Tony Marlin has joined Terex Cranes as director of sales for Eastern United States and Canada. He has been at Maxim Crane Works for the past 11 years, recently serving as senior vice president of sales and marketing and major accounts. He has over 20 years of experience in the crane industry, and he is a former owner of Newton Crane Service in Indianapolis.

“His ability to respond to the rapidly changing demands for the crane rental industry and contractors will enable him to help lead Terex toward even greater customer focused service,” says Frank Bardonaro, vice president and managing director for Terex Cranes in the Americas.

Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer operating in four business segments: aerial work platforms; construction; cranes; and materials processing. Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, energy and utility industries. Terex offers a complete line of financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information can be found at www.terex.com.

Windflow Technology has achieved a major engineering success with the news today that Lloyd’s Register has awarded its Type Approval Certificate to the Windflow 500 turbine. This confirms that the turbine meets Class 1A of the latest International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) design standard IEC 61400-1 (edition 3). Class 1A certification attests that the Windflow 500 will operate for more than 20 years in the strongest, most turbulent wind regime in the IEC classification. The company reports that certification has required years of engineering horsepower and has set a new standard in wind turbine excellence in the medium size 500 kW category.

It gives interested parties and purchasers of the Windflow 500 turbine confidence that the turbine has been rigorously tested to operate in the highest strength winds. During the IEC process 2,800 pages of engineering calculations were scrutinized by Lloyd’s Register, along with more than 200 drawings and 37 specifications; the prototype turbine at Gebbies Pass (near Christchurch) was put through a regime of safety and mechanical load tests, as well as measuring its acoustics and power output. The blade was tested for its ultimate strength by the University of Canterbury and for its fatigue life at the IRL test hall in Auckland.

According to CEO Geoff Henderson the confirmation of IEC certification is the end of an engineering marathon and a strong kick-start to the international marketing drive that recently gained critical momentum through a policy change in the U.K. The company has assembled a team of 20 professional engineers in its Christchurch headquarters supported by the company’s commercial team, the skilled tradespeople in its nacelle assembly and blade factories, and the windsmiths in Palmerston North servicing its 66 operating turbines. The company, which is the only utility-scale wind turbine manufacturer in Australasia, currently employs more than 50 people directly and about 400 indirectly throughout New Zealand.

“We are immensely proud of our team’s work, and despite challenges along the way we always believed that our innovative Windflow 500 would speak for itself and affirm the confidence of our shareholders,” Henderson says. “Windflow Technology, and the Windflow 500, have set a new wind energy benchmark and one that our supporters can feel very excited about. The turbine is designed for New Zealand’s lean and mean economic environment as well as our turbulent high wind sites. Its fundamental economic advantage is that it uses fewer tonnes of materials, typically 50 percent, for the same output as competing three-bladers, large or midsize. The class 1A IEC Type Approval validates this lighter, smarter approach to operating at high wind sites.”

Wind turbine certification is an independent determination that provides assurance of a turbine performing for a minimum of 20 years in a specified environment. Because the IEC certification standard prescribes required safety margins for all engineering calculations, compliance provides the statistical backup sought by those who finance and insure wind farms.

Currently 66 Windflow 500 turbines are installed in New Zealand. A full-scale prototype has been operating since 2003 at Gebbies Pass near Christchurch. Five began operation at the Te Rere Hau wind farm on the outskirts of Palmerston North in 2006, with another 60 being installed at Te Rere Hau between November 2008 and October 2009. In addition 32 turbines are in production and are planned to be installed at Te Rere Hau by mid-2011. To learn more go to www.windflow.co.nz.

KMT Robotic Solutions, Inc., announces the sale of the first robotic root cut and drill system for utility-scale wind turbine blades produced in Europe. KMT-RS is the first and only company to supply a robotic root cut and drill solution, and currently has multiple systems in production throughout North America. This new order will be executed out of KMT-RS’s office in Ronneby, Sweden, in close cooperation with its offices in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Wetzlar, Germany.

This new order builds off of KMT-RS’s success in the North American market. “Our North American customers have been pleased with the results they have achieved with their robotic root cut and drill systems,” says Mark Handelsman, wind turbine industry sales manager. “Only CNC based solutions were available prior to the introduction of the KMT-RS robotic system. Since we introduced our robotic solution, our customers have found that the KMT-RS root cut and drill systems overcome shortcomings of the CNC solutions and provide higher throughput, lower running costs, and far greater flexibility.”

“Penetrating the European Wind Turbine Blade market is an important milestone for KMT-RS,” according to Frank Thorn, vice president of European sales. “Europe remains the technology leader for the wind turbine industry with decisions impacting plants not only in Europe, but also in North America and Asia. We found that a key to our success in Europe has been our ability to transfer the technology developed in North America to our manufacturing facility in Ronneby, Sweden, and our technology and support center in Wetzlar, Germany. The efficiencies that we gain by manufacturing more closely to our customers and better meeting local market needs will be a key to our success in Europe.”

KMT-RS also continues to advance the state of the technology and is offering some new capabilities in this latest system order. “Using advanced vision technology along with KMT-RS’s patent-pending AccuFind technology to accurately locate blades is critical to our achieving the demanding tolerances of our customers” says Mike Aeschliman, wind turbine product manager. “Our customers can load blades in 10 to 15 minutes with a standard overhead crane, and within minutes of loading the blade start cutting the root end.”

KMT Robotic Solutions has more than 3,600 robots installed around the world and more than 25 years experience developing, designing, building, servicing, and supporting robotic cutting, trimming, and cleaning solutions for manufacturing customers. With direct and relationship partner locations in Europe, the Americas, China, and Japan, KMT is strategically positioned to serve the global market. KMT Robotic Solutions. Learn more by contacting Roberta Zald, director of business development, at (248) 829-2814 or roberta.zald@kmtrobotic.com. Go online to www.kmtrobotic.com. 

In response to industry demand to measure the wind at taller heights, NRG Systems now offers an 80-meter tilt-up tower. Built on the same reliable platform as the company’s 60-meter XHD system, the 80-meter tower incorporates bolted joints for a stiffer, stronger tower while offering familiar installation and performance.

The drive for data accuracy has led many developers and consultants to measure directly at turbine hub heights. “Incorporating one or several 80-meter systems into a wind resource assessment campaign has proven to reduce uncertainty and help developers negotiate more favorable financing and power purchase agreements,” says Barton Merle-Smith, director of marketing and sales for NRG Systems (see profile in this issue). “In the U.S. and particularly Europe, the best on-shore wind sites have already been developed. The industry has become more sophisticated and disciplined in its approach to resource assessment in an effort to minimize uncertainty. Measuring directly at 80 meters helps make this possible.”

The complete 80-meter XHD system includes a galvanized 10-inch diameter tilt-up tower with a steel baseplate, a SymphoniePLUS 15-channel data logger, NRG Systems sensors to measure wind speed and direction, side-mount booms, and other accessories. The high-visibility package, required by the FAA in the U.S., includes an orange-and-white painted tower, a compliant lighting system, and marker balls.

“Strength and ease-of-use were primary drivers for NRG Systems in developing the new system,” according to Owen Clay, director of engineering. “We took great care to meet the highest standards for strength and durability, while preserving the simplicity of installation and maintenance.”

NRG Systems is an independently-owned company that has served the global wind energy industry for 28 years. Its wind measurement systems and turbine control sensors can be found on every continent in more than 145 countries, serving electric utilities, wind farm developers, turbine manufacturers, research institutes, government agencies, and universities. The 80-meter XHD system will ship via surface freight free of charge in its efficient Enivocrate® packaging starting in February 2011. Information requests and orders can be placed by contacting (802) 482-2255 or sales@nrgsystems.com. Also go to www.nrgsystems.com.

Building on a stellar career, Dave Hart has been named Michels’ wind energy manager of North American accounts. “Dave is one of the most respected minds in the wind energy business,” according to Michels Wind Energy General Manager Pat Herzog, who leads a division with more than 3,600 MW of wind farm experience. “His knowledge and experience will continue to help us grow as the industry moves forward.”

Hart has directed more than 600 MW of wind farm construction for Michels since 2009, when he joined the company as operations manager. Most prominently he led the Michels team in constructing Shirley Wind Farm, a 20 MW farm with 100-meter towers. Michels executed an EPC contract and self-performed all collection system, substation, foundation, road, and erection work on the project. Throughout his 25-year career Hart has managed or directed the installation of more than 1,500 wind turbines across the United States and Canada. Before joining Michels he was most recently director of projects for Vestas American Wind Technology.

Michels Corporation—a leading utility contractor in North America and ranked No. 45 on ENR’s Top 400 Contractors list for 2010—offers construction, engineering, and procuring services to keep pace with the growing demand in the energy, transportation, telecommunications, and utility construction industries. For more information call (920) 583-3132 or go to www.michels.us.

Andy Kruse, co-founder and executive vice president of business development at Southwest Windpower, has been appointed to the Department of Commerce’s recently established Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (RE&EEAC). Established on July 14, 2010, the RE&EEAC will advise the Secretary of Commerce on the development and administration of programs and policies to expand the competitiveness of the U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. The committee’s 29 members represent U.S. companies, trade associations, and private sector organizations focused on the nation’s renewable energy goods and services.

“I’m extremely honored to be selected to sit on the Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Committee,” says Kruse. “I look forward to working with a group of such highly skilled individuals and lending my knowledge and expertise to help support the country’s renewable energy efforts and initiatives.” In his current capacity at Southwest Windpower, the world’s leading manufacturer of residential scale wind generators, Kruse oversees the company’s governmental affairs and certification efforts. During his more than 25 years experience in the renewable energy industry, Kruse has traveled to 70 countries promoting and developing distributors for small-scale renewables. In addition to his latest role serving the RE&EEAC, Kruse sits on several boards and organizations within the renewable energy industry and is also chair of the Small Wind Committee with the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Kruse has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, most recently being named “National Exporter of the Year” by the Small Business Association (SBA) and “Small Wind Advocate of the Year” by AWEA.

Southwest Windpower has been designing and distributing small wind turbines for more than 22 years and is the recognized global leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of small wind systems (400-3000 watts). The company has been a pioneer in the development of wind technology and has built and shipped more than 170,000 wind turbines to over 120 countries worldwide and has sales representation in over 88 countries. Headquartered in Flagstaff Arizona, it also has operations in Cologne, Germany, and a joint venture in Ningbo, China. Applications for Southwest Windpower systems include residential homes, commercial properties, micro grids, remote cabins, telecom transmitters, offshore platforms, water pumping, and sailboats. Southwest Windpower is the manufacturer of Skystream, Whisper, and Air lines of distributed wind systems. Learn more at www.windenergy.com.

NAES Corporation, a broad-based provider of services to the energy industry, announces that effective January 1, 2011, it has restructured in order to better serve its customers and to extend its maintenance and construction services into new markets. NAES will create a new division, to be called the NAES Engineering & Construction Group and led by Dale Withers, which will provide a variety of support services for two wholly-owned subsidiaries of NAES. In addition to NAES Power Contractors, Inc., which has long served the union maintenance and construction market, NAES is forming NAES Constructors, Inc., which will pursue projects in the open shop market. The mission of the NAES Engineering & Construction Group is to foster the continued growth of both subsidiaries, and to ensure that each delivers high value, cost-effective projects with uncompromising safety, quality, and timeliness.

NAES Constructors, Inc. will be co-located in Houston with the Turbine Services Division of NAES, with that division embracing the same rigorous standards. Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, NAES is the energy industry’s largest independent provider of operations and maintenance services, also providing complementary and coordinated services through a tightly integrated family of subsidiaries and operating divisions. These services include construction, retrofit, and maintenance services under dedicated long-term maintenance or individual project contracts; on-site turbine inspection/overhaul services; parts refurbishments and equipment repair; staffing solutions; and customized services designed to improve plant and personnel effectiveness (see article in this issue). NAES is owned by ITOCHU International, Inc., the U.S. affiliate of ITOCHU Corporation. With operations in over 80 countries covering a broad range of industries, ITOCHU is among the world’s largest corporations. Go online to www.naes.com.

National GIS firm James W. Sewall Company announces that First Wind has launched Sewall’s ATLAS Enterprise GIS Viewer and Publishing system. ATLAS, an innovative browser-based GIS solution, enables GIS staff to publish a wide variety of spatial data company-wide via a fast, intuitive, and interactive mapping application built on the Google Maps Enterprise API.

High-value environmental and ecospatial information for siting wind projects is now readily available to all staff through a self-service model, reducing the amount of time spent requesting, searching for, and handling data. Because the same information is available company-wide, ATLAS supports collaboration, decision making. and the strategic planning critical to wind energy siting and development.

“We are very excited about the release of the ATLAS system,” says Ryan Chaytors, First Wind’s director of development. “We worked with Sewall to design a solution that fits our unique business requirements, especially the fast pace of data-driven decision making. We were pleased with both the design and the execution. The new system has been received enthusiastically by users in a wide variety of roles within the company.”

ATLAS is based on the Google Maps platform, extended by unique Sewall technology that enables First Wind to publish proprietary GIS data from a variety of sources as either Microsoft SQL Server tables, or tiled images.

Founded in 1880, Sewall is an integrated team of geospatial, engineering, and natural resource consultants who partner with clients to create practical, sustainable solutions. The company’s diverse portfolio is based on 130 years’ experience in surveying and civil engineering; 60 years’ in aerial mapping; and 20 years’ in GIS and software application development. Sewall has nine offices in cities nationwide. To learn more go to www.sewall.com. First Wind is an independent North American wind energy company focused exclusively on the development, ownership, and operation of wind energy projects. First Wind is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information visit www.firstwind.com.

Lincoln Electric Automation has introduced a new robotic arc welding system embedded with advanced technology that redefines available solutions for submerged arc welding (SAW) with a robot. At the core of this next generation release, Lincoln Electric Automation has patented a wire and flux delivery system that expands the possible applications for robotic submerged arc beyond the normal restrictions of previous mechanized operation. The new, integrated torch design with streamlined flux delivery allows the user to incorporate robotic SAW solutions on corners and path variations, previously not possible with other mechanized gravity fed flux delivery systems.

The system integrates the industry leading Power Wave AC/DC 1000 SD welding power source to ensure superior weld quality results. The machine output is rated 1000 amps, 44 volts at 100 percent duty cycle. With 380-575 VAC, 50/60Hz input voltage capability, the Power Wave AC/DC 1000 SD can be connected anywhere in the world, making equipment deployment easier for global companies. The digital inverter-based power source features Lincoln Electric’s software-driven Waveform Control Technology, resulting in unprecedented control of DC positive, DC negative, balanced AC, and variable AC submerged arc processes without cumbersome mechanical cable swapping. Subtle waveform changes can be made for precise control of the submerged arc deposition rate and penetration. The result over conventional power sources is increased weld speeds, consistently higher quality welds and improved efficiencies in single or multi-arc environment. The new Power Wave machine features new iArc digital controls, delivering processing speeds up to 90 times faster than the previous generation. The result is faster arc response and greater arc stability.

Lincoln Electric Automation also integrated smart technology into solutions featuring remote weld process monitoring that allows welding operational efficiency analysis. Using Lincoln Electric’s Production Monitoring™ 2 Web-based software, managers can track equipment usage, gather and store data by weld, station, shift or date, configure welding process limits and generate e-mail alerts. The system also features Lincoln’s True Energy capability, which provides customers with an easy and accurate method for measuring and displaying energy for critical heat input calculations. Additional capabilities can be added to the robotic system, such as Touch Sensing, automated path follow and vision-based systems for tracking, guidance and error proofing.  When appropriate for the application, these technologies can extend the precision and quality of the robotic submerged arc welding supplied by Lincoln Electric Automation.

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, fume extraction equipment, and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. The company holds a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. For more information call (216) 383-2667 or e-mail automation@lincolnelectric.com. Also visit www.lincolnelectric.com/automated-solutions.

Stanley Proto has added to its line of electronic torque wrenches three new fixed ratcheting head models. The new wrenches accept standard Proto sockets, and come in ¼”, 3/8”, and ½” drive versions with torque ranges from 25 in-lb  (2.8 Nm) to 250 ft-lb  (339 Nm).

Stanley Proto fixed ratcheting head torque wrenches are accurate to within +/- 2 percent of indicated value in BOTH directions (compared to 4 percent clockwise and 6 percent counter clockwise on mechanical models). This broad accuracy range extends from 10 percent to 100 percent of full scale. In addition, 99 “onboard” memory storage locations help improve efficiency when taking multiple torque readings. The fixed ratcheting head features a robust 24-tooth design with a 15° arc swing, an alloy steel drive gear for strength and durability, a low profile design for easy access, and a reversing lever design to ease one-handed operation. The torque wrenches come with many of the same features and benefits as Proto’s existing electronic torque wrenches. These include:

• An easy to read LCD Display with large digits;
• Three units of measure available (ft-lb, in-lb, and Nm);
• A rotating head for easy viewing of the LCD display from any position.
• A fast sampling rate that ensures the wrench will measure peak torque the moment it’s reached;
• Track and Peak Hold modes as a standard feature. (In Track Mode the wrench displays real-time torque; in Peak mode it holds the highest measured torque until released);
• Helpful visual and audible indicators: a green light appears and buzzer sounds when the target is reached—a red light appears with intermittent buzzer when it is over-torqued; an audible buzzer helps identify when desired torque target zones are approaching and met. These features are a benefit when working in low light conditions.

The new wrenches are ergonomically designed for user comfort and operate on standard nine-volt batteries. They are manufactured to meet or exceed ASME B107.28. Users also have the option of purchasing Proto Software that allows for full two-way communication between the torque wrench and a personal computer. The software lets users download all data captured by the torque wrench directly into a spreadsheet, either all at once from on-board memory. It also allows for users to control all settings on the torque wrench either from the wrench or computer. The software comes on a CD, and includes a cable for connecting the torque wrench to the computer’s USB port. To learn more visit www.stanleyproto.com.

Lutze overload current control, Lutze LOCC-Box, provides reliable load monitoring and protection in 24V DC circuits. Innovative features include adjustable trip current range (1-10A), adjustable characteristics (fast, med, slow 1, slow 2, and slow 3), output alarm signal at 90 percent of the load setting, remote reset, and remote on/off functions. LOCC-Box serves very well in remote locations and hard to access applications, such as windmills. Narrow construction ensures compact design even with multi-channel configurations. No derating required as LOCC-Box functions independently of ambient temperature.

Additional features such as Gateway communication capabilities for remote monitoring and analysis are possible with the Lutze LOCC-Box Net. Optional LOCC-Pads software offers the possibility for custom parameter setting, analysis, and diagnostics. These are just some of the intelligent features of the Lutze LOCC-box.

Lutze, Inc., located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is part of the Lutze International Group. Founded in 1958, Lutze International Group has manufacturing and distributing operations in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Czech Republic, China, and the United States. Lutze offers a full spectrum of automation components including a wide range of flexible industrial cable (Lutze Silflex, Superflex, Superflex Plus); plastic and metal fittings with metric, PG and NPT threads, a complete line of power supplies, industrial Ethernet switches, LSC-Wiring System, LOCC-box, and relays. More information is available at www.lutze.com.  

Power conversion specialist Converteam has recently delivered its innovative electrical power train solution, including its 900V converter and a direct drive permanent magnet generator, to Schuler Pressen for its new SDD 100 wind turbine. The 2.7 MW turbine will be installed in Germany and will go into operation in early 2011. The turbine design meets the stringent German 2009 “EEG” Renewable Energy Sources Act. It features a comprehensive grid fault ride through system and power factor control capability.

Converteam’s direct drive permanent magnet generator and its associated power converter are critical to the performance of the wind turbine and are based on the company’s proven designs enabling advanced power control, maximum resilience, and minimum maintenance. The latest 900V converter from Converteam, suitable for wind turbines up to 7 MW, presents numerous benefits:

• Best in class power density for a low voltage converter;
• Increases efficiency of the whole system compared to a 690V solution;
• Three level drive, optimises the wave form and dynamic control;
• Ability to keep low voltage while pushing the boundary of low voltage to its maximum capability.

The permanent magnet generator is an integral design including the mechanical drivetrain from Schuler. Converteam’s Technology Director Derek Grieve says “The direct drive technology removes the requirement for a gearbox, increasing overall reliability of the wind turbines, especially important for offshore installations. With this new drive train, we demonstrate again the benefits of our full system approach, which in this case has led us to the introduction of the 900V voltage level to the renewables industry.”

Converteam delivered its first permanent magnet generators for the Multibrid 5MW wind turbine, now the Areva M5000, in 2004. As a leading direct drive PMG manufacturer Converteam delivered one of the largest direct drive PMG ever built (3.7 MW) to Siemens Wind Power in 2008. With more than 20GW of wind power converters delivered so far, Converteam is the world leader amongst non vertically integrated manufacturers.

Building on over a century of experience, Converteam Group is firmly placed at the leading edge of technology and innovation with a global reputation for excellence in the conversion of electrical energy. Converteam develops and provides solutions built around three core components: rotating machines, drives, and process automation. As the technological and global market leader in metalforming, Schuler supplies machines, production lines, dies, process know-how, and services for the entire metal-working industry. For more information go to www.converteam.com.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announces that Vest-Fiber—a supplier of fiberglass products and services primarily to the wind turbine industry headquartered in Denmark—has chosen Moberly to be the location of a new manufacturing facility. The company’s capital investment of $2 million will create 50 new local jobs.

“The decision by an international company like Vest-Fiber to invest $2 million and create 50 new jobs is excellent news for the economy of Moberly and Randolph County,” says Governor Jay Nixon. “From day one as governor my administration has been focused on creating jobs and moving our economy forward, and I am pleased that we were able to provide the economic tools to help make this project possible. This significant investment by a European company is more clear evidence that Missouri’s economy is on the move.”

The state of Missouri’s incentive package consisted of $128,318 in Missouri Quality Jobs program incentives, which provides tax credits to companies that create a predetermined number of jobs, among other qualifications, as well as recruitment and referral assistance.

“Having Vest-Fiber select Moberly as the site for its newest fiberglass manufacturing facility is exciting news for the state,” says David Kerr, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “This project that involves bringing a company from overseas to north-central Missouri further demonstrates Missouri’s commitment to being one of the top states in the nation in which to do business.”

Founded in 2000, Vest-Fiber produces fiberglass and materials to the composite industry mainly to applications as wind turbine blades. The company specializes in cutting and kitting multi-axial reinforcement fabrics in glass and carbon fiber; structural foams/core material used in sandwich constructions; non-woven, plastic materials and vacuum bagging consumables; and “ready-to-use” resin infusion net-set kits. The company operates state-of-the art cutting units that process more than 7,000 tons of fabrics and convert more than 600,000 square meters of core material on a yearly basis.

“In our search for the ideal location, we found Missouri to be the strategic center of all wind-related production facilities in the United States,” says Hans Leerskov Hansen, business development manager of Vest-Fiber, adding that the company plans to have the new facility operational by February 2011. “We were also pleased to find the right skills and work ethic available.”

Since 2007, the nonprofit The Missouri Partnership has worked in concert with state, regional, and local economic development groups, as well as private industry, to attract new companies to Missouri by marketing the state’s business advantages. Through effective branding, advertising, earned media, trade show attendance, and targeted relationship-building, the partnership’s team of seasoned economic development and marketing professionals seek to promote Missouri as a top destination for new capital investment and job creation. For more information visit www.missouripartnership.com.

MAG’s new FTR 3500 floor-type horizontal boring mill (HBM) is a versatile, mid-sized job-shop machine, capable of a full 2 m reach inside parts with a ram-supported spindle. The workhorse machine tool is ideal for “heavy metal” milling, as well as precision multi-axis contouring, boring, drilling, and tapping on large parts for the construction, oil field, and wind energy industries.

The machine’s collinear ram, made from ductile iron, adds a 1-meter W-axis reach to the spindle’s existing 1-meter extension. It provides maximum rigidity for full-power cuts by minimizing spindle extension. The ram’s 400 x 500 mm cross section is ideally sized for extended reach with rigid support to enable the machine to perform additional operations, helping to reduce time-consuming large-part setups for faster cycle times and less work-in-process. The machine’s ram displacement compensation system uses a hydraulically actuated tension rod system to counteract the static loads of attachments, and control ram displacement caused by variations in ram extension and attachment weight. Like all MAG boring mills, the FTR 3500 includes W and Z-axis thermal compensation software to dynamically offset spindle growth.

The FTR 3500 is available in column heights of 2 to 5 meters (6.6 to 16.4 ft) in half-meter increments. Traveling-column design allows virtually unlimited X-axis travel for processing of large and long workpieces or multiple batch parts, while 20 m/min (787 ipm) rapid traverse rates reduce cycle times. The choice of spindle power trains includes two four-speed versions available with spindle diameters of 130 and 155 mm (5 and 6 in). Available horsepower is 56 kW (75hp). Modular design allows economical customization of the FTR 3500, along with industry’s fastest machine build and delivery. The machine can be fitted with choice of travels, headstocks, spindle diameters and spindle power, controls, coolant systems, workholding and tool magazines. Front-end options include a range of indexing and rotary tables, auxiliary slides and floor plates. An optional attachment rack enables storage and quick change of contouring heads, programmable boring bars, right angle heads and more to speed production. Optional cartridge-style ram allows for a fixed attachment or attachment changing operations.

MAG is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions. Key markets served include aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general machining. With manufacturing and support operations strategically located worldwide, MAG offers comprehensive lines of equipment and technologies including process development, automated assembly, turning, milling, automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation, and software, and core components. Go online to www.mag-ias.com.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announces the formation of the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA), which will focus on advocacy and education to promote the on-site generation and consumption of distributed wind energy. The new coalition will have a national scope and will be lead by Jennifer Jenkins as executive director.

DWEA will expand the efforts of AWEA, which include producing an annual statistical report and advocating on the state and federal levels for distributed wind—small and mid-sized turbines that generate enough electricity for a home or business. DWEA also joined AWEA as an event partner in the second annual AWEA Small and Community Wind Conference and Exposition last December.

Distributed wind systems create local jobs, reduce operating expenses, protect against electric rate hikes, save fuel, and reduce pollution and energy imports. The 2009 market data showed the industry reached 100MW of installed capacity, more than $80 million in sales, and more than $250 million in private equity investment. The industry is growing at a healthy rate and business prospects are improving. This is in large part due to the industry’s successful pursuit of the 30-percent federal tax credit introduced in 2009. “This group can bring additional focus to a promising sector of the wind industry that is many peoples’ first encounter with wind energy,” says AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “As homeowners, landowners, and small businesses look for ways to diversify their energy choices, distributed wind can be a very appealing way to obtain clean, American-made electricity.”

AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers. Learn more by visiting www.awea.org or www.smallandcommunitywindexpo.org.

Gurit, a leading global supplier of composite materials and technical solutions, has secured approval from one the world’s leading certification bodies for its new blade repair system, RENUVOTM. Launched at Husum Wind Energy 2010, it has secured Germanischer Lloyd Certification (GL). Rudolf Gerber, general manager wind energy, says that “Achieving GL certification is an important milestone in the market acceptance of this new technology, which is a key component in our strategy to reduce the cost of wind energy.”

The RENUVO blade repair system offers a fresh and novel approach to the many of the practical issues that have prevented more effective and expedient maintenance programs. Addressing damage arising from production, transportation and in-field use, the RENUVO system provides the solution.A wider weather window for repair has been achieved by the working temperature range starting at +5˚C. Traditional wet laminating materials must normally be used above +15˚C as they can suffer from bi-product and handling issues. Summer- and winter-grade versions of the RENUVO MPS (Multi-Purpose System) and RENUVO PP (Prepreg) are available to cope with most conditions.

The RENUVO product range has transformed the conditions for repair by using UV light from the RENUVO lamp technology to cure materials in minutes. A spot lamp is available for simple maintenance repairs with a higher intensity product available for deeper structural repairs using RENUVO PP. Both lamps are available exclusively from Gurit. Benefits include: over 50 percent reduction in structural repair time; low odor, zero VOC resin; styrene and amine-free; extended weather window for repair from +5˚C; zero post-cure for repair; and compatibility with all types of blade construction including prepreg, epoxy infusion, and polyester infusion. The Certificate is published on the Germanischer Lloyd Web site. Also visit www.gurit.com.

SSB Service, Inc., is now Availon, Inc., following changes in the parent company, Availon GmbH. The new name derives itself from “availability” and “on,” reflecting the company’s commitment to being available for its customers and keeping their turbines available.

“As a global market leader, our promise of availability demands that we are always poised for response,” according to CEO Ulrich Schomakers. “That means faster turnaround times, more maintenance services, greater availability of spare parts and components, more secure investments, and new turbine upgrades. Our goal as a global service provider is to be more available to our clients in every way which, in turn, improves their wind turbine productivity.”

Availon remains a primary supplier of SSB Wind Systems and SSB Duradrive parts. However, the renaming denotes a clear separation from these companies. SSB Wind Systems provides electrical systems for wind turbines, and SSB Duradrive manufactures specific drive solutions. “Our new name provides better emphasis on our core offering, which is independent wind turbine maintenance services for the international market,” says Schomakers.

Availon specializes in parts and services for GE and Vestas turbines, but can often service other turbine types. In addition to being a primary supplier for SSB and Duradrive parts, Availon is also an exclusive vendor for Bachmann, Leonard+Bauer, and Convertech parts. The Availon global portfolio includes spare parts supply and management, end of warranty inspections, individual turbine optimization, turbine upgrades, field services, remote monitoring, and operations and maintenance.

“Broadening the types of turbines we’re able to service is one more way we can help customers,” Schomakers says. “With a more expansive network, we can continue to reduce response and traveling time. We can use worldwide synergies and resources for further rapid development, while maintaining a high level of customer service. Since our formation in 2007 we have grown rapidly, but thoughtfully. Our customers appreciate our commitment, our competence and, just as importantly, our independence.”

Availon, Inc., is a part of the Availon GmbH family, which has more than 170 employees worldwide with business units in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. Currently Availon operates throughout North America and Europe, but is expanding into other regions as well. Visit online at www.availon.com.

During the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) annual conference in Montreal recently, Brent Bergland—construction executive with Mortenson Canada Corporation—was elected as a member of the 2011-2013 board of directors. Chosen by industry peers, he was one of five newly elected directors to the 12-member board. Mortenson is the sole engineering and construction representative on the board.

“Being elected to the CanWEA board of directors amongst a group of established peers in the Canadian wind industry is great step for Mortenson,” Bergland says. “I believe that it provides us the assurances Mortenson is being recognized for the role we are playing in Canada and also the benefits our collective North American wind experience brings to the CanWEA board. I am truly humbled and honored with this election.”

CanWEA is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its more than 450 member companies. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits.

Bergland has gained extensive wind development exposure, design management, and technical project management experience in the wind industry. He takes a wind power developer’s concepts and turns them into detailed engineering and execution plans. Since the beginning of 2002 he has been fully dedicated to the wind power industry. To date, his wind power experience includes 35 projects totaling in excess of 3,500-megawatts. He has direct involvement with approximately 1,300 megawatts of wind projects that are located in five provinces throughout Canada.

“As a representative of one of the leading EPC contractors directly involved and 100-percent dedicated to the Canadian wind industry, I have the passion to be a key contributor to the CanWEA board,” Bergland says. “I represent not only the role of a service provider to the industry, but bring a great appreciation for the opportunities and challenges that face our developer/owners, turbine manufacturers, regulators, policy makers, and communities.”

Mortenson Canada Corporation, one of Canada’s largest construction firms dedicated to renewable energy, provides efficient, quality solutions to meet the demanding needs of its customers throughout Canada. Founded in 2004, Mortenson Canada Corporation, a sister company of M.A. Mortenson, leverages the collective experience and expertise of Mortenson’s Renewable Energy Groups, which has built nearly 100 wind power projects throughout North America since 1995. The company offers a complete range of services, including program management, preconstruction, engineering, EPC contracting, general contracting, and construction management. For more information visit www.mortenson.com/wind.

Nikon Metrology, Inc., announces the release of its new ShuttlePix P-400R digital microscope, made for inspection, observation, simple measurement, and recording of high-resolution images. For on-site analysis of samples it serves as a handheld microscope that shoots high-resolution images as quickly and easily as taking pictures with a digital camera. For stationary use, the ShuttlePix microscope interfaces seamlessly with a motorized stand. With the equipped 17-inch touchscreen monitor the user can easily control, display, measure, or print images. The microscope also connects to a standard PC or laptop running dedicated 3D image reconstruction software.

“The versatility of the ShuttlePix system means the user can bring the microscope to large samples, such as an aircraft frame, turbine casting, or pipe work that often cannot be reached with a standard microscope,” says Bob Wasilesky, senior vice president of Nikon Metrology. “The unique ShuttlePix technology supports a wide range of inspection tasks in automotive, electronics, aerospace, and other industries. In combination with its imaging capabilities, it’s a very versatile, extremely useful piece of equipment.”

The ShuttlePix addresses the market need for an easy to use device that magnifies samples and can record and save images as digital files. Nikon combined its technological excellence in optical technology with its expertise in digital image processing technology to enable the creation of the ShuttlePix. The stand is equipped with a motorized Z, which does not require a PC for control. Operation of the stand is simple, allowing extended depth of focus (EDF) image capture with the touch of a button. ShuttlePix offers a 20x zoom with a magnification range of 20x– 400x on a 17-inch monitor, which is double that of competitors’ models. For optimal lighting, the zoom head has built in four-section LED ring illumination.

Nikon Metrology offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state of the art vision measuring instruments complemented with optical inspection and mechanical 3D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative products respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in consumer, automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and other industries. Call (810) 220-4360 or go to www.nikonmetrology.com.

Wind Systems magazine has applied for business publication membership in BPA Worldwide. Wind Systems is published by Media Solutions, Inc. BPA Worldwide will track circulation for the magazine based on business/distribution, demographics, and geographic coverage. Media Solutions will have 12 months to complete its initial circulation audit.

“The magazine’s strong growth in the wind industry has made this a perfect time to apply for membership with BPA Worldwide,” says David C. Cooper, publisher of Wind Systems and president of Media Solutions, Inc. “Embarking on this time- and capital-intensive project stands as proof of our commitment to our recipients and advertisers alike.”

A not-for-profit organization since 1931, BPA Worldwide is governed by a tripartite board comprising media owners, advertising agencies, and advertisers. Headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, BPA has the largest membership of any media-auditing organization in the world, spanning more than 20 countries. Worldwide, BPA serves over 2,500 media properties including more than 2,000 B-to-B publications and more than 600 consumer magazines and newspapers, plus events, Web sites, e-mail newsletters, databases, wireless and other advertiser-supported media. The organization has more than 2,600 advertiser and agency members.

For more information on BPA Worldwide—including the latest audit reports, membership information, and publishing and advertising industry news—go to www.bpaww.com. To learn more about Wind Systems visit the magazine’s Web site at www.windsystemsmag.com.