Ecologic Brands was set up to design and manufacture sustainable packaging. The company focused on the laundry market first because most liquid detergents come in bottles that are made of layers of different plastics that must be separated when recycled.
Ecologic stuck with the existing shape of such bottles, as consumers are familiar with it. But the new bottles comprise an outer shell of paper and cardboard pulp that protects a thin inner plastic pouch containing the detergent.
Thanks to a mould configured by the designers, the pulp casing comes in two halves that are sealed together with a rubber adhesive. It can withstand transportation but is easy for people to pop open once the pouch is empty in order to separate the packaging for recycling. The materials in the shell can be composted, or be recycled up to seven times.
The inner pouch uses 70 per cent less plastic than a conventional detergent bottle; it too can be recycled easily because it is made from one type of plastic.
US cleaning brand Seventh Generation has adopted Ecologic’s bottle for its laundry detergent. The shells are delivered as halves, to be assembled and filled by Seventh Generation. By transporting the halves nestled together, 10 times more bottles can fit on a truck than the usual whole – but empty – plastic versions.
2011年8月31日星期三
2011年8月30日星期二
Machine makers show their might at Fakuma
Hehl says highest performance comes from the electric Alldrive and hybrid Hidrive machines. Nine horizontal and vertical machines run live at Fakuma, moulding multi-component, liquid silicon rubber (LSR), medical, hybrid component, automotive and packaging applications.
50 years of Billion multi-component moulding expertise is shown by 50-600 tonne electric drive Select machines. A Select H780-200T demonstrates a packaging application, and a Select H260/780-200T is doing two-component automotive moulding. A medical application runs on a Select H80-50T using a Sepro S5-25 linear robot.
Jörg Wittgrebe, managing director at the French company's Weilheim based German sales subsidiary, stresses the importance of multi-component rubber and LSR processes, especially for high temperatures, as well as in-mould-assembly (IMA).
There will be five machines on the Dr. Boy stand . Boy focuses on servo motor pump driven E series machines and the compact 0.8 m_ footprint 100-tonne XS. A 90E moulds safety glasses with high transparency PP lenses and frames and coloured PP as a two-component process. A 55E moulds plastic cups in 5s in a two-cavity mould with simultaneous metering, clamping unit opening and part ejection. A 35E VV vertical machine with a 6-axis robot shows overmoulding and tampo printing of ABS-clad metal bottle openers.
Engel (A5 5204) shows five production cells. Clearmelt polyurethane overmoulding is done on a Duo 2-platen Ecodrive machine equipped with Viper 20 and 40 liner robots. Insert moulding of glass fibre reinforced PA sensor housings runs with a Stäubli 6-axis articulated robot integrated into an Engel CC 200 control system. Another 6-axis robot is handling PP overmoulding of hollow disposable insulin pen needles, produced in a 3-cavity Zahoransky mould on an e-Motion.
A Victory Combi vertical tiebarless machine with a Viper 12 linear robot produces two-component polycarbonate/TPE hard/soft overmoulded bottle openers, combining in-mould labelling with insert moulding. IML is also represented by an e-Motion Combi moulding a thin-wall ice cream container lid in 5s with 450mm/s injection speed.
Fanuc Robomachine Europe demonstrates three Roboshot S-2000iB machines. A 30-tonne machine forms a micro-moulding production cell with a LR Mate 200ic robot and Cognex Insight image processing for 0.004g watch cogwheels.
Two-component poker chips are produced in an 8-cavity hot runner mould, using a Mold-Masters E-Multi injection unit for the second component. Artificial Intelligence mould and ejector protection is shown with a LR Mate 200iC robot inserting a paper drinking cup into a closing mould to halt the moulding process.
The modular design multi-drive option F series machines launched by Ferromatik with a hybrid F160 at K2010 now includes F80 and F350 versions. There will eventually be 10 models with 50-600 tonne clamping forces, with a choice of 13 injection unit sizes.
Fitted with a general performance 50 injection unit running at 330mm/s and with a L/D 22 screw, an electric drive F160 produces thin-wall 0.5mm, 10.25g in-mould labelled transparent polystyrene containers.
Pure all-electric drive machinery is represented by the standard low- cost 50-350 tonne Elektron series, introduced in 2009 but only available in Europe since 2010, with eight clamping forces enabling 23 machine configurations. An Elektron 110 moulds 30% glass fibre reinforced PA electrical connector strips in a mould from electrical component producer Weidmüller in 10s.
Mono-sandwich moulding involves a 200-tonne K-TEC 200 MSW producing automotive parts with a Ferromatik FMR 8-5 High Speed liner robot, produced for FM by Swedish automation company Wemo.
Closure, medical and packaging are themes for Netstal (B3 3107). On the Netstal stand, an Elion 2800 with the hybrid drive from the Evos series, first introduced at K2010 on the 220 and 280 tonne Elions, produces PCO 1881 beverage closures with a 3.5s cycle time in a 72-cavity Z-Mold mould, with a new aXos control system and Intravis optical quality control.
Sumitomo Demag shows its all-electric IntElect , hybrid El-Exis SP and hydraulic Systec machines, alongside the new more comfortable and functional NC5 Plus control system.
A 160 tonne Systec Multi moulds two-component 4.1g clear and coloured transparent PMMA light guides in a HBW-Gubesch Kunststoff-Engineering rotating table mould.
A 3.5g twin pole automotive connector housing in glass fibre reinforced PBT with large wall thickness differences is moulded on a 100-tonne IntElect 100-340 in a 4-cavity Fischer hot runner mould in 11s and removed with a SDR 22 linear robot.
A 200-tonne hybrid El-Exis SP produces 250g thin-wall dishes in 3s with "Full-Cover-Labelling" in a 2-cavity tool within a production cell developed with Marbach Moulds & Automation.
New at Fakuma 2011 from Wittmann-Battenfeld is a smaller 650 tonne hydraulic MacroPower and a larger 300 tonne all-electric EcoPower. The new EcoPower 300 fitted with a Wittmann W821 linear robot produces a 130g PP clamp fitting in a special XCS cooling system tool from IFW, Austria.
50 years of Billion multi-component moulding expertise is shown by 50-600 tonne electric drive Select machines. A Select H780-200T demonstrates a packaging application, and a Select H260/780-200T is doing two-component automotive moulding. A medical application runs on a Select H80-50T using a Sepro S5-25 linear robot.
Jörg Wittgrebe, managing director at the French company's Weilheim based German sales subsidiary, stresses the importance of multi-component rubber and LSR processes, especially for high temperatures, as well as in-mould-assembly (IMA).
There will be five machines on the Dr. Boy stand . Boy focuses on servo motor pump driven E series machines and the compact 0.8 m_ footprint 100-tonne XS. A 90E moulds safety glasses with high transparency PP lenses and frames and coloured PP as a two-component process. A 55E moulds plastic cups in 5s in a two-cavity mould with simultaneous metering, clamping unit opening and part ejection. A 35E VV vertical machine with a 6-axis robot shows overmoulding and tampo printing of ABS-clad metal bottle openers.
Engel (A5 5204) shows five production cells. Clearmelt polyurethane overmoulding is done on a Duo 2-platen Ecodrive machine equipped with Viper 20 and 40 liner robots. Insert moulding of glass fibre reinforced PA sensor housings runs with a Stäubli 6-axis articulated robot integrated into an Engel CC 200 control system. Another 6-axis robot is handling PP overmoulding of hollow disposable insulin pen needles, produced in a 3-cavity Zahoransky mould on an e-Motion.
A Victory Combi vertical tiebarless machine with a Viper 12 linear robot produces two-component polycarbonate/TPE hard/soft overmoulded bottle openers, combining in-mould labelling with insert moulding. IML is also represented by an e-Motion Combi moulding a thin-wall ice cream container lid in 5s with 450mm/s injection speed.
Fanuc Robomachine Europe demonstrates three Roboshot S-2000iB machines. A 30-tonne machine forms a micro-moulding production cell with a LR Mate 200ic robot and Cognex Insight image processing for 0.004g watch cogwheels.
Two-component poker chips are produced in an 8-cavity hot runner mould, using a Mold-Masters E-Multi injection unit for the second component. Artificial Intelligence mould and ejector protection is shown with a LR Mate 200iC robot inserting a paper drinking cup into a closing mould to halt the moulding process.
The modular design multi-drive option F series machines launched by Ferromatik with a hybrid F160 at K2010 now includes F80 and F350 versions. There will eventually be 10 models with 50-600 tonne clamping forces, with a choice of 13 injection unit sizes.
Fitted with a general performance 50 injection unit running at 330mm/s and with a L/D 22 screw, an electric drive F160 produces thin-wall 0.5mm, 10.25g in-mould labelled transparent polystyrene containers.
Pure all-electric drive machinery is represented by the standard low- cost 50-350 tonne Elektron series, introduced in 2009 but only available in Europe since 2010, with eight clamping forces enabling 23 machine configurations. An Elektron 110 moulds 30% glass fibre reinforced PA electrical connector strips in a mould from electrical component producer Weidmüller in 10s.
Mono-sandwich moulding involves a 200-tonne K-TEC 200 MSW producing automotive parts with a Ferromatik FMR 8-5 High Speed liner robot, produced for FM by Swedish automation company Wemo.
Closure, medical and packaging are themes for Netstal (B3 3107). On the Netstal stand, an Elion 2800 with the hybrid drive from the Evos series, first introduced at K2010 on the 220 and 280 tonne Elions, produces PCO 1881 beverage closures with a 3.5s cycle time in a 72-cavity Z-Mold mould, with a new aXos control system and Intravis optical quality control.
Sumitomo Demag shows its all-electric IntElect , hybrid El-Exis SP and hydraulic Systec machines, alongside the new more comfortable and functional NC5 Plus control system.
A 160 tonne Systec Multi moulds two-component 4.1g clear and coloured transparent PMMA light guides in a HBW-Gubesch Kunststoff-Engineering rotating table mould.
A 3.5g twin pole automotive connector housing in glass fibre reinforced PBT with large wall thickness differences is moulded on a 100-tonne IntElect 100-340 in a 4-cavity Fischer hot runner mould in 11s and removed with a SDR 22 linear robot.
A 200-tonne hybrid El-Exis SP produces 250g thin-wall dishes in 3s with "Full-Cover-Labelling" in a 2-cavity tool within a production cell developed with Marbach Moulds & Automation.
New at Fakuma 2011 from Wittmann-Battenfeld is a smaller 650 tonne hydraulic MacroPower and a larger 300 tonne all-electric EcoPower. The new EcoPower 300 fitted with a Wittmann W821 linear robot produces a 130g PP clamp fitting in a special XCS cooling system tool from IFW, Austria.
2011年8月29日星期一
How KFC & McDonald's plan to target each other in India
Jalandhar is chicken country, as one would expect every nook and cranny in Punjab to be. It also happens to be a harbinger of India's fast-food future, thanks to a head-to-head fight between two iconic American companies in this bustling city.
KFC and McDonald's, whose famous signages — the Golden Arches and Colonel Sanders — dot the highways and high streets of the world, are now squaring off in Butter Chicken Country. KFC has opened an outlet half a kilometre from McDonald's second restaurant in the town. In restaurateur talk, that is sniffing distance.
The people of Jalandhar now have two choices to "pull open the glass door, feel the rush of cool air, walk in, get on line, study the backlit colour photographs above the counter, place your order, hand over a few dollars (rupees), watch teenagers in uniforms pushing various buttons, and moments later take hold of a plastic tray full of food wrapped in coloured paper and cardboard", as Eric Schlosser wrote in Fast Food Nation.
The fight between KFC and McDonald's, bitter rivals for market sweepstakes in many parts of the globe, is cast in the same mould as some of the greatest brand battles in corporate history — Coke vs Pepsi and Nike vs Adidas. But for nearly 15 years since they entered India, the competition between the two resembled a boxing bout that promised a knockout, only to be called off before start. Jalandhar changed that.
Battle Royale
In the past few months, the fast-food restaurant chains have taken jabs at each other, offering similar dishes, matching prices and opening restaurants in close proximity. KFC, which primarily serves chicken, has taken aim at its burger rival with some of its own burgers called Zingers.
For customers who prefer chicken inside buns, there is a snack called, well, Snackers. McDonald's has responded with nuggets for those who like to chomp on chicken.
A hamburger company in the eyes of the world, McDonald's was quick to adapt to India's vegetarian ways with a fare packed with McAloo Tikki Burger, McVeggie and Veg Pizza McPuff. KFC has retaliated with the Veg Zinger burger, Veg Strips and Veggie Snacker.
Big Mac has targeted KFC's signature dish, the Hot and Crispy Chicken, with the recently launched the McSpicy Chicken Burger. Pat came the Hot Zinger from KFC.
KFC and McDonald's, whose famous signages — the Golden Arches and Colonel Sanders — dot the highways and high streets of the world, are now squaring off in Butter Chicken Country. KFC has opened an outlet half a kilometre from McDonald's second restaurant in the town. In restaurateur talk, that is sniffing distance.
The people of Jalandhar now have two choices to "pull open the glass door, feel the rush of cool air, walk in, get on line, study the backlit colour photographs above the counter, place your order, hand over a few dollars (rupees), watch teenagers in uniforms pushing various buttons, and moments later take hold of a plastic tray full of food wrapped in coloured paper and cardboard", as Eric Schlosser wrote in Fast Food Nation.
The fight between KFC and McDonald's, bitter rivals for market sweepstakes in many parts of the globe, is cast in the same mould as some of the greatest brand battles in corporate history — Coke vs Pepsi and Nike vs Adidas. But for nearly 15 years since they entered India, the competition between the two resembled a boxing bout that promised a knockout, only to be called off before start. Jalandhar changed that.
Battle Royale
In the past few months, the fast-food restaurant chains have taken jabs at each other, offering similar dishes, matching prices and opening restaurants in close proximity. KFC, which primarily serves chicken, has taken aim at its burger rival with some of its own burgers called Zingers.
For customers who prefer chicken inside buns, there is a snack called, well, Snackers. McDonald's has responded with nuggets for those who like to chomp on chicken.
A hamburger company in the eyes of the world, McDonald's was quick to adapt to India's vegetarian ways with a fare packed with McAloo Tikki Burger, McVeggie and Veg Pizza McPuff. KFC has retaliated with the Veg Zinger burger, Veg Strips and Veggie Snacker.
Big Mac has targeted KFC's signature dish, the Hot and Crispy Chicken, with the recently launched the McSpicy Chicken Burger. Pat came the Hot Zinger from KFC.
2011年8月28日星期日
Kozhikode Red Cross joyous as they win state award
It was a remarkable day for the guardian angels of health, service and friendship, who gathered under a single roof to cheer one another on winning the state award for the best district Junior Red Cross team. Over 500 JRC members flocked to the Tagore Hall in the city on Saturday to share their delight in the feat for which they had been toiling for years.This group unique movement in schools has been reaching out to the destitute, juveniles and the aged to address their needs. Offering waterbed to patients suffering from incurable diseases and food and clothing to members of old-age homes and orphanages, children of upper primary classes and high schools have been proving their social responsibility and commitment towards their fellow beings since they became part of the movement.
"Once we are informed of the needs of an ailing patient from an economically backward family, our children start collecting money from their parents, teachers and neighbours to provide the needy essential medicine and food," says K K Rajendrakumar, district secretary of JRC.The student members of JRC also serve society by collecting plastic bags and other waste articles on the roadside and hospital premises. Providing medical assistance to their own schoolmates responsibly, many of the members have been proving themselves to be responsible citizensmodel to the society.
O V Muhseena, a Standard VIII student of BEM Girls High School, Kozhikode, does not hide her joy of serving society. "Plastic is banned in our school, and we collect plastic bags if some of our friends leave them in the compound or garden," she says in exultation.The teachers and counsellors are also excited about the work of their junior cadets. Says Vasudevan, a teacher of Kunnamangalam Higher Secondary School and sub district president of JRC..: "My students frequently visit the children's home run by the social welfare department." He adds that they distribute clothes and books to juveniles and present dance and songs for them by participating in the programme.Agents of international friendship, the The younger ones in schools are also keen to be part of JRC. A C Amana Farhath, a Standard VIII student of the city school, is of the view that "group works and social interventions help youngsters to mould their character to become good citizens" of the future.
"Once we are informed of the needs of an ailing patient from an economically backward family, our children start collecting money from their parents, teachers and neighbours to provide the needy essential medicine and food," says K K Rajendrakumar, district secretary of JRC.The student members of JRC also serve society by collecting plastic bags and other waste articles on the roadside and hospital premises. Providing medical assistance to their own schoolmates responsibly, many of the members have been proving themselves to be responsible citizensmodel to the society.
O V Muhseena, a Standard VIII student of BEM Girls High School, Kozhikode, does not hide her joy of serving society. "Plastic is banned in our school, and we collect plastic bags if some of our friends leave them in the compound or garden," she says in exultation.The teachers and counsellors are also excited about the work of their junior cadets. Says Vasudevan, a teacher of Kunnamangalam Higher Secondary School and sub district president of JRC..: "My students frequently visit the children's home run by the social welfare department." He adds that they distribute clothes and books to juveniles and present dance and songs for them by participating in the programme.Agents of international friendship, the The younger ones in schools are also keen to be part of JRC. A C Amana Farhath, a Standard VIII student of the city school, is of the view that "group works and social interventions help youngsters to mould their character to become good citizens" of the future.
2011年8月25日星期四
Plastic Injection Mould Toolmaking Company Pentagon Plastics
Incorporating Small Batch Plastics, have for nearly 40 years been a leading manufacturer of Customer specific Plastic Injection Moulded products. The business is supported by its own full In-House Toolroom, delivering a flexible and comprehensive service into many industries.
The founder of both Small Batch Plastics Ltd and Pentagon Plastics Ltd, Jim Edwards, has been enjoying semi-retirement status for the past few years.
Jim has worked tirelessly to build the strong foundations of the business since first starting on his own in 1972 and his wealth of knowledge, tooling experience and commercial awareness is still invaluable to the business. Jim will not be embarking on full retirement just yet though so you will continue to find him in the office on a regular basis. (as well as in Spain and on the Golf Course)
However, as a business we feel it is important that it is controlled on a daily basis. It has therefore been agreed by the Directors to appoint Paul Edwards as the new Managing Director with immediate effect. Paul has become more and more involved in the overall running of the business since joining nearly 19 years ago to set up the Quality Management System. His role currently includes Sales, Marketing and overseeing the Financial aspects of the business so it is a natural progression.
Jim will take up the position of Chairman and Don Whitaker will continue in the crucial role of Production Director.
Directors comment: -
Paul, “I am really excited to be taking up the role and I hope all of the knowledge and experience I have gained from both Jim and Don will stand me in good stead. The future is looking very exciting for the business as we move forward with ideas for expansion whilst staying true to the ethos that the Company was built on.......”
Jim, “It has always been on the cards that Paul would be ready to manage the business in due time. Coupled with Donald's experience and support they are very suited to continue the good work and expand the business......“
Don, “Having known Paul for many years both socially and as a work colleague, I am confident that the abilities he brings to the role of MD will take our established company forward from strength to strength......“
The founder of both Small Batch Plastics Ltd and Pentagon Plastics Ltd, Jim Edwards, has been enjoying semi-retirement status for the past few years.
Jim has worked tirelessly to build the strong foundations of the business since first starting on his own in 1972 and his wealth of knowledge, tooling experience and commercial awareness is still invaluable to the business. Jim will not be embarking on full retirement just yet though so you will continue to find him in the office on a regular basis. (as well as in Spain and on the Golf Course)
However, as a business we feel it is important that it is controlled on a daily basis. It has therefore been agreed by the Directors to appoint Paul Edwards as the new Managing Director with immediate effect. Paul has become more and more involved in the overall running of the business since joining nearly 19 years ago to set up the Quality Management System. His role currently includes Sales, Marketing and overseeing the Financial aspects of the business so it is a natural progression.
Jim will take up the position of Chairman and Don Whitaker will continue in the crucial role of Production Director.
Directors comment: -
Paul, “I am really excited to be taking up the role and I hope all of the knowledge and experience I have gained from both Jim and Don will stand me in good stead. The future is looking very exciting for the business as we move forward with ideas for expansion whilst staying true to the ethos that the Company was built on.......”
Jim, “It has always been on the cards that Paul would be ready to manage the business in due time. Coupled with Donald's experience and support they are very suited to continue the good work and expand the business......“
Don, “Having known Paul for many years both socially and as a work colleague, I am confident that the abilities he brings to the role of MD will take our established company forward from strength to strength......“
2011年8月24日星期三
Designers
I’ve always liked building things. I’ve worked with clay since I was a kid. I learned mould-making at OCAD and now design housewares.
I took the new materials course thinking, “Great, show me some new materials!’ When I got there, it was all PVC, vinyl…. I was so disappointed. I think plastic can be beautiful, but I would never use it. When I use fabric, I use recycled or unused material that people send to me.
My studio partner, Erin [McCutcheon], and I also run Capacity, an exhibition of work by women designers. At first, we weren’t going to make a big deal about featuring just women, but that seems to be what people are interested in. Last year, older women from the suburbs who would never normally come downtown to a design show came. They wanted to see what women were doing.
I work a lot with acrylic, do laser-cutting and make jewellery that’s linear and graphic. I’m also working a bit more with gems, because I did study gemology.
At OCAD they encourage jewellery students to use alternative materials, which is how I got into plastics. Plastic mouldis very bold, and you can create a very graphic look with it.
Because I like crafts, I knew I wanted to go into material arts and design. Within that, you choose between ceramics, jewellery or fibre. I connected most with jewellery. OCAD is an art school, so the focus is more on ideas and concepts. There are more technical jewellery programs at other schools. I’ve taken a few continuing education courses at George Brown to learn more technique.
I run my own design company and also work for Anne Sportun Experimetal. They hired me because of my gemology background, though I also occasionally create custom pieces for customers.
I rent a studio space with former classmates. It’s small; it’s still early in my career.
If you want to get into jewellery, don’t get too influenced by other designers. Lots jewellery looks the same, so you have to do something that stands out.
I went to OCAD for advertising – I was looking for a lucrative art-related career – and hated it, so I took a summer program in jewellery and fell in love with it. I enrolled in jewellery and metalsmithing full-time. I’d always been really creative and making things. That’s what led me to art school. As soon as I started with jewellery, I saw myself running my own business, which was enticing.
School encouraged me to think outside the box. I use plastic, wood and concrete – materials that aren’t typically seen in jewellery. A diamond ring with concrete, for example. OCAD gave me the confidence to push the boundaries.
I use a lot of recycled gold and off-cut acrylic and wood. Things that would be thrown away end up in my jewellery, which is better for the environment.
I took the new materials course thinking, “Great, show me some new materials!’ When I got there, it was all PVC, vinyl…. I was so disappointed. I think plastic can be beautiful, but I would never use it. When I use fabric, I use recycled or unused material that people send to me.
My studio partner, Erin [McCutcheon], and I also run Capacity, an exhibition of work by women designers. At first, we weren’t going to make a big deal about featuring just women, but that seems to be what people are interested in. Last year, older women from the suburbs who would never normally come downtown to a design show came. They wanted to see what women were doing.
I work a lot with acrylic, do laser-cutting and make jewellery that’s linear and graphic. I’m also working a bit more with gems, because I did study gemology.
At OCAD they encourage jewellery students to use alternative materials, which is how I got into plastics. Plastic mouldis very bold, and you can create a very graphic look with it.
Because I like crafts, I knew I wanted to go into material arts and design. Within that, you choose between ceramics, jewellery or fibre. I connected most with jewellery. OCAD is an art school, so the focus is more on ideas and concepts. There are more technical jewellery programs at other schools. I’ve taken a few continuing education courses at George Brown to learn more technique.
I run my own design company and also work for Anne Sportun Experimetal. They hired me because of my gemology background, though I also occasionally create custom pieces for customers.
I rent a studio space with former classmates. It’s small; it’s still early in my career.
If you want to get into jewellery, don’t get too influenced by other designers. Lots jewellery looks the same, so you have to do something that stands out.
I went to OCAD for advertising – I was looking for a lucrative art-related career – and hated it, so I took a summer program in jewellery and fell in love with it. I enrolled in jewellery and metalsmithing full-time. I’d always been really creative and making things. That’s what led me to art school. As soon as I started with jewellery, I saw myself running my own business, which was enticing.
School encouraged me to think outside the box. I use plastic, wood and concrete – materials that aren’t typically seen in jewellery. A diamond ring with concrete, for example. OCAD gave me the confidence to push the boundaries.
I use a lot of recycled gold and off-cut acrylic and wood. Things that would be thrown away end up in my jewellery, which is better for the environment.
2011年8月23日星期二
Rogers HTC EVO 3D Review
At some point you just have to accept that 3D is here to stay. The notional concept is sound: two images, transposed and adjusted so that the left eye views one, and the right the other. Together the brain is tricked into thinking it is 3D. It’s a simple conceit made rigidly commercial.
How it will eventually interact with the phone market over the long term is yet to be seen, however. HTC and some of its competitors in the Android space, most notably LG, have made a push for 3D, and Rogers has picked up two flagship devices in the space: the LG Optimus 3D, which we looked at earlier, and the EVO 3D, which comes to us from an initial launch on Sprint in June.
More than just a 3D-enabled Android device, it’s an attractive dual-core unit with a high-resolution qHD screen and 1GB of RAM. Is this the Android device to get in a very crowded market? Read on to find out.
EVO. To us Canadians it means very little, but in the US it introduced the first 4G Android device on Sprint. Since its debut in June 2010 it has consistently been one of the top-selling devices, despite its sheer size and limited battery life. It has also spawned some worthy progeny, and Rogers arguably gets the best EVO to date.
The EVO 3D is bulky. That’s not to say it feels excessively large, but it’s definitely a pocket squeezer. Despite that fact, it also fits better in the hand than most traditional Android devices due to its 16:9 aspect ratio, making it slightly thinner horizontally and longer vertically. The screen resolution is higher, too, at 960×540 pixels, and it seems that the LCD itself is the same as one found in the Sensation.
The device is well-built, with a heft to it usually reserved for a hardware keyboard, but its lithe 12.1mm girth manages to excuse the 170g weight. While it does not have the same premium aluminum design as the Sensation, from front to back the EVO is an exceptionally well-made. The face is graphite-coloured aluminum, while the battery cover, which wraps around the device securely, is a thick plastic mould. Because it adheres to the body along the sides there is no creakiness, and it allows more easily for holes to be cut for the dual camera assembly. Certainly compared to the Sensation, which is entirely aluminum, the EVO fares slightly worse, but is still miles ahead of the competition.
Of course when you factor in the dual cameras, it’s apparent there is an emphasis on media capture, and in that sense the EVO doesn’t disappoint. There is a dedicated shutter button – a gorgeous drilled piece of aluminum – that sits flush on the right of the device, near the bottom. To its immediate left is a switch that easily shifts between 2D and 3D modes in the Camera app.
The back of the device is dominated by the cameras, and though it looks somewhat like a pair of robot eyes with a dual-LED nose surrounded by a golden sheath, there is a austerity to its form that belies its sophistication. To further its function is a diagonal ribbed texture that makes the EVO 3D easy to grip, and delightful to hold.
How it will eventually interact with the phone market over the long term is yet to be seen, however. HTC and some of its competitors in the Android space, most notably LG, have made a push for 3D, and Rogers has picked up two flagship devices in the space: the LG Optimus 3D, which we looked at earlier, and the EVO 3D, which comes to us from an initial launch on Sprint in June.
More than just a 3D-enabled Android device, it’s an attractive dual-core unit with a high-resolution qHD screen and 1GB of RAM. Is this the Android device to get in a very crowded market? Read on to find out.
EVO. To us Canadians it means very little, but in the US it introduced the first 4G Android device on Sprint. Since its debut in June 2010 it has consistently been one of the top-selling devices, despite its sheer size and limited battery life. It has also spawned some worthy progeny, and Rogers arguably gets the best EVO to date.
The EVO 3D is bulky. That’s not to say it feels excessively large, but it’s definitely a pocket squeezer. Despite that fact, it also fits better in the hand than most traditional Android devices due to its 16:9 aspect ratio, making it slightly thinner horizontally and longer vertically. The screen resolution is higher, too, at 960×540 pixels, and it seems that the LCD itself is the same as one found in the Sensation.
The device is well-built, with a heft to it usually reserved for a hardware keyboard, but its lithe 12.1mm girth manages to excuse the 170g weight. While it does not have the same premium aluminum design as the Sensation, from front to back the EVO is an exceptionally well-made. The face is graphite-coloured aluminum, while the battery cover, which wraps around the device securely, is a thick plastic mould. Because it adheres to the body along the sides there is no creakiness, and it allows more easily for holes to be cut for the dual camera assembly. Certainly compared to the Sensation, which is entirely aluminum, the EVO fares slightly worse, but is still miles ahead of the competition.
Of course when you factor in the dual cameras, it’s apparent there is an emphasis on media capture, and in that sense the EVO doesn’t disappoint. There is a dedicated shutter button – a gorgeous drilled piece of aluminum – that sits flush on the right of the device, near the bottom. To its immediate left is a switch that easily shifts between 2D and 3D modes in the Camera app.
The back of the device is dominated by the cameras, and though it looks somewhat like a pair of robot eyes with a dual-LED nose surrounded by a golden sheath, there is a austerity to its form that belies its sophistication. To further its function is a diagonal ribbed texture that makes the EVO 3D easy to grip, and delightful to hold.
2011年8月22日星期一
Plastic Injection Moulding and Plastic Injection
Pentagon Plastics Ltd, incorporating Small Batch Plastics, have for nearly 40 years been a leading manufacturer of Customer specific Plastic mould Injection Moulded products. The business is supported by its own full In-House Toolroom, delivering a flexible and comprehensive service into many industries.
The founder of both Small Batch Plastics Ltd and Pentagon Plastics Ltd, Jim Edwards, has been enjoying semi-retirement status for the past few years.
Jim has worked tirelessly to build the strong foundations of the business since first starting on his own in 1972 and his wealth of knowledge, tooling experience and commercial awareness is still invaluable to the business. Jim will not be embarking on full retirement just yet though so you will continue to find him in the office on a regular basis. (as well as in Spain and on the Golf Course)
However, as a business we feel it is important that it is controlled on a daily basis. It has therefore been agreed by the Directors to appoint Paul Edwards as the new Managing Director with immediate effect. Paul has become more and more involved in the overall running of the business since joining nearly 19 years ago to set up the Quality Management System. His role currently includes Sales, Marketing and overseeing the Financial aspects of the business so it is a natural progression.
Jim will take up the position of Chairman and Don Whitaker will continue in the crucial role of Production Director.
The founder of both Small Batch Plastics Ltd and Pentagon Plastics Ltd, Jim Edwards, has been enjoying semi-retirement status for the past few years.
Jim has worked tirelessly to build the strong foundations of the business since first starting on his own in 1972 and his wealth of knowledge, tooling experience and commercial awareness is still invaluable to the business. Jim will not be embarking on full retirement just yet though so you will continue to find him in the office on a regular basis. (as well as in Spain and on the Golf Course)
However, as a business we feel it is important that it is controlled on a daily basis. It has therefore been agreed by the Directors to appoint Paul Edwards as the new Managing Director with immediate effect. Paul has become more and more involved in the overall running of the business since joining nearly 19 years ago to set up the Quality Management System. His role currently includes Sales, Marketing and overseeing the Financial aspects of the business so it is a natural progression.
Jim will take up the position of Chairman and Don Whitaker will continue in the crucial role of Production Director.
Neue Produkte
Seit Juli 2011 vertreibt der Feinkosthersteller Appel seine neuen Produkte in einer PermaSafe-Verpackung von Weidenhammer PlasticMould Packaging (WPP), der Kunststoffsparte der Weidenhammer Packaging Group. Diese neuartige Lösung bietet Verbrauchern hohe Convenience und macht alle Vorteile von Kunststoffverpackungen auch für das Marktsegment konservierter, ungekühlter Lebensmittel nutzbar. Zudem besticht sie am Point-of-Sale durch ihr ansprechendes Design, denn bei der Verpackung für Appel kombiniert Weidenhammer erstmals In- Labelling (IML) mit geprägten Elementen. Mit den neuen Produkten in der modernen Weidenhammer-Verpackung will Appel gezielt neue Kundensegmente ansprechen.
Seit Sommer 2011 stehen die neuen Produkte von Appel im Supermarktregal: als „Snacks & Salate“, die in sechs Sorten teilweise sowohl kalt als auch warm zu genießen sind, sowie in vier Rezepturen als köstliche „Genießerhappen aus Heringsfilets“. Passend zu den hochwertigen Produkten setzt der Feinkosthersteller auch bei der Verpackung auf eine Innovation: PermaSafe, die „Neuentwicklung der Konservendose“ von Weidenhammer.
Diese innovative Kunststoffverpackung ist praktisch undurchlässig für Sauerstoff und Wasserdampf und garantiert somit eine lange Haltbarkeit. Auch Fertiggerichte oder Wurstwaren können in PermaSafe-Verpackungen ungekühlt dauerhaltbar verpackt werden. Im Vergleich zu den klassischen Metall- oder Glasverpackungen bieten sie deutlich mehr Gestaltungsspielraum in Bezug auf Formen und Design sowie mehr Convenience für den Verbraucher.
Bei der Appel-Verpackung handelt es sich um eine hochwertig dekorierte PermaSafe-Schale, die im Spitzgussverfahren hergestellt wird. Die Verpackung verfügt über eine leicht zu öffnende Peel-Siegelfolie und einen wiederverschließbaren Deckel – zwei wesentliche Verbesserungen zu den herkömmlichen Blechverpackungen. Insbesondere das einfache Öffnen der Verpackung ist für ältere Konsumenten wichtig. Aber mit der gebrauchsfertigen Portionsverpackung und den kreativen Rezepturen will Appel sich nicht nur vom Wettbewerb differenzieren, sondern insbesondere jüngere Verbraucher gezielt ansprechen.
Seit Sommer 2011 stehen die neuen Produkte von Appel im Supermarktregal: als „Snacks & Salate“, die in sechs Sorten teilweise sowohl kalt als auch warm zu genießen sind, sowie in vier Rezepturen als köstliche „Genießerhappen aus Heringsfilets“. Passend zu den hochwertigen Produkten setzt der Feinkosthersteller auch bei der Verpackung auf eine Innovation: PermaSafe, die „Neuentwicklung der Konservendose“ von Weidenhammer.
Diese innovative Kunststoffverpackung ist praktisch undurchlässig für Sauerstoff und Wasserdampf und garantiert somit eine lange Haltbarkeit. Auch Fertiggerichte oder Wurstwaren können in PermaSafe-Verpackungen ungekühlt dauerhaltbar verpackt werden. Im Vergleich zu den klassischen Metall- oder Glasverpackungen bieten sie deutlich mehr Gestaltungsspielraum in Bezug auf Formen und Design sowie mehr Convenience für den Verbraucher.
Bei der Appel-Verpackung handelt es sich um eine hochwertig dekorierte PermaSafe-Schale, die im Spitzgussverfahren hergestellt wird. Die Verpackung verfügt über eine leicht zu öffnende Peel-Siegelfolie und einen wiederverschließbaren Deckel – zwei wesentliche Verbesserungen zu den herkömmlichen Blechverpackungen. Insbesondere das einfache Öffnen der Verpackung ist für ältere Konsumenten wichtig. Aber mit der gebrauchsfertigen Portionsverpackung und den kreativen Rezepturen will Appel sich nicht nur vom Wettbewerb differenzieren, sondern insbesondere jüngere Verbraucher gezielt ansprechen.
2011年8月18日星期四
Convenience packaging for fish specialties: Appel opts for Weidenhammer PermaSafe
The attractive package design also grabs attention at the point of sale. For the first time, Weidenhammer has combined In-Mould Labelling (IML) with embossed elements for the new Appel plastic container. Appel is planning to use its product innovations in modern Weidenhammer packaging to attract new customer segments.
Six varieties of the new Appel "Snacks & Salads" products for hot or cold consumption have been on supermarket shelves since summer 2011. This range is accompanied by four tasty gourmet herring fillet specialties. The gourmet food manufacturer is combining its premium products with an innovation: Weidenhammer PermaSafe packaging – the reinvention of the metal can.
Innovative PermaSafe plastic packaging is designed for a long shelf life and is extremely airtight. Even unrefrigerated pre-cooked meals and sausage products stay fresh in PermaSafe packaging. Unlike conventional metal or glass packaging, PermaSafe offers more freedom when it comes to package design and shape. It is also more convenient for consumers.
The packaging designed for Appel is an injection-moulded, attractively labelled PermaSafe container with an easy-to-open, peel-off seal and a resealable lid – two major improvements over conventional metal cans. Easy opening is especially important for the older generation. But Appel is also aiming for younger consumer target groups with creative recipes and ready-to-eat products in single-portion packaging that stands out from competitors on the supermarket shelf. "From conventional to exotic – our Snacks & Salads products offer something for everyone," says Nicole Schmidt, Senior Product Manager at Appel. "PermaSafe packaging is a perfect match for our products. Modern and practical, it protects the high quality of our products." PermaSafe packaging is microwaveable, which means the snack foods can be consumed hot or cold.
Attractive look & feel stands out from the competition
The complete container and lid are labelled using the IML process. A technical masterpiece engineered by Weidenhammer, the lid features an embossed Appel logo and lettering. Andreas Rothschink, Head of Sales at Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging, explains the technique: "Our packaging for Appel combines In-Mould Labelling with embossing for the first time. This gives the plastic container a unique, high-quality look and feel that supports brand presence." It also makes the instantly identifiable packaging stand out at the point of sale.
Appel cooks the snack foods in the containers at a temperature of around 121°C. This guarantees a twelve-month shelf life. The containers and in-mould labels withstand the cooking process without the slightest damage. After cooking, a resealable lid is attached with an adhesive label listing the best-before date.
Weidenhammer developed the new packaging in close cooperation with Appel. The labelling was a special challenge for WPP. "The side label is long and narrow, which makes it difficult to position it in the mould for processing. And precise positioning on the tray is a key factor in the product quality," Rothschink explains. "We also had to allow for the shrinkage of the container in the sterilization process to make sure the lid fit perfectly." Before the machine tools were made, a pilot mould was constructed so that Appel and Weidenhammer could check to be sure the entire process chain would run smoothly.
Appel gourmet fish specialties are the newest products sold in PermaSafe packaging. The sausage specialty "Heideverführung" produced by Müller’s Hausmacher Wurst was the first food product sold in PermaSafe packaging. Rothschink is pleased with the latest development: "With Appel, we have been able to demonstrate the advantages of our packaging and gain a well-known customer. At the same time, we are opening up a new market segment. This shows that PermaSafe is capable of reliably protecting even sensitive products like fish and is a good alternative to conventional metal packaging. A number of solutions for barrier packaging are currently being proposed in the market. But unlike PermaSafe, these products are still on the drawing board and have yet to be seen on supermarket shelves."
Six varieties of the new Appel "Snacks & Salads" products for hot or cold consumption have been on supermarket shelves since summer 2011. This range is accompanied by four tasty gourmet herring fillet specialties. The gourmet food manufacturer is combining its premium products with an innovation: Weidenhammer PermaSafe packaging – the reinvention of the metal can.
Innovative PermaSafe plastic packaging is designed for a long shelf life and is extremely airtight. Even unrefrigerated pre-cooked meals and sausage products stay fresh in PermaSafe packaging. Unlike conventional metal or glass packaging, PermaSafe offers more freedom when it comes to package design and shape. It is also more convenient for consumers.
The packaging designed for Appel is an injection-moulded, attractively labelled PermaSafe container with an easy-to-open, peel-off seal and a resealable lid – two major improvements over conventional metal cans. Easy opening is especially important for the older generation. But Appel is also aiming for younger consumer target groups with creative recipes and ready-to-eat products in single-portion packaging that stands out from competitors on the supermarket shelf. "From conventional to exotic – our Snacks & Salads products offer something for everyone," says Nicole Schmidt, Senior Product Manager at Appel. "PermaSafe packaging is a perfect match for our products. Modern and practical, it protects the high quality of our products." PermaSafe packaging is microwaveable, which means the snack foods can be consumed hot or cold.
Attractive look & feel stands out from the competition
The complete container and lid are labelled using the IML process. A technical masterpiece engineered by Weidenhammer, the lid features an embossed Appel logo and lettering. Andreas Rothschink, Head of Sales at Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging, explains the technique: "Our packaging for Appel combines In-Mould Labelling with embossing for the first time. This gives the plastic container a unique, high-quality look and feel that supports brand presence." It also makes the instantly identifiable packaging stand out at the point of sale.
Appel cooks the snack foods in the containers at a temperature of around 121°C. This guarantees a twelve-month shelf life. The containers and in-mould labels withstand the cooking process without the slightest damage. After cooking, a resealable lid is attached with an adhesive label listing the best-before date.
Weidenhammer developed the new packaging in close cooperation with Appel. The labelling was a special challenge for WPP. "The side label is long and narrow, which makes it difficult to position it in the mould for processing. And precise positioning on the tray is a key factor in the product quality," Rothschink explains. "We also had to allow for the shrinkage of the container in the sterilization process to make sure the lid fit perfectly." Before the machine tools were made, a pilot mould was constructed so that Appel and Weidenhammer could check to be sure the entire process chain would run smoothly.
Appel gourmet fish specialties are the newest products sold in PermaSafe packaging. The sausage specialty "Heideverführung" produced by Müller’s Hausmacher Wurst was the first food product sold in PermaSafe packaging. Rothschink is pleased with the latest development: "With Appel, we have been able to demonstrate the advantages of our packaging and gain a well-known customer. At the same time, we are opening up a new market segment. This shows that PermaSafe is capable of reliably protecting even sensitive products like fish and is a good alternative to conventional metal packaging. A number of solutions for barrier packaging are currently being proposed in the market. But unlike PermaSafe, these products are still on the drawing board and have yet to be seen on supermarket shelves."
2011年8月16日星期二
Goodliness Stamped Projector Lamps also Bulbs – An Overview
Once you invest in a projector, you characteristically assume that you might acquire days of difficulty without charge usefulness.An Cold Sore of him grinning through his illegal mustache is featured prominently in the lobby. In a method by which, this is accurate but a rider. There is Only one element in every one projectors that will benefit you hitch more rapidly or soon, for the reason that, in a means by which, it is a consumable. This constituent is the projector lamp.
The projector lamp or bulb is not reminiscent of an commonplace bulb.the Bedding pain and pain radiating from the arms or legs. On the contrary, It is approximately enormously distinctive a well-known bulb esoteric than the the whole story that each of the categories of bulbs do service to you light up,who was responsible for tracking down Charles RUBBER MATS . but there the similarity ends. An mundane bulb produces illumine by cleanly igniting a coil. Although, in the transcript of it, mainly, there are innumerable series that are called for Prior to you capture the illuminate as well as these are the reflector, the housing, automated wiring Furthermore the bulb.
The projector lamp in fact ignites mercury vapour that campaigns been compacted indoors a quartz tube. On seeing that switched-on, the current jumps far more than the vapour of mercury And also creates illumine since the portrait to be acknowledged. Given that this method is overpriced,If any food China Porcelain tile condition is poorer than those standards, projector bulbs are moderately costlier as well Furthermore that is why you appetite to acquire pleasing worry of each other. Even so, while these embrace outlived their lives, these will readily favor you lesson and also you might awareness that the colours experience got down to to blow over & the characteristic value of work of art may exasperate. It is in the event that you taste to amend it that you needs to search out a supplier who will do service to you distinctive feature stamped projector bulbs.
There are primary distributors of projector bulbs as stand-in in multimedia projectors. Any of these distributors lodge stocks in listen to of as legion as 6000 DLP in addition to LCD forms of projectors. These suppliers may well accept you acquire merely the bulb or the complete kit reckoning on your hunger for also finances.A custom-made chicken coop is then fixed over the gums. There is similarly a 90 daytime ?No Interrogatives Required” guarantee. It pulls off not topic whether the bulb halts employed beyond lighting up after or it accomplishes not job at each and every one. The go back clause is actual in each of representatives. The route of deciding on the bulb of your election is additionally painless. Basically Utilize the lose slurp box plus choose because the make of the projector foremost. Subsequently, you may perhaps determine the aggregate of the bulb or the construct of the projector in demands to location your ask. In exposition of a reservation, there are trained Women and men on term to provide you the factual advice.
The projector lamp or bulb is not reminiscent of an commonplace bulb.the Bedding pain and pain radiating from the arms or legs. On the contrary, It is approximately enormously distinctive a well-known bulb esoteric than the the whole story that each of the categories of bulbs do service to you light up,who was responsible for tracking down Charles RUBBER MATS . but there the similarity ends. An mundane bulb produces illumine by cleanly igniting a coil. Although, in the transcript of it, mainly, there are innumerable series that are called for Prior to you capture the illuminate as well as these are the reflector, the housing, automated wiring Furthermore the bulb.
The projector lamp in fact ignites mercury vapour that campaigns been compacted indoors a quartz tube. On seeing that switched-on, the current jumps far more than the vapour of mercury And also creates illumine since the portrait to be acknowledged. Given that this method is overpriced,If any food China Porcelain tile condition is poorer than those standards, projector bulbs are moderately costlier as well Furthermore that is why you appetite to acquire pleasing worry of each other. Even so, while these embrace outlived their lives, these will readily favor you lesson and also you might awareness that the colours experience got down to to blow over & the characteristic value of work of art may exasperate. It is in the event that you taste to amend it that you needs to search out a supplier who will do service to you distinctive feature stamped projector bulbs.
There are primary distributors of projector bulbs as stand-in in multimedia projectors. Any of these distributors lodge stocks in listen to of as legion as 6000 DLP in addition to LCD forms of projectors. These suppliers may well accept you acquire merely the bulb or the complete kit reckoning on your hunger for also finances.A custom-made chicken coop is then fixed over the gums. There is similarly a 90 daytime ?No Interrogatives Required” guarantee. It pulls off not topic whether the bulb halts employed beyond lighting up after or it accomplishes not job at each and every one. The go back clause is actual in each of representatives. The route of deciding on the bulb of your election is additionally painless. Basically Utilize the lose slurp box plus choose because the make of the projector foremost. Subsequently, you may perhaps determine the aggregate of the bulb or the construct of the projector in demands to location your ask. In exposition of a reservation, there are trained Women and men on term to provide you the factual advice.
2011年8月15日星期一
German firm to take up major stake in Sanichi
SENAI: ACE Market-listed Sanichi Technology Bhd says its deal with a German automotive vendor is likely to be concluded in the first quarter of next year.
Group chairman and managing director Datuk Dr Pang Chow Huat said the German company Projektarbelt Tecnhische Beratung Venretung International (Protev) had started due diligence on Sanichi.
“Protev will take a major stake in our company, probably holding up to 80% of our shares via private placement,” Pang told StarBiz.
He said Protev had been the company's long-term client and its strong interest to become a major stakeholder reflected its confidence in Sanichi.
Prior to signing the memorandum of undestanding with the company, Protev had conducted feasibility studies with plastic injection mould fabricators in China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.
The partnership would complement Sanichi's core business and add synergy to its operations, he said.
Pang would remain group chairman and managing director of Sanichi despite changes in equity structures and would oversee the day-to-day operations of the company.
Protev would second its engineers and conduct research and development at Sanichi.
“The alliance will open a window of opportunity for us to venture into new markets and at the same time help strengthen our position in markets where Protev is present,” said Pang.
The partnership would also enable the company to move into fabricating larger moulds to cater to larger components in the automotive sector as Protev supplies parts and components for BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Sanichi is the only plastic injection mould fabricator in Malaysia that has been given the contract by BMW to produce mould for the front-grille of the Mini Cooper four-door models.
“We are gearing up to capture a bigger market share of the advanced plastic injection moulds (APIM) globally,” he said.
Pang said many multinational corporations worldwide had switched from conventional plastic injection moulds (CPIM) to APIM for parts and components.
Sanichi has three wholly-owned subsidiaries - Sanichi Precision Mould Sdn Bhd, Asia Pinnacle Sdn Bhd and Sanichi Mould (Thailand) Co Ltd.
The group is involved in the design and fabrication of APIM, CPIM and die-casting mould which are exported to China, Germany, France, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam.
Its 96 local and foreign customers include Audi, BMW, Brother, Dyson, Daikin, Electrolux, Hitachi, Liebherr, Mercedes-Benz, Proton, Perodua, Sharp, Siemens, Toshiba, Volkswagen and Porsche.
Protev is headquartered in Fischbacherstr, Marktrodach, Germany and has offices and production facilities in Germany, Singapore and the United States.
It offers solutions for mould making through outsourcing by introducing reliable, quality and cost-effective suppliers/partners in Asia.
Group chairman and managing director Datuk Dr Pang Chow Huat said the German company Projektarbelt Tecnhische Beratung Venretung International (Protev) had started due diligence on Sanichi.
“Protev will take a major stake in our company, probably holding up to 80% of our shares via private placement,” Pang told StarBiz.
He said Protev had been the company's long-term client and its strong interest to become a major stakeholder reflected its confidence in Sanichi.
Prior to signing the memorandum of undestanding with the company, Protev had conducted feasibility studies with plastic injection mould fabricators in China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.
The partnership would complement Sanichi's core business and add synergy to its operations, he said.
Pang would remain group chairman and managing director of Sanichi despite changes in equity structures and would oversee the day-to-day operations of the company.
Protev would second its engineers and conduct research and development at Sanichi.
“The alliance will open a window of opportunity for us to venture into new markets and at the same time help strengthen our position in markets where Protev is present,” said Pang.
The partnership would also enable the company to move into fabricating larger moulds to cater to larger components in the automotive sector as Protev supplies parts and components for BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Sanichi is the only plastic injection mould fabricator in Malaysia that has been given the contract by BMW to produce mould for the front-grille of the Mini Cooper four-door models.
“We are gearing up to capture a bigger market share of the advanced plastic injection moulds (APIM) globally,” he said.
Pang said many multinational corporations worldwide had switched from conventional plastic injection moulds (CPIM) to APIM for parts and components.
Sanichi has three wholly-owned subsidiaries - Sanichi Precision Mould Sdn Bhd, Asia Pinnacle Sdn Bhd and Sanichi Mould (Thailand) Co Ltd.
The group is involved in the design and fabrication of APIM, CPIM and die-casting mould which are exported to China, Germany, France, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam.
Its 96 local and foreign customers include Audi, BMW, Brother, Dyson, Daikin, Electrolux, Hitachi, Liebherr, Mercedes-Benz, Proton, Perodua, Sharp, Siemens, Toshiba, Volkswagen and Porsche.
Protev is headquartered in Fischbacherstr, Marktrodach, Germany and has offices and production facilities in Germany, Singapore and the United States.
It offers solutions for mould making through outsourcing by introducing reliable, quality and cost-effective suppliers/partners in Asia.
2011年8月14日星期日
Night Rod Special - cream of the 2012 Harley-Davidsons
Harley-Davidson is an American success story. The company has been manufacturing its iconic machines since 1903 but its values were forged by association with the post-war "rebel" motorcycle clubs and paradoxically with the highway patrol police they were so often in conflict with. Like so much of US manufacturing Harley-Davidson took a hit from the rise of the Far East in the 1980s but the boom years of 90's excess saw Harley-Davidson successfully consolidate its brand into the global symbol of 'the American Dream' that it is today. Harley-Davidson understands its place in the world and the 2012 model line up contains variations on all the traditional designs that people expect, some of them going back to the 1920's. It would be wrong however to imagine that the company rejects technological advancement - far from it, and there can be no more beautiful expression of that than the Night Rod Special.
The Night Rod Special is a custom variation of the V-Rod series that brought a more modern and aggressive street style plus a number of technological advances to the brand. The famous V-Twin engine has been "breathed" on by the engineers at Porsche to bring increased RPM and power - 125bhp - with fuel injection, double overhead cams and water cooling. The unique feature of the V-Rod series though is the "exo-frame" which wraps around the tank and engine like no other Harley. To manufacture the sensuous curves that the designers wanted Harley-Davidson turned to the use of hydroforming where the frame tubes are created in a mould using 60,000 psi of pressure. They are the only bike manufacturer using this technique at present.
To ensure the iconic engine and unique frame are seen without distraction all cabling is invisible, either passing through the frame or mounted in plastic mouldings under the fuel tank. Of the all the electronics on the bike Harley-Davidson is most proud of their self-cancelling turn indicators that use accelerometers to detect lean angle, direction and speed to calculate when to cancel the signal.
But enough of the technology, Harley-Davidsons are all about cruising and looks, and the visuals of the Night Rod Special couldn't be stronger - fully blacked out tank, engine, wheels, forks, tail and exhaust - apart from the stainless steel mufflers. A black low-rise bar, some contrasting red lining, a fat rear tyre and lowered suspension complete the look. If you're not particularly interested in going around corners and want to pretend to be keeping a low profile whilst gaining really rather a lot of attention, it's yours for around US$16,000.
The Night Rod Special is a custom variation of the V-Rod series that brought a more modern and aggressive street style plus a number of technological advances to the brand. The famous V-Twin engine has been "breathed" on by the engineers at Porsche to bring increased RPM and power - 125bhp - with fuel injection, double overhead cams and water cooling. The unique feature of the V-Rod series though is the "exo-frame" which wraps around the tank and engine like no other Harley. To manufacture the sensuous curves that the designers wanted Harley-Davidson turned to the use of hydroforming where the frame tubes are created in a mould using 60,000 psi of pressure. They are the only bike manufacturer using this technique at present.
To ensure the iconic engine and unique frame are seen without distraction all cabling is invisible, either passing through the frame or mounted in plastic mouldings under the fuel tank. Of the all the electronics on the bike Harley-Davidson is most proud of their self-cancelling turn indicators that use accelerometers to detect lean angle, direction and speed to calculate when to cancel the signal.
But enough of the technology, Harley-Davidsons are all about cruising and looks, and the visuals of the Night Rod Special couldn't be stronger - fully blacked out tank, engine, wheels, forks, tail and exhaust - apart from the stainless steel mufflers. A black low-rise bar, some contrasting red lining, a fat rear tyre and lowered suspension complete the look. If you're not particularly interested in going around corners and want to pretend to be keeping a low profile whilst gaining really rather a lot of attention, it's yours for around US$16,000.
2011年8月11日星期四
Sonoco Plant will produce plastic containers and closures for new personal care contract
According to Rodger Fuller, vice president of Rigid Paper and Plastics, Sonoco will build a 120,000-plus square-foot plant and install several PET injection stretch blow-molding and injection molding lines to produce packaging and components for personal care products. Total cost of the plant building and equipment is projected to be approximately $15 million and the operation will employ approximately 60 new workers. Sonoco Plastics also operates a food-grade, blow-molding and injection molding plant in Columbus, Ohio, which was expanded in 2011.
Steve Gendreau, Sonoco Plastic's division vice president and general manager, blowmolding, said the new plant is being developed to produce containers and components for personal care products for Mast Global, the sourcing and logistics division of Limited Brands. Limited Brands represents some of the Beauty and Home Care industries most recognizable premium brands with Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Pink, LaSenza, and Henri Bendel. Initially, Sonoco's new plant will produce products for Limited Brands' Bath and Body Works stores.
"Limited Brands has been an important customer of Sonoco for several years and we are pleased to continue this important relationship with the development of a new facility in the New Albany/Columbus area," said Gendreau.
"Sonoco Plastics is a leader in designing and producing innovative, customized rigid plastic packaging for some of the largest personal care brands in North America. We look forward to expanding our offering through this new state-of-the-art facility and hope to further grow this operation in the future."
Sonoco Plastics is a leading manufacturer of monolayer and multilayer blow-molded bottles and jars, thermoformed cups and trays and engineered molded and extruded containers, spools and trays. The Company has 28 plastics operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany.
Steve Gendreau, Sonoco Plastic's division vice president and general manager, blowmolding, said the new plant is being developed to produce containers and components for personal care products for Mast Global, the sourcing and logistics division of Limited Brands. Limited Brands represents some of the Beauty and Home Care industries most recognizable premium brands with Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Pink, LaSenza, and Henri Bendel. Initially, Sonoco's new plant will produce products for Limited Brands' Bath and Body Works stores.
"Limited Brands has been an important customer of Sonoco for several years and we are pleased to continue this important relationship with the development of a new facility in the New Albany/Columbus area," said Gendreau.
"Sonoco Plastics is a leader in designing and producing innovative, customized rigid plastic packaging for some of the largest personal care brands in North America. We look forward to expanding our offering through this new state-of-the-art facility and hope to further grow this operation in the future."
Sonoco Plastics is a leading manufacturer of monolayer and multilayer blow-molded bottles and jars, thermoformed cups and trays and engineered molded and extruded containers, spools and trays. The Company has 28 plastics operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany.
2011年8月10日星期三
Agami makes song and dance about Roll N Blow
French firm Agami is promoting a "world exclusive", its Roll N Blow tubular thermoforming process. The technology uses extruded plastic sheet cut into strips that are rolled around a vertical pipe to form tubular lengths that are then welded longitudinally. Bottles are formed by heating the tubes and blowing them into a mould at pressure below 6 bar and temperature below 150ºC.
Agami says its process is suitable for single or multilayer bottles in plastics such as polystyrene, polypropylene, PLA and PET.
A four-track machine, shown at Interpack, offers production speeds of up to 7,000 bottles per hour, but equipment can be designed for speeds of 5,000 to 20,000 bottles/h.
The 100 to 500ml Roll N Blow bottles can be used for water, desserts, fruit juice and fresh dairy product contents. Yoghurt bottles offer particularly high potential. There are hygiene control benefits due to the small footprint of the Roll N Blow process equipment and its thermoforming temperature of 150ºC.
This process offers cost savings of between 30 and 50% for 100ml bottles compared with conventional extrusion blow moulding and preform-based injection stretch blow moulding.
The lower weight also results in reduced material cost, and transport, storage and handling logistics costs are reduced. Agami says one truckload of plastic sheet reels for the Roll N Blow process is equivalent to 25 trucks needed to supply empty bottles or five trucks to supply preforms. The company adds that electricity consumption is two to three times lower than with preform-based injection stretch blow moulding.
Having worked previously at packaging producer Tetra Pak and form-fill-seal line producer Arcil, Agami's CEO Stylianos Eleftheriou started the Roll N Blow project in 2007.
The equipment uses Rockwell Automation components for motion and automation. Six-axis motion is used to cut, form and create the bottles. Allen-Bradley servomotors are coupled with Kinetix servo drives and controlled by a CompactLogix PAC (programmable automation controller). Operator interaction and machine control takes place via an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus 1250 HMI control panel.
Agami says its process is suitable for single or multilayer bottles in plastics such as polystyrene, polypropylene, PLA and PET.
A four-track machine, shown at Interpack, offers production speeds of up to 7,000 bottles per hour, but equipment can be designed for speeds of 5,000 to 20,000 bottles/h.
The 100 to 500ml Roll N Blow bottles can be used for water, desserts, fruit juice and fresh dairy product contents. Yoghurt bottles offer particularly high potential. There are hygiene control benefits due to the small footprint of the Roll N Blow process equipment and its thermoforming temperature of 150ºC.
This process offers cost savings of between 30 and 50% for 100ml bottles compared with conventional extrusion blow moulding and preform-based injection stretch blow moulding.
The lower weight also results in reduced material cost, and transport, storage and handling logistics costs are reduced. Agami says one truckload of plastic sheet reels for the Roll N Blow process is equivalent to 25 trucks needed to supply empty bottles or five trucks to supply preforms. The company adds that electricity consumption is two to three times lower than with preform-based injection stretch blow moulding.
Having worked previously at packaging producer Tetra Pak and form-fill-seal line producer Arcil, Agami's CEO Stylianos Eleftheriou started the Roll N Blow project in 2007.
The equipment uses Rockwell Automation components for motion and automation. Six-axis motion is used to cut, form and create the bottles. Allen-Bradley servomotors are coupled with Kinetix servo drives and controlled by a CompactLogix PAC (programmable automation controller). Operator interaction and machine control takes place via an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus 1250 HMI control panel.
2011年8月9日星期二
Do you want the N&E not to develop?
Please accept my apologies for not addressing you as Sir. I do not address any one so, except my teachers. However, please do not consider this an attempt at disrespect. You have many attributes needed to be a ' leader' of the Tamils, but for the lack of courage and a vision, have not been able to become so. You continue to be a typical Tamil politician of the old mould. This is unfortunate, because the Tamils desperately need a 'Leader'
President Rajapakse at one meeting referred to you as a good and experienced lawyer.
I am sure you are. This reminds me of a verse from the Thevara-Thiruvasagam. In essence, it says the following cannot attain freedom from the cycle of birth and death:
" Kaathi moethi vathaadum nool katriduvorum( lawyers) , Kaasu thedi eeyaamal waala paduvorum ( those earn money but live without doing charity)—
I hope you are not a lawyer without principles. Your recent interview with Rohan Abeywardene, published in transcurrents, proves you debate for the sake of debate, argue for the sake of argument and, are yet a common politician but not a leader. This is unfortunate, because you have it in you to be a great leader. You have nothing to fear, except fear itself, because of your age and the tragedy you have seen unfold in your lifetime. You have nothing to gain personally either, because of your age. However, the Tamils will gain much if you provide them the leadership and vision required.
I have heard of two incidents that involve you. The first of how you were intimidated by Anton Balasingham at a meeting in the British parliament. The language used by Anton Balasingham had been apparently filthy. Inability to stand up to the LTTE was a big mistake. I am sure this was because of fear. The second involved your apparent unwillingness to talk to Ven. Rathana thera, who sat next to you in parliament for several years. His English was poor, but you are very conversant in Sinhala. It is necessary in your position to talk to individuals like Ven Rathana thera who are opinion makers among Sinhalese in Sri Lanka. I am sure you did not engage in bridge building because of your fear of the LTTE. One has to be fearless to be a leader! To be fearless, one has to be truthful.
Why did you and your party ( I shall refer to the combination as 'you' in the following sentences) demand the LTTE release the civilians they held captive in the last stages of the war? Were you unaware of LTTE intentions and the obvious outcome? Were you unaware of the murderous nature of the LTTE? Were you unaware of details of what the LTTE was subjecting the Tamils in their iron grip? Did you think the war was a game and would end without tragedy? Did you not think the LTTE would ultimately win? Did you not think and act as if the government and the Sinhala people were enemies? Were you not aware the government was determined to end the LTTE menace, once and for all? After meeting president Rajapakse for the first time, soon after he was elected, I told those close to me that the LTTE would be finished soon, unless they act wisely.
What moral rights have you to accuse the government of war crimes, when you were on the side of the LTTE, which also committed war crimes. You were fellow travelers of the LTTE (some willingly and others unwillingly) and hence should also stand trial for the war crimes committed by the LTTE. I am sure the armed forces too committed various war crimes, although they may not be of the nature being portrayed.
In your interview, you accuse the UPFA/GOSL of many things. Was everything they did after the war ended, wrong? I remember, you criticized the government for keeping the people in IDP camps . I remember, you demanded from the government the IDPs be released immediately. You criticized the government for not permitting your party to visit the IDP camps, knowing very well that your party was working as a proxy for the LTTE. I remember one of your party parliamentarians telling me that the LTTE cadres were scattered in groups of two hundred and would emerge to continue the war. Would any government permit members from a party that had such hopes, to enter IDP camps?
I know the government had plans to develop the war-affected areas before moving the IDPs back to their villages. The plans were impressive. Pressure from your party, the Tamil Diaspora and the International community, forced the government to let the IDPs go with only a handout, twelve galvanized roof sheets, plastic sheets and dry rations. The IDPs suffered. Many regretted leaving the IDP camps. Were you and your party concerned? Why did we deliberately miss the chance to prove the government bonafides?
If you can raise funds, why did you not do so after the war ended? Did you make an appeal and rally the Diaspora to help? The funds could have been collected in a bank account in a foreign country, initially. Did you discuss with the government the possibility of setting up such a fund in Sri Lanka? Did you discuss with the government a mechanism to do this with your participation, considering the circumstances?
President Rajapakse at one meeting referred to you as a good and experienced lawyer.
I am sure you are. This reminds me of a verse from the Thevara-Thiruvasagam. In essence, it says the following cannot attain freedom from the cycle of birth and death:
" Kaathi moethi vathaadum nool katriduvorum( lawyers) , Kaasu thedi eeyaamal waala paduvorum ( those earn money but live without doing charity)—
I hope you are not a lawyer without principles. Your recent interview with Rohan Abeywardene, published in transcurrents, proves you debate for the sake of debate, argue for the sake of argument and, are yet a common politician but not a leader. This is unfortunate, because you have it in you to be a great leader. You have nothing to fear, except fear itself, because of your age and the tragedy you have seen unfold in your lifetime. You have nothing to gain personally either, because of your age. However, the Tamils will gain much if you provide them the leadership and vision required.
I have heard of two incidents that involve you. The first of how you were intimidated by Anton Balasingham at a meeting in the British parliament. The language used by Anton Balasingham had been apparently filthy. Inability to stand up to the LTTE was a big mistake. I am sure this was because of fear. The second involved your apparent unwillingness to talk to Ven. Rathana thera, who sat next to you in parliament for several years. His English was poor, but you are very conversant in Sinhala. It is necessary in your position to talk to individuals like Ven Rathana thera who are opinion makers among Sinhalese in Sri Lanka. I am sure you did not engage in bridge building because of your fear of the LTTE. One has to be fearless to be a leader! To be fearless, one has to be truthful.
Why did you and your party ( I shall refer to the combination as 'you' in the following sentences) demand the LTTE release the civilians they held captive in the last stages of the war? Were you unaware of LTTE intentions and the obvious outcome? Were you unaware of the murderous nature of the LTTE? Were you unaware of details of what the LTTE was subjecting the Tamils in their iron grip? Did you think the war was a game and would end without tragedy? Did you not think the LTTE would ultimately win? Did you not think and act as if the government and the Sinhala people were enemies? Were you not aware the government was determined to end the LTTE menace, once and for all? After meeting president Rajapakse for the first time, soon after he was elected, I told those close to me that the LTTE would be finished soon, unless they act wisely.
What moral rights have you to accuse the government of war crimes, when you were on the side of the LTTE, which also committed war crimes. You were fellow travelers of the LTTE (some willingly and others unwillingly) and hence should also stand trial for the war crimes committed by the LTTE. I am sure the armed forces too committed various war crimes, although they may not be of the nature being portrayed.
In your interview, you accuse the UPFA/GOSL of many things. Was everything they did after the war ended, wrong? I remember, you criticized the government for keeping the people in IDP camps . I remember, you demanded from the government the IDPs be released immediately. You criticized the government for not permitting your party to visit the IDP camps, knowing very well that your party was working as a proxy for the LTTE. I remember one of your party parliamentarians telling me that the LTTE cadres were scattered in groups of two hundred and would emerge to continue the war. Would any government permit members from a party that had such hopes, to enter IDP camps?
I know the government had plans to develop the war-affected areas before moving the IDPs back to their villages. The plans were impressive. Pressure from your party, the Tamil Diaspora and the International community, forced the government to let the IDPs go with only a handout, twelve galvanized roof sheets, plastic sheets and dry rations. The IDPs suffered. Many regretted leaving the IDP camps. Were you and your party concerned? Why did we deliberately miss the chance to prove the government bonafides?
If you can raise funds, why did you not do so after the war ended? Did you make an appeal and rally the Diaspora to help? The funds could have been collected in a bank account in a foreign country, initially. Did you discuss with the government the possibility of setting up such a fund in Sri Lanka? Did you discuss with the government a mechanism to do this with your participation, considering the circumstances?
2011年8月8日星期一
Pipe manufacturer installs calibration technology at plant
Injection molding machine manufacturer Krauss Maffei Extrusion has installed complete pipe extrusion production lines for a large Belgian and German pipe manufacturer. The installation includes the company’s QuickSwitch calibration technology.
Based in Munich, Germany, Krauss Maffei produces various types of equipment as well as railroad locomotives, tanks, self-propelled artillery and other armoured vehicles.
The installation involved two complete pipe lines being installed in the Belgian plants that will manufacture pipe with diameter ranges 25–63mm and 70–160mm.
Core components of the systems were the 36D single-screw extruder, spiral distributor pipehead and the QuickSwitch calibration technology.
The line currently being installed in the German plant will manufacture pipe in the 160-250mm diameter range. This line also features the Internal Pipe Cooling (IPC) system which will enable the producer to step up output without the cost of a longer cooling zone.
The QuickSwitch system increases the production flexibility as it can change pipe dimensions (diameter and wall section) along the entire production line within minutes at the touch of a button. The only waste material resulting from the dimension change is a short piece of tapering pipe.
The labour and material intensive work processes involved in a conventional pipe dimension change are completely eliminated.
QuickSwitch systems are available for producing polyolefin pipe in diameter ranges 25-63mm, 70-160mm and 160-250mm and for PVC pipe 75-160mm diameters.
Based in Munich, Germany, Krauss Maffei produces various types of equipment as well as railroad locomotives, tanks, self-propelled artillery and other armoured vehicles.
The installation involved two complete pipe lines being installed in the Belgian plants that will manufacture pipe with diameter ranges 25–63mm and 70–160mm.
Core components of the systems were the 36D single-screw extruder, spiral distributor pipehead and the QuickSwitch calibration technology.
The line currently being installed in the German plant will manufacture pipe in the 160-250mm diameter range. This line also features the Internal Pipe Cooling (IPC) system which will enable the producer to step up output without the cost of a longer cooling zone.
The QuickSwitch system increases the production flexibility as it can change pipe dimensions (diameter and wall section) along the entire production line within minutes at the touch of a button. The only waste material resulting from the dimension change is a short piece of tapering pipe.
The labour and material intensive work processes involved in a conventional pipe dimension change are completely eliminated.
QuickSwitch systems are available for producing polyolefin pipe in diameter ranges 25-63mm, 70-160mm and 160-250mm and for PVC pipe 75-160mm diameters.
2011年8月7日星期日
Dolphin with a bionic fin has helped the injured - and is now starring in her own Hollywood film
She does backflips and cheekily splashes visitors to her tank just like any other dolphin at the aquarium.
But Winter is a little bit special. She lost her tail in a crab trap when she was a baby... and now shoots through the water with the help of a prosthetic one, specially engineered for her by scientists.
And now the incredible story of her rescue and survival has been turned into a film - with Winter herself taking the starring role alongside Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr in Dolphin Tale.
Winter's story began five years ago when fisherman Jim Savage went out on a freezing cold December morning off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
It was still dark when Jim, who is played by Connick Jr in the film, spotted a baby bottlenose entangled in a trap and fighting to breathe.
Jim, who runs a car repair business, grabbed a knife to cut the mammal free from several thick ropes. "I thought she'd swim off and I'd have a sweet fisherman's tale to tell later in the day," he said. "But she couldn't get away, she was squealing in pain and obviously horribly injured."
Jim called the wildlife authorities, who told him they would send out a marine biologist. He says: "I waited two, maybe three hours, so I kept talking to the dolphin. I'd say, 'You're going to be OK, no one's going to hurt you.' She let me get close and her heart was pumping, her breathing was laboured. She was terrified.
"Her mother had gone, and without her to feed her I didn't think she'd survive. One of the ropes was still caught in her mouth, she was terribly badly injured."
When marine biologist Theresa Mazza arrived, she then sat for five hours in shallow water with Winter while they waited for a marine ambulance.
"When we first got close she was squealing in pain and freaking out," she says. "But once I had her in the shallow water, she lay with her head in my lap. I kept splashing her and tried to shade her from the sun to stop her burning. She had cuts on her tail and mouth.
"Most animals we respond to are sick beyond help, so you try not to get too emotionally involved. But this was my first rescue mission out of college, I was 23, and I talked to her, telling her she'd be OK."
Winter was taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the injuries to her tail were so severe it had to be amputated. But she was remarkably resilient, and defied all expectations. After the operation she learned to swim again, changing her tail's movement from "up and down" to "side to side".
But aquarium staff wanted her to have as normal a life as possible, so they turned to Irish scientist Kevin Carroll, 53, and his partner Dan Strzempka, who run a company in Florida making prosthetics for human amputees.
Touched by Winter's plight they agreed to try to make a false tail for the dolphin.
Kevin, who emigrated from Tipperary 28 years ago, and Dan, who lost his leg in a lawn mower accident when he was four, rose to the challenge, working in their spare time, spending £150,000 of their company's money on prototypes.
In the end it took 18 months to perfect a two-andhalf-foot long silicon tail.
But Winter is a little bit special. She lost her tail in a crab trap when she was a baby... and now shoots through the water with the help of a prosthetic one, specially engineered for her by scientists.
And now the incredible story of her rescue and survival has been turned into a film - with Winter herself taking the starring role alongside Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr in Dolphin Tale.
Winter's story began five years ago when fisherman Jim Savage went out on a freezing cold December morning off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
It was still dark when Jim, who is played by Connick Jr in the film, spotted a baby bottlenose entangled in a trap and fighting to breathe.
Jim, who runs a car repair business, grabbed a knife to cut the mammal free from several thick ropes. "I thought she'd swim off and I'd have a sweet fisherman's tale to tell later in the day," he said. "But she couldn't get away, she was squealing in pain and obviously horribly injured."
Jim called the wildlife authorities, who told him they would send out a marine biologist. He says: "I waited two, maybe three hours, so I kept talking to the dolphin. I'd say, 'You're going to be OK, no one's going to hurt you.' She let me get close and her heart was pumping, her breathing was laboured. She was terrified.
"Her mother had gone, and without her to feed her I didn't think she'd survive. One of the ropes was still caught in her mouth, she was terribly badly injured."
When marine biologist Theresa Mazza arrived, she then sat for five hours in shallow water with Winter while they waited for a marine ambulance.
"When we first got close she was squealing in pain and freaking out," she says. "But once I had her in the shallow water, she lay with her head in my lap. I kept splashing her and tried to shade her from the sun to stop her burning. She had cuts on her tail and mouth.
"Most animals we respond to are sick beyond help, so you try not to get too emotionally involved. But this was my first rescue mission out of college, I was 23, and I talked to her, telling her she'd be OK."
Winter was taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the injuries to her tail were so severe it had to be amputated. But she was remarkably resilient, and defied all expectations. After the operation she learned to swim again, changing her tail's movement from "up and down" to "side to side".
But aquarium staff wanted her to have as normal a life as possible, so they turned to Irish scientist Kevin Carroll, 53, and his partner Dan Strzempka, who run a company in Florida making prosthetics for human amputees.
Touched by Winter's plight they agreed to try to make a false tail for the dolphin.
Kevin, who emigrated from Tipperary 28 years ago, and Dan, who lost his leg in a lawn mower accident when he was four, rose to the challenge, working in their spare time, spending £150,000 of their company's money on prototypes.
In the end it took 18 months to perfect a two-andhalf-foot long silicon tail.
2011年8月3日星期三
In an interview at his factory
SPE also said it wanted to bring a more international focus to the award, which it first gave out in 1983.
Scott Peters, the chair-elect of the SPE Mold Making and Mold Design division, said he recognizes that choosing a Chinese mold maker might be controversial among some in the North American mold making industry, given the cost pressures from China and the economic hard times the U.S. industry has faced in recent years.
But he said Chu was the unanimous choice of the selection committee because his vision fit with that of the Mold Making and Mold Design Division, of growing through technology and employee development.
“He’s not afraid to invest capital, whether human or financial, to make business relationships successful on both sides,” said Peters, who is the operations manager for home decoration firm Hunter Douglas’s Guangzhou, China, factory. “[Chu’s] ability to see that he needs skilled labor and is willing to foster that skilled labor really endeared him to the mold making and mold design division.”
In an interview at his factory, in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, Chu said he is focusing on employee training because labor costs are rising dramatically in the Pearl River Delta, the manufacturing heavy region bordering Hong Kong.
Chu said he raised salaries across the board 25 percent last year, after the local government in Zhongshan raised the minimum wage 15 percent, and announced plans to keep raising minimum wages for the next four years.
China’s central government is encouraging local governments to raise minimum wages to boost living standards.
Chu anticipates he will need to keep raising salaries to stay ahead of that.
“I think everybody doing business in China is facing the same problem,” said Chu. “We have to keep continually training our workers to work efficiently…Everybody knows it’s hard to find workers in the Guangdong area.”
One strategy to address that, Chu said, is an agreement Pacific Master signed with a local school, the GangKou Technical College, to have its students come to his factory for training. He wants to broaden that arrangement.
Chu gave that school 30,000 Chinese yuan (US$4,690) when he won the SPE award. The school also received 3,200 Chinese yuan (US$500), an honorarium made possible by a donation from the DME Co. in Madison Heights, Mich.
Chu said the agreement is not entirely about altruism, though. It also gives Pacific Master first crack at the best students, he said.
Peters, a veteran of the U.S. mold making industry and SPE, said the SPE judges also liked that Pacific Master created separate workshops to build larger, more open tolerance molds, and smaller, more precision molds.
Chu also recognized that he would need to differentiate his company in a competitive environment, Peters said, and developed the capability to make molds to the Class 101 standard, the highest level set by the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. in the United States.
Scott Peters, the chair-elect of the SPE Mold Making and Mold Design division, said he recognizes that choosing a Chinese mold maker might be controversial among some in the North American mold making industry, given the cost pressures from China and the economic hard times the U.S. industry has faced in recent years.
But he said Chu was the unanimous choice of the selection committee because his vision fit with that of the Mold Making and Mold Design Division, of growing through technology and employee development.
“He’s not afraid to invest capital, whether human or financial, to make business relationships successful on both sides,” said Peters, who is the operations manager for home decoration firm Hunter Douglas’s Guangzhou, China, factory. “[Chu’s] ability to see that he needs skilled labor and is willing to foster that skilled labor really endeared him to the mold making and mold design division.”
In an interview at his factory, in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, Chu said he is focusing on employee training because labor costs are rising dramatically in the Pearl River Delta, the manufacturing heavy region bordering Hong Kong.
Chu said he raised salaries across the board 25 percent last year, after the local government in Zhongshan raised the minimum wage 15 percent, and announced plans to keep raising minimum wages for the next four years.
China’s central government is encouraging local governments to raise minimum wages to boost living standards.
Chu anticipates he will need to keep raising salaries to stay ahead of that.
“I think everybody doing business in China is facing the same problem,” said Chu. “We have to keep continually training our workers to work efficiently…Everybody knows it’s hard to find workers in the Guangdong area.”
One strategy to address that, Chu said, is an agreement Pacific Master signed with a local school, the GangKou Technical College, to have its students come to his factory for training. He wants to broaden that arrangement.
Chu gave that school 30,000 Chinese yuan (US$4,690) when he won the SPE award. The school also received 3,200 Chinese yuan (US$500), an honorarium made possible by a donation from the DME Co. in Madison Heights, Mich.
Chu said the agreement is not entirely about altruism, though. It also gives Pacific Master first crack at the best students, he said.
Peters, a veteran of the U.S. mold making industry and SPE, said the SPE judges also liked that Pacific Master created separate workshops to build larger, more open tolerance molds, and smaller, more precision molds.
Chu also recognized that he would need to differentiate his company in a competitive environment, Peters said, and developed the capability to make molds to the Class 101 standard, the highest level set by the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. in the United States.
2011年8月1日星期一
ElringKlinger opens China plant
German auto parts maker ElringKlinger has opened a new factory in the northern Chinese city of Changchun, where it will supply plastic housing modules and metal-elastomer gaskets.
Changchun ElringKlinger doubles the company’s production space in Changchun, in Jilin province, and is in response to increased orders from local customers, the Dettingen-based company said.
Changchun is one of China’s automotive centers, and is home to FAW Volkswagen Automotive Company, a joint venture between China’s First Auto Works, Volkswagen, Audi, with capacity for up to 600,000 cars a year.
ElringKlinger said the facility will also make cylinder head and specialty gaskets. It said it has about 300 employees there.
In 2009, ElringKlinger increased its stake in the facility to 88%, taking an additional 10% ownership position from the State Machinery, Electronics, Light and Textile Industry Investment Corporation, a Changchun-based government investment unit.
The company’s engineering plastics subsidiary ElringKlinger Kunststofftechnik subsidiary makes polytetrafluoroethylene gaskets and components.
Changchun has attracted investment from other German plastics firms lately, with automotive parts supplier Huf Group opening an injection molding facility in Changchun in July.
Changchun ElringKlinger doubles the company’s production space in Changchun, in Jilin province, and is in response to increased orders from local customers, the Dettingen-based company said.
Changchun is one of China’s automotive centers, and is home to FAW Volkswagen Automotive Company, a joint venture between China’s First Auto Works, Volkswagen, Audi, with capacity for up to 600,000 cars a year.
ElringKlinger said the facility will also make cylinder head and specialty gaskets. It said it has about 300 employees there.
In 2009, ElringKlinger increased its stake in the facility to 88%, taking an additional 10% ownership position from the State Machinery, Electronics, Light and Textile Industry Investment Corporation, a Changchun-based government investment unit.
The company’s engineering plastics subsidiary ElringKlinger Kunststofftechnik subsidiary makes polytetrafluoroethylene gaskets and components.
Changchun has attracted investment from other German plastics firms lately, with automotive parts supplier Huf Group opening an injection molding facility in Changchun in July.
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