Month: July 2018

The compact new DMU 50 3rd Generation sets new standards in five-sided to five-axis simultaneous machining. With its extended swivel range, more powerful spindle and an innovative cooling concept, the new machine guarantees a competitive edge in a multitude of branches. Its areas of application range from training to general mechanical engineering, jig construction, and applications in demanding branches such as the aerospace, medical and automotive industries. While developing the DMU 50 3rd Generation, DMG MORI has managed to harmonise the modern appearance of the design with user-friendly operation. For example, the large, smooth opening door to the work area, with a width of 876mm ensures unrestricted access from the front, even in combination with automation solutions. The table also has an ergonomic loading height of 800mm. The optimum accessibility of the DMU 50 3rd Generation even encompasses maintenance…

This interrelationship may be observed in metalworking. Over the last few years, leading-edge technology has resulted in multitasking machine tools and machining centers with impressive working possibilities. At the same time, this progress in machine tool engineering is significantly changing metal cutting technology. The advanced multifunctional machine tools increasingly widen the range of machining operations that can be performed. Technological processes developed for these machines are oriented to maximise machining operation for one-setup manufacturing, creating a new source for more accurate and productive manufacturing. Milling gears and splines is one of the operations suitable for performing on the new machines. Traditionally, gear (and spline) -making is a complicated process that involves milling, chamfering, grinding and other operations. With batch manufacturing, the majority is made on specific machines: for gear hobbing, gear shaving, gear grinding and so on. Developments in technology have changed the limits of hardness for cutting and considerably increased operational accuracy. This in turn has reduced abrasive machining in gear making…

Additive manufacturing (AM) and product design for AM have a had a rapid development towards producing 3D-printed products for end-use. Thanks to established technologies such as selective laser sintering and rapidly improving ones like multi jet fusion, the barrier to market of high production set-up costs is being lowered significantly. Both established business and startups can have products manufactured in small batches and even on demand in a quality that is either ready for market or requires minimal finishing. Since the mid-1980s, AM has developed to become the most optimal rapid prototyping technology and an alternative to conventional manufacturing for final products. The AM industry is projected to reach $12.8bn this year with an annual growth of 15%. The additive nature of AM allows…

This digitalisation trend adds pressures to traditional businesses, but also offers exceptional opportunities that will optimise production and increase efficiency. These changes revolutionise activities, processes, competencies and models through a mix of digital technologies with an accelerating impact across not only businesses, but society and cultures. Sparked by a shift in new demands from customers, Industry 4.0 is the name for the current trend of automation and new technologies in the manufacturing sector. The revolution brings changes in all areas of life and existing business models. For example, it won’t just be me who uses Amazon’s Echo Dot – ‘Alexa’ – to carry out mundane tasks such as turning on music or making phone calls out of sheer laziness and convenience. This is an example of the shift and a starting point for automisation and its effect on society and the way we all operate. Industrial manufacturing organisations have realised the necessity in improving flexibility and reducing time to market, while at the same time ensuring the quality of products is…

This company is looking for a manufacturer to help design and manufacture a waterproof case for a visual marker for a medical application. Approx size of the marker is 46x46x3.5 mm (samples can be provided), and the requirements are as follows: Must be able to open and then reseal multiple times Must be able to be sterilised multiple times without warping or degradation The marker is used with a camera for computer assisted surgery, so visual clarity of the major face of the case is critical, similar to a GoPro waterproof case. On the back face of the case a connection feature is needed which is still in the design process, and some consultation would be necessary to determine the tolerance limitations etcetera as the case will interface with other instruments. Currently we are using a 3D printed case with glass but this is impractical for re-use and sealing is not sufficient for trials beyond cadavers. This would be a small run, less than 20 units for clinical trials in the near term with possibility for expansion in the longer term. If this would be within your capabilities please make contact on the details below. Chris Culhane…

Can you use your data as a source of competitive advantage? Data mining is being used by large firms to see ways to enhance their product offerings and operations, this is now being used by SMEs to advantage. CBD-based teams of Federation University IT undergraduate and Masters degree students are working on projects that may help you obtain leverage from the data you already have. Do you want to participate and learn about this technology? These international students are hosted at the Australian Technical & Management College (ATMC) Melbourne and Sydney CBD campuses on behalf of Federation University, and in their final year, have to undertake industry-based software engineering or enterprise systems projects. Many have become enthusiastic about data mining and about sharing what they have learned. All companies have lots of data available in databases and spreadsheets, and have access to public databases. The cost of data mining tools is falling, and this combination offers opportunities for smaller firms to explore what the application of such tools will do for them. Better understanding a firms customers, characteristics of its inventory flows and supply chains, identifying commonly available parts when developing a new design provide some application…

Gihan is a futurist, conference speaker, author and consultant. His presentation will provide you a glimpse into what’s ahead and how you can become Fit for the Future, in both your professional and personal life. Take an inspiring, eye-opening, and engaging ride into the future to learn about the global megatrends shaping your industry, the mindset that helps you lead the change, and the skills you need to get things done in a fast-changing world. Gihan will discuss: the global megatrends shaping business and society; influence and power in the Age of Access; How change is the new normal; and how you can take more control of your own future. Also presenting will be William Buck's Dr Rita Choueiri, who will be talking about the R&D Tax Incentive. Rita will discuss go into detail on the scheme and its eligibility, shedding light on what sorts of business are eligible to claim. Following these presentations, AMTIL will be holding its Annual General Meeting. For more information about any of AMTIL’s upcoming events,…

The current run of expanding or stable conditions (21 months) for the Australian PMI is the longest since 2005, with the longest positive run being 50 continuous months from July 2001 to July 2005. Readings above 50 indicate expansion in activity, with the distance from 50 indicating the strength of the increase. Seven of the eight manufacturing sub-sectors expanded in June (according to trend data), with the textiles, clothing, furniture & ‘other’ manufacturing sub-sector’s stable conditions the only exception (down 1.0 point to 49.3). Sub-sectors providing manufactured goods for civil engineering, residential and commercial construction projects continue to report very strong levels of activity: petroleum, coal & chemicals (down 0.9 points to 62.3); metal products (down 1.8 points to 56.2); machinery & equipment (down 0.3 points to 58.9); and non-metallic minerals (down 0.4 points to 63.4). “Manufacturing production, employment, exports and sales were all higher in June, driving the Australian PMI to its longest run of expansion in well over a…