Welding

**This story originally appeared in the April 2026 edition of AMT Magazine** For Emil Dela Cruz, regional sales manager NSW for Kemppi Australia, digitalisation and automation are reshaping demand for welding across Australia. “We no longer manufacture any analogue models, so 100% of our models are digital,” Emil says, noting that the shift began around 2017–18 as Industry 4.0 began influencing manufacturing workflows. “Knowing that Industry 4.0 is digitalisation, Kemppi has been well ahead in incorporating programs and software that empower welders to weld better and faster. We have also been at the fore in delivering solutions that gather welding data to ensure compliance and quality, while boosting productivity.” This progression has positioned Kemppi as a technology leader, he says. “We deliver premium machines for high quality welding as well as digital solutions, and we continue to develop different types of products to meet various market requirements,” he says. “Given the breadth and depth of our product range, we target the entire welding market from small workshops and single contractors…

**This story first appeared in the October 2025 edition of AMT Magazine** The CSIRO’s Continuous3D project is giving robots the “brains and eyes” they need to make industrial repairs more efficient – while also addressing the sector’s shortage of skilled labour. Like many advanced economies, Australia faces a looming shortage of skilled tradespeople. CSIRO Robot Manufacturing Team senior research scientist Peter King says he understands Australia needs 70,000 welders by the year 2030. “Whereas in the past, we had these people, now the younger generation is more interested in other professions. That leaves us with the problem of keeping critical infrastructure running and manufacturing things,” he says. Continuous3D was born out of the need to make working with industrial robots easier and more productive, King explains. “The first part of a project typically involves a lot of robot programming, and that can often be quite a headache,” he says. “Often you want to get down to actually doing the task, but the first thing you’ve got to do is…

With its head office in Tasmania and manufacturing plants in both Tasmania and South Australia, Jayben Group is an OEM company that specialises in powertrain products and light to medium industrial plant and equipment, including design, engineering, and manufacturing for the mining, agricultural, manufacturing, and defence sectors. Since its humble beginnings in 1927, the company has evolved significantly and today, it services clients both nationally and overseas. Determined to continue to provide clients with first-rate products, the company trialled Kemppi’s WeldEye welding management software before fully implementing the solution to effectively control welding quality. The challenge According to Danny Patmore, Fabrication Manager at Jayben Group, the company was not willing to forego quality despite experiencing strong growth. “Since our earliest days, we have been committed to producing high-quality products, and even though we have rapidly expanded, we remain unwavering in ensuring that quality is integral in all stages of the production process, including welding. “Welding is fundamental when you are manufacturing the sorts of parts and equipment that we produce in steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other metals. If the quality…

Safe Work Australia has recently brought in significant changes to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for welding fumes after the Work Health and Safety Ministers endorsed a decision to change Australian legislation. The new law establishes air quality standards for an eight-hour weighted average at just 1mg/m³, an 80% reduction from the previous limit of 5mg/m³. This change represents a significant step towards ensuring worker safety by reducing their exposure to harmful welding fumes. The new limit applies to welders and anyone who works near them. Worker protection in the welding industry has recently faced scrutiny, as serious health issues have been linked to extended exposure to welding fumes, a recognised carcinogen. The quick implementation of this reduction will ensure workplaces actively mitigate the negative health effects associated with welding activities. This decision will also ensure that workers remain committed to their roles without worrying about potential long-term health impacts from their chosen careers. Implications of the WES changes to welding workers and business owners The recent update to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for welding fumes holds significant implications…

WPF, a company based in Western Australia with operations nationally, is a leader in multi-discipline engineering services for the Australian energy sector. Renowned for handling diverse materials, from carbon steel to exotic alloys like duplex and copper-nickel, WPF serves some of the most demanding energy producers in the world. Their commitment to quality, with stringent internal acceptance criteria, often exceeding code requirements, sets them apart. WPF facilitates material segregation and process integrity while delivering exceptional results by fabricating across multiple workshops in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Operational challenges The tight labor market in Australia presented a significant challenge for WPF. Skilled coded welders capable of adapting to various conditions and fit-ups were scarce, making it difficult to maintain production efficiency and quality. Furthermore, the high cost and disruption caused by weld repairs, estimated to be similar to North America’s average of $1,000 per weld, added pressure to maintain repair rates below 1%. WPF’s reliance on traditional welding methods also introduced inefficiencies. While their manual processes were effective, scaling production without compromising quality or safety proved challenging. The…

Lorch welding technology is once again setting new standards and benchmarks with the equipment and systems on show at AMW 2025. Digital interconnection in the industrial manufacturing and production environment is the pathway for the future and Lorch is already a leader. The iQS system, a brand new MIG-MAG inverter platform for industrial production welding, is the centrepiece, and live welding demonstrations will put it through its paces. The iQS combines access to data, state-of-the-art networking, and simple set-up and operation, setting the benchmark for state-of-the-art efficient and productive assembly and workshop welding. The second focus for Lorch is the continued application of Cobot welding technology in the production welding environment. Lorch Cobot world and the implementation of the flexible myCobot modules open up a wealth of solutions for businesses to solve specific welding requirements in the workshop. The third attraction at Lorch is the new addition to the MicorMIG family of welding solutions: MicorMIG Mobile. These machines combine the power and features of the MicorMIG series in a compact and portable size, suitable for…

Weld Australia and HERA call on Indigenous artists from Australia and New Zealand to submit their welded artworks for inclusion in the International Institute of Welding (IIW) 2025 Digital Collection Welded Art Photographic Exhibition: Progressing Biodiversity. This global exhibition will highlight the deep cultural significance of biodiversity through Indigenous perspectives, showcasing welded artworks that explore heritage, traditions, and the relationship between people and the natural world. The collection will be launched at the IIW Annual Assembly in Genoa, Italy, from 22 to 27 June 2025, providing artists with an unparalleled international platform. According to Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, this is a rare opportunity for Indigenous artists to share their culture and stories with a worldwide audience. “Welding is so much more than a trade—it is an art form, a tool for storytelling, and a way to connect with history and culture. This exhibition is about celebrating Indigenous creativity and showcasing the powerful connection between welding, culture, and biodiversity,” said Crittenden. “The IIW Digital Collection provides a truly global stage for artists to share their work. Not only…

Cobot welding is a game-changer for the manufacturing industry. A flexible solution that can be tailored to the needs of individual firms, it delivers numerous benefits, including increased productivity, quality control, cost efficiency, scalability, real-time monitoring, and an enhanced working environment. Cobot welders automate the welding process and work alongside humans to perform welding tasks. Cobot welders can help boost production output by working continuously with minimal maintenance and without the need for breaks. They can handle repetitive tasks quickly and more intricate work efficiently, improving productivity. Plus, requiring minimal oversight and monitoring, they can free up workers to focus on more complex or higher-value tasks. “Cobots have the capability to run 24/7 and to also work in automated cycles,” says Stuart Orr, Sales Director, Kemppi Australia.  “As a result, they can enhance manufacturing processes and deliver significant productivity benefits.” Consistent welding quality Cobot welding systems also precisely control welding parameters such as temperature, pressure, and so on. This results in more uniform welds while minimising the potential for variation in quality. Kemppi, a leading global welding manufacturer, has an…

Established in Mordialloc, Victoria, Lepol Metal has been a cornerstone supplier for the construction industry for over 45 years. Lepol specialises in offsite steel manufacturing, metal work, piping systems, stainless services, prefabrication, and on-site support for the mechanical services industry. Their commitment to delivering efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality customised solutions has streamlined construction processes across various commercial, industrial, and critical infrastructure sectors. Navigating operational challenges But given the pace of their growth, the difficulties of expanding a skilled workforce, and the industry's ever-increasing demands for more consistent, high-quality welds within shorter time frames, Lepol began a search for an innovative solution that would satisfy these market demands while operating within a limited physical footprint. Enhancing Lepol’s mechanical service capabilities, particularly in pipe welding, required evaluating several options. Lepol Metal chose the Spool Welding Robot (SWR) from Novarc Technologies. Its compact design allowed for tremendous spatial flexibility. The SWR's ability to consistently deliver high-quality welds resulted in a sizable increase in welding efficiency. The SWR’s seamless integration into Lepol’s operations marked a transformative step towards heightened productivity and efficiency. Quantifiable results “Integrating Novarc’s…

West Australian manufacturer Ciltech has rapidly emerged as a leader in designing and manufacturing jetties, pontoons, and other marine infrastructure. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, the company's dedication to high-quality materials and advanced engineering techniques distinguishes it in a competitive market. Ciltech takes great pride in its Western Australian roots, consistently delivering innovative products that set new benchmarks in the industry. Managing Director Mason Cilia reflects on the business's growth and ongoing development: "Ciltech started as a small, family-run business in Western Australia. Over the years, we've grown into a key player in the marine infrastructure industry. A commitment to quality and innovation has driven our journey." Ciltech's proprietary aluminium extrusions are at the core of its success and form the foundation of its cutting-edge jetty systems. Remarkably, 98% of their pontoons are constructed using proprietary aluminium extrusions developed in collaboration with Capral. These extrusions are meticulously designed to accommodate various structural and functional elements, ensuring that each system meets the specific needs of its environment. From supporting decking weight to integrating mooring attachments and cleats, Ciltech's tailored extrusions provide versatile…

In a recent project highlighting the synergy between technology and industry, Automated Solutions Australia (ASA) collaborated with QuickAlly Access Solutions to upgrade their welding capabilities at their Brisbane facility. This project is a perfect example of how innovative automation solutions can enhance manufacturing processes, particularly for a company as committed to quality and safety as QuickAlly. QuickAlly Access Solutions is a key player in the Australian market and is known for its high-quality scaffolding and access platforms. As part of the G.James Group of Companies established in 1917, QuickAlly has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and reliable products that meet the highest safety standards. Their product range includes scaffolds, platforms, trestles & planks, stair treads and saw benches, all engineered to comply with Australian Standards. Additionally, QuickAlly specialises in creating customised work platforms for industries such as road, rail, aviation, marine, and industrial applications, further cementing their position as a leader in the field. The collaboration between ASA and QuickAlly focused on replacing an aging REIS welding robot with a new, state-of-the-art FANUC ArcMate 120iD/12L robot and 2x servo rotary positioners. This…

Aluminium remains a key structural material used in multiple industries worldwide, and Tiwai Point is New Zealand’s only smelter. A significant investment in new robot welding equipment shows that Rio Tinto is firmly committed to a future in the Deep South. According to long-serving staff member Paul Cavanagh, Rio Tinto’s Tiwai Point has always been about its people, and that’s the driving factor in a recent upgrade and doubling of its robotic welding equipment. "It’s about keeping people away from the load. People and safety first,” he said. Tiwai Point has used robotic welding since 1995, and this is the second upgrade since 2008 – but this time, the number of robots has doubled, along with the addition of an extra robot for loading heavy steel pins, a previously manual task. Cavanagh, the crew leader for the rodding process, says recent uncertainty was in the rear-view mirror, with the smelter securing a 20-year deal for electricity supply. For some time, it was clear that the old system used to weld anode rods in aluminium production—around 550 are…

Welding thick-section steel can be 40% faster and use 60% less energy when Dynamic Beam Lasers (DBL) from Civan are used instead of hybrid welding. These are just two of many remarkable results of a collaborative study by shipbuilder Fincantieri and welding systems firm Castellini, which shows that DBL technology is set to revolutionise shipbuilding and has the potential to transform thick-section welding for other manufacturing industries. Hybrid welding, which combines laser and Metal Inert Gas/Metal Active Gas MIG/MAG technologies, is the advanced approach for thick-section welding in shipyards. Improvements in welding are crucial because ships often require 300 to 600 kilometres of weld seams to ensure structural integrity. John Grace, physicist and Managing Director of Raymax Applications, which distributes Civan equipment in ANZ, believes the control and power now provided by DBLs not only weld thick sections faster but are also more economical and sustainable. “Unlike traditional lasers, which produce a fixed beam, Dynamic Beam Lasers can adjust the beam's shape, intensity, and size in real-time. This flexibility, increased precision, and control make them highly effective for…