January 12, 2018
Keyways and splines are generally manufactured through broaching, slotting, milling, EDM or wire cutting. Each method has its own restrictions, particularly in the length they can achieve. Misalignment, deflection, vibration and size limitations are common problems faced by engineering workshops using conventional methods to cut keyways or splines in long parts. However, one Queensland-based company is providing a solution, promising a fast and reliable turnaround, cost effective production, tight tolerances and a high quality finish in difficult parts, with keyways up to 700mm long. Elmass (Australia) discovered this niche market 18 years ago and has been manufacturing precision keyways and splines for a wide range of industries across Queensland and Australia using its patented broaching tools and machines. Starting…
January 12, 2018
As with many other success stories, C&S Engineering and Toolmaking began in a shed in a backyard. Trading since 2003, Craig and Steven Darvill’s business got started after Steven got tired of commuting from The Oaks to Greenacre, and joined his dad – who repaired trucks – in the family workshop, with Steven’s brother Craig subsequently joining in his off-hours. The brothers invested in an old manual machine, and word got out that if a job needed doing, then Craig and Steven could get it done. Neighbours were early customers, then they told their friends, then those friends told their friends and so on. “Once we got our first CNC machine, it was only a month and Craig had to give up his full-time job,” says Steven. “Very daunting, of course, because we’d never taken a wage out of the company at that stage. And I think a month or two after that, once they knew someone was there all the time, we just got flooded. We purchased two more CNC…
December 15, 2017
The one constant is change. Change does not have to be rapid or radical. It can be subtle and seamless. But if you are not constantly changing aspects of your business and personal lives, you are at risk of being left behind. So as I look back over the last year and plan for the next year or two, I am conscious of the minor changes we have made to our business and how we operate. One internal change is our commitment to work/life balance and providing flexible working arrangements for staff. There is certainly a mind shift to the way we employ staff and keep them invigorated, accountable and productive. Our biennial flagship exhibition – Austech - ran in May 2017 and was a great success with over 12,000 visitors and…
November 24, 2017
Held at Leonda by the Yarra in Hawthorn, the one-day conference was focused on the ways in which emerging digital technologies are revolutionising manufacturing the world over, and explored the opportunities this created for the industry here in Australia. With a line-up of speakers that encompassed manufacturing companies, technology suppliers, research bodies and industry groups, the Conference offered a comprehensive, in-depth perspective of what the future holds. The event also featured 10 exhibitor stands from companies such as SICK, Lightwave Technologies and evok3D, the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC), and the Conference’s sponsor - William Buck. Following a welcoming address from AMTIL Board Member Brigitte Stavar, the first presentation came from keynote speaker Brad Howarth. Drawing on two decades as a journalist covering technology’s impact on organisations, society and individuals, Howarth’s presentation offered a wide-ranging view on the impact digital innovations are having on the world of business and wider society. “Wealth is generally generated by those who drive change,” said Howarth. “So at some stage…
October 27, 2017
Under the theme ‘Manufacturing’s Future in a Digital Age’, some of the speakers who will be presenting at the Conference include: Brad Howarth. Keynote: ‘Navigating to a Digital Future’ Brad is a respected authority on technology, marketing and digital media. As a journalist, Brad spent the last two decades researching and writing about technology’s impact on organisations, society and individuals. While he continues to study change as a freelance journalist, as a speaker and facilitator he works with organisations to help them understand and plan for changes yet to come. In 2012 Brad was selected to participate in the Prime Minister’s Digital Economy Forum alongside leaders from Australian industry and academia. Brad’s books ‘Innovation and Emerging Markets’ and ‘A Faster Future’ (co-authored with Janelle Ledwidge), respectively examined the impact of high-speed communications technology on business, society and individuals, and the path to commercialisation for Australian technology innovation. His latest, ‘Managing for Change’ (with Peter Fritz AM) sets out a practical guide…
October 20, 2017
William Buck is a leading firm of chartered accountants and advisors with offices across Australia and New Zealand. Established in 1895, it has more than 70 directors and 500 professional staff, and is wholly owned and operated in Australia and New Zealand. As a longstanding service partner to AMTIL, William Buck offers AMTIL members the opportunity to benefit from a broad range of accounting and business services including specialist tax advice, audit, wealth creation and superannuation. The AMTIL National Conference will explore the theme ‘Manufacturing’s Future in a Digital Age’. The one-day event will focus on the latest trends in digitalisation and the ways in which emerging technologies will impact our industry in both the short and the longer term. The Conference will present a unique opportunity to learn about the trends and developments that will shape and define Australian manufacturing in the coming years, as well as to network and celebrate our industry. Anyone with an interest in manufacturing and its future is invited to attend…
October 13, 2017
The Conference will focus on the latest trends in digitalisation and the ways in which emerging technologies will impact our industry in both the short and the longer term. The Conference will present a unique opportunity to learn about the trends and developments that will shape and define Australian manufacturing in the coming years, as well as to network and celebrate our industry. Anyone with an interest in manufacturing and its future is invited to attend the Conference, which will be held at Leonda by the Yarra, in Hawthorn, Victoria. “Things like Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, robotics & automation and big data are all over the headlines at the moment, yet there’s still also a lot of uncertainty about what all these developments are going to mean for manufacturers in practical terms,” says AMTIL’s CEO Shane Infanti. “The Conference follows on from the Digitalisation Pavilion that we ran…
October 6, 2017
AMTIL regularly sends a delegation to the major overseas exhibitions, and EMO is a show that has to be seen to be believed. Held every two years, the six-day event occupies 17 enormous halls on a sprawling exhibition complex on the outskirts of the city of Hannover. Under the motto of ‘Connecting Systems for Intelligent Production’, this year’s event brought together more than 2,200 exhibitors from 44 different nations showcasing the latest machines, solutions and services for industrial production. Among those exhibitors was AMTIL, which had a booth within the International Associations area of the show, alongside manufacturing assocations from countries all over the world. As well as enabling us to provide information and advice about manufacturing in Australia to anyone who came by the stand, it offered the opportunity to network and interact with those other associations, sharing insights about the state of the industry and exploring opportunities to collaborate. Moreover, having a fixed presence on the exhibition floor meant we were able to support any Australians who were visiting the show, offering…
September 22, 2017
AMTIL service partner Rigby Cooke Lawyers recently appointed Accredited Workplace Relations Specialist Simone Caylock to the firm’s partnership. Simone has worked closely with companies within the manufacturing industry for over 10 years, including at the Australian Industry Group. We sat down with Simone to look to the future of workplace relations in manufacturing. AMT: What are the key challenges manufacturers face in managing their workforce and how can they overcome them? Simone Caylock: Attracting and retaining skilled employees, including engaging the next generation of workers, are key challenges. Businesses that are successful in doing so are being proactive, including by: building relationships with schools, training organisations and local councils; identifying career paths for employees (including in overseas operations); and using social media and other tools to promote their business as an attractive workplace and culture by telling their good news story. Many manufacturers are also experiencing challenges associated with an ageing workforce, including concerns around fitness for work, ensuring they have the right…
September 16, 2017
Parkin’s achievements as a football player and coach are peerless. He captained Hawthorn Football Club to its second premiership in 1971, then coached the team to a flag in 1978. He went on to coach Carlton Football Club to back-to-back Premierships in 1981-82, as well as leading them to a record-breaking number of victories in 1995, which culminated with them again becoming Premiers. Parkin’s accomplishments have seen his talents transferred from the sporting and academic arenas to the world of business. He originally trained as a primary school teacher and has spent over two decades in teacher education. A lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science at Deakin University, he recently increased his media commitments with Foxtel’s AFL coverage as a panel member on the weekly show Fox League Teams and as a regular commentator for ABC Radio. David will discuss “Life: The Importance of Balance in the Life of a Business Entrepreneur”. Date: Thursday 19 October…
May 5, 2017
Preparations for the show are now entering their final stages, with work now underway at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre to ensure everything is ready when the event begins on Tuesday. It marks the culmination of a long and complicated process in making Austech a reality, with the exhibition space fully booked well in advance, and pre-registrations from prospective visitors already very strong. According to AMTIL Event Manager and Austech organiser Kim Banks, the enthusiasm shown both by exhibitors and by people planning to visit the show, is indicative of an willingness across the industry to invest and build for the future. “We’ve definitely seen a big surge in confidence this time round,” says AMTIL Event Manager and Austech organiser Kim Banks. “We saw bookings come in a lot earlier than usual, filling the venue way ahead of schedule. What’s also very exciting is the number of exhibitors who are coming back to the show after not participating for the last few years. It’s all looking very exciting.” Held at…
April 28, 2017
With additive manufacturing continuing to revolutionise every sector of the manufacturing industry, Austech has consistently provided a showcase for the technology as it has developed over the years, to the point where the Additive Manufacturing Pavilion has now become an unmissable part of the show. At Austech 2017, the focus on additive manufacturing is more comprehensive than ever. The Additive Manufacturing Pavilion will feature demonstrations of the latest 3D printers and services from a range of companies and organisations that are leading the field of additive manufacturing. Exhibitors in the Additive Manufacturing Pavilion include: 3D Printing Systems Amaero Engineering Bilby 3D Pty Ltd evok3d ExOne Imaginables Pty Ltd Konica Minolta Objective 3D Pty Ltd Raise 3D Rapid Advanced Manufacturing Australia RMIT University Scan-xpress Thinglab This year, Austech is once again proud to be teaming up with Inside 3D Printing to co-host the Additive Manufacturing Pavilion. Inside 3D Printing will also be hosting an impressive two-day conference…
April 21, 2017
Making its first appearance in Austech 2013, the Manufacturers’ Pavilion is a specially dedicated area created to shine a light on Australia’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing industry. This year more than 20 manufacturing businesses have signed up to exhibit within the Pavilion, comfortably surpassing last year’s numbers. “We’ve put a lot of work in over the last few years aimed at making the Manufacturers’ Pavilion an integral part of Austech, and this year that effort seems to be really starting to pay off,” explains AMTIL’s CEO and Exhibition Director Shane Infanti. “It’s not just the numbers of companies that are taking part, or the speed with which they signed up when space first became available. It’s also just the sheer sense of excitement that comes across when you talk to these companies.” The Manufacturers’ Pavilion showcases the capabilities of Australian component manufacturers, precision engineering firms, toolmakers, advanced manufacturers and general engineering companies the opportunity to exhibit their unique capabilities to an expected audience of more…