Industry 4.0

Pick-and-place robots are increasingly important in automated processes, such as assembly lines. With its EXPT, the automation specialist Festo offers an exact and dynamic solution for this. Operating at up to 150 picks per minute, the robot works continuously. For this, safe and gentle feeding of the cables to the gripper had to be guaranteed. The unique feature—a rotating additional axis—led to increased wear of the cables. With a unique energy chain for tight installation spaces and dynamic applications, including a rotation module, the cables are now safely guided at high rotation angles Problem Festo SE & Co. KG is a leading provider of automation solutions for processes and entire production plants. The manufacturer also includes its universal parallel robot, "EXPT," in its extensive product portfolio. The tripod-based pick-and-place robot works with high performance and precision and manages up to 150 picks per minute. Its design and control system enable flexible and cross-application use, enabling convenient implementation in applications with several robots in the production line. An A5 axis was to be implemented at the lower end…

Brisbane health-tech company WearOptimo has unveiled the initial $7m phase of its Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF), paving the way towards releasing its first Microwearable sensor. Custom-built in Brisbane, the AMF is the first facility in the southern hemisphere, pioneering the use of Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) for health-tech. Its unveiling marks a major milestone along the company’s journey to having its first product – a hydration Microwearable sensor – on shelves, opening up global markets with a potential value of more than $5bn. “WearOptimo’s vision is to create global healthcare solutions that are accessible and affordable, and this new manufacturing capacity is central to that ambition,” said founder and CEO Professor Mark Kendall. “The AMF’s use of NIL will allow us to rapidly advance our Microwearable technology towards the release of on-the-shelf sensors that are scalable for widespread deployment, at a low cost per unit. “When operating at full capacity it will allow production of up to 30 million sensors annually, which will be used by everyone from elite athletes to aged-care residents and in industries ranging from the military to resources.” It’s also…

Regularly calibrated measuring instruments are essential wherever components are manufactured with high precision. But how do you stay on top of things? Lange & Haasis has switched from handouts to digital measuring equipment management from Gühring, saving a lot of time. Measuring screws, limit gauges, thread gauges – the machinists at Lange & Haasis always have their measuring equipment at hand to check the quality and dimensional accuracy of the construction parts. Although the products produced by the company for CNC metalworking in Albstadt differ significantly, they all have one thing in common: the highest precision down to the μ range. “No order is processed without measuring instruments,” noted founder and co-owner Jens Lange. And that’s why so many of them are in Lange & Haasis’ production. The problem: Measuring instruments have an expiry date and must be recalibrated before expiry. Uncalibrated measuring instruments must not be used for measurement. But how do you keep track of all the measuring equipment in everyday production? Jens Lange had to find out in his company that…

The importance of integrating engineering data with other enterprise systems cannot be overstated for engineering and manufacturing firms. Imagine your CAD models, drawings, and BOMs flowing seamlessly between departments without constant manual effort. This type of integration streamlines the entire design-to-production process, making it more efficient. As a CAD engineer, you can concentrate on your designs. At the same time, routine tasks like file management, revision control, and data synchronisation are automated, giving you more time to innovate and solve complex challenges. Autodesk Vault is a leading data management solution designed specifically for engineering teams. It provides secure storage, version control, and easy access to CAD data. When integrated with other enterprise systems, like ERP and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Autodesk Vault transforms into a powerful engine for streamlined workflows and enhanced data synchronisation across departments. Integrating Autodesk Vault with ERP unlocks advantages such as increased data accuracy, streamlined processes, and faster time to market. coolOrange tools—powerGate and powerSync—are designed to maximise these benefits, ensuring seamless communication between Autodesk Vault, ERP, and ACC. With these solutions, your team gains a…

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing more than $60m over five years to establish the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle. Both the Albanese Government and Minns Labor Governments are investing $28.1m, with a further $5.27m in federal funding to support the centre. This will accelerate the development of a Higher Apprenticeship model focused on the advanced skills required for net zero manufacturing. The upgraded Centre will play a pivotal role in building up new skills for workers across the Hunter, investing in their future. “The Hunter region is a powerhouse for energy and manufacturing,” said Premier of NSW, Chris Minns. “We are proud to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver this training centre, so the local community and industry have the skills needed to benefit from the energy transition. “We are getting on with the job of delivering three TAFE Centres of Excellence in NSW, a key part of our commitment to provide fully subsidised training to an additional 1,000 apprenticeships a year in advanced…

This article was first published in the AugSep2023 issue of AMT magazine. To keep the topic front of mind, we are republishing here to keep the conversation going. Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) is an Australian machine manufacturer and distributor concerned with machine safety. Director David White is most certainly not the only manufacturer with concerns.  He says, “The huge volume of imported machinery coming into Australia with lack of adequate safety equipment and proper training and information is extremely concerning to us.” Fibre laser cutting machines have revolutionised manufacturing with their precise cutting capabilities. However, using open Fibre laser cutting machines can pose significant risks that are often overlooked. In this article, we will shed light on the dangers of 1070nm laser emissions on the retina and explore why people don't blink when exposed to this radiation. We will also discuss the importance of awareness among business owners in Australia and the personal and legal repercussions that may arise in case of injuries. Additionally, we will highlight the measures necessary to ensure…

Australia’s manufacturing industry, employing around 900,000 people and contributing approximately $100bn to the national GDP annually, is pivotal. Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is transforming the landscape by enabling the creation of complex geometries and customised products across various sectors, including defence, aerospace, healthcare, automotive, construction, and fashion. AM is expected to expand rapidly over the next decade, significantly driving Australia’s economic and technological advancements. The AM market reached $14.7bn in 2023, with a growth rate of 13%. Recognised by the Australian Federal Government as part of its Critical Technologies within the advanced manufacturing and materials technologies field, the AM market is expected to continue expanding. Additionally, the AM industry is projected to grow rapidly, with revenues expected to hit $25bn by 2025. This growth is attributed to hardware, materials, software, and services advancements. This expansion underscores the importance of developing robust standards to help ensure quality, safety, and innovation. Standards Australia’s National Committee MB 028 – Additive Manufacturing is actively collaborating with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which has a unique partnership agreement with ASTM International…