Product News

Bosch, a pioneer in automation solutions, has teamed with RayGen, a leading innovator in solar and long-duration storage technologies, to expedite the deployment of its state-of-the-art concentrated solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This collaboration showcases the pivotal role of automation in modern energy solutions. The project centres around the assembly of heliostats (mirrors used to focus sunlight), a crucial component of the concentrated solar PV system. These heliostats are designed to track the sun throughout the day, optimising solar energy capture. The process, to be deployed on-site at RayGen’s first utility-scale project, after rigorous in-field testing, involves the assembly of the heliostats on a highly automated production line designed by Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS) automation engineering specialists. BAMS’ cutting-edge automation capabilities are instrumental in making this assembly a faster and lower cost process. The project aims to assemble a heliostat every three minutes. The heliostats, each measuring approximately 4x5 metres, are comprised of eight individual mirror panels that must be assembled to tight tolerances to maximise the energy produced by the solar technology. Scheduled for deployment by the end…

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub has welcomed news that the Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN) has been selected as an Industry Partner Organisation for the Industry Growth Program. Australian Government Minister for Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic recently announced that several not-for-profit organisations will work with the Industry Growth Program to help participating small and medium businesses bring new products and services to market. The Industry Growth Program provides expert advice on commercialisation and early-stage business growth to startups and high-growth small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund priority, and to help build Australian manufacturing for the future. This advice is provided by Industry Growth program advisers. As an Industry Partner Organisation, the AMCN will complement this advice, and add value to and enhance the support provided to SMEs by offering specialised advisory services, drawing on its sectoral expertise. ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said this was an opportunity to better enable SMEs and startups to become global innovation leaders. “On behalf of the…

Alloys announces its expanded partnership with UltiMaker, a global leader in professional 3D printing technology. Under this enhanced collaboration, Alloys will distribute UltiMaker's full range of 3D printers, including the professional S series, throughout Australia. UltiMaker has earned a reputation for its innovative and reliable 3D printing solutions, catering to professionals across diverse industries such as engineering, design, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. The addition of the UltiMaker S series to Alloys' product lineup further solidifies the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions to its customers. “We have been involved in the 3D printing market for a number of year and the extension of our partnership with Ultimaker provides us with further opportunities for our partners to grow their sales and capabilities in this space”, said Paul Harman, Alloys CEO.  “Our customers have been asking us to distribute this range and we believe we can provide growth for the entire Ultimaker stable at Alloys.” The UltiMaker S series provides professional 3D printing, combining cutting-edge features, reliability, and seamless integration into existing workflows. Designed to…

Rivelin Robotics is working to deliver a complete digital post-processing solution for the automated finishing of flight parts, orthopaedic implants and gas turbine components produced using metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Designated Project CAMPFIRE (Certified Additive Manufactured Parts Finished with Intelligent Robotics Engine), Rivelin is collaborating with five partners. Three are specific to post-processing applications for regulated industries using metal AM, namely Attenborough Medical, GKN Aerospace and Materials Solutions (a Siemens Energy Business). Two further partners are supporting with the delivery of key hardware technologies, namely YASKAWA EU and Saint-Gobain Abrasives. Starting with the Project Leaders, Rivelin Robotics was founded to directly address the challenges of post-processing metal AM parts. Born of painful experience as an engineer tasked with removing metal supports from AM parts and achieving various levels of surface finish, Rivelin’s CEO — Robert Bush — established the company to develop a real and repeatable solution to the problems he faced, knowing that he was not alone. The challenges with post-processing metal parts are many, not least the labour-intensive, time-consuming, filthy and sometimes dangerous activities involved in removing metal supports with…

Perhaps as a manufacturing business you’ve never considered that marketing could be your superpower.  That’s understandable – the two disciplines haven’t always been the match made in heaven they could be. Historically, manufacturers have relied heavily on a sales team to connect with potential customers through a limited number of channels - trade shows, direct selling and industry publication advertising.  Strong word of mouth and referrals have also been key to growth, and this organic approach, supported by sales, has been the new business development model that’s been popular for a large portion of manufacturers across the country.  This approach has served them well, but times are changing. In today’s competitive landscape, with challenging economic headwinds to contend with, manufacturers are engaging with strategic marketing more than ever before, not only to pursue growth, but to remain relevant with existing customers. But how do you get started?  The world of marketing can be overwhelming.  There are so many different routes out there, so many agencies offering services to generate leads…

Perhaps it is the erroneous ideas that boxes on the shelves are easier to access, that they keep your parts in the best order, or that they are significantly cheaper than other options, which fuel the persistance of warehouse managers in choosing this storage method for small to medium spare parts. Australia, we can do better! At BAC Systems, we proudly promote the alternative and, in our opinion, superior solution for small spare parts storage – the BAC High Density Drawer Storage Cabinet. BAC Drawer Storage Cabinets allow you to select your drawer heights and the dimensions of your adjustable internal partitions – you get to choose the “bin” size you want to use for your parts, and this can be adjusted over time if the size of your parts changes. This is a very important factor, because a BAC Drawer Storage Cabinet lasts so long that it is likely that your inventory will change multiple times during the many decades that a BAC Cabinet serves your business. It…

Achieving this balance requires a strategic approach, starting with finding the right robotic welding specialist systems integrator. Their expertise will shape the success of your automation journey, ensuring alignment with your goals, your daily tasks, and future visions. Defining a system that's not only precise but also scalable is key. It's about anticipating tomorrow's challenges today and investing wisely. With technology advancing at lightning speed, and Australian government incentives awaiting those ready to embrace automation, there’s no time to waste. Use this opportunity to future-proof your business or risk being left further behind. Step 1. Find a suitable integrator. Selecting a recognised robotic welding integrator for your application is paramount to the success of your project. Begin by identifying integrators with proven local tech support and experience and expertise in your specific sector, before requesting a complimentary audit to assess their suitability for your needs. An integrator's capabilities can be evaluated by examining similar systems they've implemented. Their ability to provide local servicing and parts…

Automation of the manufacturing processes also requires analysis of the deburring methods. Knoepfel AG implements the deburring solutions of Heule Precision Tools in the production of highly complex mechanical components – also for cross bores. Whether mechanical engineering, process engineering, aircraft construction or fluid power technology: highly complex machines and systems are built from various components in all these industrial sectors. Manufacturers depend upon external specialist partners with a high level of expertise. One of these manufacturers is the company Knoepfel AG from Walzenhausen in Switzerland. The approximately 50 employees are focused on the production of complex, high-precision mechanical components. Thanks to its process-oriented approach and ‘zero error’ mindset, Knoepfel AG is not only a pioneer for series production, but also well suited to produce small batches and even one-off parts. In recent years, Knoepfel AG has transformed from a small workshop into one of the leading manufacturers in its field in Europe, however, the transformation is not yet complete: The company is continuously developing itself, streamlining processes and thereby also improving the range of services for its customers. For this…

Wagner Corporation’s $550m Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is taking off as a global epicentre for advanced manufacturing with the groundbreaking ceremony for Boeing’s new production facility in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane. The sod was turned on the 9,000 sqm facility that will anchor the aerospace and defence precinct where Boeing will manufacture its uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft, putting the region on the world stage and unlocking global opportunities in the sector. It is the first time in more than 50 years a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed and manufactured in Australia. Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner, who was joined by Scott Carpendale, Vice President, Boeing Global Services – Government Services Asia Pacific region and Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Cameron Dick, at today’s ceremony, said the potential ability to co-locate alongside suppliers attracted Boeing to Wellcamp Business Park. “We have world-class supply chain operators already located on-site, with the construction of this new facility set to be a catalyst for significant further investment from companies wanting to be part…

BelottiSpA, a CNC machining solutions pioneer, proudly announces a groundbreaking advancement in additive manufacturing for tooling and moulds, facilitated by the integration of ADAXIS's AdaOne software. This ultimate platform makes it possible to program and control robotic arms as large-scale 3D printers for a wide range of materials. This collaboration with ADAXIS to incorporate BEAD technology is a significant milestone in manufacturing excellence, offering a simple tool that democratises the fabrication of complex large-scale parts. Multi-axis additive manufacturing, combined with CNC machining, has emerged as a compelling alternative amidst the evolving challenges of manufacturing industries. Making this technology (BEAD) accessible and cost-effective has been a clear objective for Belotti from the outset. Initially through collaboration with CEAD, which brought BEAD to market, and now collaborating with ADAXIS to deliver a turnkey user experience. The additive process excels in tooling and draping mould production, reducing lead times, increasing production flexibility, and ensuring cost and inventory control. However, its effective utilisation requires significant expertise and methodology. This collaboration prioritises user experience by offering simple, robust, and accessible…

NCG CAM is not so well known in Australia but quite a few in Australia have heard of Machining Strategist. NCG CAM has the same origin as Machining Strategist in the UK when it was developed and marketed by NC Graphics. NCG CAM is now, for 12 years, developed and marketed by NCG CAM Solutions Ltd just outside Cambridge in the UK. In Australia, NCG CAM is sold and supported by Camplex Pty Ltd. This is a very much improved version of the old Machining Strategist software. Many improvements and new features have been introduced roughing, finishing strategies, rest milling and tool simulation. NCG CAM V19.0 introduced 2-axis turning as part of its 3-axis milling and will soon support Turn/Mill machines that are becoming very popular in machine shops. NCG CAM can also program 4 & 5-axis machines with full machine simulation included with the post-processor. Apart from standard 5-axis milling operations, you can automatically convert 3-axis toolpaths with full gauge protection. NCG CAM v19 is noted for its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities. Whether you…

Delivering industry-focused and scalable research outcomes to regional Victoria has been a key goal of Deakin University’s Carbon Nexus, which marks its ten-year anniversary this month. The facility is home to the world’s largest open-access carbon fibre pilot production line, supporting the development of carbon fibre products and technologies in Geelong for a critical global industry. Located in the heart of Deakin’s Future Economy Precinct at the Waurn Ponds campus, Carbon Nexus has partnered with leading global companies including Vestas, PETRONAS, the Ford Motor Company, SABIC, Boeing and Solvay. Importantly, Carbon Nexus produced the first ever entirely home-grown Australian carbon fibre shortly after its establishment. Carbon Nexus was the catalyst for over 1,400 jobs and growth in the Geelong region, employing skilled workers displaced by the closure of local manufacturing between 2014-16 and boosting the growth of the Future Economy Precinct. Additionally, Carbon Nexus also attracted Quickstep Holdings to move its automotive R&D from Germany to Geelong in 2015, fostering collaboration between Quickstep and Deakin for broader partnership opportunities. The facility also significantly contributed to Carbon Revolution's growth, which is expected to…

Offshore energy is booming as a prospective means of introducing new large-scale electricity generation into our networks. Around the world, there are great examples of working structures well away offshore, pulling clean power out of the wind, where it blows the strongest. It's a wind win. Oceanex Energy is developing three offshore wind farms off the coast of NSW: Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm, Illawarra Offshore Wind Farm and Eden Offshore Wind Farm. The Novocastrian Offshore Wind Farm is a 2,000MW (2GW) floating offshore wind farm proposed by project partners Oceanex Energy and Equinor Australia. The Project provides an incredible opportunity for the Hunter Region, the state of New South Wales and Australia, to be a world leader in the growing offshore wind industry. The Hunter can be a regional powerhouse in the development, manufacturing and deployment of floating offshore wind farms powering NSW and Australia to a new, clean energy future. Offshore wind generation off the Hunter coast has a steady, high wind profile that generates at…