Technology News

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…

Engineering researchers have developed a 2D printing process using liquid metals that they say could create new ways of creating more advanced and energy-efficient computing hardware that is manufactured at the nanoscale. The process comes amid increasing worldwide demand for memory devices, which require significant amounts of energy to produce and use. “Reducing the temperature at which zirconium and hafnium become liquid is crucial to developing lower-cost electrical devices as far less energy is required,” said Dr Mohammad Ghasemian, the study’s lead author from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Developed by University of Sydney engineers and published in Small, the researchers first combined tin, zirconium and hafnium in a precise ratio. This enabled the alloy to be melted below 500 degrees, far lower than the individual melting points for zirconium (1855 degrees) and hafnium (2227 degrees). The liquid metal alloy has a thin oxide layer or ‘crust’ while maintaining a liquid centre. It is used to harvest the ultra-thin tin oxide nanosheets doped with hafnium zirconium oxide. “Tin is abundant, low cost and can be…

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…

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working on advanced manufacturing solutions to apply for a self-paced, 10-week, online program that can help them turn an idea into an R&D opportunity. 'Innovate to Grow' was launched in 2020, and in just four years the free program has equipped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research. CSIRO recently announced a $20m investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. “Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said. “It’s an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes while driving prosperity…

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…

IBROX Engineering is headed up by Derek Warrington, a man widely known for fast and reliable quality engineering output and on-time delivery. With more than 36 years’ experience, Derek is respected as one of the most talented CNC programmers/setters and CAM programmers as well as being known as one of the most hard-working tool makers and fitter and turner operators in the industry. The unusual name of the new company comes from Derek’s proud Scottish heritage and a passion for the Glasgow Rangers with the name IBROX coming from the home stadium of the Glasgow Rangers. Owner operator, Derek Warrington’s introduction to the industry started at the tender age of just 10 years, working in his father’s engineering shop at weekends. Under a watchful eye and standing on an upturned milk crate to reach the controls, he gained his first machining experience. Commencing full-time at the age of just 14 years Derek worked for more than 36 years in the business…

Workholding technologies form a critical foundation for companies engaged in precise and efficient manufacturing processes. Industries such as defence, aerospace, medical, mining, automotive, and general engineering rely on these technologies for optimal production efficiency. Access to high-end workholding technology is not just advantageous; it is essential for ensuring smooth operations and high-quality output. Dimac Tooling, Australia’s premier supplier of accessories and premium workholding solutions for CNC milling and CNC turning machine tools, has thrived for well over 30 years. They collaborate closely with clients to grasp the nuances of their operations, enhancing machine performance and human interaction. Each range they offer aligns with their ongoing mission to discover the most effective, safe, and productive methods for securing machine workpieces, ensuring optimal productivity and flexibility. The Lang Workholding range, developed and manufactured in Germany, perfectly embodies these ideals. Lang Technik's premier products are currently utilised by Dimac's prestigious clients, one of which is Australian Precision Technologies Pty Ltd. This advanced manufacturing facility consults Dimac's expertise as their CNC performance partner. These products are designed to…

Precision cutting tools are an integral part of our world at ANCA. Manufacturing just one aircraft will consume hundreds of thousands of cutting tools. Anything you can imagine that might need to be machined will require a grinding machine to provide the cutting tools. Family, fulfillment, and a fascination with technology are all part of a formula that has seen ANCA lead the demanding niche of CNC tool and cutter grinders for a half-century. In its time, the Australia-based global business has made an enormous yet largely hidden contribution to the world, selling over 10,000 5-axis CNC machines to over 2,500 customers. Around 1.1 billion tools have been created using ANCA’s grinders. “You would be very unlikely to find any bit of advanced equipment, anywhere in the world, that hasn’t been touched by a cutting tool which has been manufactured on one of our machines,” explains co-founder Pat Boland, whose company’s customers include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Iscar, Sandvik, Sutton Tools and many other household names. Boland and Pat McCluskey – then an electrical engineer and an industrial electronics tradesman…

Grants of up to $5m to help innovative startups and high-growth small and medium businesses (SMEs) to commercialise their big ideas are now available through the Industry Growth Program (IGP), a part of the Albanese Government’s a Future Made in Australia agenda. The IGP grants will translate more world-leading Australian know-how into viable businesses, growing the pipeline of investment-ready projects for the $15bn National Reconstruction Fund to consider. These grants will provide targeted support for SMEs across the NRF’s seven priority areas to overcome the challenges associated with growing and scaling up through two grant streams: Early-stage commercialisation grants from $50,000 to $250,000 to help establish the commercial viability of an innovative product, process, or service. Commercialisation and Growth grants from $100,000 to $5m to help push ideas from prototyping through to market readiness stages. Grants will help develop strategies for entry to market and scaling up into national and international markets. Grant funding through these programs is matched with the IGP’s specialised advice and mentoring program, which has already supported more than 340 businesses since opening in November…