Product News

Have you ever been told to surround yourself with experts to help you grow professionally? Let the story of Peter Torreele and 3RT be a case study for you as he and his collaborators developed a technology and a complete manufacturing solution despite being told it couldn’t be done. The technology they developed enables the production of hardwood timber materials that appear and behave just like natural timber using sustainably sourced juvenile plantation raw materials and nanotechnology. As a result, they avoid the need to log old growth forests that often contain trees over 100 years old. 3RT’s timber is now squarely aimed at filling a market need with technology that can be adopted anywhere in the world. The 3RT journey started back in 2014 when Peter Torreele, now Managing Director of 3RT, identified a growing demand for timber building materials while native forest logging was increasingly being banned. This was also being driven by a need for an alternative to high energy-intensive materials such as metals and concrete to reduce carbon emissions. While hardwoods are very desirable, the…

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…

Researchers at The University of Queensland are harnessing the latest sequencing technology developed by UK-based biotech Oxford Nanopore Technologies to analyse mRNA vaccines and therapies. This approach promises to simplify and better ensure the quality of manufactured mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics worldwide. The BASE team at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is already recognised as the biggest supplier of research-use mRNA in Australia, having built more than 200 mRNA vaccines and therapies for academic, clinical and industry use. Building upon this work, under the new research partnership with Oxford Nanopore, BASE researchers will use the latest and improved nanopore-based sequencing technology to optimise performance and reduce the time needed to measure mRNA vaccine quality attributes. “Currently, mRNA vaccines and therapies are analysed using a range of different methods that are time-consuming, complicated, and costly, and often outdated,” said BASE mRNA technologies researcher Dr. Helen Gunter. BASE researchers showed how nanopore sequencing can analyse the quality of mRNA vaccines and therapies, in a study published today in Nature Communications. “By using Oxford…

In the field of aluminium machining, operators often look for more specialist tools as their requirements are often very specific. Now, with the new DC166 Supreme, premium tool manufacturer Walter has demonstrated just how special a standard drill can be. The solid carbide drill with internal coolant has been specially developed for machining aluminium and other ISO N materials, which is why it boasts certain distinctive features. All the key surfaces on the drill, such as flutes, lands or clearance angles are polished. This reduces friction and prevents adhesion when machining the highly adhesive material. This increases the tool life and the process reliability of the drill. The highly innovative, patent-pending thinner web of the DC166 Supreme is like nothing else on the market. It prevents the edge from building up and improves the chip removal and the supply of cooling lubricant. The aluminium specialists' innovative design facilitates exceptionally high cutting speeds in conjunction with excellent drilling quality – especially in terms of the roundness of the hole and the surface quality. The arrival of the Walter DC166 Supreme is a product that can…

Cross Hydraulics is a global leader in the distribution and manufacturing of customer and application-specific hydraulic system solutions for mobile and industrial applications. Their extensive inventory includes pumps, motors, valves, power units, transmissions, and controls. Since 1976, their proficiency, the quality of individual components, and their operational dependability have garnered market recognition. Through ASA’s partnership with Okuma Australia, Cross Hydraulics came to ASA looking for a machine tending solution to tend to an Okuma LT3000 EX 3T3MY. ASA designed the complete automation cell after consulting with Cross Hydraulics to determine the existing pain points and desired outcomes for this investment, including a Modula Vertical Storage System and Hi-Tech Metrology Shop Floor Co-ordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Cross Hydraulics adheres to environmentally responsible production practices and was looking for ways to reduce raw material, minimise emissions and waste as well as increasing productivity and reduce customer lead time. They were looking for a solution that not only offered the ability to add a second machine to the cell in the future but also the capability for…

Tynbell Sheetmetal, an Adelaide-based provider of fabricated metal products, has invested in new cutting-edge equipment to accommodate growing industry demands. The strategic investment allows Tynbell to operate at the forefront of complex Defence and Aerospace projects. The family-owned sheet metal manufacturer has recently taken significant steps toward expansion and growth, as it looks to the future of precision manufacturing in Australia. Tynbell has taken delivery of a new Bystronic Xpert Pro Press Brake Machine, representing a significant investment in the future while also improving output, safety and energy efficiency. “Our new press brake is designed to process and bend metal faster, with greater flexibility, repeatability and accuracy,” said Tynbell Managing Director, Raymond Fenech. “The machine incorporates cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of the Defence Industry,” he added. Tynbell Sheetmetal extended its manufacturing facility six months ago, in a strategic move to enhance its capabilities, creating more space to accommodate the specific requirements of Defense customers. This expansion was the first milestone in Tynbell's long-term growth journey, as the manufacturer continues to forge its reputation for unmatched quality and precision within the Defence and Aerospace sectors.…

In collaboration with his university colleagues, Barry Grogan has spearheaded the creation of an exceptional solution for companies grappling with the challenges of outsourcing smaller-scale jobs. Frustrated by the prolonged lead times, frequent delays, and subpar quality that often accompany outsourcing, Barry and his team present the innovative 5.0 Robotics CNC Router. This cutting-edge router boasts minimal setup time, uncompromising adherence to specifications, tolerances, and speed, and incorporates renowned components such as Delta, Siemens, and Tekno Motor. Introducing the 5.0 Robotics Model 8 CNC Router—a user-centric marvel poised to revolutionise your operations. As a newly qualified Mechanical and Manufacturing engineer from Trinity College Dublin, like his former classmates, Grogan found there wasn’t much work in Ireland when he completed his degree in 2010. “I didn't stay on to do a PhD,” Barry added. Grogan came to Australia, started working as a Project Engineer, managing projects in stainless steel fabrication and automation in food, dairy and beverages, then moved into a process engineering role in pharmaceuticals. “I was always more hands-on, more mechanical, more engineering,…

PakTech, the leading producer of sustainable secondary packaging solutions, has announced its official launch in Australia, through which its technology, manufacturing and products will enable the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries to respond to the growing ESG pressures and consumer demand for sustainable packaging and practices. Embracing an entirely circular economy model, PakTech is the leading manufacturer of 100% recycled and recyclable secondary packaging. Later this year, using its proprietary technology, PakTech will have the capacity to manufacture 100 million recycled injection moulded packaging handles for cans, bottles and other containers, annually within Australia. Having experienced significant organic growth in Australia in recent years, the company is now establishing an on-the-ground presence, with a contract manufacturing facility in Victoria and a proprietary partnership with Visy. Through it, PakTech will be able to tap burgeoning demand and fulfill its vision: made in Australia, recycled in Australia, and repurposed again into new PakTech products in Australia. Locally, PakTech’s existing customers include Hawkers Brewery, Billson’s of Beechworth and The Apple Press. Its launch in Australia comes as public demand for sustainable packaging and practices skyrockets.…

In today’s competitive economy, manufacturing is all about efficiencies and throughput as they work to supply retailers with consumer goods. However, manufacturers also need to consider environmental objectives and targets, as well as customer expectations. Increasingly, consumers are concerned about the environmental consequences of packaging, with many consumers prefer sustainable, eco-friendly options. Therefore, sustainability must be a priority for businesses. Packaging materials such as paper, wrap-around cases, carton and cardboard require bonding in a fast-paced environment. Ideally, these applications use hot melt adhesives, however, the application process tends to involve high temperatures (typically applied at 177°C) possibly causing health and safety hazards and resulting in high energy consumption. “With more than one-third of carbon emissions coming from electricity consumption, huge emission reductions and therefore savings, can be made by improving the energy efficiency of businesses,” says WWF Australia. When overheated or left in the melter for extended periods of time, traditional hot melts are prone to degradation which can result in charred fragments causing plugged nozzles or pop opens during production. These problems undoubtedly increase machinery downtime and operational costs which hurt the efficiency of manufacturing.…

Following years of research and development, in 2014, Markforged unveiled the first 3D printer capable of printing in continuous carbon fibre. Then, in 2015, Markforged unveiled its cloud-based 3D printing software, Eiger. Merging the advancements of its printers, materials, and software into one platform, Markforged established the Digital Forge: the intuitive Additive Manufacturing platform for modern manufacturers. Markforged now has a significant presence in Australia, after having no presence in the region five years ago. Through the use of demonstration centres in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane, local partners have been able to help customers boost in-house manufacturing efficiency and reduce dependency for parts on countries outside of Australia. Australian companies like Avicena, which produces more than 100 components of its Sentinel system in-house on Markforged printers, have adopted Markforged into its manufacturing processes to cut costs without affecting quality. Centor Global Services, a Brisbane-based manufacturer of high-end doors, utilises Markforged printers for the complex parts necessary to be a leader in its industry. For SQP, a family-owned and operated business located in Perth that provides…

Carbitool, known as “The Woodworking Masters,” is a company based in Australia that has been manufacturing carbide tools for the woodworking, cabinetry, joinery, furniture, timber, and panel industries for over 60 years. In 2018, Sutton Tools acquired Carbitool and now offers its services worldwide. Production Supervisor and regrind specialist, Michael Wilson, has over 25 years of experience in manufacturing and grinding special cutting tools at Carbitool. According to Wilson, Carbitool services all kinds of tooling, including metal cutting tools, woodworking tools, high-speed steel tools, carbide tools, and PCD tools. The company can also regrind all major brands of cutting tools and manufacture custom tools that are not available in the catalogue. Carbitool's services cater to various industries, such as aerospace, engineering, plastics, and more, and are available throughout Australia. “We pride ourselves on the quality of the regrinds but I also feel it's important to the customers that they have a quick turnaround of the tools,” said Wilson. “Previously what we've had to do is they would either get hand loaded during the day - so you can regrind one tool, and write the…

New purpose-built equipment added to Melbourne and San Diego facilities will help with clinical scale and global capacity shortages PCI Pharma Services (PCI), a leading global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has announced the operational launch of three new state-of-the-art automated sterile fill-finish machines at its Melbourne and San Diego facilities. “As the capacity for CDMOs worldwide to take on new projects shrinks, we’re excited to be able to offer integrated sterile fill-finish capabilities, alongside our clinical packaging facilities, to new and existing clients in Melbourne and San Diego,” said Brad Payne, Chief Operating Officer, PCI Pharma Services. “Our increased capacity, a stockpile of standardised components, including glass, and technical expertise means we can start running batches as soon as needed. This will cut down on the wait times many local biotech and pharmaceutical companies are facing and begin to help alleviate the global capacity shortage for sterile drug product and downstream packaging.” The new innovative machinery from Cytiva can be used to fill various sterile medications into vials and syringes for small-to-mid-scale client needs. The equipment, paired with PCI’s end-to-end services,…

Pacific Automation has announced a new Australian partnership with German manufacturer BERNSTEIN. This new national distribution deal makes BERNSTEIN switching safety and innovation available to all Australian industrial operators, along with technical support provided by Pacific Automation. “We’ve been supplying BERNSTEIN products since 2006, so our team is well familiarised with the quality of their products,” says Stephen Armstrong, CEO at Pacific Automation. “Our goal is to represent BERNSTEIN in Australia how they would represent themselves. That means ensuring that our customers receive high-quality customer service and technical support, just like they would from an OEM.” Key product ranges now accessible through this new partnership include: Limit switches • Door interlock switches • Safety rope pull switches. • Foot switches BERNSTEIN switches are utilised in factory automation and for machine and operator safety across the Australian industry. Their products are highly modular and can often be customised to suit the requirements of an individual customer or unique application. “We intend to keep growing and distribute our products around the globe. Therefore, we are pleased to have found a partner like Pacific…