March 1, 2024

Plan your AMW2024 visit with My Show Planner

After registering to visit AMW2024, you can log in and tap through to My Show Planner. The My Show Planner online tool has everything you need to make the most of your time at AMW2024 in Sydney. My Show Planner is the AMW2024 visitors-side view of Map Your Show. You can connect with Exhibitors online, set up appointments, and plan your time so you don’t miss a thing. There is exclusive content available to My Show Planner users, revealing details about exhibitors and their products. Listings include Featured Exhibitors, details, and bios of speakers at the Future Solutions Speaker Sessions, product and exhibitor category listings as well as exclusive exhibitor collateral. After picking all your must-see content at your online portal, you can then login and access them all using the AMW2024 App while out on the show floor. You can download the AMW2024 App via the links on the event website. Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney.…
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February 26, 2024

NSW green initiative

New South Wales has unveiled a groundbreaking $275m Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, in a significant stride toward a sustainable future. Premier Chris Minns announced this ambitious program, designed to foster innovation, support the energy transition, and bolster job creation through the manufacturing of renewable energy systems, low-carbon products, and clean-technology innovation. The initiative, set against the backdrop of NSW's legislative aspirations to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, represents a pivotal moment for small and medium-sized businesses poised to pilot new technologies. The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will offer the following grants: Renewable Manufacturing - increasing capacity to make the components for renewable energy projects, which will alleviate supply chain constraints and increase local content capability. For example, projects could include constructing a brand-new facility for the manufacture of solar cells, or supply chain parts for renewable energy transmission. Clean Technology Innovation - helping businesses get scalable low-emission technologies, market-ready. For example, prototypes of next-generation residential batteries, or new laboratory equipment that can test a material's ability to store hydrogen atoms. Low Carbon Product…
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February 26, 2024

Seaweed rennet

As global cheese consumption is expected to increase, cheesemakers could face an uphill battle to keep up with our cravings. But if food scientists have anything to say about it, they might one day be able to draw upon a surprising resource to help them ride the wave of demand. Associate Professor Jian Zhao, from the School of Chemical Engineering at UNSW Sydney, says the future of cheese production could be reliant on our oceans. The food microbiologist says the marine ecosystem is a vast untapped resource for obtaining food ingredients. “Considering that over 70% of the world’s surface is covered by oceans, it’s a tremendous untapped resource for food components, including the types of things we need to sustain cheese production as consumption continues to grow,” A/Prof. Zhao said. The search for a rennet substitute Milk coagulation, or curdling, is an essential step in cheese production. For many kinds of cheese, this is done using a milk-clotting enzyme or ‘proteases’ called rennet, a substance derived from young calf’s stomachs that is in relatively short…
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February 25, 2024

AMW2024 sponsors

Riding on the coattails of the very successful AMW Melbourne in 2023, AMTIL, the organisers of The Australian Manufacturing Week are proud to announce the collaboration of government entities behind its efforts of promoting Australian Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Technology sectors as well as leading manufacturers, taking a lead in giving this initiative, a massive impetus through their involvement with the Australian Manufacturing Week brand. Chief amongst them is the New South Wales Government through its initiative Investment NSW, which is supporting AMW as a Major Sponsor for the Sydney edition to be held from 17-19 April at ICC Darling Harbour. The other industry leaders who are supporting the AMW initiative are the Queensland Government, the Australian Made Campaign, Kraftech, finlease, Protected Flow (an initiative of The Execution Factor) and IFS. With Kraftech and Australian Made Campaign returning as sponsors only reiterates their trust and belief in what AMW is achieving for Australian Manufacturing. For this support, AMTIL is very thankful as without it would be near impossible to bring this endeavour to its successful fruition. The support…
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February 22, 2024

Deconstructing methane

Considering the problems associated with some large-scale agribusiness practices like the inhumane treatment of animals, lower quality outputs, high-density pollution and staggering water and chemical needs, it's no wonder a return to artisanal subsistence farming seems so attractive. The bad news; it's impossible. Countries where it still proliferates have stagnant economies, and it doesn't offer the variety of output we need in human diets. A single industrialised world farmer produces more food with higher nutritional quality for more people per labour unit than several subsistence farmers. There just isn't enough arable land on Earth to feed eight billion people without the scale of factory farming, and if we want to address the negative impacts it can have on the climate and environment, the only thing that might save us is biotechnology. And one of the biggest problems to solve in growing and processing our food is methane. A third of all the methane we produce is from agriculture,…
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February 19, 2024

What’s On at AMW2024

Registrations are now open for your attendance at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) in Sydney. Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) is run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), with the NSW Government as the Major Sponsor. This huge event will occupy more than 6,560 square metres of exhibition space at the Sydney ICC at Darling Harbour. Up to 250 organisations have already taken stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!    REGISTER NOW!   There are SEVEN Zones to AMW2024, each with a particular focus, speciality and technology. These are: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by Finlease; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Zone; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by The Execution Factor; Robotics & Automation Zone; sponsored by IFS Weld and Air Solutions Zone; and the Plastic Technology Zone. At Australian Manufacturing Week, you will see many exhibitors showcasing all of the above and have the opportunity to find the right process, talk to the right people, gain the right expertise, and get on the right path to your…
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February 18, 2024

Hiringa Energy and Sundown Pastoral decarbonising agriculture

Green hydrogen company, Hiringa Energy and Australian agricultural and pastoral enterprise, Sundown Pastoral Co, have partnered to drive forward the next generation of decarbonised farming and agriculture in the northern NSW region after being awarded $35.8m in funding from the NSW Government. Together, the two industry leaders will enhance the capacity of the world’s first Good Earth Cotton farm to produce climate-positive and traceable cotton. The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project involves the construction and operation of a renewable ammonia and green hydrogen production facility near Moree. The project will help farmers reduce the emissions associated with their outputs and enable them to meet consumer demand for low-carbon and sustainable produce in increasingly carbon-conscious domestic and export markets. The GEGHA project has been awarded $35.8m in funding from the NSW Government’s Hydrogen Hubs Initiative, validating GEGHA’s position in the future of Australia’s thriving green hydrogen industry. “We aim to provide a more resilient, locally produced and lower emissions supply of key inputs — to farm production (fertiliser) and transport to…
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February 16, 2024

Australian spaceshot

Australia has marked its historic return to space exploration by successfully launching into orbit its first scientific satellite in over two decades. The SpIRIT nanosatellite, a landmark project, emerged from a collaboration between the University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency, with a consortium of pioneering Australian SME partners and support from the Australian Space Agency. Titomic, an innovative additive manufacturing company based in Melbourne, was instrumental in this historic achievement with its groundbreaking thermal radiator design, a critical component of the satellite. The SpIRIT (Space Industry – Responsive – Intelligent – Thermal) nano-satellite is an Australia-Italy mission supported in Australia by the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment – Expand Capability scheme. “The team utilised Titomic’s state-of-the-art TKF 1000 additive manufacturing unit to develop high-efficiency radiator panels that are crucial for the satellite’s operation,” said Herbert Koeck, Managing Director of Titomic. “SpIRIT’s journey into space is not just a technological triumph. It’s also a significant step in scientific discovery,” Koeck added. SpIRIT is designed to fly in low Earth orbit…
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February 15, 2024

Transforming aerospace

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), a leader in developing unmanned aircraft systems, has embraced this truth by integrating Additive Manufacturing (AM) into its core processes. From experimental beginnings to becoming a manufacturing cornerstone, GA-ASI's journey with AM exemplifies innovation at its finest. Revolutionising design and production GA-ASI's foray into AM has revolutionised how unmanned aircraft like the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian are built. By adopting AM, GA-ASI has not only streamlined its manufacturing processes but has also unlocked new potential in aircraft design and functionality. The result? Thousands of parts were produced via AM, now flying across multiple GA-ASI platforms. A systematic approach for optimal results GA-ASI's success with AM isn't accidental. It's the outcome of a systematic, refined approach aligning with business objectives. Key strategies include developing a robust AM ecosystem, establishing a solid business case for AM, and partnering with industry leaders. This disciplined approach ensures each AM project aligns with the company's mission, ensuring quality and innovation at every step. Stratasys: a partnership that elevates In its quest to master AM,…
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February 9, 2024

Future Solutions at AMW2024

The many speakers on the Future Solutions program have been hand-picked to cater to the varied needs of the industry to tackle challenges and stay abreast of the latest trends. On the first day of Australian Manufacturing Week Sydney 2024, Wednesday 17th April, the Future Solutions Speaker Sessions have a theme of 'Opportunities'. Experts from ANSTO, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Rigby Cooke Lawyers, the Defence Department and CSIRO will be presenting the latest take on manufacturing opportunities.  On the second day of AMW2024, with a theme of 'Managing Change', the Future Solutions Speaker session on Thursday 18th April, the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Sydney Manufacturing Hub and NAB are just some of the high-end industry presentations being prepared, free to all AMW2024 visitors.  Go to the Future Solutions Speaker Program page for more information. Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2024 will…
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February 8, 2024

Pilot Spirit from Hart Marine

South Australian ports operator Flinders Port Holdings (FPH) has inaugurated the PV Spirit, welcoming the first of three pilot boats commissioned and built in conjunction with Hart Marine to its fleet at an event at the South Australian Yacht Squadron. The vessel Spirit is a state-of-the-art pilot boat that features the Volvo Penta Inboard Propulsion System (IPS), which will enhance fuel efficiency, reduce environmental footprint and improve sustainability. The new vessel Spirit features advanced composite hull technology, including a lightweight and corrosion-resistant structure that is durable in the harshest marine conditions. Its bow design facilitates smooth navigation in turbulent waters and improves self-righting capabilities. The vessel features improved safety measures such as continuous railing, and a change in Pilot Vessel size provides FPH pilots and crew with additional room on the outer deck for pilot transfer and coxswain activities. “We’re also proud of the introduction of Dynamic Positioning into our fleet to improve the manoeuvring of the vessel in adverse weather conditions,” General Manager Carl Kavina said. Further innovations include the ability to access…
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February 5, 2024

PRF funding for green steel

The future of Australian steelmaking is being backed up to deliver the energy transformation and help keep our producers competitive on a global scale. The first round of the Powering the Regions Fund (PRF) will provide $200m in grant funding to BlueScope Steel Limited and Liberty Steel Australia to progress projects at their respective operations in New South Wales and South Australia. BlueScope has been awarded $136.8m towards the reline and upgrade of its No. 6 Blast Furnace at the Port Kembla Steelworks. This project will maintain domestic production, reduce emissions, and support pathways to producing even lower-emissions steel in the future. LIBERTY has also been awarded $63.2m towards the purchase and commission of a low-carbon electric arc furnace (EAF) to replace the existing traditional blast furnace at the Whyalla Steelworks. The new state-of-the-art EAF will support the manufacturing of green steel and help achieve LIBERTY’s aim of carbon neutrality by 2030. Total steel demand for the energy transformation from 2022 to 2050 will be almost five billion tonnes, accounting for 75% of the total material requirement – and that steel will increasingly…
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February 1, 2024

No-waste bags at UQ

University of Queensland researchers are working with industry to develop biodegradable ‘plastic’ bags for use in mushroom farming, which could open lucrative opportunities in packaging and manufacturing. Dr Nasim Amiralian from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology is collaborating with Queensland producer Scenic Rim Mushrooms to reduce the company’s reliance on plastic ‘grow bags’. “Grow bags are widely used across the fungiculture industry, but most are made from non-biodegradable materials which can only be burned or sent to landfill,” Dr Amiralian said. "This adds to the 80,000-plus tonnes of plastic waste generated by Australian agriculture each year. “This 12-month project is about designing a grow bag that provides optimum growing conditions, while also breaking down in soil.” Dr Amiralian said existing biodegradable plastics made from corn starch, potato starch, or even mycelium – the vegetative part of mushrooms - are often brittle and lack long-term integrity. “But using fibres from agricultural waste like sugarcane is an affordable, high quality and sustainable way to ensure plastic grow bags can withstand high temperatures and humidity,” she said. Scenic Rim Mushrooms founder Matthew Davis said the…
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