Zenno Astronautics and ANA Trading rollout superconducting space technologies in Japan
New Zealand-headquartered Zenno Astronautics (Zenno), the space superconductor company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ANA Trading to deploy Zenno’s superconducting technologies for space applications in the Japanese market. ANA Trading is a member of ANA Group, Japan’s leading airline group. With the slogan “Next Stop, Space”, ANA Group has […]
Countries successfully growing their manufacturing – and what they are doing right
From Brazil to Singapore, here’s how six countries are rethinking manufacturing. From the climate crisis and geopolitical headwinds to next-generation technologies, a series of complex challenges are rewriting the rulebook for global value chains. Against this backdrop, what are manufacturers and supply chain companies doing to ensure their operations are […]
Masdar City’s Net-Zero Model Sets Sustainability Benchmark, but AI Holds Key for Aging Cities, Experts Claim
A new white paper from Masdar City highlights the UAE’s leadership in net-zero urban development. Energy experts say that net-zero strategies could also be applied to most cities worldwide, even when the biggest challenge is in retrofitting old existing buildings. Built as a purpose-driven net-zero city, Masdar eliminates the need […]
How manufacturers can adapt to workforce changes through flexible working environments
Liam Merrick, sales engineer, ECI Solutions New Zealand’s manufacturing sector faces a significant challenge amid an ongoing skills and labour shortage. The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) reports that 71 per cent of employers can’t find skilled people, an increase from 40 per cent in 2022, and 90 per cent […]
From Survive to Thrive: FMCG Strategies for Growth and Profitability in 2025
Chris Foord, Partner, Argon & Co New Zealand As we look forward to 2025 the outlook for business and NZ are improving. Many businesses in 2024 were focused on the “survive till 2025” mindset, controlling costs and avoiding discretionary spend. Very few though forgot about the consumer/customer and the need […]
How to build the skills needed for the age of AI
AI is changing how we work and what skills workers need to thrive in a world of intelligent machines and cognitive computing. Only a sliver of education initiatives are devoted to AI and these are not yet integrated into most education systems. Collaborative initiatives between education and industry can accelerate […]
BW Converting launches e-learning platform for enhanced customer training
New online training solution complements on-site training, offers flexible learning options and helps customers manage workforce challenges BW Converting has launched an e-learning platform aimed at transforming customer training across its entire brand portfolio. Designed to provide flexibility and support operational efficiency, this online resource allows customers to access detailed […]
Clearing the Way: Accelerating Industry 4.0 Adoption through Global Benchmarking
Adam Sharman, Senior Partner, Dsifer Introduction As organisations look for productivity gains, competitive advantages in agility scalability and sustainability, more and more are looking to technology to support, augment or accelerate their operations. A recent report from Westpac identified that, whilst digital tech adoption is growing, New Zealand’s manufacturers have […]
Securing the Smart Factory
Attributed to: Alex Nehmy, Field Chief Security Officer, Critical Industries, Japan & Asia Pacific, Palo Alto Networks The incredibly competitive manufacturing industry has evolved from labour-intensive manual processes to progressively more intelligent systems driven by the computing power of the digital revolution. Even more so with the supply chain shifts […]
Manufacturing and Production Industry is Fighting a 41% Increase in Ransomware Attacks over Four Years
By Sandra Lee, Managing Director of Southeast Asia and Korea, Sophos Wrapping up the first half of 2024, the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) is set to be the fastest growing region of the world economy1. It accounted for more than half of global GDP growth with the manufacturing industry becoming one […]
CT Semiconductor Inaugurates ATP Chip Semiconductor Training Center
HANOI, Vietnam. On October 1st, 2024, The ATP Semiconductor Chip Technician Training Center CT Semiconductor (a member of CT Group) was officially inaugurated and commenced operations at the National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, Hanoi. The ATP Semiconductor Chip Technician Training Center at NIC is part of […]
Energy Experts on AI Tools for Building’s Sustainability:“Triple Win for Businesses, People, and Planet”
Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio Research studies continue to highlight that aside from environmental benefits, AI-based platforms in building energy management deliver economic savings and improve occupant well-being. Energy experts provide real-case examples for these tools. Vilnius, Lithuania. Numerous studies delve into the potential of AI for buildings and their […]
BLT Supports Successful 10km-Level Flight and Recovery Test of Longyun Liquid Oxygen-methane Engine
On June 23, 2024, JiuZhou Yunjian (Beijing) Space Technology Co., Ltd. achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of a 10km-level flight and recovery test of its Longyun liquid oxygen-methane engine at the Jiuquan Dongfeng Launch Site. This maiden flight evaluation showcased stable performance across all parameters, including flawless execution of start-up, shut-down sequences, thrust vectoring, and modulation. This landmark test represents China’s largest-scale vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flight trial for reusable rockets to date. It marks the inaugural deployment of a domestically developed deep-throttleable liquid oxygen-methane engine in a 10km-level return flight. The test rigorously validated the VTOL configuration of a 3.8-meter diameter rocket body, showcasing advancements in high-load landing cushioning technology, large-thrust, highly throttleable, reusable propulsion technology, and precision navigation and guidance control for return landings, along with advanced health monitoring technology. BLT played a crucial role in this achievement by providing extensive metal additive manufacturing support. This included the development of critical components such as thrust chamber parts and turbopump components, leveraging innovative approaches to enhance production efficiency and component quality. Longyun liquid oxygen methane engine completes 10km-level flight recovery test. Innovative Solutions for Critical Engine Components The thrust chamber cap, integral to the functionality of the liquid oxygen-methane engine by transmitting thrust and housing propellants, has historically posed manufacturing challenges due to its reliance on segmented welding methods. These methods are susceptible to cracking under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. Addressing these challenges, BLT opted for the high-temperature alloy In718 for its superior properties. Utilising the BLT-S450 printing machine, BLT achieved integrated manufacturing of the thrust chamber cap in just seven days. This approach not only ensures exceptional precision and product quality but also accelerates manufacturing timelines, facilitating rapid technological advancements and enhanced development efficiency for our clients. Pioneering Advances in Turbopump […]