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ENoct17-eMag-2

N E W S NZ economy: keep calm, carry on The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the quarter shows strong growth over several sectors of the New Zealand economy, with key economic indicators pointing to better than 3% growth over the forecast period. Construction, manufacturing, services, tourism and agriculture are performing strongly, says BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope. "Inflation remains well under control, helped by a relatively strong NZ dollar, which is also offsetting rises in international commodity prices. "It now looks as though interest rates will remain on hold longer than expected - good for many business balance sheets. "While there are a number of risks to the economy, including household debt levels and infrastructure pressures, most economic indicators are positive." The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index is now at 15 for the September 2017 quarter, up four on the last quarter, and up five on a year ago. The Economic Conditions Index tracks 33 economic indicators including GDP, export volumes, commodity prices, inflation, debt and business and consumer confidence. www.engineeringnews.co.nz 13 BOC unveils its biggest welding product of year Leading gases and engineering company BOC has announced a revamp of its welding range with the launch of eight new welding models that offer the latest in welding technology to New Zealand fabricators and businesses. Richard Fowles, senior product manager of Welding Products says the new welding range is affordable and easy to use, with advanced electronics and digital control that focus on delivering improved safety and quality. “Safety is a top priority for BOC and our customers. With new legislative changes in electrical safety, our machines now carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) required by all welding manufacturers in New Zealand. “Whether it’s small fabrication jobs or automated robotic applications, BOC understands the need to have machines that provide the right power capacity and processes to deliver a quality job. Many of the new models will upgrade or replace products in our current range, designed to deliver the best welding experience.” Portability and convenience Four new lightweight and portable models offer excellent reliability and performance. The new BOC Smootharc MMA131vrd and MMA171vrd models are perfect for fabricators on the go, with new TIG capabilities and voltage reduction devices that reduce open circuit voltage to safer levels. While the new BOC Smootharc multi-process 180 and BOC Smootharc MIG181 models come with optional spool guns (purchased separately) for added convenience. Remote models with extra power Two remote power workhorses, Smootharc advance II MIG250R single phase and Smootharc advance II MIG400R three-phase offer MMA capability. Internal toolboxes contain a Binzel MIG torch, regulator, wire feeder, inter connecting cable, wire feed rollers, gas hose with quick release, electrode holder and work return lead. Advanced German technology from EWM As the exclusive distributor of the German welding brand EWM, BOC now offers two digital, high-end machines -the Tetrix 230 ACDC Comfort 2.0 TIG inverter (with MMA capabilities) and the multi-functional Phoenix 405 progress pulse (MIG/MAG with MMA, TIG and arc air gouging functionalities). Technical manager for specialised manufacturing at BOC Peter Kuebler says the introduction of EWM patented processes allow users to gain the best possible results when welding. “Our new EWM welding machines offer solutions for the simple task right through to complex automated robotic applications. We offer users gas, equipment and the technical expertise required to get those tricky jobs done.” BOC’s new welding range is now available in New Zealand. The new welding models include: • BOC Smootharc MMA 131vrd • BOC Smootharc MMA 171vrd • BOC Smootharc Multi-process 180 • BOC Smootharc MIG 181 • Smootharc Advance II MIG250R • Smootharc Advance II MIG400R • Tetrix 230 ACDC vrd (EWM) • Phoenix 405 progress pulse (EWM) HERA/ACA get technical HERA and ACA is jointly offering the opportunity for MESNZ members and interested persons to take part in the technology update networking evening at HERA’s new conference facilities on Thursday, October 19. Three short presentations will cover a wide range of technical topics (including case studies) on seismic welding, performance of alternative stainless steels, compliance issues, and how not to damage your steel. Register your interest in attending by emailing info@adminoncall.co.nz Rocking cyber threats New services from Rockwell Automation alert operators of potential security threats. As the number of industrial security threats continues to rise, manufacturers are taking a closer look at risks to their environments. The new threat detection services from Rockwell Automation help manufacturers and industrial operators monitor, detect and respond to increasingly complex security threats. 

 Designed specifically for industrial networks, the new set of services map normal network behaviour, and use Rockwell Automation monitoring services to detect and alert operators of irregularities and potential threats in real time. Integrating industrial security software from providers who understand operational functions within industrial protocols can help secure and optimise the industrial control network while offering visibility across all levels of the OT environment. This means not only threat detection, but real-time monitoring and deep network insights across your assets. 




ENoct17-eMag-2
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