SOUTHMACH IS BACK FOR 2017 The South Island’s premier technology trade show for the Engineering, Manufacturing and Electronics industries. 24-25 MAY 2017 Horncastle Arena, Christchurch UP BOX+ 3D Printer. 100+ exhibiting companies. 2 full days of industry led seminars featuring hot topics such as Industry 4.0, Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Automation and Collaborative Product Design. World Class Kiwi Design, Technology and special features. Best-practise workshops and VIP networking functions. Free to Attend Register now using promo code: NZENG www.southmach.co.nz Wed 24 May 9am – 6pm, Thurs 25 May 9am – 4pm Register and attend for your chance to win a Ford SPONSORED BY SUPPORTED BY ORGANISED BY FUJI XEROX HELPS SILENCE THE DRONES 34 May 2017 T&C’s apply, see website for details Register and attend for your chance to win RRP NZ$3,650.00 The catalyst that moved them to start Dotterel came after government agency Callaghan Innovation ran a competition two years ago, featuring UAVs. Mat Rowe says, “They were looking at what sort of issues existed around UAVs and we could see that noise created significant issues for them. In fact, we felt that noise was the biggest problem.” With degrees in engineering, avionics, electronics, and computer engineering and practical experience in those sectors, the teamteam found they possessed the ideal mix of knowledge and skills to take the step into researching and developing their ideas around noise reduction. Since then, solving the problem of noise in UAVs has kept Dotterel busy. He says, “This issue is applicable across all the markets for UAVs and even in areas where UAVs aren’t used that much.” From the beginning, they saw the advantages of making their own prototypes. Starting with one 3D printer, Dotterel now has seven and has just installed a 3D Systems ProJet MJP 3600 Series printer, purchased through Fuji Xerox New Zealand. Mat says, “One of the first things we brought into the company was a 3D printer. That was a build your own kit but we have moved on from those basic units. We are now moving into the high end. 3D printing fits the market for prototyping and we aren’t a manufacturer; we are in research and development and into bespoke prototyping. “We are always busy, always designing and always iterating: making the same thing but better. What 3D printing gives us is the ability to rapidly prototype our designs. It enables us to do that in house without the expense and time of going external. So we retain control over that process as well. The printer we are getting from Fuji Xerox will enable us to do things we can’t do now.” The addition of Anita Frost as 3D design and manufacturing lead, adds design depth to the team. Anita recently took out the Molly Morpeth Canaday Youth Art Award. Specifically designed for manufacturing high-performance parts in advanced plastics at high throughput, the MJP 3600 series offers a high capacity build volume; print speeds up to two times faster than similar class printers; and automated batch post-processing. Mat says, “A major factor in getting a high end 3D printer is build volume. The time is the limitation. That is why we currently have seven of them. Right now, we need more parts, faster; we need greater flexibility; and we need accelerated design iteration and validation. This will give us a big enough build volume for now but, at some stage, we will want to go bigger again.” Fuji Xerox supplies a range of 3D Systems printers. He says, “We chose Fuji Xerox because it is a trusted brand and we knew about 3D Systems, which has been making 3D printers since they were invented because it is one of the patent holders and inventors of the technology. Its printers are the standard; they offer speed and efficiency. We know we aren’t getting a first generation printer, but having worked for a number of companies, I know that buying the first of something is never a good place to be. “Fuji Xerox has a big range and has already sold a few of these models in New Zealand. It can offer us the support and service we will need and we look forward to having a strong partnership with the market leader in New Zealand. As an emerging company, we have enough of our own risks without taking on other peoples’.” Dotterel has placed itself at the sharp end of business research and development. After an initial helping hand from Callaghan Innovation, the team at Dotterel has worked hard and smart to position the company for success. The new printer will speed that process but it doesn’t come easily. Mat says, “This is a big investment for us. We aren’t a university; we are buying these things because we need them.” The nascent company’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by some big players in other industries. He says, “There are a number of high profile companies in the UAV space. For instance, we have some movie companies interested in what we are doing.” Dotterel will make full use of the new 3D printer and will build on its partnerships. Mat adds, “Business is about relationships and it is also about what we can do in house. Coming from almost nothing, we are now looking at offshore investment. And now Fuji Xerox is along for the ride.” In August 2015, brothers Mat, Seamus, and Shaun founded Dotterel Technologies to develop noise reduction solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), otherwise known as drones. 3D printing plays a significant role in the company’s programme.
EN-May17-eMag
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