New Zealand Engineering 1998 June

Bentley Systems' MicroStation TriForma for Mechanical Systems is now available for building service, HVAC and piping design applications. This 3D modelling tool for mechanical systems improves productivity and collaboration in the design and operation of buildings. Bentley has also developed a new plant modelling and construction simulation technology. Http://www.bentley.com.au.

Autodesk has acquired the mechanical design application assets of Genius CAD-Software GmbH. This move strengthens the functionality of its core mechanical products while broadening its product line. Http://www.autodesk.com.au.

New Zealand's fourth international packaging exhibition will be held on 6-8 October 1998 at the New Zealand Expo Centre, Greenlane, Auckland. Packtech '98 is a "one stop shop" designed to provide all the solutions to what is beyond the manufacturing and processing stage. Running alongside Packtech '98 is Foodtech '98, New Zealand's tenth international exhibition of food and beverage processing technology and ingredients. Phone 0-9-300 3950.

Engineers and academia are moving closer with a major donation to the School of Engineering at the University of Auckland. Engineering consultants Beca Carter are donating $200,000 to the major fund-raising appeal being run by the University. The "Partnership Appeal" aims to raise $20m over five years. Half of the donation takes the form of time which Beca Carter engineers will devote to the School; another part will fund visits by eminent speakers to talk about global engineering issues; some will be used for scholarships to students whose project assignments bridge engineering skills into society. Contact Professor Peter Brothers on 0-9-373 7599 ext. 7924.

Researchers at the University of Auckland's Centre for Composites Research aim to prove that virtually any type of waste plastic can be recycled and combined with wood fibre to allow the commercial production of high grade composite sheeting with a wide variety of industrial applications. Contact Associate Professor Bhattacharyya on 0-9-373 3599 ext 8149.

An innovative insect exterminator has been designed by a German engineer and manufactured by a New Zealand company. iGU Transtrade Ltd chose Christchurch based manufacturer Betacom to develop and manufacture the Omega flycatchers. The Fangreflektor comes in six models, can also catch wasps, and is particularly useful in industrial food preparation areas. Domestic models sell in the German market for about NZ $100. Phone Tradenz 0-9-302 5432 (Arjan van der Boon).

Spotcheck JR is a hand held penetrant and leak detection kit manufactured by MAGNAFLUX, a worldwide supplier of penetrant inspection systems. The product is designed for the portable and economical detection of surface cracks in metal and fired ceramic materials. Phone +61 3 9574 6144.