If you’re really into scrapbooking and other types of crafts, you may want to check out Xyron’s Wishblade. The Wishblade is a computerized die cutting machine that’s an upgrade of Xyron’s previous Personal Cutting System. The Wishblade makes it easy to make cutouts of anything you can dream of and it offers the chance to include your computer in your crafting, bringing the art of scrapbooking into the 21st century. To find out more about this great product, keep reading.
First off, the Xyron Wishblade is designed to be used with a computer via a USB cable. The machine is compatible with both Macs (OS X) and PCs (Windows 2000, XP, and Vista) and comes with two different software programs. These programs allow you to draw objects for cutting, and you can also download any True Type font or clip art and the Wishblade will allow you to cut it out. Also, the included “Create and Cut” software allows you to weld words and create shadows, leading to new and interesting design possibilities. You can also print out your designs on your color printer and use the Wishblade to cut them out, so really, the creative possibilities are endless.
The Wishblade is capable of cutting sheets from to 1/2″ to 8″ wide and up to 39″ long, and it can cut almost any material you can think of including paper, cardstock, vellum, and vinyl. If you want to make stickers, you can use the Wishblade in conjunction with the Xyron 900 Creative Station laminator. (Sold separately.) You won’t need to worry about the Wishblade taking up too much room on your desk or crafting table because it’s the size of a standard desktop printer. The machine is also available in pink, which is a nice touch. Finally, the Wishblade comes with everything you need to get started, including software CDs, a USB cable, cutting mat, and an instructional DVD. The machine also comes with a one-year warranty, just in case something goes wrong.
If there’s a drawback to the Wishblade, it’s the price. When the Wishblade was originally introduced, it retailed for around $600.00. The price has now dropped, but at a current price of $400.00, ownership of this cutter may be out of reach for some, especially in this economy. You may also find it difficult to use the machine, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined. However, the enclosed DVD should be able to help. Also, the fact that a computer is needed to operate the Wishblade may be off-putting to some people. The need for a computer also cuts down on the machine’s portability, so unless you have a laptop, it’ll be impossible to use the Wishblade at a scrapbooking party. However, the computer really expands the abilities of the Wishblade when compared to other machines such as the Xyron personal cutting system. Finally, the Wishblade isn’t the quietest die cutter on the market, so if you’re someone who’s planning on using the machine late at night, you might want to make sure that you close the door to the kids rooms.
Overall, the Wishblade is a great die cutter, despite its handful of shortcomings and its higher price tag. For technically savvy crafters who can afford it, the Wishblade is the way to go. Try it out for yourself and discover a whole new world of possibilities.
Sunday 7 February 2010
Stripping Machine, Cutting Machine ( Thane-Maharashtra)
Engaged in manufacturing & supplying of innovative high precision wire processing machines such as stripping machine, cutting machine, crimping machines, horizontal de-reeler, etc. Our wide range of product includes Cutting, Stripping & Crimping machine, Fully Automatic Cutting Machines, Fully Automatic De-Reeler.
Saturday 6 February 2010
How necessary is a die cutting machine?
I see all these lovely cards with a patterned paper mat, then another paper frame, and sometimes a third paper with a stamp image. Plus all is glued to a beautiful scored folded card. Can get this sort of card with my basic paper cutter and bone folder? OR do most people really use their die cut machines? Any feedback on die cutters and how necessary they are for card making would really be appreciated.
Love this site, by the way!
Love this site, by the way!
Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine Giveaway
The Rotary Cutting Machine can be used for cutting paper and fabric. Cutting is done by pressure between drum and blade, not by sharpness, this makes our blades last longer than traditional rotary cutter blades. It has adjustable guide for cutting strips from 3/8” to 2 -3/4”. Great for use by sewers, quilters, scrap bookers, and rug hookers. Suitable for cutting paper, felt, oilcloth, fleece, cotton, lightweight wools and more. It comes with a power cord and foot pedal. Lightweight and compact machine can be carried to classes. The box becomes a storage case with handles. Small footprint of the machine stores easily on a shelf. Machine blades for pinking and straight cutting are included. Cut fabric on the straight of grain or on the bias. Finish edges of scrapbook paper with a pinked edge. Cut strips of paper quickly.
Win the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine!
We are giving away 1 machine to one lucky winner. Enter with the form below.
If you blog about this giveaway at your blog, we’ll give you an extra entry. Contact us with a link to the blog post.
If you twitter about this giveaway, you’ll get an extra entry. Again, contact us with a link to the tweet.
If you add a link to us on your blogroll or website, we’ll give you an extra entry. Again, contact us!
Contest ends March 4, 2010. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!
Win the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine!
We are giving away 1 machine to one lucky winner. Enter with the form below.
If you blog about this giveaway at your blog, we’ll give you an extra entry. Contact us with a link to the blog post.
If you twitter about this giveaway, you’ll get an extra entry. Again, contact us with a link to the tweet.
If you add a link to us on your blogroll or website, we’ll give you an extra entry. Again, contact us!
Contest ends March 4, 2010. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!
Thursday 4 February 2010
Japanese Stocks Rise the Most This Year, Led by Shipping Lines
Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Japanese stocks rose the most this year, as shipping lines and machine-tool makers advanced on speculation higher cargo trade and orders will boost profit.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., the owner of the world’s largest shipping fleet, added 7.2 percent after the Nikkei newspaper said profit increased. Okuma Corp. and JTekt Corp., whose machines make parts and equipment, rose at least 4 percent after machine-tool orders surged, even as a separate report showed orders fell for other machinery from phones to excavators. Mizuho Financial Group Inc. climbed 5.7 percent on speculation it will boost capital through a rights offering.
“The trend in the economy is gradually getting better,” said Mitsushige Akino, who oversees about $450 million in assets in Tokyo at Ichiyoshi Investment Management Co. “It was confirmed that demand for machine tools in emerging countries is strong.”
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.6 percent to 10,907.68 at the 3 p.m. close in Tokyo, its steepest gain since Dec. 22. The broader Topix added 1.6 percent to 959.01, the sharpest climb since Dec. 11, with three times as many stocks advancing as declining. The number of shares traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was the most since June 12.
The Topix had the lowest return last year among benchmark indexes in the world’s 10 largest stock markets, climbing 5.6 percent, on concern the government will be unable to revive economic growth and a stronger yen will hurt profits.
Stocks in the index trade at an average of 38 times estimated earnings, compared with 15 times for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index in the U.S. and 13 times for the Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Index in Europe.
Machine Tools Vs. Machinery
Okuma jumped 14 percent to 583 yen, the second-steepest gain in the Nikkei 225. JTekt climbed 4.4 percent to 1,227 yen. Makino Milling Machine Co. surged 9.5 percent to 451 yen, the highest level since September 2008. Amada Co., which makes metal-cutting machines, rallied 6.1 percent to 694 yen.
Machine-tool orders rose 62.8 percent in December from a year earlier, the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association said in a preliminary report yesterday after stock trading closed. It was the first year-on-year gain since May 2008.
Separately, orders for broader machinery unexpectedly fell 11.3 percent in November from a month earlier, the Cabinet Office said today in Tokyo.
Shipping Lines Climb
Shipping lines rose the most among the Topix’s 33 industry groups. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines gained 7.2 percent to 623 yen, climbing the most since May 7. The Nikkei newspaper said Japan’s second-largest shipping line by sales may report a jump in October-to-December pretax profit to about 10 billion yen ($109.5 million). Strong demand for resources in emerging countries including, China and India, contributed to the increase, according to the Nikkei.
“I can see strength of demand in emerging markets,” said Kenji Sekiguchi, general manager of strategic research and investment at Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co., which manages the equivalent of $61 billion. “We can actively invest in companies that have businesses in emerging countries. They are leading global growth.”
Nippon Yusen K.K., Japan’s biggest shipping line by sales, advanced 5.1 percent to 352 yen, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., the No. 3, leapt 7.4 percent to 349 yen. The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of shipping rates for commodities, rose for a third day yesterday in London.
First Rights Offering
Banks were the second-biggest contributor to the Topix’s gain. Mizuho, Japan’s third-largest bank by market value, climbed 5.7 percent to 186 yen. The company is considering options to boost its capital, including what would be Japan’s first rights offering, three people familiar with the matter said. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Japan’s largest bank by market value, added 2.1 percent to 489 yen.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. advanced 3.3 percent to 2,898 yen after Credit Suisse Group AG lifted its rating on Japan’s second-largest publicly traded bank to “outperform” from “neutral.”
Japan Airlines Corp. rebounded 14 percent to 8 yen from yesterday’s 81 percent drop. More than 1 billion shares changed hands, setting a record on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the second day, and accounting for 30 percent of the bourse’s volume.
Kazuo Inamori was named chief executive officer of Asia’s largest carrier to help the company turn around. The airline’s main creditors agreed to support a government-led rehabilitation plan, Kyodo News Service reported today, without saying where it obtained the information.
Softbank Corp. jumped 8.6 percent to 2,370 yen, the highest level since Dec. 2007, and was the most-traded stock in Japan by value. The operator of Japan’s third-largest mobile-phone network climbed on speculation the company may benefit from its stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., which operates Yahoo! Inc.’s portal in China, after Google Inc. said yesterday it may shut its Google.cn site and close its offices in the country. Credit Suisse Group AG also boosted its earnings outlook.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., the owner of the world’s largest shipping fleet, added 7.2 percent after the Nikkei newspaper said profit increased. Okuma Corp. and JTekt Corp., whose machines make parts and equipment, rose at least 4 percent after machine-tool orders surged, even as a separate report showed orders fell for other machinery from phones to excavators. Mizuho Financial Group Inc. climbed 5.7 percent on speculation it will boost capital through a rights offering.
“The trend in the economy is gradually getting better,” said Mitsushige Akino, who oversees about $450 million in assets in Tokyo at Ichiyoshi Investment Management Co. “It was confirmed that demand for machine tools in emerging countries is strong.”
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.6 percent to 10,907.68 at the 3 p.m. close in Tokyo, its steepest gain since Dec. 22. The broader Topix added 1.6 percent to 959.01, the sharpest climb since Dec. 11, with three times as many stocks advancing as declining. The number of shares traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was the most since June 12.
The Topix had the lowest return last year among benchmark indexes in the world’s 10 largest stock markets, climbing 5.6 percent, on concern the government will be unable to revive economic growth and a stronger yen will hurt profits.
Stocks in the index trade at an average of 38 times estimated earnings, compared with 15 times for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index in the U.S. and 13 times for the Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Index in Europe.
Machine Tools Vs. Machinery
Okuma jumped 14 percent to 583 yen, the second-steepest gain in the Nikkei 225. JTekt climbed 4.4 percent to 1,227 yen. Makino Milling Machine Co. surged 9.5 percent to 451 yen, the highest level since September 2008. Amada Co., which makes metal-cutting machines, rallied 6.1 percent to 694 yen.
Machine-tool orders rose 62.8 percent in December from a year earlier, the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association said in a preliminary report yesterday after stock trading closed. It was the first year-on-year gain since May 2008.
Separately, orders for broader machinery unexpectedly fell 11.3 percent in November from a month earlier, the Cabinet Office said today in Tokyo.
Shipping Lines Climb
Shipping lines rose the most among the Topix’s 33 industry groups. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines gained 7.2 percent to 623 yen, climbing the most since May 7. The Nikkei newspaper said Japan’s second-largest shipping line by sales may report a jump in October-to-December pretax profit to about 10 billion yen ($109.5 million). Strong demand for resources in emerging countries including, China and India, contributed to the increase, according to the Nikkei.
“I can see strength of demand in emerging markets,” said Kenji Sekiguchi, general manager of strategic research and investment at Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co., which manages the equivalent of $61 billion. “We can actively invest in companies that have businesses in emerging countries. They are leading global growth.”
Nippon Yusen K.K., Japan’s biggest shipping line by sales, advanced 5.1 percent to 352 yen, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., the No. 3, leapt 7.4 percent to 349 yen. The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of shipping rates for commodities, rose for a third day yesterday in London.
First Rights Offering
Banks were the second-biggest contributor to the Topix’s gain. Mizuho, Japan’s third-largest bank by market value, climbed 5.7 percent to 186 yen. The company is considering options to boost its capital, including what would be Japan’s first rights offering, three people familiar with the matter said. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Japan’s largest bank by market value, added 2.1 percent to 489 yen.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. advanced 3.3 percent to 2,898 yen after Credit Suisse Group AG lifted its rating on Japan’s second-largest publicly traded bank to “outperform” from “neutral.”
Japan Airlines Corp. rebounded 14 percent to 8 yen from yesterday’s 81 percent drop. More than 1 billion shares changed hands, setting a record on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the second day, and accounting for 30 percent of the bourse’s volume.
Kazuo Inamori was named chief executive officer of Asia’s largest carrier to help the company turn around. The airline’s main creditors agreed to support a government-led rehabilitation plan, Kyodo News Service reported today, without saying where it obtained the information.
Softbank Corp. jumped 8.6 percent to 2,370 yen, the highest level since Dec. 2007, and was the most-traded stock in Japan by value. The operator of Japan’s third-largest mobile-phone network climbed on speculation the company may benefit from its stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., which operates Yahoo! Inc.’s portal in China, after Google Inc. said yesterday it may shut its Google.cn site and close its offices in the country. Credit Suisse Group AG also boosted its earnings outlook.
Electricity cut disrupts Ghanzi businesses
GHANZI - Ghanzi recently went for two days without electricity supply, much to the discomfort and inconvenience of the township dwellers.
When the electricity went off at around 05:00 hours on Saturday morning, no one expected that Ghanzi Township would go for two days without electricity.
The supply was only restored on Sunday night at around 21:00 hours.
As the clock continued to tick on Saturday without any sign of electricity coming back, visits to the restaurants by those who rely on electricity for cooking became frequent.
But others still hang on hoping that the utility would be back before the end of the day.
But this turned out be to their disappointment.
Evening crept in, still with no sign of electricity. It was then that the residents began to fear for the worst.
Those who had cash in their pockets, those who did not have to rely on the ATMs to draw money, trooped to the shops, not to buy ready food this time around.
They were then preparing for a stretched period of time without electricity. A lot of them bought gas stoves and cylinders.
To add salt to injury, water taps went dry as well because the township is fed from electricity-driven boreholes.
For a while the whole town was gripped by fear as the second day came to a close with no indication that the supply would be restored.
Ghanzi District gets its electricity supply from Omaere Power Station in Namibia.
However, Only Ghanzi Township and some surrounding areas of DKar and Kuke were affected by this power cut.
A brief round up by the BOPA team earlier on Sunday raked up tales of disillusionment and sadness, especially among business people.
Shop owners counted their losses,as fresh products such as milk and meat were to be taken out of the shelves.
Most of the things such as meat and fish are going bad, Ghanzi Spar manager, Mr Johan Taljaard said.
Mr Taljaard told BOPA this was the longest power cut they had ever experienced.
The township should have a backup system such that situations like this never happen again. Also since there is no portable water supply, people might resort to drinking any water, resulting in some disease outbreak, he said. The manager for Bonanza Supermarket, Mr Davis Nkiwane had a similar experience.
We are badly affected especially at the butchery section. We are not able to use the cutting machine and we are now selling plain meat without bones. People prefer meat with bones, but unfortunately we are only able to sell steak, Mr Nkiwane said, adding that they did not get any information from BPC concerning the power cut.
Atleast they could have notified us and keep us updated on the matter, he said.
Speaking to BOPA on Monday, BPC marketing and communications manager, Ms Thomamiso Selato, said though the electricity was back, they still had not identified the problem, adding that they were still waiting for a correspondence on the matter from their counterparts in Namibia.
Ms Selato said only the transmission line that supplied Ghanzi township and surrounding areas such as DKar and Kuke was affected. She said it had been difficult for their counterparts in Namibia to identify the fault because of the rainfall. She said before they got supply from Namibia, they used to supply electricity in Ghanzi township by means of generators and that proved expensive.
Ms Selato apologised to their customers for the inconvenience caused and urged the public to use electricity wisely.
Ms Selato also cautioned them to always have a back-up power to turn to during hard times. Even some government departments such as the Prisons department did not have the electricity backup system. BOPA
SteelFab 2010 sees high-profile product launches
Currently the Jackle product range comprises plasma cutting machines, MIG-MAG welding machines, MIG/MAG pulse machines, TIG welding machines, welding rectifiers, welding transformers, electrode inverters, cooling units and trollies.
"This is our fourth continuous participation at SteelFab, and it offered us an excellent platform to launch the Jackle range to the Middle East market," said Mr. Amir Siddiqi.
Zaker Trading, after a vigorous rebranding exercise, has relaunched AEG Powertools in 2010, with its vibrant bold orange colour giving the company and its products a dynamic new look.
The company introduced more than 60 products in 2009 and will launch more than 25 new products in 2010. This will include the Compact 12V Range - a family of ergonomically superior tools based around the compact 12 V lithium Ion battery platform, the powerful 18V Range - a truly professional offering for today's tradesman across the 18v platform, new 2 kilo SDS plus hammers with extremely low vibration and class leading power and a revamped woodworking portfolio, including a 305mm sliding mitresaw and 2050 watt router.
"We are proud to be appointed the sole distributor of AEG Powertools for the UAE," said Mr. George Oomen, Managing Director, Zaker Trading. "We have a strong team of service back-up and strong dealer network that are strategically located all over UAE," he said. "We represent premium brands in the field of welding, material handling, lifting and safety, and have created a large customer base throughout the UAE, whom we can now service with the AEG range."
At SteelFab 2010, Ficep Middle East has introduced the FastRotator. "FastRotator is a device that assists the welding construction and all the long profile work allowing the execution of metal work and welding assembly in long profiles without the aid of rolling cranes," said Mr. Dirar Hafez, General Manager, Ficep Middle East.
One of its main advantages is the ability to rotate profiles in 360-degree providing access to any point without using incorrect and insecure work positions and the FastRotator is applicable to all profiles on the market.
Tools Middle East, which has been actively engaged in providing welding products, lifting equipment, safety products and general industrial supplies, has launched the Axxair pipe technology to its wide range of products.
"As part of our corporate policy, we represent only quality-oriented manufacturers who are world renowned for their uncompromising standards of quality and safety," said Mr. RN Mathew, Managing Director, Tools Middle East.
"The addition of Axxair products to our portfolio of pipe construction products augments our policy of bringing the world's best brands to the Middle East," he said.
Meanwhile, foreign participation has been strong for this year's SteelFab. Exhibitors and brands have come from Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan (ROC), Turkey, the UK and the US.
The Italian Trade Commission has brought high-end Italian technology to the region through a pavilion at SteelFab 2010. The Italian Trade Commission (ICE) is the Italian governmental agency whose task is to promote and develop trade and industrial co-operation between Italy and the rest of the world.
ICE has brought together 12 Italian manufacturers and suppliers, along with UCIMU, Association of Italian Manufacturers of machine tools, robots, automation systems and ancillary products. Many of the Italian exhibitors are participating for the first time at SteelFab and are keen to gain an entry to the Middle East market.
Bayern International is leading a pavilion of German companies from the region of Bavaria. For the third consecutive time, Bavaria is participating with a joint companies' stand and an information centre offering professional brokerage service to help establish contacts with Bavarian companies and comprehensive information on Bavaria as a business and high-tech location.
The pavilion consists of six companies including Demmeler, DOLI Elektronik, FlexiCAM, Heitec, Nemetschek Scia, Poligrat and PST products. "It is a great pleasure to be here again at SteelFab," said Mrs Kirsten Brinkmann, Manager Trade Fairs & Exhibitions, Bayern International.
"Apart from the exhibitors in our pavilion, we can see a number of Bavarian companies participating as co-exhibitors with their distributors. They were past participants in our pavilion, and it is good to see that they have found agents and distributors from SteelFab. This is exactly what we hope to achieve, and are hopeful of a good exhibition this year too," she added.
Hundreds of visitors thronged the exhibition on its opening day, with the hum of machines, buzz of grinders and sparks of welding greeting industry professionals.
Exhibitor reactions ranged from exciting to optimistic with all exhibitors looking forward to a fruitful two days ahead.
At SteelFab 2010, more than 150 direct exhibitors are showcasing over 500 brands in a total exhibition area of 16,000 square metres, featuring the Middle East's largest display of machinery, machine tools, welding equipment, supplies, consumables and ancillary equipment used in the pre- and post-treatment of steel.
Product presentations and seminars are being organised alongside the show, which is open from 10am to 7pm daily for trade and professional visitors only.
SteelFab 2010 is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"This is our fourth continuous participation at SteelFab, and it offered us an excellent platform to launch the Jackle range to the Middle East market," said Mr. Amir Siddiqi.
Zaker Trading, after a vigorous rebranding exercise, has relaunched AEG Powertools in 2010, with its vibrant bold orange colour giving the company and its products a dynamic new look.
The company introduced more than 60 products in 2009 and will launch more than 25 new products in 2010. This will include the Compact 12V Range - a family of ergonomically superior tools based around the compact 12 V lithium Ion battery platform, the powerful 18V Range - a truly professional offering for today's tradesman across the 18v platform, new 2 kilo SDS plus hammers with extremely low vibration and class leading power and a revamped woodworking portfolio, including a 305mm sliding mitresaw and 2050 watt router.
"We are proud to be appointed the sole distributor of AEG Powertools for the UAE," said Mr. George Oomen, Managing Director, Zaker Trading. "We have a strong team of service back-up and strong dealer network that are strategically located all over UAE," he said. "We represent premium brands in the field of welding, material handling, lifting and safety, and have created a large customer base throughout the UAE, whom we can now service with the AEG range."
At SteelFab 2010, Ficep Middle East has introduced the FastRotator. "FastRotator is a device that assists the welding construction and all the long profile work allowing the execution of metal work and welding assembly in long profiles without the aid of rolling cranes," said Mr. Dirar Hafez, General Manager, Ficep Middle East.
One of its main advantages is the ability to rotate profiles in 360-degree providing access to any point without using incorrect and insecure work positions and the FastRotator is applicable to all profiles on the market.
Tools Middle East, which has been actively engaged in providing welding products, lifting equipment, safety products and general industrial supplies, has launched the Axxair pipe technology to its wide range of products.
"As part of our corporate policy, we represent only quality-oriented manufacturers who are world renowned for their uncompromising standards of quality and safety," said Mr. RN Mathew, Managing Director, Tools Middle East.
"The addition of Axxair products to our portfolio of pipe construction products augments our policy of bringing the world's best brands to the Middle East," he said.
Meanwhile, foreign participation has been strong for this year's SteelFab. Exhibitors and brands have come from Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan (ROC), Turkey, the UK and the US.
The Italian Trade Commission has brought high-end Italian technology to the region through a pavilion at SteelFab 2010. The Italian Trade Commission (ICE) is the Italian governmental agency whose task is to promote and develop trade and industrial co-operation between Italy and the rest of the world.
ICE has brought together 12 Italian manufacturers and suppliers, along with UCIMU, Association of Italian Manufacturers of machine tools, robots, automation systems and ancillary products. Many of the Italian exhibitors are participating for the first time at SteelFab and are keen to gain an entry to the Middle East market.
Bayern International is leading a pavilion of German companies from the region of Bavaria. For the third consecutive time, Bavaria is participating with a joint companies' stand and an information centre offering professional brokerage service to help establish contacts with Bavarian companies and comprehensive information on Bavaria as a business and high-tech location.
The pavilion consists of six companies including Demmeler, DOLI Elektronik, FlexiCAM, Heitec, Nemetschek Scia, Poligrat and PST products. "It is a great pleasure to be here again at SteelFab," said Mrs Kirsten Brinkmann, Manager Trade Fairs & Exhibitions, Bayern International.
"Apart from the exhibitors in our pavilion, we can see a number of Bavarian companies participating as co-exhibitors with their distributors. They were past participants in our pavilion, and it is good to see that they have found agents and distributors from SteelFab. This is exactly what we hope to achieve, and are hopeful of a good exhibition this year too," she added.
Hundreds of visitors thronged the exhibition on its opening day, with the hum of machines, buzz of grinders and sparks of welding greeting industry professionals.
Exhibitor reactions ranged from exciting to optimistic with all exhibitors looking forward to a fruitful two days ahead.
At SteelFab 2010, more than 150 direct exhibitors are showcasing over 500 brands in a total exhibition area of 16,000 square metres, featuring the Middle East's largest display of machinery, machine tools, welding equipment, supplies, consumables and ancillary equipment used in the pre- and post-treatment of steel.
Product presentations and seminars are being organised alongside the show, which is open from 10am to 7pm daily for trade and professional visitors only.
SteelFab 2010 is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
UPDATE: Husky Energy's 4Q Net Up 39% On Cost Cutting
Husky Energy Inc. (HSE.T), Canada's third-largest integrated energy company, said earnings rose to C$320 million or 38 Canadian cents a share, in the fourth quarter, as cost cutting offset weaker commodity prices and low refining margins.
On an adjusted basis, the Calgary-based company, known for its oil and gas exploration in western Canada, the North Sea and east Asia, and its retail gas station chain across Canada, earned C$334 million, or 39 Canadian cents a share, below analyst expectations of 53 Canadian cents a share.
Husky shares declined 28 Canadian cents, or 1%, to C$26.66 in recent trading in Toronto.
In the year-earlier quarter, Husky's profit was C$231 million, or 27 Canadian cents a share, on a net basis and C$360 million, or 42 Canadian cents a share, on an adjusted basis.
Revenue fell to C$3.61 billion on average production of 291,500 barrels of oil equivalent a day from C$4.7 billion on production of 358,400 barrels of oil equivalent a year earlier. The lower production was mainly due to steeper declines in its White Rose field and delays in bringing its North Amethyst production online; both are offshore fields off Canada's eastern coast. Husky plans to produce between an average of 306,000 and 330,000 barrel of oil equivalents per day in 2010.
Cash flow was C$657 million, or 77 Canadian cents a share, in the latest quarter, compared with C$330 million, or 39 Canadian cents a share, a year earlier.
Husky's refining business suffered like most companies with downstream operations, as a glut of supply and low demand have squeezed margins. Husky took a C$43 million loss on its U.S. refining and marketing business during the quarter--U.S. benchmark refining crack spreads declined to an average of $8.43 per barrel last year, compared with $11.17 a year earlier.
Husky was one of the a handful of companies to recently announce plans to move ahead with development Canada's oil sands region after many projects had been postponed. Husky said it will move ahead with the first phase of its Sunrise oil sands joint venture with BP PLC (BP) in the Athabasca oil sands after finding C$1.5 billion in cost savings from a redesign of the project plans. The first phase, expected to produce 60,000 barrels a day, will cost C$2.5 billion and will take four years to construct.
Wednesday 3 February 2010
How Scrapbooking Die Cutting Machines Help You Create Unique Pages
Scrapbooking has been around for many years in the basic form of collecting photographs and other memorabilia from holidays like brochures and laying them out in a file for looking at, at a later and remembering the good times had. Then a few years ago, scrapbooking took on a more commercial form and companies started to make specific products just for scrapbooking like albums, papers and stickers.
Many scrapbookers have become addicted to this wonderful and therapeutic form of art and they love to create elaborate pages with many embellishments. There are also others who like to just create pages as quick as possible, with little expense output.
One of the newest technological developments in scrapbooking was the introduction of the scrapbooking die cutting machine which meets the needs of so many scrapbookers from the artist to the budget scrapbooker.
A die cutting machine can be manual, like the infamous Sizzix, or electronic like the Cricut range of machines. Each machine enables a user to cut predefined shapes over and over again. Scrapbookers are now able to create wonderful pages with all sorts of textured titles and embellishments. What ever you can dream and design can be achieved on a die cutting machine.
The advantages of a manual machine is that they can cut very thick types of material like cardstock, vinyl, material, thin sheet metal and much more so your pages can take on a 3 dimensional and artistic form, however the dies are a fixed size. The advantage though of an electronic machine is that the dies can be produced at any size you like, so they can be custom fit to your particular project. You can use a combination of letters to make your own words and display a wide range of combined graphics, that isn’t possible with a manual machine. However an electronic machine is limited to cutting only thinner types of material.
There are a number of leading brands of die cut machines with similar features. You will find however that most serious scrapbookers like to have the advantages of both flexibility with size and material used, so will own both types of machines.
Scrapbooking has been around for many years in the basic form of collecting photographs and other memorabilia from holidays like brochures and laying them out in a file for looking at, at a later and remembering the good times had. Then a few years ago, scrapbooking took on a more commercial form and companies started to make specific products just for scrapbooking like albums, papers and stickers.
Many scrapbookers have become addicted to this wonderful and therapeutic form of art and they love to create elaborate pages with many embellishments. There are also others who like to just create pages as quick as possible, with little expense output.
One of the newest technological developments in scrapbooking was the introduction of scrapbooking die cutting machines, which meets the needs of so many scrapbookers from the artist to the budget scrapbooker.
A die cutting machine can be manual, like the infamous Sizzix, or electronic like the Cricut electronic die cutting range of machines. Each machine enables a user to cut predefined shapes over and over again. Scrapbookers are now able to create wonderful pages with all sorts of textured titles and embellishments. What ever you can dream and design can be achieved on a die cutting machine.
The advantages of a manual machine is that they can cut very thick types of material like cardstock, vinyl, material, thin sheet metal and much more so your pages can take on a 3 dimensional and artistic form, however the dies are a fixed size. The advantage though of an electronic machine is that the dies can be produced at any size you like, so they can be custom fit to your particular project. You can use a combination of letters to make your own words and display a wide range of combined graphics, that isn’t possible with a manual machine. However an electronic machine is limited to cutting only thinner types of material.
There are a number of leading brands of die cut machines with similar features. You will find however that most serious scrapbookers like to have the advantages of both flexibility with size and material used, so will own both types of machines.
Tuesday 2 February 2010
How Scrapbooking Die Cutting Machines Help You Create Unique Pages
Scrapbooking has been around for many years in the basic form of collecting photographs and other memorabilia from holidays like brochures and laying them out in a file for looking at, at a later and remembering the good times had. Then a few years ago, scrapbooking took on a more commercial form and companies started to make specific products just for scrapbooking like albums, papers and stickers.
Many scrapbookers have become addicted to this wonderful and therapeutic form of art and they love to create elaborate pages with many embellishments. There are also others who like to just create pages as quick as possible, with little expense output.
One of the newest technological developments in scrapbooking was the introduction of the scrapbooking die cutting machine which meets the needs of so many scrapbookers from the artist to the budget scrapbooker.
A die cutting machine can be manual, like the infamous Sizzix, or electronic like the Cricut range of machines. Each machine enables a user to cut predefined shapes over and over again. Scrapbookers are now able to create wonderful pages with all sorts of textured titles and embellishments. What ever you can dream and design can be achieved on a die cutting machine.
The advantages of a manual machine is that they can cut very thick types of material like cardstock, vinyl, material, thin sheet metal and much more so your pages can take on a 3 dimensional and artistic form, however the dies are a fixed size. The advantage though of an electronic machine is that the dies can be produced at any size you like, so they can be custom fit to your particular project. You can use a combination of letters to make your own words and display a wide range of combined graphics, that isn’t possible with a manual machine. However an electronic machine is limited to cutting only thinner types of material.
There are a number of leading brands of die cut machines with similar features. You will find however that most serious scrapbookers like to have the advantages of both flexibility with size and material used, so will own both types of machines.
Scrapbooking has been around for many years in the basic form of collecting photographs and other memorabilia from holidays like brochures and laying them out in a file for looking at, at a later and remembering the good times had. Then a few years ago, scrapbooking took on a more commercial form and companies started to make specific products just for scrapbooking like albums, papers and stickers.
Many scrapbookers have become addicted to this wonderful and therapeutic form of art and they love to create elaborate pages with many embellishments. There are also others who like to just create pages as quick as possible, with little expense output.
One of the newest technological developments in scrapbooking was the introduction of scrapbooking die cutting machines, which meets the needs of so many scrapbookers from the artist to the budget scrapbooker.
A die cutting machine can be manual, like the infamous Sizzix, or electronic like the Cricut electronic die cutting range of machines. Each machine enables a user to cut predefined shapes over and over again. Scrapbookers are now able to create wonderful pages with all sorts of textured titles and embellishments. What ever you can dream and design can be achieved on a die cutting machine.
The advantages of a manual machine is that they can cut very thick types of material like cardstock, vinyl, material, thin sheet metal and much more so your pages can take on a 3 dimensional and artistic form, however the dies are a fixed size. The advantage though of an electronic machine is that the dies can be produced at any size you like, so they can be custom fit to your particular project. You can use a combination of letters to make your own words and display a wide range of combined graphics, that isn’t possible with a manual machine. However an electronic machine is limited to cutting only thinner types of material.
There are a number of leading brands of die cut machines with similar features. You will find however that most serious scrapbookers like to have the advantages of both flexibility with size and material used, so will own both types of machines.
Monday 1 February 2010
Laser Cutting Machine Fundamentals
Laser cutters operate by focusing a beam of light, or laser, it pinpointed a site on an object in order to cut it rather than using a solid object, like a blade to cut the object. A computer system with a vector graphical software will also be needed. Instructions are given to the laser cutter through software which deciphers design geometry to numerical CNC machine code. A laser can also take in data from drawings made with the help of computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Laser Cutting Machine Fundamentals
Laser Machine
Laser Machine 1
Laser Machine 2
Configurations of Laser Cutting Machines
The configurations of the machine are characterized based on the way the laser beam will come in contact with the material that will be cut. There are three main setups that work on the X and Y axes. The first configuration is referred to as moving material. In this setup, the object that will be sliced is placed below the cutter head. The next setup is the hybrid laser. Both the table and the cutter head move in opposite axes, offering optimal stability of the beam’s path. The third configuration is the flying optic setup, used by Maloya, where the cutting head is the part of the machine that is in motion. The object being cut is static and this type of configuration produces very clean work. Its rate of motion is also the quickest among the three setups. The flying optic system helps in workflow speed since clamping of the material being cut is not necessary. There are also machines utilizing up to six axes.
Laser Cutting Machines
Laser Cutting Machines 1
Laser Cutting Machines 2
Laser Cutting Machines 3
Laser Cutting Workflow Loading and unloading can take up valuable production time but the speed of cutting with a laser can make up for this. Not having to clamp down the materials to be cut in some instances also saves time. Another consideration is if the laser cutter can be left on. Workers may have to turn turn off the power to take materials out of the machine and interrupt the flow of cutting.Lighting is another consideration in a manufacturing environment. Light emitting diode (LED) lighting is becoming more popular for saving energy. More green ways of lighting manufacturing environments are becoming available such as using motion sensors so lights are not used when no one is working.
Laser Cutting Equipment and Maintenance
With the money spent on laser cutting machines, sufficient upkeep can ensure that they keep running in a safe and reliable way. If the machine is not running optimally, bad cuts can be made. Process control such as checking cutting nozzles, lenses and other optics should be conducted regularly. Conducting frequent inspections on alignment can prevent many future problems. Air sources can affect focal lenses of the laser cutter. Lens clarity is extremely important. Operators can look at a focal lens and tell if it is dirty as well as by checking it with a polarizer. A lens can then be cleaned with alcohol and fine tissue or replaced. Laser optical components are considered consumables. Chiller units need to be maintained as well. They should be started prior to cutting. A laser cutter that has not been maintained will also run slower. Replaceable parts should also be kept available if they are needed. Keep exhaust systems up to par as well.
Laser Cutting and Training
Training of use of a laser cutting machine should include hands-on training as well as additional training in a classroom environment. It should involve basic operation of the laser cutter such as how to start and shut down the machine, operation and programming of the machine, upkeep and maintenance as well as safety. Oftentimes the purchaser of the machine will receive training from the supplier of the machine. Other training could include the creation and loading of drawings, scaling, and rotation. Other things to be learned are file usage, code, databases, laser tables and metrics.
Quality Control
In order to keep improving workflow processes, Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and Corrective Action Notifications (CANs) can be done. This involves problem reporting, the cause of the problem, and future problem preventions.
Laser Cutting Machine Fundamentals
Laser Machine
Laser Machine 1
Laser Machine 2
Configurations of Laser Cutting Machines
The configurations of the machine are characterized based on the way the laser beam will come in contact with the material that will be cut. There are three main setups that work on the X and Y axes. The first configuration is referred to as moving material. In this setup, the object that will be sliced is placed below the cutter head. The next setup is the hybrid laser. Both the table and the cutter head move in opposite axes, offering optimal stability of the beam’s path. The third configuration is the flying optic setup, used by Maloya, where the cutting head is the part of the machine that is in motion. The object being cut is static and this type of configuration produces very clean work. Its rate of motion is also the quickest among the three setups. The flying optic system helps in workflow speed since clamping of the material being cut is not necessary. There are also machines utilizing up to six axes.
Laser Cutting Machines
Laser Cutting Machines 1
Laser Cutting Machines 2
Laser Cutting Machines 3
Laser Cutting Workflow Loading and unloading can take up valuable production time but the speed of cutting with a laser can make up for this. Not having to clamp down the materials to be cut in some instances also saves time. Another consideration is if the laser cutter can be left on. Workers may have to turn turn off the power to take materials out of the machine and interrupt the flow of cutting.Lighting is another consideration in a manufacturing environment. Light emitting diode (LED) lighting is becoming more popular for saving energy. More green ways of lighting manufacturing environments are becoming available such as using motion sensors so lights are not used when no one is working.
Laser Cutting Equipment and Maintenance
With the money spent on laser cutting machines, sufficient upkeep can ensure that they keep running in a safe and reliable way. If the machine is not running optimally, bad cuts can be made. Process control such as checking cutting nozzles, lenses and other optics should be conducted regularly. Conducting frequent inspections on alignment can prevent many future problems. Air sources can affect focal lenses of the laser cutter. Lens clarity is extremely important. Operators can look at a focal lens and tell if it is dirty as well as by checking it with a polarizer. A lens can then be cleaned with alcohol and fine tissue or replaced. Laser optical components are considered consumables. Chiller units need to be maintained as well. They should be started prior to cutting. A laser cutter that has not been maintained will also run slower. Replaceable parts should also be kept available if they are needed. Keep exhaust systems up to par as well.
Laser Cutting and Training
Training of use of a laser cutting machine should include hands-on training as well as additional training in a classroom environment. It should involve basic operation of the laser cutter such as how to start and shut down the machine, operation and programming of the machine, upkeep and maintenance as well as safety. Oftentimes the purchaser of the machine will receive training from the supplier of the machine. Other training could include the creation and loading of drawings, scaling, and rotation. Other things to be learned are file usage, code, databases, laser tables and metrics.
Quality Control
In order to keep improving workflow processes, Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and Corrective Action Notifications (CANs) can be done. This involves problem reporting, the cause of the problem, and future problem preventions.
Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine
Watch this excellent video introduction of the Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine Get this awesome Cricut machine for all your scrap booking projects big and small. Want more details about the Cricut 29-0001 read this review of the Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine and find out for your self why your next Personal Electronic Cutting Machine should be a Cricut
Cnc Cutting Machine and Operating Software Financing
CNC Cutting Machines perform the tasks that artisans take hours to achieve in a matter of minutes. This machine is used by highly skilled workers who are well versed in techniques of designing; CNC Cutting machines are deployed in making furniture, frames. Furthermore, their use is not strictly limited to metal sheets and blocks, but includes plastics and other solids. There are many types of CNC Cutting machines; each specialized in a particular type of cutting and varying in size.
How to Choose the Right Machine for your Business?
The standard model of CNC Cutting machines are meant to be used on metal, plastic, glass or wood of maximum dimensions of 4�8 feet, as the included cutting table is of that size. Big cutting tables are an advantage because the workers don\’t have to reposition, or, in technical terminology, \”index\” their working material from time to time. Needless to say, this reduces the efficiency of the machine.
All these factors have to be carefully considered when you buy a CNC Cutting machine for your business. What machine you purchase will ultimately depend on the kind of cutting involved. For some manufacturers, cutting merely involves straight cuts, whilst other might need to trim or shave the products, both of which require different cutting machines. Your final buy should be based on the cutting requirements of the business.
Other factors to keep in mind when selecting a machine include the following:
1. Constant use of any machines results in depreciation, which reduces machine efficiency with every passing year. Before buying cutting equipment for your business, clarify all questions regarding warranty, maintenance and a sound customer support system.
2. The two parts of CNC Cutting machines that are most overused and therefore wear down first are the cutting table and the electronic parts. If this happens in the middle of a deadline, your business will lose out because it won\’t be able to deliver the promised contingent of goods to a customer. Check with cutting machine manufacturers whether they have a good store of spare parts, so that retrofitting can be avoided. Availability of spare parts also shows how well the customer support works.
3. You must also check the size of cutting tables available. This is important because its size plays an important role in determining the manufacturing time. A smaller table means that workers have to constantly index while working, which reduces the number of finished products within a certain timeline.
Financing Your Equipment and Software
CNC Cutting machines and operating software are valuable investments for a business, but you\’ll profit more if you buy the machine on a lease instead of one-time payment. Financing solutions reduce your troubles by covering the entire costs of purchase, inclusive of taxes and freight charges. Paying in installments allows you to buy machinery at current prices but pay higher, as per future prices, which can be tackled through tax deductions. It also entitles you to regular upgrades. With leasing, you can pay the current value and get rid of tax liability.
How to Choose the Right Machine for your Business?
The standard model of CNC Cutting machines are meant to be used on metal, plastic, glass or wood of maximum dimensions of 4�8 feet, as the included cutting table is of that size. Big cutting tables are an advantage because the workers don\’t have to reposition, or, in technical terminology, \”index\” their working material from time to time. Needless to say, this reduces the efficiency of the machine.
All these factors have to be carefully considered when you buy a CNC Cutting machine for your business. What machine you purchase will ultimately depend on the kind of cutting involved. For some manufacturers, cutting merely involves straight cuts, whilst other might need to trim or shave the products, both of which require different cutting machines. Your final buy should be based on the cutting requirements of the business.
Other factors to keep in mind when selecting a machine include the following:
1. Constant use of any machines results in depreciation, which reduces machine efficiency with every passing year. Before buying cutting equipment for your business, clarify all questions regarding warranty, maintenance and a sound customer support system.
2. The two parts of CNC Cutting machines that are most overused and therefore wear down first are the cutting table and the electronic parts. If this happens in the middle of a deadline, your business will lose out because it won\’t be able to deliver the promised contingent of goods to a customer. Check with cutting machine manufacturers whether they have a good store of spare parts, so that retrofitting can be avoided. Availability of spare parts also shows how well the customer support works.
3. You must also check the size of cutting tables available. This is important because its size plays an important role in determining the manufacturing time. A smaller table means that workers have to constantly index while working, which reduces the number of finished products within a certain timeline.
Financing Your Equipment and Software
CNC Cutting machines and operating software are valuable investments for a business, but you\’ll profit more if you buy the machine on a lease instead of one-time payment. Financing solutions reduce your troubles by covering the entire costs of purchase, inclusive of taxes and freight charges. Paying in installments allows you to buy machinery at current prices but pay higher, as per future prices, which can be tackled through tax deductions. It also entitles you to regular upgrades. With leasing, you can pay the current value and get rid of tax liability.
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