China Food Packing Machinery Market to Double in 2005 August 19, 2008
Posted by champion in : Uncategorized , add a commentThe 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.
Article from ttnet.net
A Random Walk down Machine Tool Market July 31, 2008
Posted by champion in : Uncategorized , 1 comment so farTech 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
Trends Watch on 2008 Auto Parts Industry April 15, 2008
Posted by wenbi in : Auto Parts , add a commentFor 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
Posted by wenbi in : Plastic and Rubber , add a commentAnnual 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
Posted by wenbi in : Electrical , add a commentWhile 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.
Hardware Industry in Global Economic View January 31, 2008
Posted by wenbi in : Hardware , add a commentIn 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.
The 6th China International Consumer Fair October 31, 2007
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Made In China Buying Guide October 29, 2007
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LANGUAGE OF TEXT: Chinese PUBLICATION DATE: Before 30th of every March and September. —————————————————————————- For those who are in search of manufacturers in Chinese mainland to deal with, it is an indispensable tool to optimize sourcing options and make better buying decisions. HERE’S WHAT IT GIVES YOU: |
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What’s Up in Gifts and Premiums October 18, 2007
Posted by wenbi in : Gifts , add a commentttnet.net - [2007/04/11]
We got many clues of the up-and-coming gift trends from the renowned shows of Ambiente and Tendence Lifestyle held in Germany. Here, there are three major themes in the current trends: ‘metallic’ mixed with cool metal with warm wood, ‘folklore’, a comeback of the mystery of East Europe in natural shades and opulent colors and ‘white’ enabling a white-white field of tension between romantic decorations and chic modern styles. A brand-new mix-and-match look with Asian, oriental and Mediterranean styles sets the trend in gift-giving items. For example, we see the figure of Buddha alongside Moroccan screens and colorful Alpine farmer furniture stands below mussel shell lampshades. ‘Water’ is a crucial theme in many of the spring and summer collections while the new aqua trends include such items as baskets and carpets of sea grass or fish motifs on towels, tableware and floor mats. Natural theme is evergreen. Hot as summer sun are topical shapes and materials such as branch-shaped candlesticks, dishes in tree-trunk look, laminated coconut shells and jellyfish shaped bags and lamps, also dancing with organic forms in vogue for china and glass.
Consumers are looking for romanticism, security and warmth, something like rich décors grace porcelain, glass, textiles and furniture. Even though the shapes last to be plain, the décor and details often impress us a Baroque feeling, frequently seen on glass and mirror components. The mounting nightmare of inflation brings nostalgic elements back. Rich shapes with floral patterns and pictures of angels on vases, plates, cushions or screens are still fashionable. Light tones such as white and green are welcome. Green in all variations plays a leading role on the palette. Black is a must as it comes to luxurious ambience in combination with decorative patterns or sequins and tulle. We see a return of old-styled gifts from Biedermeier era and accessories from our grandmother¡¦s era, including well-decorated biscuit dishes and elaborately printed tablecloths. The original ideas for premiums lies on their charm of giving things away for free, helping spark some kind of ongoing relationship with recipients- one in which the name of the company or product sticks in the mind. Here we see a soaring demand from premiums and giveaways sector as the expenditure of corporate advertisement partly shed to cheaper promotional giveaways and incentives. These gimmicks are in possession of all-pervasive influence penetrating to the full spectrum of our daily life, contriving some commercial missions, and usually coming to fruition. There is a widespread increase in smaller ad hoc pieces. The slogan of premiums is quite simple- it’s free for all. However, they are no more than the servants for brand names. Industry players are requested to diversify product lines so that they can accommodate their customers’ needs by personalizing with given logos and/or messages.
Electronic gadgets are always fun, and new technology, adding the bonus of more variety in designs, features and sizes. Flash dish drives, mp3 players, LED flashlights, clock radios and calculators are available in nearly any shape, size or combination. Mousepads in particular have become popular in the premiums sector. Not only are they lightweight and affordable, but they offer an ideal platform for corporate messages and logos. Thanks to updating technology, makers regularly launch new products to help them retain their premiums market share and offset thinning profit margins on older models, whose prices are declining by 5 to 10 percent. Ergonomic mouse are popular as they reduce fatigue and discomfort associated with repetitive motion, great for gaming and surfing. Cordless mouse, optical mouse or hybrid mouse are stealing the hearts of receivers. The premiums market accounts for 30 to 50 percent of production for most manufactures of electronic goods. Some companies supply to this market exclusively with hundreds of low-price electronic novelties.
In use of miniature components, a key chain is added with multifunctional features such as key lock light, laser pointer, quartz clock, calculator, message recorder or vibrating or sound-emitting plush-animal toy. Besides, multifunction key chains are in fancy designs with more gender-neutral and practical usages. The newest products include musical items in molded resin, and window units that are palm-size calendars or photo frames.
Houseware, All about Convenience, Functionality and Styles
Posted by wenbi in : Houseware , add a commentttnet.net - [2007/03/02]
The houseware market of 2006 indicated that consumers look for things that will allow for a cozier and fanciful life and tend to buy things that will create high quality and comfortable living and enable more personal touch. Accordingly, household decorations, plastic houseware, metal houseware are anticipated a fruitful harvest at the beginning of 2007. Since Houseware is situational consumer goods, individualized and exquisite commodities still somewhat dominate the market. There is also a lasting push toward smarter and more varieties of products in houseware sector. Generation Y, or Gen Yers, the group born after 1978 and before 1995 stages as the dominant consuming power. These consumers are more sensitive to price and features than loyal to brands.
Comfortable colors and multifunctionality are two major concerns in houseware market. According to the trend report from Ambiente, here come diversified juxtaposed styles, some blended in the living environment. Turquoise and all blue and green tones had been popular in 2006. And green in all variations will continue to be welcomed on the color side. The comeback of blue, usually in the form of varied aqua shades, stood out as a trend in the midst of this juxtapositioning. Aqua colors tend to be the central theme seen in such items as baskets and carpets of sea grass or fish motifs on towels, floor mats, glasses, cups and plates, as well as carpets and baskets made of sea grass. Moreover, orange, pink and rose are often seen in the increasing colourfulness of the products on display. We see eye-catching and bright colors in kitchens. Pots and pans are painted with in every color of the rainbow and unique, vivid designs.
Plain shapes are common to see but the décor and details frequently have a Baroque design about them. Luxuriant floral patterns on textile and porcelain products echo with the trend of ¡§more is more¡¨. Now, we are seeing more opulent shapes with floral designs and pictures of angels on vases, plates, cushions or screens. All decorative ingredients include contents from the baroque or Biedermeier period. The spotlights, yet, are no longer on heavy colors such as dark red or violet, but much more on light tones: white and green, for example. Such a new light and romantic variation on the baroque largely applies in glass and mirror products.
Oriental themes jump to the designs of houseware. Indian styles appear on houseware in Buddha figures. Chinese “feng shui” is another focus, appending the fashion houseware new contents. The Chinese wisdom of a healthy lifestyle is applied in numerous decorative articles, such as pyramids, mobiles and vases, as well as in household fountains and mini furniture. As speaking ethnic styles, we can¡¦t skip over Africa theme. Calabashes and typical African products and animal skin decoration are all typical. Natural wood in earthy tones and sometimes a continuation of the ethnic wave provides the basic mood for furnishings. Wooden houseware with individual looking are now in demand. In addition, wellness continues to be a crucial topic, seen from food preparation to an enjoyment of tea and coffee.Tableware like china and ceramics is supplemented with new shapes for plates and other components. For instance, floral motifs, or retromotifs come in naturalistic designs. There is an increasingly systemic mindset in cookware such as pans, due to a mix-and-match concept and coming in versatile materials, coatings and surfaces.
