The availability of LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams is now increasing. These consist of peeled veneers, laminated and with all plies and grain parallel to the length, to produce components for load-bearing structures, that are said to combine low weight with steel-like strength. These characteristics and the many applications for such beams translate into increased product demand. The Swedish manufacturer Vänerply AB has received type approval for its Swedlam LVL beams in several countries, where they will now be introduced. These differ, according to the manufacturer, from competitive products in that the short ends of the veneers are scarf-jointed with transparent glue for a more aesthetic result.

Battery manufacturer, Gylling Optima Batteries AB, is launching a new range of high-performance batteries. The OrangeTop battery is a long-life, robust and maintenance free battery specifically designed for the European automotive market.

A new piece of technology can save the life of patients who, for various reasons, require assistance with breathing. It is a portable carbon dioxide detector, so small that it fits into a breast pocket, which quickly sets off an alarm if there is something wrong with the exhaled air. This technology has proved to be valuable in emergency situations, ambulance transportation, operations or transfers between hospital departments where fixed monitoring equipment is not available.

The use of HIP technology to produce complicated steel components can considerably reduce time and machining costs. According to Bodycote Powdermet of Sweden, this method results in a material with high strength and good corrosion resistance. Compared with casting and forging, the company claims that HIP makes it much easier to manufacture products that have complex shapes, such as multi-plane curves or with spiral holes.

Walki Wisa,the reel packaging producer within the UPM-Kymmene group, is taking a leap in protective reel wrap technology by building its widest-ever production line.

Uvex Safety, a leading worldwide supplier of protective eyewear, has introduced a new anti-fog lens coating called uvextreme AF. The company reports that this highly effective coating is the first to combine the properties of both hydrophilic (water absorbing) and hydrophobic (water spreading) technologies.

A variable speed AC microdrive with the functions and communication facilities comparable to larger drives has been launched by ABB. Covering 0.37kW to 2.2kW, 200V to 480V, in single and three phase, the ACS 140 offers Modbus, serial communications, two relay outputs and two analogue inputs. Features include built-in PID control, flying start on a spinning load, seven application macros for fast programming and configuration and dynamic braking for accurate stopping.

Monitor manufacturer Nokia Display Products is just launching the 500Xa, a 15" flat monitor. The screen has an image area of 15.1 ", which is comparable with the active image area of a conventional 17" screen.