Aston Pennsylvania – Amacoil-Uhing Model RS drive nuts provide smooth backlash-free linear motion in machine design. Unlike a screw, the RS drive nut runs on a smooth shaft. This eliminates the potential for debris to become trapped in threads which could then clog or jam. If material does fall onto the shaft, it is easily removed by wiping the shaft with a clean cloth. Should an object somehow become caught between the nut and the shaft bearing end support, the drive simply slips until the operator can remove the obstruction. Slipping, as opposed to the churning and grinding associated with screw-based systems, prevents damage to the nut and other components in the linear motion system which, in turn, reduces downtime for repairs and enables more consistent production rates.

Designers of automated machinery requiring a linear motion component will find RS drive nuts meet requirements for a variety of indexing and reciprocating linear motion applications. When integrated with sensing devices such as a linear scale, RS drive nuts provide high accuracy, back-lash free linear motion in material handling machines, winding equipment, test and measurement devices, metrology machinery, packaging machines, and other converting and finishing equipment. Continue to read full article

Darren’s knowledge and expertise are a strong fit for SCNZ as the organisation moves forward. He has 28 years of sales and marketing, and business development experience, gained largely in the building and construction industry. He joins SCNZ from Fletcher Aluminium, a division of Fletcher Building, where he was for 16 years. Prior to that Darren held positions at BHP New Zealand Steel, Solid Energy, Marley NZ and Plyco Doors. He has also just ended his time on the board of industry organisation the Window Association NZ where he served for 12 years, seven as Chairman.

Darren says: "I’m delighted to be joining such a progressive industry. In the last decade New Zealand’s structural steel sector has invested significantly in people, equipment and technology to boost capacity, quality and efficiency. It has proactively introduced Steel Fabricator Certification, an industry-led quality initiative to set itself apart from offshore suppliers.

"The present climate presents both challenges and opportunities. I’m looking forward to supporting the industry on the next phase of its journey as it continues to grow and develop."

Darren replaces Alistair Fussell, who is stepping down from the role after 11 years. Alistair plans to establish a structural engineering consultancy and will continue his association with SCNZ on a contract basis.

Up-and-coming engineering students and graduates will be given a head start in the industry thanks to Milmeq’s graduate, scholarship and internship programmes.

Engineering students from Massey, Canterbury and Auckland Universities are offered the chance to intern at Milmeq during their summer break, with opportunities to go on to the graduate programme.

Auckland University Mechanical Engineering student and 2015/16 intern Ryan Ennor says working in the Auckland office to complete his professional hours was a valuable experience. “Many of the engineers at Milmeq have been here a long time and have a lot of knowledge to share. Working closely with them has really helped me to broaden my understanding and knowledge base.”

During their time at Milmeq the interns assist the company in innovation projects, aimed at providing enhancements to existing technologies and development of new technologies. This enables them to complete the 400 hours each of practical and professional engineering experience required as part of their degree.

In addition to the internship, Milmeq also offers a scholarship, to the value of $3000, for an engineering student at Auckland University to go towards their final year of study.

This year’s recipient was Evan Simmers who also worked in the Milmeq Auckland office during his summer break. “My 10 weeks at Milmeq helped me develop my innovative thinking and problem solving skills. I think more than anything, the open and collaborative culture at Milmeq is what I enjoyed the most," Mr Simmers says.

Newly-qualified engineers are also given a leg up at Milmeq through their graduate programme. Milmeq employs newly qualified engineers every year in graduate positions. Graduates are often sourced from those who have successfully completed internships, although applications are also opened up to those outside the programme.

New graduate Thomas Craig joined Milmeq’s Dunedin-based team in November last year after interning at the company the previous summer. “In my role I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and put a lot of the theory I learnt in my degree into practical application,” Thomas says. “It’s fantastic getting to work alongside highly experienced engineers – I find myself learning something new every day.”

Milmeq CEO Mike Lightfoot says fostering new engineering talent is a major focus for the company. “Our internship, scholarship and graduate programmes are an integral component of our business,” Mr Lightfoot says. “These students and graduates are the future of the industry so we are focussed on creating a pathway to bring new talent into our business. This is an essential ingredient for long term growth and sustainability - having mix of experience and youth in our engineering team encourages us to constantly challenge the way things are done, and this in turn drives innovation.”

A Milmeq news release

Snorkel unveiled its new 460SJ mid-sized telescopic boom lift at the HIRE 16 trade show in Queensland, Australia, May 5-6.

5 May 2016 - Available globally, the 460SJ is part of a new family of four telescopic boom lifts introduced by Snorkel this year. The family also includes the 660SJ, officially launched in mid April at Bauma 2016 in Munich, Germany.

Built to last, the all-steel Snorkel 460SJ delivers 46-ft. (16.0 m) platform height, 40'0" (12.2 m) outreach, and can lift up to 600 lbs. (272 kg).

The 460SJ features a 6'7" (2.0 m) jib that can articulate 135°, and the lift is also available without the jib, as the model 400S, with a platform height of 33'6" (12.2 m).

Fitted with a fixed axle as standard, the 460SJ delivers excellent rough-terrain performance thanks to a traction manifold that always delivers oil to all four wheels for continuous 4-wheel drive, with the ability to climb grades to 50%. An oscillating axle is optional.

The 460SJ features Snorkel’s new tri-entry removable platform and Snorkel Guard secondary guarding system as standard. Proportional joystick controls operate all functions, including platform rotation and leveling.

At HIRE 16, the Snorkel 460SJ is on display alongside the larger Snorkel 660SJ in Ahern Australia’s stand in the Outdoor Area (A8).

Both models are now available for ordering worldwide.

At the show, Ahern Australia is also officially launching Snorkel’s new line of hydraulically driven electric scissor lifts. The new Snorkel electric scissor lift line includes six models, three of which will be on display at the show. The S3219E, S3226E and S4732E will make their first appearance in the Australian market, showcasing features such as twin-door ‘inside-out’ access to components, upsized kingpins, dual shear scissor stack for increased rigidity, and on-board diagnostics for easy maintenance. The new scissor lifts are now available to order.

HIRE 16 is also seeing Ahern showcase telehandlers and trailers manufactured in Snorkel’s New Zealand facility, including two products designed specifically for the Australian market. The MHP13AT is a robust and reliable towable boom lift, offering 12.9m working height and 6.4m of outreach, that is ideal for tradespeople and facilities maintenance. The Snorkel S2255RT is a narrow and lightweight compact rough terrain scissor lift that can lift up 420kg to a working height of 8.5m. Designed predominantly for working in constricted areas on uneven ground, this lift can be towed on a trailer behind any vehicle with 3.0 tonne GVM or greater, making it ideal for multi-site applications.

Ahern Australia will also display an Xtreme Manufacturing XR1255 rough-terrain telehandler at the show. Now available to order in Australia, the heavy duty XR1255 can lift up to 5,400 kg and has a maximum reach of 16.0m, making it ideal for multi-story construction projects.

A Lift&Access Release