March 26, 2024

From the CEO – Government intervention into rising Workcover Premiums is required

Here I have outlined five impacts of increasing WorkCover premiums and its effects on businesses, employees, and the broader economy. Financial Strain on Business Rising WorkCover premiums can impose a substantial financial burden on businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. Increased premiums directly impact a company's bottom line, reducing profitability and hindering growth opportunities. This financial strain may force businesses to allocate funds originally earmarked for expansion, innovation, or employee benefits towards covering insurance costs, thereby impeding their ability to invest in crucial areas essential for long-term success. Deterrent to Employment Higher WorkCover premiums may act as a deterrent to employment, particularly for businesses operating in labor-intensive industries. Employers facing escalating insurance costs may be reluctant to hire additional staff or expand their workforce, fearing the added financial strain of increased premiums. Consequently, job creation could stagnate, exacerbating unemployment rates and impeding economic…
Read More
February 22, 2024

Deconstructing methane

Considering the problems associated with some large-scale agribusiness practices like the inhumane treatment of animals, lower quality outputs, high-density pollution and staggering water and chemical needs, it's no wonder a return to artisanal subsistence farming seems so attractive. The bad news; it's impossible. Countries where it still proliferates have stagnant economies, and it doesn't offer the variety of output we need in human diets. A single industrialised world farmer produces more food with higher nutritional quality for more people per labour unit than several subsistence farmers. There just isn't enough arable land on Earth to feed eight billion people without the scale of factory farming, and if we want to address the negative impacts it can have on the climate and environment, the only thing that might save us is biotechnology. And one of the biggest problems to solve in growing and processing our food is methane. A third of all the methane we produce is from agriculture,…
Read More
February 19, 2024

What’s On at AMW2024

Registrations are now open for your attendance at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) in Sydney. Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) is run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), with the NSW Government as the Major Sponsor. This huge event will occupy more than 6,560 square metres of exhibition space at the Sydney ICC at Darling Harbour. Up to 250 organisations have already taken stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!    REGISTER NOW!   There are SEVEN Zones to AMW2024, each with a particular focus, speciality and technology. These are: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by Finlease; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Zone; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by The Execution Factor; Robotics & Automation Zone; sponsored by IFS Weld and Air Solutions Zone; and the Plastic Technology Zone. At Australian Manufacturing Week, you will see many exhibitors showcasing all of the above and have the opportunity to find the right process, talk to the right people, gain the right expertise, and get on the right path to your…
Read More
January 31, 2024

Welcome to a New Year

Australian Manufacturing Week is being held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour from 17th - 19th April and promises to be another great exhibition with 260 exhibitors across seven product zones including machine tools, additive technologies, welding & air technology, manufacturing solutions, plastic technology, robotics & automation and a dedicated area for Australian manufacturers called the Manufacturers Pavilion. In addition to the exhibition, a Future Solutions speaker program will also be an integral part of a visit with many great topics and speakers lined up already. Registration to AMW and the Speaker Program is free to attend by visiting australianmanufacturingweek.com.au Our AMT Magazine continues to be one of the most highly regarded industry publications in the country and we take great pride in this. A nationally controlled circulation list, with a readership of over 20,000 per issue, combined with quality…
Read More
January 30, 2024

Plastics Technology at AMW2024!

Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the Sydney ICC in Darling Harbour. Run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,560 square metres of exhibition space at the Sydney ICC at Darling Harbour. More than 220 organisations have already taken stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!   Register NOW!   There are seven Zones on the vast floorspace of Australian Manufacturing Week, which takes up almost of the Sydney ICC. Each Zone focuses on particular aspects of manufacturing in Australia. These include: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by finlease; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Zone; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by The Execution Factor; Robotics & Automation Zone, sponsored by IFS; Weld and Air Solutions Zone; and the Plastic Technology Zone. PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY ZONE The Plastics Technology Zone @ AMW2024 will be showcasing the most advanced technologies within this sector. The various techniques within Plastics Technology include:…
Read More
January 23, 2024

Sahajwalla Ambassador

One of the world’s most recognised and innovative materials scientists and an engineer and inventor has been announced as this year’s City of Parramatta Australia Day Ambassador. 2022 NSW Australian of the Year and UNSW Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, is a highly awarded researcher at the forefront of recycling science, who launched the world’s first e-waste microfactory. The professor’s work has led to the development of green ceramic tiles and green steel, made from recycled glass, textiles and steel. Professor Sahajwalla has been invited to address the City of Parramatta’s Citizen of the Year awards on 25 January and as a guest on 26 January. She said she’s excited to visit Parramatta and celebrate with locals. “It’s such an honour to be an Australia Day Ambassador for Parramatta,” Professor Sahajwalla said. “It’s also a privilege to share my story around science and engineering and how our UNSW SMaRT Centre MICROfactorieTM Technologies are helping to tackle our waste and recycling challenges.” Already the City has benefitted from these revolutionary green materials, with Mirvac’s Pavilions apartment building in Sydney Olympic Park leading the pack…
Read More
December 8, 2023

Registrations are NOW OPEN for AMW2024

Run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), and with the NSW Government as Major Sponsor, AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,560 square metres of exhibition space at the Sydney ICC at Darling Harbour, with more than 215 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out! REGISTER NOW:   There will be seven Zones on the show floor of Australian Manufacturing Week, each with its own distinct specialisations. These include: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by finlease; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Pavilion; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by The Execution Factor; Robotics & Automation Zone; Weld and Air Solutions Zone; and the Plastic Technology Zone.   AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURERS PAVILION The Australian Manufacturers Pavilion showcases the capabilities of Australia’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing industry. The Australian Manufacturers Pavilion is one of seven focussed Zones on the floor of AMW2024. The Australian Manufacturers Pavilion is where AMW2024 celebrates the very best in Australian manufacturing, providing a showcase for some of this country’s…
Read More
November 30, 2023

QLD Minister for Manufacturing

AMT: As the Queensland Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, that is a lot of portfolio space to get your head around first off Minister.  Promise I’ll stay within the walls of manufacturing. Do you find a bit of ‘crossover’? GB: Definitely - there is lots of crossover and that’s what I want to see. I want to see local manufacturers benefitting from our significant investment in critical infrastructure like water projects, so that benefits to Queensland businesses are seen all the way down the supply chain. A significant amount of our infrastructure investment occurs outside Southeast Queensland given the decentralised nature of the state. And this is set to continue - as an example, 95% of our $62bn Energy and Jobs Plan will be invested outside SEQ. That’s why we have a plan and why we keep investing in our grants and support programs so that our local…
Read More
November 17, 2023

Titomic welding

Welding has long been the go-to method for repairs and restoration of metal parts. Although it’s a well-established and great method for joining metals, when it comes to repair, welding may not always be the most suitable solution. Unfortunately, with limited alternatives available, it has often been the common or default choice. However, a new technology is now emerging that promises to revolutionise the repair process and offer a more versatile and efficient solution: low-pressure cold spray technology. Cold spray – also known as supersonic particle deposition - is a groundbreaking technology for repairing geometries and applying functional coatings. Unlike welding, which involves high temperatures and can result in distortion, residual stress, and damage to surrounding materials, cold spray operates without the need for extreme heat. Instead, it propels metal particles at supersonic speeds onto metal surfaces. As they collide, the kinetic energy of the particles causes them to deform and interlock with the metal surface, creating a strong, metallurgically bonded coating.  When it comes to repair and maintenance, the advantages of low-pressure cold spray over conventional welding…
Read More
November 13, 2023

Manufuturing with precision

Australia’s premier manufacturing technology trade show, AMW Sydney 2024, is promising to be a dynamic and innovative event that brings together professionals, companies and experts from many industries related to manufacturing, engineering and technology. It is AMTIL’s aim for Australian Manufacturing Week to be more than just an exhibition. This is the centrepiece of a week-long celebration of manufacturing in Australia today. “On the back of the overwhelming success of AMW 2022 in Sydney, we have returned to the ICC at Darling Harbour for April 2024 and are excited to be delivering another strong show,” said Shane Infanti CEO of AMTIL, organisers of Australian Manufacturing Week. “We are very pleased to have the support of the NSW Government as the Major Sponsor for AMW. Government support is important in delivering the message to our industry that manufacturing is important and that the support mechanisms are there to assist.” Australian Manufacturing Week will take place at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney. The stats from our Melbourne show at the MCEC showed conclusively the appetite for…
Read More
November 1, 2023

Maersk measures

International logistics and shipping leader Maersk is strengthening its omnichannel-fulfilment capabilities in Australia, with the opening of seven new facilities across the country. As the integrated container and logistics company celebrates its 30th anniversary in Australia, plans are in place to grow its already extensive operations and land-side capabilities.   The seven new facilities are being delivered over the 12 months to Q1 2024 as part of Maersk’s global integrator strategy with clear opportunities identified to expand the regional logistics landscape. This will bring the company’s total number of sites in Australia to eight in total, serviced by 550 full-time employees. Four sites opened earlier this year and three more are coming online between now and Q1 2024. Two of these facilities were integrated into the Maersk network as part of its acquisition of LF Logistics.  Maersk invited AMT magazine to the new Derrimut warehouse in Melbourne to meet with staff and view the complex matrix system on the occasion of the company's 30th anniversary in Australia. The huge network space was rolling with robots, pickers,…
Read More
October 10, 2023

AMW2024 Sydney launch

Australia’s premier manufacturing technology trade show, AMW2024 is promising to be a dynamic and innovative event in Sydney that brings together professionals, companies and experts from many industries related to manufacturing, engineering and technology. It is AMTIL’s aim for Australian Manufacturing Week to be more than just an exhibition. This is the centrepiece of a week-long celebration of manufacturing in Australia today. “On the back of the overwhelming success of AMW2022 in Sydney, we have returned to the ICC at Darling Harbour for April 2024 and are excited to be delivering another strong show,” said Shane Infanti CEO of AMTIL, organisers of Australian Manufacturing Week. “We are very pleased to have the support of the NSW Government as the Major Sponsor for AMW. Government support is important in delivering the message to our industry that manufacturing is important and that the support mechanisms are there to assist.” Australian Manufacturing Week will take place at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney. The stats from our Melbourne show at the MCEC showed conclusively the appetite for large-scale manufacturing exhibitions is healthy for…
Read More
October 5, 2023

Agile Flex increases efficiency and safety at MASPRO

Recently the Australian engineering business has turned this skill inward, investing in not just one, but two Agile Flex 35D robotic loading systems for CNC machine tools. The two Agile Flex 35D systems at MASPRO are 4-drawer models with the top pallet option, both tending DMG NLX 2500/700 dual spindle turning centers. One of the systems was installed at MASPRO’s Condobolin manufacturing facility and the other at their Wetherill Park facility, in New South Wales, Australia. The Agile Flex 35D systems are being used in the manufacture of hydraulic cylinder pistons but will ultimately handle a wide variety of machined parts for the mining equipment sector. The Agile Flex 35D robotic loading systems have allowed MASPRO’s machinists to focus on more complex roles such as programming rather than the time-consuming and difficult manual loading and unloading of parts. Removing the need for manual handling has also eliminated the risk of repetitive stress injury. Established in Condobolin in 2006, MASPRO is a family-owned and operated mining technology business with a history spanning…
Read More