Thermal and mechanical stress causes cracks in metallic structures. Such cracks have a tendency to grow bigger and the damage can be very disastrous in recovery boilers, which are vital pieces of equipment in the pulp and paper industry. Wall tube leaks of the furnace can lead to substantial boiler damage and unexpected shutdowns.  One way to avoid damage is to use the continuous Savcor CI-system (Cracking Indicator) to detect growing cracks.  "When compared with the conventional method, i.e. periodic visual and audible inspection, the new system can extend the life time of process equipment significantly," says Kaj Lindström of the Finnish company Savcor-Consulting Oy, a specialist in corrosion and preventive maintenance.

A new grade of paper, Triple White, in three layers and with low grammage, is the response of Swedish manufacturer Stora Gruvön to the demand for lighter-weight packaging from such critics as consumers, manufacturers, politicians and environmentalists. "We have succeeded in combining low grammage with optimal characteristics in respect of runnability, strength and printability," explains Peter Malmqvist, Product Manager. At 70-120 gsm, this paper is just as suitable for prepacking food products as for carrier bags, envelopes, ream-wrapping and other flexible packaging. At present, Stora Gruvön is the only producer of this type of three-layer packaging solution in the world.

Today, manufacturers of consumer goods are concentrating their production into large-scale units. The market is expanding, more and more new products are being introduced, and demands for a market adaptation for everyday goods are escalating. All this creates great demand for availability and flexibility with regard to the equipment that processes the products. Therefore, the executive management of ABB has announced in its recent annual report a concentrated focus on utilizing robots in the production of consumer goods.

The Swedish company Atlas Copco Construction Tools is launching three new crushers with hydraulic rotation. Earlier models had free rotation through 360Ý. Hydraulic rotation ensures high precision, especially when the carrier has a long boom and is working vertically. The new design speeds up demolition work, and reduces carrier wear.

The use of ultra-thin copper strip technology is allowing automotive manufacturers to produce stronger, lighter and less costly vehicle heating systems. Called Compact Core, the technology saves up to 30% of automotive heat exchanger material costs by allowing extremely thin and rigid air fins to be manufactured.

New strategic partnerships will allow increasing numbers of Asian companies to exchange business transactions and related information through computer networks. Under the partnerships, local Asian companies will offer the global services of Sterling Commerce, a U. S. based software service firm with over 20 years experience in electronic commerce (EC).

The first 40 KHz ultrasonic plastics assembly system to offer 1000 watts of power has been introduced by Dukane Ultrasonics. The increased power of the new system will allow use of ultrasonic technology for larger components that require the delicate handling afforded by the 40KHz frequency, the manufacturer states.

The Whitbread Round the World Race is the world’s toughest ocean sailing race. Safety requirements are strict, not least when it comes to the all-important electric power supply. The batteries mustn’t weigh more than 280 kilos and must have a high capacity.Short charging time, versatile mounting, high resistance to vibrations, impacts, blows and temperature variations are other important requirements. After thorough tests, the crews of the Swedish W60 boats, EF Education and EF Language, and of the Norwegian Kvaerner boat, chose the standard Yellow Top battery from Optima batteries.