Month: August 2020

Printing ventilator parts for COVID-19 RAM3D became an essential supplier to the medical industry during the lockdown period. This project was a combined effort involving RAM3D, Doctor Andrew Robinson of Lakes District Health Board, and Kilwell Fibretube Engineering, who have been involved in reverse engineering and prototyping. The parts RAM3D were asked to 3D print were for an anaesthesia machine that was being converted to an intensive care ventilator for COVID-19. RAM3D successfully redesigned the valve (bridge) and will be full-scale manufacturing the part. The key aspects of the design were that it had to be simple to install and needed to have limited risk of failure; it was imperative there was no leakage through the seals during operation. RAM3D was sent the original CAD file of the part; it was made up of two pieces and had been designed for CNC manufacturing. After several failed attempts to 3D…

As can be construed from its name, cast iron is intended for castings. Machining cast iron parts involves removal of non-uniform and variable stock – for example sand inclusions, casting skin, blowholes, hot tears and other casting defects, which affects cutting tools. From a machining point of view, the higher graphite content also has a disadvantage: it accelerates abrasion wear. This means that the cutting tools must have good wear resistance to ensure high productivity. It is also worth noting that the term “cast iron” may in fact refer to different types of ferrous alloy, for which machinability can vary significantly. The latter is often neglected, which can lead to the wrong choice of cutting tools and incorrect definition of cutting data. There are several types of cast iron. Grey, nodular…

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strain at the heart of the the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be seen, is difficult to detect, and is continuing to mutate as scientists race to find a vaccine. According to recent studies, the virus is detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and two-three days on plastic and stainless steel. Currently there are no means to check how effective cleaning protocols are, or to determine the virus’s presence in public places. There is therefore a significant need for environmental testing for COVID-19 to determine whether hospitals, schools, surfaces and personal protective equipment are clear of the virus. In order to jumpstart the economy, proactive – rather than reactive – methods to quickly identify the virus must be developed. A company developing such a proactive tool is Port-Melbourne-based GreyScan, in collaboration with the University of Tasmania. This exciting research project could pave…

If there's one thing that the current series of events has reminded us of is the fact that unforeseeable events can happen at any time, and with potentially devastating repercussions for any business that relies on transacting in foreign currency or purchases equipment from overseas suppliers. According to recent findings by specialist banking market research and analysis firm, East and Partners, Australian businesses suffered currency losses of up to AU$3.4bn in the last six months - highlighting just how damaging changing business cycles and volatile financial markets can be. Despite the current economic uncertainty, the good news is that there are ways you can protect your business from the impact of foreign exchange (FX) rate fluctuations during these turbulent times. The key is to build a risk management strategy around your business, and not just the market, by suitably hedging your FX currency risk. Why do businesses hedge their FX risk? FX rate fluctuations can negatively impact any business that: imports or exports goods and services from overseas; sends or receives funds…

The breakthrough, made in partnership with Wollongong-based Medical Innovation Hub, represents a paradigm shift in the production of self-expanding nitinol stents for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), which afflicts more than 10% of Australians. PAD is a condition in which fatty deposits collect and reduce blood flow in arteries outside the heart — most commonly in the legs. People with PAD typically experience pain when walking and in severe cases may develop gangrene. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, said the home-grown technology had the potential to revolutionise the $16bn global stent manufacturing industry. “This is a great example of industry working with our researchers to develop an innovative product that addresses a global need and builds on our sovereign capability,” Minister Andrews said. Until now, surgeons have been restricted to accessing ‘off-the-shelf’ stents for operations. The ability to 3D print stents is expected to improve sizing options, preserve essential anatomy, and enable diameters and shapes to suit individual patient requirements. The process could also allow for individual stents to…

The BridgeTech Program is a national professional development program that trains researchers and entrepreneurs on how to effectively navigate the med-tech commercialisation pathway. The program’s Director - Professor Lyn Griffiths, is also Executive Director of the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She explains that the BridgeTech Program is convened and administered by QUT. “Funded by MTP Connect and industry, the BridgeTech Program commenced in April 2018. It involves a consortium of 16 partners including med-tech and pharmaceutical companies, universities and industry associations. Leveraging off the industry expertise and global connections that the consortium offers, the BridgeTech Program equips its participants with the skills and networks to enable med-tech commercialisation.” The Program’s 16 partners are a powerhouse of organisations comprising universities (Melbourne, Western…

The decision to hold a virtual AGM was brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, and the significant possibility that social distancing restrictions may still be in place in October. However, as AMTIL Events Manager Kim Banks explains, the switch to an online meeting does also create new opportunities for the AGM. “The AGM is always one of the biggest events in the AMTIL calendar, so it’s disappointing that we won’t be holding it as a social gathering this year,” says Banks. “However, like other organisations, AMTIL has adapted as a result of COVID-19, and our online events such as the Power Brokers Virtual Meetings have been a real success. And obviously you don’t have to travel to participate in online event, so it means a more inclusive event with more AMTIL members from across Australia able to take part.”And obviously you don’t have to travel to participate in online events, so it means a more inclusive event with more AMTIL members from across Australia able to take part.” As well…

Dimac is the sole distributor of leading workholding and CNC accessory brands including Kitagawa power chucks, Lang Technik five-axis vises, Freddy coolant recyclers, Reven air cleaners, Hydrafeed barfeeders and Royal’s Rota-Rack. Dimac also manufactures its own soft jaws at its manufacturing facility at Dandenong, Victoria. Dimac soft jaws are precision-engineered and made from 1040 (or K1144) carbon steel and available in a large selection of sizes covering all brands of chucks. The company also offers custom sizes to suit any application, including complete custom workholding. Mitee-Bite extends TalonGrip range Due to popular demand, Mitee-Bite has launched an additional product to the TalonGrip workholding range. Mitee-Bite’s products are an innovative product that increases the functionality of standard 100mm, 150mm and 200mm vises. TalonGrip is a simple bolt-on system that allows operators to perform aggressive machining operations while clamping on as little as 1.5mm. It is ideal for small lot sizes, difficult applications or proto-type work when building a fixture would not be beneficial. “The new TalonGrip long…

Founded in 1980, the AAAA is a national industry association representing Australia’s automotive aftermarket, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, tools and equipment. The AAAA also provides vehicle service, repair and modification services in Australia. With 2,250 members ranging from large multi-national corporations to small and medium-sized businesses, the AAAA hosts the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards, offers input on government policy, and publishes nine Australian Auto Aftermarket magazines each year. The AAAA developed the idea for the AIC in 2013 and, having secured grant funding from the Government in 2018, two sites were opened in Australia, one in Victoria and one in South Australia, after these states witnessed the closure of two large auto manufacturing sites. The AIC boasts three 3D printers that offer three different technologies – MJF, SLA, and FDM – and therefore three different capabilities. Each printer has a unique strength: one is best for larger volumes; one excels with incredibly detailed smaller parts; and…

The program of large scale, major scientific and collaborative research initiatives, will be aimed at solving some of Australia’s greatest challenges, focused on outcomes that lead to positive impact, new jobs and economic growth. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the collaboration and goodwill stimulated by the response to COVID-19 can be harnessed and used to accelerate our recovery, create new jobs and stimulate the economy. “While COVID-19 will undoubtedly continue to disrupt, Australia will come together through this crisis and build a strong future in the process,” Dr Marshall said. “We are calling for partners to join this Team Australia approach to solving what seem like unsolvable problems.” On the centenary of CSIRO’s first mission, to eliminate prickly pear, it will direct $100m annually to the co-creation of missions, working with the brightest minds across the research sector and industry, to help Australia achieve these outcomes: Increase Australia’s resilience and preparedness against pandemics. Mitigate the impact of disasters: drought, bushfires and floods. Create…

For most manufacturers, COVID-19 has been one of the most challenging periods, with organisations having had to navigate large hits to the bottom line. The crisis saw shifts in labour, supply and demand critically affect the entire industry. Manufacturers have had to deal with a sharp decline in consumer spending, disrupted supply chains, and facility shutdowns — often, all at once. As the world gets back to business, the key challenge for manufacturers lies in normalising safety procedures, ramping up operations as demand for goods return to normal levels, and minimising the risk of COVID-19 being contracted and spread throughout their facilities — resulting in halted operations and putting local communities at risk. The businesses who will come out on top are those who implement an early warning system —…

Skills Lab has partnered with Ai Group and a number of TAFEs across Australia to deliver the nation’s first industry-based Diploma of Applied technologies, supporting top-tier and mid-market manufacturers in their pursuit of a future focused and innovative workforce. Students in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland have commenced the study of units including ‘Working in Industry 4.0’ to support them in navigating their rapidly changing workplaces. While COVID-19 has thrust a light upon the need to move quickly towards new technologies and initiatives, it has been a focus for many companies already. The CSIRO NAB Australian National Outlook 2019 suggested 20% of predicted GDP growth could be attributed to investment in human capital, according to their vision of a preferred 2060 outlook, which calls for a digitally upskilled workforce. Course modules delivered in the diploma produce immediate benefit for businesses as students research and solve current problems using emerging technology. Students will design and troubleshoot the development of a range of advanced technology systems, including…

The request for information builds on the Government’s $333m investment in vaccine, treatment and therapeutic research & development. Total funding in vaccine-related activity since the pandemic started is over $256m, comprising $19m in Australian research funding, $230m for the establishment of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), and $7.5m for the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Submissions received will be used to determine the extent to which the production and distribution can be supported locally once an effective candidate is found. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said she was confident Australian manufacturers would rise to the challenge. “Australian scientists are at the heart of the global quest for a vaccine and we want to make sure Australian manufacturers can be central to the production once that vaccine is found,” Minister Andrews said. “Australia already has impressive capability when it comes to producing vaccines, which as a Government we are well aware of. This request for information is about identifying more niche manufacturers, including those who…