March 27, 2024

AMW2024 is getting close now

The wait is almost over!   It’s not too late to register and gather all your key exhibitors, stands, people and attractions. Registrations are still open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,764 square metres of exhibition space at the ICC, with over 270 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. If you haven’t done so already, REGISTER NOW online to visit Australian Manufacturing Week in Sydney and plan your days on the My Show Planner. After registering to visit AMW2024, you can log in and tap through to My Show Planner. The My Show Planner online tool has everything you need to make the most of your time at AMW2024 in Sydney. My Show Planner is the AMW2024 visitors-side view of Map Your Show. You can connect with Exhibitors online, set up appointments and plan your time so you don’t miss a thing. There is…
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March 27, 2024

Laser Automation Engineering

Laser Automation Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (LAE) is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming AMW Sydney 2024 exhibition, marking a significant milestone in our 30-year history of innovation and excellence. As a beacon of advanced engineering solutions, LAE, in a joint venture with Smartlink Engineering Sdn Bhd., has garnered international acclaim for our precision machining, aerospace engineering, and manufacturing process. At AMW 2024, our exhibition stand will spotlight our expertise in delivering a wide array of services, including precision machining, manufacturing of tools & dies, jigs & fixtures, wire & diesinker EDM, bending & welding, parts fabricating, and electrical & mechanical module assembly. With state-of-the-art facilities encompassing conventional turning & milling, surface & cylinder grinding, CNC turning & milling, and CNC 5-axis milling centres, we are equipped to meet the diverse needs of industries ranging from automotive and semiconductor to medical technology. Our international footprint extends to collaborations with clients from Switzerland, the US, Japan, Italy and beyond, underscoring our adaptability and proficiency in providing tailor-made solutions that propel the advanced manufacturing industry…
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March 27, 2024

Red Hat

Edge computing and AI are driving an inevitable transformation in the industrial sector. Industrial needs are evolving rapidly and therefore necessitating advanced solutions that provide a consistent platform to simplify the complexity of deployment. With edge-enabled platforms, the industrial sector is bringing data processing to the data source, simplifying the complexity of industrial systems. This is just one-way manufacturers are breaking down the barriers between their information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) infrastructure. The gradual blending of IT and OT in industrial systems goes hand in hand with the need for more efficient manufacturing. Over time, bringing together IT and OT delivers lower operating costs and accelerated time-to-market with quality, reliable and secure solutions for manufacturers. However, as manufacturers race to realise the potential of these innovations, data management is now more critical than ever in providing business insights and supporting real-time control over processes and operations. Unlocking the full potential of advancements such as AI and edge computing requires the transformation of the underlying…
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March 27, 2024

SOCO event in Sydney

SOCO, a leading digital transformation specialist and IT solutions provider is excited to announce its second annual industry event scheduled for Tuesday, 14 May 2023, at the Microsoft Sydney Office. Titled “Breaking down the hype around AI and CoPilot for Manufacturers”, the event offers a unique opportunity for manufacturing leaders to explore the paradigm-shifting potential of CoPilot and AI, diving into the possibilities that CoPilot and AI offer in transforming processes for manufacturers and accelerating growth strategies. This event is designed to help participants unlock the potential of modern ERP solutions integrated with AI and CoPilot features, exemplified by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The event agenda includes keynote addresses on upcoming manufacturing tech trends and practical insights into leveraging CoPilot for greater efficiency, culminating in a roundtable discussion format that allows participants to gain actionable strategies, enhance visibility, optimise workflow, and foster informed decision-making in a collaborative environment. Donna South, Director of Membership at Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) commented: “Embracing innovation is essential for the sustainable advancement of the…
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March 23, 2024

Three weeks until AMW2024

Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2023) is approaching fast! It’s not too late to register to be a part of the action. So many companies will be there to show their best and brightest, their latest and greatest products. REGISTER NOW ONLINE The Future Solutions Speaker sessions for Thursday will begin with a quick-paced run of speakers focussing on the skills and workforce development challenges facing manufacturers Training and Workforce Development support options available for the NSW Manufacturing sector Presented by Stacey Mitchell Bales - Manager and Claire McGregor - Senior Project Officer at Workforce Development, Training Services, NSW Government Future-proofing NSW Manufacturers Presented by Annette Dockerty, Program Lead, SME Engagement The 3D’s Digitalisation, Decarbonisation and Diversification Presented by David K Martin, Ai Group's Director of Emerging Industries and Innovation Training solutions for Industry 4.0 and ESG Presented by Laura Mabikafola, Executive General Manager, SkillsLab and Embedded Expertise (SAGE Group) Sustainability and TAFE NSW training offerings, learnings from Sustainability fellowship Presented by Peter Schreiner,…
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March 22, 2024

NSW AMTIL site visits

Around 22 AMTIL members, many driving out from Sydney, others from further out and indeed some others coming up from Melbourne, attended the tours of Komatsu, and on to Eilbeck Cranes in late February. The first stop was down in Moss Vale for a tour of Komatsu. These companies have been manufacturing mining machinery for the last sixty years. After a business overview presentation, safety briefing, PPE fitting and a run-through of the housekeeping, the group visited the many subassembly areas that collectively make up the underground mining machinery that Komatsu manufactures. The immense workshops were filled with mining equipment being fitted with gear for their next descent into the coal mines around NSW and QLD. Hosted by Moss Vale Site Manager Ben James, and assisted by Senior Business Unit Manager, Bill Turner and National Procurement Manager, Scott Hogan, we were directed into many areas to experience some of the shearers, room and pillar/entry development equipment, including continuous miners, bolting systems, haulage systems, feeder breakers, and many sub-components. We also had the opportunity to view a conveyor system…
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March 22, 2024

BRII grants

The Federal Government has introduced a new round of business grants to startups and SMEs aimed at assisting the renewables and low-emission practices in projects. Minister for Industry, Science and Resources Ed Husic, said recently that companies were invited to submit proposals for ideas that address key challenges in increasing energy efficiency of commercial fishing operations; producing safe drinking water for remote First Nations communities; and researching alternative packaging for the Australian wine market. “We want to challenge small and medium businesses to make a strong contribution to Australia’s circular economy,” said Minister Husic. “These grants are an opportunity to bring Australian know-how to solve some of our most pressing economic and social issues, including renewables and low emission practices.” Funding is also available at a State level to help high-emitting manufacturing and mining facilities in NSW develop and deploy decarbonisation projects, from feasibility studies through to commissioning. Grants of up to $305,000 for high-emitting industries are available. Funding for instance will help NSW achieve significant and sustained industrial emissions reductions by 2030, in line with NSW’s target of net…
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March 20, 2024

The path forward for manufacturers

In December of last year, the Westpac Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) survey revealed that sentiment among local manufacturers had fallen to its lowest levels since the global financial crisis. This sentiment was mirrored in the New Zealand market with the latest data from Business NZ revealing that the manufacturing sector contracted for the tenth straight month in a row. The results were no surprise, given the ongoing economic uncertainty caused by inflationary pressures, regulatory change and supply chain disruptions. Despite the economic headwinds, I have observed a sense of quiet confidence among local manufacturers regarding business conditions. Data can often be a lagging indicator, and with inflationary pressures likely to ease in the second half of this year, the Australian economy is expected to land more softly than originally anticipated. A recent Grant Thornton study also suggested that local manufacturers have a more positive outlook on the market, with many recording strong sales growth in 2023. This trend is particularly evident for emerging manufacturers that are continuing…
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March 20, 2024

Innovation at crossroads

The Australian economy would be $100bn bigger and boosted by 42,000 new jobs by hitting a target of investing 3% of GDP in research and development, new analysis by the nation’s peak body for science and technology has found. Speaking at the National Press Club this week, Science & Technology Australia President Professor Sharath Sriram will make a powerful case for rapidly reaching the 3% target to turn Australia into an innovation nation, reveal how to create an innovation ecosystem that will secure the country’s economic future, and warn of the consequences of failing to do so. Professor Sriram is a research rockstar and a commercialisation champion based at RMIT. His work connecting industry and researchers has created more than $9m in commercial partnerships for his university, and spurred innovations including smart bedding products for aged-care support, a wearable device for continuous molecular monitoring, and miniature biosensors for monitoring respiratory illnesses. He will deliver the address as the centrepiece of STA’s Science Meets Parliament (SMP). Now into its 24th year, SMP brings hundreds of scientists and technologists from all…
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March 18, 2024

AMW manufacturing opportunities

AMW2024 will begin with all Seven Zones open and active, all 271 Exhibitors enthused and ready to show their best manufacturing technology at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. The first day of AMW2024 will be full throttle. Don’t miss out!    REGISTER NOW The Seven Zones in AMW2024, each with a particular focus, speciality and technology, are: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by finlease; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Zone; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by The Execution Factor; Robotics & Automation Zone; sponsored by IFS Weld and Air Solutions Zone; and the Plastic Technology Zone. The Future Solutions Speaker Program has proven to be a major attraction at AMW shows. These Sessions will also be focusing on these Opportunities as well as Managing Change, featuring experts from various organisations presenting insights on manufacturing opportunities, including ANSTO, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Rigby Cooke Lawyers, the Defence Department, and CSIRO. The huge Sydney event will showcase home-grown advanced manufacturing technology. The event will be a celebration of manufacturing in Australia, highlighting innovation and networking opportunities within the…
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March 16, 2024

PWR in QLD

If you know anything about motorsport, you will know that Formula 1 is the pinnacle. If you manufacture performance automotive parts, you would be justified in thinking that you have made it, if your parts are on board one of the F1 cars. How impressed would you be with a company that doesn’t just supply one team, but works with the entire field? What if I was to tell you, this same company was also the primary supplier for NASCAR, MotoGP and pretty much every other high-end motorsport category, including our very own V8 Supercars? Would you be surprised to hear that such a company does exist, and they are based in Australia? The company in question is PWR Advanced Cooling Technology, based on the Gold Coast. Originally a side business started by father and son team Kees and Paul Weel after various forays into motorsport categories, including the aforementioned V8 Supercars (or a previous incarnation thereof), they identified a need in the marketplace to design and manufacture high-performance, lightweight cooling systems to meet their exacting…
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March 15, 2024

Kaeser’s new oil-free compressor

Pharmaceuticals, foodstuff, healthcare, chemicals and other specialised engineering applications have especially high demands when it comes to compressed air quality. For these sensitive processes, Kaeser Australia has released the latest class 0 oil-free compressor. Recently launched in Australia, the new CSG.1 rotary screw compressors have air flow rates ranging from four to 15 m³/min and pressures up to 11 bar. Customers are offered the choice of air- or water-cooling, and can select an optional integrated refrigeration dryer or an i.HOC (Heat of Compression) dryer. The CSG.1 can be specified as a fixed speed, fixed flow rated machine or, for applications with fluctuating compressed air demand, variable speed controlled “SFC” versions are available with IE5 Ultra-Premium Efficiency synchronous reluctance motors. The risk of potential product contamination by oil from the rotary screw compressor is evaluated and minimised by means of an HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) analysis. Process validation is made easier for the customer, as KAESER’s diligence is confirmed by the TÜV Rheinland in the form of a residual oil class 0 certificate in accordance with ISO…
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March 14, 2024

Sureweld grand plans

Australia's landscape is vast and rugged. As a nation thriving on development and progression, Australians demand portable, durable, efficient, and innovative solutions. Enter Sureweld, the country's leading aluminium loading ramps and plant trailers manufacturer and a company synonymous with quality and resilience. Focused on keeping Australian commercial contractors moving, Sureweld has grown exponentially since it was founded in 1976. Its ramps and trailers are 100% Australian-made, using locally extruded aluminium sourced from Capral and manufactured in Wangaratta, in northern Victoria. Sureweld sales manager Gareth Hansen joined his father, Sureweld managing director Carl Hansen, in the business when he left school. He has advanced from dispatch and welding to driving sales and supply relationships. “We manufacture the strongest and lightest weight ramps on the Australian market, on a strength-to-weight ratio,” Hansen says. This isn't just a claim. The company has consistently outperformed its competitors. “We have a ramp with a six-tonne capacity that weighs a little over 50kgs; others on the market weigh 70- to 80kgs,” Hansen points out, emphasising the immense value their products provide to operators who…
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