Month: February 2024

John Hart’s Managing Director, Nicholas Rehfisch and General Manager – Global Solutions, Danny Flude recently visited Japan to accept the “Fanuc Robot Global Partner of the Year 2023 – Application Award”. The award was presented at a gala dinner in Tokyo which was attended by over 300 robotic automation integrators from around the world. As a second-time recipient of the award, it is the ultimate recognition of the capability and experience of the John Hart team behind the development of the Agile Flex series of machine tending products. This Application Award specifically recognises the world-class design of the Agile Flex robotic loading systems for CNC machine tools. A market-leading solution, Agile Flex delivers a simple-to-use, out-of-the-box solution to increase machine tool productivity and unmanned machining. The Agile Flex is marketed under the Agile Robotic Systems brand and is part of the John Hart group. It draws upon a heritage of more than 75 years in machine tools and over 40 years in robotic automation. The compact, easy-to-use, flexible and affordable Agile Flex enjoys a well-earned…

ClearVue Technologies, an Australian smart building materials company has received its first commercial order in the United States for supply of ClearVue’s clear solar glass solutions for greenhouses. The order valued at $252,000 has been placed by Greenhouse System USA Inc. of Watsonville, California. Operating for over 42 years, System USA is a leader in green housing solutions in the US and Canada. ClearVue’s single-glazing laminate will be seamlessly integrated into System USA’s existing greenhouse structure providing approximately 82kW of solar power and producing an estimated 107,000kWh per year. This clean, renewable power project will be eligible for incentives created by the Inflation Reduction Act lowering annual operating costs and reducing the facility’s carbon footprint. Importantly, this initiative uses ClearVue’s innovative single-glazing laminate developed by ClearVue in conjunction with research partner D2Solar in California since 2021. “Greenhouses have been an integral part of our strategy from day one as we understood the growing global need for renewable energy solutions for sustainable agriculture,” Martin Deil, Global CEO of ClearVue Technologies, said. “Importantly, this new order validates our strategy for targeting the US-protected…

Satellite communication (satcom) plays a vital role in our everyday lives and to industries such as aerospace, defence and telecommunications. One of the key components of satcom systems is the antenna reflector assembly which must be highly manoeuvrable for optimal continuous coverage. The next critical structural parts of the satcom system are the azimuth arms, which support the antenna load and enable 360-degree rotation with precise and rapid response manoeuvrability. Advanced Composite Structures Australia (ACS Australia), in partnership with EM Solutions, is leading the way in the development and series production of state-of-the-art carbon fibre composite azimuth arms for ship-borne satcom. The partnership between ACS Australia and EM Solutions is a testament to the strength and capabilities of Australian manufacturing and highlights the benefits of industrial collaboration in driving innovation in Australian industry. ACS Australia, based in Port Melbourne, specialises in the design, analysis, manufacture and repair of composite structures. “We are committed to delivering advanced composites technology to EM Solutions, helping develop the next generation of…

New South Wales has unveiled a groundbreaking $275m Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, in a significant stride toward a sustainable future. Premier Chris Minns announced this ambitious program, designed to foster innovation, support the energy transition, and bolster job creation through the manufacturing of renewable energy systems, low-carbon products, and clean-technology innovation. The initiative, set against the backdrop of NSW's legislative aspirations to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, represents a pivotal moment for small and medium-sized businesses poised to pilot new technologies. The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will offer the following grants: Renewable Manufacturing - increasing capacity to make the components for renewable energy projects, which will alleviate supply chain constraints and increase local content capability. For example, projects could include constructing a brand-new facility for the manufacture of solar cells, or supply chain parts for renewable energy transmission. Clean Technology Innovation - helping businesses get scalable low-emission technologies, market-ready. For example, prototypes of next-generation residential batteries, or new laboratory equipment that can test a material's ability to store hydrogen atoms. Low Carbon Product…

As global cheese consumption is expected to increase, cheesemakers could face an uphill battle to keep up with our cravings. But if food scientists have anything to say about it, they might one day be able to draw upon a surprising resource to help them ride the wave of demand. Associate Professor Jian Zhao, from the School of Chemical Engineering at UNSW Sydney, says the future of cheese production could be reliant on our oceans. The food microbiologist says the marine ecosystem is a vast untapped resource for obtaining food ingredients. “Considering that over 70% of the world’s surface is covered by oceans, it’s a tremendous untapped resource for food components, including the types of things we need to sustain cheese production as consumption continues to grow,” A/Prof. Zhao said. The search for a rennet substitute Milk coagulation, or curdling, is an essential step in cheese production. For many kinds of cheese, this is done using a milk-clotting enzyme or ‘proteases’ called rennet, a substance derived from young calf’s stomachs that is in relatively short…

Riding on the coattails of the very successful AMW Melbourne in 2023, AMTIL, the organisers of The Australian Manufacturing Week are proud to announce the collaboration of government entities behind its efforts of promoting Australian Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Technology sectors as well as leading manufacturers, taking a lead in giving this initiative, a massive impetus through their involvement with the Australian Manufacturing Week brand. Chief amongst them is the New South Wales Government through its initiative Investment NSW, which is supporting AMW as a Major Sponsor for the Sydney edition to be 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 only reiterates their trust and belief in what AMW is achieving for Australian Manufacturing. For this support, AMTIL is very thankful as without it would be near impossible to bring this endeavour to its successful fruition. The support…

Considering the problems associated with some large-scale agribusiness practices like the inhumane treatment of animals, lower quality outputs, high-density pollution and staggering water and chemical needs, it's no wonder a return to artisanal subsistence farming seems so attractive. The bad news; it's impossible. Countries where it still proliferates have stagnant economies, and it doesn't offer the variety of output we need in human diets. A single industrialised world farmer produces more food with higher nutritional quality for more people per labour unit than several subsistence farmers. There just isn't enough arable land on Earth to feed eight billion people without the scale of factory farming, and if we want to address the negative impacts it can have on the climate and environment, the only thing that might save us is biotechnology. And one of the biggest problems to solve in growing and processing our food is methane. A third of all the methane we produce is from agriculture,…

Wabtec and its launch customer Roy Hill, a leading iron ore miner majority owned by Hancock Prospecting, have celebrated the debut of the FLXdrive battery locomotive, the world’s first 100% battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive for mainline service. The ceremony unveiled the unique, striking, pink-coloured locomotive at Wabtec’s design and development centre in the USA state of Pennsylvania in front of employees, customer executives, and other officials. “This FLXdrive locomotive represents a major step in the journey to a low-to-zero-emission future in the rail industry,” said Rafael Santana, President & CEO of Wabtec. “The FLXdrive is driven from within by our battery technology. Roy Hill is an ideal customer to partner with given their leadership and excellent operational record.” Roy Hill’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive will feature an energy capacity of seven megawatt hours (MWh). Based on the route and company’s rail operations, the FLXdrive is anticipated to provide a double-digit percentage reduction in fuel costs and emissions per train. Once Wabtec completes the final battery installations and track testing, the locomotive will begin its 17,000-kilometre journey in 2024 for delivery to its…

Registrations are now open for your attendance at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) in Sydney. Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) is run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), with the NSW Government as the Major Sponsor. This huge event will occupy more than 6,560 square metres of exhibition space at the Sydney ICC at Darling Harbour. Up to 250 organisations have already taken stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!    REGISTER NOW!   There are SEVEN Zones to AMW2024, each with a particular focus, speciality and technology. These are: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by Finlease; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Zone; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by The Execution Factor; Robotics & Automation Zone; sponsored by IFS Weld and Air Solutions Zone; and the Plastic Technology Zone. At Australian Manufacturing Week, you will see many exhibitors showcasing all of the above and have the opportunity to find the right process, talk to the right people, gain the right expertise, and get on the right path to your…

Green hydrogen company, Hiringa Energy and Australian agricultural and pastoral enterprise, Sundown Pastoral Co, have partnered to drive forward the next generation of decarbonised farming and agriculture in the northern NSW region after being awarded $35.8m in funding from the NSW Government. Together, the two industry leaders will enhance the capacity of the world’s first Good Earth Cotton farm to produce climate-positive and traceable cotton. The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project involves the construction and operation of a renewable ammonia and green hydrogen production facility near Moree. The project will help farmers reduce the emissions associated with their outputs and enable them to meet consumer demand for low-carbon and sustainable produce in increasingly carbon-conscious domestic and export markets. The GEGHA project has been awarded $35.8m in funding from the NSW Government’s Hydrogen Hubs Initiative, validating GEGHA’s position in the future of Australia’s thriving green hydrogen industry. “We aim to provide a more resilient, locally produced and lower emissions supply of key inputs — to farm production (fertiliser) and transport to…

Decades ago, Australia was known as the Innovation Nation. Then, the era of cheap off-shore production began. Now, we’re turning the page on a new chapter - one sparked by new technology, never before seen on local shores. Advanced Materials and Plastics lead for Sydney-based manufacturing distributor Innovync, Anthony Cruz, has his finger on the pulse of global manufacturing innovation. Innovync’s exclusive deal with Italian CNC leaders CMS is a gateway to some of the most interesting machines on the market – including the groundbreaking Kreator. Developed in collaboration with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, the large-format Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (SEAM) technology merges with 5 axis CNC milling. A powerful fusion, to say the least. The potential for catalysing product innovation is enormous. Australia is about to receive one of its very own in the coming months. Purchased by a public facility to make prototyping in a test environment more accessible to manufacturers, the role of Australia's Kreator is to realise big ideas with minimal investment. “For example, a company can reach out to the facility and they can provide access to…

Australia has marked its historic return to space exploration by successfully launching into orbit its first scientific satellite in over two decades. The SpIRIT nanosatellite, a landmark project, emerged from a collaboration between the University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency, with a consortium of pioneering Australian SME partners and support from the Australian Space Agency. Titomic, an innovative additive manufacturing company based in Melbourne, was instrumental in this historic achievement with its groundbreaking thermal radiator design, a critical component of the satellite. The SpIRIT (Space Industry – Responsive – Intelligent – Thermal) nano-satellite is an Australia-Italy mission supported in Australia by the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment – Expand Capability scheme. “The team utilised Titomic’s state-of-the-art TKF 1000 additive manufacturing unit to develop high-efficiency radiator panels that are crucial for the satellite’s operation,” said Herbert Koeck, Managing Director of Titomic. “SpIRIT’s journey into space is not just a technological triumph. It’s also a significant step in scientific discovery,” Koeck added. SpIRIT is designed to fly in low Earth orbit…

The 2024 AFL Season is building up to be a big one! Kicking off on Thursday 7th March. AMTIL is once again running its annual AFL competition.   GREAT CASH PRIZES FOR FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PLACES! This year the big prize is $1,000. ENTRY FEE FREE for AMTIL Members Non AMTIL Members $50.00 The prizes will be awarded to 1st Prize  $1,000 2nd Prize $500 3rd Prize $250 The monthly leader board will be published in AMT. This competition does not include the Finals games. TO REGISTER Step 1. Register to be a member on www.footytips.com.au this is free. (You may already be a member from last year.  If so you will need to reactivate your account.) Step 2. Join AMTIL 2024 Footy Tips group, click here. The password is AMTIL123 Step 3. If you are an AMTIL member you are ready to start tipping. If you are a non AMTIL member you will need to pay your registration fee of $50. Contact Julie on +61 3 9800 3666 or email admin@amtil.com.au to pay for your registration or you have any further questions. Make sure you register and pay before Wednesday 6th March so you don't…