Month: March 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, innovation is not just a luxury – it is a necessity. As global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and shifting market demands place increasing pressure on the industry, innovation in equipment manufacturing and farming practices must work hand in hand to drive progress. Modern machinery is no longer just about efficiency; it must also enhance sustainability, improve soil health, and optimise productivity. This synergy between engineering innovation and smart agricultural practices is shaping the future of farming, ensuring long-term viability for farmers worldwide. KELLY Tillage, a company deeply rooted in the Australian farming community, has consistently pushed the boundaries when manufacturing agricultural machinery – responding to evolving industry challenges with smart solution innovation. The company’s forward-thinking approach and grassroots understanding have cemented KELLY Tillage as a respected brand name on the global stage. No mean feat for a family born business from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. From their beginnings on the farm as KELLY Engineering, KELLY Tillage has remained committed to providing farmers with equipment…

Steel fabricators may not think much about corrosion after completing their work. However, major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines, and tanks is constantly threatened by corrosion, which, if it takes hold, will make them unsafe. Traditionally, phase control cathodic protection (CP) systems were used to protect infrastructure, but these come with several challenges, such as the high cost of copper cabling and associated power loss. These issues become even more significant for asset owners who must address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Here, David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments while simultaneously reducing costs and enhancing maintenance capabilities. At the core of any impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system is a transformer-rectifier unit (T/R), which provides the essential electrical current for ongoing protection. There are two primary types of T/R that can be employed to supply current for an ICCP system: phase control and switch-mode. While both technologies are hugely important to the global CP market, it is not always clear which is…

South Australia’s wine export industry is thriving, contributing significantly to the country’s $2.39bn wine exports in 2024. According to Wine Australia, exports surged by 34% in value between January and September 2024, with shipment volumes climbing 7% to 643 million litres—the highest volume seen in years. Leading the charge, South Australia accounts for 52% of the nation’s wine production, followed by New South Wales (24%) and Victoria (15%). In 2024 alone, South Australia crushed 1.43 million tonnes of grapes, a 9% increase from the previous year. “Maintaining a competitive edge while meeting growing demand means embracing new solutions,” said Darryl Blackeby, Regional Sales Manager for sensor technology leader ifm. “Automation is the key to scaling up and staying ahead in such a dynamic industry.” Why automation matters While larger wineries are already adopting automation to meet rising demand, many smaller producers hesitate. They often hold back because of concerns about cost, downtime, and disruptions to their artisanal processes. “There’s a misconception that automation takes away the craft of winemaking,” Blackeby noted. “But the truth is, the right systems…

Steel processing specialists and integrators seek versatile, high-performance solutions that can effortlessly manage diverse project requirements and integrate with advanced automation systems. To meet these needs, Kraftech developed the X-Calibre™, a pioneering robotic plasma coping machine that combines precision, speed, and adaptability to accommodate a wide range of steel profiles. The X-Calibre provides a comprehensive solution capable of performing layout marking, scribing, four-side processing, cutting holes, coping, slotting, weld preparations, mitres, and bevels—all within a single unit. Kraftech’s ambitious development was powered by Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology, which offered the seamless integration, communication flexibility, and safety features required to bring this innovation to fruition. Kraftech is a premier provider of heavy-duty robotic equipment. Recently relocated to larger premises in southern Sydney, it collaborates with some of the globe’s most innovative industrial machinery manufacturers. With expertise in CNC machinery, plasma and oxy cutting systems, robotics, and fibre laser cutting machines, the company is dedicated to engineering state-of-the-art steel processing technologies. Engineered to excel in heavy-duty environments, the X-Calibre is customised for demanding projects that require precision and reliability. Designed for mass…

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance is proud to participate in Australian Manufacturing Week and connect with industry leaders, employers and innovators who drive the future of Australian manufacturing. As the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) for manufacturing, our mission is clear: to drive solutions that address the manufacturing industry's evolving skills and workforce needs. Manufacturing is at the heart of Australia’s economy, yet the industry faces ongoing challenges in workforce development and addressing skills shortages. As an industry-owned and led organisation, we work closely with government bodies, unions, employers, and training providers to find solutions to the industry's skills and workforce challenges. Our role is not just about identifying the issues—it’s about delivering practical, industry-led solutions that have a real impact. Workforce planning and training solutions We want to connect with employers and industry professionals, hear firsthand about the challenges businesses face, and collaborate on solutions that ensure manufacturing has the workforce it needs to thrive. Our work spans several key areas: Workforce planning: We provide data-driven insights to support workforce development strategies and make sure workforces are equipped with the skills to…

Colterlec has been delivering quality-engineered electrical product solutions for over 25 years across a range of industries, including mining, transport, and energy, with a strong focus on manufacturing, food and beverage, and packaging. Colterlec is proudly Australian-owned and operated and continues to be a leading distributor of electrical product innovations and solutions around Australia. We have a committed and skilled team to support you at every stage, along with partnerships with leading global suppliers to help you find the right product solution. Colterlec will showcase a comprehensive range of manufacturing and automation solutions from leading industry brands, aimed at enhancing productivity and safety in manufacturing. From Moxa, we will present industrial networking and automation connectivity solutions. These smart digital technologies are designed to optimise manufacturing operations and transform industrial processes, enhancing control across essential infrastructure. Next, Phoenix Contact features its Complete Cabinet Confidence of Power Reliability solutions, including connectivity, switching, and conversion technology, designed for dependable integrated systems that enhance operations and minimise downtime. Grace Technologies will showcase its electrical safety products and predictive maintenance solutions to enhance safety…

As organisers of Australian Manufacturing Week, 6-9 May, AMTIL proudly announces a collaboration among government entities and leading manufacturers to promote Australian manufacturing, particularly in the Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Technology sectors. REGISTER NOW! The Victorian Government is leading the charge, supporting AMW2025 as a Major Sponsor of the Future Solutions Speaker Program which will take place from 6 to 8 May at AMW2025. The Queensland Government is sponsoring the AMW VIP Breakfast, and the NSW Government is sponsoring the Additive Manufacturing Zone. Three C Financial is sponsoring the Machine Tool Zone, Smenco will sponsor the Robotics and Automation Solutions, and PFM Works is sponsoring the Manufacturing Solutions Zone. Kraftech is the lanyard sponsor, OKUMA Australia is sponsoring the showbags and this newsletter is sponsored by the Australian Made Campaign. Kraftech and the Australian Made Campaign returning as sponsors only reiterates their trust and belief in what AMTIL and the AMW trade show is achieving for Australian Manufacturing. AMTIL is very thankful for this support, as it would be near impossible to bring this endeavour to its successful fruition without…

Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new network under its auspices, the Australian Additive Manufacturing Network (AAMN or the Network), to drive the development of additive manufacturing (AM) in Australia. AAMN is industry-led, driven by volunteerism, and committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability within the AM industry. The Network will continue the work that was previously associated with the AM Hub, which ran from 2018 and concluded in 2023. AAMN builds upon AM Hub, expanding both its reach and relevance. AMTIL members formerly involved in AM Hub are welcome to participate with AAMN. An alliance between the Network and AMTIL provides a boost to AMTIL’s work with developing and supporting the Australian AM industry. In kind, AMTIL will assist the Network with governance and secretariat support and to host events and other industry development initiatives. The Network will encompass the AMTIL Membership, while expanding this reach well beyond current members. AAMN exists to unite industry professionals, researchers, and government stakeholders to create a vibrant community focused on advancing additive…

Our cutting-edge machine tool portfolio includes abrasives, super-abrasives, grinding and dielectric fluids, and synthetic water-based coolants. With years of industry experience, our expert team ensures customers receive solutions that maximise value and productivity. Come and see us at AMW2025, at Stand MT882. We invite exhibition attendees to visit our booth to explore our latest offerings, including tool pre-setting, balancing, and measuring equipment by Speroni, industrial butt-welding machines by IDEAL Werk, and industrial cleaning solutions by Teknox. Additionally, we provide extensive information on equipment, consumables, and coolants from leading brands such as Vollmer, Loroch, Schnell Kennametal, Molemab, and Oelheld. Our team will be on hand to discuss how these solutions can enhance your manufacturing processes and help you achieve superior results. In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, precision and efficiency are crucial. Camco Cutting Tools meets these demands by providing innovative CNC solutions and high-performance consumables that help manufacturers stay ahead. We work closely with top European manufacturers to source CNC equipment that meets the highest industry standards. Our carefully selected…

Sweet dreams and a sustainable night’s sleep are now a reality following the launch of Australia’s first bed base made from 100% recycled plastic under the brand ‘Circular Beds’. Made in Victoria, the pioneering bed base contains about 22kg of recycled consumer plastic (enough for a king single) from items such as milk crates, garden pots, storage containers, and buckets. It is completely recyclable at the end of its life. The concept of a 100% recycled plastic bed base had its genesis in a question from Tracey Pryor, Director of Innovation at the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC), to Dr John Stehle, Inventor and Director of ROBOVOID, being ‘how can we redesign bed bases to keep them out of landfill and make them truly sustainable?’ ROBOVOID subsequently developed the concept into a prototype with the support of Swinburne University, GT Recycling and the ABSC, with $300,000 in grant funding from Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government. According to ROBOVOID Director, Scott Olding, bed bases are typically constructed from low-grade virgin timber, bolted or stapled together, and covered in fabric with…

The Federal Government has underlined its support for Australian-Made metals in the face of Donald Trump’s tariffs by providing a new $750m boost to new technology in the sector. Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change and Energy the Hon Chris Bowen, released a joint statement to announce the funding, which will be directed towards metals development tech that aligns with Net Zero goals. As part of the $1.7bn Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund announced in the 2024/25 Budget, this new $750m in funding will accelerate innovation and enhance the development of new low-emissions technologies. It has the potential to enable commercial-scale production of green metals using Australian ores and renewable resources, paving the way for greater trade opportunities, more jobs, and reduced emissions. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), an independent body, will distribute the funds, which can be used to fund pilot and demonstration projects that can lower emissions, improve productivity, and revitalise plant and equipment. This marks the latest…

AML3D has always been at the forefront of innovation, driving the adoption of advanced additive manufacturing technology that disrupts traditional methods and unlocks new possibilities. Over the past few years, our pivot toward becoming a leading provider of Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) systems has set the stage for remarkable growth. With the development of our ARCEMY® additive manufacturing systems and proprietary software solutions, WAMSoft® and AMLSoft™, we are transforming how industries approach production and supply chain challenges. This growth trajectory reached a critical milestone with our successful entry into the US market, underscored by high-profile contracts from the US Navy via BlueForge Alliance. These engagements validate our cutting-edge technology and our strategy of aligning with key partners to address the specific needs of high-value sectors such as defence, maritime, aerospace, oil, gas and energy. Embracing the power of wire additive manufacturing At its core, AML3D's mission is to harness the potential of wire additive manufacturing to address complex industrial challenges. Unlike traditional casting and subtractive manufacturing methods, WAM builds parts layer-by-layer from a digitally designed model. This approach minimises material waste,…

At AMW2025, OneKloudX is giving manufacturers and warehouse managers the power to see every move, stay in control, and prevent problems before they happen—with NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing and 3DLogistiX. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing – See what’s really happening on the factory Floor. You don’t know a work order is delayed until it’s already impacted production. You can’t track actual costs in real time. Inventory plans are based on estimates instead of live data. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing changes that with: Work Order Tracking: Know what’s in progress, what’s delayed, and what needs attention before it impacts production; Automated Inventory Backflushing: Material usage updates instantly, preventing shortages and errors; Routing and Labour Costing: Track and control labour expenses and resource allocation in real time; Infinite Capacity Scheduling: Adjust production schedules dynamically to maximise throughput and minimise downtime; Batch Management & Control: Ensure consistent quality and compliance in every production run; Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Guarantee that stock arrives exactly when needed—no overstocking, no delays; Shop Floor Control: Gain live insights into WIP, labour, and machine utilisation, so you can optimise production…