Technology News

Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2023), held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 9-12 May 2023. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2023 will occupy more than 10,770 square metres of exhibition space at the MCEC, with over 340 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!  Register online now at australianmanufacturingweek.com.au There are also two co-located shows alongside AMW 2023.  Deeply related to the manufacturing industries, namely Plastics and Electronics. The Plastics and Medical Applications is a one-day conference held by the Society of Plastics Engineers Australia-New Zealand Section on Wednesday 10th May. This One-Day Conference is in collaboration with AMTIL, AMW2023, BioMelbourne Network and the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). To register for the One-Day Conference, go to: plastics.org.au Make use of the Early Bird fees for this One-Day Conference before 1st April 2023! ElectroneX is a two-day electronics show being held alongside the AMW exhibition. Visitors are now able to see…

In a modern machine shop 5 axis simultaneous machining in the most demanding materials doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. We have adopted complex CAD systems, and machine controls, navigated demanding setups and can achieve reaching high tolerances, so why does coolant remain a mystery to some companies? Is coolant a necessary evil? A machine shop that has never experienced the full benefit of coolant will typically only want these three factors: A coolant that does not rust the machine. A coolant that will not go rancid. Cooling of the cutting tool. Coolant is more than just a liquid to reduce the temperatures of your workpiece and cutting tool. When the optimal cutting fluid is selected and mixed correctly, it will reduce cycle times by eliminating the need for secondary tapping compounds and cutting speeds. It will also increase tool life and increase and improve surface finish. Mixing and maintaining your coolant Just like running your cutting tools at the right feeds and speeds, coolant has parameters. Correct mixing and maintenance of coolant is not hard but there are steps every machine shop…

Increasing efficiency, lowering emissions, and reducing your environmental footprint are the driving forces behind our unrelenting investment in innovation. It is what allows us to continue to set new standards in compressed air and gas generation performance and sustainability. We are fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow and therefore we have set two science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our first science-based target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our direct operations and from the energy we purchase, to keep the global temperature increase to maximum 1.5 °C (2.7 °F). We will achieve this by switching to low-carbon energy in our own operations. Our second science-based target is to reduce emissions generated in up- and downstream activities, outside of our own operations, to keep the global temperature increase well below 2 °C (3.6 °F). We will focus on increasing our products’ energy efficiency, and on making them increasingly powered by electricity. But the biggest reduction would…

VSD compressors have been designed to produce air as needed. The speed automatically adjusts so production of air matches real-time demand – perfect for those whose need for air fluctuates throughout the shift. This is where the ‘potential’ energy savings come in.  Unlike a Fixed Speed Compressor which runs at a constant speed until turned off, the VSD will decrease in power when not in use. Which should save you on power costs, in theory. However, there are so many variables, you may not see any savings at all. VSD compressors are most efficient when running between 40 and 80% load. Outside this, the air-end is running beyond its optimum. VSDs are also sensitive to adverse atmospheric conditions. The quality of power supply, voltage and frequency also needs to be considered. So, unless you are running at optimal load, working in a cool and clean environment with a clean and uninterrupted power supply, then a VSD is probably not for you. When VSD compressors fail,…

Luna Machinery has been the backbone for Aluminium products manufacturers in Australia for over 35 years, with extensive knowledge in sawing, routing and handling of aluminium. Our range of unique 4 & 5-axis CNC Aluminium Profile Routers have been specially curated for the Australian market and are designed to increase production, accuracy, repeatability & reliability. We always strive to ensure we supply the correct machine for your application and offer a full range of backup, support & service so that we can look after you for the life of the machine. Skilled workers In 2023 it has never been more difficult to find skilled staff that doesn’t cost the earth. Retention of workers can be problematic for companies, especially when they rely on specifically skilled workers to produce their company's products. When these workers are absent or leave, it creates massive headaches for management and business owners. Replacing these skilled workers with years of experience, skills and abilities is almost impossible. Our “P-Series” multi-axis machining centres can be easily programmed by anyone, with even the most basic CAD/CAM experience. Some customers have never…

Founded in 2000 by a father and son team, Bloom in Box was initially set up as a injection moulding business applying its fifty years of experience to a handful of manual machine tools. Move forward 22 years and David Reardon has taken the reigns from his father, been joined by his children and the company now manufactures a complete range of its own product lines using its expertise in injection moulding, toolmaking and design. In its infancy, the Burscough business was working like every toolmaking business – making products for customers in a B2B environment. Now, the company produces scoops and measures for the food & health industry, security fencing and wall spikes, laundry pegs, face visors and of course the floral range of bottle bouquets and the Bloomie living vases from where the company gets its name – it is also developing new medical and PPE product lines. All product lines are produced from recycled materials and are manufactured in-house at the Lancashire facility with support from Tamworth cutting tool manufacturer Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC). The small family-run business produces more than half a million…

Australian rocket and satellite manufacturer, Gilmour Space Technologies, is soaring ahead in its innovative rocket and satellite production, with plans to launch its Eris orbital rocket this year and its G-class satellites from late 2024. Gilmour Space has an ambitious ten-year plan to build and launch the country’s first Australian-made rockets that will send satellites and ultimately passengers to space. Since starting the rocket business eight years ago, Gilmour Space, has moved fast in its innovative rocket and satellite R&D and production. It is now on track to send its Eris rocket into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the first half of this year. Last November, the Gold Coast company successfully completed the final qualification test fire of its Sirius main hybrid rocket engine. It uses a liquid oxidiser and proprietary solid fuel, a cost-effective and greener alternative to traditional liquid and solid propulsion rocket fuel. “Five of the Sirius rocket engines will power the first and second stages of the three stage Eris rocket into space,: advises Adam Gilmour, CEO and Co-Founder of Gilmour Space. “The third stage of…

Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2023), held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 9-12 May 2023. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2023 will occupy more than 10,764 square metres of exhibition space at the MCEC, with over 330 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!  Register online now at australianmanufacturingweek.com.au The first day of the Australian Manufacturing Week Melbourne 2023, has been aptly titled The AM Hub Digital and Additive Manufacturing Day and is part of the Future Solutions Speaker Program. Tuesday 9th May at AMW2023 will celebrate the innovations and constant developments sweeping this segment of the manufacturing industry in Australia. Led by AMTIL, and generously supported by the Victorian Government, the Additive Manufacturing Hub has been established to grow and develop Additive Manufacturing capability. The AM Hub will be the first port of call for any companies looking to explore the potential of additive manufacturing, or further expand their…

How are manufacturing companies and manufacturing technology service providers winning in the digitalisation race? Experience first-hand how enterprise remote access and remote support, augmented reality, and internet of things technologies accelerate digitalisation along the entire value chain for any organisation--including the eight-time F1 World Champion, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Through hands-on technology demos, customer success stories from ANZ organisations,  thought leadership sessions, and peer networking, gain exclusive insights how companies like DHL, Coca-Cola, Wendy’s, Specsavers, The Salvation Army, Dole, Sharp, Siemens, and Airbus, among others capitalise enterprise remote connectivity solutions to optimise performance in testing, machine inspection, infrastructure maintenance, order picking, product kitting & palletising, and technician training processes—while championing team engagement, worker retention, customer satisfaction, and ROI. Don’t miss out!  Register online now at Experience Day in Melbourne (teamviewer.com) What you can expect: Immersive experience sessions on industry-proven enterprise remote connectivity technologies Success stories of organisations from industries including manufacturing, logistics, automotive, energy, F&B, and ITSM, among others Exclusive insights into the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Executive success story presentation from an Australian manufacturing and…

The acquisition comes as part of Capral's commitment to expanding its distribution footprint to ensure it has Aluminium Trade Centres and distribution hubs strategically located throughout Australia. “The acquisition of the Allyman business is an integral part of our long-term commitment to supporting Australian trades and manufacturers with reliable access to aluminium products,” said Capral's NSW Industrial Sales Manager, Mark Murray. “Our philosophy is that wherever our customers are, they should feel that Capral Aluminium is just around the corner.” The Allyman business was established in 2012 and has actively serviced trades and manufacturers in the local area and further afield. The Allyman team have built a reputation for delivering value for money, friendly service and reliability. “The Allyman team have created a great business recognised within the region for delivering exceptional customer service. We are excited that staff from Allyman will be transitioning to Capral, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Capral business. With their local knowledge backed by our Australia-wide regional distribution network, I'm confident we can continue to grow…

Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2023 will occupy more than 10,000 square metres of exhibition space at the MCEC, with almost 300 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!  Register online now at australianmanufacturingweek.com.au There are seven Zones on the vast floorspace of Australian Manufacturing Week, which takes up almost of the MCEC. Each zone focuses in on specific aspects of manufacturing in Australia. These include: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by ISCAR; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Zone, sponsored by Sutton Tools; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by Adobe; Robotics & Automation Zone; Weld and Air Solutions Zone, sponsored by AtlasCopco; and the Plastic Technology Zone. PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY ZONE The Plastics Technology Zone is your hands-on opportunity to inspect the latest in plastics machinery, mould-making technologies, raw materials, and plastics manufacturing processes. This area will cover injection and blow moulding, extrusion, thermoforming, and compounding, mould making and tool making, raw materials and recycling, and plastic technology processes. The…

BAE Systems Australia has teamed with local industry to present Australia’s first domestically designed, manufactured and armed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Uncrewed Air System (UAS). STRIXTM is being developed by BAE Systems Australia and Perth-based Innovaero and launched today at the 2023 Avalon Airshow in Geelong, Australia. The collaboration brings together BAE Systems’ global expertise in autonomous platforms and its vehicle management system (VMS) technology with Innovaero’s knowledge of aeronautical product design and manufacture in the Australian market. A hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS capability, STRIX could be used for a variety of missions including an air-to-ground strike against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). It could also act as a ‘loyal wingman’ for military helicopters. Designed to carry up to a 160kg payload over 800km, STRIX will be capable of operating in high-risk environments. With a collapsed footprint of 2.6m x 4.5m, it could be easily transported in standard shipping. Its VTOL capability means STRIX could be used without relying on an airfield. It could also be operated from a helicopter to expand the mission set and protect…

Louvreclad has been helping leading architects, builders, and developers create some of Australia's most iconic buildings and precincts for over three decades. Specialising in the design, engineering, supply and installation of louvre screens and bespoke façade solutions, Louvreclad services the commercial, public, education, government and multi-residential sectors. The firm's remarkable building exteriors use innovative architectural louvre solutions to help achieve comfortable, healthy, safe and energy-efficient working and living environments. The Queensland-based business is widely recognised for setting new benchmarks for effective and sustainable façade and louvre designs and solutions for the Australian construction industry. Founded and run by the Wright family, Louvreclad has headquarters in Ipswich and project teams in Victoria and New South Wales. The business designs, engineers and fabricates everything in-house; its products are 100% Australian-made. “Aluminium is an ideal match for louvre and façade manufacture,” says Louvreclad design consultant Uddhava Sharplin. “It's one of the most sustainable building materials and is incredibly corrosion resistant. We can often design out a support structure specified in steel and replace it with aluminium. It has great strength if designed and engineered properly.” Uddhava also…