Editor’s Choice
New respirator systems provide integrated protection
The new Versaflo respirator systems from 3M are designed to protect workers in a wide range of industries and applications helping them work comfortably for long periods. The Versalfo product range has three modules: an air delivery unit, a headtop and a breathing tube that can be combined into dozens of configurations to deal with changing environments, hazards and comfort preferences. Versaflo S-Series head covers and hoods can be comfortably worn by more users due to new sizing and adjustment options. Users also benefit from the comfortable, quiet airflow, the reduced fogging and the wider field of view. Versaflo M-Series face shields and helmets provide integrated protection from multiple hazards. They are lightweight, compact, well-balanced, easy to use and easy to maintain. All Versaflo headtops provide a direct comfortable stream of flowing air to where workers need it most: the head and face. The moving airflow can make hot environments more tolerable while greatly reducing visor fogging. Versaflo TR-300 powered air respirator is a lightweight, slim, easy-to-use air delivery unit for environments with particulate hazards. All Versaflo headtops are cross-compatible with Jupiter powered air respirator and Versaflo V-series supplied air regulators. With Versaflo respirator systems, pressure on the face, breathing resistance and heat build-up are all greatly reduced when compared to non-powered tight-fitting face pieces, creating all-day comfort for the user. Flowing air supplied to the wearer reduces the additional breathing effort required, in comparison to half and full face respirators.
Email: vwoods@mmm.com
Packed with innovation
Blundstone have just released a new range of premium rubber soled safety work boots. Known as Xfoot Rubber, the boots have been hailed as “the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn”, by tradies in wear tests. Blundstone CEO, Mr Steve Gunn says, ”A number of innovative features combine to place this new range of boots firmly at the forefront of work boot technology anywhere in the world.” The boots feature bamboo lining which provides effective thermal regulation, at the same time as being deodorising; anti-bacterial, anti-fungal; breathable and quick drying. “Keeping the foot dry and cool is an important factor in promoting overall foot health,” Gunn said. In addition Blundstone pride themselves on being the first footwear company in Australasia to use Poron XRD in their underfoot comfort system material, providing the wearer with a new level of underfoot shock protection and comfort. The soles of the XFoot rubber boots have been designed to reduce any unnecessary weight improving the comfort for the wearer and reducing fatigue. The manufacturer says that this results in the boots in this range being up to 20 percent lighter than leading competitor products. XFoot Rubber boot soles can withstand surface temperatures up to 300°C and as such are suitable for use in heavy industrial environments such as the mining and manufacturing industries.
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One billion protected hands
March 2012
Glove manufacturer Ansell has announced an historic milestone – the sale of its 500 millionth pair of HyFlex gloves. “Since its creation, the HyFlex brand has become the number one selling industrial glove around the world, with over half a million workers wearing it daily in a wide variety of industries,” said Mitchell Mackey, Ansell Asia Pacific Marketing Manager. “When first introducing HyFlex in 1996, Ansell for the first time demonstrated how optimal protection does not mean one needs to give in on comfort.
Ever since its launch, the original HyFlex concept has set a benchmark for industry players active in this category. In 15 years, HyFlex has gained critical recognition and market share for its winning combination of ergonomic design, comfort and superior mechanical protection.” Today, the HyFlex range extends to 28 individual styles, ensuring that there is a glove that fits every worker’s job performance requirements and comfort expectations. Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Ltd, said, “This milestone pays tribute to the HyFlex original brand concept which is all about delivering protection and comfort without compromise.
With innovation being the hallmark of the HyFlex glove range success today, Ansell is committed to continue to innovate and develop new ways of ensuring that our HyFlex series remains in pole position, and is the number one choice for workers across the globe.” Ansell says its HyFlex brand is the most comprehensive light-duty synthetic portfolio in the industry. Its patented Zonz Knit Technology reduces hand fatigue by providing stress release in the knuckle areas.
Email: mgillies@ebos.co.nz
Liquid cooling package for industrial applications
February 2012
Due to increasing packing density, heat loss in enclosures is rising significantly, and higher cooling outputs are required. One example that illustrates this is the significant growth recorded in cooling systems of 5kW or more in the period from 2006 to 2010. Since water has noticeably better thermal conductivity than air and allows more efficient cooling in a smaller space, air/water heat exchangers have also been successful in mechanical and plant engineering. The Rittal LCP (Liquid Cooling Package) technology, which has been tried and tested for years, is now also available for use in mechanical and plant engineering for the first time. Due to a complete separation of the water circuit and electronic components in the enclosure, the air/water heat exchanger gives maximum protection against water.
The Rittal TS 8 enclosure serves as the basis for the LCP Industry. Thus subsequent integration into existing system environments is also possible at any time. In contrast to the IT variant, in which the 482.6 mm (19") level is cooled laterally at a constant 22 degrees Celsius, air routing in the industrial LCP is adapted to the requirements of enclosure climate control. Since the cold air has to be routed to the bottom of the enclosure, right in front of the mounting plate, the warm air is taken in from the top and blown out cold at the bottom. In the enclosure, a typical control temperature of 35 degrees Celsius must be maintained. Two high-power blowers provide for very good air circulation. Both air intake as well as cold air exit is possible on both sides. The bayable air/water heat exchanger can be flexibly mounted in the middle between two enclosures or at the outer end of an enclosure suite. The option of mounting the water connection above or below and the variable air routing provide room for individual adaptations. The fact that the essential components are easily accessible facilitates replacement when service is needed. The TS 8 TopTherm Chiller combined with the product solutions for door, base and roof heat exchangers offers customers an integrated complete solution based on water-cooled systems.
Email: c.thorpe@rittal.co.nz
New biological bearing material for low-load applications
November 2011
Polymer researcher and bearings specialist igus has developed a plain bearing material that is based on 54 percent renewable raw materials. The basic polymer of the new iglidur N54 plain bearing is mainly made from vegetable oil rather than finite crude oil. The company’s mechanically and tribologically optimised biological plastic is suitable for universal use in the low-load range. Product manager René Achnitz: “The new, lubricant-free iglidur N54 material joins our broad range of high-performance materials for general purpose, low-load applications and is a first serious step towards ‘green’ bearings.”
As well as general mechanical engineering applications, igus mainly sees possibilities in consumer goods markets, for example furniture or other items of daily use. The new bio-bearing smoothly fits in with the company’s concept of developing environmentally friendly alternatives for more and more applications that currently work with lubricated metallic plain and roller bearings. On the one hand, iglidur bearings help to protect resources and the environment due to the incorporated solid lubricants. Polymer bearings from igus do not require any oil and grease, are lubricant and maintenance-free, which means no contaminants are released to the environment. In addition, they have a low weight in comparison with metallic options, leading to lower masses and thus reduced energy consumption. Furthermore, the energy balance for the production of plastics is significantly better than for metals. Whereas the energy from 15 litres of crude oil is necessary to produce one litre of aluminium, and one litre of steel requires 11 litres of crude oil calculated on the same basis, the production of one litre of plastic only needs an average of 1.8 litres of crude oil. According to igus, this value is expected to fall even further on account of the major progress currently being made in the field of vegetable oil based polymers.
The basic polymer of the new bio-bearing iglidur N54 is made with 54percent vegetable oil.
HireQuip upgrades of light fleet announced
January 2012
HireQuip have upgraded their light fleet with a number of Youngman Richardson and Co Ltd brands. New additions include Genie access equipment and a variety of concrete tools including Husqvarna concrete cutters and Maruzen hydraulic breakers along with a selection of Mikasa compaction equipment. “HireQuip is once more demonstrating its commitment to its customers by investing in high quality market leading equipment brands,” says Youngman Richardson and Co Ltd Sales and Marketing Director Ed Richardson.
The Genie rough terrain scissor models are designed for the hire industry. They’re made to stand up to the rigours of frequent use in diverse worksite conditions. HireQuip have recently become the first company in New Zealand and Australia to take delivery of the new model Genie GS3369RTO. This new 4-wheel drive vehicle with oscillation axle provides outstanding rough terrain capability. In addition it offers narrow access abilities, a slide-out platform extension and working heights of up to 11.90 metres.
The scissors are tough construction orientated 4-wheel drive machines with positive traction control and are ideal for increasing productivity in demanding outdoor worksites. Because time is money, the competitive lift speed and large platforms maximise handling requirement efficiencies and have the capacity to get to the jobsite quicker and finish working faster.
HireQuip has also acquired from Youngman Richardson and Co Ltd some Mazuren hydraulic breakers, which are very powerful machines and weigh in at just 21kg and come with a lightweight power pack that weighs only 44kg. Powered by a Subaru/Robin OHC OHV petrol engine, it can be transported, much like other light equipment from HireQuip, in the boot of a car or in the back of a ute rather than hassling with large towable units.
HireQuip have procured additional units of the latest Husqvarna K760.14, unmatched for its power to weight ratio. It also features a new air filtration system, a 14" blade capacity and an anti-vibe handle.
The range of Mikasa reversible plate compactors is ideally suited for the hire industry where these models are constantly in demand with civil engineering, construction and drainage contractors. Standard features include 150mm removable extension plates, a sturdy roll bar lifting frame and variable speed controls. The fold-up handle is perfect for HireQuip customers for both transportation and storage. Another product, the Mikasa MTX60 tramping rammer is powered by a 4-stroke engine so no fuel mixing is required. It also features anti vibration handle systems on the reversible compactors and rammers that reduce fatigue and enhance operator comfort.
The Mikasa MTX60 has outstanding compaction ability and balance and has a roller fitted to the handle for easy loading.
New petrol powered hammer drill
CHRISTCHURCH engineering tool supply specialists, Elliott Scott, has been awarded New Zealand distribution rights for the Japanese manufactured GT 5000HD petrol powered hammer drill.
The GT 5000HD frees the operator from power cords and pneumatic hoses, making it an extremely versatile hammer drill. It has been designed as a well-balanced unit with good ergonomics and vibration isolation to reduce the stress of operating it for long periods.
Weighing in at a manageable 17.9 kilograms (without fuel and drill) the unit could even be backpacked into remote sites where serious drilling, cutting and chiselling power is needed.
Powered by a 46cc single cylinder air-cooled two stroke motor, it produces maximum torque at 5500rpm, with maximum power at 7500rpm.
The versatile GT 5000HD will take hammer drill bits, bull point bars, cold chisels, a cutter piece, a digging scoop and a rammer for tamping, making it an ideal tool to have in your kit.
The chuck features an SDS max retainer and it accepts any locally sold hammer drill bit up to a maximum diameter of 50mm.
Elliott Scott is planning to have the GT 5000HD sold through selected tool retailers. However, in the meantime it will sell the unit directly from its Christchurch warehouse.