Friday Offcuts – 30 August 2024
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to Friday Offcuts.This week, we spotlight significant developments in the sector. The NSW government is inviting public feedback on a new forestry plan that aims to reconcile environmental concerns with economic growth. Industry stakeholders will have a pivotal role in shaping the plan's future. Concurrently, Victoria's VFPA is seeking input on a 'Future Wood Fibre Roadmap,' and a new hardwood timber manufacturing hub is slated for Glenelg Shire. Across the Tasman, New Zealand is exploring ways to diversify its forestry sector beyond traditional pine plantations. The NZIF is advocating for a strategic approach that integrates diverse plantation species into agricultural landscapes. As carbon forestry remains a priority, DOC has updated its efforts to measure carbon storage in native forests. Finally, we delve into the challenges facing New Zealand's log markets. Laurie Forestry and PF Olsen highlight the rising costs for local sawmills and the ripple effects of a weakening Chinese economy. Read these and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts. Enjoy.
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This week we have for you:
NSW to consult on Forestry Industry Action Plan
The NSW Government has announced the appointment
of an expert panel to lead consultation on a Forestry Industry
Action Plan, which will outline the path NSW will take to
ensure a sustainable timber industry that aligns with the
government’s key environmental priorities.The Independent Forestry Panel will be chaired by Peter Duncan AM who has more than 40 years’ experience in primary industries, infrastructure and regional NSW. Professor Mary O’Kane AC and the Hon. Mick Veitch will also sit on the Panel. The Panel will be tasked with consulting with a broad range of stakeholders and report to Government on the best options to achieve the balance between sustainable supplies of timber and our environmental commitments. Stakeholders include representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government. The Plan will address the following key areas:
“The NSW Government is consulting on the future of forestry in NSW," said Penny Sharpe, the Minister for the Environment. “Whether it’s hardwood, softwood or private native forest, our forests and the native species which call them home have faced challenges including bushfires, floods and the ongoing risks due to climate change." To stay informed on the Independent Forestry Panel’s process, please register your interest. Source: NSW Government 'Why Pines?' report & need for diverse forestry integration
NZIF Welcomes 'Why Pines?' Paper, Advocates for Diverse Forestry
IntegrationThe New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) welcomes the recent publication of the paper titled Why Pines? A Context for Recent Research Results from the Our Land and Water science challenge. This important research provides a valuable context for understanding the role of pine forestry in New Zealand’s landscape, particularly in terms of land conversion and economic viability. However, while NZIF acknowledges the insights presented, we believe the discussion should not be limited to a binary choice between pine and other types of trees. Instead, the focus should be on the strategic incorporation of a wide range of tree species into New Zealand’s landscapes. “Forestry is not a matter of choosing one type of tree over another. The goal should be to create a mosaic of farm paddocks and trees which enhances both economic returns and environmental sustainability,” says James Treadwell, President of NZIF. “We need to think about forestry in a holistic manner, placing trees where they will deliver the greatest benefits.” NZIF advocates for a strategic approach where plantation species, such as pines, are integrated into farms on less productive land. These trees can contribute to New Zealand's emissions trading scheme (ETS) and serve as a valuable future timber resource. In parallel, native trees and long-lived species should be prioritised in riparian zones, on steep and highly erodible land, and in areas of farms where harvesting would be uneconomic. These native plantings play a critical role in enhancing biodiversity, protecting waterways, and stabilising soils, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. They can also be entered into the ETS providing the landowner income. A practical rule of thumb to guide landowners might be trees should be planted in areas where sheep and beef are creating contour tracks around hillsides. This approach not only supports sustainable land use but also promotes biodiversity and enhances the resilience of the landscape. NZIF remains committed to promoting the sustainable management of New Zealand’s forests, recognising the need for a diversified approach which balances economic, environmental, and social goals. Source: New Zealand Institute of Forestry Image credit: AgResearch Forestry Australia - the issue of active forest management
Forestry Australia has welcomed the publication of an
academic paper looking at the issue of active management of
forests. The paper, Active management: a definition and
considerations for implementation in forests of temperate Australia
(Bennett et al. 2024) has been published in Forestry
Australia’s scientific journal, Australian Forestry.
Acting President of Forestry Australia Dr Bill Jackson said ‘active management’ is a common term in Government and forest stakeholder reports, policies, and strategies in Australia and around the world, but up until now has not been well-defined. “The paper explores where active management sits in relation to a sometimes-confusing array of related concepts, including passive management and adaptative management,” Dr Jackson said. Dr Jackson said the paper answers questions around active management – and how it relates to forest management – by stating that active management is principally about human engagement in shaping forests and is deliberate tending of forests by humans for diverse purposes and goals relating to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and function including resilience. “The definition reflects the need to ensure forests have ongoing attention and that appropriate management practices are applied,” Dr Jackson said. The definition allows for broad and inclusive approaches (including more ‘minimal intervention’ approaches) to forest management, which is in contrast to more rigid forest management approaches which may otherwise exclude communities or social and cultural practices. “Australia’s changing social and environmental contexts and the shifting relationships of society with forests calls for a new vision for forests, clear definitions, and fresh, evidence-based approaches to forest management. This paper and definition will serve as a valuable resource for all forest and land managers, policy makers and stakeholders looking to incorporate active management into their practice. “The authors note the importance of having an adaptive management framework to guide active management, delivering healthy and resilient forests and the environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits they provide in perpetuity,” Dr Jackson said. Australian Forestry review article: Active management: a definition and considerations for implementation in forests of temperate Australia. Authors: L. T. Bennett, T. A. Fairman, R. M. Ford, R. J. Keenan, M.-S. Fletcher and C. R. Nitschke, The University of Melbourne. More >> Source & image credit: Forestry Australia  Road freight sector facing barriers in efforts to decarbonise
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand says that
an industry survey commissioned by Ministry of
Transport shows that road freight businesses are committed to emissions
reduction, but support from government and freight customers will be
essential overcoming regulatory and cost barriers.The survey reported that 89% of road freight operator respondents have already started emissions reduction efforts or are open to doing so. For the road freight businesses that have already taken tangible action, the most common methods include using newer trucks with cleaner engines, using telematics data to boost fuel efficient driving, and optimising freight routes. Leading barriers to the adoption of battery and hydrogen trucks include practical issues such as extended recharging times, lack of recharging options and losing payload weight in order to accommodate heavy batteries. Cost considerations including up-front price premiums, uncertain resale values, and customer reluctance to pay a premium for lower-emission services are also obstacles to electric vehicle adoption. Transporting New Zealand’s Policy & Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens says the survey results showed the road freight sector is keen to decarbonise, but will require practical regulatory reform from government and support from freight customers. “Electric trucks are significantly heavier than diesel equivalents, due to their battery weights. That’s why we’ve been advocating for updated vehicle dimension and mass rules, so more of our members can get these trucks on the road. We also need to see functional heavy vehicle charging and hydrogen fuelling networks, to open up more routes.” “While battery electric and hydrogen trucks are still in their infancy, transport firms will also require Government grants, such as EECA’s Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund, to reduce the sticker-shock of battery, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles.” “Battery electric trucks are two to three times the price of internal combustion equivalents, without accounting for their practical limitations. In the current economic environment, with heavy vehicle traffic down 2.5% on last year, that’s a very tough ask for our members.” “Freight customers also have an important part to play, by being prepared to pay a premium in order to support practical decarbonisation measures. As a low-margin industry, dominated by small and medium-sized businesses, the road freight sector needs the support of their customers to achieve meaningful emissions reductions.” Clemens says the Ministry of Transport survey results also highlight the importance of more accessible decarbonisation methods, including safe and fuel-efficient driver training, incentivising the uptake of higher productivity diesel trucks through accelerated depreciation, and good fleet maintenance and monitoring. “Hydrogen and electric vehicles are going to play a key role in road freight decarbonisation in the medium and long term, but it’s early days. Of the 140,000 trucks operating in New Zealand, the latest MOT fleet data shows there were 173 battery electric trucks in the fleet (Annual Motor Vehicle Fleet Statistics 2022).” More >> Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand  Sector survey to inform future wood fibre roadmap for Victoria
The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA), the
peak industry body representing the forest products value chain across
the state, invites the forest and wood products sector to take part in a
survey to capture ideas and support the development of a
Future Wood Fibre Roadmap for Victoria.Victoria has approximately 22% of Australia’s plantations – more than any other state. It is home to a traditional wood fibre supply chain that is highly valued and a cornerstone of a sector supplying value added wood fibre products. Victoria also consumes around 30% of the nation’s timber supply. Furthermore, both the Victorian and Australian Governments have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and reducing waste through the adoption of circular economy principles. In this context, Victoria should now be looking towards 2050 and beyond, identifying the required pathway to future applications that promote circularity and a low carbon bioeconomy, and while supporting the existing sawlog driven value chain as an important industry cornerstone. The VFPA roadmap will identify priority opportunities for the improved use of wood fibre resources, along forest product value chains from forest management through to end-of-life and repurposing, and the policy and regulatory settings needed to realise the potential of Victoria's wood fibre industry. The survey responses will provide invaluable insights in conjunction with broader targeted engagement to support key considerations and priorities. Click here to open survey All survey responses are welcome. The survey will close on 23 September 2024. Source & image credit: Victorian Forest Products Association / Indufor Asia Pacific New hardwood timber manufacturing hub for Victoria
A new hub making manufactured timber as strong as steel is being
investigated in Australia’s ‘green triangle’.Forestry companies Australian Bluegum plantations, Midway, and New Forests are collaborating with Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) and the Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) to develop a hardwood timber manufacturing hub in Victoria’s Glenelg Shire that could utilise engineered soft and hardwood products. The group has unveiled plans for feasibility studies that would support a business case to construct an integrated manufacturing hub, examining the best location close to existing facilities which could help grow a new regional hardwood engineered timber product industry. Australian Bluegum Plantations CEO, Russ Hughes, said early research has shown a potential new hardwood manufacturing hub could create 40 full-time jobs as well as more than 100 jobs during its construction phase. He added that it would support new highly skilled jobs and boost the local economy while strengthening the forestry sector. Midway managing director Tony McKenna said this manufacturing hub could support the development of a sustainable building product that could replace steel or concrete, providing the same durability with less embodied carbon. More >> Source & image credit: AuManufacturing  PF Olsen NZ log market report – August 2024
Market SummaryAugust At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices around New Zealand decreased by an average of 2 NZD from July prices. A strengthening NZD against the USD means September AWG log prices in NZ will be under further pressure. There was further bad news for the New Zealand wood processing and fibre recycling industry, with three facilities closing operations. Sawn timber demand remains very low. The August PF Olsen Log Price Index dropped back $2 to $116. This is $3 below the two-year average, and $4 below the five-year average. Domestic Log Market Many domestic mills have slowed down production as demand is still very weak. A higher proportion of their lower grade products are now having to be exported at lower returns than domestic sales. Sales in outdoor products such as fencing, retaining walls etc, is very low. Timber demand in an already subdued market is made even worse due to the recent wet weather in the North Island. Mills don’t expect a significant increase in demand come spring. Export sales of clear boards are okay but this supply line is also under pressure due to reducing demand in the US and Europe. Mills in New Zealand are facing rising costs, with electricity costs in particular increasing rapidly. Months of dry weather in the South Island has led to low hydro storage levels, which along with falling gas reserves has meant rapidly escalating wholesale electricity prices. Oji Fibre closed its Recycle Pulp Mill in Penrose and Winstone Pulp International (WPI) closed its Karioi Pulpmill and Tangiwai Sawmill. Both companies state soaring electricity costs were a significant factor in these decisions. This has flow-on effects to other mills, as sawmills sell their sawdust to Karioi Pulp Mill. This volume will now have to be sold at alternative markets that will likely incur more transportation cost. Export Log Markets - China China radiata pine log inventory is about 2.85m m3 with total softwood about 3.5m m3. Log demand has been just over 50k per day but has increased in the last week to 60k m3 per day. The CFR price range for A grade is currently 115-120 USD per JASm3 for A grade. This is 3-4 USD below July pricing. The CNY has strengthened against the USD so log exporters to China expect this will help to maintain pricing levels. The China Caixin Manufacturing PMI slipped in July to 49.8 from 51.8 in June. (Any number above 50 signals manufacturing growth). This was the first drop in factory activity since October last year. Output grew at the slowest pace in nine months due to a slow-down in export orders. The China property market remains very subdued. The government’s various attempts to stabilise the property market have not worked as hoped. Indeed, in June, the total 70-city average property price indicator declined 7.9% on a year-on-year basis. This was the biggest annual drop on record. The government tried to introduce price controls to avoid falling house prices, but a growing number of mortgage holders have failed to fulfil their mortgage obligations. Therefore, banks have been forced to auction these properties at basement prices. This has undermined the government price control. Ironically, the banks are state owned. More >> Source: PF Olsen Hi-tech trials boost research on native forest carbon stocks
New Zealand trials, collecting data on forests using helicopter-mounted hi-tech 3D lasers, are underway and could have
significant benefits for climate change mitigation and
conservation. “We need to make the most of the latest, most accurate and efficient tools for measuring forest carbon and forest health at a large scale,” Terry Greene, DOC Science Monitoring Advisor, says. “Trees absorb carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas – and store it as solid carbon in trunks, leaves, roots and branches. Therefore, knowing the size of the trees in our forests is crucial for our national carbon reporting and forest management. “Traditionally, we’ve used manual instruments to measure tree heights. Now we have more sophisticated measuring technology, such as remote sensing, at our disposal. However, we need to do rigorous testing and ground-truthing to ensure the new technology is giving us accurate data on the size of trees.” Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from satellites, aircraft or drones. For this research, laser technology (known as LiDAR) from helicopters and light planes is used to produce high definition, 3D images of a landscape including the vegetation. DOC has contracted Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research scientists to do the trials. Manaaki Whenua recently established a one-hectare indigenous forest field test site in Waitutu Forest, Fiordland, working with Waitutu Incorporation and Interpine Innovation (a Rotorua-based forestry service). A second test site is currently being established in the Coromandel, and Manaaki Whenua will set up six more test sites across Aotearoa over the next two years. James Shepherd, lead researcher and Manaaki Whenua senior scientist, says joining up remotely sensed data and ground measurements is a challenge, especially in Aotearoa given the range of terrain, ecosystem types and tree species. “For all the test sites, on-the-ground teams will use LiDAR technology to obtain data across the forest floor, while either a helicopter or a fixed wing plane collects LiDAR data from above the same area. Data from the ground and the air is stitched together creating digital images of the forest structure. It also provides positions of individual trees with a high degree of accuracy. As a follow-up, to test the effectiveness of the technology and collect valuable ground-based data, field teams will return to the forest and measure and identify all the trees within the plot.” This research will also help Manaaki Whenua produce maps to help researchers, landowners and businesses with the management of carbon storage and emissions in native ecosystems. Terry Greene says the research and data produced will mean any future remote sensing methods – not just LiDAR – can be ground-truthed at these sites. “Our goal is also to improve our interpretation and understanding of remote sensing of forest structure and composition information – whether obtained by satellite or aerial photographs.” The remote sensing trials on public conservation land are funded by DOC’s Maximising Carbon in Native Systems programme and are complemented by related remote sensing trials being undertaken by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Maximising Forest Carbon programme. More >> Source & image credit: Department of Conservation Image credit: Alex Fergus  New code of practice at NZ ports
The Port Health and Safety Leadership Group is thrilled
to announce that the Approved Code of Practice for
Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships (ACOP) has
been approved by Ministers and will come into effect on 29 November
2024.The ACOP, co-designed by Maritime NZ, port and stevedoring companies, and unions aims to reduce serious injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among workers in some of the highest risk activities on our ports, loading and unloading cargo. It is one of the Leadership Group’s key priorities in its multi-year action plan. Leadership Group Chair, Kirstie Hewlett, says the ACOP has formal status under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA). One of its benefits is that it provides assurance and clarity. If a business can show what they have done is consistent with, or better than, the requirements in the ACOP, then they are likely to be meeting the test of what is reasonably practicable under HSWA. Maritime NZ will take the ACOP into account when doing inspections, assessments and investigations and when deciding the appropriate action. Courts also take the ACOP into account in their deliberations. “There is wide-spread support for it, the clarity it will bring, and the sector has been preparing for its release with some even putting key elements in place already,” Ms Hewlett says. “All of those involved should be proud of what you have achieved already – it will make our ports safer – and I encourage everyone to do what you can to learn about the ACOP and spread the word about it.” Importantly, the work does not stop with the publication of the ACOP. Maritime NZ, in partnership with the Leadership Group, is working with the industry to ensure the ACOP is widely understood and implemented This includes developing guidance and other educational material, and promoting training to support the ACOP. Background The Leadership Group published its Insights Picture and Action Plan in 2022 after fatal accidents at ports in the previous year. It found most injuries and fatalities occur during loading and unloading of ships and also identified there were no clear safety standards around the activities involved. This has led to inconsistency and wide variability of work practices and safety procedures from port to port and even on the same port. The ACOP was designed in a tripartite way starting with initial workshops with unions and workers, businesses and government agencies. It draws on international examples, particularly the Australian Model Code of Practice for Stevedoring. After support from a number of workshops and meetings with the sector to develop the ACOP, Maritime NZ issued the draft for consultation on 13 September 2023. It followed up with online webinars and extensive contact with port companies, stevedoring firms, unions and workers, marshalling companies, shipping agents and transport operators. By the close of consultation on 25 October 2023, it had received 34 submissions, which included more than 730 individual comments. Analysis of submissions also involved experts and people from the sector. The industry has worked together to develop the ACOP to help those loading and unloading cargo on ports and ships come home healthy and safe. Source & image credit: Maritime New Zealand NZ forestry market update - August 2024
August has largely been a steady as she goes month. Both domestic and
export log sales segments have remained stable to slightly weak.
Demand in the NZ new house construction sector is very much off the boil, with some of our largest sawmills announcing a range of slow down measures. These include reduced operating hours, no-go days and no-go weeks. In the North Island particularly, this is resulting in more logs heading to ports, just when they are not really needed. Demand in China has been weak, albeit not alarmingly so for this time of year. Daily usage has been averaging 47,000 cubic metres across the eastern seaboard. During July and up to mid-August, log supply ex NZ and the Pacific North West particularly, has yet again been slightly ahead of demand. Overall Ports inventory has increase by about 100,000 to around 3.7 mill m3. This would normally be seen to be of minor moment, but when sentiment is negative, the talk is of downward price pressure. All eyes are on the demand profile as China construction activity awakens from what has been a very tough winter in most Provinces. Log sales prices have been stable in the domestic segment. Sawmill owners will be aware any log price reductions would likely see the supply umbilical have a tourniquet applied to their potential detriment, so despite a reducing log intake, I am not aware of any downward price pressure. For export logs, wharf gate prices eased slightly in August as the sales prices in China came off US$2 – 3 per m3. Erstwhile, shipping and FOREX remained largely stable. In a normal market, NZ$3 – 4 per m3 off the wharf gate price would hardly have caused a ripple. But with prices already toward the low side, for harvest operations over 80km from a port particularly, a small reduction has the forest owner finger heading toward the “let's stop” button. As reported last month, China remains fragile. Domestic prices have remained very stable in most regions, but the overall sentiment is pessimistic. Demand as above at 47,000m3 per day compares with 60,000 at the same time last year. This is also attracting negative commentary. The challenge here for NZ forestry Inc remains unchanged. If we matched demand with supply, we would protect your price, something NZ exporters do not do well. At the current China sales price of US$118 per m3 A grade basis, this compares with US$115 at the same time last year. The significant lesser wharf gate price at present is entirely due to shipping costs, which are on average, US$10per m3 higher than last year. In August 2023, A grade logs delivered to wharf were $106 per m3, this year $95. For many forest owners, that will mean the gate will remain locked until things improve. India is emerging with a higher demand profile with several companies vigorously chasing volume in NZ offering better returns than China. India has consistently been a 4 – 5 log vessel per month destination from all sources, which in the last 12 months has rarely included NZ. Most commentators are suggesting 10 vessels per month is in our near future, with buyers keen to access the higher quality Radiata pine from NZ. More >> Source & image credit: Laurie Forestry Remsoft adds carbon management to forest intelligence suite
Remsoft announced today the launch of new Carbon Management capabilities
that extend its suite of intelligent forestry planning solutions powered
by the company’s flagship Woodstock Optimization Studio. These
advanced capabilities seamlessly integrate with Remsoft’s
Strategic Optimization solution, responding to the growing demand within
the forest industry for intelligent technology that enhances global
sustainability performance.The new Carbon Management solution improves how forestry companies manage carbon offsets, combining advanced algorithms and data-based calculations to produce faster, more accurate carbon estimations for forestry and carbon projects. Approved by the American Carbon Registry and adhering to leading carbon crediting standards, Remsoft's Woodstock modelling technology ensures that clients can confidently meet their compliance requirements. Unlocking Carbon Revenue Potential with Intelligence Current carbon management practices are often manual, labour-intensive, and error-prone, leading to conservative estimations that undervalue the true potential of forest assets and revenue. This cautious approach is primarily driven by the risk of regulatory penalties and the potential need to repay miscalculated carbon credits. Remsoft's solution streamlines and accelerates the carbon modelling process, enabling forest managers to produce carbon models with unprecedented accuracy. This efficiency reduces what used to take months into just days, thereby maximizing revenue, accelerating project timelines, and easing regulatory compliance—all from one secure platform. “For those managing forests, our latest offering provides a way to simplify carbon modelling and more effectively balance sustainability, compliance, and profit,” said Doug Jones, Remsoft President. “Landowners, TIMOs, and forest managers can more precisely navigate the dual demands of environmental responsibility and financial performance to surpass their sustainability goals and unlock significant revenue opportunities." Enhancing Forest Carbon Management Accuracy and Efficiency Remsoft's Carbon Management solution marks a significant advancement in improving the accuracy and efficiency of forest carbon management. Integrating these capabilities within Remsoft’s industry-standard Strategic Optimization solution empowers the industry’s continuing shift towards holistic forest management that effectively balances economic growth with forest health and sustainability. To learn more about the capabilities of Remsoft’s Carbon Management solution, visit www.remsoft.com. Source & image credit: Remsoft  New CLT Toolbox free edition for Australian engineers
Australian Engineers can now design mass timber
buildings for FREE! We’ve made five calculators free that allow
you to design various mass timber structures, including apartments,
hotels, offices, and more. We’re excited to announce the launch of a free version of CLT Toolbox. This means users can now access our mass timber design tools without any upfront cost. These calculators empower you to design everything from office buildings to apartments with ease. “There are over 10,000 structural engineers in Australia, yet only a small fraction specialise in timber,” said CLT Toolbox CEO, Adam Jones. “Our mission is to close this gap by equipping engineers with the tools and knowledge to confidently design with timber, ensuring they can offer sustainable options to their clients. In Australia, the free version offers essential features for member design, calculating loads, and evaluating the structural integrity of timber elements. With this comprehensive suite of tools, engineers can perform preliminary designs for entire mass timber office or apartment buildings. The software’s embedded educational resources and automated design computations are designed to guide even novice engineers to produce expert-level structural designs. CLT Toolbox’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just offering software. “We are committed to growing Australia’s mass timber category by educating concrete and steel specialists on the benefits of timber. By broadening the skill sets of engineers, CLT Toolbox ensures that when a client seeks a sustainable option, engineers are equipped to deliver,” said Jones. What’s In The Free Version? In Australia, the free version offers essential features for member design, calculating loads, and evaluating the structural integrity of timber elements. With this comprehensive suite of tools, engineers can perform preliminary designs for entire mass timber office or apartment buildings. The software’s embedded educational resources and automated design computations are designed to guide even novice engineers to produce expert-level structural designs. More >> Source & image credit: CLT Toolbox 3D-printed floor using wood residues
Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge
National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of
Maine have unveiled a 3D-printed, recyclable, natural-material
floor cassette they say is strong enough to replace steel-and-concrete
floors in multi-storey buildings.They said the sturdiness of the “SM2ART Nfloor cassette” comes from its mix of polylactic acid (PLA) – a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from corn residue – and wood flour made from lumber-processing waste. “The PLA and wood flour blend is an excellent material for producing recyclable, large-format additively manufactured parts,” said Scott Tomlinson, structural engineer with the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). “This single-piece floor assembly is stiffer and provides an improved walking experience when compared to the steel-concrete assembly it replaces,” he added. ORNL researcher, Katie Copenhaver, said: “By utilising bio-based, large-scale 3D printing, we replaced an assembly made from 31 parts and three materials with a single-material floor panel that is ecologically friendly and with the same strength as traditional steel floor fabrication.” More >> Source & image credit: BIMplus Image credit: University of Maine  Jobs
Buy and Sell
... and one to end the week on… be careful what you ask for
A sixteen-year-old came home with a Porsche, and his parents began to yell and scream, "Where did you get that car?"  And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers. Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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