without contamination issues. The dry nitrogen environment, however, encourages static charge generation, which can cause particles contamination through electrostatic attraction, or damage from ESD events. The Model 4214 ionizer, by providing a stream of ionized nitrogen, can effectively remove static charge from products to minimize particle attraction and ESD events. Nitrogen cannot be ionized with standard ionization equipment designed for use in ambient air or CDA environments. The Model 4214 provides the user with the first small format ionizer that ionizes the actual nitrogen molecules instead of the trace impurity gases.

In addition to ionizing pure nitrogen, the Model 4214 is also the world’s first corona ionizer that meets Extended ISO Class 1 cleanliness. Using formulas in the ISO 14644-1 standard, ION Systems has extrapolated the allowable particles down to 0.01 micron (10 nm) in size. These smaller particles which are not covered by ISO 14644-1 can be especially harmful to semiconductor devices with 32 nm or below technology nodes.

Via EPR Network
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Manufacturers Find Creative Ways to Cost-Efficiently Meet Surging Demand

Neptech, Inc., a leading provider in the emissions testing field, has expanded its scope of contract services at its Tech Center in Highland, Michigan. The Neptech team is structured to support an expansive market – from original equipment manufacturers and suppliers to R&D labs and testing facilities throughout North America.

The company has built-up its capacity to handle jobs ranging from small electro-mechanical sub-assemblies to large turn-key projects. This enables
manufacturers to outsource assembly work in order to keep up with surging market demand while maintaining world class quality standards.

The process starts with design right through component specification, manufacturing, testing and installation. The design team works with customers to develop an efficient design that meets the application requirements for performance, electrical, mechanical and thermal attributes.

Recent projects have included design and installation of test cells and industrial gas supply systems for exhaust gas measurement. They have the expertise to design high purity gas distribution systems for semi-conductor, aerospace and solar / PV applications. The added capability of orbital welding has increased cost-efficiencies and turnaround time on average by 25% on custom work during 2010.

While Neptech has maintained steady growth over the past two years, it has built its reputation on its lean efficient operation, responsiveness to market needs, and by consistently delivering cost-effective solutions for its customers.

Neptech has the ability to leverage its network of hundreds of suppliers and partners allowing the option of custom manufacturing or sourcing of components as needed while achieving economies of scale.

For more information visit www.neptechinc.com/contract-services

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Mixed Fortunes for Engineers and Their Colleagues

Results from Reed’s recent report ‘Meeting the People Challenge’ indicate that employers large and small have been seeking alternatives to redundancy, such as extended holidays and flexible working schemes. Whilst many engineering firms have been unable to avoid lay-offs, others have fared better and are now planning to hire. Mark Blay, Area Manager for Reed Engineering in St Albans, agrees that many of his clients have sought to avoid redundancies – but for many, it’s just not possible: ‘There have been more instances of unpaid leave; less so for reduced working hours,’ he says. ‘And of course, some companies regard the current situation as an opportunity to have a clear-out. But good candidates – people who in a different economic climate would have a choice of new roles – are still being released.’

Mixed Fortunes for Engineers and Their Colleagues

No choice

Amongst Reed Engineering’s clients, candidates in electrical and mechanical maintenance jobs have been in the firing line. ‘If order books are down, and production lines are not running at full capacity, there’s less plant to look after,’ says Blay. ‘Although building maintenance people have been less adversely affected.’ Many organisations are holding on to key senior people in readiness for a future surge in business. Yet companies with more complex hierarchies have been forced to strip out layers of management. According to Blay, business development and sales people in consulting firms have been hit hard: ‘Even though market forces are mostly to blame – rather than poor selling or account management skills – if business isn’t coming in, companies can’t afford to employ them.’

Engineering employers don’t appear to be stepping up with temporary recruitment,despite that being the case in other sectors. ‘It can appear unfair making redundancies and subsequently hiring temporary employees, but the temporaries regularly have varied skill sets, whilst enabling short-term flexibility, and can be released at a moment’s notice. Once order books improve and there is a more confident long-term outlook for the companies concerned, they may then revert to permanent hires.’

For more information on engineering recruitment and jobs offered by Reed Specialist Recruitment, please visit their website reedglobal.com.

Via EPR Network
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I-TECH And KT Web Printing Ltd. Partner To Install The First I-TECH Automatic Register Control System In Canada

Imaging Technologies, Inc. (I-TECH, www.i-technologies-inc.com) I-TECH and KT Web Printing Ltd. (Toronto, Canada) have formed an alliance to install the first I-TECH automatic register control system in Canada. KT Web Printing, a cold-set web printer, has been specializing in printing newspapers and magazines in Toronto, Canada since 1983. I -TECH’s automatic register control system will be installed on KT Web’s existing Ventura 4-High presses beginning in December and will go live in January 2010.

Thomas Kim, President of KT Web Printing Ltd., says, “I-TECH’s impressive software interface, online support and troubleshooting, and almost invisible registration dots compelled us to really examine I-TECH’s advanced system. Their highly competitive pricing and guarantees, as well as their friendly staff, helped make our decision easier.”

Bill Brandenburg, I-TECH’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, says, “The KT Web partnership allows us an opportunity to provide register motorization on their 4-High’s as well as give them a state-of-the-art productivity solution. Having a Canadian demo facility will also help us in our expansion efforts in the greater North America.”

Imaging Technologies, Inc. and Richner Communications, Inc. (Garden City, NY) also have partnered to put the first I-TECH automatic register control system on the East Coast. The I-TECH closed loop, automatic register control system will be installed on Richner’s existing DGM 430 press in January 2010 and will go live in February. Stuart Richner, President of Richner Communications, Inc., says, “We chose the I-TECH register system after a thorough investigation of the alternatives. The I-TECH system’s advanced technology, ease of use, and nearly undetectable register marks—coupled with its team of dedicated, attentive personnel—gave I-TECH the edge over competing products. The fact that the system is extremely well priced, and offers excellent guarantees and online support, made our decision that much easier.”

Bill Brandenburg, added, “We are excited to have Richner as a partner in this project. Richner will receive lowered make-ready waste and time as well as helping their “Green” profile. At the same time, I-TECH will get another first class demo site to bring in other prospective printers.” Brandenburg also points out that “We now have our equipment on heatset, coldset, and UV presses at newspapers as well as commercial printers. Furthermore, if we combine these two orders with our existing customer base, it gives us 22 webs of register, ribbon, and/or cut-off control on 9 different presses at 6 sites. That’s a pretty impressive record for a company who installed their first system just 18 months ago.”

About Imaging Technologies, Inc.:
Established in 2006, Imaging Technologies, Inc. (I-TECH) provides state-of-the-art machine vision systems for industrial process automation. The company designs and manufactures innovative press automation products that include Automatic Register Control, Ribbon and Cutoff alignment controls. I-TECH’s automation products improve production quality, enable time savings and help operators to reduce waste.

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MFGmatch.net Helps Companies Get Manufacturing Quotes From Machine Shops

The Industrial Leaders Group announced today the launch of MFGmatch.net, a custom manufacturing marketplace to connect companies with machine shops and contract manufacturers. The company said the new site was launched in response of a serious need for small and medium sized job shops with limited marketing budgets to compete with larger shops with a more dominate online presence.

custom manufacturing

According to Conrad Bailey, spokesperson for MFGmatch.net, the site is designed to help domestic and international machine shops promote their services online while enabling those in the market for custom manufacturing services to submit RFQ’s (request for quotes) directly to national and international manufacturers at . Bailey said the focus of the site is on machined parts, precision components and other custom products constructed in various metals, plastics, rubber, wood and other materials.

“MFGmatch.net was designed to include offerings for all types of services provided by machine shops such as castings, engineering and design, fabrication, forging, woodworking, tool and die making, prototyping, plastic and rubber parts, molding, mold making, metal finishing, precision machining, heat treatment, forging and other custom manufacturing solutions,” said Bailey. He added, “Industrial Leaders created the site because research has shown many smaller shops are in need of a lead generation service they can afford and compete with larger manufacturers that often dominate search engines and other industrial marketplaces on the Web.”

Bailey said there are existing site that charge machine shops as much as $5,000 and up annually for the privilege to access RFQ’s with no guarantee of results in terms of new customers. MFGmatch.net on the other hand is free for both the buyer as well as the supplier. He explained, “It’s a win-win situation for everybody involved because the money saved by the machine shop that would usually be spent on advertising can be passed on to the buyer.”

About MFGmatch.net
MFGmatch is a FREE Custom Manufacturing Marketplace at http://www.MFGmatch.net connecting buyers and suppliers of custom parts, precision components, machined items and other made-to-order products and solutions. The site is the solution to high-priced marketplaces as it’s designed to enable machine shops, contract manufacturers, foundries, engineers and other professionals to post and explore RFQs at no charge.

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Patterson Fan Performance with the Convenience of a Shop Floor Fan

New, Patterson Shop Floor Fans 30” and 34” are suitable for continuous operation in industrial/warehouse environments. Units allow you to control your air flow with 3-speeds; 30” up to 7,500 CFM – 34” up to 10,000 CFM. Shop Floor Fans feature durable welded steel hulls, baked on tough powder coated finish, quality Marathon motors, 115V, with easy to maneuver semi-pneumatic wheels. Expect Patterson Fan quality – built tough for years of use. New Shop Floor Fans are proudly manufactured in the USA.

Patterson Fan Company Inc, located in Blythewood, SC 29016, is currently celebrating 20 years of being the leading manufacturer of high velocity fans. Patterson has revolutionized the way industries regulate their building’s air flow, saving untold amounts of precious energy in doing so.

For more information about the new Shop Floor Fans or any of our other ventilation fan products visit: www.pattersonfan.com.

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Custom and Build-to-Spec Workbench Solutions By OnePointe Solutions LLC

OnePointe Solutions LLC (www.OnePointeSolutions.com) announces the launch of a new website, which focuses on 5 core elements of their workbench product: (1) modular workbench design, (2) laboratory solutions, (3) custom workbenches, (4) mobile material handling and instrumentation carts and (5) stainless steel workbench solutions.

The new website showcases their products, but also provides “how to” contact information and a customer support platform that is state of the art and easy to use. The new website displays the company’s high standard of workmanship along with a flexible variety of components and made-to-order specifications. With these new workbench applications, OnePointe Solutions bolsters its position as a top provider of high-performance workstations that can enhance productivity across all industries.

“Our innovative workspace solutions enable our clients to have the ability to maximize space and adjust to workflow, which can translate to sizable savings on real estate costs and an increase in employee productivity,” comments Aaron Boto, CEO of OnePointe Solutions, LLC. The company offers a wide array of materials in their workbench products, including plastic laminate, stainless steel, chemical resistant and ESD laminate, maple block, laboratory grade phenolic and epoxy resin.

In terms of laboratory solutions, OnePointe Solutions has also assembled work tables, wall units, laboratory islands, and even modular carts that are suitable for all laboratories. Mike Triche, Chief Operating Officer for OnePointe Solutions, LLC said, “Customers can now view and search for task specific products right on the website such as microscope tables and heavy duty laboratory workbenches that can withstand the daily demands of their laboratory or technical facility.”

In addition to custom-made workbenches, OnePointe Solutions also provides custom designed technical or laboratory furniture. OnePointe offers a wide range of technology hardware and bench related accessories that can easily integrate into the workstation for optimal performance. Items such as LCD monitors, monitor arms, monitor rails, servers, CPU’s, printers, webcams, TV’s, bin rails, magnifying lamps, special steel drawers, mobile storage solutions and overhead lighting just to name a few.

OnePointe Solutions also provides a variety of stainless steel solutions that are NSF-certified and clean room-ready. Their products are constructed to help their customers meet specific material-handling requirements in the food service and healthcare industries. (food zone certifications like NSF 51, for example). Using stainless steel clean room product that is specifically designed for electronics and healthcare manufacturing companies, OnePointe Solutions provides clean room-ready tables built using solid or perforated tops that can either have a brushed or electropolished finish. Workbenches in this category are made with 14 gauge stainless steel and are alcohol wiped and bagged for shipment.

About OnePointe Solutions, LLC
OnePointe Solutions, LLC (
http://www.OnePointeSolutions.com) is a one-stop shop for technical furniture and custom workbenches. In addition to being a custom manufacturer, the company represents nearly 1,000 technology manufacturers and more than 600,000 products that can be integrated into workbenches and used in laboratories, light or heavy manufacturing, clean rooms, and food and healthcare industries and office environments.

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A2 Technologies Today Announces A New Biodiesel Analysis Capability For Its PAL And Ipal FTIR Analyzer Product Line

Jon Frattaroli, CEO of A2 Technologies states, “The PAL series analyzers are acclaimed for their compact size, powerful analysis capabilities, ruggedness and user friendliness. The enhanced biodiesel capability ensures that a new market segment will benefit from this breakthrough technology.”

The PAL series analyzers, when equipped with A2’s innovative TumblIR biodiesel sample interface, are now capable of measuring biodiesel concentrations in petrodiesel from as low as 0.025%, as required in certain applications such as the nuclear power industry, up to 20% (B20). By eliminating troublesome, hard-to-fill-and-clean transmission IR flow cells, PAL systems make low concentration biodiesel analysis fast, easy and reliable. No sample preparation is required, minimal training is needed and biodiesel results are provided on-site instantaneously. PAL analyzers, pre-loaded with A2 Technologies’ highly intuitive and easy to use Biodiesel Analysis Methods and software, accurately measure low level biodiesel concentrations in just one minute including sample introduction, measurement and clean-up.

The TumblIR equipped PAL series will also accurately measure the common range of biodiesel blended fuels from B1 – B20, just as easily and quickly. This capability is important for companies that produce, receive or store biodiesel blended fuel. Companies that manufacture diesel powered generators or users that employ these generators will find PAL analyzers invaluable for ensuring proper equipment operation. These analyzers meet the requirements of the EN 14078 standard and can be configured with ATR sampling technology for those applications that are required to conform to the ASTM D 7371-07 standard.

For more information on the A2 Technologies PAL Series, please contact A2 Technologies at +1 203.312.1100, email info@a2technologies.net or visit www.a2technologies.com

About A2 Technologies
Headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, A2 Technologies is taking FT-IR spectroscopy out of the lab and into the field. A2 Technologies manufacture and develop portable FT-IR spectrometers designed for the analytical needs of the petrochemical, environmental, metals and mining and general environments where there is a need for analysis. The portable FT-IR analyzers extend the proven capabilities of Fourier Transform infrared technology by rendering sample preparation obsolete and ensuring real time results.

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Leading Developer Of Individualized Solutions For Siphonic Roof Drainage Chooses Chicago Representative As First US Presence In The All Important Manufacturing Belt

After many successful years developing and distributing individual software solutions to plumbing manufacturers around the world, German-based Keidel Software announces a new US agent, Johannes Lenzhofer, Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Lenzhofer has a wide network of contacts, as well as years of experience representing German companies in the US.

“As a center of the manufacturing belt, Chicago is a strategic city for us” explains Rolf H. Keidel, founder of the company. “The DrainStar® Siphonic Calculator helps American roof drain and pipe manufacturers precisely calculate a planned drainage network using their own product information and relevant data. However, it also adds value to the manufacturer’s products by providing the data and drawings for construction of the drainage network that their customers can use. The manufacturer becomes a system provider that offers solutions– not just a seller of drains and pipes. This adds great value to the manufacturer’s products and brand.”

The precision of the DrainStar Siphonic Calculator software also results in cost savings of about 30% on average because the exact drainage performance of the roof runoffs is calculated. The manufacturer easily enters any product information with other key figures about the planned drainage network, and the network plan appears on the computer screen, including all the needed components. The manufacturer decides whether to create bills of material with or without prices, while the data can be converted into estimates or tender offers instantly. The network drawing can easily be transferred to CAD. All country-specific variables can also be used.

“US companies who want to take advantage of government and other incentives for ‘green’ building projects will recognize the opportunities presented by calculating siphonic drainage networks,” adds Mr. Lenzhofer. “By using a siphonic design, LEED™ points are awarded, signifying energy efficient and environmentally friendly construction practices. These points can translate into increased profitability.”

The LEED™ green building rating system encourages design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing negative environmental impact on buildings. The environmental benefits of siphonic roof drainage are clear. Properly calculated siphonic drainage networks can result in reduced site disturbance and preparation, as well as a reduction in the use of construction materials. Pipe diameters are much smaller, the number of roof runoffs and downpipes is greatly reduced, and fewer ground lines need to be laid. These and other desired results are eligible for valuable LEED credits, and offer significant cost cutting for builders.

About Keidel Software
Keidel Software was founded in 1993 to develop and provide software solutions for the building industry around the world. Keidel Software is the market leader in Germany and has customers throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.

Contact Information Keidel US
For more information visit: http://www.keidel-software.com/us/index.php 

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