April 11, 2024

Made in Australia

Anthony Albanese has made a major speech in Brisbane where he outlined the creation of a Future Made in Australia Act. The Prime Minister has said on Thursday at the Queensland Media Club, that Australia needs to stay in the global race for jobs. This is legislation that centres on using subsidies to boost domestic manufacturing and guarantee more local jobs. This package covers new and existing projects in Growth Industries like clean energy, batteries, and critical minerals. But this is not a new idea. Massive taxpayer subsidies are on offer to private companies in countries like the US with their Inflation Reduction Act, and also with the EU, Japan, and Korea, even Canada. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his speech that Australia needed to sharpen its elbows and offer these incentives or risk losing entire industries overseas. This will be a key part of the PM's pitch for a second term in government with an election now around 12 months away. The effort would be consolidating existing efforts under one banner, which included the Hydrogen Headstart, the…
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April 10, 2024

Execution Factor at AMW2024

Despite all of the time, money, and effort invested into ERP systems many manufacturers are still using Excel and other manual methods to manage production. It’s not that the software is bad, the software does exactly what it was designed to do – use a finite capacity scheduling algorithm to schedule production. It is understandable that if you are giving your ERP system inaccurate information, it will produce bad outcomes. So the natural tendency is to focus on improving the detail and accuracy of the information. Chaos Theory, often described as the ‘butterfly effect’ tells us that in complex systems, small changes can lead to vastly different outcomes. To say it another way, there are many variables and everything cannot be precisely known. To summarise the traditional approach, we Plan by running a capacity loading algorithm (Scheduling Program), which generates priories for the shop floor typically in the form of a Work To List. These are then sent out to production to Execute.  Often production looks at these priorities generated by the computer program and comments, “They look a lot different…
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April 10, 2024

Days away until AMW2024

Don’t miss out!  Register online now AMTIL is proud of government entities promoting advanced manufacturers and leading precision technology manufacturers from within the industry who are taking the lead in giving this initiative a massive impetus through their involvement with the Australian Manufacturing Week brand. Chief among our sponsors is the New South Wales Government through its initiative Investment NSW, which is supporting AMW2024 as a Major Sponsor for the show 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 reiterate their trust and belief in what AMW is achieving for Australian manufacturing. AMTIL through its most successful initiative of AMW and AMT works to Connect, Inform and Grow the Industry. AMW2024 is going to be one of the largest Australian manufacturing trade shows in the country, taking place right in…
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April 10, 2024

Novarc Technologies at AMW2024

Novarc Technologies Inc. is a full-stack robotics company, specialising in the design and manufacturing of cobots and AI-based machine vision solutions for autonomous welding. Novarc will be bringing its Spool Welding Robot (SWR) - the world’s first of its kind in pipe welding applications, to Australian Manufacturing Week. Visitors will be able to see first-hand how Novarc’s SWR increases productivity, delivering superior weld quality and improving welder ergonomics. Novarc’s SWR helps fabricators needing to transition from manual welding to an automated solution, to significantly lower the cost of welding, while achieving superior weld quality.  Being a ‘cobot’, Novarc’s SWR works alongside the human operator, allowing lower-skilled welders to work collaboratively with welding robots in the fabrication shop. The result is welding with greater precision, accuracy and speed, and a never-before-achieved balance of quality and productivity. From a safety perspective, Novarc’s AI-driven welding control technology also delivers the lowest airborne, energy consumption, and metal waste during the fabrication process. Novarc’s full stack customised automation solution significantly reduces the welding…
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April 9, 2024

Elevating precision at AMW2024

As the Australian manufacturing industry continues its relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, Hi-Tech Metrology stands poised to leave an indelible mark at the AMW2024. Renowned for its commitment to precision and technological prowess, Hi-Tech Metrology will showcase an impressive lineup of advanced metrology solutions, including the Creaform HandySCAN 3D scanners, the Micro-Vu optical CMM, the Hexagon Absolute Arm, and the Leica ATS600 laser tracker. At the heart of Hi-Tech Metrology's exhibit is the Creaform HandySCAN BLACK|Elite 3D scanner, a testament to the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of scanning technology. This handheld, high-precision scanner is revered for its exceptional accuracy, speed, and portability. Manufacturers attending the expo will witness firsthand how the HandySCAN BLACK|Elite seamlessly integrates into various workflows, providing unparalleled capabilities for quality control, reverse engineering, and product development. Breaking new ground in the realm of large-part metrology is Creaform’s latest innovation – the HandySCAN MAX 3D scanner. Engineered to meet the demands of industries dealing with substantial components, this cutting-edge scanner boasts enhanced performance, increased scanning speed, and an expanded field of view. The Micro-Vu Vertex optical CMM takes…
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April 9, 2024

Under a week until AMW2024

Registrations are still open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney. AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,764 square metres of exhibition space at the ICC, with over 270 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. On Wednesday 17th April, AMW2024 will be officially opened by NSW Government Executive Director Maroun El-Khoury, and Brendan Kerin from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council doing a Welcome to Country presentation on the Future Solutions Speaker Session stage. AMW2024 will provide a platform to explore new technologies, meet industry leaders, and witness cutting-edge innovations in manufacturing, all available right now. 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 three days 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…
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April 9, 2024

A whole lot of Sutton Tools

Sutton Tools, the Australian family business renowned for its high-quality precision cutting tools, will be back at Australia’s premier advanced manufacturing and machine tool exhibition this year showcasing their range of high-performance tooling for a wide range of specialised industrial applications, focusing on both the Australian made content and the best we have to offer from our international agencies. Sutton Tools team of local and international experts will be on hand to walk visitors through their range of high-performance tools, their diverse offerings to the CNC machining industry, and their customer service and technical support. The exhibit will feature a range of Sutton Tools offerings, plus agency products from Walter Tools, SupplyPro, Cimco, and the Hoffmann Group, just four of the many agencies Sutton Tools now represents. Sutton Tools A selection of Australian-made solid carbide milling cutters and solid carbide drills up to 30x diameter with internal coolant in addition to Australian-made tapping solutions in all size and style variations. Sutton Tools can provide local and secure supply chain solutions for all your tooling needs. Walter Tools With around…
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April 8, 2024

AMW2024 Opening soon

While the clock ticks down to the opening of AMW2024 at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney, why not have a quick look at the Exhibitors List. So many of the large Australian manufacturers will be present, as well as a great range of up-and-coming SMEs. There are seven Zones, each with a particular focus within their sector of manufacturing. The variety this year is amazing. There’s an Australian Manufacturers Pavilion, and companies supporting manufacturing are in the Manufacturing Solutions Zone. There’s robots, there’s Air Compression and Welding, there’s Plastics, and there’s the Additive Manufacturing Zone. The AMW2024 show opens at 10 AM each day, Wednesday and Thursday the show closes at 7 PM. Friday 19th April, the AMW2024 show goes from 10 AM until 4 PM. And then there are plenty of places to go explore after the show in Darling Harbour, or further out into the city of Sydney.  The wait is almost over. Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney. Organised and run by the Australian…
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April 8, 2024

Robotic Automation at AMW2024

Robotic Automation (RA) is looking forward to again being an integral part of Australian Manufacturing Week and will showcase the very latest in robotic manufacturing technology. While most people think of automation and robotics in manufacturing as a recent arrival, RA has been delivering these solutions for 35 years to manufacturers across ANZ. One of RA’s specialities is its welding division, which has long seen its MOTOMAN robotic welders utilised in numerous manufacturing applications. MOTOMAN stands as one of the industrial robotics industry's largest manufacturers, boasting a remarkable track record of over 540,000 robots installed worldwide since 1977. This translates into maximum reliability, extended operational longevity, minimized downtime, reduced maintenance expenses, increased profitability, and unparalleled peace of mind. Several MOTOMAN Cobots will be on demonstration including one with an interactive vision system and another heavy-duty welding variant. Cobots are ideal for small, and mid-sized companies face hurdles in robot implementation due to safety requirements necessitating separate working areas. Yaskawa’s human collaborative MOTOMAN robot (HC Series) offers an affordable, versatile, and user-friendly solution. The Weld4Me Cobot package is an easy-to-use, Cobot-based MIG…
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April 8, 2024

Fishbowl scaling

Fishbowl is an inventory management solution that provides features and functionality for small to enterprise-sized warehousing and manufacturing businesses. Fishbowl performs inventory management tasks such as: Barcoding, Serial number and batch tracking, Advanced bill of materials and work orders and has Seamless accounting integrations with Xero, Intuit QuickBooks Online, and Reckon Accounts. “Managing inventory involves numerous tasks and components that all need to work in harmony on a continuing basis to produce the desired results,” said Fishbowl APAC Managing Director, Simon Jupe. “Most businesses start small and with very manual processes, but to take your business to the next level, you really need to have the right tools and the right automation to help you scale appropriately,” he said. “Our software solution provides our clients with granular visibility into their operations, efficiency to streamline and grow, and flexibility to customize today and in the future, all at a fraction of the cost of other ERP systems on the market,” Jupe said. There’s a lot more than just functionality to consider when deciding to take on an inventory management…
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April 8, 2024

SYSPRO MOM at AMW

This year at AMW in Sydney, SYSPRO is set to showcase its industry-built ERP system and complementary Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) platform to event visitors. With its embedded analytics and inventory optimisation capabilities, SYSPRO is heralding a new era for manufacturing efficiency and intelligence, helping manufacturers pivot towards increased growth and success. SYSPRO ERP solutions are enabling and empowering modern manufacturers through the automation and integration of core business processes. Its ERP solutions can capture and manage business data, presenting it in ways that make it both intuitively easy to understand, and more powerful. Trends and anomalies can be identified, analysed and leveraged with unprecedented ease and speed. SYSPRO's ERP system stands out for its deep integration capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution that covers all aspects of business operations from financial management to supply chain logistics. This year, the focus is on how SYSPRO ERP enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs and improves decision-making processes through real-time data insights. One of the key features of the SYSPRO ERP system is its ability to seamlessly integrate with various business processes, ensuring a…
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April 7, 2024

Just about a week until AMW2024

Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) is almost here. It’s approaching fast! Just about a week away, opening on Wednesday 17th April 2024 and pushing into Friday.  This is the biggest manufacturing show in Australia and this newsletter has all the links you need, so REGISTER NOW  by clicking HERE. The Future Solutions Speaker Sessions begin on the first day of AMW2024. The various sessions for the days have been hand-picked to cater to the varied needs of the industry to tackle the challenges and stay abreast with the latest trends. Go to the Future Solutions Speaker Program page for more information. “Come hear from the best specialists in each field,” said the CEO of AMTIL, Shane Infanti. “Our Future Solutions Sessions will cover many aspects of manufacturing in Australia, as well as services that surround and support our industry. We are all set for a great week.” Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,764 square metres of exhibition space at the MCEC, with over 270 organisations taking…
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April 6, 2024

Remaking history

The Sydney Manufacturing Hub, a Core Research facility of the University of Sydney will demonstrate several examples of design optimisation for Additive Manufacturing at our – these are several functionally identical components manufactured in different materials by different processes. This graphically shows the differences between different materials for the same load carrying capacity. We also intend to showcase a Reverse Engineering project we are currently supporting in the UK for the manufacture of a set of exhaust stacks for a WWII Spitfire Mk 1A PR IV serial number AA810 that was shot down on a Photo Reconnaissance mission seeking the Germany Battleship Turpitz over Trondheim in Norway in April of 1942. The Pilot at the time was Flight Lieutenant Alastair “Sandy” Gunn who was to become famous for his part in the “Great Escape” of 76 men from Stalagluft III Prisoner of War Camp. He was recaptured and subsequently executed. The replica parts will be built in Inconel 718 on our Spectra H Electron Beam melting machinery. The parts were originally hand made and we will have one of the badly…
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