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RUAG is the first Australian company to receive an award under the ADAC initiative covering the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of selected components for the F/A-18 Hornet fleet. RUAG is now a designated and approved source of repair for Navy Supply (NAVSUP) within the APAC Region under this program. “RUAG Australia appreciates the trust that the US Navy has placed in their ability to support their regional activities,” says Terry Miles, General Manager RUAG Australia. “RUAG’s MRO capabilities and track record of success with the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF), will form the basis of a partnership with the US Navy to support the fleet readiness of the F/A-18 fleet in APAC and other Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers moving forward.” ADAC is a senior bilateral forum for co-operation between the US and Australian Military, aiming to facilitate closer defence and industry collaboration related to the acquisition, logistics and follow-on support of defence equipment. “We are pleased and proud to be recognised as an…

There was significant divergence between the larger manufacturing states, with Victoria’s PMI falling back into contraction (down 9.3 points to 44.0) while NSW (down 5.2 points to 51.0) and South Australia (up 3.3 points to 65.3) continued to indicate recovery. The PMI in Queensland improved but continued to indicate a period of contraction (up 9.7 points to 47.1). Readings above 50 points indicate expansion in activity, with higher results indicating a faster rate of expansion. “While the manufacturing sector held on to recent gains with activity broadly stable in August, manufacturers from Victoria, which accounts for about 25 percent of the national economy, sunk back into negative territory in the month in line with the introduction of severe restrictions on businesses and as local consumer demand was hit hard by the stay-at-home orders,” said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox. Six of the seven activity indices in the Australian PMI deteriorated in August compared with July. Production (down 3.0 points to 53.4) and exports (up 10.8 points to 52.2) expanded, while…

These stories have featured items such as a 3D-printed prosthetic jaw designed by the patient’s own doctor; spinal parts to support fractured or damaged vertebrae; a patient-specific sternum, and so on. These are just some of the phenomenal achievements 3D printing technology can bring to suffering patients. Becoming increasingly aware of solutions they can offer their patients, doctors are embracing the technology, applying their own knowledge of anatomy, using the latest imaging technology, and working with CAD designers to construct unique parts for their patient. What we are really talking about is a world of ‘customised body parts’ – customised because all human beings are unique and no one size fits all! More common implants occur for hips and knees, but here, most replacement parts used in operations come in a standard size and form. Injuries to knee and hip joints generally arise as a result of musculoskeletal trauma from accidents, sports injuries, improper training practices or when a person is not sufficiently warmed up or stretched in readiness to undertake…

McArthur River Mine, which excavates zinc, lead and silver, required two new water trucks to be added to its operations but, being mindful of improving dust control and ensuring better safety for its workers, decided to have trucks specifically designed that would address these issues. The result was the coming together of local Australian companies – Australian Diversified Engineering and Austin Engineering – that produced two uniquely designed CAT 789 water trucks for the mine patented as “Stairway Access Tank”, with a capacity of 159,000 litres. The exclusive design has produced what is now known as the safest water tank in the mining industry, and is an engineering collaboration of which ADE General Manager Clive Gray says has set the bar for water truck technology to new heights. “Controlling airborne dust on mine sites is incredibly important,” Gray explained. “It minimises the risks to workers, but knowing just how much water to spray has its own…

Thomson Mathew, ANCA Software Product Manager says: “This upgrade responds directly to what our customers want and need for effective tool simulation. CIM3D V9 allows for customisation based on regularly-used features no matter which industry. The simulation quality of ANCA’s software is unmatched and you can simulate complete grinding sequences. “The offline capabilities of using the latest CIM3D version mean important background calculations are easily verified, increasing machine productivity. This not only maximises machine time but for those working from home, CIM3D can be run independently on any computer – so it is possible to do all the programming remotely. “We have automated many manual steps and introduced process verification and analysis in a central hub to get improved cycle time, and better wheel and tool life. Collisions can be detected automatically and overall CIM3D V9 is more enjoyable and easier to use.” The new…

The lens is made from a one molecule layer of atomaterials – the next generation of nanomaterials with a thickness about one millionth of a human hair in size. It could be used in ultra-compact cameras, achieving high resolution images comparable to state-of-the-art imaging systems. The research breakthrough was co-led by Founding Director of Swinburne’s Centre for Translational Atomaterials, Professor Baohua Jia, Professor Qiaoliang Bao formerly at Monash University, and Professor Chengwei Qiu at National University of Singapore. “Lenses are the key element in optical systems in our daily life, including eyeglasses, microscopes, magnifying glasses, and camera lenses,” said Swinburne’s Dr Han Lin. “Conventional lenses based on light refraction need multiple lenses to be stacked to form compound lenses to minimise aberrations and achieve good imaging quality. Therefore, current high-quality camera equipment is complex and bulky. We have put tremendous effort into the development of ultrathin flat lenses.” Unlike conventional lenses, a flat lens uses nanostructures to control light and correct image distortion. It can also produce different…

The industrial-grade HP Jet Fusion 4200 printers will be used by DST for production of robust end-use parts, tooling and jigs, as well as concept models and prototypes. Due to the high output possible from the HP 4200 machines, they can also be used for on-demand local manufacturing of critical parts in the event of supply chain disruption. This revolutionary technology is set to enable the reinvention of manufacturing in Australia due to its flexibility and agility compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Joe Carmody, EVOK3D Managing Director, said: “3D printing has moved beyond just prototyping and is now a viable and flexible direct manufacturing technology. DST’s motto is ‘Science and Technology for Safeguarding Australia’ and we are very proud to be playing a part in securing supply chain sovereignty for this country.” “The fact the Department of Defence has…

Using precision turning and milling equipment, Jmar specialises in component manufacturing, repairs and maintenance across a broad range of industries. Their work typically includes a considerable amount of ‘reverse engineering’; fabricating components and parts that customers may have previously bought from overseas suppliers who often are now defunct or uncontactable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to component manufacturing, the company has been a supplier to the agricultural industry for almost a quarter of a century, with a unique product called the Christopher Dairy Bails; a retrofit product suitable for herringbone dairies that allows the farmer to feed in the bail at milking time. Jmar has also invested heavily in 3D modelling, which has been a great sales tool as the company can now provide customers with an accurate representation of the concept design prior to actual full-scale production. Nearly all of Jmar’s business comes from around the Goulburn Valley area, within…

Printing ventilator parts for COVID-19 RAM3D became an essential supplier to the medical industry during the lockdown period. This project was a combined effort involving RAM3D, Doctor Andrew Robinson of Lakes District Health Board, and Kilwell Fibretube Engineering, who have been involved in reverse engineering and prototyping. The parts RAM3D were asked to 3D print were for an anaesthesia machine that was being converted to an intensive care ventilator for COVID-19. RAM3D successfully redesigned the valve (bridge) and will be full-scale manufacturing the part. The key aspects of the design were that it had to be simple to install and needed to have limited risk of failure; it was imperative there was no leakage through the seals during operation. RAM3D was sent the original CAD file of the part; it was made up of two pieces and had been designed for CNC manufacturing. After several failed attempts to 3D…

As can be construed from its name, cast iron is intended for castings. Machining cast iron parts involves removal of non-uniform and variable stock – for example sand inclusions, casting skin, blowholes, hot tears and other casting defects, which affects cutting tools. From a machining point of view, the higher graphite content also has a disadvantage: it accelerates abrasion wear. This means that the cutting tools must have good wear resistance to ensure high productivity. It is also worth noting that the term “cast iron” may in fact refer to different types of ferrous alloy, for which machinability can vary significantly. The latter is often neglected, which can lead to the wrong choice of cutting tools and incorrect definition of cutting data. There are several types of cast iron. Grey, nodular…

If there's one thing that the current series of events has reminded us of is the fact that unforeseeable events can happen at any time, and with potentially devastating repercussions for any business that relies on transacting in foreign currency or purchases equipment from overseas suppliers. According to recent findings by specialist banking market research and analysis firm, East and Partners, Australian businesses suffered currency losses of up to AU$3.4bn in the last six months - highlighting just how damaging changing business cycles and volatile financial markets can be. Despite the current economic uncertainty, the good news is that there are ways you can protect your business from the impact of foreign exchange (FX) rate fluctuations during these turbulent times. The key is to build a risk management strategy around your business, and not just the market, by suitably hedging your FX currency risk. Why do businesses hedge their FX risk? FX rate fluctuations can negatively impact any business that: imports or exports goods and services from overseas; sends or receives funds…

The breakthrough, made in partnership with Wollongong-based Medical Innovation Hub, represents a paradigm shift in the production of self-expanding nitinol stents for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), which afflicts more than 10% of Australians. PAD is a condition in which fatty deposits collect and reduce blood flow in arteries outside the heart — most commonly in the legs. People with PAD typically experience pain when walking and in severe cases may develop gangrene. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, said the home-grown technology had the potential to revolutionise the $16bn global stent manufacturing industry. “This is a great example of industry working with our researchers to develop an innovative product that addresses a global need and builds on our sovereign capability,” Minister Andrews said. Until now, surgeons have been restricted to accessing ‘off-the-shelf’ stents for operations. The ability to 3D print stents is expected to improve sizing options, preserve essential anatomy, and enable diameters and shapes to suit individual patient requirements. The process could also allow for individual stents to…

The decision to hold a virtual AGM was brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, and the significant possibility that social distancing restrictions may still be in place in October. However, as AMTIL Events Manager Kim Banks explains, the switch to an online meeting does also create new opportunities for the AGM. “The AGM is always one of the biggest events in the AMTIL calendar, so it’s disappointing that we won’t be holding it as a social gathering this year,” says Banks. “However, like other organisations, AMTIL has adapted as a result of COVID-19, and our online events such as the Power Brokers Virtual Meetings have been a real success. And obviously you don’t have to travel to participate in online event, so it means a more inclusive event with more AMTIL members from across Australia able to take part.”And obviously you don’t have to travel to participate in online events, so it means a more inclusive event with more AMTIL members from across Australia able to take part.” As well…