Developments

Electroplating Engineers of Japan Launches Ultra-compact Plating Laboratory Equipment

TOKYO, July 15, 2015 – Tanaka Holdings Co., Ltd. today announced that Electroplating Engineers of Japan, Limited (EEJA), which operates the Tanaka Precious Metals’ plating business, has developed, and launched from July 15, the RAD-Plater cup-type[1] ultra-compact plating laboratory equipment for semiconductor wafers, which achieves equivalent films to mass-production machines. The RAD-Plater is ultra-compact laboratory equipment for manufacturing 2 to 8 inch semiconductor wafers. Measuring 800 mm wide and 700 mm deep, it is smaller than mass production machines and can operate on only compressed air and the 100 volt power of general equipment. In addition to gold, silver, palladium, copper and nickel, it can use a wide variety of plating solutions including alloys and lead-free solutions, and at 10 liters or less of solution, it uses about half the plating solution required by dip-type machines, which also reduces experimentation costs. The RAD-Plater uses an EEJA-manufactured Stir Cup[2] and delivers mass-production level plating quality through uniform and bubble-less film thickness and superior filling of deep vias[3]. It also enables reduced plating time by using a high current density[4] achieved with an increased ion supply. Even though the RAD-Plater is laboratory equipment, it achieves a level of plating equivalent to that of mass-production machines, which enables early problem-solving in the development stage for mass production issues such as expected yield, and enables trouble-free rollout to the mass-production line. This is the world’s first cup-type plating laboratory equipment for manufacturing semiconductor wafers, using 10 liters or less of plating solution and handling 8-inch wafers. Many development divisions of manufacturers with mass-production plating lines would have previously contracted out the plating solution experimentation work to equipment manufacturers and others for evaluation, but purchasing a RAD-Plater and conducting experiments in-house now enables a considerable reduction in development lead times. Other customers would have previously […]

GE and NTT DOCOMO to Provide Industrial Equipment for IoT Solutions

TOKYO – GE Energy Japan Co., Ltd. (GE) and NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO) have signed a memorandum of understanding today toward a business alliance to provide a new Internet of Things (IoT) solution. The partnership will combine GE Digital Energy’s MDS Orbit Platform, a wireless router for industrial equipment, and DOCOMO’s communication module. GE’s MDS Orbit Platform with DOCOMO’s embedded communication module will enable private companies with infrastructure facilities, as well as customers of local governments, to monitor real-time operational data such as temperature and vibration on infrastructure equipment. The solution will provide data for remote areas on roads and bridges, plants, electricity, gas, and water. By combining the operation data acquired by the Orbit platform with DOCOMO’s application on the “Toami” IoT cloud platform, users will be able to manage the data on their smartphones and tablets. This feature can serve as a predictive diagnostic tool to prevent failures and assist in preserving aging facilities. With the cloud platform, customers will be able to receive added value instantly without having to make any additional capital investments. GE’s Orbit platform employs robust housing for industrial equipment data communication, and includes advanced security technology and Class I Division 2 authenticationnotice(1). The platform is strongly resistant to environmental barriers, including elements such as location and terrain, to ensure communications are secure. GE selected DOCOMO communication module embedded for Orbit platform based on the variety of industrial machine-to-machine communication experiences and result of signal quality qualification. By cooperating further with GE, a top industrial equipment manufacturer and a world leader in the IoT field, DOCOMO will promote its +d (pronounced “plus d”) initiative to create new value by collaborating with various outside partners. By integrating the technologies of GE and DOCOMO and continually expanding to a wider range of fields, both companies will […]

Li & Fung’s Dr William Fung discusses the future of product manufacturing

Dr William Fung’s company is a vital cog in almost every major supply chain. But how will soaring costs alter his sourcing strategy? “In the next five years, prices are only going in one direction.” If you were looking to crown the most influential, best-connected company most people have never heard of, you might start your search at one of the most conspicuous addresses in Hong Kong. Looming over the city’s bustling Sham Shui Po district is the headquarters of Li & Fung, the sourcing and logistics Company that provides the operational heft behind China’s dominance of consumer goods. Li & Fung does not shout about its achievements, but its value as a power broker in global supply chains inspires awe among its Western rivals. If it is Made in China, Li & Fung knows about it and probably helped it on the journey from factory to shelf. Founded in Guangzhou, China, in 1906, the company has become increasingly vertically integrated and now offers everything from product design and material sourcing to shipping services for retailers and manufacturers including Walmart, Toys “R” Us and Avon. It distributes in more than 40 countries and turned over US$15bn in 2010, with profits up 27% at US$551m. In July 2011, it announced the acquisition of five companies to boost its design and distribution arms. Change is in the air, however, for a company that set itself an ambitious (overambitious, say some analysts) target of doubling operating profit in the three years to 2013. Chairman Victor Fung will step down by 2012 to be replaced by his brother, Dr William Fung, currently Group Managing Director. Meanwhile, the landscape is shifting, according to a new report from KPMG International – Product Sourcing in Asia Pacific – which identifies rising manufacturing capabilities in Bangladesh, Vietnam and other […]

City of Sydney – fit for now and the future

The City of Sydney is supporting business and residents while cementing Sydney’s place as a regional powerhouse. A record budget of nearly $2 billion over the next decade will provide the infrastructure necessary to support economic and population growth while attracting trade, tourism and high-value jobs. This investment is on top of the round-the-clock services delivered every day to meet the needs of over one million people who visit the City each day. “The City of Sydney is ‘fit for the future’ and has the scale and capacity to ensure Sydney continues to deliver its potential as a thriving, business-friendly and liveable global city,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “The City has more than 400 infrastructure projects planned for the next 10 years. These will generate tens of millions of dollars in new contracts for businesses of all sizes and support around 2,000 new jobs a year. “This comes on top of the $3.9 billion worth of residential and commercial developments we have recently approved, including two new residential buildings in the heart of the city that will be over 230m tall.” “This enormous combination of public and private investment is a vote of confidence in the City of Sydney.” The Independent Pricing and regulatory Tribunal (IPAR) is currently assessing the City’s response to the NSW Government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ program. Members of the public are also able to tell IPART what they think of their councils between now and July 31. Through prudent financial management and forward planning, the City of Sydney has the scale and capacity to meet Sydney’s current and future needs. The NSW Treasury Corporation, TCorp, rates the City’s Financial Sustainability as ‘Strong’ with a positive outlook – the only one of 152 NSW Councils to receive this rating. The City is leading its own […]

Philippines to ride global manufacturing growth wave

With Asia well poised for future economic success, the Philippines is slated to be one of the region’s growth leaders, as long as it continues to reduce corruption, invest public monies to build key infrastructure, and solve its electric generation and transmission issues. This is a according to Competitiveness: Catching the next wave: The Philippines a report released by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (Deloitte Global). Additionally, the report projects the key industries that will likely drive the Philippines growth over the next 20 years include manufacturing, business process outsourcing (BPO), construction, transportation and logistics, and information and communications. The report also outlines steps the government can take to make the region more attractive to business, including increasing corporate governance and reducing corruption. “The strong growth in global manufacturing to 2033 will drive world growth, and this presents the Philippines with great potential to integrate into the global supply chain of high-value manufacturing,” said Gary Coleman, Managing Director, Global Clients and Industries, Deloitte Global. “If the government makes smart investments in infrastructure—including roads and harbors—that would help to boost the construction and transportation sectors and lead to higher productivity growth in the coming years as well.” While the report notes that the BPO industry will be a source of employment for new graduates, it cautions that to achieve long-term growth, the Philippines must reduce unemployment and the government must implement policies to improve the business climate. It also urges the government to reduce bribery and corruption through reform measures that include the procurement process, civil servant training and wages, and instituting reporting and enforcement mechanisms. Additional industry driving growth highlights include: Manufacturing: To help boost manufacturing initiatives, the government should introduce a number of special industrial zones that benefit from a combination of supportive government policies. The Philippines should also begin […]

3D Metrology Software Delivers Increased Productivity

FARO Technologies, Inc. a most trusted source for 3D measurement, imaging and realisation technology, has released FARO® CAM2® Measure 10.5, its latest software for the FaroArm, FARO Laser ScanArm and FARO Laser Tracker. CAM2 Measure 10.5 leads the market with its capability to connect multiple 3D measurement devices, within the same coordinate system, and simultaneously scan into a single seat of software on one computer. This capability allows users to seamlessly scan large objects with higher speed and precise accuracy in order to complete 3D scanning jobs faster. “The new CAM2 Measure 10.5 provides significant advancements that support our customers’ needs to measure faster and more efficiently with improved ease-of-use,” stated Kathleen J. Hall, Senior Vice President and Managing Director – Americas. Significant advancements to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) functionality provide users with streamlined analysis and visual reporting. A part inspection can now be displayed just like a print to easily visualise and determine part quality. This enhanced functionality eliminates the need to look at each feature in sequence to make the same determination. Workflow efficiencies are maximized with the ability to automate repeat inspections by programing data analysis to automatically occur after the measurements are taken. This new capability reduces required training time, significantly reduces the risk of operator error, and accelerates job completion times. Additional enhancements include expanded point cloud capacity and the ability to easily scan trimmed edges. Users are now able to collect over 20 times more data than our previous versions while maintaining accelerated processing speed. New capabilities also allow trimmed edges on materials such as sheet metal to be easily scanned, essentially eliminating the need to collect hard-probed measurements on part edges. “The capability to connect multiple devices for simultaneous 3D scanning, automating repeat inspections, and enhanced GD&T functionality represent major advancements in […]

Vitafoods Asia Conference 2015: Translating Science into Good Business

New Expanded Content Programme & Exclusive Content from Frost & Sullivan Singapore, 20 Jun 2015 – Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries in Asia, today announces the programme for its second edition of the Vitafoods Asia Conference. Running alongside the exhibition from 2 – 3 September at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, the conference boasts a brand new format and an increase in content offering. Delegates can expect to hear from well-respected industry experts across segments and job functions during the two-day event. Speakers include professionals from A*STAR, Agence Tesla, ASEAN Food & Beverage Alliance, BrandHive, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chung Shan Medical University, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, EAS Strategies, Euromonitor International, Food Industry Asia, Frost & Sullivan, HealthBrandBuilders, The HealthyMarketingTeam Ltd, Herbalife Taiwan Inc., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Innova Market Insights, International Society for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Kaohsiung Medical University, National Yang-Ming University, and NSF International. Mr Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Vitafoods Events, shared, “Building upon the success of our European event in May, the Vitafoods Asia Conference will bear a similar programme structure. We continue to highlight best practice, with market research and development in areas such as weight management and healthy ageing. The Conference also focuses more on regulatory aspects this year, in response to industry demand. Through this platform, we aim to facilitate dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and innovation within the industry, so as to facilitate the development of better and safer end-products for the consumer.” Two Streams: Connecting Science with Business With sessions that cover both commercial and science aspects of business, delegates are presented with a full picture of the production cycle from idea to retail shelves. Content is divided into two distinct, parallel streams: Your Business focuses on how […]

Adapting to the new frontiers in the manufacturing industry

Increasing operational effectiveness generally translates to process improvement initiatives. Best steps towards an efficient project community through recognition of the most definitive drivers at a time when PM and project portfolio management is gaining prominence Over the past decade, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a complete transformation across the globe. With large developing economies effectively handling competition against mature markets and transforming into first-tier manufacturing powerhouses, the changes have been unprecedented. Manufacturers have also experienced spontaneous growth in unstable markets around the world and skilled talent has remained in short and unbalanced supply in different regions. The entire evolutionary process has seen manufacturing organisations focus on demonstrating business value, with project governance and metrics playing an increasingly important role in keeping management informed about project performance and its impact on the bottom line. In an industry as diverse as manufacturing, project management as a management discipline has emerged as an important channel in highlighting much economic activity. Increasing Strategic Role of Project Management Manufacturers in recent years have discovered that project management’s reliable methodologies fit together ably with the overall processes and in every area of production. As business leaders continue to adapt to the increasing market volatility, project management is playing a big step closer to business strategy. A fully aligned programme and project portfolio management strategy includes the entire organisation, mandating project execution at every level and aiming to deliver value at each step. Best Steps to an Efficient Project Community Recognising the most definitive drivers that critically impact the skills requirements and competencies development of the project community in the manufacturing industry is essential. Identifying these four drivers and implementing the right measures respectively is paramount to achieving project success. Given the dynamics of the manufacturing industry, the pressure to produce, to gain or retain competitive advantage […]

RS Components introduces DesignSpark Mechanical add-on modules for 3D design tool

Two new optional premium modules available for intuitive 3D design software, adding new functionality to make the tool more powerful to support engineers in the rapid development of product concepts. SINGAPORE, 10 June, 2015 – RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, today announced the expansion of DesignSpark Mechanical with two new optional premium modules that significantly extend the functionality of the existing version of the tool. Developed in conjunction with SpaceClaim, the leading provider of flexible and affordable 3D modelling software for engineers, DesignSpark Mechanical is an advanced 3D direct modelling tool that can be downloaded free of charge. Notwithstanding the availability of these optional premium paid-for modules, which can now be purchased from RS, very importantly the fundamental software that is available today will remain free to all users with continued support, new versions and updates from RS into the foreseeable future. DesignSpark Mechanical is a key element of the initiative by RS to provide tools for engineers that enable them to rapidly develop prototypes in the product concept design stage. For example, the software’s STL-output format enables the direct export of designs to 3D printers. The first premium module available is DesignSpark Mechanical Exchange, which adds advanced import/export capabilities and enables the import, modification and export of industry-standard STEP and IGES file formats, which allows full exchange of design data with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Catia, ProEngineer and AutoCAD. The module can enable engineers to integrate DesignSpark Mechanical into a product development toolchain that works across various software platforms, moving beyond concept creation to a seamless workflow for producing final designs. It means that companies can pass designs to their mechanical department or outside contractors for final design creation and manufacturing and do not have to invest in […]

Adapting to the new frontiers in the manufacturing industry

Increasing operational effectiveness generally translates to process improvement initiatives. According to ESI International, a global-focused training company, the best steps towards an efficient project community is through recognition of the most definitive drivers at a time when PM and project portfolio management is gaining prominence. Over the past decade, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a complete transformation across the globe. With large developing economies effectively handling competition against mature markets and transforming into first-tier manufacturing powerhouses, the changes have been unprecedented. Manufacturers have also experienced spontaneous growth in unstable markets around the world and skilled talent has remained in short and unbalanced supply in different regions. The entire evolutionary process has seen manufacturing organisations focus on demonstrating business value, with project governance and metrics playing an increasingly important role in keeping management informed about project performance and its impact on the bottom line. In an industry as diverse as manufacturing, project management as a management discipline has emerged as an important channel in highlighting much economic activity. Increasing Strategic Role of Project Management Manufacturers in recent years have discovered that project management’s reliable methodologies fit together ably with the overall processes and in every area of production. As business leaders continue to adapt to the increasing market volatility, project management is playing a big step closer to business strategy. A fully aligned programme and project portfolio management strategy includes the entire organisation, mandating project execution at every level and aiming to deliver value at each step. Best Steps to an Efficient Project Community Recognising the most definitive drivers that critically impact the skills requirements and competencies development of the project community in the manufacturing industry is essential. Identifying these four drivers and implementing the right measures respectively is paramount to achieving project success. Production Pressure Given the dynamics of […]

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