Technology

Genuine Volvo Parts are specifically developed, tested and approved to get the very best results from your Volvo machine. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Using counterfeit or non-genuine parts can seem like a quick money-saving measure, but the long-term consequences can cost you a lot more

Only genuine Volvo parts can deliver the reliable performance you expect from your Volvo excavator, wheel loader, or hauler. Key reasons why it is best to stick to genuine and avoid opting for counterfeit include:

1) Safety risks to people and equipment

Counterfeit parts are a gamble with safety. These parts are not subjected to the same rigorous testing as genuine Volvo components, making them more likely to fail unexpectedly. This puts operators, bystanders, the machine, and the overall jobsite at risk.

A single accident can lead to costly downtime, injuries, and even legal repercussions. When you choose counterfeit parts, you're not just risking your equipment; you're risking lives. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your machine is protected by genuine Volvo parts is invaluable.

2) Loss of productivity and earnings

Your Volvo machine is a precision tool designed to operate at peak performance and genuine Volvo parts are engineered to maintain this reliability and efficiency. Counterfeit parts can compromise your machine's performance in subtle yet critical ways, leading to increased downtime, lower productivity and missed deadlines.

In today’s competitive market, every hour of downtime is costly. By choosing genuine Volvo parts, you're investing in uninterrupted operation and maximising your return on investment.

3) More frequent replacements and expensive repairs

While non-genuine parts might be cheaper to buy upfront, they often lead to more frequent replacements and more expensive repairs as they are not built to last and can cause damage to your machine. For example, the cost of repairs resulting from using counterfeit filters can be up to 100 times more expensive.

Over time, the hidden costs of non-genuine parts far outweigh any initial savings. They are not covered by warranty and may invalidate your overall machine warranty. By choosing genuine Volvo parts, you're making a long-term investment in your equipment's health and your bottom line. Your Volvo machine is a significant asset, and using genuine parts helps preserve its value.

This article is authored by Volvo CE. Click here to learn more about the importance of genuine parts and expert sevice, and click here to contact your local Volvo dealer.

Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna. (Image source: Altechna)

Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna, writes about the laser optics and photonics industry and its relationship with the energy sector. Read on: 

As the effects of climate change become increasingly severe, the demand for alternative and reliable energy sources has never been more urgent. Traditional fossil fuels contribute significantly to global warming, necessitating a shift towards cleaner, sustainable energy solutions. Among these, nuclear fusion is a promising candidate due to its potential for providing abundant, safe, and carbon-free energy.

Private-sector interest in fusion research is booming with both public and private sectors joining the rally. For instance, the US announced new steps to advance fusion energy research, including US$180mn for projects and the development of a fusion pilot power plant under the Fusion Energy Strategy 2024. At least 35 global companies are actively pursuing fusion research and collectively have secured nearly US$6.2bn in private funding in addition to government grants.

This will have profound implications for the laser industry as lasers are among the key enablers in the nuclear fusion field. They provide precise control and intense energy delivery crucial for igniting and sustaining fusion reactions. Therefore, I see this as a catalyst for demand in laser technology.

Fusion energy surpasses all existing energy forms in power. By tapping into this type of energy, it is possible to generate nearly 4 million times more energy per kg of fuel compared to fossil fuels. Additionally, fusion operates reliably in all weather conditions, unlike solar and wind energy, and generates significantly less hazardous waste compared to current nuclear power plants. It is also carbon-free.

Impediments

One significant factor impeding the rapid development of nuclear fusion is public opinion. Many people harbour fears about nuclear plants, associating them with risks of accidents and radiation exposure. While these concerns are understandable, it's important to recognize that fusion energy differs fundamentally from traditional nuclear fission.

Unlike fission, fusion does not involve chain reactions and produces minimal radioactive waste, making it inherently safer. Fusion reactions also require extremely high temperatures to sustain, meaning that any disruption would naturally cool and halt the reaction, eliminating the risk of a runaway scenario. This positions fusion as a much safer and more environmentally friendly energy source.

To date, there have been a few advancements in nuclear fusion. In December 2022, a historic milestone was achieved globally by the US National Ignition Facility as scientists initiated a laser-powered nuclear fusion reaction, producing more energy than consumed for the first time.

In 2024, UK scientists surpassed their own record for fusion energy generation using a non-laser method. However, in laser experiments, scientists consistently produced more energy than inputted, doubling the energy output in subsequent repetitions. These findings suggest that laser-powered nuclear fusion is a promising tool for future energy generation.

Investment opportunities in the laser technology sector are also on the rise, driven by the promising future of fusion energy. For instance, Xcimer Energy recently raised USD 100 million for its inertial laser fusion facility, highlighting strong investor interest in this area.

The shift towards laser-based fusion is expected to drive advancements in laser technology that will not only benefit fusion research but also have the potential to enhance various applications in manufacturing, communications, and medical devices.

The development of laser-powered fusion encourages strategic partnerships across various sectors. This is already evident from the most recent collaboration between the US and Japan, which accelerated fusion commercialisation. This partnership includes joint research initiatives, shared technological advancements, and synchronised policy frameworks to foster a conducive environment for fusion innovation.

The fusion process relies on precise laser beams interacting with fusion targets, where optics play a crucial role in ensuring efficient energy delivery, X-ray production, and fuel compression. As laser fusion research advances, the demand for specialised optics – such as high-energy coatings, beam-shaping elements, and diagnostic components – continues to grow.

At Altechna, we are betting heavily that nuclear fusion will spearhead a real green revolution in energy, and we are committed to being a part of it. For instance, alongside our recently acquired laser precision optics manufacturer Alpine Research Optics (ARO), we are contributing to the early stages of nuclear fusion development by supplying large optics, up to 18 inches in size.

Advancements in nuclear fusion will have significant implications for consumers. Fusion energy promises affordable, reliable electricity without environmental harm, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. As fusion technology matures, electricity costs could decrease, offering a sustainable alternative. Additionally, fusion produces no greenhouse gases or long-lived radioactive waste, resulting in cleaner energy and a healthier planet for future generations.

 

KROHNE now boasts a hybrid workforce across the Middle East. (Image source: KROHNE)

KROHNE Group, a prominent global manufacturer of process instrumentation and measurement solutions, is expanding its service team in the Middle East.

The new hires aim to maintain the company's high service standards and expertise, ensuring best-in-class measurement solutions across various industries. This expansion reassures customers that their KROHNE equipment will have an extended lifespan, reduced wastage, and increased precise measurement uptime.

As part of an internal assessment and upgrade process, KROHNE now boasts a hybrid workforce across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. Adhering to strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure ongoing service excellence and accountability, KROHNE aims to provide peace of mind for its growing client base in the region.

“KROHNE is always looking to enhance customer service and solution delivery as our competitive advantage, as it complements our superior quality cross-industry portfolio. We continuously evolve our offering to exceed customer expectations and have boosted our in-house capabilities across the Middle East region. We are committed to the Middle East, further deepening our relationships with key industrial players looking for expertise and partnership in critical situations,” added Jay Gadhavi, general manager, KROHNE Solutions Middle East and Africa.

The signing ceremony. (Image source: Sanad)

Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions provider owned by Mubadala, has signed an exclusive three-year partnership with Air Mauritius to deliver Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines.

Mansoor Janahi, managing director and group CEO of Sanad, stated, “As the only independent MRO service centre for Rolls Royce’s Trent 700 engine platform in the world, we are proud to welcome Air Mauritius as our newest partner. This collaboration epitomises our commitment to not only expanding our global presence but also supporting the global aviation supply chain ecosystem from our home-base in Abu Dhabi.”

Charles Cartier, chief executive officer of Air Mauritius, added, "Air Mauritius, the national carrier of the Republic of Mauritius and the leading airline of the Indian Ocean, is further consolidating its network. Our steadfast commitment is to uphold the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency for our Airbus A330 fleet across our international routes spanning the Indian Ocean region, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia, whilst enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. We are delighted to announce this exclusive three-year partnership with Sanad for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for our Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines.”

Leveraging its status as the largest and only independent service provider of Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, Sanad harnesses its extensive expertise to deliver MRO services from its cutting-edge facilities in Abu Dhabi. Sanad's comprehensive MRO solutions have established it as a vital player in the aerospace industry, servicing a significant share of Trent 700 engines worldwide. With the addition of Air Mauritius as a new customer, Sanad is poised to unlock new avenues for growth and excellence in the industry which strongly reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global aviation hub.

 

5G technology deployment will take place later this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nokia and Telecom Egypt have formed a new partnership in order to revolutionise Egypt’s telecom landscape by introducing 5G to select cities

Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Giza and Luxor are among those selected to benefit from the transformative power of 5G that will be made available as Nokia deploys its 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment from its AirScale portfolio, comprising baseband units and its latest generation of Massive MIMO radios. These solutions utilise Nokia's energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, delivering extensive 5G capacity and coverage as well as enabling easy deployments. Nokia will also offer various professional services, encompassing deployment, integration, and network optimisation.

The AirScale portfolio will be deployed in order to deliver an enhanced network experience to Telecom Egypt’s customers including faster data speeds, enhanced performance, and capacity.

Mohamed Al Fowey, vice president, and chief technology officer at Telecom Egypt, commented, “This new agreement with Nokia further strengthens our strong partnership, reaffirms our commitment to providing cutting-edge digital services, and positions us at the forefront of the 5G revolution. Both our consumer and enterprise customers can look forward to enhanced mobile broadband and exciting new applications that leverage the speed and low latency of 5G technology.”

The deployment of 5G technology is expected to unlock numerous benefits to the people of Egypt, including increased capacity for seamless connectivity in densely-populated areas. This will support a wide range of applications and services, resulting in faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved network performance. This advancement will enable unprecedented levels of innovation and efficiency across various sectors, empowering organisations to thrive in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

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