Product News

Wabtec and its launch customer Roy Hill, a leading iron ore miner majority owned by Hancock Prospecting, have celebrated the debut of the FLXdrive battery locomotive, the world’s first 100% battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive for mainline service. The ceremony unveiled the unique, striking, pink-coloured locomotive at Wabtec’s design and development centre in the USA state of Pennsylvania in front of employees, customer executives, and other officials. “This FLXdrive locomotive represents a major step in the journey to a low-to-zero-emission future in the rail industry,” said Rafael Santana, President & CEO of Wabtec. “The FLXdrive is driven from within by our battery technology. Roy Hill is an ideal customer to partner with given their leadership and excellent operational record.” Roy Hill’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive will feature an energy capacity of seven megawatt hours (MWh). Based on the route and company’s rail operations, the FLXdrive is anticipated to provide a double-digit percentage reduction in fuel costs and emissions per train. Once Wabtec completes the final battery installations and track testing, the locomotive will begin its 17,000-kilometre journey in 2024 for delivery to its…

Decades ago, Australia was known as the Innovation Nation. Then, the era of cheap off-shore production began. Now, we’re turning the page on a new chapter - one sparked by new technology, never before seen on local shores. Advanced Materials and Plastics lead for Sydney-based manufacturing distributor Innovync, Anthony Cruz, has his finger on the pulse of global manufacturing innovation. Innovync’s exclusive deal with Italian CNC leaders CMS is a gateway to some of the most interesting machines on the market – including the groundbreaking Kreator. Developed in collaboration with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, the large-format Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (SEAM) technology merges with 5 axis CNC milling. A powerful fusion, to say the least. The potential for catalysing product innovation is enormous. Australia is about to receive one of its very own in the coming months. Purchased by a public facility to make prototyping in a test environment more accessible to manufacturers, the role of Australia's Kreator is to realise big ideas with minimal investment. “For example, a company can reach out to the facility and they can provide access to…

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), a leader in developing unmanned aircraft systems, has embraced this truth by integrating Additive Manufacturing (AM) into its core processes. From experimental beginnings to becoming a manufacturing cornerstone, GA-ASI's journey with AM exemplifies innovation at its finest. Revolutionising design and production GA-ASI's foray into AM has revolutionised how unmanned aircraft like the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian are built. By adopting AM, GA-ASI has not only streamlined its manufacturing processes but has also unlocked new potential in aircraft design and functionality. The result? Thousands of parts were produced via AM, now flying across multiple GA-ASI platforms. A systematic approach for optimal results GA-ASI's success with AM isn't accidental. It's the outcome of a systematic, refined approach aligning with business objectives. Key strategies include developing a robust AM ecosystem, establishing a solid business case for AM, and partnering with industry leaders. This disciplined approach ensures each AM project aligns with the company's mission, ensuring quality and innovation at every step. Stratasys: a partnership that elevates In its quest to master AM,…

A new Mobile Frame-Mounted Bulk Bag Discharger with Flexible Screw Conveyor from Flexicon allows rapid, dust-free discharging and conveying of bulk solid materials at multiple plant locations. The BULK-OUT BFF Series discharger allows forklift-loading of bulk bags from 914 to 2134mm tall. A removable bag-lifting cradle with Z-CLIP strap holders permits bulk bags to be attached securely at floor level from an ergonomic standing height and then forklifted into cradle cups atop the discharger's upright posts. The bag spout is pulled through a 305mm diameter iris valve which is then closed around the spout, preventing material flow. The spout can then be untied, the snap-action access door closed, and the valve released slowly, allowing controlled flow into the enclosed hopper through the bulk bag interface chute. Complete discharge is aided by FLOW-FLEXER bag activators that press against opposite bottom sides of the bag at timed intervals to form a steep "V" shape, and top-mounted POP-TOP extension devices that raise the uprights as the bulk bag empties, promoting the flow of material from the corners of the bag through the bag spout.…

The collaboration brings together Titomic, a leading manufacturing technology company, and Stärke, a global advanced manufacturer headquartered in South Australia. Stärke, comprising a network of vertically integrated advanced manufacturing companies, is renowned for assisting diverse industries in producing complex, high-performance components. With clients including DSTG, Babcock, Boeing, and Thales, Stärke is known for delivering robust and reliable solutions. The partnership’s primary objective is to harness the strengths of both Titomic and Stärke in advanced manufacturing technology. Leveraging Stärke’s industry connections and expertise, the collaboration aims to provide innovative solutions to clients in high-performance sectors such as defence, aerospace, and automotive. “This venture promotes knowledge exchange between Titomic and Stärke, allowing us to blend our strengths and explore new applications,” TTT Managing Director Herbert Koeck said. “We are thrilled about our partnership with Stärke, a global leader in advanced manufacturing and a partner which shares our commitment to manufacturing innovation,” Koeck said. “This collaboration is set to accelerate Titomic’s growth, thanks to Stärke’s deep industry expertise and network. This venture promotes knowledge exchange between Titomic and Stärke, allowing…

Jack Fitzgerald is full of energy. He bounces out of the back of the sprawling office which is home to Think Fencing. The factory is set upon land on a hill out the back of Portarlington. Here, the company makes residential and rural fencing, but also Titan Rail, Ecoduct and all kinds of decking, and all out of recycled Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC. This is a widely used polymer that is economical, versatile, chemically and electrically stable, and weather-resistant with good processing characteristics. Now, Fitzgerald’s Think Fencing was brought to our attention after the company took out the Leader in Manufacturing award at the 2023 Victorian Manufacturing Gala Hall of Fame Awards. That night in August, Jack brought to the stage with him a couple of engineer staff members, Ben Zappia, and Elise Vella who’d built a plastics extruder in her bedroom at home. “Elise created it all on her own, and is still studying at Deakin University, doing her fourth year in Mechatronics,” says Jack. “Elise looks after the whole technology division we're…

The future of Australian steelmaking is being backed up to deliver the energy transformation and help keep our producers competitive on a global scale. The first round of the Powering the Regions Fund (PRF) will provide $200m in grant funding to BlueScope Steel Limited and Liberty Steel Australia to progress projects at their respective operations in New South Wales and South Australia. BlueScope has been awarded $136.8m towards the reline and upgrade of its No. 6 Blast Furnace at the Port Kembla Steelworks. This project will maintain domestic production, reduce emissions, and support pathways to producing even lower-emissions steel in the future. LIBERTY has also been awarded $63.2m towards the purchase and commission of a low-carbon electric arc furnace (EAF) to replace the existing traditional blast furnace at the Whyalla Steelworks. The new state-of-the-art EAF will support the manufacturing of green steel and help achieve LIBERTY’s aim of carbon neutrality by 2030. Total steel demand for the energy transformation from 2022 to 2050 will be almost five billion tonnes, accounting for 75% of the total material requirement – and that steel will increasingly…

When you fly out of Melbourne airport, look for the rooftop installations of iconic brands like Elders recreated in solar panels mounted using systems from Australia's leading commercial solar mounting manufacturer. In the renewable energy landscape, Sunlock is synonymous with innovation and efficiency, with its solar mounting systems gracing the rooftops of Australia's most prominent commercial and government buildings. Sunlock's work with renowned brands, including Ikea, Aldi, McDonald's, Goodmans, Woolworths, Bunnings, and KFC, and its widespread presence on commercial and government rooftops across Australia underscores its market-leading position. Sunlock, as described by general manager Mani Kaparakis, is not just a company but a revolution in the solar industry. “We're fresh, we're innovative, we are very different in how we approach the market and our products and our customers,” said Kaparakis. This ethos of innovation is deeply ingrained in Sunlock's operations, from its unique C-Channel designed for commercial installations to its rapid three-year ascent to becoming Australia's leading commercial solar mounting manufacturer. Sunlock's specialised focus on commercial solar mounting systems is a critical factor in its success. “We only make commercial solar mounting systems…

Robotic Automation’s client, a prominent distributor in the logistics industry, faced significant operational challenges in their warehouse facility. The lack of organisation and haphazard arrangement of pallets resulted in inefficiencies, with difficulties in locating stock leading to unnecessary delays and increased manufacturing costs. Safety concerns arose from tall pallet stacks and incidents of forklift operators damaging racking structures. To address these issues, the client sought a solution that would streamline warehouse operations, improve stock management, enhance safety, and integrate seamlessly with new, RA-specified ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) shuttle system. The key obstacles in this project were twofold: firstly, the requirement to integrate the new AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) system with the ASRS shuttle system, and secondly, the need to transition the entire warehouse inventory into the new system without interrupting ongoing operations. System installation: a tailored solution A phased approach was adopted to implement the solution effectively. The following steps were taken: AGV deployment A fleet of four MAXAGVs was introduced into the facility. These state-of-the-art vehicles are designed to autonomously navigate the warehouse…

US-based Sharrow Marine, a subsidiary of Sharrow Engineering LLC, a leading manufacturer of revolutionary propellers for boats and ships, has announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Australia-based VEEM Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of disruptive, high-technology marine propulsion and stabilisation systems. Under the partnership, VEEM™ has secured the exclusive global rights to manufacture and commercialise the innovative Sharrow Propeller for inboard propellers up to five metres in diameter. The companies will work together to produce a groundbreaking, state-of-the-art series of SHARROW by VEEM propellers that are dramatically quieter and more fuel-efficient than any inboard propeller currently on the market. The partnership unites the two leaders of innovation and excellence in marine propulsion and manufacturing, marking a significant moment for the industry. Combining Sharrow’s revolutionary propeller technology with VEEM's proven history of manufacturing excellence and innovation across marine propulsion, the SHARROW by VEEM propellers will initially be produced for superyacht and commercial vessels in the 10 – 30m range. The SHARROW by VEEM propellers will deliver significant fuel savings and a…

Advanced lighting technology company VAILO has been named by the AFR as one of Australia and New Zealand’s most innovative Manufacturing & Consumer Goods companies. The award was in recognition of VAILO’s development of the innovative Zenith Gen-V LED sports light, now one of the best-in-class LED sports lights internationally, and was designed and manufactured in Australia. With more than 230,000 source lumens, the 1,500-watt Zenith Gen-V LED luminaire has been designed for sports stadia and fields but is also suitable for applications such as airports, seaports and mining operations. VAILO was ranked sixth in the AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies (Manufacturing & Consumer Goods), having been selected from more than 700 nominated companies across Australia and New Zealand. Now in its twelfth year, the 2023 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List assesses the innovation prowess of Australian and New Zealand organisations. It is judged and compiled by behaviour change consultancy Inventium. The award comes after a year in which VAILO continued to expand its presence into the eastern states from its South Australian base. VAILO CEO and Founder Aaron…

Mario Turcarelli started working with cars at a very young age. From carrying a dream of becoming a motor mechanic, his father Isidoro pushed him to complete his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Caulfield Institute of Technology, (now Monash University) as a ticket beyond that motor mechanic he’d always wanted to be. He is eternally grateful for that pressure. Turcarelli started his dream job at Holden in November of 1979 down at Fisherman’s Bend, just outside of Melbourne. “Back then, we had to run all the power, torque and durability tests for engines, then tear them down and make sure they performed,” explained Turcarelli, from his office at Dolphin Products, now many years later. But we’ll come back to Dolphin in a moment. Turcarelli’s mechanical engineering career took off like a rocket. “Holden had just moved from the red XT4 to the blue XT5 engines which had more power and better economy,” he said, “and I ran a whole series of tests comparing them and showing…

It's no secret plastic and oceans don't mix. You've probably heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a 1.6m square kilometre area full of discarded plastic between North America and Japan, hemmed in by the major Pacific currents. As of 2018, it contained 45,000-130,000 tons of toothbrushes, water bottles, pens, plastic bags, and more, some of it up to 50 years old. Then there are all the microplastics damaging marine ecosystems, broken pieces of fishing nets, microwave containers, and car tyre rubber measuring 5mm or less. There were barely any in the oceans between 1950 and 1980, and today there are over half a million tons. But now, a radical idea from Western Australia is posing a unique question; what if the ocean can actually save us from plastic? Not so fantastic There's a race to solve the problems of plastic production. Back in June, AMT reported on a company called Samsara Eco that uses a special enzyme that…