Industry News

Established in 2016, Zone RV offers a range of Australian-made off-road caravans that combine lightweight composite bodies with class-leading components. Headquartered in Coolum Beach, QLD, the company employs technologies from sectors such as aerospace and maritime to manufacture off-road caravans that are lighter, stronger, and safer. The Zone RV team boasts more than a quarter-century of experience in true composite manufacturing across the marine, aeronautical and civil construction industries. In its ongoing pursuit of improved processes at its production facility, Zone RV recently turned to additive manufacturing as a means of expanding capability and raising productivity. In particular, it was keen to streamline its mould-making operations through the adoption of 3D printing. Following extensive research, the company opted for a VSF122 large-area gantry-based machine from CNC Design, a hybrid additive-subtractive system capable of both 3D printing and machining in composite materials. “At Zone RV we’re always looking for new ways to deliver a better product more efficiently,” Dave Biggar from Zone RV said, “and…

When the Rowley Regis-based subcontract manufacturer was tasked with drilling 55,600 holes in a 3m by 2m press tool recently, it turned to the cutting tool experts from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) and its industry-leading drilling lines. The Black Country manufacturer produces anything from small to large volume batches as well as bespoke tooling, stamping dies, and more from an equally wide range of materials. To ensure the 37-employee toolmaking business can facilitate the production of large tooling projects, the company has a large bed Hurco DCX32i machining centre with a 3.2m by 2.1m bed – the perfect work envelope to accommodate the latest press tool that demands drilling over 55,000 holes in one 25mm thick plate and also a second 50mm thick EN8 steel plate. With 13 CNC machining centres on the shop floor and a range of additional machining technology, the West Midlands company that works in the aerospace and automotive industries among others has witnessed a significant upturn in business since the pandemic. Discussing…

Australian company Hysata’s world-leading hydrogen electrolyser technology has been supported by renowned global investors, as the organisation closes its oversubscribed Series A funding round of $42.5m. Virescent Ventures led the funding round on behalf of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), with participation from Kiko Ventures, IP Group Australia, Vestas Ventures (Denmark), Hostplus and BlueScope. Assembling such a high-profile and high-impact list of investors underlines the significance of the transformation that Hysata is bringing to the green hydrogen industry. The Hysata electrolyser operates at 95% system efficiency (41.5kWh/kg), delivering a giant leap in performance and cost over incumbent technologies, which typically operate at 75% or less. This high efficiency, coupled with the simple approach to mass manufacturing and low supply chain risk puts the company on a path to delivering the world’s lowest-cost green hydrogen. “Our mission is to redefine the economics of green hydrogen production through our innovative proprietary electrolyser technology. The support of this international syndicate of clean energy practitioners and investors validates our core technology and our approach…

AMT: You started as CEO at the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) this July. Tell me a little about your career journey until now. Dr Hermione Parsons: My career focus has been on end-to-end supply chain strategy and complexity, planning multimodal infrastructure and solving freight logistics in metropolitan, regional and international markets. Multimodal infrastructure involves two or more types of transport. AMT: To help others wanting to move into supply chain management, what did you study? HP: I completed a Masters of Urban Planning – Intermodal Freight Systems, specialising in integrated port freight logistics at the University of Melbourne. Then I did a PhD at Monash University in end-to-end supply chain in the fresh produce and retail industry. I am also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. On-the-job training in corporate and government roles related to supply chain has also helped me to gain extensive industry knowledge. AMT: Tell me a little about ALC? HP: ALC represents the major Australian supply-chain…

AMTIL was invited along to witness the 33.BI-MU show in Milan at the famous Fiera Milano Rho trade show buildings in October. This Italian exhibition was dedicated to the manufacturing industry of machine tools, robotics, automation systems, additive manufacturing and subcontracting. Promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems manufacturers’ association. Barbara Colombo is the President of the UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE and she spoke of the momentum showing in the halls. “Although this slowdown has a physiological effect and the level of orders is still high, the fall is to be considered in light of those major factors of destabilisation,” she told AMT. “The context of the rise in price of raw materials, hard-to-source electrical and electronic components, and the energy crisis, the health of manufacturing in this part of Italy is showing the third best for improvements, from 2020 to 2021, behind China and Germany.” The 33.BI-MU showed some of the best…

Minister for Education, The Hon Jason Clare has announced that the Australian Research Centre will fund the establishment of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment at the University of Wollongong (UOW). UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia Davidson said the Illawarra is the perfect setting for a centre focusing on sustainable mining. “Wollongong has deeply held roots in mining and manufacturing, and this training centre will be the perfect launch pad for global collaboration and innovation,” Professor Davidson said. “Our state-of-the-art engineering and technology hubs will offer the perfect environment to train the future minds of mining and to find solutions to revolutionise an industry that contributes 15% of Australian GDP.” In Australia the Mining Equipment, Technology and Service (METS) sector is estimated to add more than $50bn and 80,000 new jobs to the Australian economy by 2030. The transformation of the sector towards more efficient, cost-effective, innovative, sustainable and digital operations will require safer machinery and equipment, which is able to operate in deeper mines and harsh…

Successful Endeavours has won the Australian Industrial Product of the Year 2022 at the Manufacturers Monthly Endeavour Awards. And they were also a category finalist for the Best Industrial IoT Application. “I’m very pleased for this recognition for our team and for this product, which is designed in Australia and made in Australia,” said Ray Keefe, Founder and Director at Successful Endeavours. “The Plumb Guard MkIV Bluetooth is a good example of the types of projects we undertake.”  Ray Keefe has developed market-leading electronics products in Australia for more than 30 years. The Endeavour Awards have been at the pinnacle of Australian Manufacturing awards for the past 10 years. Ray Keefe was surprised and elated to win the Australian Industrial Product of the Year for 2022. “We have a great team and I am pleased they are able to be recognised at the industry level for their contribution to Australian manufacturing,” he said. The Plumb Guard MkIV Bluetooth product is a modern industrial IoT-enabled safety device that helps keep plumbers alive by warning them, and their on-site supervisors, that they are in…

Evonik is continuing its materials campaign in 3D printing. The specialty chemicals company is launching three new INFINAM photopolymers for industrial 3D applications expand the photo-resins product line launched last year for use in common UV-curing 3D printing processes such as SLA or DLP. With a total of seven new photopolymer formulations, Evonik has diversified the additive manufacturing material landscape in less than two years. Photopolymers product line continues to grow INFINAM RG 2000L is a photo resin for the demanding eyewear industry. The clear liquid formulation cures quickly and is easy to process. A low yellowing index – even after prolonged UV irradiation – not only makes the high-performance material attractive for additively manufactured eyewear frames, but it is also suitable for applications such as microfluidic reactors or transparent high-end prototypes for observing the inner workings of complex assemblies. The excellent light transmission of INFINAM RG 2000 L also opens up further applications such as lenses, light guides, and illumination covers. INFINAM RG 7100 L was specially developed for DLP printers and enables the…

Capral introduces LocAl®, a lower-carbon primary aluminium option available across Capral's locally manufactured extruded aluminium products. Providing Australian manufacturers access to cleaner, greener, more sustainable aluminium for their projects. The LocAl offer includes two lower carbon aluminium options: LocAl Green with carbon emissions of 8kg CO2e/kg Al* and LocAl Super Green at 4kg CO2e/kg Al* - amongst the lowest carbon aluminium available globally. In 2022, Capral committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050, a significant step change, driving rapid innovation and cultural evolution throughout the business, most notably within procurement and operations. The introduction of LocAl demonstrates a deliberate shift in Capral's procurement strategy for primary aluminium billet. Luke Hawkins, General Manager of Supply & Industrial Solutions, said this is a strategic change for Capral, “driven by our desire to make lower Carbon aluminium accessible to Australian manufacturers. The market is looking for this product, and as Australia's largest extruder of aluminium, we must make it available. In 2022, 22% of the primary aluminium billet Capral uses in its eight local extrusion presses had a carbon content lower than eight kilograms CO2e per kilogram…

Facteon has spent the past four decades crafting factory automation and proprietary welding solutions and has grown to become an international specialist in factory solutions, smart manufacturing, and IIoT technologies. The company’s welding solutions focus on developing technologies that deliver weld strength, alignment, and a superior cosmetic finish, as Warren Collenette, Senior Design Engineer from Facteon explains. “We are focused on customer confidence; we want our customers to be confident in each and every solution that we supply.” Facteon provides robust welding solutions to some of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers and their welding technology can be used to process aluminum, mild steel, and multiple grades of stainless steel. “Irrespective of the industry, consistency, and repeatability are key,” Collenette says. Naturally, finding the right automation partner is central to the success of any manufacturer and Collenette says that Facteon looks to SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand for many of its unique automation requirements. “We started working with SMC more than 25 years. The initial relationship was between Fisher and Paykel, who at the time owned Facteon, and SMC,” he says. “We have a great…

Conflux Technology has released its first product - an ultra-high-performing Water Charge Air Cooler (WCAC). Conflux Technology has used its rich and extensive knowledge in additive manufactured (AM) heat exchangers to deliver a premium WCAC product that rivals and out-performs other leading WCACs, applicable to motorsport and high-end automotive markets. As AM technology advances, industry leaders are recognising the complementary power of digital inventory and mass customisation. “The Conflux WCAC embodies how we deliver what motorsport and elite automakers ask for – a definitive performance advantage. A product is rapidly configured to our customer’s prioritisation of performance, size, and packaging requirements. AM lets us supply the WCAC with low lead time and competitively priced.” says Dan Woodford, Chief Product Officer at Conflux. This technologically advanced product has already made an impact in European motorsport circles as the superior WCAC; consistently eliciting demonstrable enthusiasm from leaders in the field over its fine features, incredible geometry, and highly competitive pricing. Conflux Products deliver industry-leading performance; are scalable and configurable to unique boundary conditions, performance, and packaging requirements. "I am really excited about the product roadmap for…

Leading materials handling manufacturer Enmin is manufacturing electromagnetic drives in Australia. These drives offer a unique handling method for controlling the flow of food products, ingredients, and bulk material. Products can be screened, sized, or accurately metered to ensure a smooth, uniform, and fully variable flow. With minimal moving parts, next to no ongoing maintenance, and low energy consumption it’s a reliable, low-cost method of product handling. The drives are designed and constructed to meet the rigorous requirements of the food and pharmaceutical industries such as maximum hygiene, ease of cleaning, and continuous 24/7 operation. The cyclic operation is controlled by a range of electronic controllers that will vary the feeding rate in a manner to suit the specific application enabling high-speed filling coupled with pinpoint accuracy. The controllers are available in different enclosures or as standalone for incorporation into central panels. As production lines evolve and other components are updated to achieve higher throughput, older and less efficient drives cannot match the required capacity increase. “Fitting one of our new generation drives will ensure that a higher conveying speed can be achieved to…

With the increasing demand for high technology equipment (e.g., catalytic converters) and a transition to green energy economies, battery metals (e.g., cobalt, nickel, and lithium), and rare earth elements (e.g., cerium and lanthanum) are critical. In recent years, significant commitments have been made by the Australian and Indian governments, consistent with transitioning to a net zero economy by 2050. The projected demand for these critical minerals in India presents a unique opportunity to increase cooperation with Australia which has abundant resources and world-class expertise. InnovEco Australia has developed and patented two technologies - resin in pulp (RIP), and resin in moist mix (RIMM) with a high target metal extraction performance from fine particles in an eco-friendly manner. “Our company has been developing a novel metal recovery technology since 2012 when we first identified a key issue in the heap leaching process – the processing of fine fractions in copper ore,” said Gennadiy Sukhinin, Managing Director at InnovEco Australia. Particularly, the technology has been successful in copper recovery resulting in 96 – 98 wt.% yields compared to 70 wt.% for conventional heap leaching technology.…