Month: May 2025

Emerging AI technologies coupled with a digitally savvy and a highly educated workforce are giving Australia the opportunity to reinvent its manufacturing industry as a high-value, niche enterprise capable of supporting high-end jobs. The transformative change will manifest as autonomous manufacturing, in which machines independently make decisions, boosting productivity, ensuring quality, enhancing safety, minimising waste, optimising energy consumption, and so forth. The relevant technologies that support these capabilities are already accessible, as evidenced by autonomous vehicles. Australian mines have been early adopters of these technologies, with self-driving trucks operating in several local mines. The algorithms that facilitate decision-making are trained through machine learning, enabling machines to emulate human cognition. This capability allows machines to perceive their environment, reason, and make rational and safe decisions—with the advantage that machines can perform these tasks consistently and faster than humans due to their superior data processing capacity. Engineers and data scientists collaborate to guide the algorithms. As the nation’s premier research organisation focusing on translational applied research, CSIRO is committed…

Australian-built generative AI software trialled by iconic American confectionery company Tootsie Roll could provide hundreds of millions of dollars in savings to the manufacturing industry. The software includes real-time insights that facilitate a greater connection between the C-suite and operational teams. Australian manufacturing efficiency software company OFS has launched Mayvn AI, a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence platform designed to improve productivity and strengthen communication between manufacturing executives and operational teams. The Australian-designed and engineered software, Mayvn AI, offers real-time information and insights into what’s happening operationally in manufacturing facilities. This can encompass current issues delaying production all the way through to preparing a business case for capital investment and the related return on investment (ROI). Mayvn AI has been trialled with major Australian and global manufacturers, including the iconic US confectionery maker Tootsie Roll Industries, which has reduced specific data-related procedures by over 90%. “There are things we ‘knew’ were a problem, but Mayvn AI validates and quickly provides us with data to effectively demonstrate the impact of those problems,” said Eric Bader, Manufacturing Systems Manager at Tootsie Roll Industries. “We’ve…

Objective3D, Australia and New Zealand’s leading provider of additive manufacturing solutions, has officially merged with TCL Hofman (Australia) and TCL Hunt (New Zealand), both part of the Ravago Group. This strategic merger creates the region's most comprehensive additive manufacturing solutions provider, operating under the unified Objective3D brand. This merger combines unparalleled expertise and technology offerings, including polymer, metal, and ceramic 3D printing, advanced 3D scanning, and additive manufacturing software. In addition to the extensive range of cutting-edge solutions from Stratasys, Lithoz, Artec3D, and Materialise, Objective3D will expand to incorporate other additive manufacturing technologies including both Formlabs and Nikon SLM solutions. This positions Objective3D as a driving force in the Australian manufacturing landscape, empowering industries to embrace innovation, enhance efficiency, and strengthen local manufacturing capabilities. What sets Objective3D apart is not only the scale of its operations but also the authenticity of its approach. Its Additive Manufacturing Centre in Carrum Downs, Victoria, is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Unlike others who merely sell 3D printers as part of a broader portfolio, Objective3D employs the same technologies…

3D printing is often referred to as rapid prototyping due to its ability to quickly and affordably manufacture small volumes of components, particularly those with complex geometries. With no need to produce expensive tooling or moulds, 3D printing is significantly more economical, especially during the development phase, when compared to processes such as injection moulding. However, making the transition to industrial-scale production has been a challenge… until now. For those needing to fabricate parts with high-resolution (better than ~0.3mm) and a surface finish akin to injection moulded parts, resin-based 3D printing using light-based technologies is the solution. At the top end of the scale is the UpNano NanoOne Green which can achieve feature sizes as fine as 100nm using 2-photon polymerisation (2PP) technology, making it the ultimate tool for rapid prototyping.  Even with it’s industry-leading printing speed, print times can be relatively long and production volumes are limited. UpNano recently unveiled the NanoPro VT, the world’s first 2PP 3D printer built for industrial-scale production, offering high-volume microparts on a scale that has never been possible. The NanoPro…

Established in 1974 and trading as Jenkin Bros. Engineers until last year’s 50th anniversary, the new trading name Jenera pays homage to the company’s founders, Bob and Graham Jenkin, while looking forward to a new era in its evolution. Some key developments in the company’s history occurred with a buyout of management in 2004 by a group including Frank Taranto and Jamie Macaulay, the current business directors and owners. The acquisition of Arthur Ward, a fabrication business, in 2009 significantly boosted the company’s capabilities. The transfer of around two million dollars worth of Kenworth parts business from Australian Engineering (previously Elliott) in 2013 significantly increased turnover. Simon Bowen is the current CEO, and staff numbers today are around sixty. Operating primarily in Melbourne, Jenera’s key services include precision CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, bending, thread rolling, folding, and painting. A dedicated finished assembly area connects manufactured components, providing customers with a one-stop shop for all their sheet metal needs. Its machining centre features nine CNC lathes, five VMC mills, and two CNC saws. On the…

Gold Fields has awarded a contract to Goldwind to design, manufacture and construct seven wind turbines for its St Ives gold mine, located 80km south of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The turbines will form a 42MW wind farm as part of Gold Fields’ landmark $296m St Ives Renewable Energy project, which will become one of Western Australia’s largest renewable energy initiatives at an existing mine site. It’s not the number of turbines that’s news, but their gargantuan size. Together, these elements make the project one of the largest to be commissioned at an existing mine site in WA. Mobile batching plants will be deployed to the site in Kambalda to mix the 900m3 volume of concrete and allow for continuous pours at each of the seven turbine bases. The entire renewable system is projected to provide power for 73% of the St Ives site and reduce the mine’s carbon emissions by approximately 50% by 2030. Gold Fields Principal Specialist and Project Director Simon Schmid said the St Ives project was part of Gold Fields’ expanding decarbonisation…

The Northern Territory manufacturing ecosystem will soon access the latest surface cleaning technology for metal and other materials through Darwin-based services company Wurrba (pronounced Wataba), with co-investment from the Northern Territory Government and managed by the AMGC. Wurrba’s adoption and deployment of cutting-edge laser surface cleaning technology will mark the first time this calibre of technology is permanently available in the region, as companies previously required to engage with interstate or international suppliers for laser cleaning services. Founded in 2020, Wurrba is an Indigenous-owned, managed, and operated project management business that delivers comprehensive end-to-end solutions in construction, remediation, and maintenance throughout the Northern Territory. In collaboration with laser cleaning experts, Wurrba will also aim to tackle the challenges of operating such equipment in the heat and humidity of the Northern Territory, while also enhancing local staff’s skills in the operation, maintenance, and sustainment of the precision equipment. “Laser cleaning will become a critical enabler for the NT’s manufacturing and wider industrial ecosystem,” explained Raphael Clarke, Founder of Wurrba. “Through the adoption and deployment of this advanced technology, Wurrba…

Scientists have observed water molecules splitting in real time to form hydrogen and oxygen. Just before they split, the molecules did something entirely unexpected: They flipped 180 degrees. This micro acrobatic stunt requires energy, which explains why splitting water demands more energy than theoretical calculations indicated. The researchers suggest that further study could provide vital insights into enhancing the efficiency of splitting water molecules—paving the way for more affordable, clean hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen possesses several key properties that render it an attractive source of green energy. This energy-rich fuel can power trucks and even cargo ships, and it stands as the sole alternative to fossil fuels in industries such as steel and fertiliser manufacturing. When burned, the fuel emits water instead of carbon dioxide. However, the steep energy requirements for hydrogen production significantly limit the scale at which the fuel can be produced. According to the International Energy Authority, 322 million tonnes of hydrogen fuel must be generated annually to satisfy global energy needs. Yet, in 2023, only 97 million tonnes were produced…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising supply chain planning, but a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. AI isn’t just for highly advanced supply chains; regardless of maturity, every company can benefit. The key is aligning AI adoption with current capabilities rather than rushing into advanced solutions without a solid foundation. However, blindly implementing AI—without understanding your supply chain maturity or selecting the right technology partner—can be risky. AI success depends on choosing tools suited to your needs and ensuring proper integration. The Five Levels of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Maturity and AI Readiness A Supply Chain Maturity Model helps businesses assess where they stand and determine what AI can offer at each stage. While various models exist globally (Gartner, Oliver Wight, Deloitte, PwC, SCOR), the DMS Manufacturing Supply Chain Maturity Score is tailored to Australian and New Zealand manufacturers. This model evaluates people, processes, technology, strategy, and collaboration, helping businesses identify strengths, weaknesses, and AI opportunities. Here’s how AI fits into each maturity stage: Disjointed Manufacturing Supply Chains (Low Maturity) Limited processes, poor…

James Hardie Australia is proud to mark Australian Made Week by celebrating its partnership with Australian Made, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Australian manufacturing, innovation, and community development. Today, with more than 450 employees across local manufacturing, operations, research and development, James Hardie champions Aussie ingenuity from its facilities in Rosehill, New South Wales, and Carole Park, Queensland. “Our vision is to inspire how communities design, build, and grow today and tomorrow,” said John Arneil, President of James Hardie Asia-Pacific. “Our partnership with Australian Made is a symbol of our commitment to local manufacturing and product innovation. We’re proud to help create jobs, grow local capability, and build stronger communities - right here at home.” “No one understands Australian homes better than Australian manufacturers. By producing locally, we deliver products engineered specifically for our climate and building standards. Our investment in Australian manufacturing is a commitment to supporting local jobs and the communities we serve.” To help deliver on its purpose to build a better future for all, James Hardie had its range of fibre cement products certified…

To be held in Melbourne on September 18, the 2025 Mobility Technology Excellence Awards encompass all areas of mobility engineering including electric, autonomous and combustion engine technology, aerospace and defence, heavy commercial vehicles (on-and-off road), rail and rolling stock, specialty vehicles, mobility industry supply chains, research and development (R&D) agencies and service organisations. Nominations are now open and will close on June 30, 2025. The Mobility Technology Excellence Award has long been regarded as a prestigious accolade within the mobility engineering profession, offering significant recognition across the industry. All award nominations are reviewed by an expert panel of judges comprising of highly experienced and respected engineers in their field. All award-winning entries will be published in both the SAE-A's quarterly Vehicle Technology Engineer (VTE) magazine and other transport engineering publications as well as the SAE-A website and various online platforms. Companies and individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by others. The awards are presented at a gala industry dinner to those who have demonstrated…

With its head office in Tasmania and manufacturing plants in both Tasmania and South Australia, Jayben Group is an OEM company that specialises in powertrain products and light to medium industrial plant and equipment, including design, engineering, and manufacturing for the mining, agricultural, manufacturing, and defence sectors. Since its humble beginnings in 1927, the company has evolved significantly and today, it services clients both nationally and overseas. Determined to continue to provide clients with first-rate products, the company trialled Kemppi’s WeldEye welding management software before fully implementing the solution to effectively control welding quality. The challenge According to Danny Patmore, Fabrication Manager at Jayben Group, the company was not willing to forego quality despite experiencing strong growth. “Since our earliest days, we have been committed to producing high-quality products, and even though we have rapidly expanded, we remain unwavering in ensuring that quality is integral in all stages of the production process, including welding. “Welding is fundamental when you are manufacturing the sorts of parts and equipment that we produce in steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other metals. If the quality…

Safe Work Australia has recently brought in significant changes to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for welding fumes after the Work Health and Safety Ministers endorsed a decision to change Australian legislation. The new law establishes air quality standards for an eight-hour weighted average at just 1mg/m³, an 80% reduction from the previous limit of 5mg/m³. This change represents a significant step towards ensuring worker safety by reducing their exposure to harmful welding fumes. The new limit applies to welders and anyone who works near them. Worker protection in the welding industry has recently faced scrutiny, as serious health issues have been linked to extended exposure to welding fumes, a recognised carcinogen. The quick implementation of this reduction will ensure workplaces actively mitigate the negative health effects associated with welding activities. This decision will also ensure that workers remain committed to their roles without worrying about potential long-term health impacts from their chosen careers. Implications of the WES changes to welding workers and business owners The recent update to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for welding fumes holds significant implications…