Press Centre

Any facility that relies on compressed air as source of energy will know that compressed air is a significant consumer of electricity. Not great news when you consider the heightened electricity costs we have all been faced with in recent years. However, what many compressed air users do not realise is that their compressed air system may well be hiding an energy savings potential of 30 percent or more. Uncovering and realising these savings would assist them in reducing their associated electricity bill and therefore their carbon footprint. Unlocking your energy savings potential The key to unlocking hidden compressed air energy savings starts with a compressed air audit. By monitoring a compressed air system for a set period of time, such sophisticated computer aided audits like the Air Demand Analysis (ADA) from Kaeser, are able to determine precisely how much power and energy is being consumed by an existing compressed air system configuration. Where appropriate, this information can then be used to simulate alternative configurations for optimum energy efficiency. As an example, proprietary tools such as the Kaeser Energy Saving System (KESS) enable efficiency comparisons and accurate predictions of the energy savings that other solutions could make. Where can…

Kaeser Compressors Australia launched its new website earlier this month. Along with a fresh appearance and a simplified navigation, the new website has been designed to be user- and mobile- friendly. The new Kaeser website was created with the end-user in mind. A simplified navigation now divides the website into just four sections; products, solutions, services and company. In addition a responsive design ensures that whether a visitor is viewing the website from a PC, tablet or smart phone, the website will adapt to suit the device. The upgraded product section features extensive product range information and now also includes quick access to technical specifications and in many cases 360-degree product views and videos. There are also a myriad of compressed air resources available to Kaeser website visitors including; The Kaeser toolbox calculators (https://au.kaeser.com/services/know-how/calculator/) From a unit conversion calculator to calculating pressure drop, air receiver size and leakages - the Kaeser Toolbox includes a number of practical online calculators and is definitely a section worth bookmarking for repeat visits! Whitepapers (https://au.kaeser.com/services/news-and-dates/whitepapers/) Kaeser regularly writes and presents in-depth reports on compressed air topics such as energy efficiency, as well as advisory articles to assist compressed air users in - for…

AMTIL has launched a new website for the Additive Manufacturing Hub (AM Hub), accessible at www.amhub.net.au. The AM Hub is a new initiative, delivered by AMTIL in partnership with the Victorian State Government, to provide an industry-driven collaborative network of additive manfacturing technology users, suppliers and supporters that will foster and grow the adoption of this breakthrough technology. The new website will act as the key online portal for the Hub and its activities, as well as providing a wealth of information on the latest developments in additive manufacturing. The website features a comprehensive industry directory of manufacturers, technology suppliers and service providers operating in the additive manufacturing space, as well as information on the grant funding available through the AM Hub. It also includes news on the latest developments in additive manufacturing, and a calendar of upcoming local and international events. Further features will be added in the near future, including a Press Centre where AM Hub members will be able to post their own media releases, and a host of other useful resources. Along with the new website, the AM Hub has also launched Addition, a monthly e-newsletter that rounds up all the latest Hub activities and…

The AM Hub was officially launched on 3 September at the headquarters of Objective 3D in Carrum Downs, in an event attended by Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll and Sonya Kilkenny, the local member for Carrum. The AM Hub will be delivered by AMTIL, and supported by $1.85m from the Victorian Government. Membership of the AM Hub is free for all AMTIL members (but not limited to AMTIL members). “3D printing is a game changer for manufacturing, which is why we’re backing the technology so more local companies can reap the benefits,” said Minister Carroll. “This new Hub will help local manufacturers innovate, become more productive and excel in future industries.” AM is a breakthrough technology for advanced manufacturing, helping businesses design and make new high-value products that are not possible using traditional methods. Capability in this form of high-value manufacturing will help to position local businesses for success in future industries such as defence, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, and transport technologies. The AM Hub will improve…

Anyone looking for a super-quiet, efficient and cost-effective supply of quality compressed air for their workshop requires a user-oriented solution. With the space-saving i.Comp 8 and 9, Kaeser Compressors is proud to introduce a completely new compressed air supply concept that has been specifically developed with this field of use in mind. These units are tough, powerful, compact, easy to maintain, efficient and much more. At the heart of the new i.Comp family is a new drive concept, which provides a multitude of advantages. It delivers the necessary power to cover the required compressed air demand with infinitely variable control. Needless to say, the reciprocating compressor itself is made in Germany and is manufactured to the highest industrial standards for which Kaeser is world renowned. Moreover, i.Comp family reciprocating compressors are able to operate with 100 percent duty cycles. Intelligent solutions - such as drawing the air for compression in through the piston head - ensure exceptional filling performance and, as a result, outstanding efficiency. With a volumetric flow rate of 412 to 580 l/min, the i.Comp Towers can be used for a wide range of workshop and trades applications and assure a constant pressure of up to 11…

AMTIL (the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited) has welcomed the appointment of Scott Morrison as Prime Minister of Australia, while calling for policy certainty following a week of upheaval within the Federal Government. “AMTIL congratulates Scott Morrison on his elevation to the office of Prime Minister,” said AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti. “The new leadership team’s top priority now must be to restore confidence and certainty for businesses, not least in the manufacturing sector, following the latest round of chaos in Canberra. “It is particularly disappointing to note that last week’s leadership spill was precipitated by continued government infighting over energy policy. Feedback from AMTIL members confirms that energy costs and supply reliability are among the most pressing challenges facing manufacturing businesses in Australia. Last week’s developments regarding the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) mean the industry is still waiting for any lasting resolution of these issues, prolonging uncertainty over the supply of affordable energy, while undermining investor confidence. “AMTIL welcomes the swift appointment of Karen Andrews as Minister for Industry, Science & Technology. Minister Andrews previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science and we believe she is well-qualified for her new portfolio. We look forward…

Held at Leonda by the Yarra, the one-day conference brought together around 150 delegates from across Australian manufacturing. Over the course of the day they got the opportunity to learn ways in which they can build resilience in their businesses and in their professional and personal lives. The Conference offered a program of expert speakers from across manufacturing and beyond, examining everything from automation for small manufacturers, to developing effective leadership skills, and much, much more. The day’s presentations got underway with a keynote address from Michael Grogan, Director for Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales for the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). Grogan discussed recent research by the AMGC, which found that Australia has one of the most volatile manufacturing industries in the world. He cited companies such as ANCA, Marand Precision Engineering, Lovitt Technologies Australia and Sutton Tools as examples of Australian manufacturers that exhibit the three attributes of resilient manufacturers: superiority, diversity, and flexibility. “The good news is that when you focus on resilience, you can also become more competitive,”…

Kaeser Compressors has just announced the launch of its Mobilair 210 series portable compressor. Part of its larger range of diesel powered portable air compressors, the M210 is the ideal solution for continuous operation in tough environmental conditions - such as those applications found on mine sites - where free air deliveries of up to 21.2 m3/min are required. Powered by a 146 kW diesel engine from Caterpillar with exhaust emission Tier 3, and featuring the flow optimised Sigma Profile screw compressor block, the new Mobilair 210 rotary screw compressors provide a free air delivery of 21.2 m3/min at 7 bar (g). In addition, 8.6 and 10 bar versions are available respectively delivering 19.7 and 18.0 m3/min. At the heart of the M210 series portable compressor lies the Sigma Profile screw compressor block. Developed by Kaeser some years ago and continuously enhanced ever since, it achieves power savings of up to 15 percent compared with conventional screw compressor block rotor profiles. This contributes to the overall high efficiency of these compressors. Part of the renowned Mobilair range of portable compressors from Kaeser that are manufactured at a state-of-the-art production facility in Germany, the recently launched M210 comes complete with…

Kaeser will be exhibiting at the International Federation of Hospital Engineering 2018 Congress. Being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-11 October 2018, visitors to the Kaeser stand will be able to learn more about the Industrie 4.0-ready medical compressed air system solutions that Kaeser Compressors has to offer. This includes Kaeser’s latest range of CSG-2 series dry-running rotary screw compressors. Available with drive powers ranging from 37 to 90 kW, these two-stage machines provide free air deliveries from 5.4 to 13.1 m³/min for pressures between 4 and 10 bar (g). Together with the existing DSG-2 and FSG-2 series, Kaeser‘s dry-runner range covers free air deliveries ranges from 5.4 to 50.0 m³/min, and 3.2 to 50.8 m³/min for variable speed machines. Delivering ultra-efficient compressed air production at all times, the CSG-2 systems are the ideal choice where absolutely clean and dry compressed air is required, such as in the medical sector. At the heart of these versatile units lies a quality, two-stage compressor block. The rotors are equipped with ‘ultra coat’ which is resistant to temperatures up to 300oC. This cost reducing coating is highly abrasion-proof. After years of operation, its sealing and protection performance therefore…

It is confirmed today that Mr. Philip Hayes, Managing Director of Okuma Australia Pty Ltd and Okuma New Zealand Limited will step down after a career spanning 27 years with the Okuma brand. Mr Hayes, who had gained 14 years’ experience with machine tools and robotics at John Hart Pty Ltd, commenced with the Okuma brand at Gilbert Lodge and Company Limited in 1991 at the very depth of the Keating recession. He was confronted with a machine tool business that needed significant change management suitable for emerging trends in new technologies, customer service, marketing, sales methodology and applications support. Accordingly, the machine tools division of Gilbert Lodge was rapidly overhauled and fortunes began to change almost immediately. A fire that destroyed most of the Oakleigh premises couldn’t prevent the Company moving ahead in leaps and bounds and achieving a market leading position within 3 years. In a revived cooperation with the management of Okuma in Japan, massive annual gains were posted year on year. Valuable local assistance by Geoff Coffey, then of Atlas Steels, and employees placed in strategic positions, attracted and gained the trust of the best of the best toolmakers, manufacturers and jobbing shops. Their investments…

 With the retirement of longstanding and highly respected Managing Director Philip Hayes, Okuma Japan has appointed General Manager Dean McCarroll to replace Philip in the role of Managing Director for Okuma Australia and Okuma New Zealand. Dean was first employed as National Sales Manager for Okuma Australia and has served the company as General Manager for more than ten years, working closely with Mr Hayes over this period. A toolmaker by trade Dean has more than 40 years in the machine tool business with the last 30 years in management roles. Well known for innovative technology, high quality manufacture and outstanding service and support, Okuma machines are amongst the longest serving machine tools installed that are still running. Okuma is a major supplier to the manufacturing industry in Australia and New Zealand of Multi-tasking Machines, Double Column Machines, 5-Axis Machining Centres, CNC Lathes, Grinders, Robotics and Machine Tending Systems. Okuma Australia and New Zealand are wholly owned subsidiaries of Okuma Japan. In acknowledging his new role Dean commented, “It’s our people that truly define Okuma with their passion, integrity, experience and knowledge and this becomes the hallmark of what we stand for in the market as we partner with…

Registrations have opened for the 2018 AMTIL National Conference, which will be held in Melbourne on 22 August. Early Bird rates are available until 31 July, so don’t miss out. The theme for this year’s AMTIL National Conference will be ‘Strategies for Manufacturing Resilience and Growth’. The one-day event – to be held at Leonda by the Yarra in Hawthorn, Victoria – will take participants on a learning journey that will help them build resilience in their business, look outside their traditional avenues for opportunities for growth, and inspire them to think outside the square. AMTIL has already secured an impressive line-up of speakers. The opening keynote will be given by Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). For the closing address, the acclaimed athlete Deanna Blegg will be discussing ‘Personal Resilience’, and the incredible adversity she has dealt with and triumphed over in her life so far. Expert speakers Dr Goennenmann joined the AMGC in 2016, with an extensive background managing large manufacturing operations in Australia and Europe. He served as Managing Director of Airbus Group Australia Pacific and Airbus Helicopters, having previously spent six years in Germany with the former European Aeronautic…

Sydney, Australia // 15 June 2018 – GE this week announced more than one hundred Australian schools have been selected for its 2018 GE Additive Education Program, the largest rollout of its kind in Australia. The primary and secondary schools from across the country will receive a polymer 3D printer, supporting software and an education curriculum to give students hands-on additive manufacturing experience. Globally, GE received applications from over 3,000 schools for its 2018 Additive Education Program. Six hundred schools were accepted around the world, of which 103 of those are Australian. At an event at North Sydney Demonstration School, one of the Australian schools selected for the program, President and CEO of GE APAC, Wouter Van Wersch said: “Additive manufacturing will be one of the biggest disruptors in the future of industry, and Australia has a huge opportunity to lead in this globally. “Through our Additive Education Program, GE aims to help build a strong pipeline of additive manufacturing skills – starting from the classroom – so that the next generation are on the front foot to take on future manufacturing opportunities,” said Van Wersch. CEO of GE Australia, Max York said: “Australia has always been early adopters…