Manufacturing Software

Testing machine advances filtration, face mask development and effectiveness

New Zealand nanofibre manufacturer Revolution Fibres has made a significant investment in a testing machine to enhance the development and performance of its filtration media. The PALAS PMFT 1000 testing rig – one of the world’s leading machines for testing protective face masks and filtration efficiency – analyses the ability of masks to filter particles, bacteria, and viruses such as Covid-19. Overseas, to help contain Covid-19 spread and better protect frontline health workers and patients during the pandemic, PALAS has been providing numerous hospitals with the ability to test the protective masks they use. Revolution Fibres’ new PALAS machine is the first of its kind in New Zealand. Ray Connor, Revolution Fibres CEO, says the machine is key to advancing the performance of its SETA nanofibre filter media product which is used in face masks that meet and exceed N95 and N99 standards. “The PALAS enables us to test face masks to ensure they meet required standards and properly protect people and health workers who are on the frontline of the pandemic in New Zealand and around the world.” The pedigree of PALAS’ technology speaks for itself, says Connor, with its certified fine dust measurement, in the context of environmental monitoring, making it one of the most important partners for manufacturers and suppliers when testing filters and filter media. PALAS gives Revolution Fibres the opportunity to test its filters instantly at the required international standards, as opposed to sending the material overseas to be tested. Once its products are ready to take to market, they are then sent to a third-party testing lab for certification. “Research and development are at the heart of what we do and the PALAS enables us to continue to analyse, develop, and advance new filter media applications before taking them to market.” The testing […]

Hexagon and Authentise partner to deliver first open end-to-end software for additive manufacturing

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Authentise have partnered to extend the Additive Manufacturing (AM) control loop from the machine level to connect the end-to-end value chain from design, manufacturing operations and quality assurance to make additive manufacturing more predictable, repeatable and traceable. Data from shopfloor manufacturing operations, engineering data from the design phase, materials properties and quality data from validation and inspection processes hold the key to automating serial production improvements and enabling design improvements. However, the technical challenge of connecting these silos and applying these data have inhibited the ability to consistently apply AM to new designs. New solutions delivered through the partnership will apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) with Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to mitigate waste and quality issues during the design phase and improve the repeatability of additive manufacturing processes within a site or between global locations. Through the partnership, Hexagon and Authentise will build solutions to industrialise AM technology by digitising every step of the workflow from part design through production to final product and quality assurance utilising their unique stack of technology capabilities to connect the digital thread of a part and trace its pedigree. This is made possible by a shared commitment to open architectures that integrate data and automate workflows between Hexagon´s best-of-breed applications for AM and the third-party equipment and software manufacturers chose to use. Mathieu Pérennou, Global Business Development Director Additive Manufacturing, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division says, “Together with Authentise, we are building a next-generation framework for our customers to manage flexible, fully digitised production workflows in private cloud environments. “For manufacturers, AM is a complex and changing market with many excellent tools, printers and materials to apply. We believe our open and flexible systems will enable us to respond quickly to customer’s needs and integrate with […]

Nintex unveils major enhancements to Workflow Cloud

Nintex, the global standard for process management and automation, announced significant enhancements to its cloud-first process automation solution, Nintex Workflow Cloud, including a market first offering – the ability for customers to quickly and easily create workflows that include robotic process automation (RPA) bots. This new feature within Nintex Workflow Cloud called Nintex Gateway, provides two-way, drag-and-drop interaction between workflows and bots. In addition, Nintex subscription-based workflow customers now have access to RPA bots included with their current service. With Nintex Gateway, customers utilise bots to achieve end-to-end automation across a much broader set of process scenarios. Process workflows can also delegate tasks to Nintex RPA bots that mimic human keystrokes and mouse clicks to interact with apps, systems, services, and websites through their existing screens and interfaces. This results in less work being assigned back to the user and helps organisations leverage cloud workflow capabilities while protecting their on-premises investments. Nintex Workflow Cloud enhancements accelerate configuration, results and compliance Additional new features within Nintex Workflow Cloud include easy testing of workflows as they are built. This helps workflow designers get quick feedback to ensure their workflows are correctly configured before they are published. Workflow designers can also activate new “task authentication” features to require the person assigned to execute a task to first log into Nintex Workflow Cloud, ensuring that only authorised users may take that action. Existing Nintex Workflow Enterprise customers will now have full access to attended and unattended RPA bots within their current workflow subscriptions to enhance the value of their automation with Nintex RPA bots. Nintex customers can create and train RPA bots to execute specific automation tasks – called botflows – just like they create workflows today with Nintex. This means that Nintex customers can allocate existing workflows towards deploying botflows, providing enormous automation […]

The Interview: FARO

Spokesperson: CHEW Beow Kwan, Product Marketing Associate Manager, Asia Pacific, FARO Technologies. Please tell us what BuildIT Construction is all about? The BuildIT Construction software leverages on FARO’s cutting-edge 3D metrology capability. FARO is to first to offer this fully integrated building lifecycle Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) management tool empowering construction professionals to continuously evaluate projects with real time comparisons against CAD designs using 3D scan data. The software from FARO uniquely enables laser scanner users to perform immediate, real-time build and verify analysis throughout the entire project, and facilitates a new level of cost management and operational efficiency. BuildIT Construction can be fully integrated with 3D data collected from FARO Focus Laser Scanners, optimised for the FARO Tracer Laser Projector for placement and layout of structural components and is compatible with the FARO Laser Tracker for prefabricated modular positioning. It can also be used seamlessly with other third-party hardware. Where do you see this software being used most? Application areas that will benefit most from the BuildIT Construction software include Architecture, Civil Engineering/Surveying, Construction, Facility Management, Historical Preservation, and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP). AEC professionals will find the software useful for: Verifying accuracy of scan data to design models Detecting incorrect placement or missing features such as walls, columns, beams, pipes, etc. Performing important measurements accurately and quickly Inspecting construction for adherence to building standards Verifying shifts and movements within structural performance over time with 4D analysis Performing real time monitoring of adjacent structures throughout the project lifecycle Is there much construction underway across ASEAN? Prospects for construction in the ASEAN region is generally bright. According to the Global Construction 2030 Report[1], the ASEAN construction market is expected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030, with growth predominantly driven by labor intensive light manufacturing industries moving to […]

Autodesk powers the future of manufacturing and construction with Forge

Partnership with Dropbox and an Investment in Assemble Systems enables better cloud collaboration By Brian Roepke, senior director, Forge Product Management At Autodesk University, Autodesk announced that developers and customers of all sizes are adopting its Forge developer platform to build and deploy apps and services to drive the future of making things in manufacturing and construction. A new platform update has also been launched to make building on Forge even easier. Next-generation cloud application framework The design and engineering world is undergoing a major disruption from a single-user, file-based, desktop CAD experience to a deeply collaborative, highly tailored and simple-to-use database in the cloud CAD environment. To help with the ongoing efforts in streamlining end-to-end workflows, the Reality Capture API is now available. Autodesk will soon launch a host of new capabilities on Forge, including enhancements to the BIM 360 API and the Design Automation API will soon be available for integration with Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Inventor. Additionally, a new Webhooks API will let Forge users quickly and easily connect their applications to popular 3rd party apps. Autodesk is also working to release new platform solutions that sits on top of a powerful cloud service that enables our customers to build on the Forge platform and deliver custom solutions and workflows to their audience. The Forge Application Framework Software Development Kit will contain re-usable and modular components including High Frequency Data Management, Solid Modelling and Web Graphics to customise the Forge experience, as well as tools for easy app building and publishing. Cloud-native and always connected, Forge is the platform from which Autodesk is building industry specific experiences spanning design, make and use for each of our major industries, including manufacturing and industrialised construction. In a new partnership with Dropbox, Forge is being leveraged to enable native .DWG […]

Seequent launches Leapfrog EDGE for mineral resource estimation

Seequent, world leader in visualisation solutions for earth, environment and energy challenges, has launched mineral resource estimation solution Leapfrog EDGE. Leapfrog EDGE supports and advances industry practices in mineral resource estimation by applying the highly dynamic, intuitive and visual capabilities that Leapfrog 3D geological modelling solutions are world-renowned for. In a streamlined workflow, Leapfrog EDGE introduces innovative 3D visualisation to resource estimation alongside industry standard tools for estimating, domaining, geostatistical evaluation and reporting. Seequent’s solutions turn complexity to clarity by transforming complex data into clear geological understanding. Leapfrog EDGE was developed in collaboration with industry experts and is available either within the Leapfrog Geo geological modelling solution, or as an individual product. Shaun Maloney, Chief Executive of Seequent (formerly ARANZ Geo), says “Reliable resource estimation is critical to create confidence for all levels of decision makers. The geological model is the foundation of any resource estimate so it was a natural progression to develop a Leapfrog solution for resource estimation. “Leapfrog EDGE builds on the success of Leapfrog Geo which allows 3D geological models to be built in a very dynamic and intuitive way.” Integrated workflow Using Leapfrog EDGE within Leapfrog Geo creates a fully integrated workflow between the geological model and the resource model, allowing users to stay in the very visual and dynamic Leapfrog environment. Estimates are built from the Leapfrog model, avoiding data corruption and error. A key feature of this integration, is ‘dynamic updating’, where users can add data or revise their interpretations at any stage in the workflow and these changes will automatically flow downstream and update. Seequent Director of Product and Innovation Tim Schurr, says, “This seamless connection increases confidence as the user can give a stronger emphasis to providing a robust geological model to underpin the estimate. Introducing this simple but substantial step delivers […]

Promapp process management software supports global expansion

Medifab, a leading New Zealand headquartered medical device company, has announced the deployment of Promapp’s cloud-based business process management software to support the company’s global expansion as well as compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration and international quality standards. Medifab’s products make a positive difference to the lives of persons with a disability through the provision of leading edge postural support solutions for a wide range of special needs. It offers more than 130 products which include everything from wheelchairs, standing aids, beds and bathroom aids through to strollers and push chairs, indoor seating, car seats and harnesses. Operating in a highly regulated industry, the company must comply with significant quality systems and regulatory requirements to meet its customers’ needs. These requirements are intended to ensure that Medifab consistently designs, produces and markets medical devices that are safe and effective for their intended purpose. Indeed, the latest revisions in global quality standards and regulations has meant an increased emphasis and focus at Medifab to identify and manage its product and business risks. In recent years the company’s manufacturing and operations centre has been certified to the ISO 9001 Quality System and ISO 14001 Environment Management standard. However, Medifab’s growth and business plans to export to overseas markets requires compliance with specific Medical Device regulations, in particular ISO 13485 (Medial Devices Quality management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes) and the USA FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations, 21 CFR 820. These regulations govern the methods and controls Medifab uses to design, manufacture, package, label, store, distribute and service its products. Finding the Right Solution Medifab went to market for a solution which would support the organisation’s ability to meet the requirements of the global market. A business process management tool would also support the creation of the […]

Solidworks Simulation Professional

Product Engineers can efficiently evaluate structural product performance under a wide range of physical scenarios using the powerful virtual testing environment of Solidworks Simulation Professional. Fully embedded with Solidworks 3D CAD, Solidworks Simulation Professional enables engineers to determine product mechanical resistance, product durability, natural frequencies, and test heat transfer and buckling instabilities. Pressure vessel analysis and complex loading is also supported. You can optimise products for weight, vibration, or instability based on a range of physical and geometrical parameters. With tight integration and a consistent user interface across Solidorks solutions, you can use the powerful capabilities of Solidworks Simulation Professional early in the design process to maximize product quality and reduce costs.

SOLIDWORKS 2017 delivers the power

SOLIDWORKS 2017 is the 24th annual release of CAD (MCAD, ECAD), simulation, data management and collaboration tools that delivers the power users need to drive innovation. In this release, 90 percent of the enhancements are driven by user feedback. This year, there are more than 250 new features and enhancements in CAD alone with a total of 520 new enhancements spread across all products. Beyond improving day-to-day productivity, approximately 20 percent of those involve new innovations. There are many core CAD enhancements such as variable Chamfer, super features that convert Chamfer to a Fillet for flexible modelling, advanced hole, enhancements to import mesh files, wrap feature, offset surface, better placement of components while mating that can deliver up to 5X in performance improvements over SOLIDWORKS 2016. Magnetic mates with speedpack enhancements makes it fast and easy to manage large modular assemblies. Like CAD, there are many innovations in simulation with advanced nonlinear (arc length control), better visualisation of hot spots, etc. There are over 100 enhancements in SOLIDWORKS Electrical alone. Extending the ECAD ecosystem, there is SOLIDWORKS PCB powered by Altium, and SOLIDWORKS 2017 is the first full major release for SOLIDWORKS PCB. Customers can now design a full system from PCB boards to electrical wiring, to mechanical and simulation of its connected device in a single environment. The best-in-class collaboration between mechanical, electrical and PCB engineers allows SOLIDWORKs customers to decrease development costs, significantly improve time to market and reduce the number of prototypes and errors. New in SOLIDWORKS 2017 is Term Licensing in additional to perpetual licensing model. This allows SOLIDWORKS customers to scale on demand, purchase from OPEX budget and entrepreneurs and startups to design in SOLIDWORKS while getting a Term License. Customers will have full flexibility – they can purchase SOLIDWORKS as Perpetual or a quarterly/annual Term License options. With […]

3D mapping more accurate

PIC CAP:This new mapping software technology allows monthly updates and handling of massive data and can cater for the needs in the big data era. It can be used in topographic mapping and 3D modelling of cities for smart city development. A new 3D mapping model integrates multi-platform satellite/aerial imagery and laser scanning data to achieve a higher accuracy in mapping products by 26-66% to centimetre level compared to the conventional mapping technologies. The two major traditional 3D mapping techniques are photogrammetry using satellite/aerial imagery and laser scanning. The former offers higher accuracy in the horizontal direction while the latter shows higher accuracy in vertical direction. They may produce errors at different levels and there are usually inconsistences between the mapping products derived from them. To eliminate data errors and integrate the advantages of the existing technologies, Prof. Wu Bo at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)’s Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics developed a “Novel Integrated 3D Mapping Model”. Integrating multi-platform satellite/aerial imagery and laser scanning data, the technology greatly improved the accuracy in mapping products by 26-66% to centimetre level. The cost of the mapping products produced by this model is more or less the same as the satellite imagery. This new technology allows monthly updates and handling of massive data and can cater for the needs in the big data era. It can be used in topographic mapping and 3D modelling of cities for smart city development. For example, it is particularly useful in analysing ventilation, visibility and sunlight distribution between buildings. The invention won a Gold Medal and Special Merit Award from the Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University, Russia, at the 44th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.

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