Month: February 2021

Maximise Your Membership events will be held around the country in February. Offering an opportunity to learn about AMTIL’s latest initiatives as well as mingle with contacts from across the industry, these events are free to AMTIL members and will include finger food and drinks. Brisbane, QLD: Tues 16 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Sydney, NSW: Wed 17 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Melbourne, VIC: Thurs 18 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Adelaide, SA: Tues 23 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Perth, WA: Wed 24 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Given the ongoing possibility of further COVID-19 outbreaks, appropriate measures will be in place at all upcoming AMTIL events to ensure they are conducted safely. Moreover, AMTIL may be forced to make changes to scheduled events at short notice. Anyone planning to attend should register in advance and be on the lookout for updates from AMTIL. “We are taking all possible steps to ensure that AMTIL members can attend, confident of the fact they’re in a safe environment,” says Kim Banks, Head of Events at AMTIL. “That means having…

Despite a deluge of information on the dangers of skin cancer over the last few decades, Australia remains a global skin cancer hotspot, with mortality rates continuing to rise. Medical authorities have long stated that early detection is key to preventing its proliferation, yet it appears not enough is being done to reverse the numbers. And with many Australians not regularly getting skin checks after hours, there are calls for Australian manufacturing businesses to lead the charge and set up skin testing at work, in the same way that many businesses organise flu injections. As the most common cancer affecting working-age Australians between 15 and 39 years old, workplace health expert Kristina Billings says “when you consider the amount of Australians, affected by this each year, the workplace really is the best place to start”. A former employee of food distribution company Monde Nissin is just one example of how workplace skin checks can be ultimately life saving. In 2019, the company organised for a workplace health program to…

The annual prize is one of world’s most prestigious awards given to scientists who’ve helped to make significant advances in the fields of science and technology worldwide, thus furthering the cause of peace and prosperity of mankind. Each year two fields of scientific endeavour are honoured. Professor Green, who is Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) at UNSW Sydney, was recognised on 29 January for his work in developing high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic devices. “It’s a privilege to receive this award, which serves as a reminder that the quest for inexpensive, renewable energy is a global quest seeking to sustain the trajectory of human civilization on our shared planet,” Professor Green said. “I’d like to pay tribute to the thousands of solar researchers who have worked in the field for many years, including those at UNSW and elsewhere who have helped not just make PERC [solar cells] a reality but solar now the…

ALPHACAM Machinist is a globally recognised CAD CAM Software Solution that drives efficiency and automation in manufacturing. ALPHACAM Machinist seamlessly integrates both 2D and multi-axis machining, providing an extensive list of cutting strategies which can be applied to any component. AC Australia CAD CAM Solutions is dedicated to not only supplying software, but to delivering solutions that optimise the production of Australian Manufacturers. AC Australia is the authorised reseller of ALPAHCAM in Australia. Lead by Brand Manager, Blake McCrossen, the AC Australia team aim’s work alongside every business to ensure that manufacturing is enhanced as a result of your investment. Commenting on the benefits of ALPHACAM, Blake McCrossen explains that "ALPHACAM is a customisable system that can be configured to generate and produce files for all CNC machines. We customise and integrate the software to suit each individual business’s needs. This allows AC Australia to provide a customised approach to improving manufacturing processes and ensures our customers gain the most out of their software investment.” CAD Translator functionality is at the core of ALPHACAM's CAM capability, as it can import and analyse almost any CAD file while applying tooling operations direct to these parts. A proven connection between your…

Australian manufacturing is in uncharted territory, as we navigate through Covid-19 in the age of heightened connectivity and inevitable digitalisation. Industry 4.0 technologies and solutions will be critical to address the business impact of Covid-19, and to be more competitive. Industry 4.0 is playing a key role in industrial transformation, improving manufacturing productivity, connectivity, workplace safety, cybersecurity and supply chain optimisation. This makes it necessary for Australian businesses to be aware of Industry 4.0 technologies and build fluid recovery plans to reflect new and evolving business realities. As per the recent Federal Government announcements, over $140 million will be spent to enable businesses adopt and take advantage of digital technologies. The webinars will help you explore the benefits of Industry 4.0, and surface opportunities to adopt digital technologies. Swinburne University’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry 4.0 Hub would like to help manufacturers use this time to expand their thinking and broaden their practical knowledge to implement Industry 4.0 now and in the future. We invite you to join us in our monthly webinar series covering a diverse range of Industry 4.0 topics, which are designed to enhance your Industry 4.0 mindset and to deliver immediate value. Our web-based presentations…

Six of the seven activity indices in the Australian PMI expanded in December 2020 and January 2021 (readings above 50 points indicate expansion in activity, with higher results indicating a faster rate of expansion), with only the sales index contracting (down 4.2 points to 46.5). The exports index jumped into strong expansion (up 11.4 points to 61.4), driven by exports of food & beverages. The input price index eased slightly over the holiday period (down 0.2 points to 64.4), indicating marginally slower price increases on average, while selling prices remained stable (up 1.2 points to 50.8). The average wages index (down 3.8 points to 56.4) eased below its long-run average (58.6 points) after rising sharply in November in response to increases to manufacturing award pay rates. “In December and January Australian manufacturing continued to make up ground lost during much of 2020,” said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox. “Production, employment and…