Read on for other news including Photographing World’s tallest hardwood; Biesse three year plan; Carefree compressed air solutions for the future; New U.S. Formaldehyde laws; Australian Timber Design Awards 2017; Grass to focus on Individualisation; Bits and Pieces.
Photographing World’s tallest hardwood
It took 67 days, 12,000 images and a climb to stomach-churning heights, but photographer Steven Pearce finally got the image he was after of the world’s tallest flowering plant, Tasmania’s Eucalyptus Regnans. The Styx Valley, about 100 kilometres north-west from Hobart is home to the world’s tallest flowering plant and one of the world’s tallest trees. These towering grow to almost 100 metres, with the tallest living tree on record being Centurion in Tasmania at a confirmed 99.6 metres. Pearce and a team were hired by Australian Geographic to get a full-length shot of one of these giants as part of The Tree Projects, which aims to showcase some of the world’s biggest, tallest and unusual trees. “The other tallest tree in the world, the California redwood, takes thousands of years to grow this high whereas our eucalypts can grow that high in 300.” To get the full-length photo, Pearce and the team suspended between two trees a camera rig which could travel up and down to photograph the entire tree. The final photograph is a composite of 87 images and is on display at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery until March 19. Source: ABC Radio.
Biesse Three Year Plan
Pesaro, 28 February 2017 – The Board of Directors of Biesse S.p.A. today approved an updated Group industrial plan for the three year period 2017-2019. “The three years industrial plan is starting from the excellent 2016 results,” stated the Group General Manager, Mr. Stefano Porcellini. “The 2016 showed a record growth in revenues, increased profitability and a positive Net Financial Position for €4,9 M. Consolidated revenues for the 2016 are estimated to have risen by 19.1% compared with the previous year being up to 618,1 Euro.” The Biesse Board of Directors; driven by Roberto and Giancarlo Selci has approved the actions to support Biesse’s organic growth plan for the next three years 2017-2019 with even more intense focus in innovation, service and marketing/sales networks. Particular attention and targeted investments will be devoted to the development of the concepts of think4ward, internet of things and Industry 4.0 (Digital Factory).”
Carefree compressed air solutions for the future
Taking Industry 4.0 to the next level; compressed air specialist Kaeser Compressors will present a comprehensive showcase of innovative products and services with powerful benefits at Hannover Fair, 24th to 28th April 2017. All users are sure to find the right solution for a compressed air supply that’s reliable, efficient and most importantly, completely ready for integration into the Industry 4.0 environments of the future. Kaeser offers both single units as well as complete system solutions to cover the entire life-cycle of compressed air systems. Kaeser now equips all of its rotary screw compressors from 30 kW and up with super premium efficiency IE4 motors as standard. With the best efficiency values currently available, they serve to further cut compressor power consumption. Kaeser’s signature compressed air management system, now featuring improved 3D advanced control, perfectly harmonises the operation of all components in a compressed air system to ensure maximum availability and energy efficiency at all times. As such it acts as the central node and basic requirement for taking advantage of powerful Industry 4.0 services such as permanent energy management and predictive maintenance. For more information visit www.kaeser.com.au
New U.S. Formaldehyde laws
If someone is going to export wood-based panels or finished goods that contain composite wood products, they must take that from next December in the United States, a new standard for formaldehyde emissions will become law. Epa-Environment Protection Agency with Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI establishes formaldehyde emission standards identical to the California Air Resources Board (Carb) limits which was published in 2009 (Final Regulation Order ATCM 93120). The scope is to ensure compliance with formaldehyde emission standard for producers, fabricators, importers, distributors and retailers. The limits are: 0.05 part per million (ppm) for hardwood plywood; 0.09 ppm for particleboards; 0.11 ppm for fibreboards and 0.13 ppm for thin (< 8 mm thickness) fibreboards.
The Carb standard also defined the certification process which must be followed by a Carb-recognized third party certifier (TPC); they require quarterly audits with testing activity and also internal company controls on produced batches of boards. Third party certifiers currently recognized by Carb – including the Italian Catas facility will be automatically approved by the Federal Environment Protection Agency for the first two years of activity, with specific procedures for renewal.
Australian Timber Design Awards 2017
The 2017 Australian Timber Design Awards are now open. The awards website for information and registration instructions is www.timberdesignawards.com.au Now in their 18th year, the Awards are distinguished by a proud heritage of innovation and achievement; promoting and encouraging outstanding timber design. The Australian Timber Design Awards are open to builders, designers, architects, engineers and landscapers: to anyone involved in the design or building of structures that feature timber. A Rising Star Award is available to students and entrants aged 35 or under. The Australian Timber Design Awards and Competition offers a unique system for build environment professionals and students to showcase their outstanding application of timber based design in their built projects The Awards also provides an online showcase system for competition participants. The Awards website will display your project’s summary profile, create an online photo gallery of your entry, and acknowledge your Award accolade.
Grass to focus on Individualisation at Interzum
“Individuality” is the common denominator that links the different trends in modern home furnishing. Just as in fashion, consumers nowadays want to express their personality in their choice of furniture as well – whether they opt for the cool industrial look or a more inviting Scandinavian style. In order to meet these style requirements, furniture manufacturers need flexible and versatile components. GRASS movement systems are an ideal choice in this situation. A typical example is Nova Pro Scala, the drawer with individual configuration options, which was one of last year’s success drivers and will again be popular at interzum. However, the main focus of this year’s presentation at interzum remains a secret. But one thing is certain: in the setting of its unusual new exhibition stand, GRASS will present exciting new products that are sure to be popular.
Bits and Pieces
Renewable materials company Stora Enso is the presenting sponsor of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Lahti, Finland. Source: Timberbiz. Japan is suffering a severe shortage of forestry workers as many trees planted after World War II have grown enough and need to be harvested. Source: The Japan Times. Patch22, the tallest wood building in the Netherlands, has just won a World Architecture News Residential award as best building of 2016. Source: Treehugger. An Austrian countess plans to establish a forest plantation following the purchase of a Hawke’s Bay farm in New Zealand. Source: Stuff NZ.