Member News

“We first invested in Okuma in 2007 and since then we have increased the size of our purchases each time,” said Managing Director Brad Byrne. “To remain competitive you have to have the best world-class equipment. “The reason behind getting the MB-56VA was to strengthen our standard engineering output and to diversify into other areas of work to meet the needs of new customers. We have seven- and nine-axis Okuma multi-tasking machines for the complex tasks and this takes care of mainstream jobs for our customers in Australia and overseas.” The Okuma MB-56VA is a three-axis vertical machining centre with a high-speed, 40-taper, 15,000rpm spindle and 22kW VAC integral motor. It has a work area of 1300mm by 560mm. The compact (2,500m x 3,100mm footprint) mill features Okuma’s Thermo Friendly Concept (TFC) and Collision Avoidance System (CAS). TFC accounts for the amount of heat generated in and around the machine space and uses sensors and feed axis position data to control against thermal deformation during machining to maintain cutting…

Based in Heidelberg West, Victoria, Jonda was founded some 30 years ago by John Nikolopoulos and his wife Dani. The company currently offers a wide range of sheet metal products as well as general manufacturing services such as CNC punching, profile cutting, folding and guillotining. Its main specialties are the manufacture and supply of roofing products and rainwater goods. “We started off making box gutter brackets, and then we went to flashings and all sort of sheet-metal goods, and we’re still doing the same today,” says Nikolopoulos, now Jonda’s Managing Director. “We’re still making the brackets we started off with years ago. We’ve got a good product.” Perhaps these brackets are too good - judging by the increasing level of demand for them. While some Australian manufacturers struggle to keep their businesses going, Jonda faces difficulty keeping up with the high demand and fulfilling orders on time. As Jonda’s supervisor Harry Gurlu puts it: “We’re too…

Two key laser-generated processes of powder metallurgy are currently in use: selective laser melting (SLM), and laser metal deposition (LMD).Both have the potential to produce high-quality, high-functionality load-bearing parts from metal powder, but critical to the production process is an understanding of metal powders. While metal in powdered form is certainly not a newcomer to the manufacturing industry, AM requires its own set of understandings associated with the technique of building layer-by-layer using fine powders in a laser-generated environment. Important to this process is identifying the most suitable metal powder, as powders vary widely in particle size and shape, and this affects the processing characteristics. For AM, metal powders should meet the following requirements: Spherical shape. This is important to ensure good flow and ‘coating’ capability. The ‘shape’ of particles is influenced by the methods used in processing the powder. The water atomisation process occurs where high-pressure water is forced into…

Walter AG has a wide range of solutions tailored to its customers’ individual needs. This means that they can always select the best tool and the most cost-efficient machining process. In addition, starting values and cutting data can be determined in a matter of seconds. The user benefits from process reliability and saves valuable time and money. These innovative solutions enhance Walter’s range of machining services and ensure a consistently smooth process – even from outside the production hall. Dramatically reduce wear with the wear optimisation app The latest solution from Walter helps users to get the best use out of their tools by reducing wear rates and therefore associated costs. The app can identify all wear patterns on indexable inserts and solid carbide tools in turning, drilling, threading or milling applications. Each wear pattern is shown with a zoom function, both graphically and in high-quality photos.…

Since 1991, Integra Systems has worked with hundreds of Australian businesses and helped them deliver award winning results that enhance their prosperity in both local and global markets. With innovation as the cornerstone of its culture, Integra has enabled and empowered clients in key areas of industrial design, product design engineering and mechanical engineering, via highly efficient in-house advanced manufacturing systems and project management expertise. Integra TransForm focuses mainly on innovative ways of enhancing business performance. The division was created this year with the acquisition of Integra’s revolutionary Salvagnini L5 fibre-optic laser cutter. The fibre optic laser technology has empowered Integra to manufacture its own new products and bring them to the market. It has also provided Integra with the ability to experiment, co-create and involve their customers in the entire process, from design through to manufacture. Integra TransForm’s most recent releases are the WorkSmart Collection and the Pro-Click Collection. The WorkSmart collection comprises of sit-stand ergonomic solutions, the BioSmart and the AeroSmart, aimed at relieving desk-bound professionals and industrial workers…

Historically, renewable energy technologies could not compete with conventional fossil fuels and were reliant on government subsidies to be competitive. However, continuous innovation and economies of scale have driven down the cost of at least the more mature clean technologies, such as wind and solar, to the extent they are now near parity with conventional electricity production. Another perceived obstacle to large-scale implementation of wind and solar farms is the variable nature of these energy sources. However, fast developing energy storage technologies are addressing this obstacle. A world-first large-scale solar farm with integrated battery storage is being built in the Lakeland region of north Queensland. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)’s CEO Ivor Frischnecht has said: “Battery storage will play a critical role in our future energy systems. The benefit of adding batteries to solar farms is simple; they store energy from the sun for use at peak times and overnight. They can also smooth solar energy…

The company specialises in the production of innovative and modern castings for a variety of different industries, including transport and aerospace. Alphacasting has carved an enviable reputation for the quality, precision, reliability, compliance and on-time delivery of all the casting projects it works on with clients. It is through its commitment to high standards that Alphacasting has perfected a rigorous quality control system to inspect all the parts it produces. The challenge Alphacasting uses traditional tools, such as conventional fixed co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs), X-ray inspection systems, callipers and fixtures, to perform quality control inspections on the parts it manufactured. However, according to Steven Kennerknecht, Head of Engineering for Alphacasting, getting good information quickly on every occasion a part needed to be inspected was difficult at best. In particular, for the development of a recent aluminium casting for the lube and scavenge pump on the passport engine for Bombardier’s Global Express ultra-long-range business jet series, quality control processes were to…

Available in Australia through Industrial Laser, the All-In-Light cutting package from Precitec combines disc laser technology, laser light fibres and state-of-the-art cutting heads. The package is made possible due to a new, long-term strategic co-operation partnership between Precitec and German laser specialists Trumpf. Manufacturers of laser cutting machines can now benefit from this strategic co-operation, which makes the disc laser technology available for manufacturers of flatbed and tube cutting machines. The Precitec-Trumpf collaboration delivers the complete optical chain for laser cutting from a single source, and more specifically enables the advance of new developments in order to provide a perfectly co-ordinated, optimal package with a range of sophisticated features. Moreover, it has the benefit of combining state-of-the-art laser technology with innovative cutting head technology, along with the additional advantages provided by a ‘One-Stop-Shop’, leading to a reduction in complexity and easier sourcing and purchasing of parts. Precitec will continue to maintain its independence and co-operate closely with all laser source manufacturers. Therefore, the company can optimally respond to its…

Based in Dandenong South, Melbourne, Silvan Australia has been a pioneer in the development and manufacture of agricultural machinery since its establishment in 1962. In more recent years it has diversified into distribution of products from overseas manufacturers, as well as light manufacture of hardware products. The company’s involvement with the Entrepreneurs’ Programme began with a series of meetings between AMTIL business adviser Vineet Ahuja, and Silvan’s CEO Michael J Tricarico, its CFO David Young, and General Manager Frank Scotta. Through detailed discussions, data collection and site visits, Vineet developed a full understanding of Silvan, its operations, and the opportunities for assistance and support. “Vineet certainly understands companies like us,” says David. “I assume he’s had a lot of exposure to privately owned and operated businesses. He could see a lot of things we were doing right, and  where we could improve.” A Business Evaluation was submitted in August 2015, containing the Winning Measures benchmarking analysis for Silvan’s operations both in Australia and…

The Manufacturers’ Pavilion highlights the capabilities of Australia’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing industry, offering component manufacturers, precision engineering firms, toolmakers, advanced manufacturers and general engineering companies the opportunity to promote their unique capabilities. Next year’s Pavilion promises to offer a diverse cross-section of Australian manufacturing today, with exhibits from ANCA & ANCA Motion, Andrew Donald Design Engineers, Capral Aluminium, Catten Industries, Harrop Engineering, JBO Engineering, Mastercut Technologies, Parish Engineering, Stahl Engineering, Thyssenkrupp Materials Australia, TRJ Engineering and Ultimate Laser. “Over 40% of the stands have already been booked, meaning next year’s event is already well on its way to surpassing the 2015 Pavilion,” says Anne Samuelsson, AMTIL Sales Manager. “We are delighted to see so many of our manufacturers moving so fast to confirm their participation. Any companies who are keen to take part are advised to book their space as soon as possible to ensure they secure a good spot.” The strong sales for the Manufacturers’ Pavilion are being matched by the rest of the Austech exhibition. A…

The announcement was made by Russell Riddiford, President of ANCA, Inc., the North America branch of ANCA. ANCA will be expanding the inventory and spare parts warehouse capacity at the Wixom plant, adding a dedicated customer focus and training centre, and doubling its machine demonstration area. From Wixom, ANCA also services Mexico and Brazil. “This expansion represents ANCA’s commitment to the Americas markets and to servicing our customers promptly and fully,” Riddiford said. ANCA signed an agreement on 25 September with Schonsheck, Inc., also of Wixom, to be the contractor for the ANCA building expansion which will total 11,793 square feet. The addition will include an enhanced machine rebuild area and machine configuration area for preparing the machines for customer delivery. The expansion also adds to ANCA’s spindle rebuild area and electrical repair facility, permitting the company to respond quickly to customer needs. The expansion also includes a larger employee accommodation. According to Riddiford, the expansion will allow ANCA to add employees to its warehouse, spindle rebuild, and machine configuration areas…

EIF International is a privately owned international freight forwarder and third-party logistics (3PL) provider. The team at EIF boast a wealth of knowledge and experience that enables them to provide a comprehensive range of solutions at a cost-effective price that is flexible, reliable and customised to meet your needs. According to EIF, its point of difference lies in its ability to provide each client with their own dedicated account manager, as communication is essential to a smooth transaction of cargo. Your EIF account manager will be a hands-on operator who will handle all your shipments, from order placement, through track-and-trace, arrival and customs clearance – to delivery. EIF’s people have a passion for you, the customer, which enables the company to go the extra mile in assisting in the growth of your company. Your dedicated account manager will get to understand your business requirements and ensure all of your particular needs are met. Communication is paramount to a seamless service and key to strategic partnerships. EIF’s quality staff are all hand-picked and…

Eastgate is a family-owned and operated repetition engineering company that brings a 60-year-old reputation for quality together with high-tech precision and state-of-the-art machinery. Located in the Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo, Eastgate is a one-stop-shop for custom-made component manufacturing. The company’s services encompass assembly, welding, bending, polishing and coating components. Eastgate is staffed by versatile and multi-skilled tradespeople, enabling it to serve a diverse range of industries. Its clients come from just about every industry under the sun, spanning from construction to rail to marine sectors, and include large multinational companies and government agencies. Founded in the 1950s, by the 1960s Eastgate established itself as a successful and highly regarded machine shop. In recent years, the company has embraced automation, resulting in a sharp improvement in work quality and allowing it to expand beyond its traditional high-production, high-volume work to encompass small, customised production runs. Eastgate’s transformation originated three years ago when a change of ownership instigated a drive to improve efficiency and accuracy. That saw…