Member News

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has unveiled ProPlanAI, an automated computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programming tool that cuts the time it takes to program factory machine tools by 75%. Powered by Microsoft Azure services built into Hexagon’s cloud-based Nexus connectivity and collaboration platform for discrete manufacturers, the new artificial intelligence technology is the next step in the evolution of CAM programming, enabling machine shops to achieve operational excellence at scale. ProPlanAI was unveiled at the Microsoft Ignite Conference in Chicago. Hexagon’s AI application uses Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Databricks to help manufacturing businesses of any size apply their institutional knowledge more quickly, easily, and thoroughly. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate time-consuming process planning. ProPlanAI, due to launch in Q1 2025, will ‘learn’ from the data created by a company’s CAM programmers. This will enable manufacturers to automatically explore existing programming information to predict ideal outcomes tailored to a company’s preferences, production capabilities, and needs. Available within Hexagon’s popular desktop CAM software and powered by Nexus, ProPlanAI will continuously learn and adapt, ensuring programs are…

Welding thick-section steel can be 40% faster and use 60% less energy when Dynamic Beam Lasers (DBL) from Civan are used instead of hybrid welding. These are just two of many remarkable results of a collaborative study by shipbuilder Fincantieri and welding systems firm Castellini, which shows that DBL technology is set to revolutionise shipbuilding and has the potential to transform thick-section welding for other manufacturing industries. Hybrid welding, which combines laser and Metal Inert Gas/Metal Active Gas MIG/MAG technologies, is the advanced approach for thick-section welding in shipyards. Improvements in welding are crucial because ships often require 300 to 600 kilometres of weld seams to ensure structural integrity. John Grace, physicist and Managing Director of Raymax Applications, which distributes Civan equipment in ANZ, believes the control and power now provided by DBLs not only weld thick sections faster but are also more economical and sustainable. “Unlike traditional lasers, which produce a fixed beam, Dynamic Beam Lasers can adjust the beam's shape, intensity, and size in real-time. This flexibility, increased precision, and control make them highly effective for…

Any company successfully operating for over 55 years has to recognise emerging market trends and adapt and evolve to meet those needs. Padstow-based D&D Smith Metal Pressers is one such company. The company was established by Dennis Smith and his business partner Bruce McEwan as McEwan & Smith. Their business began with just a couple of machines in Dennis’s father’s back shed, but after the first year of operation, they had grown enough to rent a property. Later that decade, they bought the premises, and Dennis built a new factory with his own hands on the site. The company took advantage of the boom in metal-stamping in Sydney during the 1980s and soon became an acknowledged expert and leader in the metal stamping industry. Dennis was passionate about improving quality and efficiency and, during this period, implemented a fully accredited quality system to ISO9002 standards. The current owner, Daniel Smith, son of Dennis, began working for the company in 1998 when he was 22, and the company was subsequently renamed D&D Smith Metal Pressers and Production Engineers P/L. In…

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Murdoch University have launched the Bioplastics Innovation Hub. This $8m collaboration will collaborate with industry partners to develop a new generation of 100% compostable plastic. The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to revolutionise plastic packaging by developing biologically derived plastic that can break down in compost, land, or water. Dr Andy Whiteley, director of the CSIRO Research Program, said the Hub aims to bring together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing, and the circular economy by translating advancements in bioplastics research into real-world applications. “Our primary focus is the development of 100% compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers, which are engineered to break down in compost, land and aquatic environments fully,” said Dr. Whiteley. Global concerns over plastic pollution and fossil fuel depletion are driving increased demand for compostable bioplastics. The Hub will equip the plastics industry with the tools and expertise required to manufacture materials and continue to drive a green plastic waste economy. "It is critical to address the growing…

The New Zealand-based company Hayes International, was founded by Tom Hayes in 1960. In 1999, this private company became part of the Bradbury Group of Kansas, USA. Today, Hayes International is known as a market leader, with more than 1,820 Hayes machines exported to more than 90 countries worldwide. Hayes originally started producing corrugated sheet machines for roofing and cladding. However, products made by this fantastic 64-year-old New Zealand manufacturer today include Panel Mills, Purlin Mills, Stud Mills, Roll-Forming Accessories, Purlin Mill Accessories, Auto-Curvers, Folding Machines, Coil Handlers and more recently Finished Product Handling Equipment, including automated Purlin Stacking Equipment. “In purchasing a Hayes machine, our clients get the best in the industry in terms of reliability and performance, which also provides them with a competitive advantage with the whole-of-life cost, reduced machine downtime and waste minimisation,” noted Managing Director Nick Looijen. “90% of our business is repeat customers or direct referrals from existing customers, with our principal markets being Australia, UK, USA and New Zealand,” he said. Okuma has been an integral part of this advanced manufacturing business,…

Delahenty Machinery is a leading Australian provider of machinery, automation solutions, machine tools, bespoke tooling, and service to manufacturers across a wide range of industries. They offer complete support, including machinery sales, installation and training, servicing and maintenance, Macbend tube bending, machine lubricants, spare parts, and tooling, to meet customers' unique project needs. Since 1964, Delahenty Machinery has collaborated with world-leading, innovative partners to provide customers with the right metal fabrication machine solutions to expand their manufacturing capability and improve efficiencies in an ever-changing landscape. Pirtek Southern Highlands, based in Moss Vale, NSW, is dedicated to delivering exceptional fluid transfer solutions. The team serves a diverse customer base, specialising in mobile onsite service and replacing hydraulic and industrial hoses and fittings. Stephen Jones, Managing Director at Pirtek Southern Highlands, recently invested significantly in another YLM mandrel tube bending machine. This time, purchasing a state-of-the-art machine with CNC capabilities, a 37-degree flaring machine, and a deburring machine to enhance their production capabilities. Pirtek Centre Manager Fiona Martin shared they are very appreciative of the Delahenty personalised support, installation and training of…

A dynamic partnership thrives between Kinetic Engineering Services, Okuma, and Sutton Tools. With a commitment to quality, innovation and local support in Australian manufacturing, their companies are shaping the industry's future. At Sutton Tools, we try to foster strong relationships with all Machine Tool brands, and in this case, Okuma was the chosen machine tool brand by Kinetic Engineering. We both share similar values and processes, which further strengthens our partnership. Similarly, consistent engagement and problem-solving have nurtured our collaboration with Kinetic Engineering Services. Week after week, we strive to deliver solutions tailored to Kinetics’ needs, offering tools, exceptional service, support, and competitive pricing. Sutton Tools sat down with Tom Hawkes, CEO of Kinetic Engineering Services, to discuss what sets them apart in the competitive manufacturing landscape. “Kinetic Engineering Services is known for being a go-to partner in the steel production and heavy manufacturing sectors,” explained Hawkes. “We handle everything from design to precision machining, fabrication, and assembly. Our services extend to industries like mining, rural, transport, and automotive all across Australia. Kinetic Engineering Services has been operating since…

Regularly calibrated measuring instruments are essential wherever components are manufactured with high precision. But how do you stay on top of things? Lange & Haasis has switched from handouts to digital measuring equipment management from Gühring, saving a lot of time. Measuring screws, limit gauges, thread gauges – the machinists at Lange & Haasis always have their measuring equipment at hand to check the quality and dimensional accuracy of the construction parts. Although the products produced by the company for CNC metalworking in Albstadt differ significantly, they all have one thing in common: the highest precision down to the μ range. “No order is processed without measuring instruments,” noted founder and co-owner Jens Lange. And that’s why so many of them are in Lange & Haasis’ production. The problem: Measuring instruments have an expiry date and must be recalibrated before expiry. Uncalibrated measuring instruments must not be used for measurement. But how do you keep track of all the measuring equipment in everyday production? Jens Lange had to find out in his company that…

Latinka is also an accomplished professional who wears multiple hats as General Manager and Co-Owner of Catten Industries with her husband, Ian. Latinka found time to sit down with AMT editor Paul Hellard. AMT: Firstly, congratulations on the Victorian Female Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards. Latinka Cubitt:  Oh, what a great night! Both Ian and I had arrived from overseas at around midnight on Sunday. We'd been to InnoTrans in Berlin, which was brilliant. It blew my mind how big it was. The Department of Transport and Planning invited us, and they organised this massive trip with several other companies in the rail supply chain. We caught up with many potential customers and had some excellent opportunities there. We were exhausted when we got back, but you hit the ground running by Monday and Tuesday because you've had a few weeks away from the business. Wednesday was the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards night in which I'd been nominated, which is an honour in itself.  Then…

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…