March 7, 2025

RJS Tech Group at AMW2025

At AMW2025, RJS Tech Group will present a cutting-edge showcase featuring PPTools, NanoTech, Rogers Industries, and Whitelaw Engineering Machinery. This unified stand will highlight how Australian-made innovations are pushing the boundaries of efficiency, durability, and performance in modern manufacturing. PPTools will demonstrate the art of precision tool manufacturing with its Walter G200—a state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC grinding machine. Visitors will witness firsthand how this technology enables the production of highly accurate, custom-designed rotary cutting tools, essential for woodworking, metalworking, and composite machining. Whitelaw Engineering Machinery will present a diverse range of industrial lathes, the Meltio system, and other high-performance industrial equipment. The Meltio system, a breakthrough in hybrid additive manufacturing, showcases the future of metal 3D printing, enabling manufacturers to build and repair metal components with unparalleled precision. NanoTech will highlight its world-class PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating technology, developed using the PLATIT PLi411 Plus—the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. This innovative process significantly enhances tool hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance, ensuring extended tool life and higher machining efficiency. Rogers Industries, leaders in…
Read More
March 7, 2025

Manufacturing opportunities at AMW2025

AMW2025 will open on Tuesday 6th May and will roll for four days. All six Pavilions and Zones will be open and active, over 400 exhibitors enthused and ready to show their best manufacturing technology at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The first day of AMW2025 will be full throttle. REGISTER NOW! To help visitors to the show navigate such a diverse line-up of exhibits, AMW2025 will feature six dedicated Zones covering a range of specialised aspects of the modern manufacturing landscape: Additive Manufacturing Zone Australian Manufacturers Pavilion Machine Tools Manufacturing Solutions Robotics & Automation Weld & Air Solutions Now in its third year, the Future Solutions Speaker Program will also be held at the Australian Manufacturing Week, over three days. The very popular program has a great range of 35+ expert speakers discussing the current trends and issues affecting the manufacturing landscape. With a focus on innovation, join us to hear from industry leaders, explore new technologies and learn from real-world case studies. The Future Solutions Speaker Program at AMW2025 is free to attend and…
Read More
March 6, 2025

RAM3D at AMW2025

Last year alone, RAM3D 3D printed and delivered 17,000+ of those ‘solutions’ (parts, components, and more) for our customers. AMW visitors can interact with a wide range of our metal 3D-printed parts at our stand to get an accurate look and feel for the possibilities and quality that RAM3D offers. Maybe you haven’t tried metal 3D printing yet. If that’s the case, RAM3D can help you maximise this Industry 4.0 technology, with over a decade of experience supplying various sectors such as aerospace and defence, industrial and engineering clients, and high-level sport and bespoke recreation markets worldwide. As specialists in the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process of Selective Laser Melting (SLM), our technical expertise truly shines as we bring our customers’ parts to life, understanding that the key benefits of utilising Metal AM—producing complex geometries, intricate shapes and structures, integrated design, and overall lighter, stronger, higher quality, and more efficient parts—are realised in every print. At previous shows, one of RAM3D’s repeat customers (a Victoria local) has cycled in on one of his titanium printed models to loan…
Read More
March 5, 2025

Alfex at AMW2025

Alfex is proud to showcase the latest in Laser cutting, marking and engraving systems, CNC Machine Tools & Industrial 3D Printers at AMW2025. Visit us at Stand MT290 (Alfex) and Stand MT300 (Haas CNC) to see live demonstrations of cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. Whether you're looking to increase capabilities or improve production efficiencies, the team at Alfex is ready to help with over 300 years of combined experience in the manufacturing and engineering space. Alfex is set to make waves at this year’s Australian Manufacturing Week, showcasing the world’s leading laser brands, including Epilog Laser, Lotus Laser, Kern Lasers, ACSYS Lasers, VISION engraving and routing systems, and BOFA Filtered Extraction systems. As a trusted provider of high-quality equipment and exceptional service, Alfex continues to support businesses nationwide in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. From precision engraving to high-performance laser cutting and marking, these industry-leading brands provide Australian businesses with state-of-the-art solutions that enhance productivity, accuracy, and efficiency. Whether for aerospace, defence, automotive, industrial, or creative applications, Alfex delivers the right tools to drive innovation and business growth. Experts will discuss how these solutions can streamline…
Read More
March 4, 2025

AI will augment, not replace

Many people are concerned that automation is going to take away jobs. However, in light of today’s rapidly shifting technologies, supply chain disruptions, and millions of already unfilled jobs, there will likely be plenty of work for everyone, even if job descriptions change and retraining is necessary. “Rockwell Automation wants to expand human possibilities,” explained Cyril Perducat, CTO at Rockwell Automation. “And when we talk about the future and things like robots on the plant floor, we’re not talking about removing people from the equation. We want to augment existing people and their capabilities.” He added, “There are a lot of buzzwords today, including artificial intelligence (AI), but they aren’t just about technology. They’re about creating the right experiences for people. There’s no way to invest in the future without making tools usable for people.” Perducat made these remarks during his closing keynote address at the 2023 Automation Fair® event in Boston. Strategies for Challenges Perducat reported that it’s important to start by examining the individual challenges…
Read More
March 3, 2025

AML3D in the USA

AML3D’s technology centre is open and in production. One ARCEMY industrial metal 3D printing system is on-site at Stow, OHIO. A second system will be installed later in the year. Plans to install additional ARCEMY systems at the Stow facility, which would increase its capacity, are progressing. AML3D has already delivered A$16m of US contracts ahead of an expected surge in US Defence spending on additive manufacturing. AML3D’s US manufacturing capability also supports new opportunities to expand into the US Energy and Defence Aerospace sectors. The Stow manufacturing hub is already operational and working on an initial A$2.27m order from the Tennessee Valley Authority, the largest public utility in the USA. The expansion of Stow is to meet an expected step change in US Department of Defense spending on advanced additive manufacturing solutions to support the US Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base. The increase in capacity at Stow will also allow AML3D to continue its expansion into the wider US Energy and Defense Aerospace sectors. AML3D’s US ‘Scale up’ strategy, launched in early CY2023, has…
Read More
February 28, 2025

Milestones for TRJ Engineering

TRJ Engineering celebrated its tenth year of AMTIL membership and 50th year of business last April. General Manager David Murphy told AMT that his father started TRJ in 1974, and David took over about 25 years ago. “The business has moved from Keysborough and expanded out of sight over those years,” he said, “and only in the past eight years has it settled into one considerable site here in Hallam.” Back then, TRJ joined AMTIL to discover what was happening in manufacturing in Australia, Murphy said. “TRJ was getting bigger, and I was looking at how to get support for myself and my team because we’ve evolved with the business. I wanted to see what was out there that could help TRJ with its training and support. AMTIL could direct me to people who eventually became part of the TRJ business and its growing needs. I continue to use AMTIL, but now it’s a call to the team, and I have a great relationship with them.” TRJ has been a part of the…
Read More
February 24, 2025

Renold chains

Automated Solutions Australia (ASA) is proud to have partnered with Renold Australia to develop and implement an advanced robotic machine tending solution at Renold’s Melbourne facility. This partnership showcases ASA’s automation expertise alongside Renold’s ongoing commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to drive manufacturing excellence. One key outcome of this collaboration is a dramatic improvement in operational efficiency, with the robotic solution enabling continuous production and reducing lead times. Founded in 1879, Renold Australia is a global leader in industrial chains and mechanical power transmission products. It provides essential components to the mining, transportation, food, and energy industries. Renold is recognised for its innovative approach, consistently investing in advanced manufacturing processes to satisfy the demands of a competitive market. Renold collaborated with ASA to transform a machine previously operating for eight hours a day into a fully automated system capable of running 24/7. This enhanced production efficiency and maintained the company's unwavering commitment to quality. The solution features a FANUC M10iD/8L robot with 2D vision and dual…
Read More
February 21, 2025

AMTIL 2025 Golf Day

With a sparkling morning presented for the 2025 AMTIL Golf tournament, about 120 eager participants demonstrated their sportsmanship on the stunning grounds at Riversdale Golf Course, in Mt Waverley. The playing teams were mixed well and came up with some great final scores. After a competitive morning on the course, all teams gathered at the clubhouse for a delicious lunch and drinks, mingling with fellow members and guest attendees. The day wrapped up with an awards ceremony celebrating those who stood out for their exceptional performance. Of course, everyone would like to thank the sponsors for the AMTIL Golf Day, as this would not be possible without the contributions brought together to make this a success. The sponsors this year are: Fusion5, AirLiquide, Gel Events, Shishan Stanley Group, and BusinessHub. There were also BRM Patent Attorneys, Harry the Hirer and Dimac Tools. For the first time this year, a charity was also attached to the AMTIL Golf Day. Wheelchairs For Kids is a program where people can donate…
Read More
February 21, 2025

Kemppi cobot welding

Cobot welding is a game-changer for the manufacturing industry. A flexible solution that can be tailored to the needs of individual firms, it delivers numerous benefits, including increased productivity, quality control, cost efficiency, scalability, real-time monitoring, and an enhanced working environment. Cobot welders automate the welding process and work alongside humans to perform welding tasks. Cobot welders can help boost production output by working continuously with minimal maintenance and without the need for breaks. They can handle repetitive tasks quickly and more intricate work efficiently, improving productivity. Plus, requiring minimal oversight and monitoring, they can free up workers to focus on more complex or higher-value tasks. “Cobots have the capability to run 24/7 and to also work in automated cycles,” says Stuart Orr, Sales Director, Kemppi Australia.  “As a result, they can enhance manufacturing processes and deliver significant productivity benefits.” Consistent welding quality Cobot welding systems also precisely control welding parameters such as temperature, pressure, and so on. This results in more uniform welds while minimising the potential for variation in quality. Kemppi, a leading global welding manufacturer, has an…
Read More
February 19, 2025

Briscoe Group and KNAPP

The Briscoe Group’s 25,000sqm distribution centre is set to open in early 2026. Investing at least NZ$100m in the facility will significantly enhance Briscoe Group’s supply chain capabilities and efficiency. Situated in Drury South, Auckland, this new centre will replace the current 8,000sqm facility, increasing storage capacity by more than four times and accommodating KNAPP’s state-of-the-art automated shuttle system. The automation contract significantly advances the Briscoe Group’s supply chain evolution. KNAPP’s advanced systems, including the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) Evo Shuttle and Pick-it-Easy Evo goods-to-person stations, will optimise storage and picking for smaller products like apparel and footwear, enhancing efficiency across the board. “This partnership with KNAPP enables us to enhance stock accuracy and expedite fulfilment, creating an improved customer experience while optimising in-store inventory,” said Briscoe Group Supply Chain General Manager Darren Porteous. The automation will bolster the on-shelf availability of products in Briscoe Group’s stores, allowing the Group to restock high-demand items as often as daily, thereby enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Various online orders will also be fulfilled from the DC using automation, minimising the…
Read More
February 18, 2025

Laboratory space

Westlab has a strong focus on modular, scalable, and technically advanced systems, maintaining a long-standing relationship with Capral, Australia's largest extruder and distributor of aluminium products. The company prides itself on responsibly sourcing locally extruded aluminium for its products, continually pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in everything it undertakes. Recent innovations from the Westlab team, such as the Modulab© Connect System, provide flexible and high-performance solutions for scientific, pharmaceutical, and educational applications. “We’re always looking to improve and standardise our systems globally,” said Russell Grace, Director at Westlab. “Our Modulab Connect System has customised all the profiles to facilitate adaptability, ensuring high performance and compliance with rigorous industry standards, including PC2 and PC3 certification for biocontainment laboratories.” Aluminium is one of the key materials used in the construction of Westlab’s laboratory and furniture products. It offers numerous advantages, such as strength, lightweight properties, high-quality finishes, and formability. This versatility enables the creation of custom fastening and construction systems. Capral extrudes a variety of custom aluminium profiles for Westlab, enhancing the efficient solutions…
Read More
February 17, 2025

The pulse of manufacturing technology

In an opportunity to take the pulse of the industry and refine AMTIL’s strategic planning, AMTIL has conducted policy roundtables across Australia. We were delighted to have hosted ~15% of the C-suite AMTIL membership using the boardroom table format, and members provided valuable insight into their lived experience and brought forward their top issues for discussion. Five roundtables were conducted, one in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane, supported by William Buck. The top three issues—skills shortages, safety, and climate reporting—have been woven into the new AMTIL Strategic Plan 2024 – 2026 (The Plan). Based on this important information, AMTIL has set a new work plan for the New Year, which will include a few new offerings. AMTIL’s principle activities, to promote and support the manufacturing technology industry in Australia are to: provide industry resources, services and platforms, and proactively and reactively advocate to governments on policies relating to the manufacturing technology industry. While our vision and mission remain steadfast, The…
Read More