February 16, 2021
“We’re excited to have representation from such a respected and experienced supplier in the manufacturing sector, especially one with 3D printing experience,” said Ben Leung, Vice-President, Asia at ExOne. “As ExOne strengthens our network and strategy in Asia, we expect TCL Hofmann to play a key role in our growth and expansion.” TCL Hofmann joins the ExOne network as binder jet 3D printing is increasingly recognised as the additive manufacturing method that will be used for high-volume production because of its high speed, material flexibility, and low waste and cost. Joseph Hancock, Managing Director at TCL Hofmann, added: “We believe that binder jetting is well-positioned to grow quickly, and we’re looking forward to bringing this technology to manufacturing customers across our region.” ExOne’s patented binder jet 3D printing process transforms powdered materials — metal, sand or ceramic — into highly dense and functional precision parts or tooling at high speeds. An industrial printhead selectively deposits a…
February 11, 2021
Effective communication in the workplace is an integral element of a business’ success; it enhances relationships within the company and with clients, and it increases employee engagement and the overall effectiveness of a team. However, recent research by US firm Gartner shows over 70% of business mistakes are due to poor communication. As we enter a post-COVID world with people still operating from home, restricting our ability to meet face to face, communications in the workplace take on an even stronger necessity. Even having to socially distance in the office or business environment if we get there makes it difficult to manage communication, particularly in large groups. For some, good communication comes naturally, but for others, it can be hard to articulate their thoughts and feelings in conversation, often leading to conflict and fundamental errors. So, whether you’re an effective communicator or not, it’s essential to understand the importance of good communication and how it…
February 11, 2021
In realising the factory of the future, 3D printing will be a critical driver – but before we get there, the technology will need to be fully implemented, leveraged and optimised on a more widespread basis. Read on for a roadmap of where 3D printing is headed and how it will impact the industry in 2021. Stop 1: 3D printing will help organisations take control of supply chains As the manufacturing industry begins to recover from the pandemic and the landscape grows more competitive, it’s critical that organisations speed up their iteration cycles and provide new, innovative solutions quickly in 2021. To achieve this efficiency, organisations must use 3D printing to optimise processes, minimise downtime and circumvent circuitous supply chains. In today’s global landscape, the longer the supply chain…
February 9, 2021
APCO has its own in-house foundry where castings are produced in ferrous and non-ferrous metals including specialised materials such as high-strength, heat, wear and corrosion-resistant cast irons, alloy steels and stainless steels, and supplied “as cast” or machined in its machine shop. The company prides itself on working with the latest technology, recently enhancing its machining capability with a Mazak Integrex i-400S and a Mazak FJV 60/120. “The Mazak Integrex machines are renowned for their multitasking abilities, and as we are a workplace that follows Lean manufacturing and 5S principals, Mazak was a clear choice for us,” says Mark Palaszewski, CNC Machining Supervisor at APCO . “The Mazak Integrex i-400S allows excellent ergonomics for the operator and reduces the cost tied up in our work in progress by allowing us to machine parts to completion in one machine. It also has a larger tool magazine (72 tools) which was another key feature for us, further reducing set-up times.” APCO investigated numerous options from a range of machine tool builders before chosing…
February 9, 2021
At first, the use of barrel-shape mills was largely confined to a few specific applications, such as machining 3D surfaces of complex dies and turbomachinery components. However, advances in five-axis machining and in CAM systems have significantly expanded the boundaries of barrel endmill applications. At the same time, the design principle of a cutting edge as the segment of a large-diameter arc has been realised successfully in other types of milling cutter – the tools for high-feed milling (HFM). The concept provides a toroidal cutting geometry that ensures productive rough machining at extremely high feed rates due to a chip-thinning effect. Unlike HFM tools, barrel endmills are intended not for roughing but for finish and semi-finish machining of 3D surfaces with low stock removal. Traditionally, ball-nose and toroidal cutters perform these operations. However, the large-diameter arc…
February 9, 2021
The NXG XII 600 is the fastest machine on the market, 20 times faster compared to a single laser machine, and equipped with innovative technical features like the zoom function to maximise productivity and reliability. The machine is designed to be used in serial production for high-volume applications as well as for printing large parts, which opens up new applications in the automotive and aerospace industries and paves the way to industrialised serial production. The NXG XII 600 is the latest addition to SLM Solutions’ product portfolio and puts productivity on a whole new level, with 12 1kW lasers operating simultaneously, as well as numerous technological innovations and automated features. A radically improved use of laser time in the build process enables unrivalled build-up rates. The new machine was designed from scratch for serial production and features a whole new optic system, the most compact on the market. It enables large overlap and is based on a…
February 9, 2021
VH2 is designed to bring researchers, industry partners and businesses together to test, trial and demonstrate new and emerging hydrogen technologies. Under the partnership, CSIRO will receive more than $1m towards the development of a refuelling station to fuel and test hydrogen vehicles. The refuelling station, to be located at CSIRO’s Clayton campus in Victoria, is a key milestone in the development of CSIRO’s national Hydrogen Industry Mission, which aims to support Australia’s clean hydrogen industry – estimated to create more than 8,000 jobs, generate $11bn a year in GDP and support a low emissions future. “As Australia considers energy alternatives, we know hydrogen is clean and will be cost-competitive,” said Nigel Warren, Executive Director, Growth at CSIRO. “But a major barrier to it becoming a fuel source for cars and trucks is how to refuel, and the lack of refuelling infrastructure. The refueller is a significant step towards removing that barrier.” Construction will take place as part of the development of VH2 – a new hydrogen production and storage…
February 4, 2021
Uncertainty is arguably what most business leaders fear most. But when you launch a new company aimed at building the first supersonic passenger jet since the Concorde, you need to embrace it, be agile and think big. That’s the story behind Boom Supersonic, an aerospace company located near Denver, Colorado. Boom is a growing company with a big idea – to make supersonic air travel mainstream. Earlier attempts at commercial supersonic flight were unable to achieve sustainability, economically or environmentally. However, advancements in technology and the growing prevalence of global travel create a market opportunity for Overture, the company’s flagship airliner. Overture will be the world’s fastest airliner and will cut long-distance flight time almost in half, making it possible for more people to go more places more often. To bring it to life, Boom has embraced 3D printing in nearly every facet of the aircraft’s development. Big ideas come with big challenges What Boom is trying to accomplish isn’t for the faint-hearted. The last time paying passengers flew supersonic, with Concorde, it was a government-driven, Cold War-era prestige…
February 4, 2021
In the past 36 months, more than 50 Bodor laser systems have been installed within Australia by Industrial Laser, who will now be stepping back from system machinery sales and concentrating on assisting resellers and end users with high-level support for all brands of laser systems. Laser Machines recognised Industrial Laser as a premium laser service provider with several laser field engineers, combined with Australia’s largest stock holding in laser consumables. The two companies have signed an agreement with Laser Machines utilising Industrial Laser’s local resources for the installation and support of all Bodor laser systems going forward. Adam Kibel, Director of Laser Machines, said: “ This resource allows our customers to enjoy the very best service and after-sales support from a company that has been dedicated to this industry for over 20 years. I believe no company can look after laser users better than Industrial Laser, and we want the very best for our customers.We also have dedicated local Bodor factory engineers supporting our service partners.” Miles Wang, Sales Director of Bodor Laser Australasia…
February 4, 2021
As we reflect on 2020, we will no doubt remember how unexpected life can be and how much is out of our control. However, there is one aspect of our lives we can control, and that is our estate planning. As we start 2021 with anticipation and possibly some trepidation, there is no better time than now to take control of your succession plan. The succession plan for a family business can often be quite complicated, especially where only one or some of the founder’s children work in the business or are interested in the business. Leaving your business interests to only those children who work in the business can cause disenchantment among the children, resulting in a potential challenge to the Will. Careful planning is required but there are strategies which can be implemented to mitigate any potential risk of dispute between those you leave behind. In this article we will review the importance of shareholder agreements and buy/sell agreements, and…
February 2, 2021
Maximise Your Membership events will be held around the country in February. Offering an opportunity to learn about AMTIL’s latest initiatives as well as mingle with contacts from across the industry, these events are free to AMTIL members and will include finger food and drinks. Brisbane, QLD: Tues 16 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Sydney, NSW: Wed 17 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Melbourne, VIC: Thurs 18 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Adelaide, SA: Tues 23 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Perth, WA: Wed 24 Feb, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Given the ongoing possibility of further COVID-19 outbreaks, appropriate measures will be in place at all upcoming AMTIL events to ensure they are conducted safely. Moreover, AMTIL may be forced to make changes to scheduled events at short notice. Anyone planning to attend should register in advance and be on the lookout for updates from AMTIL. “We are taking all possible steps to ensure that AMTIL members can attend, confident of the fact they’re in a safe environment,” says Kim Banks, Head of Events at AMTIL. “That means having…
January 28, 2021
Proudly owned and operated by AMTIL, Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) is Australia’s premier manufacturing solutions event. Co-located with Austech, AMTIL’s longstanding advanced manufacturing and machine tool expo, the inaugural edition of AMW will take place at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 8-11 March 2022. As the largest event covering manufacturing and engineering scheduled to be held in this country, AMW 2022 promises to be an unmissable highlight of next year’s Australian manufacturing industry calendar. With significant advanced interest from industry since AMW was first announced last July, the opening of bookings marks a major milestone in preparations for the show. Organisations considering participating are strongly advised to contact AMTIL promptly to secure their place. “We are excited to announce that Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) is now open for stand bookings,” said Kim Banks, AMW Exhibition Manager and Head of Events at AMTIL. “With a strict cap on available space for 2022, exhibitors may find themselves jostling for a position as the postponement of several exhibitions in…
