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China Food Packing Machinery Market to Double in 2005 August 19, 2008

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The packaging machinery industry is closely relevant with the boom and bust of the consumer goods industry. A rise in the demand for consumer goods is commonly reflected on the sales of packaging for these products and, therefore, in turn benefiting packaging machinery players. Currently, mounting environmental awareness, problems of waste disposal, a growing scarcity of raw materials and the consequent statutory regulations, are demanding a fast response from all industrial sectors, especially in packaging machinery arena. In response to the up-and-coming recycling concept, packaging machinery manufacturers must be prepared to invest in continual development of their products and technologies.

In China, the major exports included food grinding machines, mixer, juice extractor, food and beverage makers, cereal and bean processing machine. By the statistics, the largest growth lay in diary product processing and brewing equipment.

Thanks to the improved living standard and gradual shift of eating habit, the sales of food packaging machinery in China will continue to increase in the on-coming years. By a survey, in 2005, the overall demand is expected to hit RMB65 billion, highly potential as compared with the existing market scale of RMB30 billion, marking an average growth of more than 12 percent every year.

Fueled by growing proportion of food industrial output value, probably up from the current 0.3-0.4 percent to 0.5-1 percent, more and more industry players target Chinese market, seeing the coming years as hay days to expand their market share.

Rising meat consumption will boost the demand for meat processing in the food industry from the present four percent to 10 percent with the output reaching 6 million tons, together with the improved proportion of grain processing from eight percent to 15 percent and with the processing volume peaking 82.50 million tons. Meanwhile, the output of sugar will climb to 10 million tons in 2005, the output of diary products, 800,000 tons, various feed, 27 million tons, liquid milk, two million tons, edible oil, 30 million tons, and tin food, 3.80 million tons.

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New Vehicle-based Techs Always from Humanity August 12, 2008

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Nowadays, cars and light trucks aim to entertain and inform drivers and passengers, not merely transport them from one place to another. Car owners, familiar with iPods, Blackberrys, handheld video players, portable games and so on, expect their vehicles to cater to their miscellaneous “infotainment” needs. Modern gadgets carry features to make navigating easier. The latest GPS devices are miles away from the old handheld ones. In help of speech recognition, drivers can speak commands to the GPS without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. If they are driving at a significant speed, or in heavy traffic, they don’t have to take their eyes off the road because voice prompts will navigate them. Some devices even can be linked to a driver’s mobile phones, and voice calls can be made using the GPS as a hands-free gear. Read the following news via Dialog NewsEdge to find more new techs on automotives.

Sizzling Portable Navigation Devices (PND)

In a release, Research and Markets noted that report highlights include:
Globally, the satellite navigation system is still a nascent industry with market penetration of only 4 percent and this offers lucrative opportunities for all the players in the supply chain of this industry. Western Europe and North America are the potential markets for Portable Navigation Systems, a technology/medium for automobile satellite navigation system. However, still these two regions remain massively under-penetrated with Europe’s satellite navigation penetration currently stands at only 15 percent and in North America at 4 percent. Since, the satellite navigation industry has low barriers to entry; the list of entrants is long and growing. But there are only a few leading players that have dominance in this industry.

The Thinnest GPS Unit in the Industry

Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
Magellan has announced a second generation of its Maestro series of portable vehicle navigation devices that will feature the thinnest GPS units in the industry. Designed to be pocket-sized for easier portability, the new units feature a streamlined look and functionality built into a new, sleeker industrial design. At only 17.8 mm thick and just 82.5 mm tall, the new Maestro packs dozens of advanced mapping features and bright 4.3-inch or 3.5-inch QVGA screens into the industry’s most compact, portable auto navigation units.

Automotive Hard Disk Drive Shipments to Rise by Fie times by 2013

M2 PressWIRE via NewsEdge Corporation:
The explosion of digital multimedia infotainment systems in cars is prompting auto makers to adopt Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) for storage and playback of music, video and other digital content. Shipments of HDDs for automotive infotainment systems are expected to reach 16.6 million units by 2013, nearly five times the 3.5 million in 2006. Automotive HDD shipments will rise at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 25.1 percent from 2006 to 2013, making hard drives the fastest-growing storage solutions for cars in the coming years. The attached figure presents iSuppli’s forecast of shipments of HDDs and other storage formats for automotive infotainment applications.

Audio Streaming Bolsters Automotive Bluetooth

Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
The migration of Bluetooth for music streaming into the automotive and portable navigation markets is increasing automotive Bluetooth adoption, reports Strategy Analytics. In fact, the research firm noted, this wireless technology is set to account for 94 percent of in-vehicle communications system shipments by 2013, according to a new Strategy Analytics report, “Automotive Bluetooth: Heat Unit Integration and A2DP Present New Opportunities.” Over the last 12 months, key product trends were emergence of audio streaming via the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Bluetooth integration on embedded automotive infotainment systems and an increase in portable navigation devices offering Bluetooth hands-free functionality.

Satellite Radio Increases 26%

Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
“Nearly 40 percent of consumers report having satellite radio capability in their new-vehicle’s audio system-marking a considerable increase from 26 percent the previous year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study released. Additionally, 94 percent of owners indicate that their satellite radio is factory or dealer installed-increasing from 92 percent in 2006. “Buyers want the latest technologies included in their new vehicle’s audio system, and the increase in market penetration is a reflection of auto manufacturers’ response to consumer demand,” said Allison LaDuc, senior research manager of automotive product quality at J.D. Power and Associates. “New and redesigned vehicles-particularly those within the luxury segment-are increasingly being equipped with the latest multimedia features, including satellite radio, MP3/auxiliary output and navigation systems. Market penetration for these audio features will likely increase as time goes on.”

Adding NIR Capability to Portfolio of Single-Chip Automotive

Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
“The NIR capability significantly improves functionality for automotive safety and security applications while allowing OEMs and automotive manufacturers to simplify system designs and reduce the overall system bills of material. The new night vision capability is made possible by the development and successful implementation of a number of process-level enhancements that expand the sensor’s spectral light sensitivity up to 1050 nanometers, the equivalent of NIR sensitivity. This enhanced sensitivity enables OmniVision sensors to perform object detection in complete darkness with the support of only a few very low-power LEDs and allows automotive cameras to see both beyond and outside the range of a vehicle’s headlights.”

Increased MEMS-Based Applications in Automotive Industry

Wireless News via NewsEdge Corporation:
“Demand from end-user markets such as automotive, medical and consumer electronics spurs growth in the world microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors markets, reports Frost & Sullivan. The consulting company said that its new analysis, World MEMS Sensors Markets, reveals that the market earned revenues of $1.6 billion in 2005 and estimates this to reach $4.2 billion in 2012. “Demand from key applications such as electronic stability control (ESC) and tire pressure sensors in the automotive market will likely drive the MEMS sensors market,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Prashanth Venkatesh. “Regulations passed by the U.S. highway and safety authority that mandate the installation of tire pressure sensors, also fuels demand. Moreover, environmental and legislative mandates increase the need for fuel-efficient cars, thereby supplementing demand for sensors in the automotive market.”

Simultaneously, the adoption of inertial sensors for the purpose of adding functionality and safety in devices such as mobile phones, gaming devices and e-notebooks, drives growth in the consumer markets.

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A Random Walk down Machine Tool Market July 31, 2008

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Tech Trend Watch

To cope with changing business environment, technical modernization is a sustaining challenge in all sectors of industry. As we saw in EMO Hannover 2005, process integration and reconfigurability make automation practicable and liable for large-scale users. Here, the concepts are elaborated on integrated system, for instance, machines equipped with robots, image processing systems and sophisticated materials handling capabilities, namely combining as many processing steps as possible in single gear to enable fast changeovers, thus allow numerous different products to be dealt with. Multifunctional gears not only provide optimized user-friendliness but also reduce machining times and the associated logistics, meanwhile with greater precision, enhanced productivity and space-saving advantage. The new robot application for bending tubes simplifies the programming of such automated installations by offering the same controller interface for all elements in the production line from the robot to the machine, meaning that the robot no longer required to be instructed.

Spurred by the up-and-coming nanotechnologynanotechnology, micro machining makes high-precision machining possible on larger workpieces from the tool and mould construction sectors. Surface qualities of fifty nanometres are now utilizable and workpieces no longer need to be polished in some cases. The minimum tools applied in micro machining have a diameter of 30 ?gm for drills and 100 ?gm for milling cutters. Still, machining with such tools is workable merely with modern and adapted machine concepts delivering a corresponding temperature control and superior damping properties. The greater precision makes miniaturization and microproduction possible with considerable future potentials. At the same time, it also largely raises process reliability.

Rapid prototyping and rapid tooling are significant in shortening the time to market of new products. Advanced and integrated coating techniques involve the sensor -based monitoring of machine components, the automatic correction of tool wear as well as remote information and diagnosis functions via mobile phone, the Internet and other communication media.

Global Market Watch

Japan is the world’s largest maker and second exporter of machine tools. According to Japan Machine Tool Builders Association (JMTBA), the orders in 2004 at $11.4 billion soared 45% from the year before, hitting the third largest level after the bubble economy years of 1990 and 1989. Exports surged by 38% thanks to the recovery of machine tool demand in the United States and Europe, besides the expansion in China and the emerging markets including East Europe. JMTBA predicts that overseas orders in 2005 and 2006 at $10.64 billion and $11.11 billion, respectively.

Germany is known as a major technology leader in the arena, also the world’s largest exporter and second producer with a 20% share of the market. In 2004, German machine tool makers sell 60% (or US$5.6 billion worth) of their machines outside the country. Exports grew by 10% in 2004 while domestic sales rising by 4%. In spite of the strength of the euro, overseas orders climbed by 25% during 2004, while domestic customers merely placed 11% more orders. China contributes to the biggest buyer of German-made machine tool, accounting for 17% of foreign demand and 13% of all exports. And the USA, the second biggest customer has been undergoing structural market changes. It was not until 2004 that exports began to increase again. An average 65,000 employees were employed in 2004, about 3% or approximately 1,900 employees less than the previous year. According to German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW), a 4% growth in production is expected for 2005.

Italy remains the third producer and exporter and the fifth consumer in the world machine tool market with export up 17% to US$2.29 billion and imports up 4% to US$0.97 billion. In 2004, Italian machine tool builders experienced an increase of around 13% in their index of aggregate orders, yet mostly from foreign buyers. In the first quarter of 2005, the overseas orders placed to Italian builders of metal working machine tools have marked a 4.6% increase compared to the same period in 2004. However, the domestic market is still stagnant with extremely low value of the index, 30% lower in comparison with that of the base year.

China is the world’s biggest buyer of machine tools, followed by the USA, importing US$5.78 billion, hitting a 39% increase in 2004. Famous as so-called “world factory”, China has been in great demand for machinery products in recent years. In 2004, the consumption of metal -working machine tools reached US$9.46 billion. The country consumed 70,000 units of CNC metal-cutting machine tools, including 47,000 units of domestic-made CNC metal-cutting machine tools. At present, there are more than 2,055 machine-tool-specific enterprises. The domestic builders manufactured a total of 389,284 units of metal-cutting machine tools, a rise of 35.9% over the previous year; 51,861 units of CNC machine tools (+49.8%); 4,354 units of high precision machine tools (+75.3%); and 7,151 units of large-type machine tools (+72.0%).

Taiwan machine tool builders exported $2.29 billion worth gears, marked as world’s No.4 supplier. In 2004, 36.3% of exports were for Mainland China market while 17.9% were for the US market. In fact, the machine tool industry is one of the island’s largest industrial sectors. Among major products, there were 9911 units (+153%) of NC lathes manufactured; 26,636 units (+122%) of non-NC lathes; 1,147 units (+199%) of NC drilling machines; 33,104 units (+138%) of non-NC drilling machines; 1,951 units (+105%) of NC milling machines; 27,673 units (+117%) of non-NC milling machines; 86,751 units (+101%) of bench grinders and 191,007 units (+122%) of sawing machines.

South Korea exceeds US$2.0 billion, recording a brisk performance for the past three years, spurred by investment in production facilities by the major manufacturing industries such as automobile, ship building, telecommunications, and electronics. The current size of the Korean market of imported machine tools is valued at US$1 billion, accounting for 40-50% of total market share. Korea’s metal working sector explains 25% of the total machine tools market share, followed by the automobile industry at 24%, the general machinery sector at 22%, the electronics industry at 11%, and the ship building industry at 5%.

Articles from ttnet.net

Cars can be Smarter with Electronic Devices July 4, 2008

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Automotive electronics are generally categorized into four sectors: entertainment, communications, information and productivity. The major items include in-car bluetooth handsfree devices, satellite radio subscribers, DVD entertainment devices, telematics tracking devices and GPS navigation. Also included are collision warning devices, drowsiness monitors, night visions, tier pressure warning devices, lighting, rain sensing wipers, HVAC, window lifts, electronic sunroofs, power seats, electronic mirrors, power doors, body control modules, trip computers, head-up displays and even more. In 2006, the market demands for bluetooth handsfree sets were 3.68 million sets and are expected to soar to 11.4 million sets by 2010; satellite radio subscribers were 11.9 million sets and are expected to jump to 19.8 million sets by 2010; telematics tracking devices were 3.2 million sets and are expected to surge to 16 million sets by 2010 and GPS navigation were 10 million sets and expected to climb to 17.7 million sets by 2010.

The global market for non-entertainment automotive electronics was expected at US$36.8 billion in 2005 and is estimated to hit US$52.1 billion by 2010. By the survey, the strongest demands come from the emerging markets such as Asia and Central Europe. North America will indicate an average increase of 5.1% each year in the period to 2010, with the market growing from US$13.2 billion in 2005 to US$16.9 billion in 2010. Electronic braking, steering and driver information products are seeing a robust demand in North American market. Passive restraint system, particularly side impact airbags, will be steady on upside path. Body & chassis electronics tend to post a modest growth as 9.4% each year through 2010, with the world market rising from US$4.0 billion to US$6.3 billion during the period. Body controllers, multiplexing/electrical distribution and navigation are seeing market stepping up due to robust demands. GPS navigation, incorporated with audio and entertainment will devour the lion’s share as the fastest-growing sector in the automotive electronics market. In addition, the sales of driver assistance systems like collision avoidance, night vision and lane departure warning will keep moving higher due to strong demands.

As major automakers continue to reduce the number of suppliers to reduce costs, a new round of consolidation is started. Such a trend is expected to influence across all tiers of the industry, so do the automotive electronics suppliers.

Car Theft-proof Device & Safety System

The unit cost of a car is still high for an average family to purchase. Therefore, car owners are investing heavily on accessories not only to keep their automobiles smarter, but more importantly ensure the protection of their property. By a survey, most of car owners would prefer to protect their property by installing automobile anti-theft system than anything else. Therefore, automotive security devices market segment has been experiencing the healthiest sales among car electronics field for these years. A recent survey reveals that anti-theft system market will jump to US$6.8 billion by 2008 at a quick pace of compound annual growth rate of 14%.

Car safety systems such as air bags, ABS systems and tire pressure monitoring systems are still on fire. Overall airbag system is integrated with the development of intelligent and multiple air bags. The up-and-coming electronic stability program system steals the hearts of most car drivers. Promising car safety systems also include automatic collision avoidance systems, adaptive driving systems, night vision, lane departure warning devices, drowsiness monitors, tier pressure warning devices, etc.

GPS Navigation & Telematics

Global Positioning System ( GPS ) device has evolved from singly navigation system into easy to installation. The compact GPS, which can be easily installed on any car, is the most popular portable handheld devices. It can be removed and served as personal GPS by just plug into the cigarette lighter source. Now, such a device is incorporated in new technology such as Bluetooth Enable system, MP3 audio decoder and possibly to play any of the latest video formats such as MPEG4 or DiXV or coming with optimized solution or value-added applications such as television, electronic maps and any other possible applications.

Telematics is the system that joints global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and other wireless communication systems for automatic roadside assistance and remote diagnostics in consumer-oriented car. It refers to the provision of two-way voice and data communication between the vehicle and information service providers.

Telematics enables a greater sense of security through the use of remote vehicle diagnostics systems that monitor performance and engine outputs. With just a touch on a display panel, telematics allows drivers to access information on location and direction of travel, emergency assistance and even nearby entertainment facilities. The ultimate aim of telematics is to provide a much more functional atmosphere in the vehicle for a lot of people to do things that they would normally do in their homes or in offices. In the future, telematics systems are likely to serve as docking stations for PDAs and cell phones. The advantage with these systems is they enable in-vehicle telematics to integrate with a consumer’s personal telematics–a capability that will become more and more crucial as telematics expands beyond vehicle safety and security.

Telematics along with recent developments such as voice-activated controls, on-line mapping systems and in-vehicle access to e-mail, will dedicate to making automobiles more than a mode of transportation- it will be a mobile communication and entertainment center as well. The latest telematics involves in managing vehicle and customer data and voice information to give car owners more insight into performance of the vehicle and its immediate environment such as traffic, weather and business events. It also enables car owners to have continual connectivity with their vehicles through the Internet, potentially transforming every vehicle into a voice browser.

The value of telematics will reach US$15 billion by 2007 and US$33 billion or even US$100 billions by 2010.

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Trends Watch on 2008 Auto Parts Industry April 15, 2008

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For recent years, carmakers have been fighting for price reductions from customers and surging gasoline price, material costs, along with shadowing global inflation. The mounting cost pressure forces them to gain components from offshore manufacturers, which has been reshaping the global landscape of auto parts sourcing. US automotive downturn is mainly triggered by diminished consumer purchasing power and the burst of the “mortgage bubble”. US sales of new cars and light trucks are predicted to drop below 16 million units in 2008. Light trucks, such as SUVs, CUVs, pickups, minivan and vans, made up 53% of the sales mix in 2007, could shrink to a 10-year low of 15.8 million units. The slowdown is spreading to other markets, particularly in Western European countries. But Eastern Europe will continue to expand at a rapid pace, with 4.3% compound annual growth by 2011. Russia will become the largest automotive sales market for new cars in Europe by 2010 as the larger European markets remain stagnant. Growths in the burgeoning markets, especially China, Brazil, and India, keep on and are still likely to lead global growth. In 2007, there were 8.7915 million vehicles sold in China, grew by 1.576 million or up by 21.84% compared to 2006 and will reach to 10 million vehicles by the end of 2008.

The auto parts industry is mainly for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market and the replacement parts market, or aftermarket. The global aftermarket industry approximates $300 billion while the light truck aftermarket accounts for $190 billion values. In US, the sales of light-truck performance parts and accessories have doubled over the past decade years, hit $13 billion in 2007, supporting 232 million vehicles on the road. Vehicles are becoming more and more durable across all vehicle types as those over 10 years old continue to comprise the lion¡¦s share of dollars spent, reaching more than $80 billion.

Tuning, Do-it-yourself on the Rise
There are more vehicles on the roads, more cars look similar, and, therefore, the more and more motorists tend to individualize their own cars. Gen-Y drivers are most enthusiastic to personalize their vehicles with audio-system upgrades, aftermarket exhaust systems, tires and wheels and exterior styling accessories as the top alternatives. Apart from aesthetics, safety is certainly a major concern. Here, we’re also seeing a booming DIY market. By a survey, over 53% of motorists, male and female alike, are interested in repair works and feel they are personally capable of doing light maintenance involved in installing parts such as brake shoes, pads, headlamps, batteries, wiper blades and alternators to save repair expenses. Among them, 13% motorists feel they are capable of performing medium maintenance and repair works, which is require the higher knowledge and level of expertise such as replacing fuel injectors and head gaskets.

In-vehicle Consumer Electronics
According to a survey by the Consumer Electronics Association, the sales of in-vehicle consumer electronics are expected to increase at a rate of 13% in 2008 to exceed $12.8 billion. The most popular items are remote vehicle starters, in-dash navigation systems and car alarms, required for flexibility and multi-location use. Motorists also prefer to outfit their vehicles with the latest in-vehicle information and entertainment technology like satellite radio, HD radio and DVD players to make their driving on the road safer and more enjoyable.

“Going Green” Concern
Motorists are more aware of worsening global warming and other environmentally-conscious issues. The carbon dioxide concentrations have soared record-high levels in the atmosphere after increasing at an accelerated pace in the past years. In response to this, automakers are urged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles and fossil fuel reliance. They are developing innovative emission and idling reduction technologies to elevate fuel economy, launching plug-in hybrids and providing a broad technology portfolio of series solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Automakers claim that such a goal will be realized through the use of alternative fuel autos (AFAs). Now, there are sixty models of AFAs available and more are in development, including hybrid-electric, clean diesel, ethanol capable and others. Advanced vehicles need advanced fuels, including ultra low sulfur diesel, E85 ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and electricity. However, the more bio-fuels such as ethanol and bio-diesel, are used, the more corns, more soy bean and more sugarcane are consumed not as foods, which continues to fuel the price hikes of grains and meats.

Fighting for Spiraling Gas Price
Recently, global demand for oil and gas keeps increasing at an unprecedented rate. Skyrocketing gas price over a record $4 a gallon signals a possible hike over the next few months. To combat spiraling gasoline price, more and more new-vehicle shoppers are looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles and car drivers are managing to control their monthly energy bills by employing energy-efficiency measures or resort to the state-of-the-art fuel-economy technologies. Fuel efficiency becomes dominant factor on influencing their vehicle maintenance decisions, surpassing dependability and safety. Motorists are seeking fuel efficiency through vehicle maintenance. In fact, by properly maintained, vehicles are not only more fuel efficient, but also safer and more environmentally friendly. That also enables a tremendous marketing opportunity for aftermarket service and parts businesses.

Better Fuel Economy Solutions
Most attempts to enhance fuel efficiency spotlight on ancillary technologies like refinements in the fuel injection, ignition or valve timing. Some technologies such as the gasoline-electric hybrid and “clean diesel” are being applied for better fuel economy. In 2007, new hybrid vehicle sales reached over 350,000 units in 2007, even though the fuel efficiency capabilities of hybrid vehicles seem to be somewhat overestimated. For better fuel economy, there is an improvement on engine efficiency with associated reduction in heat lost from the combustion process. Since longer idling time wastes fuel, spoils engines and produces unnecessary extra emissions into the air, here comes a new technology to generate heat so quickly as to delete these unwanted situations. For less power consumption and longer longevity, LEDs now are used with xenon headlamps, even with double light output but only a third less energy than halogen bulbs. By the uses of LEDs for full-functions forward lighting on vehicles, it is feasible to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Crash Avoidance Technology
By a statistics in the US, total collision repair industry sales grow 5.8% to about $40 billion per year. By this, motorists are looking for the latest blind spot detection technology to avoid collision. Blind spot detection is a system that can identify vehicles or objects within a vehicle’s blind spots and provide an audible, visual warning or vibrate the vehicle’s steering wheel or seat as a lane change is doing. Lane departure warning system functions when a car is wandering out of its lane, without a turn signal being activated, and gives a warning to the driver.

World Plastic Sector Briefing March 19, 2008

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Annual global production of plastics is estimated at 273.3 billions pounds. The plastics processing industry is prominent in every aspect of modern life. As new polymers and composite materials
are introduced by the chemical industry , so the industry is constantly refining and adding products to those that have been made over many decades. In its early years, the plastics industry greatly benefited from the substitution of plastic for other materials including various metals , wood , paper, glass, cardboard and natural fibres, etc. However, as a mature industry, the possibilities for substitution are limited, leading to greater dependence on economic growth and the expansion of demand in plastic’s existing markets. The industry is also vulnerable to volatility in the global price of oil and gas feedstocks, used by the chemical industry to produce its raw and semi-finished materials.

Plastics Largely Demanded from Vehicles

Plastics are widely used in automobiles today. According to statistics, automobiles contain some 100 plastic parts of different size and materials, weighing 10-15% by weight with a clear tendency to grow. In past two decades, the use of plastics in cars has jumped by 114 percent. It is surveyed that without plastics today’s cars would be at least 200 kg heavier. Plastics are loved mainly due to their lightweight property, which enable the automobile industry to save weight and thus, build energy-efficient automobiles. By statistics, 100 kg of plastics parts in cars reduces oil consumption by about 12 million tones each year in Europe, reducing CO2 emissions by 30 million tones a year.

In China, it is predicted that there is a 400 percent increase in vehicle production between 2004 and 2020, and those vehicles will need a lot of plastic parts. Thanks to exploding demand for plastic materials in recent years, China has become the world’s top market for plastics production machinery, accounting for 16.4% of the worlds’ total consumption. As demand for plastic products has increased, the plastic processing industrial sector has grown in response. The demand for high-tech, high precision plastic production machinery has risen. Local products cannot meet the rapidly growing demand in terms of quality and technology. China needs to import a great deal of equipment annually, accounting for around 56% of the total market. China’s importation of plastics production machinery has remained high in recent years.

US Plastic Container Sales Expected to Exceed 165 Billion Units in 2008

Plastics features lightweight, resistance to breakage and affordability, which makes them superior to glass, paperboard and metal as containers. Thanks to the property in packaging application superior to paperboard, metal and glass, plastic container demand in US is predicted to surpass 165 billion units in 2008, namely requiring more than 14 billion pounds of resin. By 2008, the demand for plastic bottles will approximate 110 billion units, universally boosted by the fast penetration of plastic bottles into smaller container sizes because of advances in barrier properties and consumer preferences for convenient and portable containers.

Besides, cans, squeeze tubes and trays also have promising prospects. Plastic cans are favored from wider applications like coffee, snack food and paint packaging, with a trend to take the place of metal ones. Plastic cups, bowls and tubs, mainly in polypropylene are increasingly demanded basically in single serving forms, such as fresh fruit, gelatin, pudding, dry snack foods, cereal, baby food and soups.

Among resins, HDPE, mostly-applied plastic container resin, continues to decline while PET and polypropylene celebrate robust growth due to speedy expansion in beverage applications. Polypropylene, with cost and weight reduction advantages over HDPE in dairy product containers and even cheaper than PET, is becoming more and more popular as the fastest-growing resin, widely applied in tubs, cups and bowls, trays, bottles and cans. The advantages of polypropylene bottles also include good clarity, natural translucency, moisture and impact resistance, chemical inertness, lightweight, durability and excellent dimensional stability. The demand of polypropylene resin for container production is predicted to climb 6.3% per year to 965 million pounds in 2008.

Global Plastic Pipe Output to Hit 6.3 Billion Meters by 2007

The building and construction (B/C) industries are major pipe users. Due to its low cost, durability, strength and easier for extrusion, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) lasts to govern plastic pipe market as the most-frequently used resin, enjoying over two-thirds of plastic pipe demand. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes celebrate robust demand all over the world, favored by increasing uses of small-diameter pipe in natural gas transmission, as conduit for electrical and telecommunications applications, and as corrugated pipe for drains and sewers.

Global demand for plastic pipe is predicted to grow more than 4 percent per year through 2007, topping 6.3 billion meters. Although battling with other materials such as concrete, metals and vitrified clay thanks to its durability, ease to install and low cost, plastic pipes will continue to outpace growth for overall pipe demand, accounting for 47 percent of the total. General speaking, the growing momentum comes from some developing regions such as Latin America, Africa/Mid-east and the Asia/Pacific region due to ongoing infrastructure development. U.S. is the biggest consuming nation, with demand expected to increase 2.5 percent per year through 2007 to 15.5 billion feet, spurred by improved fixed investment activities, continued highway and street construction, and the rehabilitation of aging or obsolete sewer, drainage and municipal drinking water systems. In EU, the spending on construction will bode well thanks to improved economic conditions. Farewell to zero economic growth, Japanese plastic pipe demand will pick up, reversing years-long declines. China has become the world’s pipe manufacturing center, and is a major exporter of products to the U.S., as are other Asian producers.

In recent years, consolidation, restructuring and retrenchment in manufacturing and other industries also have adversely affected the pipe industries.

Electrical - Electrical Industry in Mixed Moods March 5, 2008

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While the electrical market lasts to mature, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), original design manufacturer (ODM) and moulders confront mounting pressure to reduce costs as struggling to achieve the optimal balance of functionality, appearance, productivity and cost reduction. However, dangers sometimes come with chances. Up-and-coming global outsourcing tide brings hopes to contract manufacturers. In facing the changeover, they react with mingled mood, half caution and half relief.

Motors Sizzling with Growing Replacement Demands
Although motors fix to their traditional design architecture, the innovation of miniature DC drive systems never ceases as industrial players continue to combat in achieving the next level of miniaturization, power to volume, and precision. Manufacturers work hard to customize to clients’ needs by providing a wide spectrum of custom and semi-standard options, including special bearing systems and lubrication, special commutation and brush systems, special coil voltages, extended temperature range versions, custom lead wires connectors, and cabling, modified shaft configurations, thru-shafts, and hollow shafts and modified motor geometry. Large IEC frame motors, which consist of frame sizes IEC80 to IEC500, account for the biggest share of market revenue and over the next few years is predicted to remain the major revenue contributor. Motor continues to be a sizzling market. According to the latest statistics from IMS Research, the low voltage segment of this market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is expected to reach $1.7 billion. A crucial factor that contributes to this market’s overall robustness is the high proportion of motors that are made each year for replacement.

Battery Powered up 6.6% through 2008
It is predicted that world demand for primary and secondary batteries will climb 6.6% percent per year through 2008 to $65 billion. The growth momentum mainly comes from some developing regions such as Africa and the Mid-East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia/Pacific, boosted by regional robust economic growth. Especially, China, Argentina, India, Iran, South Korea and the Ukraine will play the crucial roles too grab the best gains. The markets in industrialized countries like U.S. EU and Japan will also benefited from higher income levels, which result in mounting sales and use of many battery-powered products.

In the past decade years, there were several new batteries launched such as nickel-metal hydride, secondary lithium, zinc-air designs, rechargeable alkaline and lithium-ion, widely applied in portable computers and portable cordless hand tools. First developed in the 1960s and commercialized in 1970s, lithium batteries now have six lithium battery types, approximately 30 commercialized electrode couples, and over thousand specific designs. The new generation of lithium batteries has large scale of sizes available from king-size cells used for powering vehicles or storing significant amounts of utility power to queen-size cells capable of powering micro-electromechanical gears. The lithium battery technology takes the place of once-popular alkaline batteries and NiCad batteries and some tentative uses of NiMH batteries because of its inherent higher energy density, compact and longer operational time to meet the demands of next-generation portable electronics.

The sales of consumer-orient battery will outpace other market segments, spurred by soaring demand for products used to power high-drain portable electronic devices. The demands of non-lead-acid secondary batteries tend to outpace that for primary and lead-acid secondary types through 2008, fueled by the popularity of multifunction handheld devices with reduced recharging time. Lead-acid batteries keep gaining market in terms of value thanks to stronger growth in automotive output as the uses rise from the population of some applications like backup power supplies and industrial motive power.

Relays & Switches Get Minimized
Relays and switches continue to get minimized as jog switches and joy sticks are shrinking in size in offering more sophisticated user interface with cell phones, PDA’s, and other consumer electronics. The trend toward smaller loads, voltage, and amperage signal a more significant design challenge to switch and relay manufacturers than minimizing their physical size. Two of the prime drivers heading to smaller loads are portable, rechargeable devices and the nearly ubiquitous. Switch sales improved 17% in the first half of 2004 and soared largely in Q2 2004 as compared to the same period of last year, yet the market has declined in Q3 and predicted to further slow down in 2005. Still the switch market should still outperform the overall economy in 2005.

OEM & ODM Booming with Globalization Outsourcing
It’s difficult to find any company that completely manufactures its own products as most manufacturers in Europe and the United States make use of outsourcing to lower overall product cost. In response to changing global economic climate, world major players focus on giving the OEM greater flexibility, improved cost effectiveness, reduced cycle time, reduced time to market, and sustained or higher quality. In this case, outsourcing must be a valuable component of manufacturing strategies. Especially when demand is stable, inventory-holding costs low and labor a high proportion of total costs–overseas production in low-wage countries is a very attractive idea. In addition, when in changing economic situation, outsourcing can minimize the risk of dramatic change on business circle. Industry players could free themselves to spotlight on their core competencies and tighten R&D capability.
The original design manufacturers (ODMs) market grows stronger than OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) thanks to they will diversify their product offerings to their OEMs customers. ODMs also tends to outpace the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market by about 11.5% annually and climb from about $40 billion in 2003 to $101 billion in 2008 while ODMs expand globally by adding product offerings and strengthening their design capabilities. Nevertheless, the EMS market will keep growing while its sales increase from about $92 billion in 2003 to more than $160 billion in 2008.

Just Do It Yourself with Hand Tools January 31, 2008

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In recent months, the sluggishness in house prices, and consumer confidence, hammered by ongoing mortgage market crisis especially in the US and the UK, has taken a toll on home improvement expenditures. Although the US government manages to restore consumer confidence and revive the overall housing market by announcing a plan to freeze rates on certain adjustable-rate sub-prime mortgages, the homeowner spending for home improvement and remodeling activities will be thereby influenced with a certain ripple effect.
A Mild Upturn in Home Improvement
By a survey, in the US, homeowner remodeling spending for 2007 dragged and is projected to be 2.3% lower than 2006 while homeowners become increasingly jittered about falling house prices and a slowing economy. They spent nearly $233 billion on home remodeling in 2007, marking a modest 1.9% increase from the record $228 billion spent in 2006. The growth is bolstered by a lag time of three to six months when remodeling activity follows home building. Homeowners can¡¦t delay a major repair like a leaky roof or a broken faucet after the houses are purchased. In 1997, the home improvement marketplace was estimated to be a $135 billion industry. However, that number has increased to $185 billion in 2007. Some economists predict that remodeling activity in 2008 is expected to grow by 2.8% and may reach another record-breaking year by 2009.
DIY Tools Smile with Growing Female Users
As mounting new houses are built, here come in a renewed passion for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. As we¡¦ve mentioned before, it is women that drive 75% of the home improvement purchasing decisions in a household. The trend of single women purchasing homes is one of the most notable in real estate market. They regard their houses as valuable long-term investments, which require upkeep and renovations. Instead of hiring a worker to replace a faucet or put up drywall, most female homeowners prefer to do it themselves and save money. We are seeing increasing female shoppers to join the queues in front of home centers. More and more women are getting stuck into DIY than ever before. According to a survey, as purchasing holiday gifts, 48% of U.S. women choose home improvement items, such as hand tools, compared to 39% prefer apparels or jewelry. Now more end-consumers, either male or female, are tackling the work themselves and enjoying doing their own home repairs and renovations. Meanwhile, tool suppliers are adding more features and functions to their products, brainstorming new ideas to make DIY tools more comfortable, easier to use, efficient and safer and aiming for greater productivity, higher quality work and less stress on the users. Experts expect that a real estate slump would reduce the purchase power of professional tool users, but the DIY market would remain higher growth as ever.
Go Home and Do It Yourself
“Homing” trend is still on the move. People is poised to make their home a warm and cozy place furnished with recreational equipments and ambience-oriented materials such as decorations, a flat-screen TV integrated in a piece of furniture, printed screens or elegant lighting fixtures that are inevitable to the taste and quality of modern lifestyle. In the other hand, Always, things in home will break and need repair. And quick, inexpensive and user-friendly DIY tools not only fix the problem, but also add the beauty of a home. Beside the price, DIY tool quality is increasingly promoted to value-added professional tool grades and comes with growing focus on ergonomic, intelligent and long durability designs.
Hand Tools- Practice Makes Perfect
DIY projects by hand tools are often time-consuming. But many of the tasks are traditionally done exclusively with hand tools as much more efficiently and quickly than with power tools. DIYers believe doing your own home improvement projects gives them all the control, and can ensure the project turns out exactly as you want it only for pennies on the dollar. They also have fun and enjoy a sense of achievement when their projects are finished by continuous practices and improving skills. Nowadays, there are so many reference resources available for the do-it-yourselfers, including popular print and web-based resources and classes at home improvement stores. Apart from an increasing use on home improvement projects, vehicle average lifespan is longer also promote the sales of hand tools in automobile after-sales market. Electronic products forging tools are in great demand, especially adjustable wrenches. The common problem of annoying “external rust” on tools has spurred the application of special stainless steel on tools, which is underlined by innovations such as a novel combination spanner series without galvanized surface treatment and welded fully from stainless steel screwdrivers and bits.
Power Tools- Smarter Ideas for Housing Renovation
Powered by electricity, batteries or air for use in building, construction and home improvement, power tools are can accomplish almost any task a hand tool can do and improves the speed and efficiency of the craft. The differences between DIY power tools and professional power tools are on function and design. Basically, the professional models have increased power and the ability to perform under more stress than consumer tools and can withstand heavier workloads. Power tools are big business. In the US market, the sales are predicted to surpass $11 billion by 2010 by driven by strong demands on electric saws and pneumatic nailers and cordless power tools. The technological improvement and innovation spotlight on dust collection, laser-enabled products, ergonomic enhancements, high-tech anti-theft technologies, the inclusion of lithium-ion batteries, and redesigns allowing multiple tools to share the same battery source. Advances in Lithium-Ion technology have revolutionized cordless power tools making them lighter, more powerful and more reliable.

Hardware Industry in Global Economic View

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In the recent months, people are watchful to what happens to the U.S. housing market, which is hammered by a downturn in sales and prices owing to the meltdown of sub-prime mortgages. Soaring energy prices, declining home values that make American people feel less wealthy, and a gloomy outlook for the US labor market all figure into more caution on the part of consumers. Economists are warning that the oncoming US economic slowdown will possibly bring a domino effect on the export growing momentum from China, Europe and Japan and other developing countries, hold back years of robust growth in these countries and also terminate the boom in commodity prices that benefited them over the past years. By this, it is expected that the troubled U.S. economy will finally deepen fears of a global recession in 2008.

Locking Systems

Security system is crucial to home safety. According to a survey conducted by Practical World Cologne, the top-2 items for effective burglary prevention are key cylinder in their home’s front and back doors, lockable windows and balcony doors. It is also important to the use of a security service and the installation of steel doors. Innovative lock cylinders make break-ins tougher than ever, by higher tamper-proof resistance with profile cylinder series incorporating an internal key stop. A brand-new electronic door-lock system is designed to reduce the risk of the “electro picking” which burglars use to open mechanical profile cylinders. The system also makes locking up easier and more convenient from inside and outside by the use of the rotary grip.

Pipes & Fittings

Strong growth in utilities construction will fuel pipe and valve demands. Global demand for plastic pipes is predicted to grow more than 4% annually, topping 6.3 billion meters. Pipes are the heart of household plumbing system. Steel pipe is used basically for carrying water, steam or gas in both black and galvanized finish. Galvanized pipes are usually used for water systems as black pipes for natural gas. Plastic pipes are popular among do-it-yourselfers since they are easy to work with, lightweight and durable. One of the major benefits of plastic pipes is that it will not rot or corrode. Couplings are used to connect all standard sizes of pipes. Bushings are inserted inside a coupling to reduce the size of the pipe. Elbow is used to change direction of pipe.

Industrial Valves

Demand for industrial valves is forecasted to rise 3.2% annually through 2011 to $16.3 billion. Steel and steel alloys will keep dominating as major valve construction materials due to their good performance in high temperature and high stress applications. Gate valves have a sliding wedge that is moved across the waterway, usually by a threaded spindle or stem. Globe and angle valves are used while a valve must be opened and closed frequently under high water pressure. Globe valves are used to control volume of flow. Similar to a globe valve, an angle valve has its ports at right angles and is installed at a turn in piping to reduce the necessity of an elbow. Check valves allow flow in one direction only and are used to prevent water pumped to an overhead tank from flowing back when the pump stops.

Bearings

Bearings are primarily applied to ease friction between moving parts or to carry load in certain industries such as those that handle materials. They are largely used in automobile industry, followed by general engineering, electrical industries, heavy industry and railways industry. The average bearing lifespan has largely prolonged thanks to the use of improved product designs, superior quality materials such as cleaner, stronger steels and better lubricants. Ball, roller and plain bearing demands are expected to grow 3.2% per year through 2011 to $11.0 billion. An upturn in nonresidential investment expenditures will help boost demand for bearings used in both original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and maintenance/repair/operations (MRO) applications.

Industrial Fasteners

Industrial fasteners are primarily used in automobile, aerospace, electric appliance, electrical and electronics industries. In the U.S., auto industry consumes about 42% of the industrial fasteners. The consumption of industrial fasteners is also related to the construction of commercial buildings and infrastructure. Spurred by healthy growth in nonresidential construction and aerospace equipment, US demand for industrial fasteners is expected to reach $12.9 billion in 2011. The demand for application-specific standard fasteners will continue to grow at a quicker pace than other standard fastener types, as more original equipment manufacturers replace commodity items with specialized designs. China demand for industrial fasteners is projected increase 9.4% annually through 2010 to RMB 40.2 billion, outpacing growth in most other regions of the world, driven by fast growth in industrial machinery, automobiles and electrical and electronic products.

To fastener manufacturers, raw material cost accounts for a large proportion of overall manufacturing costs. In the recent years, we’re witnessing a sustaining upswing on the carbon steel, alloy steel, along with alloying elements including aluminum, titanium, nickel, copper and the cost of most forms of energy used in the manufacturing process. This will impose a heavy pressure on most of industrial players.