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N E W S MASTERCAM 2017 RELEASE CNC Software has released its MasterCam 2017 suite of programming tools, focussed on delivery speed, automation and efficiency for machining jobs. Mastercam 2017 features a new ribbon interface and makes it easier to find the functions needed to complete tasks. “Many of our more powerful tools were underused because customers did not know where to find them,” says CNC Software president, Meghan West. “We spent a lot of time with users determining the best way to simplify this, and the response has been overwhelmingly 15 positive.” The ribbon tabs group similar functions and displays them in order from simple to more complex. Each tab relates to a type of activity, from creating wireframe geometry to generating toolpaths. Editing functions are on the same tab as creation functions so you have all the tools you need, when you need them. Dynamic motion technology can slash machine time by as much as 75%, maximises material removal rates, extends tool life, reduces cycle time, cuts hard materials easier and saves machinery wear and tear. New to 2017, micro lifts now use a line-of-sight approach to move the tool where it needs to go through unobstructed areas. Maximum stock engagement for select 3D high speed finishing toolpaths, enables the ability to limit how deeply the cutter engages uncut material and protect smaller tools from taking too heavy of a cut. GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN INNOVATIVE NEW ZEALAND The government is making a major investment in growing innovation in the latest budget through the Innovative New Zealand package to encourage entrepreneurship, skills and economic growth. “Innovative New Zealand is a series of 25 initiatives that will see $761.4 million invested over the next four years in science, skills, tertiary education and regional development initiatives. These will help diversify the economy, and support more jobs and higher wages for New Zealanders in the decade ahead,” economic development minister Steven Joyce says. AURECON MAKES NEW APPOINTMENTS Aurecon, CEO Giam Swiegers, last month announced a number of new leadership appointments. Two senior advisory leaders, Brad McBean and Stuart Cassie have joined the firm; Brad McBean as Aurecon’s global advisory managing director and Stuart Cassie as its ANZ advisory market director. Enhancements: • Preview selected 2D high speed tootpaths in graphics window • Dockable level and plane managers • Improved tool set up in mill-turn • Addition features like line length for drill depth and stock model recognition • Multiaxis now includes 4-axis toolpath, rotary advanced Electricity safety and engineering spotlighted National awards for workplace safety, engineering excellence and young engineer of the year were presented at the Electricity Engineers’ Association Conference in Wellington. “The EEA awards celebrate best practice, recognise achievements and allow the electricity supply industry to share experience and knowledge,” said Peter Berry, executive director of the Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA). Winners of the Workplace Safety Award are Delta Utility Services, for the Arc Flash Estimator Tool, designed to protect electricity workers from shock injury. “The Delta developed tool is proving invaluable in assessing and managing Low Voltage Arc Flash hazards, a very real issue for teams working in the field, and installation designers,” says Mr Berry. “We can see a great future for this tool across our industry.” The project sprung from industry requirements around arc flash prevention, and safety in design. The initiative involved staff engagement at all levels to gather and assess vital, site specific information and manage risk while working on or near live lines or equipment. “I would like to acknowledge the passionate people involved in this project,” says Rob Douglas, power systemse Engineer of Delta Utility Services. “It’s putting a tool in the hands of many people, improving safety.” The EEA Engineering Excellence Award was presented to Meridian Energy for its Manapouri transformer project, delivering 100 tonne transformers over challenging terrain and installing rapidly. “Designing, manufacturing and moving 100 tonne transformers across the sea, over remote and steep gravel roads and then down a tunnel 200 metres underground is no easy task,” explains Mr Berry. “Yet design to delivery was just 19 weeks, after routine maintenance found faults in three of the seven existing transformers, installed five decades ago.” The project overcame all logistical hurdles, and involved people from Meridian, transport companies, manufacturers, environmental, regulatory and biosecurity agencies, local authorities and business. Transformer supply included design, manufacture and shipping. Site enabling works included removing the old transformers and getting wharf and roads ready. Installation included control systems design, and to add to the challenge implementation took place over Christmas with units brought online as quickly as possible. “Thank you to the EEA. I am accepting this award on behalf of Meridian,” says project delivery manager Nick Horswell. “But also on behalf of the project team, which consisted of about 120 people. It’s a remarkable achievement.” The winner of the 2016 EEA Young Engineer of the Year Award was Dr Rowan Sinton of Meridian Energy. Mr Sinton received his doctorate in the ‘blue sky research’ area of plasma science around long distance exploding wires. He has worked in HV labs in Austria and Switzerland, and for PBA on primary plant, protection and hydro generation. At Meridian Energy he has proven his technical, communication, and leadership capabilities at a tender age, providing a technical lead role in major capital projects. His nomination from senior managers stated; ‘Rowan has brought a different perspective to the team and a different way of looking at and resolving issues’. As part of this Award, Mr Sinton will be representing New Zealand, joining top young power engineers from around the world, as a guest of the IEC at their 2016 Young Professionals Workshop in October, part of the IEC general meeting in Frankfurt, Germany. EEA and Standards NZ will be jointly supporting his attendance at this event. Mr Sinton praised the mentors who had guided his engineering career to date and nominated him for the award. “I really appreciate what they wrote and I’m happy to receive this award,” he says. “The nominations and entries to these awards clearly demonstrate that the Electricity Supply Industry has many highly skilled, innovative and dedicated engineers and safety professionals,” says Mr Berry. Young Engineer of the Year Dr Rowan Sinton, Meridian Energy http://tinyurl.com/homjka3


EN-Jul16
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