Industry News

There are various types of cutting materials: cemented carbide, polycrystalline diamond, high-speed steel, ceramics and so on, and each type contains different grades. At various stages in the history of metal cutting, the introduction of each new cutting material and its use have led to a significant change in the level of cutting speeds, and consequently of productivity. However, if the previous century, especially its second half, was marked by the rapid progress of tool materials, today we do not see any significant new solutions in this field. Does this mean that the development of new tool materials has already reached its peak and is experiencing stagnation? Of course not. It is simply that the new developments are deep within the cutting material and are focused on its structure and can be observed only with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron backscatter diffraction (EBCD), and other sophisticated methods. They cover a tremendously complicated world of…

The study will assess the capabilities of the Titomic Kinetic Fusion (TKF) industrial-scale additive manufacturing process to create structural satellite parts made from a high-performance metal. Titomic’s participation in this joint research project will analyse the various capabilities of both traditional and additive manufacturing methods relative to radiation shielding within satellites. Under the research agreement, Titomic will manufacture high-performance, metal demonstration samples for satellite parts using TKF. The research project may also lead to commercial opportunities for Titomic within the space and defence sectors following the successful validation of the additively manufactured demonstration satellite parts. Titomic’s Managing Director Jeff Lang said: “Titomic is excited to be involved in this RMIT joint research initiative alongside Lockheed Martin, which will provide significant mutual benefit for all involved. As we demonstrate the unique capabilities of TKF for the additive manufacture of satellite structures using high-performance metals and superalloys, we are also enabling exponentially faster production to reduce lead times for the space industry, from months to hours, compared to traditional processes.” Professor Milan…

Imagine where we’d be without the engineering feats we’re all too familiar with today. Hard to imagine, I know. At the end of a long day at work, we come home to comfortable and efficient living spaces, decked out with appliances that are both time and cost-effective. The pandemic would have been twice as difficult to endure if we didn’t have telephones, radios, and television to keep in touch with loved ones, receive the latest updates from authorities, or pass the time spent in isolation. Through imaging technologies, engineering has changed the way we view ourselves and the world around us. There’s no limit to where innovation in engineering might propel us to in the coming years. Engineering was first conceptualised with human ability in mind. The very first tools were invented to accommodate human sustenance. Before buildings towered over our heads, humans have been innovating tools or devices to solve problems or improve their state of living. The Egyptians, for instance, used wooden trunks…

Under the terms of the US$22m award, Vaxxas will perform a phase 1 clinical study using Vaxxas’ high-density micro-array patch (HD-MAP) delivering pandemic influenza vaccine to more than 400 people using both unadjuvanted and adjuvanted vaccine formulations. The award is funded through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the US Department of Health and Human Services, and is aimed at advancing clinical demonstration of Vaxxas’ proprietary HD-MAP patch for pandemic influenza. The total cost of this project is estimated to be US$24.1m ($33.4m) of which 8.5% or US$2.1mwill be contributed by Vaxxas. Pandemic influenza vaccine was selected for this clinical validation study to comprehensively baseline the immune responses and safety of the novel HD-MAP vaccination platform when used for pandemic preparedness and response. Vaxxas is actively investigating opportunities to improve performance of other pandemic vaccines including against COVID-19, as well as a broad range of non-pandemic…

The modern industrial robot has come a long way since 1961 when Unimate #001, the first industrial robot arm, appeared on the General Motors assembly line in Trenton, New Jersey. When entreprenuer Joseph Engelberger, the father of modern robotics, appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1966 to demonstrate the Unimate, many began to envision a future where it might be possible for artificial intelligence to completely take over industrial production processes. Six decades later, we have not seen the Hollywood narrative of the 1956 sci-fi movie Forbidden Planet play out, where robots perform every task requested of them by their masters. And we are still some time away from full automation with a science fiction icon like ‘Robby the Robot’ taking control of manufacturing systems. We have, however, seen industrial robotics improve rapidly and adapt into its most commonly recognisable form: the SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, or Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) format. For business owners and engineers, selecting the right SCARA robot…

The University of Sydney, Whiteley Corporation and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC) initially embarked on the project in 2018. By signing the collaborative research agreement, UNSW’s involvement significantly increases the academic manpower available to the project. Over four years, more than $5m will be co-invested in the research and development of new therapeutic treatments for biofilm mediated infection by the IMCRC, University of Sydney, UNSW and medical and industry manufacturer Whiteley Corporation. Announcing the participation of UNSW in the project, Dr Greg Whiteley said the extra resource and skill set will significantly increase the project’s ability to develop and commercialise a series of combination therapies: “Building on the early findings by Associate Professor Jim Manos and his team at the University of Sydney’s School of Medical Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre, and with UNSW’s expertise in the development of novel antimicrobials used in disinfectants, we are accelerating our development efforts to bring new biofilm removal solutions faster to market.” The UNSW team, led by Professor…

With the aim of retaining QSP’s position as a key provider of metal spraying repairs for worn parts, Managing Director Neville Brokenshire looked to install the latest innovations in metal spraying technology, to ensure high-quality output and a more efficient, cost-effective process to integrate into its workshop services. Already utilising a fibre-coupled high-power diode laser by Laserline supplied by Raymax Applications for laser cladding with metal powder, Brokenshire sought advice from Dr Cédric Chaminade from Raymax in regard to improving output. A new coaxial nozzle was deemed the solution. High processing speeds with specifically designed coaxial nozzles used with Laserline fibre-coupled diode lasers provide distinct advantages, including low exposure time, strong metallurgical bonds between the cladding layers and substrate, low warpage, and short, highly energy-efficient cladding times. By introducing a new laser cladding nozzle, QSP has effectively extended the current available advantages to its customer base. A coaxial nozzle combines inert gas flows and metal powder with exceptional throughput capability. Additionally, protection glass monitoring…

The report, Averting an Escalating Labour Market Crisis for Young People in Australia: A Proposed National Job Cadet Program, argues that utilising parts of Australia’s apprenticeship platform in new occupations, not covered by the current system, will create the tens of thousands of jobs needed to avert a major crisis in the youth labour market. “There is very strong evidence that combining an employment contract with formal education and training improves employment outcomes,” said Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University and the report’s co-author. “This job cadetship program will help reverse the long-term deterioration in youth employment outcomes that the pandemic has intensified.” New research in the report shows that school leavers and recent graduates have been hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. While there has been a small improvement in other parts of the labour market, recent graduates have missed out with 100,000 fewer jobs available than before the pandemic. Most concerning is the increase in young people who are not in…

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the plan on 1 October, which will see around $1.5bn in new funding invested over the next four years in a Modern Manufacturing Strategy to make Australian manufacturers more competitive, resilient and able to scale-up to take on the world. The centrepiece of the Strategy is the $1.3bn Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI), which will see the Government strategically invest in projects across six priority manufacturing sub-sectors, helping manufacturers to scale up and create jobs. Shane Infanti, CEO of AMTIL, was broadly positive about the plan, while stressing that the details to be unveiled in next week’s Budget will be critical. Infanti welcomed a $50m increase to the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund and greater commitments to government procurement and supply chains, while warning that the Strategy’s focus on six National Manufacturing Priorities should not leave other sectors at a disadvantage. “Identifying specific sectors we have a competitive advantage in and supporting these sectors with a robust, long-term plan…

Morrison made the announcement on 1 October in an address to the National Press Club. Under the plan, around $1.5bn in new funding will be invested over the next four years in the Modern Manufacturing Strategy, in a bid to make Australian manufacturers more competitive, resilient and able to scale-up to take on the world. “We make things in Australia. We do it well. We need to keep making things in Australia. And with this strategy, we will,” said Morrison. “The COVID crisis opens a new chapter for Australian manufacturing as a revitalised source of high-wage jobs, valuable exports and national income. “Our Modern Manufacturing Strategy is at the heart of our JobMaker plan. It starts with creating a stable and competitive business environment to grow our all parts of our manufacturing sector, but it does not end there. It will play to Australia’s strengths, improve collaboration and commercialisation, and create a sector that is modern, dynamic and highly skilled. “Through this Strategy, we are…

Victorian manufacturers continue to report the weakest results among the larger manufacturing states with the Victorian PMI falling further into contraction – down 6.4 points to 37.6  (readings above 50 points indicate expansion in activity, with higher results indicating a faster rate of expansion). NSW (down 6.7 points to 44.3) and Queensland (down 3.8 points to 43.3) also reported a decline in activity while South Australia rose further into expansion (up 2.1 points to 67.4), given its manufacturing sector’s greater number of clients related to agriculture. “The disappointing contraction of manufacturing and the slump in manufacturing employment in September is a timely reminder that recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, at least in its initial stages, will be tentative and prone to periodic setbacks,” said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox. “Manufacturing activity was demonstrably dragged down by the Melbourne lockdown and associated restrictions in other parts of Victoria as well as the tougher…

In September 2001, aged just 18, Mike contracted one of the deadliest diseases on the planet, meningococcal septicaemia. His chances of survival were as little as 5%, and the infection left him with horrific internal and external injuries, including the amputation of both his legs. Mike spent six months in hospital, where he was told it could take years to perform even such basic tasks as walking and driving. His journey back to health was aided by a positive outlook, an adaptive mindset and a conscious decision to embrace challenge and change. Mike’s accomplishments as a double amputee include running again after many years, representing Australia in golf, climbing one of Australia’s tallest buildings, and supporting other amputees facing similar circumstances. Mike’s method of building resilience is simple yet effective: what can we take away from our life in order to improve it? He believes we are all far more powerful than we can ever imagine and must never underestimate our capabilities – a timely message for…

Based in Brendale, north of Brisbane, Bridgeman has been in operation for over 20 years. During this time the company has evolved into a specialist in stainless steel fabrication, with the ability to undertake fully customised designs, engineering and installation. Bridgeman’s work can be found in restaurants, shopping centres, domestic and commercial kitchens, and bespoke bars , as well as for leading food manufacturers in Queensland and across Australia. A key to Bridgeman’s success has been its ability to work within tight deadlines while producing complex solutions. To enhance this capability, the company recently moved into brand new purpose-built facilities with greater floor space. The nature of Bridgeman’s activities necessitated working around the clock and on weekends to meet tight deadlines. Third-party supply for profile parts also created delays. This prompted Bridgeman to investigate the purchase of a laser cutter for internal use. When Bridgeman began narrowing down the list of potential suppliers, Bystronic was identified as a leading manufacturer. To support the case for investment, several companies were asked to provide…