Month: July 2016

Australian Federal Governments past and present, as well as state governments in Victoria and Queensland, have one thing in common in terms of economic policy – they see composite materials as a key enabler for the product innovation required for Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector to be competitive and secure new export markets. While composite materials are generally more expensive that traditional metals, timber and concrete, they offer distinct advantages that can make products competitive locally and globally. Composite materials give designers and engineers freedom to be creative; to think outside the square and design fluid, seamless shapes; integrate fittings; reduced weight; improve comfort and usability, leverage the high strength to weight ratio; heat and sound insulation qualities; anti-corrosion and low conductivity characteristics. Rarely a month goes by without news of the release of a new product featuring carbon fibre. That’s because today’s marketers recognise carbon fibre products are highly desirable, their association with high-performance, elite sports giving their brand an edge in the marketplace. Two Victorian…

In times of increasingly complex and individualised components, additive manufacturing processes with their high degree of geometrical freedom regarding component design are an effective way of escaping the complexity trap. However, the technology is slow, inaccurate and expensive which, up to now, has made it difficult to make inroads, particularly in the field of metal processing. Against this background, the combination of laser deposition welding by means of a powder nozzle with chip removal opens up fully new perspectives. As a pioneer and trendsetter, DMG MORI is already offering two groundbreaking hybrid machines. We spoke to Friedemann Lell, Sales Manager of SAUER, who is responsible for additive laser technology in the DMG MORI Group, about the advantages and areas of application of the combi-machines. AMT: What is the difference between the LASERTEC 3D machines and other additive metal processing systems? Friedemann Lell: In the field of additive manufacturing, we are focusing on powder deposition welding using lasers, a technique which has…

Owned and operated by Simon Neil, Secure Gates works in the area of large, specialised industrial and high-security gates – including gates used in prisons. It’s a niche business with a repeat client list and new clients attracted by word of mouth. Neil currently employs one staff member. Or two, if you count, as Simon does, the Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) plasma cutter he installed in 2013, and which he sees as absolutely pivotal to the success of his business. “The business hasn’t looked back since I installed the machine,” he says. “It’s absolutely pivotal to the business.” Neil had been looking for some time to install a cutting machine to help with the workload. When he contacted ART, they were quick to analyse the needs of the business and suggest solutions that would work best for him. Neil says he was very impressed with the team at ART and consultation was soon followed by installation…

Upcoming events include: Business Master Breakfast Seminar “The Importance of leadership in a high-performing manufacturing company” Wednesday 17 August, 7.30-9.30am Riversdale Golf Club, Mount Waverley, VIC Speaker: Linsey Siede, Automotive Supplier Excellence Australia   The management and leadership of any company affects everything they do, and their importance to the business’ performance cannot be ignored. Business strategy, customer focus, operational excellence and company culture are just some factors that determine success. This presentation will look at the data, results and outcomes of working with 150 companies over an eight-year period, and provide key information to help companies focus on achieving greater success. Amaero Site Tour 5 October Notting Hill, VIC   Details coming soon to www.amtil.com.au/events. Bookings are essential as places are strictly limited.   AMTIL AGM – Save the date Thursday 20th October 7:30am for Breakfast Riversdale Golf Club, Mount Waverley, VIC Aviation Aerospace Australia/AMTIL Joint Site Tour 27 October, 8.30am-10.30am Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre, John St, Hawthorn, VIC…

Many manufacturers achieve this by following a narrow-perspective model that begins with tool selection and application and solving problems on a reactive basis. Reversing that approach, however, can reduce costs and increase efficiency. Instead of waiting for problems to arise and then making adjustments, manufacturers should focus first on proactive preplanning aimed at eliminating rejected parts and unplanned downtime. Once a stable, reliable process has been established, applying the concepts of production economics can help manufacturers find a balance between production rate and manufacturing costs. Building on the foundation of secure, economically strong operations, manufacturers can select tools and cutting conditions that will fully optimise the machining process. Production economics Before taking steps to optimise metal cutting, it is essential that processes are secure and reliable, minus defective parts or unplanned downtime. Process security requires a stable production environment. Manufacturers must analyse machine tool maintenance, CAM programming, tool holding systems and coolant application. Work-handling automation…

According to a recent survey, nine out of ten organisations across the globe were left exposed to significant business dangers in 2015 due to the impact of unplanned growth. The business leaders surveyed readily admitted that they often fear the consequences of growth. Some 45% said that they worry their business might take on large or complex projects they do not have the skillset and technology to deliver effectively, as a result of growth that hasn’t been planned for properly. A majority of business leaders believe that in order to adequately prepare for growth they need to have an effective and integrated IT infrastructure in place. This holds true in Australia, with 70% of businesses believing a solid technology system is essential. These statistics reflect recent comments from, and discussions Epicor has had with, business leaders across a range of industries. One particular customer, a wholesaler that was a ‘power user’ of one of our legacy enterprise…

It’s Not Funny (INF) is a collection of people with Parkinson’s disease celebrating the positive aspects rather than dwelling on the negatives. The INF team thought it would be a great idea to make a dashboard wobbly doll, as a good representation of a positive attitude to living with the condition. “We wanted to create a wobbly doll, Australian-made and with a genuine look to it, somehow linking it back to real people and Parkinson’s,” says John Peplow of INF. “I investigated getting a doll made but soon realised this was a mammoth exercise. I soon realised that getting a 3D scan and a 3D print was not that easy. Not because of the technique, but because I was confronted with a maze of unsuccessful attempts until I found someone who knew what they were talking about.” That someone was Shane Rolton, Managing Director from Wysiwyg 3D, who listened to the idea with interest, in part because his grandfather had Parkinson’s. Rolton saw an opportunity to…

The Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda aims to encourage businesses to embrace risk, entrepreneurship and innovation, to develop new products and services, and to back good ideas and learn from mistakes. The plan is to develop industries that will help to wean Australia off its reliance on the mining sector. A number of global companies are working in collaboration with governments and business to create innovative solutions that meet the need to work more efficiently and competitively. One such company is Danish firm Universal Robots, which produces flexible, robotic solutions that automate and streamline repetitive industrial processes while reducing costs and boosting productivity. In an example of organisations working collaboratively with governments committed to innovation, Universal Robots has formed a partnership with the Singapore Government to develop cost-effective robotic applications and solutions for a range of industries. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and SPRING Singapore (a government agency responsible for helping enterprises grow) offers grants to support SMEs in tech innovation and adoption. The…

The real stalwarts of the manufacturing industry have a clear understanding that there is always a fine balancing act between being a well-established brand that is known to many, and being recognised as sitting at the cutting edge of innovation. A privately owned company, Décor Engineering has managed to achieve this delicate balance, elevating it to an enviable position as an industry leader within its own specific niche. Based in the bayside suburb of Seaford, in Melbourne’s south-east, Décor has strong, long-established foundations in the Australian car manufacturing industry. The company began life in 1970, back in the days when there were no fewer than five car manufacturers operating in Australia. Those five car-makers all required hundreds of different parts that needed masking and painting, so Anton Derlet set up Décor to meet that need. Derlet began his business operating out of his garden shed in the early days, before moving to a factory site a year later as it became clear the fledgling company would…

Hunt’s appointment was part of a complete shake-up of the ministerial team at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. Senator Matt Canavan was sworn in as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, while Craig Laundy MP was appointed as Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. Hunt’s predecessor as Industry Minister, Christopher Pyne, was moved into the role of Minister for Defence Industry, and reappointed Leader of the House. Minister Hunt said it was a “great honour” to be appointed to the role, commenting: “I look forward to continuing the implementation of the Prime Minister’s National Innovation and Science Agenda. I would also like to congratulate my ministerial colleague Christopher Pyne for the leadership and energy he brought to this portfolio – they will certainly be big shoes to fill.’ Industry leaders were welcoming of the reshuffle and of Hunt’s appointment. AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti expressed his support for the ministerial appointments and optimism at the prospect of working…

Companies such as Airbus, Audi, BMW, Boeing, Ford, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard and Nike, as well as many small and medium-sized enterprises globally, are using and exploring additive manufacturing (AM) technology for component and part production. Popular press, trade and technical journals are almost daily reporting on new and innovative printers; parts additively manufactured in both metal alloys and polymers; and component designs for AM that challenge the imagination. The main driver has been globalisation, which is changing the nature and economics of manufacturing in high-wage countries such as Australia. On one hand, globalisation has led to new markets, but on the other, to new competitors, in particular from low-wage countries. Handling the challenge of product cost pressures, diversity and dynamics becomes the central focus for manufacturing companies in high-wage countries. Advanced technology and research are seen as critical elements in addressing some of these challenges to deliver cost-competitive approaches to manufacturing for the companies in high-wage countries to…

Founded by Mark and Janice Hooper 22 years ago, Jmar specialises in component manufacturing and repairs across a broad range of industries including those associated with conveyor and package handling equipment. A commitment to providing outstanding customer service, staying abreast of local trends, and ongoing diversification has seen the company achieve steady growth and increase its customer base since its inception. An example of that diversification has been the way the company now undertakes a considerable amount of ‘reverse engineering’ – fabricating many components and parts that clients may have previously bought from overseas suppliers. In addition to component manufacturing, the company has been a supplier to the agricultural industry for more than 20 years with a unique product called the Christopher Dairy Bails. This is a retrofit product suitable for herringbone dairies that allows the farmer to feed in the bail at milking time. Nearly all Jmar’s business comes from around the Goulburn Valley area within a 50km radius of Shepparton. Last year Mark spotted an opportunity to invest in a laser cutter to further grow his business…

Industry is demanding that materials be lighter, tougher, thinner, denser and more flexible or rigid, as well as heat- and wear-resistant. At the same time, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what we imagine is possible, seeking to improve and enhance existing materials and at the same time come up with completely new materials that, while years away from day-to-day use, take us down entirely new technological pathways. Based on the research we’re seeing today, the field of applied material science is set to move in new, almost science-fiction-like directions. Looming resource scarcity is demanding innovations and out-of-the-box thinking. On the materials front, composites with desirable attributes such as low weight, high strength and high durability look likely to take a larger market share, and more of these materials will likely be based on renewable resources, as the need for this becomes greater. The most promising jewel in this…