Plant March 2012

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Volume 71, No. 02 March 2012

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DATA CENTRES

A cool way to save energy Naissus takes the heat out with water-cooling enclosures

HIGHLIGHTS US states want your money R&D examines shellfish bioplastics Special lube care for wind turbines Veneer lean: looks good, lacks depth Air compressors: taking them outside

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Editorial

Manufacturing: Not dead yet

T

here is discussion of late from bank economists and think tanks concerning the state of Canadian manufacturing. Looking at on the ground conditions, the prognosis doesn’t appear to be all that promising, but to paraphrase Monty Python, manufacturing is “not dead yet.” This is not the time to be making funeral arrangements.

Yes, there are plenty of formidable challenges.

The sector has lost 500,000 jobs over the past decade and it’s not creating a lot of new ones in line with increasing output.

And business has been slower with our customers in the US where most of Canada’s exports go, what with the economic challenges there and issues arising from the “thickening” border. Meanwhile, aggressive competitors from abroad are cutting into the business we have and they will continue to do so. Exports certainly aren’t being helped by the loonie. Its value is too high and will continue to be for some time, held aloft in part by Canada’s booming energy industry.

Input costs – such as energy – are also high. Poor productivity compared with other G7 nations contribute to a high per unit labour cost, which, as noted in a Financial Post article, is tracking at $35.76 per hour (all wages, benefits and taxes in) compared with the US at $34.74. Since production costs are high, companies are leaving while new investment is bypassing Canada and going to incentive-rich US states or Mexico.

One area where we do have an edge is our tax system. It ranks favourably against world economies (39th out of 183) and well ahead of other G8 nations. The corporate tax rate is 28.8%, well below the global average of 44.8% and 46.7% in the US. However, the advantage may be eroded by American tax cuts, while cash-strapped BC and Ontario either postpone planned reductions or increase their rates.

Yet despite all the impediments, there are steps Canadian manufacturers can take to compete, and it’s not just about focusing on innovation, higher value and niche markets.

Per unit labour costs are no longer competitive. Wages and benefits must be based on a company’s ability to support them. That’s not to suggest they must be slashed.

Worker representatives and management need to find better and more creative ways to determine fair remuneration. Caterpillar’s behaviour in the Electro-Motive affair is a fine example of how not to do it.

Dina Cover, a TD economist, notes improving productivity will also bring down labour costs. She points out that between 2000 and 2007, productivity growth was a mere 5%, compared to other G7 nations that showed growth of 30%.

Productivity improvements are aided by investments in machinery and equipment. A TD Economics report notes profits are bouncing back and Canadian firms are sitting on “elevated cash levels.” Statistics Canada reports they intend to increase spending by 6.6% this year.

In 2001, the US accounted for 88% of our exports; last year 77%. More manufacturers need to be part of this trend and diversify their export markets. Business is up in Asia and the EU, which will be aided further by free trade and other economic agreements negotiated by the federal government.

TD Economics is forecasting manufacturing output to grow between 3% this year and 4% in 2013, well off the pre-recession rate of 14%. And employment levels will likely not regain pre-recession levels, although they will account for 10% or 11% of the national total as companies become less dependent on overtime and start hiring.

Manufacturing in Canada may not soon return to the peaks it experienced 12 years ago, but the sector is not on life support and companies that take hold of the levers at their command will stay in the game – even excel.

Joe Terrett, Editor Comments? E-mail JTerrett@plant.ca.

Publisher: Michael King 416-510-5107 mking@plant.ca, mking@cienmagazine.com

District Sales Managers: Amanda Bottomley 416-859-4527 abottomley@canadianmanufacturing.com Catherine Martineau (Quebec) 647-988-5559 cmartineau@bizinfogroup.ca Deborah St. Lawrence 416-510-6844 dstLawrence@canadianmanufacturing.com Derek Morrison 416-510-5224 dmorrison@canadianmanufacturing.com Ilana Fawcett 416-510-5202 ifawcett@canadianmanufacturing.com

Group Editorial Director: Lisa Wichmann 416-510-5101 lwichmann@canadianmanufacturing.com

Market Production: Barb Vowles 416-510-5103 vowlesb@bizinfogroup.ca

Editor: Joe Terrett 416-442-5600 ext. 3219 jterrett@plant.ca

Circulation Manager: Diane Rakoff 416-510-5216 drakoff@bizinfogroup.ca

Assistant Editor: Matt Powell 416-510-5145 mpowell@plant.ca

Editorial Advisory Board: Robert Hattin, Hattin Holdings • Ron Harper, Cogent Power • Greg MacDonald, Wentworth International Services • Roy Verstraete, Anchor Danly

Vol. 71, No. 02, March, 2012 Executive Publisher: Tim Dimopoulos 416-510-5100 tdimopoulos@bizinfogroup.ca

Contributing Editors: Ron Richardson, Steve Gahbauer Art Director: Kathy Smith 416-442-5600 ext. 3215 ksmith@plant.ca

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BIG MAGAZINES LP Vice-President of Canadian Publishing: Alex Papanou President of Business Information Group: Bruce Creighton

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10 COVER PHOTO: STEPHEN UHRANEY

Features

>> SUSTAINABILITY

10 SAVING ENERGY Naissus Thermal Management Solutions applies watercooling technology to take the heat out of data centres.

12 GREEN MANUFACTURING Reduce energy use with an EnMS.

>> INNOVATIONS

14 MATERIALS A U of T research project aims to use shellfish to make a bioplastic that will be used to make automotive parts.

DRIVER TECH Researchers look at seniors’ needs to develop technology that will make their driving experiences less distracting.

>> MANAGEMENT

16 TAXATION US states are looking for revenue and Canadian companies are targets for taxation.

CORPORATE RATES Canada’s tax system is one of the most attractive in the world, according to a PwC study.

>> TRENDS

17 GOVERNMENT Manufacturers urge the Ontario government to approach recommendations in the Drummond report with caution.

ENERGY Investing in Canada’s electricity infrastructure could potentially add $10.9 billion to GDP over the next 20 years.

>> OPERATIONS

18 THINK LEAN Avoid veneer lean, which looks good on the surface but is too thin to last.

MORE FEEDBACK Pioneering systems contracting for MRO. 19 MAINTENANCE Maximize the performance of wind turbine gearboxes using lubricants with special qualities to ensure reliable operation.

TECH TIP How to select the best enterprise asset management software.

>> TECHNOLOGY

21 COMPRESSORS Five reasons to take them outside.

22 PRODUCT FOCUS A showcase featuring air compressors.

23 PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT What’s new in industrial products, machinery and equipment.

33 PLANTWARE Hardware and software for managing plant operations.

Departments

4 Industry View 7 PLANT Pulse 8 Labour Relations

33 Events 34 Postscript

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protected by copyright and must not be reprinted in whole or in part without permission of the publisher. Publications Mail Agreement #40069240. Performance claims for products listed in this issue are made by contributing manufacturers and agencies. No responsibility for the accuracy of these performance claims can be assumed on the part of PLANT or BIG Magazines LP. Contents copyright© 2012 BIG Magazines LP, may not be reprinted without permission.

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Departments

>> Industry View

>> Bulletins COM DEV International Ltd., a Cambridge, Ont. manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, won three satellite equipment contracts worth more than $22 million. Its commercial and US divisions each won $10-million contracts. The commercial division also won authorization to proceed on a third contract valued at $2.7 million that could top $6 million. Work on all three jobs is to be completed over the next 12 months.

Cascades Inc. is permanently closing its Cascades Enviropac plant in Toronto because of low demand for the honeycomb packaging it makes. The closure will eliminate 36 jobs. The company said production will move to plants in Berthierville, Que. and Grand Rapids, Mich.

Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has invested $16.7 million in Novatech Group Inc. that will allow the Ste-Julie, Que. manufacturer of door glass components to explore growth opportunities.

Wireless Age Communications Inc. has secured an agreement to manufacture the Vertility line of Waste Handling Equipment in its new King City, Ont. manufacturing plant, which has more than 100,000 square-feet of production space. The company is hiring and expects to be in production by spring.

The federal government is providing $311,100 in repayable funding to STC Footwear Inc. in Anjou, Que. to roll out a commercialization strategy for high-end safety boots in South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania (tropical Pacific Ocean).

FCM Recycling Inc. is opening of a new 50,000 square-foot processing facility in Annacis Island, BC. The company, which handles and recycles end-of-use electronic equipment from across Canada, said the plant will process e-waste, ITAD and provide data destruction services.

Link Suspensions of Canada LP, a manufacturer of truck parts and components, has acquired assets of Raydan Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of suspensions and coupling devices.

Raydon will continue production and chassis modifications operations in Nisku, Alta. Link is affiliated with Link Manufacturing in Sioux Centre, Iowa.

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EMC, THRC launch national online manufacturing network

Brings together innovation, knowledge sharing, learning, job resources to advance business

By Matt Powell, Assistant Editor

ment programs on a wide range of subjects include: manufacturing, technical, business and perOWEN SOUND, Ont.: The Excelsonal development, computer and lence in Manufacturing Consortium of workplace performance skills.

Canada (EMC) and Textiles Human Lessons from the Harvard BusiResources Council (THRC) have ness School will also be featured. partnered to launch the Canadian McNeil-Smith said the program Manufacturing Network. is also very affordable. The cost The network, which connects is $0.99 per employee per month, manufacturers through knowledge which will allow companies to sharing, expertise and learning refully engage learning as part of an sources, aims to strengthen the sector employee’s daily life. and help advance their businesses “This is something that’s been globally. piloted for a while now, it’s a “We’re taking EMC’s grassroots concept and, as it continues to grow, Plugging into the manufacturing network.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK training portal that’s being used by more than 20,000 users alwe are looking at how we can bring ready,” he said. “It’s industry driven and it’s industry tested.” companies together,” said Scott McNeil-Smith, director of developAlthough manufacturing has taken some hard hits since the recesment and marketing at the Owen Sound, Ont.-based EMC. “With the sion, EMC president Al Diggins said the sector’s outlook is improvweb, we have the capability to engage manufacturers in a two-way, ing, but changes are on the horizon. dialogue-driven network.”

“Manufacturing will never be what it was, but what companies EMC and THRC are also launching the Manufacturing Jobs Reare doing in terms of their products is a lot narrower in scope,” he source Network (MFGJOBS) and an online skills and learning portal. said. “Those who are left are strong, they’ve survived through the Manufacturers will place job listings on the free job board with higher-valued dollar and recession. There are still challenges, but resources that will support employers and job seekers who can post the outlook is generally strong.” their resumes and create a profile.

The not-for-profit Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) “We wanted to provide support for the next evolution of jobs and covers 53 consortium regions across Canada. develop the infrastructure necessary to keep jobs in Canada,” said The Textiles Human Resources Council is a non-profit partnership McNeil-Smith. that delivers skills development opportunities to textile workers.

The learning portal provides access to bilingual, industry-vetted Join the network at www.CanadianManufacturingNetwork.ca. online programs covering thousands of subjects. Skills develop-

Canada needs to join Trans-Pacific Partnership for more trade TORONTO: Canada needs a seat at the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks because a pact could account for nearly 40% of the world’s trade, says a C.D. Howe Institute report.

“Membership would position Canada to build trade ties with Asia’s rising economic powers, whose double-digit growth rates far outshine those in the West,” said trade expert Laura Dawson, president of Dawson Strategic and a member C.D. Howe’s international economic advisory council. “Canada is coming late to the talks.

The question now is whether Canada can join the action.”

She said the TPP could expand to include all of APEC, even

China; a grouping representing 54% of global GDP. Joining the negotiations now rather than when it’s a done deal will allow Canada to take advantage of the early business expansion that comes with new trade pacts.

But she cautioned there will be some obstacles. Canada had a chance in 2005 to join the group, but chose not to. Prospective partners will now judge its suitability to join negotiations already in progress and among those is New Zealand, which opposes Canada’s dairy supply management regime. In a 2010 review, US officials declined to support Canada’s case for entry.

The report by the Torontobased think tank argues posi-

Biomass power plant for Alberta CALGARY: Mustus Energy Ltd. will be working with Lockheed Martin Canada to build a new 41.5-megawatt biomass-fuelled power generation plant in La Crete, Alta.

Lockheed Martin, a global security company based in Bethesda, Md., will procure materials, equipment and other services for the project that will provide enough energy to power more than 30,000 homes.

It will also manage construction of the plant, which is to begin in the spring.

Mustus Energy, a clean energy company based in Calgary, says the biomass facility is to begin commercial operations by the fall of 2013, and will provide base-load electrical power to the Alberta grid.

The company plans to use the tops of aspen trees for feedstock, normally discarded as waste after the trunks are processed for lumber.

Six per cent of Canada’s power comes from biomass, making it the second largest source of renewable energy generation.

tive support from the US could override objections by others, but Canada needs to emphasize that Canada and the US have common interests in these talks and both would benefit from a strong agreement.

She recommended reminding Congressional leaders of Canada-US alignment on key issues such as standards, investment and labour, and emphasizing continuing progress on cooperation.

>> Off-Site

Kelly Clark, plant supervisor at Jeyco Machine Products in Mississauga, Ont., pauses with PLANT in Panama, on top of a tower overlooking the Gamboa Rainforest and the Panama Canal.

Travel with PLANT and win $50 Enter your most interesting Off-Site photo

When you go on a business trip or vacation, be sure to take a copy of PLANT with you. If you have a photo taken while reading your favourite manufacturing publication in a remote, interesting or exotic location and we use it, you’ll get $50. PLANT has travelled all over the world, visiting such exotic locales as China’s Great Wall, and Rome’s coliseum, it has been underwater and was taken on safari. Get snapping and become a PLANT celebrity!

Send photos with name, title, company, address and phone number to OffSite, Canadian PLANT, 80 Valleybrook Dr., Toronto, Ont. M3B 2S9. Sorry, we can’t return them. Digital photos should be 5x7 inches and 300 dpi. Send them to jterrett@plant.ca.

March 2012

12-03-05 4:09 PM

Industry View << Departments

GM bullfrogs the Volt

New edition powered by 100% green electricity TORONTO: General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt is plugging into green energy provider Bullfrog Power to launch a special edi-

tion of the electric vehicle (EV).

Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition will be bundled with emissions-free, renewable

(L) Mike Brigham, the first Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition driver gives Tom Heintzman, president of Bullfrog Power, a hands-on preview of the first electric vehicle (EV) bundled with emissions-free, renewable electricity.

Prospects for three industries are improving: report Expanding activity in NA drives growth OTTAWA: The financial prospects of Canadian manufacturers in three industries are improving, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Industrial Profile – Winter 2012.

The report suggests expanding activity in North America is a key driver of growth, but the ongoing development of new markets and more innovation have also contributed to stronger performances.

While dependent on construction and manufacturing – notably vehicles – for much of its sales, the plastics and rubber industry has benefitted from new customers and products.

Technological development, such as bioplastics, continues to broaden the potential uses of plastic as a substitute for other materials. But the report, published in association with the Business Development Bank of Canada, says more Canadian firms are looking outside North America for growth.

Plastics companies are also partnering with chemical produc-

ers to develop and use bioplastics. The industry’s improving performance will boost profitability in 2012 to $831 million.

Demand for non-metallic mineral products is primarily from the Canadian construction industry, but the Conference Board’s near-term outlook for that sector is mixed as government infrastructure programs come to an end.

As a result, the industry will experience only modest growth in 2012, but will improve progressively along with construction demand in the following years.

Total output and employment in the chemical industry will not return to its pre-recession production until 2013, but it’s poised for steady growth in the next five years.

The report says increased demand for a variety of chemicals used in different manufacturing processes bodes well, but emphasis on the development of advanced specialty chemicals will help the industry stay competitive since it often benefits from patent protection.

Demand increases for advanced specialty chemicals.

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PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

electricity injected into the electricity grid from EcoLogoMcertified sources.

Bullfrog Power sells electricity that comes from wind and solar sources. The Toronto-based company notes when the Volt is charged with green electricity rather than conventional power, upstream emissions associated with fossil fuel-based generation are eliminated.

The Volt, powered by 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit, has a 40- and 80-kilometre range, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. On a full tank, a 1.4-litre gasoline-powered engine extends the range up to an additional 500 kilometres until the car can be plugged in and recharged or refuelled.

Chevrolet Canada is also “bullfrogpowering” three Volt

charging stations at its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa, Ont. The car is now available through select dealerships across Canada at an added cost

of $198, plus tax.

Bullfrog Power says the premium pays for the additional cost of greening the electricity that an average Volt is estimated to use over two years.

Electric car sales stall: KPMG EV takeoff at least a decade away

TORONTO: Internal combustion engines are not going away anytime soon as fuel efficiency and performance standards continue to improve, according to KPMG’s annual Global Automotive Executive Survey. However, expect carmakers to continue pumping money into electric technology as part of a long-term strategy. Here are some survey highlights: • Electromobility is not expected to exceed 15% of new car registrations globally by 2025, while short term, there will be even less adoption, suggesting electric cars will account for between 6% and 10% of sales.

• Almost 66% said optimization of the internal combustion engine offers greater efficiency and more potential for carbon emission reduction than current electric technologies over the next five years.

• 54% see component suppliers gaining a bigger role by 2025 while 40% predict OEMs will lead.

>> Feedback

cept in Canada

Think globally, not regionally

goals

CEOs’ biggest headache: hitting performance targets.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

Execs feel less stressed, except in Canada

Businesses adjust to more realistic goals TORONTO: Business conditions the past few years have been unsettling and you’d think that would crank up stress levels felt by CEOs and other senior executives, but surprisingly they’re showing the lowest annual increase since 2005 – except in Canada, according to a global study by consulting firm Grant Thornton.

Of 6,000 businesses surveyed for the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), 28% reported increased levels of stress last year compare to 45% in 2010. In Canada, 18% of business leaders were showing higher stress levels, up from 16% in 2010 but still below historical levels, such as in 2007 when 29% were reporting higher stress.

US senior executives appear to be coming down this year with 20% of them stressed, compared to 36% the previous year. Asia Pacific business people are the most stressed, with 44% reporting increased levels in the last 12 months.

Grant Thornton says it’s seeing more effective management of economic volatility and uncertainty. Businesses have also learned to analyze risks better, factoring them into performance and are setting more realistic targets.

Reaching performance targets is the biggest headache for businesses. Globally, 30% of them cite it as the major cause of workplace stress, and it’s ranked highest in 37 of the 40 economies covered by the survey (with Canada just short of the average at 28%).

Less cited are stress caused by the volume of communications (11% globally, 9% in Canada), office politics (11% globally, 16% in Canada) and work/life balance (9% both globally and in Canada).

Download the report at www.internationalbusinessreport.com.

I read the column written by Jim Stanford (PLANT, Labour Relations, Jan./Feb. 2012). What a crock.

He calls himself an economist. I don’t know where he gets his figures that corporations are sitting on trillions of dollars of idle money. They can’t be manufacturing, distribution or wholesale companies.

I think Jim should drive around Ontario’s industrial areas and see how many buildings are up for lease.

It would have been nice for private sector companies – like the car manufacturers – to have had some bail-out money to keep them going! Only the power of the union can make that happen.

I’m in the transportation business and noticed a number of my clients have moved manufacturing back to the US or Mexico because of our labour policies.

We need to stop importing goods from countries that don’t have WSIB, corporate taxes or labour policies up the ying-yang.

Federal and provincial politicians need to keep in mind that we are now in a global economy! The only way manufacturing will return to Canada is to get rid of some of labour policies that only protect lazy workers. Abolish WSIB and bring in employee accident insurance, which is fraction of the cost. Make workers more accountable. Change the corporate tax structure to a system of rewards for the companies that hire and improve their companies and tax the companies that are money hoarders.

Charles Figueira Chargo Fast Cargo Mississauga Ontario We’d like to hear from you. Send letters to joe.terrett@plant.rogers.com with your name, address and phone number.

Letters will be edited.

PLANT 5

12-03-05 4:09 PM

Departments

>> Industry View

Wind energy grows by 21%

$2B for Cold Lake expansion

Canada is 9th for global capacity

Power generation gets winded.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

OTTAWA: Despite an uncertain global economy, the world’s wind energy industry continues to boom.

In 2011, global wind power capacity grew by 21%, according to statistics from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), a global trade association based in Belgium.

A record 41,000 megawatts of wind power was installed in 2011, bringing the total global capacity to more than 238,000 megawatts. About 75 countries have commercial wind power

installations, 22 of them more than the one gigawatt.

Canada’s sixth-place ranking comes from installations of more than 1,260 megawatts added to provincial grids – an investment of $3.1 billion and the creation of more than 13,000 person-years of employment.

By the end of 2011, Canada had 5,265 megawatts of installed capacity, ranking it ninth.

More than 5,000 megawatts of wind energy projects are contracted for completion over the next five years.

CALGARY: Imperial Oil Ltd. has approved a $2 billion expansion of the company’s Cold Lake operation in northeastern Alberta.

The Calgary-based petroleum company said the Nabiye expansion will add bitumen production of more than 40,000 barrels per day at Cold Lake.

The project will access 280 million barrels of recoverable reserves and is to start up by the end of 2014.

The expansion will include development of a new steam generation and bitumen-processing plant, field production pads and associated facilities.

Environmental improvements include a 170-megawatt cogeneration facility to enhance the plant’s energy efficiency and a reduced footprint for field production pads.

The company describes the Cold Lake facility as the largest and longest-running in situ oil sands operation in Canada that includes four steam-generation and bitumen production plants.

The operation produced an average of 160,000 barrels of bitumen per day in 2011.

>> Careers

Bernd Schneider Bernd Schneider has stepped down as executive chairman of renewable energy company Schneider Power Inc., now a wholly owned subsidiary of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. His son Thomas Schneider, the company founder, will continue as president of the Toronto-based company. Alan Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum, will serve as board chairman.

TeraXion, a Quebec City-based photonic technology provider, has appointed Ghazi Chaoui as chief strategy advisor to lead its future partnership and acquisition activities. Chaoui held several executive positions in companies such as Oclaro, Infinera, Broadwing, Corvis, FiNet, Lucent and AT&T/Bell Laboratories.

Steelcraft, a manufacturer of custom-engineered steel products, components and systems in Waterloo, Ont., has appointed David Sutherland to its board of directors.

He comes from integrated North American steel plate manufacturer IPSCO where he is president and CEO.

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Marvin Romanow left his post as CEO at oil and gas producer Nexen Inc. in Calgary and Gary Nieuwenburg stepped down as the executive vice-president of the company’s Canadian operations in a management shake-up. CFO kevin Reinhart was appointed as interim president and CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement for Romanow.

President and company director Brian Doherty has resigned from Carmen Energy Inc. in Calgary to pursue other interests. Tyler Rice was appointed interim president while the oil and gas exploration company searches for a permanent replacement for Doherty.

March 2012

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Economy << Departments TRADE SURPLUS GROWS IN DECEMBER $ billions seasonally adjusted 45 43 41 SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA

39 37 35 33 31

Exports Imports

29 27

DJ 2008

J 2009

J 2010

D 2011

Automotive industry drives economic rebound

Canada’s exports rose 4.5% in December to $42 billion. Imports edged up 0.8% to $39.3 billion, elevating Canada’s trade surplus from $1.2 billion in November to $2.7 billion. Exports to the US rose 5.3% to $30.2 billion, driven by petroleum, aircraft and precious metals.

North American output jumps to five-year high: Scotia Economics

G

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA

MANUFACTURING SALES ADVANCE $ billions seasonally adjusted 56 54 Current dollars 52 2002 constant dollars 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 DJ J J N 2008 2009 2010 2011

Transportation equipment led manufacturing sales to advance 0.6% in December to $49.9 billion. The gains occurred primarily in durable goods industries where sales rose 2.1%. Non-durable goods fell 0.9%.

INVENTORY LEVELS DECLINE $ billions of dollars seasonally adjusted 70 68 66 SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA

64 62 60 58 56

DJ 2008

J 2009

J 2010

ECONOMIC DE VELOPMENTS AND TRENDS

lobal vehicle sales continue to strengthen, with North American volumes exceeding an annualized 14 million units since February 2011 for the first time since the cash for clunkers program in mid-2009, according to the Scotia Economics Global Auto Report.

Carlos Gomes, Scotia Economics’ senior economist and automotive specialist, said the North American rebound was driven by replacement demand and, “contrary to expectations, was accompanied by lower incentives.”

Global sales, excluding China, advanced 6% above a year earlier – the strongest gain since February 2011, prior to the tsunami in Japan last March, says the report that excluded China from last January’s performance because an early lunar New Year affected sales.

It noted Canada also started the year on a strong note, with volumes surging 15% above a year earlier.

“We estimate that purchases totalled an annualized 1.7 million units in January – the best performance since May 2008 and up from a full-year total of 1.59 million in 2011,” said Gomes.

Stronger-than-expected passenger vehicle sales across North America have prompted automakers to schedule a further increase in vehicle assemblies, providing an additional boost to an economy that has been gaining momentum in recent months.

However, the report notes production gains are not limited to North America. Rising sales led to doubledigit year-over-year increases in vehicle assemblies in India, Germany and the UK in January, while activity rebounded sharply in Thailand following last fall’s flood.

Production is also improving in Japan, with vehicle output in January posting a double-digit year-over-year

increase. Output schedules even appear to be stabilizing in Western Europe, following a double-digit slump in late 2011.

In North America, vehicle assemblies are now scheduled to climb above an annualized 15 million units in the opening months of 2012, which Scotia Economics describes as the highest level since 2007.

Assembly plants in the US will lead the gain, with production planned to climb 14% above a year earlier.

Vehicle output exceeded an annualized 10 million units in January – the highest level since early 2008, led by a 64% year-over-year surge in car production.

Japanese manufacturers also assembled a record number of vehicles in North America in January, as they attempt to re-establish optimal inventories and reduce the impact of a strong yen on their financial performance by shifting production from Japan to North America. Assemblies will climb further as additional product is transferred to North America from Japan.

“We estimate that rising vehicle output will add nearly a percentage point to economic growth across North America in the opening months of 2012, helping to sustain the improved economic momentum that has emerged in recent months,” said the report.

Scotia Economics forecasts continuing strength over the next several years, as foreign automakers continue to expand and build new production facilities in North America. It said once the planned expansions by Japanese and European automakers are completed by 2014, North American vehicle assembly capacity will climb to 19 million units – close to the prevailing level nearly 10 years ago when the Detroit Three began to restructure and close some of their facilities.

D 2011

After 14 months of increases, inventory levels decreased 0.9% in December to $64.4 billion. There were declines in 14 of 21 industries, with non-durable goods down 0.7% and durable goods down 1%.

EARNINGS, YEAR-TO-YEAR CHANGE

per cent 5 4 3

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA

2 1 0 -1 Change in average weekly hours Change in average weekly earnings

-2 -3

DJ D 2008

J 2009

J 2010

charging, and more.

D 2011

Average weekly earnings were up 0.7% in December to $888.26. Yearover-year, earnings rose 2.4%. Manufacturing wage growth exceeded the average, up 2.5% to $1,000.55. Notable growth came from printing; transportation equipment; computer and electronic products; and chemicals.

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Departments

T

>> Labour Relations

Lessons from the Caterpillar debacle

By Ken Lewenza

E

vents at Electro-Motive Canada in London, Ont. have culminated into what amounts to an economic home invasion. The factory, which operated profitably and productively for decades, was suddenly confronted by an uninvited visitor who barged in, demanded money, then left, leaving a shuttered plant and immeasurable social pain in its wake.

When someone experiences a real home invasion, they call the police. In this case, the relevant authorities failed to pro-

The Electro-Motive debacle reflects an all-round failure of “economic and social policy… ” tect the citizens of London. Indeed, the federal government’s Investment Canada process invited the invaders in, without so much as a cursory review of Caterpillar’s 2010 takeover of Electro-Motive.

Tax cuts, write-offs for locomotive purchasers, R&D subsidies and government financing for exports all sweetened the pie. Yet nothing was demanded from Caterpillar in return for this largesse.

Having digested its new subsidiary,

Caterpillar is now shifting production to Indiana (where new right-to-work laws effectively ban unions) and Mexico. But moving jobs out of Canada won’t stop Caterpillar from raking in billions in revenue here – including lucrative sales to mines, oil sands operations and government-financed infrastructure projects.

The Electro-Motive debacle reflects an all-round failure of economic and social policy. Perhaps that’s why the issue

touched a chord with average Canadians.

I can’t recall another labour-management dispute in recent memory that garnered so much public support for the workers’ cause. This is partly because of the offensive nature of the company’s demands: imagine the arrogance of a global company declaring its highest profits as it demands 50% cutbacks from Canadian workers. The public spoke out because this case so painfully symbolizes the negative social and economic trends that are destroying the Canada we love. If those 450 hard-working Canadians can lose everything because an uber-profitable corporation demands it, no middleclass Canadian is safe. Prosperity, a core principle of our society, is very much on the ropes.

A union can fight for a better deal for all working people, but it won’t succeed on its own. Just as a home-owner needs the police to protect them against aggressive strangers, Canadians need governments to actively assert their authority and protect our interests.

Policy changes needed Both the federal and provincial governments must intervene to assist the ElectroMotive workers in this desperate moment, using all the tools at their disposal. We’ve asked the federal government to reveal the specific terms of Caterpillar’s original notification to Investment Canada and subject that data to independent audit. Ottawa should also apply strategic trade policy (as other countries do), including countervail, in an effort to change Caterpillar’s decision. Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty should demand taxpayers’ money back.

Provincial labour officials can intervene, too, to ensure the workers receive a modicum of fairness in their final dealings with this shameless corporation.

Ultimately we need permanent policy changes that respond to the unprecedented mobility, power, and arrogance of companies like Caterpillar.

Scutinize foreign investments to ensure they genuinely benefit Canada.

Prevent companies that harm Canadians from having unfettered access to our markets. Tax incentives must have genuine strings attached to ensure we get fair value for fiscal support provided to companies. Strengthen and modernize labour laws to support fair treatment for unionized and non-union workers. And we must deal with the new power alignments of the global economy, so average people can build decent lives. Otherwise, the tragedy that befell 450 London workers and their families will be repeated many times across our land.

Ken Lewenza is the president of the Canadian Auto Workers Union, which represents 225,000 workers across the country in 17 different sectors of the economy. E-mail cawcomm@caw.ca.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

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Sustainability

>> Saving Energy

Refrigerators for IT servers?

Cool

Technology saves energy, space and money

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Naissus applies its own version of thermal management to take the toxic heat out of data centres.

By Kim Laudrum

M

oore’s Law holds that the capacity of a microchip to perform calculations doubles every 24 months – an exponential improvement in IT function that has dramatically enhanced digital electronics and the world economy. But it comes with mounting challenges.

Maintaining data centres – where servers stacked with the latest super-fast processors from chipmakers such as Intel Inc. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) act as brain hubs for organizations as diverse as military installations, financial institutions and public utilities – requires mission critical operations. If these systems fail, the consequences would be disastrous.

While keeping up to date with IT evolution is one thing, over 10 years a company’s server system will need to be refreshed three times, but there is another issue: how to handle the heat.

“Heat in a data centre is toxic to servers,” says Peter Jeffery, president and CEO of Toronto-based Naissus Thermal Management Solutions Inc. “The thermal management systems

March 2012

12-03-05 4:12 PM

Sean Anderson works on a forming component machine.

Full profile, NTMS 30 closed-loop, water-cooled enclosure.

(L-R) Paul Idems, division manager of Nelson Industrial Inc., Peter Jeffery, president and CEO of Naissus Thermal Management Solutions Inc., and Ahmed El Nadt, director of data centre infrastructure, Canada at Trane, with a NTMS 30 closed-loop, water-cooled enclosure.

PHOTOS: STEPHEN UHRANEY

and data centres haven’t come anywhere close to handling the kind of capacity curve increase we’ve seen in the past 10 years.”

For most small to large enterprises, data processing systems (clusters of data server and storage devices) are kept in cool rooms, sometimes in buildings over one million square feet, and cooled by forced-air from computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units. Real estate is expensive and as the power of the servers expanded, so too did the need for larger rooms. Not to store the many servers, which were becoming increasingly transistorized, but to accommodate the larger CRAC units needed to cool the additional heat generated from the more powerful servers.

“When you go to the grocery store and buy a quart of milk, you don’t put that milk on the counter and flood the room with cold air to keep that milk cold,” says Jeffery.

“You put it inside a refrigerator. It’s the same kind of concept. We build refrigerators for servers.”

Jeffery and his partner Mirko Stevanovic became aware of the air-cooled solution’s limits while working for an international electronics manufacturing services provider in Toronto more than 10 years ago. Meanwhile, in Santa Clara, Calif., a former University of Alberta engineering professor was working as chief technology officer for Exodus Communications building data centres and rising to guru status for his efforts.

In three-and-a-half years, Paul DeGroot built 27 data centres worth an estimated

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US$1.2 billion, which took up 2.5 million square feet of real estate. He was among the first to build co-location data centre services, and his initial clients in 1995 for those sharing data centre space were Yahoo, Microsoft Corp.’s Hotmail and eBay. DeGroot says between 1997 and 2000 Hotmail was registering 90,000 new clicks per day, meaning new customers looking for information. “Hotmail was growing so fast and began to use so much power that my data centres couldn’t handle the load anymore.”

Less space for more thermal load At the same time, Jeffery was responsible for overseeing the installation of those components in client data centres. “There was a huge dot-com data centre boom underway back then,” he says. “Everyone was building them.”

Indeed, the net density went, in a space of a decade, from roughly 1.5 kilowatts (kW) per cabinet to 30 kW. “And that exponential increase in density really drove changes in the data centre infrastructure,” Jeffery says.

For one thing, the thermal load created by servers with five to six processors exceeded 150 to 200 kW per-square-foot so cooling the area around the servers required more space using CRAC units.

“In the old days, and it’s still pretty prevalent today, these CRAC units were very large systems that could be anywhere from three-feet-wide, nine-feet-long to six- or seven-feet-high. They blow cold air under a false or plenum floor. [The air] exits through perforated floor tiles and grates and is put up in front of servers,” says Jeffery.

“Once we got beyond a certain level of density, that type of technology wasn’t adequate to efficiently cool higher density loads.”

Because the company Jeffery was working with at the time was building thermal Continued on page 12

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Sustainability

>> Saving Energy

Keeping data centres cool

>> Green Manufacturing

Continued from page 11

Reduce use with an EnMS

management systems for servers, it tended to be ahead of the marketplace. “We knew this huge exponential increase in thermal density was going to set the data centre market on its ear.”

He brainstormed with business partner Mirko Stevanovic, who earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo specializing in heat transfer in micro-electronics.

“We said, ‘If you were to do this all over again, what would you do?’ Our take on it was that you wouldn’t necessarily cool the entire room. You would cool the area just immediately around the servers to start with. Then you would use water as a thermal transport medium because it’s 3,631 times more efficient. It has more capacity to remove heat.”

While pulling out his hair in 2006 trying to build the infrastructure to cool a data centre with increasing thermal density in Altanta, DeGroot was spending a fortune doing “crazy” things to install an air-cooled solution.

“Unbeknownst to me, Jeffery and his partner Stevanovic had been trying to get an appointment with me through my secretary. God knows how they got my attention but they did. They showed me the first watercooled cabinet, originally developed for IBM [Corp.]. And when I saw that presentation, a light went on and I said, ‘Voila! That’s it!’”

Micro-environment

Brett Wills

W

Just-welded access panels for Naissus enclosures.

Naissus puts a radiator or heat exchanger right in the base of the cabinet to pull the hot air off the backside of the servers, which goes down into a duct that’s built into the rear door of the enclosure. As the hot air is blown across a heat exchanger coil it’s transferred back to a chilled water supply system. “The cool air is put up in front of the server so that we create a continuous closed-loop inside of the enclosure,” says Jeffery. “The ambient environment is not used to cool the servers. We are basically creating a small microenvironment for the servers inside of the enclosure.”

The idea was developed further and work continued on the water-cooled system leading to the creation of Naissus with Jeffery as principal and president and Stevanovic as principal and chief thermal architect. DeGroot joined them in 2009 as principal and chief application engineer. Since 2010 they have installed 258 systems around the world, including some mission critical military applications.

Naissus partners with local manufacturers to serve their customers’ needs, allowing the principals to focus on the core business. Nelson Industrial Inc., based in Pickering, Ont., builds components and subsystems to Naissus’ specifications, while Great Lakes Case and Cabinet Co. Inc. from Erie, Pa. makes standard enclosure systems that Naissus customizes in Toronto.

The market potential is enormous. DeGroot says there are hundreds of existing legacy data centres that are now obsolete. To upgrade the data centre to the current blade server technology these firms will need a water-cooling solution. “It can’t be done with aircooling technology,” DeGroot stresses. “It’s just not financially feasible.”

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Energy performance

The Naissus system has an attractive feature: it can be specified for LEED-certified buildings thanks to a rating power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating as low as 1.25. “We can build a 20 megawatt data centre in about 45% to 52% less space,” says DeGroot, who notes some customers can realize a return on investment within two years.

The energy savings potential should be of interest to corporations that have invested heavily in data centre infrastructure. According to Ken Brill, executive director of The Uptime Institute, which monitors data centre performance, the top third data centres increased power consumption by 20% to 30% between 2004 and 2006.

“The cost of energy has seldom been a concern for IT departments in the past and there was little incentive to invest in energy efficiency improvements. But as data centre energy costs become more visible, the financial benefits of moving to a greener mode of operation are being recognized by CEOs, CFOs and CIOs,” analyst Eric Woods wrote for Pike Research in August 2010.

Brill says most data centres more than five years old are obsolete. “As a result we are on the verge of the biggest data centre construction boom in history.”

Naissus is poised to take the heat out of that boom.

Kim Laudrum is a Toronto-based business writer who specializes in manufacturing issues. E-mail klaudrum@ rogers.com.

ith rising energy costs, increased concerns about security and environmental concerns arising from energy use, improving performance is becoming more challenging. It requires a focused approach that includes an energy management system (EnMS).

This framework for sustainable management of energy can be third-party certified to the ISO 50001 standard.

Here are some simple steps you can take to focus and structure energy reduction efforts to maximize savings: 1. Establish an EnMS committee. Secure senior management support for developing an EnMS by communicating economic and other benefits of structured energy management versus non-structured. Organize a committee consisting of representatives from the operations, facilities, finance and management departments.

2. Energy policy. Develop one that states the organization’s commitment to continually improving energy performance over time.

3. Energy management plan. It should include: • A review and baseline. Identify the sources of energy use such as electricity, natural gas and steam. Document a minimum of three years of historical use by month for each source. Plot historical use on a line or bar graph to establish a baseline and allow for easy analysis.

• Energy performance indicators. Develop one for each source of energy that is normalized to business activity (kWh of electricity per unit of production or pound of product produced, GJ of natural gas per unit). These indicators become a normalized baseline of energy use that future performance will be measured against.

• Energy reduction targets and objectives.

Set realistic but challenging targets based on the established energy performance indicators. Include specific reduction numbers and associated timelines. For example, “Reduce electricity consumption 5% below the 2011 baseline by Dec. 31, 2012.”

Targets and objectives may also include phasing in the use of renewable energy.

• Action items. Develop specific items for reducing each source of energy consumption to achieve the stated reduction targets and objectives. For each action item, assign a champion and due date.

• Awareness, training and communication.

Develop a plan for increasing employee awareness around energy consumption. Develop a separate plan for training those who are directly responsible for driving energy performance and another plan for communicating ongoing energy performance.

4. Execution. Implement action items along with awareness, training and communication plans.

A EnMS will maximize the cost savings and other benefits associated with improved energy performance leading to an increased ability to compete and win in today’s economy.

Brett Wills is the director of the Green Enterprise Movement and a senior consultant with High Performance Solutions Inc. in Kitchener, Ont. E-mail bwills@hpsinc.ca.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

March 2012

12-03-06 2:30 PM

MECHANICAL DRIVES DECENTRALIZED DRIVE SYSTEMS

MOVIGEAR® Movigear® is distinguished by its high level of system efficiency, a significant factor in reducing energy costs. The integration and coordination of all the drive components lead to a long service life and system availability. Movigear® is an intelligent system with its own control concept.

Its high-quality networking helps reduce startup time and supports monitoring and maintenance tasks. When combined with a functional user software, drive tasks can be solved as quickly and easily as possible.

In many industries and applications, implementing economical automation concepts means utilizing decentralized systems throughout. Long rows of control cabinets with complex wiring, expansive space requirements and long distances between control cabinet and motors are too rigid and not very economical. Only the combination of flexible, versatile, economic and target-oriented modules will provide an efficient solution. This is the reason why system operators opting for decentralized drive systems from SEW-Eurodrive are always ahead of the game.

Our Drive Solution Pyramid.

MOVITRAC® LTE B The range of functions provided by MOVITRAC® LTE B is particularly well adapted to less complicated applications. Its user-friendly design makes integration quick and easy, it also meets the high quality requirements of everyday requirements. The Movitrac® LTE B is also available in IP55/NEMA 12k making it suitable for special ambient conditions. These frequency inverters operate reliably and flexibly even when exposed to dust or water.

VFDs: RELIABLE, COMPACT & VERSATILE

SERVO PACKAGE: SIMPLE, FAST & DIVERSE

PSC Planetary servo gear units The low backlash PSC planetary servo gear units are designed for torque classes from 30 to 305 Nm. They are designed to offer the greatest possible flexibility and ROI, as not every application demands machines designed for maximum performance. These planetary servo gear units are the basis for versatile, dynamic, and above all cost optimized drive solutions.

MOVITRAC® LTX Simple, fast and diverse: as part of the Smart Servo Package, SEW-Eurodrive offers the new Movitrac® LTX servo inverter for universal use. It stands out with advantages such as ease of operation, short startup times as well as optimized costs. Available in two sizes and covers a power range from 750W to 505 kW. The Movitrac® LTX is particularly suitable for use in applications such as secondary packaging, handling, and logistics.

DECENTRALIZED CONTROL: MODULAR, FLEXIBLE & ECONOMICAL

The demands on material handling systems today have never been more wide ranging or more challenging.

That’s why SEW-Eurodrive offers drive solutions for every kind of industry application. From the simple to the sophisticated, our pyramid of solutions allow you to control costs and limit complexity by giving you the ability to tailor our products to the exact intelligence and performance specs you require. Reducing energy consumption is also an important imperative today for the modern production line. Just ask Coca-Cola, who achieved a sensational 75% reduction in energy consumption by incorporating 40 of SEW-Eurodrives’s revolutionary decentralized MOVIGEAR® units in a recent overhaul of a European bottling plant transport line.

Driving the world

Toronto (905) 791-1553

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Vancouver (604) 946-5535

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12-03-08 6:54 AM

Innovation

>> Materials >> Driver Tech

Seniors R&D

Making their driving experience less distracting

By Lynn Shaw and Janice Miller Polgar

N

Aaron Guan in his University of Toronto laboratory.

PHOTO: MATT POWELL

Automotive

bioplastic

There’s something fishy in the works

A University of Toronto research project aims to produce a bioplastic using shellfish that will be used to make vehicle parts.

By Matt Powell, Assistant Editor

C

anadians love their seafood. Fisheries and Oceans Canada data shows each of us eat an average of 23.1 kilograms of the stuff annually. It’s also an industry worth a yearly $2 billion of GDP. Shrimp and crab account for 23% of this consumption, but apparently we’re wasting some of their most useful parts. Those potentially “harmful if swallowed” shells could be used to make a wicked soup stock, yet more often than not, they end up in the trash. But what if they were ingredients in a new bioplastic that could be used to make automotive parts that are lighter, cheaper and biodegradable?

Sounds unlikely – except to Aaron Guan. The master of science candidate at the University of Toronto and his supervising professor, Hani Naguib, are making waves in the “seafood as bioplastics” world. Their project aims to show how fibres extracted from shrimp and crab shells will strengthen other naturally produced bioplastics and it’s attracting some attention.

Auto21, the automotive innovation support network based in Windsor, Ont., showcased technologies developed in part by graduate students during its TestDRIVE competition held in conjunction with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters’ 2012 Small Manufacturing Summit. Guan earned a $10,000 scholarship for his and Naguib’s efforts.

Bioplastics development is a relatively new pursuit that involves strengthening plastics with naturally extracted polymers.

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), a tree extract, has had such an impact that forestry research firm FPInnovations and Montreal-based paper-giant Domtar teamed up last year to invest in a $32.4 million transformative-technologies pilot plant at Domtar’ s Windsor, Que. pulp and paper mill.

The plant will have the capacity to produce almost a tonne of NCC a day to make specialized coatings and advanced materials out of biodegradable hardwood chips.

Environmental impact – or lack thereof – encouraged Guan to get involved with the University of Toronto project.

“My biggest motivation was replacing products derived from petroleum-based plastics with a new product that’s sourced from a waste material and completely biodegradable,” he says.

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The “Recyclable, Lightweight Polymetric Nanocomposites” project is investigating the development, processing and characterization of recyclable and biodegradable polymers (polylactic acid) with nano-particles (such as carbon nanotubes) to develop lightweight automotive components.

“When Dr. Naguib approached me, it sounded like a project that could have a major impact on the world stage,” says Guan. “I wanted to be involved in something that could be of major benefit to the environment and economy; that wouldn’t be buried in the back of the newspaper.”

The fibres in shrimp and crab shells, called chitin nanowhiskers, form a base-strengthening material. They’re combined with polylactic acid and both go through induced cellular morphology to create what could be the world’s newest bioplastic.

A lighter, stronger material Guan’s research suggests the material has a higher strengthto-weight ratio than conventional plastics used in most automotive components, providing higher mechanical strength without the aesthetic flaws or deformations that occur at lower densities. Mechanical properties can be engineered to suit various strengths, stiffness and weight requirements by varying combinations of chitin nanowhisker and polymer content. The material is also completely renewable and sustainable since it's derived from fishing industry waste. Commercialization isn’t imminent, but a number of low temperature, low humidity applications look promising.

“Assuming we can finish the research by the end of next year, the next step would be analyzing the scale we could achieve,” says Guan.

The plastic would be best used for components such as dashboards and interior door panels. And it would be less costly than traditional plastics because the biomaterial wouldn’t be based on oil prices, which Guan notes “are going crazy.”

Indeed, a barrel was going for a little less than $80 four months ago but at press time, it was in $106 territory.

Meanwhile, the price of polylactic acid is coming down.

Guan’s supplier, NatureWorks, the Minnesota-based Cargill subsidiary, has cut its price in half since 2008.

As work on the U of T project continues, Canadians can do their bit to ensure supply meets demand for the new material by continuing to enjoy their favourite crab and shrimp dishes.

ew vehicles offer a wealth of technology to ease the task of driving and allows passengers to stay connected to plenty of electronic communication devices. All this new technology, so far from the days of knobs and buttons on the dash, can be distracting and stressful to seniors. As the North American population ages, seniors will soon be a dominant consumer group so it's timely to focus on their needs.

In Canada, a five-year CanDRIVE study is following 1,000 senior drivers in seven cities. The main objective is to develop an accurate tool to assess whether they’re able to drive safely, but a smaller sub-study is also focusing on how they interact with technology.

Other Canadian studies have identified common issues for seniors using, or in some cases not using, vehicle technologies. Surprisingly, age isn’t the key indicator: it’s the driver’s level of comfort with computers. Ease of use is another indicator of technology use. Voice recognition systems that operate auxiliary systems such as temperature, or lane assist technologies—they use lights on side mirrors to indicate a vehicle is in the blind spot— require minimal driver interaction. Even so, they can be a distraction and a challenge for those with sight or hearing problems.

Minimizing distractions A recent study by researchers with the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence found that some seniors find GPS devices minimize distraction if they know how to use them correctly. The driver listens for instructions, receives advance notice for lane changes, or turns, which reduces time spent searching for street signs that may be difficult to see. Combined, these benefits lead to a lower level of stress and anxiety, especially in heavy traffic.

Those with a low level of comfort were distracted by constantly looking to the screen for visual information. More sophisticated devices and their many options add to the discomfort. Many GPSs are not designed with the same ease of use a computer tablet might offer for returning to the home screen.

They can also be a hindrance for those with hearing aids who must contend noise from heating and cooling systems, passengers and the road.

Some hearing aids might actually categorize the GPS speech as noise and not elevate its volume enough to compensate for additional noise sources.

In response to the AUTO21 study, researchers are developing an online tool to help seniors evaluate technologies during the car-buying process or when purchasing after-market devices. Training modules are also under development to increase the confidence levels of seniors using these tools.

Assistive technologies are of great benefit to drivers, but as the population ages, the benefits will only be realized if automakers and suppliers consider the needs and abilities of seniors.

Janice Miller Polgar and Lynn Shaw are professors at the University of Western Ontario and researchers with the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence. Visit www.auto21.ca.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

March 2012

12-03-05 4:13 PM

Stainless Steel...

When Cleanliness and Sanitation are Paramount

Hygienic Design Enclosure

• FDA approved blue gasket prevents ingress • Sloped surface to shed water • Designed for easy cleaning

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12-03-08 AMAM 12-02-07 6:51 10:27

Management

>> Taxation

?

BE AWARE OF AMERICA’S TAXING STATE OF MIND State tax authorities are hungry for revenue and they’re looking at Canadian companies to top up their coffers.

BY MICHAEL SHUMATE AND GLENN FRASER

T

he owner of a Canadian processing plant who had been exporting pork products to the US for nearly a decade was taken aback when, for the first time, he received letters from three different state tax departments inquiring about the company’s business activities in those states.

While many Canadian enterprises selling into the US concern themselves with federal tax requirements, it’s the 50 states that are particularly hungry for tax revenue these days. Increasingly, state tax authorities are sharing information with one another and with US Customs and Border Protection and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify potential sources of revenue. They are also increasing the number of audits and fines. Consequently, more Canadian companies are receiving letters, questionnaires, reassessments – and penalties – from US tax authorities.

Given that every state has different tax regulations that frequently change, you need to carefully assess filing and payment obligations when conducting or planning any kind of business across the border.

Fortunately the pork processor had no additional tax obligations, but other Canadian manufacturers and exporters have not fared as well. Some have been subject to $10,000 fines annually for non-disclosure of each source of income and some have even had liens

filed against their assets by US tax authorities.

Want to avoid becoming the victim of punitive US tax penalties?

First, some background.

Canadian companies that conduct business in the US are required to report and possibly pay federal taxes based on earned income. They’re frequently subject to state taxes too, and possibly local taxes.

Many owners mistakenly believe their companies aren’t subject to tax on US income unless it’s earned through a permanent establishment in the country, such as an office or factory. However, as far as the IRS is concerned, if a business owner, executive or other employee travels to the US and authorizes contracts while there, the company has earned income through a permanent establishment in the US. Moreover, the concept of a permanent establishment is only relevant for US federal income tax purposes.

Canadian companies are often liable for US state taxes at a lower threshold – when the company has “nexus” (connection) with a state. Since nexus is not well defined and the threshold varies from one state to another, more Canadian enterprises tend to be subject to state taxes than federal taxes. In fact, the level of activity that could effectively connect income with an American trade or business can be quite low, including:

>> Corporate Rates

Our tax system is way ahead of G8

Canada places in the top 15 of PwC global rankings

C

anadian manufacturers are paying corporate taxes at a lower rate than most of the G8 and BRIC countries, according to a joint study by consulting firm PwC, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Paying Taxes 2012 places Canada 39th out of 183 economies with a business tax rate reduced to a low of 28.8%.

Canada’s business tax rate is significantly lower than the US rate of 46.7% (the global average is 44.8%), which ranks our neighbour at 131.

The study measures the overall ease of paying taxes for a hypothetical small to medium-sized domestic business by assessing three indicators: number of tax payments per year; time taken to compile returns and submit tax payments; and by calculating companies’ total tax liability as a percentage of pre-tax profits.

Canada’s overall rank is 11th for the ease of paying taxes based on the number of tax payments, the time it takes to comply and the total tax rate. That puts it at the top of the G8 countries, and way ahead of BRIC economies, where Russia and China rank at 102 and 121 respectively. Brazil is ranked the lowest for time taken to comply, placing it at 183 with 2,600 hours, compared to Canada’s ranking at 37 with 131 hours.

For number of tax payments Canada is low at eight compared to a average 28.5 and it takes 131 hours to comply with tax affairs here, while the world average is more than double at 277 hours.

Another PwC study of CEOs worldwide reinforces just how important tax policy is when it comes to investing. Its 15th Annual Global CEO Survey of more than 1,200 business leaders in 60 countries shows 44% of them see it as a significant factor in site decisions compared to 17% who cited immigration policy.

Yet as Canada’s tax rate approaches a targetted 25%, it may end up just out of reach. BC is planning a temporary business tax hike of 1% in 2014, taking its rate to 11% and Ontario is looking at shelving a planned rate reduction from 11.5% to 11% this year, and an additional cut of 10% next year.

THIN TO: PHO

into the US

KST OCK

SELLING

• actively soliciting sales in the US; • shipping goods to the US where title is exchanged; • employees regularly travelling to the US for sales calls or to attend US trade shows where they conduct marketing activities; and • employees travelling to the US to install or service products or to consult or provide training.

In some states, nexus may even be established when a Canadian company delivers goods with its own vehicles.

Indeed, some state tax authorities have been known to seize delivery vehicles for non-payment of taxes.

Reducing payable taxes The states are not bound by the Canada-US tax treaty, which prevents double taxation on the same income. To claim the treaty exemption, a Canadian company with active trade in the US – even if it owes no taxes – must file a disclosure: IRS form 1120-F, US Income Tax Return of a Foreign Corporation.

If US tax authorities later determine that income was earned through a US permanent establishment and the form wasn’t filed, the company would lose valuable rights. For starters, it would be taxed on its gross income and no deductions would be allowed, plus the IRS could impose other hefty penalties.

Best not to risk it – especially with increasingly vigilant US tax authorities seeking new revenue. When your company has or plans active business in the US, here’s how you can reduce taxes payable and the risk of penalties: • Identify the potential tax consequences of your business activities.

• Determine which states present the best opportunities to minimize taxes on these activities.

• Devise appropriate business strategies to minimize taxation. For example, implications related to doing business in the US through an independent agent, subsidiary, branch or other means will differ.

• If you do not conduct business through a permanent establishment in the US, file IRS form 1120-F and claim an exemption under the treaty.

• If you do conduct business through a US permanent establishment, file all necessary US tax returns.

• Monitor changes in relevant federal, state and local tax codes.

• Don’t ignore correspondence from any US tax authority. Get advice from a tax expert to help you respond appropriately.

Keep in mind that the US – including each of its 50 states – is in a taxing state of mind. The onus is on Canadian companies venturing across the border to prepare the appropriate business and tax strategies. After all, you’re going there to make money, not to give it away.

Michael Shumate (michael.shumate@mnp.ca) is the leader of the GTA region US corporate tax practice of MNP LLP (www.MNP.ca). Glenn Fraser (glenn. fraser@mnp.ca) is the leader of the GTA region Food & Ag Processing team.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

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March 2012

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Government << Trends

Ontario’s

deficit woes

Is the sun setting on business subsidies?

Manufacturers urge careful analysis of business support and to proceed with caution.

By Matt Powell, Assistant Editor

O

ntario, awash in red ink, has some tough decisions to make about how to spend taxpayers’ money, one of which will involve the ways government supports its beleaguered manufacturing base.

Sun setting direct and indirect business subsidies would help balance Ontario’s books, according to Don Drummond’s review of the province’s economic position, and there’s some support from SME’s and manufacturers for doing so, but they urge the government to proceed with caution.

Drummond’s nearly 700-page report offers more than 460 recommendations that provide a roadmap for eliminating the province’s $16 billion – and counting – deficit, and they involve a lot of cutting.

The former federal civil servant and TD Bank chief economist appointed by the McGuinty government to identify the choices that will have to be made is clear balancing Ontario’s books requires significant spending cuts everywhere from education to healthcare, which accounts for about 70% of public sector spending. But he is also recommending cutting business subsidies and tax credits that have saved

the province’s corporations billions.

Ontario and its manufacturing base, once responsible for 40% of Canada’s economy, is now a have-not province that can no longer depend on growth to keep its deficit in check. If the McGuinty government chooses to do nothing, the deficit will balloon to $30.2 billion by 2019.

A TD Economics report pegs the province’s economic growth at 2% and revenue growth of 3.2%, a full percent short of the McGuinty government’s 4.2% forecast last year.

Drummond observes the declining fortunes of the manufacturing sector, so key to the economy and the province’s ability to finance services and government, have been a major contributor to the eventual doubling of the deficit and net debt by 2017.

For businesses this means tax credits that saved Ontario companies more than $8 billion may be put on hold until the deficit is contained.

He argues those cuts are justified because many of Ontario’s tax credits, which are shared between 44 programs across nine ministries, are outdated and haven’t been updated since the corporate tax rate was cut to 11.5%.

Ian Howcroft, vice-president of the On-

>> Energy

Electricity: Powering the economy

Investing in infrastructure could add $10.9B to GDP OTTAWA: More than 150,000 jobs will be created annually over the next 20 years from investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure, according to a new Conference Board of Canada report.

The analysis, Shedding Light on the Economic Impact of Investing in Electricity Infrastructure, also suggests future spending would contribute about $10.9 billion per year to real gross domestic product (GDP).

The report says cumulative public and private investment in electricity infrastructure between 2011 and 2030 will total $347 billion, with the majority of investment slated for generation capacity. Investment is expected to peak between 2011 and 2015.

During this period, real GDP would be lifted by an average of 1.2% per year, supporting an average of 247,000 jobs per year.

Much of the investment will be machinery and equipment, some of which will come from outside Canada. Every $100 million invested in electricity infrastructure boosts real GDP by $85.6 million, creating roughly 1,200 person-years of employment.

Infrastructure investment would also impact many industries, including manufacturing and construction.

The report suggests manufacturing would gain $1.4 billion and more than 12,000 jobs in fabricated metals, electrical equipment and component manufacturing. Construction would gain an average of $3.8 billion and 61,000 jobs a year until 2030.

Services would see average growth of $5.3 billion a year from increased demand for architects, engineers and computer system designers.

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View from Queen's Park: The McGuinty government is looking at $2 billion in business-subsidy cuts.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

tario division of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), agrees a thorough analysis of those credits and subsidies is necessary to cull the losers.

A call for change “We recognize a need to change,” he says. “But we need to analyze these credits thoroughly and ensure we’re getting valuable returns for the province’s investments and focus on programs that improve productivity, job creation and economic growth.”

He warns that rushing into program cuts would be detrimental to fixing Ontario’s problems.

Satinder Chera, vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in Ontario, agrees that jumping into programs cuts would be devastating.

“We need to be careful how we approach these recommendations, they are only recommendations,” he says. “They need to be implemented in a methodical way that has a vision towards improvement.”

Ontario’s small business tax deduction is another issue.

“We need to look at that small business tax rate and wonder if it’s actually holding companies back from attracting new growth opportunities,” he says.

That credit, which provides Canadiancontrolled, privately owned corporations a tax rate cut of almost 8% on the first $500,000 of active business income, could be holding Ontario back from export opportunities and growth in emerging markets.

“The benefit, of course, is that it allows companies to keep more of their earned dollars to invest,” he says.

But small firms typically have more difficulty raising capital than larger

companies do, so they focus on raising capital rather than exploring growth opportunities.

Howcroft says there has to be incentives to attract foreign investment to Ontario, a high-cost jurisdiction.

“We’re not operating a 65 cent dollar anymore and while the tax rate has improved, the cost is still too high,” he says.

“Improvement will depend on providing more incentives for companies because other countries are revamping their tax situations as well. We need to show more of a benefit for companies.”

Improving productivity, which brings innovation, R&D and job creation into the mix, is another issue.

Ontario’s innovation tax credit, which provides a 10% rebate for innovation expenditures could be gone. So too the province’s Apprenticeship Training credit, which pays for 10% of a new employee’s salary and a hiring credit that pays out $1,000 per employee.

He’s also called for a change to Ontario’s economic culture, suggesting the provincial government not only look at how it provides help for businesses financially, but how it can change workplace practices to improve productivity and trade relations with emerging economies. That includes taking a serious look at the aging workforce and future labour needs.

The McGuinty government is looking at $2 billion in business-subsidy cuts, including $1.3 billion from 50 support programs and $1 billion in tax credits. A budget is due at the end of March. Manufacturers will soon see how seriously the minority government takes Drummond’s recommendations, and how effective the business support that survives will be.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

PLANT 17

12-03-05 4:14 PM

Operations

>> Think Lean Workers know what’s wrong with a process and likely how to fix it.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

thing is amiss, workers quickly determine the cause and take action. It also encourages everyone to look for more ways to self-manage processes and improve them.

Thoughtful visibility is a tenet of TPS. Ohno’s basic problem-solving method was “to ask why at least five times.” He wasn’t asking people to confine themselves to the circle, but to dig through the clutter and see the core problem.

Starting the change process

Sustainable

change

Make it part of your team’s DNA

How to avoid “veneer” lean that looks good on the surface but is too thin to last.

By Richard Kunst

M

any manufacturers think nothing is being accomplished if their operations aren’t running at a rapid pace. Such thinking was helped along during the “economic turbulence” when panicked companies were frantically plugging holes, reorganizing the troops and attempting to implement quick fixes to nagging problems.

This is “veneer lean,” a visual adoption of tools that lacks the depth to truly change the organization’s DNA. Take, for example, what some people claim is a kanban system. Often it’s really a 2-bin system (when one bin is empty, refill from a second until replenishment).

A good kanban system has multiple signals within the value stream to ensure a steady flow of materials to the point of use, in spite of procurement lead-time.

And some companies embark on a 5S+1 journey that’s nothing more than a disciplined house cleaning. Proper workplace organization is a tactile, engineered assault on wasted search time and walking while improving ergonomics.

How do we avoid creating a false appearance of lean?

Observation and reflection before taking action and enterprise value stream mapping are excellent ways to do this. Mapping allows people to be “on” rather than “in” the organization. During this event folks walk, interview and document the entire value stream. This exercise is significantly enhanced when the outside eyes of suppliers, customers or fellow consortium members are added.

An effective way to observe is called “standing in the circle.” Taiichi Ohno, the architect of the Toyota Production System (TPS), coached his budding TPS leaders to carefully observe reality by drawing a chalk circle on the floor, telling them to stand in it for several hours and wipe their minds clean so they weren’t distracted by things that seemed more important. Such intensive

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observation fuelled kaizen thinking, which was necessary before they could coach others.

Kaizen is the core of TPS. All other techniques promote kaizen by maximizing the number of opportunities to practice it. It’s best to learn kaizen by doing. Classes merely familiarize people with techniques.

Developing experts helps, but the power of kaizen is multiplied many times if those experts coach others to identify and solve problems. Process visibility reveals problems to everyone, not just managers. When some-

Always asking why and identifying problems takes constant practice. Toyota veterans know that when observing for the first time, it takes several hours – sometimes days – to achieve a basic understanding of a process.

Before you start the change process, ask the following questions: Why are we changing? What are we changing? What are we changing to?

Resistance also impacts change. Lean opens up capacity and change results in rumours and speculation that distract from the management process. Succession planning helps to maintain focus. Note these steps: • Start with the current state, which is likely your current organizational chart. Your future state is the chart that follows change.

• How are you going to migrate from your current state to future state? Who is going to be affected and how? This may include the elimination of positions. Be honest about the result.

• Develop your migration plan. What are the aspirations of the people within your organization? Plan at least two moves ahead with a solid roadmap showing how to get there. Identify trigger points that will initiate the move and include this within the critical success metrics.

Process change can be all about transforming the face of the business, but people will want to know where they fit in. Showing them will lead to a successful transition to change that will be more durable than a thin veneer.

Richard Kunst is president and CEO of Kunst Solutions Corp., which publishes the “Lean Thoughts” e-newsletter. E-mail rkunst@kunstartofsolutions.com.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

>> MORE FEEDBACK

Pioneering systems contracting for MRO

I

read with interest the Buying for MRO and production article (PLANT, Think Lean, Jan./Feb. 2012).

In 1967, our firm – J.B. Reid Industrial Sales Ltd. – introduced “Systems Contracting to Industry” in the Toronto area to eliminate repetitive calls from customers for prices of many repeat MRO and production items.

Our staff and the customer’s purchasing people would conduct a two- or three-day survey reviewing purchases from the previous year. We recorded every item that was available from our stock within 24 hours, as well other products within 24 to 48 hours.

A purchased product was compared to one we sold and when the process was completed, the customer was given our pricing, and the entire survey was then calculated to show what could have been saved, or in some cases, what would have cost more.

Customers would normally reduce the number of MRO items by two thirds. Because we did not charge for broken packages of stock items, there was a saving for the account. In cases where there was a quantity break, such as 12 only or 10 only, the customer would be given the first break price for less than the first break quantity.

This service saved the customer hours of work coming up with equivalent or better quality items.

Our prices were guaranteed for six months or one year depending on business conditions. We delivered daily, directly to the user staff, bypassing receiving and invoiced once a month. The paperwork showed the name of the person ordering the item and the initial of the person approving the purchase and pricing. In many cases, orders were picked up at a central point in the plant and goods were delivered the next day.

Accounts payable staff favoured our process as it gave them all the security they required. Terms were 2% 10 days after receipt of the invoice so accounts had up to 40 days to pay us.

We also published a catalogue covering 11,000 items so customers could look at an item and know what dollars were involved.

About 30% of our business was system accounts. Our program received recognition as the most innovative distributor in North America by the Industrial Distributor Association, and it continued until 1993 when our firm was sold.

I hope this is of interest and as they say, “what goes around comes around.”

J.B. Reid (Retired) Caledon, Ont. We’d like to hear from you. Send letters to jterrett@plant.ca with your name, address and phone number. Letters will be edited.

March 2012

12-03-05 4:15 PM

Maintenance << Operations Expensive to repair or replace, wind turbine gearboxes require lubricants with special qualities.

By Steve Gahbauer

M

any components in highly engineered industrial gear drives have tight tolerance limits and an optimized geometry. It stands to reason such equipment needs special care.

The successful operation and longevity of a gearbox is directly related to regular maintenance and proper lubrication.

Gear oil has two main purposes: it reduces wear and dissipates heat. Most gearbox failures can be attributed to the wrong type of oil or incorrect viscosity. Proper oil viscosity provides a film between meshing gear teeth. It’s very thin and prevents the gear teeth from metal-to-metal contact. Although oil suppliers provide product data sheets to their customers, the true test of gear oil is how it works in the system.

This is true for any type of gearbox, but proper lubrication and lube cleanliness are absolutely crucial to wind turbine gearboxes because they present challenges that are not found in other equipment. Gearboxes are the weakest link and the most expensive component in a wind turbine. Although relatively small, they’re very complex because of their low- and high-speed geometries.

The gearbox connects a low-speed shaft turned by the rotor blade with a high-speed shaft that provides the drive.

A low-speed shaft is typically supported by two large bearings. Lubricants in the gearbox and bearings ensure the turbines operate effectively.

Aside from suitable viscosity, oils must be non-toxic and have: an extra high film strength; low pour point and resistance to corrosion; water tolerance; good cleansing and dispersing ability; resistance to foaming and they facilitate filtering; and provide protection against micro-pitting. Above all, they must be reliable and long lasting because access to wind turbine gearboxes is difficult and expensive. Maintenance and oil changes require a tall crane and, in many cases, easement rights on properties.

At a recent technical session of the Toronto Section of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), Michelle Graf, product manager of hydraulic and industrial gear oils for Lubrizol Corp. in Wickliffe, Ohio, presented an overview of wind turbine gearbox lubricants and performance parameters, starting with their composition.

Graf, also co-chair of the American Wind Energy Association’s Operation and Maintenance Working Group, said they should be 90% to 99% base oil and 1% to 10% additives. The base oil can be either mineral oil or polyalphaolefin (PAO). Base stocks need to be synthetic products because of the extended drain requirements of wind turbine gearboxes.

Synthetic base stocks operate within a wide range of temperatures and have

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Wind power’s

>> Tech Tip

weakest link

How to maximize the performance of turbine gearboxes

Wind turbine gearboxes present challenges not found in other equipment.

very versatile viscosity characteristics. Additives must be formulated for extra-high pressure, anti-wear and rust inhibiting properties. Aside from reducing friction and dissipating heat, oils must also inhibit foaming. Balance is critical because so many components of a formulation are surface-active, making proper formulation a real balancing act.

Testing performance There are various tests available to assure lubrucants perform effectively, including general industrial gear bench tests, mechanical and field tests, and specific tests performed by OEMs. The governing standard is DIN 51517-3. If you need more guidance, wind turbine suppliers, gearbox manufacturers and lubricant vendors are useful sources of information.

Proper selection, application and condition monitoring of lubricants maximizes service capability. Because oils and additives break down over time, lubricants need to be replaced regularly.

Make regular oil-sampling part of a preventive maintenance program. Too little lubrication damages gearing; too much may cause churning and higher operating temperatures. Either results in decreased efficiency and reduced oil and seal life. Check for leaks at shaft seal areas and make sure filters and strainers

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

remove contaminants when the gearbox is equipped with a pressurized lubrication system. Replace them when changing the oil.

The choice of lubricant depends on turbine size, turning speed, transmission design, operating range and filtration, and on the type of lubricant delivery system. There are many things to consider, but solutions are available.

For instance, SKF offers a wide range of items for wind turbine gears and bearings that are designed to boost performance and reliability. Among them are new products related to automatic lubrication systems.

Graf says other points to consider are anticipated oil life, compatibility with current lubes and warranty issues. It’s a good idea to discuss specific needs with suppliers and to look at the total cost versus only the cost of oil.

Keep the lubricant as clean and contaminant-free as possible to minimize downtime, reduce maintenance and repair costs; and increase machine availability.

What to look for in an EAM

A

CMMS is a powerful tool that can optimize asset performance, equipment reliability and ultimately manage the total cost of ownership. But David Berger, a partner of Western Management Consultants in Toronto and an expert on computerized maintenance management software, reminds us that like any software tool, it’s as good as the data being entered, the user’s skill in analyzing it and how the information is used.

Managing physical plant assets requires a basic understanding of how each one and their components behave throughout the lifecycle.

Selecting EAM software to do the job requires thorough research. In a recent white paper, Mike Auer, an asset management expert from business software developer IFS North America, offers advice on how to make the choice: • Consider the importance of PAS-55.

This new asset management standard from the British Standards Institute requires IT systems to share information and retain knowledge across the organization.

• Open EAM to your vendors and contractors. It keeps them up-to-date on upcoming work, allows them to schedule their people and have the right tools and materials in place. The contractor will also provide real-time updates.

• Look at project management on a macro level...An asset’s lifecycle is really one long project so the EAM should support plant design and engineering.

• …And the micro level. Project management involves tracking the costs of thousands of smaller projects. The EAM software must be capable of adequately managing and recording the project data.

• Consider the impact of an aging/ shrinking workforce. Baby boomers are queuing up to retire. The software should be capable of recording their knowledge and collective wisdom. Look for enterprise 2.0-type features that will facilitate an open, communicative environment.

• Consider the importance of usability.

Look for cutting-edge improvements that will streamline adoption of the software and provide enhanced decision and managerial support by identifying the most pressing maintenance tasks at a given time.

• Realize lean maintenance improvements by integrating EAM with ERP. Consider the degree to which EAM software will create a data silo separate from the rest of the enterprise, which in turns creates non-value-added work.

From 7 Tips for EAM Selection, IFS North America. Download the document at www. eamjournal.com.

Steve Gahbauer, an engineer and Toronto-based freelance writer, is the former engineering editor of PLANT. E-mail gahbauer@rogers.com.

Collecting maintenance data.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

PLANT 19

12-03-05 4:15 PM

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12-03-05 4:15 PM

Industry IT << technology

COMPRESSING your air 5 rEASOnS TO TAKE IT OuTSIDE Make the best use of your production space while saving energy.

BY BrEnT PATTOn

T

here are tremendous ongoing cost differences between indoor and outdoor space. These include heat, taxes and actual building value versus land value. Often overlooked are the costs of lost production due to a lack and inefficient use of floor space.

An efficient plant maximizes valuable floor space Outdoor air compressor saving space inside the plant.

PHOTO: AIRCELL for production. Robotics, presses, workstations and many other types of production equipment must be new facility. Adding compressed air for temporary or permanent located inside the plant. Equipment required to operate the actual use is done easily. Most outdoor compressor rooms are designed facility, such as high voltage transformers, HVAC and air make-up to include a complete set of compressed air equipment, shipping units, are conveniently located outdoors. As a utility, one would brackets, ventilation and electrical, all of which can be shipped presume compressed air equipment would be located outdoors as with little preparation using a tilt-and-load. Once on site, the outwell, protected from a wide range of undesirable conditions, such door compressor room requires no more than an air-line into the as contamination, inefficient ventilation and high operating templant and a power supply. peratures. On the contrary, plants routinely waste space around • Capital costs are reduced. Typical outdoor compressor compressors, dryers and filters so equipment can “breathe” proprooms cost between $15,000 and $28,000 (depending on size erly, when, in fact, clean intake air and correct ventilation are key and options) and include everything a compressor room would to an efficient, reliable and long-lasting system. require, excluding the actual equipment. Compare that to a buildExtra indoor space provided for your compressor room, over and ing addition that can cost more than $100,000 and may not be above access requirements, would be put to better use as production designed properly to house a compressor set. space. An outdoor compressor room is an alternative that requires Keep in mind many provincial and municipal governments offer inminimal space. Here are some benefits to taking it outside: centives to reduce water and energy consumption. The value of these • It’s easy to add or relocate equipment. Plants that are incentives varies depending on the type and efficiency of the existing experiencing growth usually require more floor space and comsystem. Contact your local utility for more information. pressed air volume. An outdoor compressor room can be an Another option is renting a turnkey package. You treat comadd-on to current equipment while maintaining existing indoor space. Additional savings are realized during re-installation at a Continued on page 22

>> HVAC sOlar system PrOvides industrial heat Enerconcept Technologies Inc.’s new Luba GL system, rated by the Canadian Standards Association-International as the world’s most efficient, inexpensive and lightweight rooftop solar hot air collector, provides supplemental outside air heating in commercial, institutional and industrial facilities.

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Maximum thermal output is 247-BTu/h/ft2 (780-W/m2) with airflow of 6- to 12-cfm per 112 x 36 x 8-in. collector.

The back panel’s perforations, covered by a thin, lightweight layer of filtering and heat The glazing’s 1/4-in. buffer space and the perforation design absorbing felt, transpire air from the outside to within the collector. This reduces heat loss and delivers high efficiency. eliminates the weight and cost of insulation.

The Luba Gl design is patented by Denmark-based Solarventi and Quebec-based Enerconcept, the exclusive north American licensee. The company also manufactures a metal wall-mounted solar air heater, rooftop solar air heaters and other alternative energy products. www.enerconcept.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 1

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>> Data Management

Calculate ghgs Data comes from air leak surveys

U

E Systems has secured a patent for a method of calculating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions from a compressed air leak survey.

The emissions readings are now installed as part of the company’s ultratrend data management software. ultratrend DMS creates reports that, along with providing compressed air leak information, break down gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide.

Data is downloaded to the ultratrend DMS, which filters it and the user sets up a report on an excel spreadsheet. Information is stored in each tested group location, converting the decibel levels of each leak into cubic feet per minute measurement. This is used to calculate both the cost of a leak and the amount of greenhouse gases generated by producing the electricity used to compress the air that’s wasted. The software is also used for other gases such as compressed air, argon, helium, hydrogen and nitrogen.

The report offers both a detailed monthly survey of data and a global annualized summary of leak volume and potential cost savings when it's fixed. Monthly data includes details for each leak including location, size, the identified cost, energy avoidance (measured in kWh), and the amount of CO2, nO and SO2.

You’ll come away with a report offering three vital items: the identification of specific leaks repaired, the actualized cost saved and the actualized greenhouse gas savings for each.

“By being able to view unrepaired leaks in a report, users can manage the repair process to assure that the savings from a survey are realized,” says Doug Waetjen, global operations representative for uE Systems, a manufacturer of advanced portable and online ultrasonic systems based in Elmsford, nY. Through prompts on the spreadsheet, cost factors are adjusted for each geographic area and shifts made depending on whether the plant is operational 24 hours a day or less. www.uesystems.com

Plant 21

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CIEN

Compressed air as a utility

Product Focus <<

Air compressors Calculate air efficiency

Continued from page 21

pressed air as a utility, paying a fixed cost while the manufacturer is responsible for all the air and its quality. There are no breakdowns bills, no maintenance bills and no surprises. Not only is the air out of the plant, it’s also off the capital expense line.

• Safety and cleanliness. All too often we see compressor rooms that are hot, poorly lit and coated in oil and other contaminants. Air compressors often overheat due to blocked cooling mediums and intake filters. Safety in compressor rooms is an ongoing concern.

When the compressor is located outside the facility in its own room, the issues surrounding cleanliness and safety are no longer a concern. Outside, the compressor room draws clean air and requires little or no cleaning. Furthermore, with proper lighting and temperature controls, outdoor compressor rooms provide a safe work environment.

• Proper design and operation. They maintain the ideal operating parameters for your compressor, thus increasing reliability, quality and life expectancy.

Minute particles of the contaminants that clog oil coolers also make their way into the compressor lubricant, shortening the life of bearings and the all other internal moving parts.

Outdoor compressor rooms are custom built specifically for the compressor equipment it houses. This means the intake, discharge and backdraft dampers are all engineered to maintain a steady temperature, regardless of the weather outside. Since the compressor is outside, it’s free from plant conditions and uses the cleanest air available.

• Green alternative. An outdoor installation is a practical way to apply green technology in a way that fits your business model. Air compressors use a lot of power so they are often subjected to scrutiny, and rightfully so.

An outdoor installation addresses three environmental concerns. First, air compressors generate and discharge a significant amount of heat. Outdoors they maintain a steady internal temperature and ducting will reclaim the consistently warm air during the cooler months. Second, taking it outside reduces plant noise drastically, creating a happier and more productive work environment.

Last, the use of shipping containers for compressor rooms takes advantage of single use yet reusable storage containers, and they require less material to build.

Indoor compressed air may be the “usual” way, but it’s not the only way.

Taking compression outside saves space, energy and adds some weight to the bottom line.

Brent Patton operates AirCell, a supplier of compressor technology in Mississauga, Ont. E-mail brent@aircell.ca.

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

22 PLANT

21-23.2 PLNT.indd 22

The EQ energy efficiency analyzer app for iPads from Quincy Compressor calculates the efficiency of compressed air systems, identifying energy savings and cost reduction opportunities, all of which helps set a baseline.

The compressor manufacturer based in Bay Minette, Ala. has built in a comprehensive guide to simplify the computation. Enter the compressor configuration and local electrical energy cost for accurate number crunching.

What’s the benefit of a high EQ rating? Optimizing the compressed air system reduces energy consumption, stabilizes system pressure, improves system performance, enhances product consistency and improves plant productivity.

Download the free app by searching “EQ Analyzer” on the categories page in the APP store or visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eq-energy-efficiency-analyzer/id492166290?ls=1&mt=8. www.quincycompressor.com The EQ app.

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 2

Compression with backup Jenny Products Inc.’s single- and two-stage duplex compressors do pumps and motors in twos, but they can be operated separately. This allows the second pump to backup or complement the first when greater airflow is needed.

The industrial-duty electric motors come with ASME-certified air tanks. Single-stage models are available with 60- and 80-g tanks and provide 19.6 to 55.6 cfm at 125 psi. Two-stage models are offered with 120- and 240-gallon capacities and produce 36.6 to 214 cfm at 175 psi.

Standard features include a directional air shroud and large flywheel that keep pump temperatures low, while synthetic pump oil protects pistons, crankshaft, bearings, rings and cylinders through a splash lubrication system.

To avoid damage in harsh conditions, the Somerset, Pa.-

based air compressor manufacturer has built in protected mounted fittings and heavy duty, enclosed belt guards. Other standard bits include a tank gauge, alternator, magnetic starter, large canister intake filter with replaceable filter elements, auto start/stop control, thermal overload protection and special unloading valves.

Also available are optional oil sight glass, dryer, aftercooler, lubricator, air Duplex air compressor. line filter, circuit control transformer, low oil-level switch, dual control, constant run and an automatic tank drain. www.jennyproductsinc.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 3

Oil-free and variable speed

Three CAS models.

Mobile compression Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc., a Garner, Iowa-based manufacturer of industrial equipment, has added three air compressors to its line-up.

The CAS45R offers a rated capacity of 45 cfm at 150 psi, while the CAS60R provides 60 cfm air delivery at 150 psi. Both rotary screw models are singlestage, pressure-lubricated compressors designed for high-volume air for use with pneumatic tools.

All of the components are self-contained and protected by a steel canopy to minimize outside elements that may affect the productivity of the unit.

Both are hydraulically driven, continuous-duty and single-stage, and pressure-lubricated without a hydraulic aftercooler, making the units more compact and lighter with a smaller physical footprint on top of the body sidepack.

The CAS40P reciprocating air compressor is an intermittent-duty model that delivers a rated capacity of 40 cfm at 100 psi. Use the two-stage, fourcylinder model for mobile applications that do not have high-volume air needs. Made for field mechanic use, it operates most pneumatic applications that support service work. www.imt.com

DV Systems’ H50 Algonquin air compressor package integrates variable speed technology to meet demanding applications.

The unit comes in a powder-coated heavy gauge and acoustically insulated steel cabinet. Features include an oversized rotary screw air end, a direct-drive TEFC industrial power source, and a CSC200-PLUS microprocessor controller.

The H50 Algonquin.

The VSD module constantly matches energy use with air demand as the consumption rate changes.

The Barrie, Ont. manufacturer’s oil-free ETC-SV product uses a special catalyst to convert the oil and other hydrocarbons into water and other harmless air. All oil molecules are burned off in the EcoTec Converter to generate oil-free compressed air.

The company notes hydrocarbon concentration downstream of the ETC is less than 1.93 parts per billion and the condensate is neutral with a ph of between 6 and 7. www.dvsystems.ca www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 5

Produce breathable air Your air compressor system can produce breathable air.

Placed near the point of use, Martech Services Co.’s Quality Air Breathing System filters the air with a four-stage system as an on-board carbon monoxide monitor checks its quality for compliance with industry health and safety standards.

The systems, which include hoods, masks and hoses, support two or more people in contaminated air spaces. Accessories will raise or lower air temperature according to user comfort.

Martech Services is an air quality equipment manufacturer based in Mazeppa, Minn. www.breathingsystems.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 6

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 4

March 2012

12-03-05 4:16 PM

Products and Equipment << Technology models. Desiccant regenerative dryers handle outdoor compressed air piping or operations that require dew points as low as -40 degrees C (optional -73.3 degrees C), in modular, heatless, externally heated and blower purge models.

The air compressor manufacturer, based in Michigan City, Ind., provides a complete range of filters for applications from general purpose to critical.

Filtration equipment includes pre-filters, high-efficiency, high pressure, high temperature and odour-removal filters and ISO 8573.1 quality classes. www.sullair.com

Neutralize static electricity.

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 8

SLICE THROUGH AIR EXAIR’s Deluxe Super Ion Air Knife Kits come with everything you need to neutralize static electricity while blowing away dust and particulates from printed surfaces, paper, plastics and three dimensional shapes up to 96 in. (2,438 mm) across.

The Cincinnati, Ohio-based manufacturer of compressed air-operated products for industrial plants, has included an electronic flow control which turns on the knife on only when it’s needed, conserving compressed air. www.exair.com

HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 7

DETECT HYDRAULIC LEAKS

PERFORMANCE ENHANCER Sullair Corp.’s Stationary Air Power System delivers oil-free and instrumentquality compressed air.

It includes a rotary screw air compressor, a wet storage tank, a refrigerated or regenerative dryer, customized filters, dry storage and a flow controller.

Completing the system are oil/water separator and drains, and ethernet-based eConnect to monitor and control the entire system.

There are refrigerated and desiccant regenerative types, depending on the application and dew point requirements.

Refrigerated dryers come in four different configurations, including non-cycling, digital cycling, cycling, and high temperature

LED lights are 15 times brighter.

The OPK-340 industrial leak detection kit from Spectroline pinpoints the source of hydraulic fluid leaks in equipment, compressors, engines, gearboxes, fuel systems and water-based systems.

Spectroline, a Westbury, NY manufacturer of ultraviolet equipment and fluorescent materials, says the kit’s OPTIMAX 3000 blue light LED is 15 times brighter than standard LED lights. The cordless, rechargeable flashlight has an inspection range of up to 20 ft. and LED life-span of 50,000 hours.

A 16-oz. (473-ml) twin-neck bottle of OIL-GLO 44 concentrated fluorescent oil dye is compatible with all syntheticand petroleum-based fluid and includes WD-802 concentrated fluorescent dye for detecting leaks in water-based systems.

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 9

SUPERIOR KINK RESISTANCE AutomationDirect has added to its NITRA line of pneumatic components.

NITRA 16-mm polyurethane tubing with a shore A 98 hardness rating provides pneumatic products tight outside diameter tolerance and superior kink resistance. The ether-based tubing, available in 100- and 250-ft. lengths, optimizes hydrolysis, oil and cold resistance. Aluminum manifolds in two styles handle up to 500 psi.

The brass adapter fittings and plugs come in 10 different styles for pneumatic applications such as air, water, oil, oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Machined from yellow brass bar stock or forging, the fittings withstand up to 800 psi. NPTthreaded male and female connectors come in 1/8-in. to ½-in. sizes. Tools and hoses are easily changed with quickdisconnect fittings. Also available are swivel fittings in chrome-plated steel with maximum pressure of 145 psi.

Plugs and couplers, in ¼-in. and 3/8-in. sizes, are available in industrial interchange manual or automatic and universal automatic styles. Male and female fittings withstand up to 250 psi.

AutomationDirect is a supplier of automation products based in Cumming, Ga. www.automationdirect.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 10

21-23.2 PLNT.indd 23

Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions in Waterbury, Conn. and Pittman Motors have come together to provide a single source for a broad range of linear and rotary motion products. The expanded product offering includes DC brush and brushless motors, linear actuators, precision lead screws, motorized and non-motorized linear rail and guide systems, drives, controllers and motor products.

Procon Systems Inc., a distributor of safety, analysis, detection, measurement and control equipment, will be selling Blackline GPS worker safety monitoring, asset management and security products in the Canadian marketplace. Blackline Loner products provide instant awareness of safety incidents and locate workers in distress. Procon has offices in BC, Alberta, Ontario and Illinois.

.Fittings withstand pressure up to 800 psi.

NEW PLACON CONVEYORS PROVIDE STABLE AND SMOOTH MATERIAL FLOW. ASK US FOR DETAILS.

Energy Efficient

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built better

www.plant.ca

Machine tool distributor Elliott Matsuura Canada Inc. is now the exclusive distributor in Canada of Cincinnati Inc. press brakes, shears and laser cutting systems. The Oakville, Ont.-based company has been the exclusive distributor in the six eastern Canadian provinces for the past three years.

The new agreement adds the four western provinces.

CIEN ad2 10-06-08 1:01 PM Page 1

www.dvsystems.ca sales@dvsystems.ca 1-800-668-8558

www.creform.com • 800-839-8823

CRE-362 3.25x4.75.indd 1

The Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) has added its newest Bearing Brief, Proper Handling, to its online library of installation and maintenance information for distributors, manufacturers and the end-users (www.bsahome.org). It describes best shop practices and covers lubrication basics.

Active Control Technology Inc., a Torontoarea manufacturer of wireless and fibre network technology for mine communications, is expanding its global sales reseller agreement with Strata Worldwide. Active makes MSHAapproved Wi-Fi network products with voice, data and tracking systems in Burlington and Mississauga, Ont., and Medina, Ohio.

42 IS LESS THAN 28.

Use less bracing, less joints and less assembly time building heavy-duty workstations, flow racks and carts with 42mm pipe & joints.

Creform ø42mm pipe is 2.5 times stronger than standard ø28mm pipe so you can increase capacities of structures while maintaining simple, open designs. 42mm/28mm joints allow use of all Creform 28mm accessories.

>> Supply Lines

Also in the kit are an 8-oz. (237-ml) spray bottle of GLO-AWAY dye cleaner, smart AC and DC chargers and fluorescence-enhancing glasses. www.spectroline.com

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 109

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 110 12/6/11 1:52 PM

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www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 111

PLANT 23

12-03-07 10:13 AM

cieN MeTaL cLeaners

heAvy duTy deTecTiON

Removes fine ferrous particles.

Demands for higher production rates and closer tolerances at lower costs spurred the development of Eriez’s coolant cleaners to keep machine tools running longer and more accurately.

Use Eriez magnetic coolant cleaners with surface grinders, gear grinders, honing and lapping machines, broaches, milling and drilling machines, face grinders and oil reclaiming machines.

Permanent cleaners come in 36 standard units to match flow rate, viscosity and degree of separation, and nine magnetic roll widths ranging from 7 to

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc Client Sommers

11

Bleed None

Setup

With reliable standby power from Sommers…

70 in. (178 to 1,780 mm).

Two types of rolls are offered. A smooth faced roll is used for normal conditions. Adding extended-pole plates creates a more powerful magnetic field for removing micron-sized particles.

Eriez Xtractor rare earth cleaners use a powerful magnetic field to capture and remove fine ferrous particles from coolant. There are four sizes that handle up to 30 gpm of water-soluble coolant per foot of drum width (4 lpm per cm of width). Each model is powered by a standard TEFC 230/460V, 60 Hz, 3-phase motor. The cleaners will also remove fine ferrous contaminant from slurry and grinding swarf to keep machine tools running longer.

Eriez, based in Erie, Pa., makes prodJob 1911-126E ucts for separation, vibratory and inspecFile Name 1911-126E PlantMagazine 2.5x10 4C.indd tion Last applications.

Modified 5-27-2011 9:35 AM Prev. Users Adam Savage www.eriez.com

Trim 2.25” x 10”

Inks

keeP mAchiNe TOOLs cLeAN

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Live None

Notes

Scale None None

The SurroundScan Protector HD metal detector made of heavy duty painted steel from Advanced Detection Systems Inc. works in the toughest environments.

Patented digital electronics continually monitor production, compensating for conditions such as conveyor vibrations, product variations and production equipment movements Continuous production near the metal monitoring. detector.

The Milwaukee-based manufacturer of metal detectors, has built in a microprocessor that eliminates conductive, materials from mining, aggregate, cement, recycling and plastic regrind operations.

Its Protector HD Acculearn technology adjusts for product effect, especially with highly conductive products, eliminating erroneous signals.

Features include a touch-screen interface with colour graphic, continuous production analysis, automatic tolerance control, system ready and detect metal splice detection circuits. www.adsdetection.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 14

Fonts & Placed Graphics

connecTors

…Get the power you need when you need it NOW!

• Over 200 systems in-stock for • • • • • • •

expedited delivery from 10 kW to 1 MW Mobile platform with theft protection and GPS available on some units PMG excitation ±1% voltage regulation Continuous-duty ratings Remote start contacts Sound attenuated enclosures User friendly controls Service and PM Contracts are also available

If you need optional power cables, electrical distribution panels, or insurance coverage, we have that too.

For more information about getting the power you need so it’s always “Business as Usual”, visit us online at sommersgen.com.

Sommers, Canada’s Power House in Generator Systems

Call us today.

1.800.690.2396 sales@sommersgen.com sommersgen.com Authorized

Distributor

Fonts Myriad (Bold, Roman, Bold Italic, Italic), Helvetica Neue LT Com (53 Extended) Links

Designed for high-volume recovery.

Sommers_Logo_4Col.eps (Up to Date), winco.tif (Up to Date; CMYK; 8713 ppi), IMG_7681.tif (Up to Date; CMYK; 1033 ppi), iStock_000003933154Large.tif (Up to Date; CMYK; 3179 ppi)

heAvy-meTAL cLeAN-uP

Recover up to five tons of heavy materials an hour with the VAC-U-MAX Model 1020 industrial vacuum.

Employing a powerful positive displacement pump it recovers heavy materials such as steel shot, foundry sand, metal powders and sludges.

The 1020 is available in 10-and 15-hp models powered by a leaf-type, PTFE highefficiency filter rated at 99.9% per 30 sq. ft.

VAC-U-MAX, based in Belleville, NJ, designs and manufactures pneumatic systems and support equipment for conveying, weighing and batching of dry materials. www.vac-u-max.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 12

Suits ethernet applications.

Pcb mOuNTAbLe Binder-USA’s 7/8-in. panel-mount connectors with dip solder contacts join the 820 and 870 connector family and now mount to a PCB board.

Use them for power supplies, Fieldbus and ethernet applications.

They’re available in both male and female versions with 2+PE, 4 and 4+PE gold-plated contacts, and mount from the back or front of a panel. All versions

have UL approval and an IP67 rating ensures connectors are protected when used in harsh environments.

To make a complete connecting system the receptacles will mate with the fieldattachable connectors and cordsets from the entire Binder 7/8 in. connector family.

Binder-USA LP, based in Camarillo, Calif., makes circular connectors and cordsets. www.binder-usa.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 15

Customizable connectors.

gO mOduLAr Harting’s has added 70 and 200 A crimp modules and a 70 A hybrid module to its Han-Modular line of connectors.

Han-Modular allow you to create customized connectors from standard components for indoor or outdoor applications.

Configure them for any combination of power, signal, fibre optic, D-Sub, coax and pneumatic contacts in a single, small connector – up to six in a single hinged frame.

RJ45 data modules allow Cat 5e 10/100 Mbit/s, Cat 6 1 Gbit/s or Cat 6A 10 Gbit/s ethernet transfer via Harting patch cords. All modules integrate protective grounding and ensure finger-safe protective handling.

Harting Canada, based in Montreal, distributes the company’s connector products. www.harting.ca www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 16

PacKaging

For the food and beverage industries.

WeLDing muLTi-PurPOse weLdiNg Thermal arc’s Fabricator 252i “3-in-1” represents a new category of welding system. The 66-lb.

Mig stick-Tig multi-process, fully integrated portable welder and has an output range of 5 to 300 a (250 a at 40% duty cycle). its Mig and gas-shielded flux cored outputs increase productivity on the shop while the stick and self-shielded flux cored processes work better in outdoor conditions and on rusty or dirty metal. using the Dc Tig process, operators weld stainless, copper, nickel, bronze or brass alloys in applications requiring precise control over heat input and weld bead placement.

Thermadyne Holdings corp. in st. Louis, Mo. manufactures metal cutting and welding products and accessories under a variety of brand names, including Thermal arc. www.thermadyne.com MIG-Stick-TIG weighs 66 lb. www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 13

uPgrAde TrAy/shriNk sysTem Standard-Knapp’s 296TS continuum tray/shrink system upgrades the user interface, wrapping wand and film feed module for applications in the food and beverage industries.

The manufacturer of packaging machinery based in Portland, Conn. has included an advanced diagnostic program that automatically directs operators to a fault screen when there’s a problem and it provides scheduled maintenance alerts.

Its on-demand film wrapping wand runs only when needed and the film feed system features a simple, single-pass, errorfree thread system. A clamshell design makes the film bed is easy to access. www.standard-knapp.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 17

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 112

24 PLANT

24-31-PLNT1.indd 24

March 2012

12-03-05 4:48 PM

Plant

Find trouble before

it finds YOU! FLIR IR Windows

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Get details on all the high performance thermal imaging you ever desired at www.flir.ca or call 1-800-613-0507 x24 / x25 today.

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Quality – Innovation – Trust www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 113 www.cienmagazine.com/rsc ???

24-31-PLNT1.indd 25

12-03-08 6:47 AM

CIEN POWER TRANSMISSION

>> Motor Application

CONTROLLING THE MOTION Aerotech Inc.’s A3200 MotionPac integrated PLC and advanced motion controller improves quality and reduces programming and commissioning time up to 40%.

The software-based PLC, which complies with IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen, is used independently for full machine control or in conjunction with Aerotech programs. Users program in ladder and function diagrams or structured text.

3 hp and 5 hp versions available.

range. In a variable speed, variable torque application such as a fan or pump, a 50% reduction in speed results in a 75% reduction in load.

At that reduced load, the motors maintain efficiency of approximately 91%. www.novatorque.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 20

EXPAND TORQUE RANGE

Baosteel's motors were made with bigger bearings and shafts to withstand greater loads.

Full machine control.

MEETING THE DEMANDS OF STEEL MAKING

Because it’s tightly integrated with the motion controller, users command asynchronous, coordinated, blended, geared or cammed motion directly from LD, FBD, ST or directly start or stop AeroBasic programs. Moves are specified as relative or absolute in user units.

Additionally, CNC or G code can also be called from the PLC program.

Aerotech Inc., a motion controller manufacturer, is based in Pittsburgh, Pa. www.aerotech.com

I

n the steel industry, to support changing loads and fast accelerations, roll tables need drives with high starting and breakdown torques. If a steel slab gets stuck, the drives must withstand the resulting overload.

Because of the demanding tasks with changing duty types and high ambient temperatures, steel factories often prefer motors with ring fins that provide self-cooling through convection, but are dirt-repellent when mounted horizontally.

With those requirements top of mind, NORD Gear Corp.’s straight-finned TENV motors were used by the Shanghai Baosteel Group Corp., China’s largest iron and steel producer.

The three main product groups, high-strength carbon steels, stainless steels, and special steels, are used in various industries such as automobile and aircraft construction, pipelines and electronic devices.

The motors are built to handle frequent reversals and protect against dust, dirt, and spray water. Baosteel’s motors were made with more material and bigger bearings and shafts to withstand greater loads and last longer before service than conventional industrial motors.

They were fitted with a special winding that contains temperature sensors and an incremental encoder. Natural convection (totally enclosed, non-ventilated or TENV) and forced convection (totally enclosed fan cooled or TEFC models) provide efficient cooling in rugged environments.

IE2 motors generate less heat loss than the preceding generation, and depending on the size, they operate permanently at 150% without reducing the availability of the drive system.

With increased starting and breakdown torques, higher speed NORD motors typically require less power for the rated output. www.nord.com

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 19

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 18

SEW-EURODRIVE has rounded off the lower power range of its X-Series helical and bevel-helical gear units with torque ranges of 6.8 to 45 kNm (5,000 to 33,000 ft.-lb.), which expands the torque range to cover 6.8 to 475 kNm (5,000 to 350,000 ft.-lb.).

The Lyman, SC-based maker of industrial drive units says a large gear ratio of 6.3 to 450 ensures its X Series meets all the requirements for a complete, comprehensive range of industrial gear units.

Finely graduated size and high power density saves both weight and cost, while pre-defined accessory equipment creates adjustment flexibility for applications, including a range of modular options such as motor adapters and mounting flanges. www.sew-eurodrive.com

PERMANENT MAGNET MOTORS

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 21

NovaTorque Inc.’s PremiumPlus brushless permanent magnet motors, driven by variable frequency drives, boast motor-only rated point efficiencies of 93% and 92% in 3 hp and 5 hp versions.

The motors achieve between 88.5% and 90% efficiency.

The Sunnyvale, Calif. manufacturer says the motors maintain their high efficiency over a wider speed and load

Meets modular options.

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www.masterbond.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 114

26 PLANT

24-31-PLNT1.indd 26

www.reelcraft.com | 800-444-3134 www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 115

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 116

March 2012

12-03-06 1:23 PM

Products and Equipment << Technology valve as secondary pressure relief.

It boasts a 95% operating ratio that allows processes to operate near capacity without bursting.

Oseco is a manufacturer of pressure relief products for industry based in Broken Arrow, Okla. www.oseco.com20.

Four-time radial load capacity.

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 23

ACCURATE SHAFT MOUNTING

SWIVEL-JOINTED TRANSFER

ETP Express shaft locking bushings from Zero-Max mount accurately without axial movement of the bushing along the shaft thanks to a single radial screw.

The 20-, 40- and 60-mm shaft bushings provide up to four times the radial load capacity of standard models with a tight connection between the shaft and mounted components.

When tightened, ETP’s radial screw compresses a pressure medium with a double-walled sleeve that expands to ensure a solid connection between the shaft and the mounting member.

Zero-Max is a manufacturer of servo motion control systems in Plymouth, Minn. www.zero-max.com

Prevent downtime with Endura series dual split flange (DSF) swivel joints from OPW Engineered Systems. They transfer acids, solvents, petrochemicals and other toxic fluid by combining innovative DSF swivel technology with counterbalance solutions.

With no ball bearings to remove, maintenance time and costs are reduced. Simply unbolt the flanges to access the seals.

Endura swivel joints are available in 2-, 3- and 4-in. sizes.

OPW Engineered Systems, based in Lebanon, Ohio, No ball bearings. manufactures systems for the safe and efficient loading and unloading of hazardous materials. www.opw-es.com

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 22

FLUID TRANSFER

SAFETY EAT UP OIL SPILLS Oil Eater Naturals absorbent pads, rolls and socks from Kafko International Ltd. make plant and maintenance facility floors, loading docks, paint shop floor and other areas safer by soaking up oil and repelling water.

Universal pads and rolls soak up oil, water and other liquids while the absorbent socks control larger spills and protect drains. The pads will absorb up to 20% more than melt-blow polypropylene pads.

Kafko International is a Skokie, Ill. supplier of specialty chemicals. www.oileater.com

More sucking up.

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 26

DOUBLE-PROTECTED GLOVES ROC GP630 nitrile-coated gloves from Magid Glove & Safety feature a double coating that’s resistant to wear.

The 100% nylon glove coated with Black NitriX grip technology is lightweight and flexible, with a high-density, 13-gauge, seamless machine knit construction.

The double-layer nitrile coating delivers grip and protection in oily conditions. The interior coating is comprised of a thin layer of blue nitrile that covers the entire glove, making it highly resistant to oils and liquids. The two-layers also protect against minor cuts

and abrasions at an ANSI Cut Level 1 and ANSI Abrasion Level 4.

They come in sizes 7-11, with a colour-coded knit wrist cuff and rubber band overcast finish that improves fit and prevents fraying at the edge.

Magid Glove & Safety Mfg. Co. based in Chicago, manufactures work gloves, personal safety equipment and protective clothing. www.magidglove.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 27

Get a grip.

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 24

SURFACE TREATMENT GREEN-CLEAN METAL SURFACES

Allows near-capacity operation.

Developed by Walter’s surface treatment R&D team in Montreal, BIO-RUST cleans steel prior to painting or coating operations.

It’s formulated with selective chelating agents and VOC-, solvent-, and phosphate-free. There’s no need for special clothing or complicated safeguards. It’s not costly to store and doesn’t require complex disposal procedures. There’s no WHMIS and it’s certified NFPA Diamond 0-0-0.

Parts are immersed in the liquid at room temperature. It has a high workload and can remove 1 kg (2.2 lb.) of iron oxide per 20 L of liquid. Once the rust is removed, the parts are rinsed with water, then immediately applies a corrosion protection product or a long-term corrosion inhibitor. www.walter.com

DISC RELIEVES PRESSURE Oseco’s PRO+KRGL reverse buckling rupture disc for gas or liquid applications ups the ante of best-in-class Kr value (used to determine the frictional flow loss through a rupture disc and holder), which permits the use of smaller piping.

Use the disc in valve isolation, primary pressure or in conjunction with a safety

VOC and solvent free. www.cienmagazine.com/rsc murphy_meansmore:08 10/23/08 25 5:54 PM

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www.plant.ca

24-31-PLNT1.indd 27

• Universal gauge body – all PosiTector 6000 SPG and DPM probes, easily converts from a dew point meter to a coating thickness gauge or surface profile gauge • No software required - Browse gauge readings and charts using your computer's file explorer, or upload to PosiTector.net • Two models - Standard and Advanced. Standard models now have more features • An ergonomic design that's rugged and weatherproof

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www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 118

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 119

PLANT 27

12-03-08 7:01 AM

CIEN sensors Overcome data collector noise Wilcoxon Research’s 786-500-D2 accelerometer monitors conditions in rotating equipment.

Slow speed applications, such as wind turbine generators, benefit from the strong 500 mV/g output of the 786-500-D2 because it overcomes data High sensitivity detects collector noise that low level vibrations. can mask peaks at low frequencies.

In high-speed applications, such as machine-tool spindles or gear mesh frequencies, the sensor’s higher sensitivity results in better detection of low level vibrations.

The accelerometer houses a 500 mV/g sensing element with a tight 5% sensitivity tolerance coupled with a ± 3 dB frequency response range that covers 0.2 to 14,000 Hz. It has a full scale acceleration range of 10 g and a broadband noise floor of 250 μg.

Wilicoxon recommends the 786-500-D2 for applications where both ends of the machine spectrum need to be monitored simultaneously.

Wilcoxon is owned by sensor manufacturer Meggit Sensing Systems, headquartered in Germantown, Md. www.wilcoxon.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 28

Detect objects 15 cm away.

Sense from your smart phone The 3 in 1 SFH 7773 digital sensor from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors makes it easier to install both proximity and ambient light sensing in smart phones by combining a digital ambient light and a proximity sensor in a single compact unit.

It also eliminates crosstalk by combining the emitter and detector chips together.

Able to detect objects up to 15 cm (5.9 in.) away, the SFH 7773 simultaneously measures the intensity of ambient light.

Its black package, measuring only 5.3 x 2.5 x 1.2 mm, is barely noticeable behind a smart phone’s transparent covers.

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, based in Regensburg, Germany, develops semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications. www.osram-os.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 30

Measuring target surfaces.

Dimensional gauging Macro Sensors’ BB LVDT-based dimensional gauging probes precisely measure dimensions in a variety of quality control, inspection equipment and industrial metrology applications including online parts inspection, servo-loop positioning systems, and manufacturing process control.

The full bridge, half bridge, pneumatic and soft touch probes control dimensional parameters of automotive, medical and aerospace products.

These AC-operated gauge heads measure the position of a target surface with a high degree of accuracy. Complete systems for “go/no/go” inspection of complex mechanical parts are assembled using several gauge heads mounted in suitable fixtures.

They combine a special AC-LVDT with a linear ball bearing assembly to reduce radial play and core skewing for 0.000006 in. (0.15-micron) repeatability.

Macro Sensors, a sensor manufacturer in Pennsauken, NJ, says using the LVDT for probe shaft displacement sensing eliminates additional transducer errors due to friction, stiction or mechanical hysteresis.

Features include: user-adjustable pretravel; reduced susceptibility to tem-

Faster sensor response Pepperl+Fuchs’ ML4.2 subminiature photoelectric sensors maximize machine productivity in a range of industrial applications and environments.

The sensors deliver faster response times, multibeam redundant detection, independent outputs and zero deadband sensing, among other performance benefits.

Some units feature dual light beams from two emitter LEDs that reflect light to two receivers. Having a redundant light beam enables transparent or glossy objects that are foil- or plastic-wrapped to be much more reliably sensed.

Pepperl+Fuchs North America, a manufacturer of industrial sensors, is based in Twinsburg, Ohio. www.pepperl-fuchs.us Dual light beams

perature changes; positive stops prevent mechanical damage to the probe from repeated overstroking; and rubber bellows covering the probe shaft prevent contaminants from getting into the bearing.

The units are available in three standard ranges: 0.02 in. (5 mm), 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) and 0.2 in. (5 mm). www.macrosensors.com

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Sense bad vibrations The 993B-7-M12 triaxial vibration sensor from Meggitt Sensing Systems improves in-band signal fidelity and increases dynamic range by 50%.

Used for both route-based and permanent-mount applications, the 993B-7-M12 hosts three general purpose 100 mV/g vibration sensors with ±10% sensitivity tolerance.

Germantown, Md.-based Meggitt Sensing Systems, a supplier of vibration sensors and software, has paired the accelerometer with a removable, flexible cable that assembles with Improves in-band an assortment signal fidelity. of connectors including BNC, Turck, 11-pin Fischer and 4-pin Bendix.

In permanent mounting applications, removable cables accommodate cable runs from any angle. With removable cable, severed cables no longer mean sensor replacement.

The sensor has a broad frequency range from 2 to 10,000 Hz on the Z axis, and 2 to 7,000 Hz on the X and Y axes.

Improved amplifiers on each channel minimize the influence of out-of-band signals and therefore overload. www.meggitt.com

Switch between transit and Doppler.

Hybrid metering Dynasonics’ DXN portable ultrasonic flow and heat meter is built on innovative hybrid metering technology that automatically switches between transit time and Doppler modes.

One-of-a-kind features include a 7-in., full colour touch-screen, the ability to store site-specific settings using plain text and an advanced software interface that adapts to customer needs.

The basic kit includes two sets of transit time transducers, cabling and a convenient compact carrying case. A complete kit includes transit time, Doppler, RTD and a wall thickness gauge.

Dynasonics, a manufacturer of low measurement equipment, is based in Racine, Wis. www.dynasonics.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 34

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Test & Measurement energy use in real time Energy efficiency is extremely important and manufacturers can measure their power consumption in real time.

With the Centipede 2 temperature control system from Brisk Heat Corp., each heater in a system has its own PID temperature controller and RTD sensor.

These controllers network together to a touch screen interface for easy global programming and monitoring.

“For the next generation Centipede 2, we have added new features, such as the full-colour touch screen and improved module design,” says Tony Multon, business development manager of the Columbus, Ohio supplier of industrial heat technologies.

A DIN-Rail STACK version has three

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Global programming

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temperature control zones per module and connects to a PLC or external computer – practical for control panel and tool integration where a high volume of heating zones (up to 512 zones) are located in a limited space. www.briskheat.com

Reproduces colours.

Inspect remotely Olympus’ NDT’s palm-sized IPLEX UltraLite videoscope conducts remote visual inspection in tough environments and confined spaces.

It’s compact and ergonomic, weighing a mere 700 g (1.5 lb.). Intuitive, thumbcontrolled scope articulation provides effortless and fatigue-free operation. A bright LED light at the scope tip eliminates fibre optic bundles.

Colour-reproduction accurately identifies very small defects. Operation is easy with its icon-based menu ensuring instant recognition and intuitive navigation.

Olympus, a Waltham, Mass. manufacturer of nondestructive testing instruments, says images can be stored to a standard SD or SDHC card as high-quality still JPEG images and MPEG-4 movies. www.olympus-ims.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 35

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Products and equipment << Technology geT The ThermAL PicTure FLIR’s next generation i-Series pointand-shoot infrared cameras improve resolutions and provide wider field-of-view choices in three models: the i7, i5 and i3.

The i7’s thermal resolution has been increased by 36%, exceeding RESNET standards at 19,600 pixels. Upgraded thermal The cameras capture resolution. thousands of calibrated temperature measurements to produce a complete thermal picture that immediately shows where hot spots and other heat-related anomalies may be present.

They’re tough enough to survive a 2-m drop and stow with tools.

FLIR, based in Portland, Ore., manufactures thermal imaging systems and subsystems. www.FLIR.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 36

LOOkiNg fOr TrOubLe Milwaukee Tool Corp. expands its test and measurement line with the Thermal Imager, powered by the M12 LITHIUM-ION system.

The Milwaukee Wis.-based tool maker says the system, made for professional preventive maintenance and troubleshooting applications, delivers 160 x 120 pixel, Includes thermal high-resolution thermal imager report images, uses a visual cam- software. era for standard pictures and covers a broad temperature range (-10 to 350 degrees C/14 to 662 degrees F).

The kit includes software that generates image analysis and reports. Images download using a 2 GB SD card or USB

connection port.

Powered by Redlithium battery technology, the imager applies Milwaukee’s M12 battery system for quick charging and easy field replacement. www.milwaukeetool.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 37

Use in any light conditions.

hd iNsPecTiON

aDHesiVes QuikdOT seALs seAmLessLy Ellsworth Adhesives has teamed with Glue Dots International to commercialize the QuikDot Pro pressure sensitive adhesive applicators for corrugated boxes.

The distributor of adhesive products and equipment based in Germantown, Wis. recommends the applicator for resealing broken beverage and other packs during shipping and at retail locations.

It’s refillable and fits easily into the palm of your hand.

Introductory kits include one QuikDot Pro applicator and two QuikDot Pro adhesive rolls.

Each one contains 800 dots. www.ellsworth.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 40

Extech Instruments’ durable HDV600 high-definition borescope cameras handle inspection in almost any lighting conditions inside or out.

Optics include 4- to 6-mm LED-illuminated camera probes and the SD memory stores 15,000 JPEGs or video files and audio annotations. Glove-friendly controller handsets with 320 degrees of articulated probes and wireless connectivity (10-m range) simplify inspections.

Extech Instruments is based in Waltham, Mass. where it designs and produces handheld test and measurement tools. www.extech.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 38

Portable and rugged.

LigHTing POwerfuL POrTAbLe LighTiNg fOr use iN hArsh cONdiTiONs

Breaks down for easy transport.

reeLs POwer fOr Three imPLemeNTs reelcraft’s Tri-tap reels supply power for up to three electrical implements. This accessory option is based on the L4000 series reel platform.

Models are available in 16/3 or 12/3 cord and either standard triple tap or gFci protected triple tap. reelcraft, based in Delta, ohio, is a manufacturer of hoses, cords and cable reels. www.reelcraft.com Reelcraft’s Tri-Tap reels. www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 39

Need powerful lighting that you can take on the road? Larson Electronic’s WALQP-2X500-25 work area floodlight tower covers about 6,400 sq. ft. with a 17,500 lumen light beam, yet can be easily broken down and transported.

It’s made of heavy-duty steel, stands at seven to 10 ft. and incorporates dual 500-W quartz light heads to provide lighting in harsh environments.

Light heads are independently adjustable to change angles and the direction of each one as needed.

A quad pod tower withstands inclement weather conditions and heavy duty use. The Kemp, Tex. manufacturer says the tower’s four supporting legs are foldable and very stable, even under windy conditions, and the light assembly is mated to a detachable mounting bracket that comes off without the use of tools.

When it’s time to move, the tower folds up for easy carrying and stowing in work vehicles. Larsen products are distributed by its Magnalight.com service. www.magnalight.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 41

Delivering Quality Products for your HVAC Needs

Up to 20,000 lb. Capacity

Hamilton puts the "HEAVY" in heavy duty! With superior features like precision tapered thrust bearings and CNCmachined raceways, Hamilton's Forged Steel Casters will out perform and outlast other comparable casters.

And, most are stocked for 24-48 hour PRONTO® shipment.

For the best heavy duty casters, backed by the best delivery and the industry's first and only three-year product warranty....

The Geospring Hybrid water heater delivers all the hot water you need and saves you money

Movincool offers quality air cooled and water cooled

portable and ceiling mounted spot cooling air conditioners.

Contact us for more information on the full line of products from Movincool

Toll Free 888-209-0999 www.williamshvac.com email: info@williamshvac.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 120

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CIEN Machining

from high spots.

Genevieve Swiss Industries Inc. of Westfield, Ma. manufactures specialized tools, accessories, application and process assistance for Swiss Type machining and small parts manufacturing. www.genswiss.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 43

Improved edge hardness.

Sharp steel finishing When turning die and bearing steels that are 50 HRc and above, the focus is on high wear resistance and toughness with Sumitomo Electric Carbide Inc.’s CBN uncoated grade BN2000.

The newly developed CBN substrate consisting of a ceramic binder of “exceptional purity” that the New Prospect, Ill.-based manufacturer of cutting tools says significantly reduces tool failure.

Use the BN2000 for continuous to medium interrupted hardened steel finishing jobs. The grade also handles small bores that may require lower SFMs. Improved edge sharpness creates consistent parts and the turning advancement is capable of attaining surface finishes as low at 3.2 Ra. www.sumicarbide.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 42

GenSwiss saw arbors.

Maximum rigidity GenSwiss Saw Arbors, furnished in shank and hub configurations, accommodate the smallest live tool positions such as ER11 collets.

More flexible ultra precision combination arbors hold an extra tool (end mill, drill, engraving tool or spot tool) to suit limited live tool position capacity.

The saw arbors run-out at less than .0001 in. TIR. The nut design applies gripping pressure on the outside edge to eliminate any chance of eccentricity

JOBS GROWTH PROSPERITY

Unlimited length, multiple work zones.

Make big parts with VIPER 7000 The VIPER 7000 builds on MAG’s modular tooling systems product platforms to produce wind energy and aerospace parts of unlimited length in multiple workzones.

MAG, a global manufacturer of machine tools and systems, says the system, easily sized for any part length, works with blade shells, spars, spar caps and shear webs and aerospace parts like stabilizer skins and wing skins.

The gantry system offers a wide range of processing advantages for fiber placement work and consumes less overall floor space than conventional mandrelmounted tooling systems. It accommodates both fixed floor-mounted or rotation tooling in either Outer Mould Line (OML) or Inner Mould Line (IML) configurations.

The system lays 32 rows of carbon or glass prepreg tape, using tow widths of 3.25, 6.35 or 12.7 mm (0.125, 0.25, or 0.5 in.) to create a total band width up to 406 mm or 16 in.

The company’s Canadian operation, MAG-IAS Canada Inc., is based in Mississauga, Ont. www.mag-ias.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 44

New cutting approach The Valenite F4050 cartridge cutter from Waukesha, Wis.-based toolmaker Walter USA offers a new approach to the challenges of high-speed milling of nonferrous materials.

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) supports southern Ontario's businesses and communities.

We are here to develop the right tools, strategies and partnerships for businesses to ensure the region grows and attracts the smartest minds and the most promising ideas.

For more information visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call us at 1-866-593-5505.

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Automation No-fan inverters No cooling fans are required with transformerless Carlo Gavazzi ISGA inverters.

The inverters come with LCD displays in output sizes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 kW with a 240 VAC, 60 Hz single phase output and 6 to 15 kW, 120/208 VAC Wye or 240 VAC Delta, 3-phase 60 Hz output. Output efficiency is up to 96.4%, with CEC ratings up to 95.5%. Some models connect two individual MPP inputs for more production time.

A quick-mount bracket and built-in AC/DC disconnect switch makes installation easy without a separate, externally mounted disconnect switch.

MPP inputs The metal housing is environmentally robust with a increase production time. durable powder coated metal housing and a NEMA3R outdoor rating that operates from -4 to 122 degrees F (-25 to 50 degrees C).

Calo Gavazzi (Canada) Inc. is a supplier of automation components. www.carlogavazzi.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 45

High-tensile steel cartridges.

The cutter comes in 80- to 200-m. diameters and uses high-tensile steel cartridges with brazed PCD carbide tips.

An adjusting key guarantees a micronprecise runout.

Toolsetting is done with clamping screws tightened according to defined torques for high limiting speeds.

Fine balancing screws ensure a high balance class. All adjustments can be done quickly and easily to boost productivity.

A carbide chip deflector supports roughing and finishing operations. The tool is equally productive at maximum cutting speeds in the range from 5,000 to 7,000 m/min range. www.walter-tools.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 46

Extend drill life.

Improve abrasion resistance Improve abrasion resistance and extend tool life at moderate and high speeds with BALINIT PERTURA from Oerlikon Balzers, a universal coating solution for high-performance solid-carbide drills.

Crack propagation is significantly reduced because of a tighter nanolayer construction of 5- to 20-nm thick, delivering notably longer tool life, even in dry

drilling or deep-hole drilling applications.

Productivity tests in steel at both moderate and high drilling speeds showed increases of between 20% and 40%. In cast iron, machining time to produce 500 holes was cut in half.

There are two recoating options.

A worn coating is removed from the substrate and a new coating is applied to the appropriate surfaces. Overcoating consists in regrinding worn tools only at the functional surfaces, after which the entire drill is coated again.

Swiss-based Oerlikon Balzers makes coatings for industrial machinery and equipment. www.oerlikon.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 47

Verify work as it progresses.

Digitize machining flexibility Mastercam X6 Mill from CNC Software Inc. expands machining flexibility and increases emphasis on speed and automation. In-process stock models, new toolpaths and the Blade Expert add-on combine with dozens of additional new enhancements for improving shop floor productivity.

The stock model allows operators to view and verify work as it progresses, perform stock model comparisons and choose existing stock for rest machining and to create accurate, fully associative stock models at any point of the machining process.

The Blade Expert add-on simplifies tool path creation for multi-bladed parts such as turbines and propellers with no limit to the number of blades, splitters or sub-splitter that can be programmed.

CNC Software Inc., based in Tolland, Conn., is a supplier of CAD/CAM software. www.mastercam.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 48

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Products and equipment << Technology MaTeriaLs HanDLing

resistance.

A sturdy all-steel frame adds a kilndried hardwood deck that muffles noise and protects the load from damage.

Better running gear improves the truck’s “rollability” using 8 x 2-in. premium moldon rubber-tired wheels with ball bearings that reduce starting forces by 20%.

Hamilton Caster is Hamilton, Ohiobased manufacturer of materials handling equipment. www.hamiltoncaster.com

fLexibLe sTOrAge sPAce A shelf cart from Creform Corp. constructed with 28 mm plastic-coated steel pipe is specifically designed for warehouse use and low-volume picking in storage or manufacturing facilities.

The 50 x 32 in. cart has three shelves (more can be added) that collectively handle up to 600 lb. of either one or multiple SKUs, depending on inventory quantity and package size.

Arlink 8000 modular workstation.

20% less starting force.

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For warehouse use

Four 6-in. casters (two with locking brakes) easily position the kitting cart or transport it to the point of use. Feet are available to replace the casters if you want a stationary unit.

Creform Corp. is a material handling specialist based in Greer, SC. www.creform.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 49

needs in such applications as assembly, computing environments, service, repair, research and technical work.

The ergonomic workstations, configured in a variety of heights and lengths, come in five standard industry widths and in three different heights up to 84 in.

Relocating or adjusting work surfaces, storage shelving, lights, power beams, footrests and other tasks is fast, easy and safe.

A virtual tool-free assembly and reconfiguration process makes unlimited changes to the workstation easy and cost-effective. Casters turn them into mobile workstations or parts carts.

Lista International Corp. manufactures modular storage products in Holliston, Mass. and Burlington, Ont. www.listaintl.com

DisPensing eQuiPMenT AuTOmATe POwder cOATiNg

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mOduLAr wOrksTATiON The Arlink 8000 modular workstation system from Lista International Corp. accommodates changing or future

rOLL-ON PLATfOrm Trucks Hamilton Caster’s PB1108 2,000-lb. class platform truck has lowered its rolling

Stroke speed of 40 cycles per minute.

Nordson’s 450-mm (18-in.) stroke oscillator automates powder coating operations. Payload capacity is 80 kg (176 lb.) with a maximum stroke speed of 40 cycles per minute.

Combining these features translates into 16 guns and high line-speeds that allow for tall parts or part racks and high line speeds.

An integrated variable speed drive is machinemounted or remotely located in the main system control panel for easy control and stroke speed adjustment.

Nordson Corp., a Westlake, Ohio-based producer of precision dispensing equipment, says the pneumatic cylinder equipped with accumulator counter-balance delivers better energy efficiency, low wear and longer parts life.

Counter balancing the oscillator eliminates machine drift when it’s stopped. Air cushioning for the gearbox and crank arm reduces wear and allows the motor to run more efficiently. www.nordson.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 52

insTruMenTaTion imPrOve shAfT ALigNmeNT The stealth s-660 from Hamar Laser instruments provides accurate shaft alignment at an entry level. The 3-axis shaft alignment system features Bluetooth wireless communication, smart Phone data display and high-resolution colour graphics. spans of 10 ft. (3.05 m) are achievable with the use of a fantype laser and the system features long battery life, print software for colour reports and auto-clock.

Hamar Laser is a Danbury, conn. manufacturer of shaft alignment instruments. They’re distributed by Hyatt industries Ltd. in Vancouver. www.hyatt-ind.com Bluetooth connectivity.

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screw-TermiNAL cONNecTiON The 400 W FcM chassi-mount Dc/Dc converters from calex Mfg. co. provide screw-terminal connectivity for a variety of industrial applications. input range is 18 to 75 VDc with output voltages of 5, 12, 24, 28 and 48 VDc. each model in the product line is isolated input to output with an operating temperature range of -40 to 100 degrees c.

Features include undervoltage lockout, Chassi-mount DC/DC converter. pulse by pulse current limiting, overtemperature protection, output overvoltage protection, input reverse voltage protection and over-current protection. output voltage accuracy is +/-1%. Line and load regulation is 0.05% and 0.02% Typ. all models exhibit 0% turn-on overshoot. efficiencies are up to 93%. remote trim, sense and remote on/oFF is available on all models, which also come with roHs construction. calex, based in concord, calif., is a manufacturer of instrumentation and power conversion products. www.calex.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 54

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CIEN Industrial Literature Reviews MOST POPULAR VACUUM CUPS

FORCE AND TORQUE MEASUREMENT CATALOGUE

Hannay Reels Presents Updated Welding Catalogue Hannay

Imada, Inc. offers a new force and torque measurement catalogue. Products include: mechanical and digital force gauges, manual and motorized test stands, special attachments, digital torque screwdrivers, wrenches, testers and calibrators, hardness testers for rubber and plastic, LED stroboscopes and handheld tachometer. Dealer inquiries invited. www.imada.com Imada, Inc. www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 127

Hannay Reels offers an updated welding catalog featuring its line of durable reels for arc welding, gas welding, and cutting operations.

For additional information, visit www.hannay.com or e-mail catalogs@hannay.com.

Hannay Reels www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 130

Industrial Vacuum Cleaning Systems from VAC-U-MAX

INDUSTRIAL EXHAUST FANS, IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

VAC-U-MAX is a premier manufacturer of industrial vacuum cleaning systems for production lines and other dust-intensive areas. With a VAC-U-MAX heavy-duty industrial vacuum cleaning system on site, both your capital equipment and your employees will be safer and cleaner. www.vac-u-max.com VAC-U-MAX www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 128

N.R. Murphy carries a large inventory of industrial exhaust fans in a vast range of sizes.

The most popular are fully built and ready to ship. When an unusual requirement turns up, the company has the experience and manufacturing capacity to quickly modify or build a new fan. Free catalogue includes specifications and guidelines. www. nrmurphy.com N.R. Murphy www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 131

Variabele Speed, Quiet and Efficient

Affordable Thermal Imaging

THE H50 ALGONQUIN Variable Speed Air Compressor by DV Systems is fully engineered from the ground up as a quiet, efficient and reliable package integrating variable speed technology throughout the entire unit. www.dvsystems.ca DV Systems www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 126

The FLIR i-Series Pointand-Shoot Thermal Imaging Cameras brochure introduces the newly redesigned i3, i5, and i7. The brochure covers affordable entry-level infrared cameras ideal for equipping front-line plant technicians. www.flir.ca Flir www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 129

LEADER IN POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Vi-Cas Manufacturing’s new 16-page, full colour brochure details the company’s most popular vacuum cups.

In addition to dimensional information (including lip diameter, height and mounting holes), the new literature shows photos of each cup to guarantee accuracy. Vacuum cups and accessories are used extensively in all types of packaging and labeling operations. www.vi-cas.com Vi-Cas Manufacturing www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 124

AIR SAVING BLOWOFF IS SUPER QUIET The low cost Super Air Knife™ dramatically reduces compressed air usage and noise. It delivers a uniform sheet of laminar airflow with hard-hitting force across the entire length. Energy use is comparable to a blower without the maintenance or downtime. Many sizes in aluminum, 303 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel and PVDF. www.exair.com/16/123.htm EXAIR Corporation www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 125

Power Control

Features include: a high surge current capacity; RFI/EMI damping circuitry; thermal overload protection; high capacity short circuit fusing; and LEDs for status indication over-current protection. www.mtl-inst.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 55

Protecting traffic controllers.

Send surges to the Zone Upgrade surge protection for new and existing traffic controllers with MTL Instrument’s ZoneIT pluggable module.

It fits into existing cabinet space and wiring configurations and thanks to its three-stage hybrid circuitry, delivers protection with three outlets.

A primary stage provides 50 kA protection to the entire cabinet while the secondary stage includes RFI filtering and ensures vulnerable electronics are fully protected.

MTL, a manufacturer of protection devices for process control based in Houston, claims the device suppresses surges up to 50% lower than other surge protectors.

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Tuned up energy chain Igus has redesigned its System E6 energy chain cable carrier for quiet, low-vibration cable management at high speeds and accelerations.

The manufacturer of plastic bearings products based in East Providence, RI

Viking Pump of Canada, an IDEX company, manufactures positive displacement rotary gear pumps, that can be custom fitted for various applications, such as, asphalt, chocolate, resin, paint, chemicals and petroleum products. www.vikingpumpcanada.com Viking Pump Canada www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 132

says the carrier is easier to assemble and weighs up to 37% less than its predecessor, making it suitable for a wider variety of applications.

Abrasion-resistant and low-wear, the System E6 works well in cleanroom applications (up to ISO Class 1 – IPA).

Elastic polymer spring elements connect the side parts of the cable carrier to one another preventing relative movements between the joints. Since the classic bolt/hole connection is no longer used, friction and abrasion are significantly reduced even after millions rolling cycles.

This second generation is narrower and lighter weight, but has the same interior dimensions. It’s also 2 dB quieter than System E6-29. The crossbars now swing open on both sides by 115 degrees along the inner and outer radius. They no longer have to be removed completely for cable installation or removal, although doing so is still an option. www.igus.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 56

Encapsulating power

System E6 cable management.

The MPM-60PB from MicroPower Direct delivers 60 W AC/DC power for industrial control automation and data processing

Six single output models.

systems. It includes a universal AC input, full safety approvals, robust filtering and high reliability.

Six single output models operate from a universal input of 85 to 265 VAC, providing tightly regulated outputs of 5, 9, 12, 15, 24, or 48 VDC. Standard features include filtering to EN 55022 Class B, input/output isolation of 4,000 VAC, low leakage current, efficiency to 86% and compliance to EN 61000-4.

MicroPower Direct, a supplier of power control products based in Stroughton, Ma., says all models are protected for overload, overvoltage and short-circuit faults. www.micropowerdirect.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 57

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Products and Equipment << Technology Plantware Smart flow control Brooks Instrument expands control and monitoring of its thermal mass flow meters and controllers with the Smart Interface BSI 0260.

This Windows-based software app works with the BSI tabletop hardware module handling up to 30 mass meters and controllers. No more multiple secondary electronics boxes, which saves space, simplifies monitoring and reduces overall costs.

It displays the fullscale flow rate and measured flow rate; adjusts the set point; displays device and alarm status; and changes valve override status from the Controlling the flow. main screen.

Data logging, batching and blending is covered and automated process recipes eliminate the need for operator intervention to adjust set points at designated times.

Brooks Instruments, a flow specialist based in Hatfield, Pa., says the BSI 0260 will work with 4800, SLA5800, SLA7800/7900, and Mf and SLAMf series. www.brooksinstrument.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 58

Networking for CNC FOCAS Automation Solution Connect (or FASConnect) software provides simple distributed networking for CNC data management that’s specific to FANUC CNC, scalable and supports older FANUC CNCs. FANUC Factory Automation, a CNC technology provider based in Hoffman Es-

>> Events NPE 2012 SPI April 1-5, Orlando Society of the Plastics Industry presents an International Plastics Showcase with technical presentations, papers, keynotes by industry leaders, workshops, and sustainability sessions. Visit http://www.npe.org.

Lean 101 CME – Innovation Insights April 3, Prince Edward, Ont. May 3, Brampton, Ont. The 5 steps to lean thinking, how to use value stream mapping, takt time and visual factory, hosted by Creative Education April 3. Hosted

by Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc. May 3. Call (800) 999-4129. Visit www.innovationinsights.com.

On the show floor.

MMTS SME May 14-16, Montreal Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

www.plant.ca

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A FOCUS control list.

tates, Ill., says the software manages the data from all machines in a plant from any computer on the network. Once the service is configured, no software is required except what’s included in Windows, and incremental licensing allows everyone from the small shops to the largest automotive plant to use it.

Designed to address the needs of factories of any size, it’s scalable from two to 22 simultaneous users, from 10 to unlimited CNC connections, and multiple ‘servers’ are possible.

FASConnect installs as a Windows service on a central computer that becomes the server. Once configured you will have access to all FANUC CNC systems on the plant network. www.fanucfa.com www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 59

Read fast-flying barcodes Cognex Corp.’s DataMan 300 handles the most difficult ID codereading apps on the fastest lines.

The fixed-mount industrial ID reader Wielding the DataMan. increases barcode read rates and speed with a new 1DMax+ algorithm that incorporates Hotbars technology. It uses texture to locate barcodes at any orientation, and then extracts high-

presents the Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show (MMTS), a showcase of equipment, products, machinery and technology for Quebec manufacturers. Visit www.mmts.ca.

Ultrasound World VIII UE Systems May 14-17, Clearwater Beach, Fla. The Ultrasound World technology forum features presentations and short courses covering condition monitoring and energy conservation. Visit http://209.200.118.95/ resources/ultrasound-world-viii-conference. aspx.

2012 CME National Lean Conference CME June 4-7, Winnipeg Thought leaders and practitioners share their insights and perspectives on continuous improvement, hosted by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME). Download the details at http://mb.cme-mec.ca, Upcoming Events.

PTDA Canadian Conference PTDA June 7-9, Victoria, BC Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) hosts this Canadian event featuring education sessions, an industry showcase and networking. Visit www.ptda.org/CanadianConference.

resolution 1-D signals for decoding.

Reading performance for 2-D matrix and difficult-to-read direct part mark codes has also been improved to the 2DMax+ algorithm.

The machine vision company based in Natick, Mass. says the DataMan 300 is easy to install with modular, controllable lighting options and intelligent tuning.

It comes in two models and provides a standard resolution of 800x600 pixels, or 1280x1024 pixels for the DataMan 302, which reads very small DPM codes on small components. www.cognex.com.

Panel-mount PCs and monitors.

All-in-one visualization

Omega Engineering Inc.’s OM-CP-EVENT101A data loggers interface to tipping bucket rain gauges and other devices with TTL pulse or contact closure output.

The devices, designed for use in the chemical, water and semiconductor industries, employ a 10-year battery and deliver a 4-Hz reading rate. Features include a multiple start/stop function, ultra high-speed download capability, 406,323 reading storage capacity, optional memory wrap, battery life indicator, and optional password protection.

Omega Engineering is a manufacturer of measurement and control technology based in Stamford, Conn. Omega Canada is located in Laval, Que. www.omega.ca

Pepperl+Fuchs’ VisuNet IND 8200 HMI panel mount PCs and monitors deliver all-in-one visualization in harsh process application environments.

The Windows-based, Type 4/4X HMIs mount directly to OEM process machinery or manufacturing equipment and interface with the control system. Each unit made with industrial-grade components is shock and vibration resistant, globally certified for Class I, Division 2 and Zone 2 (pending) operation, and rated for 24/7 operation in extended temperature environments.

The networked, PC-based touch screen operator integrates the machine and manufacturing execution system (MES) with plant- and enterprise-level networks.

The unit’s touch screen is chemically resistant with LED-backlit, anti-glare, transflective LCD, and hardened resistive-glass features. Power consumption is low to conserve energy. And operation is fanless thanks to the Intel Atom N270 or 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo processors.

Pepperl+Fuchs is a Twinsburg, Ohiobased manufacturer of automation technology. www.pepperl-fuchs.us

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Event logging.

Log your data

Index of Advertisers RS# 123 . . . . .

108 . . . . .

109 . . . . .

111 . . . . .

103 . . . . .

110 . . . . .

105 . . . . .

122 . . . . .

113 . . . . .

117 . . . . .

121 . . . . .

120 . . . . .

114 . . . . .

118 . . . . .

101 . . . . .

136 . . . . .

115 . . . . .

107 . . . . .

104 . . . . .

106 . . . . .

102 . . . . .

112 . . . . .

133-135 .

119 . . . . .

116 . . . . .

Advertiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brecoflex. . . . . . . . .

Carr Lane . . . . . . . .

Creform. . . . . . . . .

Coxreels . . . . . . . . .

CSA . . . . . . . . . . . .

DV Systems. . . . . . .

Exair. . . . . . . . . . . .

Fed. Development . .

Flir. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Global Safety. . . . . .

Gordon R. Williams. .

Hamilton Caster. . . .

Masterbond. . . . . . .

NR Murphy . . . . . . .

Omega . . . . . . . . . .

Petro Can . . . . . . . .

Reelcraft. . . . . . . . .

Rittal. . . . . . . . . . . .

Rousseau . . . . . . . .

SEW Eurodrive. . . . .

SME. . . . . . . . . . . .

Sommers. . . . . . . . .

Spraying systems. . .

Stone Tucker. . . . . .

Vi-Cas. . . . . . . . . . .

Page # . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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31 20 23 23 . 7 23 . 9 30 13 27 29 29 26 27 IFC OBC . 26 . 25 . . 8 . 15 . . 6 . 24 IBC . 27 . 26

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Departments

>> Postscript

Productivity needs more than tweaking

BY BENJAMIN GILLIES

O

ne of Canada’s most depressing economic statistics is the more than 630,000 manufacturing positions – a quarter of the sector’s workforce – lost since 2002.

A major reason for these job losses has been the fundamental restructuring of our economy over the last 10 years. In 1999, finished goods surpassed primary products to comprise 56% of our exports. Since then manufacturing has shrunk by more than a third as a percentage share of Canadian

Reigning in resource exploitation could allow critical “Canadian value-added operations… ” GDP. Meanwhile, raw materials, especially energy, have surged. Even before 2008, resource commodities shot up to nearly 60% of the total value of all exports and have led the way in post-recession growth. The value of energy exports alone more than tripled between 1999 and 2010.

The rise of natural resources and the decline of manufacturing are not isolated events. Thanks to high international prices, petroleum and mining companies

enjoy before-tax profits worth more than 20% of total revenues. This has drawn investment from other sectors of the economy to the oil patch, spurring a number of foreign takeovers of Canadian companies. The influx of foreign cash makes our loonie attractive to currency speculators, leading to its overvaluation by about 20%, according to OECD reports. With an overvalued currency, our finished products cost more in export

Change

is in the Air…

markets, making them less competitive, which negatively affects manufacturing.

Canadian labour productivity has increased a meagre 0.7% annually since 2000, ranking us 30th out of 34 OECD countries in average productivity growth.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has indicated his government will modify and coordinate incentive programs meant to boost the business innovation that improves efficiency.

Unfortunately, there is not much reason to believe this will help. For years Ottawa adopted the neo-liberal fiscal policies experts recommended for increasing productivity, while also creating dozens of programs and tax advantages to promote research and development spending. Yet, Canada puts just 1.9% of GDP towards such investments, well below the OECD average of 2.2%.

More innovation Our lack of productivity gains is not due to inadequate government incentives but rather the diverging fates of our primary and finished product sectors. Manufacturing is responsible for a vastly disproportionate share of innovation activity.

While making up just 12% of Canada’s GDP, in 2010 this sector accounted for almost half of all business R&D investment. Conversely, productivity in extraction industries trends downward over time, as the most accessible resource deposits are exhausted and companies turn to those more difficult to exploit. Not surprisingly, average labour productivity in the mining and oil and gas sectors fell by a third between 1999 and 2010.

For more than a decade Ottawa has pushed for a rapid increase in natural resource exports. Yet, if it truly wants to improve our track record on innovation, perhaps the opposite strategy is necessary. The government could put the brakes on new extraction projects and be more scrupulous when it comes to foreign takeovers of Canadian energy companies, in an attempt to lower the dollar to a more accurate international value. As well, it could encourage provincial administrations to demand higher royalty rates for resource exploitation.

This would bring corporate profit margins in line with those of other sectors to encourage investment in other areas of the economy.

Reigning in resource exploitation could allow critical Canadian valueadded operations to develop alongside extraction industries. With growth spread more evenly across sectors, we could then look at how best to encourage innovation within them.

PLANT is evolving with a new look and enhanced editorial.

PLANT and the CIEN technology section provide you with more comprehensive coverage of what’s new in technology, products and equipment.

Powered by CIEN, which has been providing product news to Canadian industry since 1940, this exclusive New Technology section features product news, application stories and case histories that will improve the production efficiency and competitiveness of Canada’s manufacturing and process industries.

Troy Media columnist Benjamin Gillies is a political economy graduate from the University of Manitoba, and now works as a consultant in Winnipeg. Visit www. troymedia.com.

Serving you better with the most in-depth manufacturing editorial and now the latest in product technology!

Comments? E-mail jterrett@plant.ca.

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REMOVE STUBBORN RESIDUES FROM LARGE TANKS WITH TANKJET ® 360 This powerful fluid-driven unit removes even the stickiest of residues quickly and efficiently. TankJet 360 provides better impact over the entire pressure range to ensure thorough cleaning. Plus, high-impact cleaning shortens cycle times so tanks are returned to service more quickly. For use with tanks up to 100’ (30 m) in dia. tankjet.com/tj360

www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 133

MOTOR-DRIVEN TANK CLEANERS PROVIDE THROUGH, DEPENDABLE CLEANING OF TANKS UP TO 80’ (24.4 M) TankJet AA290 and AA190 tank cleaners use air or electric motors to drive high-impact solid stream nozzles and reliably clean tanks day in and day out.

Motors are positioned outside the tank for long wear life.

Plus, motor performance can easily be monitored through plant control systems. tankjet.com/tj290

A chemical producer needed to thoroughly clean 4’ x 4’ stainless steel totes between uses. The residue in the totes was allowed to air dry before cleaning and was extremely difficult to remove.

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The TankJet AA190 motor-driven tank cleaner and AutoJet® Fluid Delivery System provide powerful, high-impact cleaning of all interior surfaces. Operating at high pressures and low flow rates, the stubborn, dried-on residue is completely removed in just 10 minutes.

DOZENS OF OPTIONS FOR MEDIUM- AND LOW-IMPACT CLEANING AND RINSING OF TOTES AND TANKS

The results:

Our extensive line of TankJet products includes rotating tank cleaners, stationary nozzles and free-spinning nozzles and spray balls. Choose from many styles, spray coverages, materials, capacities and more. For use with tanks from 2 to 80’ (0.6 to 24.4 m) in dia.

• Eliminated the need for an outside cleaning contractor –

tankjet.com

generate results for you at spray.com/results.

• Cleaning time reduced from 40 minutes to 10 minutes – a 75% reduction saving US $30,000 per month • System cost recouped in less than one month Learn more about this solution and how we can

UniqUELy qUaLifiEd to GEnEratE rESULtS: Unmatched Global Engineering, Manufacturing and Technical Support Nozzles | Control Systems | Headers & Injectors | Research & Testing www.cienmagazine.com/rsc 135

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800.95.SPray

12-03-06 3:27 PM

Advanced Science.

Advanced Grease Lubrication.

At Petro-Canada we designed our line of PRECISION Greases to deliver 3-in-1 TM

Protection. With Precision Greases you get longer life, less water wash-out and better surface protection. Petro-Canada grease crafters combine our ultra pure base oils together with other selected oils and specific performance additives. Then we process them using the advanced science of our distinctive two stage manufacturing process. The results speak for themselves: less wear on equipment and improved productivity for your operation.

Put the Advanced Science of PRECISION to work in your plant.

Contact 1-866-335-3369 or lubricants.petro-canada.ca

Petro-Canada is a Suncor Energy business TM

Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence.

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