Industry News

Incat specialises in high-speed, lightweight aluminium passenger vehicle ferries and has become synonymous with innovation and sustainability. Using aluminium to construct its vessels is integral to Incat's design philosophy and operational strategy, and the business has had a long-standing partnership with Capral Aluminium. Robert Clifford founded Incat as a family business with small ferries across Hobart's Derwent River. This modest beginning ignited a passion for innovation, leading to the development of some of the world's largest passenger catamarans. Today, Incat's vessels are common across many continents, including Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Stephen Casey, CEO of Incat explained. "From really small, humble beginnings as a family business, Incat vessels now are all around the world," highlighting the company's expansive reach. Based in Derwent Park, Hobart, Incat boasts the largest covered shipyard in the southern hemisphere. The facility, comprising five large production halls, is strategically located on the waterfront of Prince of Wales Bay, facilitating the seamless launch and sea trials of its vessels. Incat is a business committed to innovation and sustainability, which…

Sandvik Coromant has introduced the QS™ Micro — a new quick-change holding system explicitly developed for sliding head machines. It promises exceptional precision, security, and repeatability, as well as maximised machine utilisation. The QS™ Micro holding system is specifically designed for small-part machining and sliding head machines. It covers most industry segments, such as general engineering, automotive, aerospace and medical. With an extensive range of cutting heads and shank adaptors, the system offers a multitude of configurations and quick tool changes. The assortment includes rectangular shaft adaptors in sizes 10 × 10 mm up to 20 × 20mm and equivalent inch sizes. It also features cutting heads for general turning, parting and grooving, and threading in families CoroTurn® 107, CoroCut® 2, CoroCut® XS and CoroThread® 266. CoroTurn® 107 and CoroCut® XS provide cutting heads designed for Y-axis machining, offering higher stability and better chip evacuation. “One of the main benefits of the QS™ Micro holding system is that it is possible to quickly change cutting heads with high precision, which reduces the machine downtime,” said Hampus Jemt, Global…

The Melbourne weather turned on for the AMTIL Oaks Day event, early in November at Bramleigh Estate in Warrandyte, Victoria. Nestled on ten acres of natural Warrandyte bushland, Bramleigh Estate is a luxury Yarra Valley location. While the focus was initially for a ‘ladies’ day Melbourne Cup-style get-together, this AMTIL gathering has become a very valuable ‘Women in Manufacturing’ networking event in its own right. Representatives from many manufacturing companies came together to network in this unique afternoon event. “This was a super opportunity for many women in AMTIL to network,” said Anne Samuelsson of AMTIL. “This Oaks Day event saw us mixing some key companies from the AMTIL community, some who’d not met before.” Companies represented on the day included Catten Industries, OKUMA, William Buck, Bystronics, Parish Engineering, MacValves, VirtualStaff365, and many others. From the beginning of the event, it was evident that serious business connections were being made. The event was an inside sit-down lunch, and AMTIL had two full tables in a large room with around 250 others. “It was great to see the corporate…

Two Australian manufacturers are leveraging spaceborne particles and hyperspectral imaging to boost the safety and productivity of mining operations both locally and abroad. EQ Resources has commercialised a system to detect and extract tungsten from previously unviable mining waste, supported by a co-investment from the Australian Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). mDetect has commercialised a system to manage tailings dams in mining better. It sounds like something out of Star Wars, yet cosmic rays and hyperspectral imaging are a central feature in two mining technology projects backed by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, with major implications for safety and access to strategically important materials. mDetect is a Swinburne University spinout specialising in astrophysics research into muons, a type of subatomic particle that results from the Earth’s atmosphere being hit by cosmic rays, which fall harmlessly and constantly down on us. They are sometimes described as the heavy cousin of electrons, with their mass helping them pass deep into objects; much further, for example, than ground penetrating radar. The company has commercialised telescopic devices and software in a system that uses…

A new $60m Biosustainability Hub at The University of Queensland will use synthetic biology to help the world’s biggest businesses transition to net zero. Funded by government, industry, and UQ, the Biosustainability Hub aims to be a one-stop shop for big companies to transform their production practices and create carbon-neutral, economically viable products and materials. Hub director Professor Esteban Marcellin from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology said the facility is the first in Australia and co-locates research groups and industries that share a vision to transition society to net zero. Professor Marcellin is a synthetic biologist who uses carbon monoxide, CO2 and methane to feed microbes in biomanufacturing to produce products. “The Hub brings together cutting-edge research projects and some of the world’s biggest companies to find solutions to challenges like climate change, biodiversity, mining sustainability and future food production,” Professor Marcellin said. “We will be using the process of synthetic biology, which develops new materials, fuels, foods, chemicals, or medicines from waste using biological processes. “By changing production practices from those dependent on fossil fuels to biomanufacturing, we are…

Manufacturing today depends on efficient software performance to keep production running smoothly and minimise costly interruptions. However, traditional monitoring systems often need more complete visibility manufacturers need, which leads to inefficiencies and delayed problem-solving. Unified observability addresses these issues by gathering data from software, hardware, and networks into a comprehensive view. This approach helps manufacturers pinpoint potential issues early to prevent them from growing into larger problems. Some of the greatest benefits of unified observability include: Gain full visibility across IT and operational systems to optimise production Traditional monitoring tools often operate in silos, providing visibility only within specific systems, which leads to slow problem resolution and production inefficiencies. Unified observability breaks down these silos, integrating IT and operational data into a single, cohesive view. This full visibility empowers manufacturers to detect issues early and identify the root causes of recurring inefficiencies, whether in software performance or operational workflows. For example, slow response times in machinery may be traced back to misaligned IT systems, which, with this level of observability, could be noticed. By…

Sevaan Group has announced that it has expanded its manufacturing services to include additive manufacturing (AM). The addition of 3D printing capability will provide greater choice for customers regarding parts manufacturing, and the opportunity to attain tangible benefits that can help improve their productivity and revenue. Sevaan already provides a unique integrated capability, an end-to-end workflow from design, prototyping and testing through to the production, assembly and finishing of precisely manufactured metal parts, for its customers. The inclusion of AM into its service mix brings further key customer deliverables. “They will now benefit from more choice when purchasing manufactured parts,” explained David Green, Chief Executive Officer, Sevaan Group. “Our customers can choose to have their required parts manufactured via either traditional processes or 3D industrial printing. “For certain components and production runs, 3D printing can offer specific benefits including rapid prototyping, a faster production turnaround, enhanced quality and cost savings, making it a desirable manufacturing option. “Thanks to AM, customers who only require a small number of parts or perhaps longer-lasting components now no longer need to wait for parts to come…

A new generation system from European-based inspection equipment manufacturer Antares Vision Group allows customers to select individual inspection modules and integrate them into one machine. Food manufacturers can select what they need to suit their specific production line. Modules include X-ray, check weigher, leak detection, seal, code, and label inspection. All the modules are designed specifically for the food industry. The machine’s hygienic construction features quick-removal conveyors and a completely washable structure. “Antares Vision Group’s ‘ALL-IN-ONE’ inspection machine is a game changer for the food industry,” said Phillip Garro, Enmin’s Sales Manager (Inspection & Packaging). “Multiple processes can be combined into a single machine providing a solution that fully guarantees the product’s compliance in an extremely reduced footprint,” he added. “Plus, all the modules can be controlled through a single control screen for maximum convenience and efficiency.” A popular combination of modules is X-ray, checkweigher and leak detection. This configuration provides a comprehensive product inspection by these three powerful modules. Firstly, the innovative LDS module checks the package's correct sealing, detecting micro-leaks. Then, a state-of-the-art X-ray inspection system…

The urgent global focus on decarbonisation and clean energy is driving the unprecedented emergence of new technologies, creating a new era of demand and development for a wide range of minerals, including copper. Copper continues to have a foundational role in modern society and its diverse applications are integral to the transition to a clean energy future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that the global capacity for renewable energy saw an unprecedented 50% increase in 2023, the fastest growth in two decades. With the acceleration of technological advancements and electrification, copper demand remains strong and resilient. Predictions are that 115% more copper must be mined in the next 30 years than has ever been mined historically. Exploration and discovery are crucial to expand or develop mines and provide the primary copper supply. Despite growing investment in copper exploration, the industry faces various challenges. The discovery rate for all economic deposits globally has halved in the last decade, and the average cost of discovery is…

Emerson has launched its AVENTICS™ Series XV pneumatic valves. These valves are designed with interoperability in mind to provide machine builders across multiple industries and factory automation applications with a flexible and cost-effective valve platform. The new valves are ideal for global machine builders and end users, with universal threads and other features supporting regional standards and global availability. Series XV valves provide higher flow rates in a compact valve package, enabling more efficient and flexible pneumatic system performance for factory automation, automotive and tyre, and food and packaging applications. This helps manufacturers boost productivity and allows them to offer products customised for specific markets and customer preferences. “In all industries, manufacturers need high-performance technology that gives them the agility and flexibility to stay ahead of rapidly changing market demands,” said Wolf Gerecke, director of product marketing for Emerson´s machine automation business. “The new AVENTICS Series XV pneumatic valves deliver that performance with optimised flow, a wide range of valves and an extensive portfolio of accessories.” Series XV valves include the XV03, which provides flow volumes of…

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), postal and courier pick-up and delivery service charges rose 5.7% in the June quarter, driven by rising fuel costs and labour market volatility. That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMEs to ensure they pack and ship their stock cost-effectively. Seemingly insignificant mistakes, such as incorrectly labelling or sending one large package exceeding the shipping dimension compared to separate smaller boxes, could result in business owners being charged 150% more than the original cost. “Mistakes that lead to surcharges can significantly increase the original shipping price by up to 150%,” Interparcel CEO Steve Zammit said. “A courier charge might initially be $10, but something done during the manufacturing process could add a surcharge for special or manual handling ranging from $12 to $70, depending on the weight and any special handling requirements.” Zammit lists nine packing mistakes that every business owner should avoid, from the manufacturer stage to business expansion. Shipping seven costly…

Injectronics, Australia's leading automotive remanufacturing and repair specialist, has launched an innovative 48-hour turnaround service designed to help workshops clear bays faster and get cars back on the road. This new service guarantees rapid, reliable, and cost-effective repairs for various electronic components, allowing mechanics to speed up repairs and minimise delays for customers across Australia and New Zealand. Workshops are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency and minimise inflationary costs. Injectronics’ latest offering fills a critical market gap for high-quality, fast repairs. This service aims to support mechanics by providing customers with a more reliable and affordable alternative to new components. A key highlight of this new 48-hour turnaround is Injectronics’ recent move to a state-of-the-art facility in Keysborough. This facility is four times the size of its previous Hallam operations, allowing the company to increase its capacity significantly. Alongside this expansion, Injectronics has invested in modernising its processes with cutting-edge technology to automate the repair process. This advanced setup enables rapid diagnostics and remanufacturing of components and ensures the highest standards of quality and precision in…

The Albanese Government has taken another step towards rapidly establishing domestic manufacturing of missiles and munitions at scale under a plan that bolsters Australia’s defence capabilities while creating hundreds of jobs. The government has announced that Thales has been selected as the preferred tenderer to build a new domestic forging capability for 155mm M795 artillery ammunition. Australia, the United States, and other international partners use the 155mm M795 artillery ammunition for the M777A2 Light Towed Howitzer, which is critical for close-fire capability. Defence will work with Thales, the preferred company, to build, establish, and commission the forge at the Commonwealth-owned Benalla Munitions Facility. This project is expected to support at least 550 jobs. The forge will produce 15,000 rounds each year by 2028, with the capacity to produce up to 100,000 for global consumption. It will also be the first dedicated forge outside of the United States to manufacture 155mm M795 artillery ammunition. “Today’s announcement is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to developing a more capable military force while also supporting a future made in Australia,” said the Deputy Prime…