Member News

The process, known as ACTIVAT3D copper, has been developed by modifying SPEE3D’s world-leading 3D printing technology, using new algorithms for controlling their metal printers to allow existing metal parts to be coated with copper. Copper parts are difficult to produce using traditional methods and thus 3D printing may be the only tool available to rapidly deploy copper. SPEE3D technology makes it fast and affordable. Australian NATA-accredited clinical trial speciality laboratory 360Biolabs tested the effect of ACTIVAT3D copper on live SARS-CoV-2 in their Physical Containment 3 (PC3) laboratory. The results showed that 96% of the virus is killed in two hours and 99.2% of the virus is killed in five hours, while stainless steel showed no reduction in the same time frame. Stainless steel is currently the material typically used in hygiene environments. With laboratory testing complete, it is hoped the Australian-developed breakthrough can be applied to common touch items like door handles, rails and touch plates in hospitals, schools and other public places. SPEE3D CEO Byron Kennedy said the company has focused on developing a solution that can be rapidly deployed and is more efficient than printing solid copper parts from scratch:…

Titomic CEO Jeff Lang said: “We are pleased to partner with Airbus for this initial aerospace part made with Titomic Kinetic Fusion (TKF), the world’s largest and fastest industrial-scale metal additive manufacturing process. The TKF process is ideally suited to produce near-net shape metal parts for the aerospace industry using our patented process of fusing dissimilar metals that cannot be produced with either traditional fabrication methods or metal-based 3D printers.” The delivery of these demonstrator parts to Airbus, and its subsequent technology review process of TKF aerospace parts, is further validation of the extensive certification that is being undertaken under Titomic’s IMCRC project, co-funded by the Federal Government, with partners CSIRO and RMIT. Airbus installed its first 3D printer in 2012, with the first 3D-printed metal part, a titanium bracket, used in a commercial jetliner in 2014. Today, more than 1,000 3D-printed parts are used in Airbus aircraft. “3D printing, of which TFK is the leading technology, has the potential to be a game changer post the global…

Richmond-based technology commercialisation and engineering company Grey Innovation will act as the leader of a Victorian industry consortium, having received backing from the Victorian Government in the form of a $500,000 grant for the project’s feasibility stage and confirmation of its intent to order 2,000 ventilators to be built in Victoria. The program will start supply of ventilators in June with 2,000 to be produced by the end of July. The notus Emergency Invasive Ventilator Program is a Grey Innovation-led initiative supported by the Victorian Government and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). The program will utilise a certified mechanical ventilator design from a leading medical device company under licence for production in Victoria. Grey Innovation’s executive chairman Jefferson Harcourt was proud the company will play a role in helping Australia fight the COVID-19 crisis: “Victoria’s high concentration of engineering and manufacturing companies means we’re well placed to develop the ventilators quickly and Grey Innovation is proud to be leading the effort. We thank the Victorian…

Based in Preston, Victoria, Harrop Engineering has accrued a legendary reputation for proprietary innovative design and precision manufacturing, supporting programs for iconic motorsport teams, automotive OEMs, as well as diverse aftermarket and industrial customers globally. Founded in 1955 by Len Harrop in the inner Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, Harrop Engineering originated in specialist general engineering for the textile and general trucking/haulage industries. As the business grew, Len and Elsa’s son Ron joined after completing his boilermaker apprenticeship. Ron had a strong interest in modifying cars and motorsports, so with Len’s technical knowledge and Ron’s motorsport passion the business evolved, opening them to the world of automotive performance parts. The production of performance parts continued to gain momentum through Ron’s car racing, with the iconic Harrop Howler through to touring cars (HDT) and then engineering Holden Racing Team Commodores. Harrop Engineering enjoyed enormous on-track success, playing a decisive role in the precision design of performance products for racing teams over the past 30 years. In 2008, Harrop Engineering was acquired by Adrad Group, a family-owned conglomerate…

The Federal Government has launched a new Jobs Hub to support businesses and those Australians looking for work. While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are reducing workforces, some areas of the economy have increased demand for workers. Jobs Hub provides information on current employment opportunities, what’s happening in our labour market, and jobs that are in demand. dese.gov.au/covid-19/jobs-hub For businesses in Victoria, the State Government has launched the $500m Business Support Fund to help small businesses survive the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and keep people in work. Find out more here: business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-fund The Queensland State Government has set up a web portal designed to keep manufacturing supply chains amid the ongoing coronavirus situation. The portal aims allows manufacturers and suppliers to register what they need and what is available. For details, see: dsdmip.qld.gov.au/index.php/industry/industry-support-dsd/manufacturer-s-supply-matching-request-form/view/form Industry Capability Network (ICN) has launched a new ICN COVID-19 Response App, which provides software that can protect workers from…

The Federal and State Governments have already imposed restrictions on a number of businesses offering non-essential services as part of measures to support social distancing and contain the spread of coronavirus. Should further limitations become necessary, AMTIL has urged the Government to ensure that appropriate exemptions are made for businesses and staff working in the manufacturing industry. “Manufacturing is essential, not just to our economy but in meeting so many of society’s most crucial requirements,” said Shane Infanti, AMTIL’s CEO. “And as this crisis has evolved, we’ve also seen manufacturers across the country stepping up and assisting in national efforts to combat the virus. It’s vital that manufacturers and their supply chains can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible.” While acknowledging that the health and wellbeing of the public should be the main priority in our handling of the coronavirus outbreak, Infanti noted that the manufacturing industry has been particularly vigilant in adopting measures to ensure the safety…

Above all, this is an unprecedented health crisis, and our thoughts are first and foremost with those people who have been directly affected by the virus, their families and friends. Our thoughts also go out to the doctors, the nurses, and all workers in the healthcare sector, as they strive to combat the outbreak. And our thoughts go out to all the key workers in so many areas as we face the weeks and months ahead. Alongside the immediate threat posed by COVID-19, there are also the inevitable consequences for our economy, and for our industry. Several AMTIL members who I or my staff have spoken to have already reported significant disruption to their normal business operations. As this crisis continues, the impact will surely deepen. AMTIL welcomes the measures put in place by Government, both at Federal and State level, to support businesses during these times, and hope to see further assistance over the coming weeks. There have also been a number of major industry…

The Federal Government has announced plans to pass legislation to introduce the JobKeeper payment, intended to provide wage subsidies to businesses significantly affected by COVID-19. Businesses can register their interest at: ato.gov.au/Job-keeper-payment The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) has received more than 1,000 responses via its COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register. Established only last week, the Register allows manufacturers to register their interest in helping Australia meet the national challenge of fighting COVID-19. Find out more about the COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register at: amgc.org.au/covid-19-manufacturer-response The Federal Government has announced a range of measures to assist businesses affected by the crisis, including assistance for small businesses regarding cash flow, and measures to support investment. Information on the measures can be found at: australia.gov.au/#information_for_businesses_and_employees The Federal Government has released an official “Coronavirus Australia” app, which can be download from in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Further news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia can also be…

Queensland State Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Brisbane-based race car company had been working around the clock for the past two weeks to develop the prototype. “This is what Queensland manufacturing is all about,” said Dick. “Hard work, ingenuity and solving problems. It’s so impressive that, within just a few weeks, this company has transitioned their capability, intellect and resources to a product that could ultimately save lives. “It’s also fantastic to hear that Triple Eight has focused on using readily available, local materials. Triple Eight suspended its usual operation following the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, and the positive, forward-looking approach of this company has been heartening to see.” Roland Dane, Team Principle of Triple Eight Race Engineering said the prototype was the result of a dedicated engineering team and input from medical professionals, local intensive care unit experts, as well as the Queensland Department of State Development. “We were able to utilise in-house 3D printing services provided by our team partner HP…

In 1936, Pittsburgh’s Great Flood crippled Western Pennsylvania leaving thousands without electricity. In an effort to help restore the city’s electricity, Donald Ross started the Allegheny Electric Company. In its drive to bring safety to the manufacturing industry, it noted that the wiring method in existing overhead cranes was very dangerous. After decades of innovation, the company invented the Track Busway. As the company grew and further broadened its product lines beyond trolley conductor systems, it changed its name to Universal Electric Corporation (UEC). This marked the creation of two separate divisions when UEC introduced STARLINE Plug-In Raceway. First introduced in 1987, STARLINE Track Busway is now the industry-leading electrical power distribution system for mission-critical data centre facilities in markets such as industrial, retail and higher education markets. The company has built a globally recognised brand that relies on measurement equipment from Mitutoyo to guarantee product quality. The UK division of UEC moved into a new 5,500sqm factory in Reading in 2018 to support the European customer base. Being both UL- and ETL-listed, and…

The expansion – which was slightly unexpected in the midst of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic and emerging recession – was almost entirely attributed to a huge surge in demand for manufactured food, groceries and personal care items, as shoppers stocked up on processed food, toilet paper, cleaning products and other household essentials. The local manufacturing businesses that make these goods are in sectors (mainly ‘food & beverages’ and ‘chemicals’) that account for a large proportion of Australian manufacturing and make relatively large contributions to the headline Australian PMI index. “Australian manufacturers are being impacted in very different ways by the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox. “Some are stepping up to meet surges in purchasing from consumers, businesses and the health sector. Others are finding that disrupted supply chains into export markets and from suppliers of inputs are reducing sales and stifling production. Others are seeing sales dry up…

The COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register portal is live now via the AMGC website, with all contact treated in strict confidence. The portal can be accessed here: www.amgc.org.au/covid-19-manufacturer-response The response of Australian businesses and individuals to the current COVID-19 pandemic to-date has been outstanding, with manufacturers shifting focus to how they can support our health and critical manufacturing sectors during this unprecedented event. Australian manufacturers across multiple disciplines have already pivoted or expressed a desire to support in any way possible actions to address the current COVID-19 threat. Examples include: distillers moving to produce hand-sanitisers; automotive manufacturers exploring the design and manufacturer of ventilators; fabricators moving to the supply of medical goods; or current manufacturers responding to increased demand for goods. Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of AMGC, said: “Australian manufacturers want to assist; however they may be unsure of where to start. By developing this portal, we will be able to gain a clear understanding of the skills, supplies and capabilities that exist right…

Operations at the 13 28 46 Contact Centre will increase from five days per week to seven days per week, and with an additional two hours a day of support outside standard operating hours for the first month, answering calls from 7.00am to 11.00pm AEST. Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said the operations of the Government’s business 13 28 46 contact centre, are being expanded to provide specialist advisers and extended support hours. “The Government is rolling out comprehensive, targeted assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we want businesses who are looking for information to be supported,” she said. “During these challenging times businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 need readily available access to advice so they can fully understand the assistance available to them and their employees.” Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the move is a practical measure to support businesses during this uncertain time: “Our Government is providing a…