TPT September 2008

I ndustry N ews

Domino enters solid-state laser market with acquisition of Photon Energy

Substantial equipment investment for Interpipe

Interpipe NTRP, Ukraine, has announced a series of equipment investments as part of its ongoing plan for growth. The company will increase its non-destructive testing (NDT) facilities, based in its tube-rolling shop No 5 at the works in Dnepropetrovsk. Completion of the project will enable Interpipe to provide full non-destructive testing of its steel pipe products, thus improving its offering to customers. The new line includes a rotary ultrasonic testing system, pipe flushing equipment and automated ultrasonic testing of pipe ends. The US company Magnetic Analysis Corporation (MAC), one of the leading non- destructive testing suppliers, was selected to provide the ultrasonic pipe testing equipment for both the pipe body and pipe diameter. Starmans Electronics from the Czech Republic will provide the testing equipment for the pipe ends. Commenting on the new facilities, Mr Aleksey Slyusarev, Interpipe’s director for

Domino Printing Sciences plc, UK, a global leader in coding, marking and traceability solutions, has acquired the solid-state laser- marking specialist, Photon Energy GmbH, Germany. The €4 million deal also includes Photon’s subsidiary, NWL Lasertechnologie. Based in Ottensoos, Germany, both Photon and NWL are active in the field of solid-state laser marking technologies (ie Nd:YAG, vanadate and fibre lasers), which are used in plastic and metal parts marking and surface decoration applications. As a pioneer of easy-to-use laser marking systems, Photon Energy and NWL bring almost 20 years of industrial experience to Domino, where they will continue to be led by Dr Hans Amler, currently general manager of both companies. Photon Energy products are used widely in the manufacturing sector, with an installed base incorporating leading names such as Siemens, MTU Aircraft Engines, General Motors and BMW.

The Photon Energy product range incorporates leading edge laser source technology for solid-state lasers, operating at a wavelength of 1 micron (1,064nm) and derivatives (eg 532nm). Maximum flexibility is afforded by a choice of power variants and options to specify stand-alone lasers or complete systems. Mr Nigel Bond, Domino’s group managing director, commented, “The acquisition is a logical extension of our existing CO2 laser business which principally serves the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.” Domino employs around 2,100 staff and had a 2007 turnover in excess of GB£231 million. Domino’s manufacturing facilities are situated in China, Germany, India, UK and USA. Domino Printing Sciences plc – UK Fax : +44 1954 782874 Email : sheila.richardson@domino-uk.com Website : www.domino-printing.com

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