Month: May 2024

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…