Construction & Infrastructure

During the construction of the Eiffel Tower, engineer Gustave Eiffel noticed the tower could be used as a giant thermometer. Due to the structure expanding and contracting with temperature changes, its height can vary by up to 15cm. This engineering quirk demonstrates the impact of temperature extremes on industrial structures. However, temperature is just one of many engineering considerations in today's complex industry settings. Here, James Chester, director at Technidrive, explains how the right systems integrator can help to navigate these complexities. Environmental conditions can wreak havoc on the longevity of motors and gear units. From extreme temperatures and corrosive substances to dust, moisture, and vibration, the environment can put a significant strain on equipment. Consequently, engineering suitable drive trains can be extremely challenging. Additionally, many end users are unaware of these specific requirements when commissioning a system. Among the most common challenges is the fluctuation of temperatures. Whether extremely hot or cold, this variation can lead to thermal stress, affecting the lubrication and performance of motors and gear units. Continuous operation at either end of the temperature spectrum…

Export award-winning, Tauranga-based Oasis Engineering continues to expand its international market as a specialist manufacturer delivering world-leading solutions to those pushing the boundaries of energy and fluid transfer to benefit humanity and the environment. The company initially began as the maintenance division of a soft drink brand but was separated during a restructuring during the 1980s. The new company quickly established a strong reputation as a machine shop that reliably produced high-tolerance precision machined parts in difficult-to-work materials such as stainless steel and titanium. This led to work manufacturing valves and couplings that were required for the new and emerging Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel market for a major CNG supply company and this quickly expanded to every major CNG supplier and to every significant CNG market in more than 40 countries. Today, Oasis Engineering is part of the ELAFLEX Group of Companies of Hamburg and is manufacturing precision CNG, LPG and Hydrogen reticulation products for the world market, with approximately 80% of production going to the USA, 10% to other world markets and 10% to the…

A versatile new family of safety and efficiency-focused medium frequency induction heaters is being introduced to Australasia by the global motion technology company Schaeffler, providing shorter heating times and reducing bearing mounting and dismounting times by half. The new generation medium frequency technology (MFT) heaters enhance safety during bearing mounting and dismounting by eliminating the need for traditional heating methods that involve open flames, such as gas burners or oil baths, ensuring more controlled and stress-free heating of machinery components. Crucially, unlike conventional heaters suitable only for mounting, MFT heaters offer a large thermal capacity and flexible installation methods that enable safe and efficient bearing dismounting. This minimises the risk of damage to both the bearing and the shaft, thereby allowing for quick dismantling and rebuilding times. The productivity gains of the energy-conserving MFT heaters – including nine models ranging from 1.2kW to 45kW – dramatically reduce maintenance costs, even for heavy workpieces such as gear wheels, gear drives, bearings, and couplings. The ‘HEATER’ series of induction…

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, innovation is not just a luxury – it is a necessity. As global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and shifting market demands place increasing pressure on the industry, innovation in equipment manufacturing and farming practices must work hand in hand to drive progress. Modern machinery is no longer just about efficiency; it must also enhance sustainability, improve soil health, and optimise productivity. This synergy between engineering innovation and smart agricultural practices is shaping the future of farming, ensuring long-term viability for farmers worldwide. KELLY Tillage, a company deeply rooted in the Australian farming community, has consistently pushed the boundaries when manufacturing agricultural machinery – responding to evolving industry challenges with smart solution innovation. The company’s forward-thinking approach and grassroots understanding have cemented KELLY Tillage as a respected brand name on the global stage. No mean feat for a family born business from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. From their beginnings on the farm as KELLY Engineering, KELLY Tillage has remained committed to providing farmers with equipment…

Steel fabricators may not think much about corrosion after completing their work. However, major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines, and tanks is constantly threatened by corrosion, which, if it takes hold, will make them unsafe. Traditionally, phase control cathodic protection (CP) systems were used to protect infrastructure, but these come with several challenges, such as the high cost of copper cabling and associated power loss. These issues become even more significant for asset owners who must address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Here, David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments while simultaneously reducing costs and enhancing maintenance capabilities. At the core of any impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system is a transformer-rectifier unit (T/R), which provides the essential electrical current for ongoing protection. There are two primary types of T/R that can be employed to supply current for an ICCP system: phase control and switch-mode. While both technologies are hugely important to the global CP market, it is not always clear which is…

Bradfield City Centre’s advanced manufacturing revolution is underway. The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility’s (AMRF) first project has been signed, sealed, and delivered. The AMRF is a NSW Government facility designed to accelerate innovation across the manufacturing sector. Businesses can use AMRF’s expertise and world-leading advanced manufacturing equipment to innovate their products and production processes and scale up and grow their businesses. Western Sydney engineering company Marley Flow Control is the first business to complete a project with the AMRF. The time-study project identified operational efficiencies in Marley Flow Control’s manufacturing processes that could generate up to six times the business's current productivity and an estimated 15%- 20% reduction in production costs. Eager to capitalise on this enhanced productivity, Marley Flow Control is now collaborating with the AMRF to develop a new product design. Marley Flow Control specialises in the manufacture and maintenance of cooling towers, flow control engineering (including pumps and piping), large-scale fan manufacturing, laser alignment, and facilities maintenance. Marley Flow Control is an engineering company based in Western Sydney that specialises in the manufacture and maintenance…

Founded in 1968, FMI Building Innovation (BI) is one of New Zealand’s leading innovators, manufacturers, and suppliers of world-class building solutions for a wide range of residential and commercial customers. With its headquarters and main manufacturing site in Auckland and additional production facilities in Christchurch, the company employs more than 250 staff. FMI BI’s first involvement with 3D printing dates back five years, when the company acquired an inexpensive printer to explore the medium's potential, primarily in an R&D role. Work in those early years showed that, in principle, additive manufacturing could make a valuable contribution to their design and manufacturing processes. FMI BI’s market research indicated that industry leader Markforged could supply printers and consumables that would meet the company’s exacting standards, and X7™ composites and a Metal X™ metal printer were acquired in 2023. FMI BI’s extensive and constantly expanding product range strongly emphasises the need to design, prototype, and manufacture new parts accurately, cost-effectively, and within a reasonable time frame. Before the adoption of 3D printing, this posed severe problems for the company. Peter Stark, FMI BI’s…

Australia’s construction and manufacturing industries face a turning point driven by a growing need to reduce import reliance and revive local production. Leading this charge is RJS Tech Group, founded by industry veteran Ron Smyth, who brings nearly 40 years of expertise in woodworking and machine tools. Ron’s vision is to restore manufacturing excellence and strengthen Australia’s industries. RJS Tech Group, through strategic acquisitions and a suite of companies, exemplifies entrepreneurial determination and national pride. RJS Tech Group’s mission supports the Australian construction and manufacturing sectors by providing businesses with world-class tools, machinery, and locally manufactured products. With a focus on creating Australian jobs, RJS Tech Group is reshaping industry landscapes by championing self-reliance, innovation, and local expertise. RJS Tech Group includes: Wood Tech: As a premier supplier in the woodworking and construction industries, Wood Tech provides exceptional machinery and service across Australia, empowering businesses to enhance productivity. Whitelaw Engineering Machinery/Metal Tech: This brand delivers high-quality metalworking machinery to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, supporting vital sectors such as automotive and aerospace. Rogers Industries: Since 1953, Rogers Industries…

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), postal and courier pick-up and delivery service charges rose 5.7% in the June quarter, driven by rising fuel costs and labour market volatility. That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMEs to ensure they pack and ship their stock cost-effectively. Seemingly insignificant mistakes, such as incorrectly labelling or sending one large package exceeding the shipping dimension compared to separate smaller boxes, could result in business owners being charged 150% more than the original cost. “Mistakes that lead to surcharges can significantly increase the original shipping price by up to 150%,” Interparcel CEO Steve Zammit said. “A courier charge might initially be $10, but something done during the manufacturing process could add a surcharge for special or manual handling ranging from $12 to $70, depending on the weight and any special handling requirements.” Zammit lists nine packing mistakes that every business owner should avoid, from the manufacturer stage to business expansion. Shipping seven costly…