Month: May 2024

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working on advanced manufacturing solutions to apply for a self-paced, 10-week, online program that can help them turn an idea into an R&D opportunity. 'Innovate to Grow' was launched in 2020, and in just four years the free program has equipped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research. CSIRO recently announced a $20m investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. “Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said. “It’s an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes while driving prosperity…

She Made It is a groundbreaking doco-series that illuminates Queensland stories of resilience, innovation and triumph, as embodied by women in the manufacturing industry. Following the successful launch of the series on International Women's Day in March 2024, the web series has been entered into film festivals across Australia, the US and Canada, including Melbourne & Sydney Lift-Off film festivals, LA Femme International Film Festival and Montreal Women Film Festival. The series and standalone episodes will continue to be submitted into a wide variety of festivals over the coming year. The production is also aimed at providing women with more information about opportunities in manufacturing and highlighting the diverse types of work available in the manufacturing industry. As is known, there is a significant pipeline of manufacturing work in Queensland, and it is crucial more women join the industry to fill skills shortages. The documentary series is part of the Women in Manufacturing Strategy launched by the Queensland Government on International Women’s Day last year. The strategy is implementing key actions aimed at attracting more women to manufacturing, with a focus…

OPEN MIND has always offered an innovative CAD/CAM solution whose CAD functionalities are seamlessly linked to CAM programming. This leads to enormous time savings in work-piece preparation. This alone makes it clear that CAM without CAD is no longer an option today. From version 2024, hyperMILL now combines CAD and CAM under one name (instead of hyperCAD-S), thus consolidating ‘CAD for CAM’ for the future. The familiar CAD functionalities remain the same, only their names change. New and enhanced capabilities hyperMILL 2024 includes a range of powerful enhancements to its core toolpath capabilities, as well as new functionality for increased NC programming efficiency in applications ranging from 2.5D machining to 5-axis milling. An optimised Deep Hole Drilling CAM strategy offers improved machining reliability by providing a user-friendly interface with process-relevant parameters clearly defined on a new process tab. New capabilities enable coolant and dwell time stages to be identified, allow a chip break to be integrated into a drilling process and more. A new single-tip gun drill tool simulation function provides precise collision checking and a detailed visualisation of…

BelottiSpA, a CNC machining solutions pioneer, proudly announces a groundbreaking advancement in additive manufacturing for tooling and moulds, facilitated by the integration of ADAXIS's AdaOne software. This ultimate platform makes it possible to program and control robotic arms as large-scale 3D printers for a wide range of materials. This collaboration with ADAXIS to incorporate BEAD technology is a significant milestone in manufacturing excellence, offering a simple tool that democratises the fabrication of complex large-scale parts. Multi-axis additive manufacturing, combined with CNC machining, has emerged as a compelling alternative amidst the evolving challenges of manufacturing industries. Making this technology (BEAD) accessible and cost-effective has been a clear objective for Belotti from the outset. Initially through collaboration with CEAD, which brought BEAD to market, and now collaborating with ADAXIS to deliver a turnkey user experience. The additive process excels in tooling and draping mould production, reducing lead times, increasing production flexibility, and ensuring cost and inventory control. However, its effective utilisation requires significant expertise and methodology. This collaboration prioritises user experience by offering simple, robust, and accessible…

NCG CAM is not so well known in Australia but quite a few in Australia have heard of Machining Strategist. NCG CAM has the same origin as Machining Strategist in the UK when it was developed and marketed by NC Graphics. NCG CAM is now, for 12 years, developed and marketed by NCG CAM Solutions Ltd just outside Cambridge in the UK. In Australia, NCG CAM is sold and supported by Camplex Pty Ltd. This is a very much improved version of the old Machining Strategist software. Many improvements and new features have been introduced roughing, finishing strategies, rest milling and tool simulation. NCG CAM V19.0 introduced 2-axis turning as part of its 3-axis milling and will soon support Turn/Mill machines that are becoming very popular in machine shops. NCG CAM can also program 4 & 5-axis machines with full machine simulation included with the post-processor. Apart from standard 5-axis milling operations, you can automatically convert 3-axis toolpaths with full gauge protection. NCG CAM v19 is noted for its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities. Whether you…

Delivering industry-focused and scalable research outcomes to regional Victoria has been a key goal of Deakin University’s Carbon Nexus, which marks its ten-year anniversary this month. The facility is home to the world’s largest open-access carbon fibre pilot production line, supporting the development of carbon fibre products and technologies in Geelong for a critical global industry. Located in the heart of Deakin’s Future Economy Precinct at the Waurn Ponds campus, Carbon Nexus has partnered with leading global companies including Vestas, PETRONAS, the Ford Motor Company, SABIC, Boeing and Solvay. Importantly, Carbon Nexus produced the first ever entirely home-grown Australian carbon fibre shortly after its establishment. Carbon Nexus was the catalyst for over 1,400 jobs and growth in the Geelong region, employing skilled workers displaced by the closure of local manufacturing between 2014-16 and boosting the growth of the Future Economy Precinct. Additionally, Carbon Nexus also attracted Quickstep Holdings to move its automotive R&D from Germany to Geelong in 2015, fostering collaboration between Quickstep and Deakin for broader partnership opportunities. The facility also significantly contributed to Carbon Revolution's growth, which is expected to…

Offshore energy is booming as a prospective means of introducing new large-scale electricity generation into our networks. Around the world, there are great examples of working structures well away offshore, pulling clean power out of the wind, where it blows the strongest. It's a wind win. Oceanex Energy is developing three offshore wind farms off the coast of NSW: Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm, Illawarra Offshore Wind Farm and Eden Offshore Wind Farm. The Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm is a 2,000MW (2GW) floating offshore wind farm proposed by project partners Oceanex Energy and Equinor Australia. The Project provides an incredible opportunity for the Hunter Region, the state of New South Wales and Australia, to be a world leader in the growing offshore wind industry. The Hunter can be a regional powerhouse in the development, manufacturing and deployment of floating offshore wind farms powering NSW and Australia to a new, clean energy future. Offshore wind generation off the Hunter coast has a steady, high wind profile that generates at…

IBROX Engineering is headed up by Derek Warrington, a man widely known for fast and reliable quality engineering output and on-time delivery. With more than 36 years’ experience, Derek is respected as one of the most talented CNC programmers/setters and CAM programmers as well as being known as one of the most hard-working tool makers and fitter and turner operators in the industry. The unusual name of the new company comes from Derek’s proud Scottish heritage and a passion for the Glasgow Rangers with the name IBROX coming from the home stadium of the Glasgow Rangers. Owner operator, Derek Warrington’s introduction to the industry started at the tender age of just 10 years, working in his father’s engineering shop at weekends. Under a watchful eye and standing on an upturned milk crate to reach the controls, he gained his first machining experience. Commencing full-time at the age of just 14 years Derek worked for more than 36 years in the business…

Workholding technologies form a critical foundation for companies engaged in precise and efficient manufacturing processes. Industries such as defence, aerospace, medical, mining, automotive, and general engineering rely on these technologies for optimal production efficiency. Access to high-end workholding technology is not just advantageous; it is essential for ensuring smooth operations and high-quality output. Dimac Tooling, Australia’s premier supplier of accessories and premium workholding solutions for CNC milling and CNC turning machine tools, has thrived for well over 30 years. They collaborate closely with clients to grasp the nuances of their operations, enhancing machine performance and human interaction. Each range they offer aligns with their ongoing mission to discover the most effective, safe, and productive methods for securing machine workpieces, ensuring optimal productivity and flexibility. The Lang Workholding range, developed and manufactured in Germany, perfectly embodies these ideals. Lang Technik's premier products are currently utilised by Dimac's prestigious clients, one of which is Australian Precision Technologies Pty Ltd. This advanced manufacturing facility consults Dimac's expertise as their CNC performance partner. These products are designed to…

Precision cutting tools are an integral part of our world at ANCA. Manufacturing just one aircraft will consume hundreds of thousands of cutting tools. Anything you can imagine that might need to be machined will require a grinding machine to provide the cutting tools. Family, fulfillment, and a fascination with technology are all part of a formula that has seen ANCA lead the demanding niche of CNC tool and cutter grinders for a half-century. In its time, the Australia-based global business has made an enormous yet largely hidden contribution to the world, selling over 10,000 5-axis CNC machines to over 2,500 customers. Around 1.1 billion tools have been created using ANCA’s grinders. “You would be very unlikely to find any bit of advanced equipment, anywhere in the world, that hasn’t been touched by a cutting tool which has been manufactured on one of our machines,” explains co-founder Pat Boland, whose company’s customers include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Iscar, Sandvik, Sutton Tools and many other household names. Boland and Pat McCluskey – then an electrical engineer and an industrial electronics tradesman…

Victoria’s most advanced and innovative manufacturers are being encouraged to nominate for the 2024 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards, supported by the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins has opened nominations for this year’s awards – the state’s largest celebration of local manufacturers, recognising individuals and companies that embrace new technologies, excel in business innovation, drive exports and boost the state’s economy. “These awards shine a spotlight on our brightest manufacturing talent and I encourage individuals and businesses to nominate and get recognised for their achievements,” Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins. “Victoria is the home of advanced manufacturing in Australia and we’re continuing to support this sector because we know how critical it is to growing our economy and creating great local jobs.” There will be 14 awards presented including ‘Leader in Construction Technologies’, ‘Leader in Health Technologies’, ‘Leader in Textile, Clothing and Footwear’, ‘Leader in Transport and Rail’, ‘Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year’, the flagship ‘Leader in Manufacturing’ and the new category for 2024 ’Leader in Gender Equality and Inclusion’. Now in its 22nd…

Grants of up to $5m to help innovative startups and high-growth small and medium businesses (SMEs) to commercialise their big ideas are now available through the Industry Growth Program (IGP), a part of the Albanese Government’s a Future Made in Australia agenda. The IGP grants will translate more world-leading Australian know-how into viable businesses, growing the pipeline of investment-ready projects for the $15bn National Reconstruction Fund to consider. These grants will provide targeted support for SMEs across the NRF’s seven priority areas to overcome the challenges associated with growing and scaling up through two grant streams: Early-stage commercialisation grants from $50,000 to $250,000 to help establish the commercial viability of an innovative product, process, or service. Commercialisation and Growth grants from $100,000 to $5m to help push ideas from prototyping through to market readiness stages. Grants will help develop strategies for entry to market and scaling up into national and international markets. Grant funding through these programs is matched with the IGP’s specialised advice and mentoring program, which has already supported more than 340 businesses since opening in November…

MCHND is a South Australian engineering workshop focused on precision machining using 3D CAD/CAM software and multi-axis CNC machines. The team at MCHND are dedicated to creating intricate components for the exacting demands of space, medical, aerospace, and defence sectors. MCHND is based in Richmond, an inner-west suburb of Adelaide, South Australia. Business partners Jimmy Jolly and Mike Harding admit they work well together. They completed the last half of their toolmaking apprenticeships together at the same company and their friendship flourished. “We are both very different people, but our work ethic is the same,” says Jimmy. “We push each other and get along quite well. It has been a fruitful partnership, something that has been extremely successful for both of us.” Mike’s career spans a few diverse industries including a three-year tenure in the UK’s Formula One sector. He has honed a comprehensive skill set encompassing CAD design, 5-axis CAM machining, 9-axis multitasking machining, manual machining, and astute business management. Jimmy was brought up in an engineering family. His father was a Toolmaker with his own machining business, building historic racing…