editor’s note
Published by:
Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd (a fully owned subsidiary of Eastern Holdings Ltd)
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Dream
managing director Kenneth Tan
Skywards
editor Joson Ng
josonng@epl.com.sg
advertising sales manager Yessica
yessica@epl.com.sg
editorial assistant Sharifah Zainon sharifah@epl.com.sg senior art director / studio manager Lawrence Lee lawrencelee@epl.com.sg graphic designer Jef Pimentel jeffreypimentel@epl.com.sg
The aviation industry has come a long way since the de Havilland Comet. From the 747s to the 777s all the way to the 787 dreamliner and A380, a steady progression can be seen and felt by passengers and enthusiasts alike. The extended range, fuel economy, improved safety and passenger comfort may have dominated the headlines, there are also big changes or improvements made to the materials used. One of which is the usage of titanium and composite materials in the modern aircraft of today. The strength, reliability and the lightweight nature of the materials have put them ahead of traditional materials like aluminium but usage of these materials have pose a new set of engineering challenges for machinists. These challenges, though will test the resolve of engineers and designers alike, should and can be overcome by using advance machine tools and cutting tools available in the market today. In this issue of Asia Pacific Metalworking Equipment News, there are various articles devoted to machining and designing of aircraft
parts, as the aerospace industry is in focus for this issue. Elsewhere in Singapore, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) recently unveiled plans to drive the development and growth of the aviation industry in Singapore. With that, an Aviation Development Fund (ADF) has been setup and it aims to promote and develop the aviation sector over the next five years. Though a bustling MRO hub in the region, the setup of ADF will no doubt be a real shot in the arm for many who are involved in the aerospace industry in the island state. From technical improvements to financial benefits, the aerospace industry is moving ahead with some pace. Although the path forward may not be smooth, the spirit and endeavour shown by many in the older generation, when airships were still in vogue in passenger transport, should serve as a great inspiration for many as they try to overcome the difficulties and forge forward.
circulation executive Irene Tow
irenetow@epl.com.sg
contributors Yvonne Ng, Curtis Rellick Rob Snoeijs, Patrice Parent Peter Dickin, Shirley Lim Olaf Pinkenburg, Scott Walker Reuven Shapir, Alberto Griffa Dr Ing Hans-Peter Schossig World Steel Association Gisbert Roth, Chris Wright Vandhana Venkatesan board of consultants Wäinö A Kaarto AB Sandvik Coromant Dr Moshe Goldberg ISCAR
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced in any form or means – graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc – without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. Printed in Singapore by Fabulous Printers Pte Ltd MICA (P) No. 233/06/2009 PPS 840/10/2010 (028278) ISSN 0129/5519
Eastern HOLDINGS Ltd Executive Board
chairman Stephen Tay group executive director Kenneth Tan financial controller Robbin Lim
etm Joson Ng Editor
8
Eastern
Trade Media Pte Ltd an Eastern Holdings Ltd company
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metalworking equipment news April 2010