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With the theme ‘Strategies for Manufacturing Resilience and Growth’, this year’s Conference will provide delegates with insights and strategies that can help them to build resilience in their businesses, capitalise on opportunities for growth beyond the traditional routes, and think outside the square. The one-day event offers a program that touches on every aspect of life in a manufacturing business today, looking into issues ranging from the relevance of automation for small manufacturers, through to ways that managers can develop effective leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, and a whole lot more. We have put together a great program and a terrific array of speakers, who will be informing you at the Conference. I get asked all the time by manufacturers that want a chance to get into the defence industry: how do I do it? Well, come and hear what is involved in being a supplier to a major US defence company. Rick Shalders is the Director of Raytheon Australia’s Industry Development Unit. His presentation,…

Small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are in the best position to excel in advanced manufacturing because their size makes them agile; allowing them to be more flexible, innovative and take more risks. However, their barriers to long term growth are their lack of planning and organising. The Industry 4.0 era, is one of automation and data exchange, with new markets, new products, new technologies and new ways to manufacture existing goods. For an SME to succeed in Industry 4.0, the question manufacturers need to ask is, where do we want to go and how do we get there? The answer is reliant on two key factors: Assessing practical areas of business management - namely strategy. Utilising grants to help develop their strategic plan and increase budgets. Getting strategy right – redefine the long-term Technology is an ongoing strategic negotiation that challenges businesses to evolve rapidly. The rapid pace of change means business owners have to work in compressed timeframes, making it harder to plan.…

SWI Engineering – Globally respected machinery SWI Engineering has grown steadily since the 1990s to become one of the largest sheet metal machinery manufacturers in Australia. The Warrnambool-based company now enjoys significant acclaim internationally as a high-quality manufacturer with the most comprehensive range of high-tech sheet metal machinery in the world, effectively competing against European and US manufacturers, where those companies tend to specialise on just one type of machine. Manufacturing sheet metal folders, automatic slitters and uncoilers, plus the seamless eBend app, the company now has a strong domestic market with volume export sales to United Kingdom, USA, New Zealand and Asia. SWI Engineering has recently commissioned an Okuma CNC horizontal machining centre model MA-600HII with OSP-P300MA control and ten- pallet facility, along with a Fanuc Robocut model Alpha-C600iA wire cutter with Fanuc series control. “Manufacturers rave about these machines as they are not too complicated with easy programming, are totally reliable,…

The new website has been designed to offer improved navigation and enhanced functionality, allowing users to gain easy access to all the products and services that AMTIL has on offer. Created with the user experience in mind, the site is based around a clear, accessible layout that makes it effortlessly easy for anyone visiting to find the resources they are looking for. Importantly, the site has been optimised for viewing on mobile devices – an essential feature in today’s digital landscape – as well as via desktop browsers. “AMTIL’s website is a vital portal both for our members and for anyone seeking information about advanced manufacturing in Australia,” said AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti. “The site has always performed exceptionally well by industry standards, both in terms of page visits and user experience. However, the world of digital media is changing constantly, and it’s important we retain an online presence that keeps in step with the latest innovations. We felt it was…

Back then the family business was focused on servicing, overhauling and repairing other watch brands. Five years ago, Josh and Nicholas created their own brand, Rebelde, which included the design, assembly and adjustment of the products. A huge turning point came two years ago, where the father-son duo decided to manufacture individual watch components themselves, rather than send parts out for sub-contract work. Not only was it a complete business change – it also means that Nicholas Hacko Watches is now the only watch company in Australia to manufacture their own parts. Josh explains that the decision to manufacture their own parts in-house was a “huge learning curve”, so they spent a great deal of time researching the best machinery for the job. The business needed a machine to enable them to continue producing the highest quality of watches for their customers, with timely and accurate service. With industry leaders in Switzerland favouring Makino over local Swiss manufacturers, Nicholas Hacko Watches followed suit. Josh says that the outstanding machine specs contributed to their…

Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, electronic security solutions, healthcare solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. Its Stanley Infrastructure division is searching for ways to manufacture low-volume, complex parts in a cost-efficient manner. By leveraging Markforged’s Metal X additive manufacturing technology, the Infrastructure team expects to slash capital costs on two different parts: an actuator housing for the PD45 hydraulic post driver, and a wheel shaft for the PG10 grofile ‘Frog’ grinder. Engineers at Stanley Infrastructure rigorously tested the performance, durability, and lifecycle of each of the two parts and approved them for use as production parts for a fraction of the cost. The Stanley PD 45 The Stanley PD 45 is a high efficiency hydraulic post hole driver. To actuate the hydraulic driving mechanism, the device uses a group of ball bearings to transfer the trigger pull force into the hydraulic actuator. The actuator housing holds these bearings in series to transfer…

Announcing his departure, Hayes commented: “It’s been a role I’ve truly enjoyed and I depart leaving a clear path for my successor, Dean McCarroll, who has held the post of General Manager at Okuma Australia since 2002. Dean will explore and continue to deliver innovative change and seek sensible progress of Okuma’s subsidiaries in both Australia and New Zealand.” In acknowledging his new role McCarroll commented: “It’s our people that truly define Okuma, with their passion, integrity, experience and knowledge, and this becomes the hallmark of what we stand for in the market as we partner with our customers from the first meeting. In keeping with industry trends I see my role as continuing to expand the professional development of our team and to highlight that engineering in Australasia as high-tech, clean and exciting.” Hayes, who had gained 14 years’ experience with machine tools and robotics at John Hart Pty Ltd, commenced with the Okuma…

Ace Wire Works is one such company; it has successfully made the transition from supplying automotive products such as the wire seat frames for Toyota Camrys, to a diverse product range that now includes retail display stands, welded mesh panels, horticulture products, food & beverage equipment, designer furniture and wire and mesh products for medical applications. Founded by Albert Blashki in 1954, Ace remains very much a family business, with Albert’s son Philip now the Owner and Managing Director. Moreover, with grandson Simon also involved, a third generation is part of the company, which now employs approximately 40 staff. Ace’s General Manager Sam Harris joined the company around two years ago with the specific edict of assisting the company transition away from automotive to non-automotive products. To say that it has been a success is something of an understatement, with growth of these products up by more than 50% in the current financial year. Harris attributes the company’s ongoing success to several key factors – in particular, the fact…

Bosch Australia customer The Yield knew how to revolutionise the way growers operate. First, it developed an IoT system to reduce the impact of costly oyster harvest closures in the aquaculture sector. Connecting oyster farms with Bosch IoT device management software decreased unnecessary harvest closures by 30%. As a result, this could save Australian oyster growers an estimated $21m a year. Following this success, the AgTech company extended IoT from aquaculture to agriculture. In October 2017 it launched Sensing+ for Agriculture, a tailor-made solution for irrigated crops: from apples and wine grapes to carrots, potatoes and leafy greens. In this case, The Yield is hosting back-end architecture on the cloud for greater flexibility and ease of use. A unique microclimate sensing solution With a new generation of younger farmers taking the reins, agriculture businesses want smart…

When you walk around TRJ Engineering’s premises in Hallam, it seems to epitomise the modern, efficient manufacturing operation. The large, open workshop is organised into clearly defined areas according to products and processes, organised along rational, coherent lines for maximum efficiency. Management and administration are housed in a separated building, connected to the factory by a footbridge that provides a comprehensive view out across the entire shopfloor. It’s an impressive set-up. But it wasn’t always like this. Two years ago TRJ was based a couple of streets away, in three adjacent blocks on Apollo Drive. The business was doing well – indeed its occupation of multiple sites was indicative of its success. However, operating a growing manufacturing business spread across three separate workshops presented constant logistical challenges. David Murphy, TRJ’s owner and managing director, recalls the “lightbulb moment” when he realised things had to change. “It was a Saturday morning, I was sitting out there with a coffee, watching three…

The compact new DMU 50 3rd Generation sets new standards in five-sided to five-axis simultaneous machining. With its extended swivel range, more powerful spindle and an innovative cooling concept, the new machine guarantees a competitive edge in a multitude of branches. Its areas of application range from training to general mechanical engineering, jig construction, and applications in demanding branches such as the aerospace, medical and automotive industries. While developing the DMU 50 3rd Generation, DMG MORI has managed to harmonise the modern appearance of the design with user-friendly operation. For example, the large, smooth opening door to the work area, with a width of 876mm ensures unrestricted access from the front, even in combination with automation solutions. The table also has an ergonomic loading height of 800mm. The optimum accessibility of the DMU 50 3rd Generation even encompasses maintenance…

This interrelationship may be observed in metalworking. Over the last few years, leading-edge technology has resulted in multitasking machine tools and machining centers with impressive working possibilities. At the same time, this progress in machine tool engineering is significantly changing metal cutting technology. The advanced multifunctional machine tools increasingly widen the range of machining operations that can be performed. Technological processes developed for these machines are oriented to maximise machining operation for one-setup manufacturing, creating a new source for more accurate and productive manufacturing. Milling gears and splines is one of the operations suitable for performing on the new machines. Traditionally, gear (and spline) -making is a complicated process that involves milling, chamfering, grinding and other operations. With batch manufacturing, the majority is made on specific machines: for gear hobbing, gear shaving, gear grinding and so on. Developments in technology have changed the limits of hardness for cutting and considerably increased operational accuracy. This in turn has reduced abrasive machining in gear making…

Gihan is a futurist, conference speaker, author and consultant. His presentation will provide you a glimpse into what’s ahead and how you can become Fit for the Future, in both your professional and personal life. Take an inspiring, eye-opening, and engaging ride into the future to learn about the global megatrends shaping your industry, the mindset that helps you lead the change, and the skills you need to get things done in a fast-changing world. Gihan will discuss: the global megatrends shaping business and society; influence and power in the Age of Access; How change is the new normal; and how you can take more control of your own future. Also presenting will be William Buck's Dr Rita Choueiri, who will be talking about the R&D Tax Incentive. Rita will discuss go into detail on the scheme and its eligibility, shedding light on what sorts of business are eligible to claim. Following these presentations, AMTIL will be holding its Annual General Meeting. For more information about any of AMTIL’s upcoming events,…