Member News

Additive Assurance has developed a novel quality assurance system for metal additive manufacturing (AM). The technique aims to enable qualification of metal additive manufactured parts across multiple industries, allowing for serial production and unharnessing the full potential of Additive Manufacturing. Additive Assurance’s solution involves a sensor package that can be retrofitted to additive manufacturing equipment and combines with software to interpret the data and monitor the build in real-time. An early prototype of the sensor package was produced and tested on several additive manufacturing machines successfully. A commercial version of the sensor package, AMiRIS, is being developed for use in industrial settings. Project scope The electrical components within the Additive Assurance sensor unit were becoming increasingly complex, particularly with the introduction of autofocus capabilities to ensure each sensor is correctly focused on the 3D printing process. The AM Hub’s Build it Better voucher program allowed Additive Assurance to engage with Outer Space Design (OSD), a registered service provider as part of the scheme, to gain…

Launched by IMCRC in 2020, IMCRC activate supports highly targeted, cost-effective and innovative R&D projects in collaboration with IMCRC partner universities and the CSIRO, allowing SMEs to quickly identify and solve key challenges within their businesses through the uptake of emerging technologies and new business models. To date, IMCRC has invested $2m in more than 15 innovative manufacturing and Industry 4.0 related activate projects spanning multiple industry sectors, including medical products, building and construction, clean energy and minerals. Current activate project participants include Biomedbank, Alcolizer, 3D Dental, GTET, HYDAC, SPEE3D and FormFlow. One of the first IMCRC activate approved projects, led by Perth-based technology company Alcolizer in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), has focused on developing a medical device called Virulizer. The device will be used at the point of risk as a qualitative detection of the Nucleocapsid and Spike protein antigen to SARS-CoV-2…

The project’s aim is to advance Compliant Multilayer Environmental Barrier Coatings (EBCs) that can be applied to rocket engine components. The outputs of the research will have commercial applications in aviation, space, defence, and high-temperature processing applications. “This is an exciting project that showcases Swinburne’s strength in materials and coatings for space,” says Director of Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute, Professor Alan Duffy. “By bringing together the brightest minds and world-class capabilities from Swinburne, ANFF, and local industry excellence in Amaero, we can address the material issues within the extreme environment of a turbine engine. In solving this problem for space, we also benefit through its use back on Earth. Swinburne is delighted that Amaero is partnering with us in this breakthrough space manufacturing technology.” Through the research collaboration Amaero will: Identify suitable 3D printed designs that allow for the construction of the EBCs. Provide technical advice during manufacturing and performance testing. Manufacture and provide of…

Based in Port Melbourne, 3DM has been at the forefront of metal surface finishing technology for more than 25 years, with international sales based on patented technologies. Its new technology, based on electro polishing, overcomes historical limitations to achieve surface finishes of less than 4 Ra surface roughness in under five minutes – delivering outcomes that previously took 30 to 60 minutes. This new technology enables surface smoothing to be shape-sensitive, predictable and controllable like never before. The challenge Metal 3D printing has enabled the design freedom and mechanical optimisation of parts never seen before. When using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology, the surface finish is an intrinsic part of the design requirement; this is particularly the case in medical applications, where it can help to prevent bacteria growth, enable bone osseointegration, provide corrosion resistance, optimal fluidics or mechanical strength. Surface finishing technologies to date have largely been ‘adapted’ from traditional machining industries, and not readily transferrable to the complex geometries and selective surface requirements of metal 3D printing. Most…

Every workshop organises and solves the first steps of recovery – i.e. the logistics, storage and cataloging of leftovers – in the method that best suits the company’s production strategy and the materials available. Methods range from simple text files listing the parts available, to automatic software solutions for inventorying leftovers, and from storing the leftovers on sheet metal packs, to stacking on shelves, and on to more sophisticated warehousing solutions for more costly materials such as stainless steel. However, storage and cataloging affect above all the times and effectiveness of the recovery activities and the search among the leftovers. The last step in the recovery process is measuring the leftovers: the dimensions are required because the programmer, who is generally not in the workshop but in the office, has to refer to the formats…

Next month we’ll be holding two special ‘Christmas in July’ celebrations, in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. The events are an opportunity for you to socialise and network in a relaxed setting – bring your partner and colleagues and share in some mid-year Christmas cheer. The Sydney event will consist of a dinner cruise in Darling Harbour, with a luxury private dining experience against one of the best backdrops in Sydney. The Victorian event will be held at Carousel in Melbourne, with guests enjoying a three-course meal and drinks, as well as live music. Full details are as follows: AMTIL 2021 NSW Christmas in July Dinner Cruise Wednesday 21 July 2021 7:00pm – 11.00pm Darling Harbour, Convention Jetty, Morpheus Cruises, Sydney, NSW 2000. AMTIL 2021 VIC Christmas in July Dinner Function Thursday 22 July 2021 7:00pm – 11.00pm Carousel, 22 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park Lake, VIC 3205. Tickets for both events are $65 for members of AMTIL or the Additive Manufacturing Hub, and $129 for non-members. For the Victoria event, Corporate Tables…

Operating a spindle with high rotation speed and gaining the optimal balance between the provided speed and torque is the main task of high-speed engineering. The spindle’s performance depends on a variety of different factors. One of the main factors relates to the design concept of a single- or combined twin-motor bearing system, seal components, and a tool retention method. When machining, the spindle is not in direct contact with the workpiece but interacts with it through another technological system – the cutting tool. This connection acts as a conductor and should transform the impressive capabilities of a high-speed spindle into improved machining results. Another element between the cutting tool and the spindle is the toolholder that is fitted into the spindle. A poor performance from this small assembly, consisting of the cutting tool and toolholder, may reduce the function of the spindle to…

Two initiatives are now being developed and discussed and they are outlined below. Young Industry Ambassador Program A Young Industry Ambassador Program will generate an interest in a career in manufacturing. Imagine 50 young people from our industry who have the passion and drive to speak to other young people about their journey and experience so far. The intention is to have these ambassadors go through a public speaking course to give them the confidence and skills to present themselves. WIN. Imagine hundreds of high schools around the country that are on a database for communication around manufacturing careers and thus having the opportunity to have a Young Ambassador come and talk to their students. Imagine career advisors being better educated about the many career options available through our industry. WIN. Imagine 100 advanced manufacturers around the country prepared to open their doors and have school groups come for a plant tour. The intention will be to cover the costs of travel for…

“Using this technology, the cost of a quarantine project could be lowered by 80% in comparison to traditional construction, and 55% compared to prefabricated solutions,” says Ahmed Mahil, co-founder and CEO of Luyten. “Ready to be fitted with utilities and plumbing, these accommodation facilities would be aesthetically pleasing and liveable within just a couple of days. The months, and even years, some projects can take to be constructed is now redundant – the new age of construction is upon us.” According to Mahil, the construction industry is at a tipping point after a century of stagnation, and Luyten’s technology, which began as a passion project between university mates, has the capacity to shake up the industry: “Just as Ford changed the game with the Model T, Luyten has changed the game with the Platypus mobile 3D concrete printer. The affordability of the Platypus will make it an essential part of the equipment tool kit that small and large…

The OnRobot range of robotic arm grippers, sensors and tool changers makes it faster and simpler to automate tasks such as packaging, materials handling, machine tending, assembly, and surface finishing. With its new partnership with OnRobot, John Hart aims to provide effective solutions to help small and mid-sized manufacturers optimise their processes and grow their businesses, with greater flexibility, higher output and improved quality. According to John Hart, collaborative automation has levelled the playing field for small and mid-sized manufacturers, and as robots become easier to buy and implement, the tooling has become the vital element in adapting for a wide range of applications. OnRobot’s product range features a wide assortment of tools for collaborative applications, including: electric, vacuum and magnetic grippers, the award-winning Gecko gripping technology, force/torque sensors, a 2.5D vision system, screwdriver, sander kits and tool changers. Headquartered in Odense in Denmark, OnRobot also has offices in Los Angeles and Dallas in the US, Soest (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Warsaw (Poland), Budapest (Hungary), Shanghai (China),…

Based in Keysborough, Victoria, Automation Innovation has developed a new turnkey robotic cell laser cleaner that incorporates artificial intelligence and robotic automation as an answer to manufacturers’ needs for a safer, environmentally friendly, and more economical solution to cleaning glass moulds. In 2020, the glass and glass product manufacturing market size in Australia reached $4.2bn. It’s grown 2.1% in the last five years. Glass and glass product manufacturing in Australia as an industry continues to increase faster than the Australian manufacturing sector overall. The growth is attributed to increasing investments in building construction, and a heightened awareness of glass as a more sustainable material in comparison to plastic. Glass is also fully recyclable, and lasts several years longer than plastic, which gives the material its conspicuous environmental appeal. The art behind glass cleaning and raised concerns Glass moulds are used in the manufacture of glass products, and are made up of interlocking parts, small features, and pinhole-sized cooling vents. In glass bottle manufacturing processes, lubricant is used…

The Demmeler 3D workbench and welding table is a versatile jig and fixtures system for all types of welding and fabrication work. When paired with an ALM Positioner it can bring a whole new level of safety and accuracy to the workshop because the work can be held in place firmly and rotated. Positioners (which are also sometimes called manipulators) allow 360-degree rotation of parts to eliminate heavy lifting and allow for more comfortable welding. Leussink’s Managing Director Jason Leussink explains how he went in search of a company that could supply precision positioners to his Australian-based clients. “We’ve been working with Demmeler for nearly 30 years and have not found a local supplier who can provide the type of product our clients seek,” says Jason. “We were approached by a client who wanted to be able to hold work in place while welding. They fabricate large trailers in their workshop…

A major trend in the Asia Pacific electric motor market is the development of electric motors with high power-to-weight ratios. Sustainability concerns, as well as the necessity to cut costs and increase profit margins, are encouraging manufacturers to invest in the latest energy-efficient technology. However, improving the energy performance of an electric motor does not necessarily mean swapping your trusted favourite for a new one – maintaining it properly and installing a few relatively inexpensive add-ons can be enough to drastically cut costs in the long run. The right load factor The load factor represents the average load of a motor compared with its capacity over a specific period of time. The load factor significantly impacts the energy consumption of an electric motor. Motors are most efficient when operating at full or near full load…