Industry News

In fact Industry 4.0 is a term developed by German government to describe its high technology strategy for manufacturing. Like all trendy new buzzwords, however, it has been quickly grabbed by consultants and the media and turned in to a catch-all term used to describe, well, whatever people want it to describe! So what is Industry 4.0? What is new and different about it, what does it change, and what should you be doing about it? I would argue that the answer to all three questions is “not much”. The reality is that we have become accustomed to a blistering pace of technological change in manufacturing over the past 20 years. Industries as old and traditional as metalworking and printing have been transformed by the combination of highly automated digitally controlled machinery and highly integrated computer aided digital work…

The Cobalt 3D Imager is equipped with dedicated on-board processors – an industry first – and a smart sensor that allows unique multi-imager array configurations. An unlimited number of 3D imagers can be placed in array configurations virtually anywhere in a manufacturing process, all scanning simultaneously and controlled by a single computer. Ideal for integration within the production environment, Cobalt can also be installed in more conventional ways, such as in conjunction with a rotary table, robot, or industrial inspection cell. Cobalt captures and processes millions of 3D data points in seconds. With high resolution, automatic exposure and high dynamic range, Cobalt can handle complex parts with fine details, varying colours, textures and reflectivity. Cobalt delivers fast, consistent measurements, independent of the operator, for quality inspection and reverse engineering applications on parts, assemblies, and tools. “The FARO Cobalt 3D Imager delivers reliable and accurate 3D scan data within an automated workflow,” stated Dr Simon Raab, FARO’s President and CEO. “With no restrictions on the number of sensors in…

The machining of complex parts with intricate forms and profiles has resulted in the need for local suppliers to deliver special cutting tools with unique geometries and advanced ceramic coatings in rapid delivery times. For over 10 years, Guhring has supplied customised cutting tools from its Production and Service Division based in Melbourne. The major growth area has been the supply of custom-made solid carbide rotating cutting tools. The high-performance range includes step drills, form/profile end mills, special reamers, compression routers and clay model cutters. Encouraged by this success, Guhring has just announced a major new investment in CNC grinding and PVD coating equipment to further support local manufacturers. Complete value-chain optimisation “High productivity, excellent economic efficiency and optimal machining have been the hallmarks of Guhring products for over 100 years,” says Brendan Smith, National Sales Manager at Guhring. Guhring customers’ trust is well-founded, with tool material, geometry and coating all perfectly matched to one another. Guhring’s revolutionary coating technology complemented by state-of-the-art R&D ensure its technological leadership in rotary…

AMT: Firstly, what is the DTC and what does it do?          Chris Burns: The DTC was set up in 1996 by a number of small companies who wanted to be in the defence space. The contracts were big and there was a lot of work, but as individual companies, it was difficult because of the tender process. They realised by coming together, they could present as a stronger unit and win more contracts. And it was very successful. There were 24 companies in the initial DTC. Since then, it’s just grown. It’s now an incorporated industry association with over 200 member companies. People think of the defence industry as people who build ships or maintain warplanes or make bullets. But it’s much broader than that. An air warfare destroyer (AWD) is just a hunk of steel until it has a trained crew on board, a maintenance base, logistic support and a command-and-control structure around it. To get those things coming together, people have to understand defence. In…

For more than 40 years, Prysm has manufactured containers such as garden pots and ice cream containers for companies across Australia. For businesses like Prysm, providing a high-quality product while keeping costs down can be a challenge. With many of the items produced at Prysm headed for some of Australia’s largest retailers, consistency and accuracy are paramount. “Many of our products require an adhesive label,” said Matthew Murphy, Production Manager at Prysm. “Previously, skilled operators would stand in one spot for hours at a time and apply labels to products every six or seven seconds. We decided to automate this repetitive task in order to reduce costs and to free up our staff for more varied and engaging activities.” During the search for an automation solution, Prysm was introduced to Universal’s technology by Sensorplex, a Universal distributor for Australia. “We helped Prysm select the UR5…

The Australian PMI expanded for a tenth straight month in April – the longest unbroken period of growth since September 2006. As in March, five of the eight manufacturing sub-sectors expanded (that is, above 50 points in three-month moving averages). The large food, beverages & tobacco sub-sector continued to lead the way, adding 3.1 points to reach a record high of 74.1. Wood & paper products also strengthened (up 0.8 points to 65.8), as did non-metallic mineral products (up 7.0 points to 57.5). However, the March recovery in the machinery & equipment sub-sector was short-lived, with this key sub-sector moving back into contraction in April (down 3.1 points to 47.8). Of the seven activity sub-indexes, all expanded except employment (down 4.2 points to 49.0). Production (down 3.2 points to 56.8), sales (down 2.7 points 56.8) and stocks (up 2.0…

With the internet, customers can create a dream car in moments. Model, colour, equipment, engine… you can customise almost every detail. However, this has an immense impact on production and logistics. All components must be ready for the production line for the car to be ready as soon as possible. The real challenge is making sure exactly the right components are available at exactly the right time. Thanks to the RFID solutions by SICK, this is possible. Mass-scale production is a thing of the past; nowadays, products are made-to-order. As such, there is always a risk that a particular piece of equipment will not be available at the point in production when it is required. Now, using the right combination of automatic identification technology solutions, companies can know exactly where a component is at all times. As a result, production downtime is minimised. The higher the degree of customisation,…

Now in its third edition in Australia, Inside 3D Printing is the largest professional global conference series dedicated to exploring business applications in the 3D ecosystem. This is the series’ first year in Sydney, following events in 2014 and 2015 in Melbourne. The diverse conference programme features experts from Australia and abroad and explores 3D printing innovation across a multitude of fields, including: manufacturing, healthcare & medicine, education, cloud software, product design, economics, and more. Session topics for Inside 3D Printing Sydney include: Keynote: 3D Printing – International Trends and Markets 3D Printing in Humanitarian Logistics Cloud 3D Printer in a Shared Environment The Death of Manufacturing Keynote: 3D Printing: Defining the Fundamental Shift in Manufacturing Solutions Gamification of CAD: Engaging Consumers Into the Design of 3D Printable Products Economics of 3D Printing and Operation Optimisation in a Commoditised Industry Future of 3D Printing in Australia and Beyond Keynote: Community Based Personalised Healthcare Additive Manufacturing & DMLS Technology Fit Tips for Running a Successful 3D Printing…

Founded in 1954 as George Lovitt Manufacturing, LTA initially established itself as a manufacturer of cutting tools for the automotive industry. Over the ensuing six decades it has evolved continuously, being quick to anticipate the eventual decline of Australian car-making and branching into fields as diverse as communications, defence and food & beverage. However, it has been in the field of aerospace that the company has really specialised – and made its name – over the last 20 years. Today, aerospace components account for around 95% of LTA’s business. In the commercial aviation sector, the company is a key supplier to Boeing, working on the 787 ‘Dreamliner’ – LTA’s biggest program – as well as the 747 and 737 airliners. In the defence space, the company supplies parts for…

Recognising excellence in Victorian manufacturing, the black-tie event will be held on 9 June at the Crown Palladium Ballroom in Melbourne’s South Bank. The event will be hosted by the Victorian State Minister for Industry, the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP. The evening includes superb entertainment, a three-course meal of fine Victorian food and beverages, as well as the opportunity to network with industry peers. The Hall of Fame Awards were established in 2001 to recognise individuals and companies who embrace new technologies and manufacturing techniques, are export-focused and excel in business innovation. The nominations are judged across a range of criteria that demonstrate best practice manufacturing, including innovation, adoption of advanced manufacturing technology, business and environmental sustainability, and skills development. Details for the Gala Dinner are as follows: Date:                     Thursday, 9 June 2016 Time:                     7.00 pm – Pre-dinner drinks 7.30 pm – Doors open Venue:                                 Palladium at Crown Melbourne Crown Entertainment Complex 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank Parking:                Available at the Multi-Level Park. nter via Clarke Street, Haig Street…

The global bicycle industry was worth US$48bn in 2014, driven by the sale of about 133m bikes. It is expected to reach an estimated US$65bn by 2019 on the back of rising fuel prices and growing traffic congestion. Boutique bicycle manufacturers Astir Frames, Bouwmeester Composites and Finch Composites are taking advantage of SA’s strong manufacturing history and access to university testing facilities to gain a foothold in the potentially lucrative cycling market. Astir Frames specialises in long-lasting tailor-made titanium bicycles. The bikes are built using parts from around the world and assembled in Adelaide. Astir’s founder James Moros said the decline of the automotive industry in the state was opening doors for him. General Motors Holden’s car manufacturing plant in Adelaide will close next year, costing thousands of jobs not only at the plant but also at component manufacturers that have supplied it for decades. “If there are factory machines that are idle, I’ll ask to use them. I’m not scavenging, but I’m utilising available equipment that other people aren’t using at the time,” he…

Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) of materials, components and structures allows engineers and technicians the ability to inspect internal surfaces and other features of an engine, motor or machinery. Videoscopes are used to carry out inspections without causing damage to delicate parts of an aircraft. Olympus — a world-leading manufacturer of optical, electronic and precision engineering products — has been at the forefront of videoscope development for many decades. A videoscope is an inspection instrument that consists of a small camera mounted on a length of cable. The camera can be controlled remotely by an operator while it is inserted in the cavity to be inspected. Modern videoscopes incorporate powerful LED light sources that are delivered through the tip of the probe, as well as motors to move the lens tip assembly. According to Sean Fogarty, Senior Sales Specialist at Olympus in Queensland, the greatest advances and improvements for…

What these triggers show is that your business’ tax compliance – in particular the annual income tax return – is more than a routine process. The ATO uses this as a key method to assess audit activity and select businesses for review. Businesses demonstrating best practice will have an active tax risk management process in place, involving senior management and key external advisors. Have financial performance that is out of kilter with your industry As a matter of course the ATO will statistically analyse your business’ tax returns. For manufacturing businesses one aspect is performance compared to industry peers. If your data is inconsistent with the industry, this can be an indicator of tax issues. The ATO releases industry benchmarks, though they are limited for the manufacturing industry due to the diverse range of businesses in the sector and…