Product News

When drilling holes in most aerospace components, manufacturers have three chances of getting the hole correct – after which, it will be impossible to rework the hole within the required design specifications. If just one hole misses those three chances, by diameter, surface finish or delamination, the entire component will need to be scrapped. Given the enormous value of aeroplane components, holemaking is a risky business. That applies especially when drilling composite materials, which place new demands on machining. Holemaking has emerged as one of the most common machining processes when working with composites. Machining composite materials – which combine two or more materials with different physical and chemical properties – involves cutting, or fracturing, of the fibre part of the material. If this is done incorrectly then layers of the composite material peel away from where they belong. This is known as delamination, and according to…

In any industry, motors are major consumers of cost and energy. In addition to the high maintenance costs, it is estimated that more than 65% of electrical energy in industry is consumed by motors. Manufacturers of motors are working hard to produce ever more efficient motors and governments the world over are introducing regulations to encourage their uptake. Whether you are looking to lower the cost of running your facility, reduce the risk of unplanned downtime, or reduce the carbon footprint of your manufacturing operations, here are some useful factors to consider when maintaining your motor. A need for speed control Variable speed drives (VSDs) are an increasingly popular way of allowing manufacturers to achieve cost savings and energy efficiency gains. Without a VSD, the motor will always operate at full speed but the use of a VSD will match the speed to the application.…

Geoinventions Consulting Services, in collaboration with Griffith University and supported by the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), has secured $420,000 in cash and in-kind funding to prototype the novel sensors using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology for smart highway applications. Once developed, the multi-functional sensors will measure the stress-strain behaviour and soil-infrastructure interaction of roadways to identify potential risks and safety issues. Barry Kok, Geoinventions’ Operations Director, said the IMCRC activate collaboration would connect Geoinventions with the Industry 4.0 capability needed to deliver the first-ever Australian-made MEMS geotechnical sensors. “This project will help pave the way for Geoinventions to establish itself as a leading Australian geotechnical consultant and instrument manufacturer in collaboration with Australian manufacturers,” he said. “It will also be a catalyst for Geoinventions to migrate from using the conventional ‘one sensor, one location’ ‘vibrating wire’ sensor technology to the proposed ‘multi-sensors, one location’ efficient MEMS-driven sensor technology. This will empower Geoinventions to push boundaries in the competitive business world and make an impact in national and…

There is stored energy and there is kinetic energy – or movement. Motors turn the first into the second. As with everything else, ways to create movement have evolved. One comparatively recent kind of actuation, tubular linear motion, is gaining in favour in applications as diverse as machine tool building, factory automation, packaging, printing and material handling. ANCA Motion is an Australian developer and manufacturer of motion control systems, hardware, and software, including for its sister company, ANCA CNC Machines. ANCA CNC Machines has used LinX tubular linear motors for its globally-renowned tool and cutter grinders since 2014, introducing them in their FX Linear and MX Linear tool grinding machines. Customers have also welcomed the better surface finish, increased efficiency and improved reliability gains at reduced operating cost in their machines incorporating LinX tubular linear motors within the precision toolmaking industry, where micron-level resolution,…

Brisbane-based Minecorp Australia is an industry leader in fleet vehicle modification, working across many industry sectors, including military & government, mining & resources, construction & civil, services & utilities, and hire leasing and dealers. The company uses the Demmeler tables and accessories to firstly produce prototypes for clients, including roll-over protection systems (ROPS), tray bodies, tool & service boxes, and vehicle accessories. Once a design is finalised for a client, the Demmeler system is used to produce a jig that will then be used over and over to manufacture the item. “By manufacturing our jigs, we free up the table for other work, particularly for R&D and prototypes,” says Minecorp Australia’s Business Manager, Sheree Lamont. For example, in the manufacture of the roll-over protection systems (ROPS) for a vehicle, a jig is used to ensure the tubing is in the right place and is cut and fabricated accurately to fit. “The jig needs to be made accurately so we get the same result every…

Metalmaster garage presses range from 10 tonnes up to 50 tonnes in terms of capacity. They are ideal for home workshops or mechanical repair shops, and are well suited to the needs of engineering and light manufacturing applications. The popular Metalmaster 20-tonne HP-20PP Workshop hydraulic press has a robust design and is constructed from industrial-grade C channel. The press has an adjustable sliding cylinder ram, a pressure gauge calibrated in both metric and imperial, and bending vee plates. The 20-tonne hydraulic ram and pump unit are also easily removed for use on other pressing jobs outside a workshop, such as straightening or bending. The HP-20PP hydraulic press features an adjustable sliding head, allowing up to 320mm of travel between the centre of the vertical posts. To accommodate offset pressing jobs, the user simply loosens the clamping plate bolts and the head of the press can be moved sideways. The Metalmaster HPF-50 trade press includes a…

Fortescue Metals Group’s Chairman and founder, Dr Andrew ‘Twiggy ’ Forrest, surprised a few with his first Boyer Lecture of 2021, highlighting the mining giant’s commitment to renewables, green hydrogen, and ultimately to the production of green steel . Acknowledging his group’s significant greenhouse gas contribution – two million tonnes a year, more than the entire emissions of Bhutan – Twiggy said the answer is not in stopping mining iron ore, which is critical to the production of steel and to humanity, but instead ensuring that iron ore and steel activity use zero-emissions energy. Twiggy believes green hydrogen – the purest source of energy in the world – could replace up to three-quarters of global emissions, if we improve the technology and add scale. He argues that the green hydrogen market could generate revenues – at the very least – of US$12 trillion by 2050. So, as the…

“Stainless” and “corrosion” steel are generally used synonymously, along with other terms such as rust-resistant steel, inox steel, and non-corrosive steel. Stainless, originally meaning “free of red rust stains”, was developed as a result of iron oxidising. Corrosion is caused by chemical and physical-chemical reactions. There are different types of corrosion. Stainless steel can be divided into the following groups, according to their main functional features: Corrosion-resistant steel: resistant to corrosion under normal conditions. Oxidation or rust-resistant steel: resistant to corrosion under high temperatures in aggressive environments. Heat-resistant or high-temperature steel that does not change its strength under high temperature stress. Therefore, corrosion-resistant steel can be considered a type of stainless steel. The functional features of these stainless-steel groups determine the choice of a steel grade as a material for cutting tool design. For a manufacturer involved in machining stainless steel, the key…

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Taskforce was aimed at addressing the need to support NSW manufacturers by putting the policies in place that create local jobs and support local industry. “We currently import the more than 86,500 tonnes of steel that form the foundations for critical energy infrastructure – including some finished manufactured goods,” Barilaro said. “As we come out of this recession, we need to lead by example by backing our local supply chains, local manufacturers and local jobws. This Taskforce will make sure we have the knowledge we need to do just that, and unlock regional NSW’s renewable energy manufacturing potential.” Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Taskforce will look at everything from material sourcing and supply to contracting arrangements, and explore ways to give NSW manufacturers a competitive advantage in emerging ‘green’ supply industries. “Industry tells us we will need more than 650,000 tonnes of steel to deliver our three Renewable Energy Zones,” said Kean. “My priority is finding ways…

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…

The BridgeTech Program is a national professional development program that trains researchers and entrepreneurs on how to effectively navigate the med-tech commercialisation pathway. The program’s Director - Professor Lyn Griffiths, is also Executive Director of the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She explains that the BridgeTech Program is convened and administered by QUT. “Funded by MTP Connect and industry, the BridgeTech Program commenced in April 2018. It involves a consortium of 16 partners including med-tech and pharmaceutical companies, universities and industry associations. Leveraging off the industry expertise and global connections that the consortium offers, the BridgeTech Program equips its participants with the skills and networks to enable med-tech commercialisation.” The Program’s 16 partners are a powerhouse of organisations comprising universities (Melbourne, Western…

A team at the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct (AMP) have so far made 950 prototype face shields to help protect clinicians from airborne droplets that can carry the virus. Those on the coronavirus frontline have spoken out in recent weeks about the dire shortage of protective gear in Australia, with major hospitals in Victoria and Tasmania contacting the AMP for advice on manufacturing solutions. Within days of receiving requests, facility technical staff had improved on an open-source face shield design and delivered the first batches to hospitals for testing. AMP Director Professor Milan Brandt said they were now printing larger batches on the facility’s bank of 3D printers, while also seeking industry partners to look at mass manufacture. “We immediately understood the vital role of protective equipment in helping Australian healthcare workers get through this challenging time and have pulled out all the stops for an urgent response on this,” said Brandt. “This includes refocusing existing partnerships and projects to meet this need.” RMIT’s partnership with the BioFab3D lab at…

The COVID-19 Response Portal was launched on 23 March to help businesses keep the supply chain wheels turning during the coronavirus pandemic. As well as more than 600 expressions of interest submitted, the site has recorded over 12,900 page views, with more than 600 new suppliers registered on ICN Gateway. COVID-19 has had enormous impacts on not only the health and safety of Australians, but the businesses and supply chains that keep our country running. From the very beginning of the COVID-19 threat, ICN has been monitoring the situation closely and preparing response actions for its subscribers. Through the COVID-19 Response Portal, ICN is assisting governments to identify businesses with transferable technologies to extend their capability, retool and scale up to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) and other priority health equipment. “We are working hard to help small businesses become a part of the solution” said Warren Jansen, Executive Director at ICN. ICN provides a vital link between Australian and New Zealand companies and the projects that ensure their…