Industry News

Sweet dreams and a sustainable night’s sleep are now a reality following the launch of Australia’s first bed base made from 100% recycled plastic under the brand ‘Circular Beds’. Made in Victoria, the pioneering bed base contains about 22kg of recycled consumer plastic (enough for a king single) from items such as milk crates, garden pots, storage containers, and buckets. It is completely recyclable at the end of its life. The concept of a 100% recycled plastic bed base had its genesis in a question from Tracey Pryor, Director of Innovation at the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC), to Dr John Stehle, Inventor and Director of ROBOVOID, being ‘how can we redesign bed bases to keep them out of landfill and make them truly sustainable?’ ROBOVOID subsequently developed the concept into a prototype with the support of Swinburne University, GT Recycling and the ABSC, with $300,000 in grant funding from Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government. According to ROBOVOID Director, Scott Olding, bed bases are typically constructed from low-grade virgin timber, bolted or stapled together, and covered in fabric with…

The Federal Government has underlined its support for Australian-Made metals in the face of Donald Trump’s tariffs by providing a new $750m boost to new technology in the sector. Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change and Energy the Hon Chris Bowen, released a joint statement to announce the funding, which will be directed towards metals development tech that aligns with Net Zero goals. As part of the $1.7bn Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund announced in the 2024/25 Budget, this new $750m in funding will accelerate innovation and enhance the development of new low-emissions technologies. It has the potential to enable commercial-scale production of green metals using Australian ores and renewable resources, paving the way for greater trade opportunities, more jobs, and reduced emissions. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), an independent body, will distribute the funds, which can be used to fund pilot and demonstration projects that can lower emissions, improve productivity, and revitalise plant and equipment. This marks the latest…

AML3D has always been at the forefront of innovation, driving the adoption of advanced additive manufacturing technology that disrupts traditional methods and unlocks new possibilities. Over the past few years, our pivot toward becoming a leading provider of Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) systems has set the stage for remarkable growth. With the development of our ARCEMY® additive manufacturing systems and proprietary software solutions, WAMSoft® and AMLSoft™, we are transforming how industries approach production and supply chain challenges. This growth trajectory reached a critical milestone with our successful entry into the US market, underscored by high-profile contracts from the US Navy via BlueForge Alliance. These engagements validate our cutting-edge technology and our strategy of aligning with key partners to address the specific needs of high-value sectors such as defence, maritime, aerospace, oil, gas and energy. Embracing the power of wire additive manufacturing At its core, AML3D's mission is to harness the potential of wire additive manufacturing to address complex industrial challenges. Unlike traditional casting and subtractive manufacturing methods, WAM builds parts layer-by-layer from a digitally designed model. This approach minimises material waste,…

At AMW2025, OneKloudX is giving manufacturers and warehouse managers the power to see every move, stay in control, and prevent problems before they happen—with NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing and 3DLogistiX. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing – See what’s really happening on the factory Floor. You don’t know a work order is delayed until it’s already impacted production. You can’t track actual costs in real time. Inventory plans are based on estimates instead of live data. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing changes that with: Work Order Tracking: Know what’s in progress, what’s delayed, and what needs attention before it impacts production; Automated Inventory Backflushing: Material usage updates instantly, preventing shortages and errors; Routing and Labour Costing: Track and control labour expenses and resource allocation in real time; Infinite Capacity Scheduling: Adjust production schedules dynamically to maximise throughput and minimise downtime; Batch Management & Control: Ensure consistent quality and compliance in every production run; Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Guarantee that stock arrives exactly when needed—no overstocking, no delays; Shop Floor Control: Gain live insights into WIP, labour, and machine utilisation, so you can optimise production…

Automation & Robotic Technologies (A&RT) is a leading designer and integrated engineering solutions provider of automation systems in Australia.  The company is globally recognised for its high-speed picking projects and specialist robotic solutions for the food and beverage industry.  Their team of experts have provided intricate systems to support applications such as meat palletising, picking and packaging, as well as the handling of frozen foods, baked products, omelettes, food-grade oils, and even tofu. In 2025, A&RT is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in business and 14 years as an ABB Authorized Value Provider (AVP).  Mike Urban, Co-Managing Director at A&RT said, “We’re proud to supply systems to every large food manufacturer in Australia.  With the support of ABB Robotics, we’ve always been confident that we’ll meet our customers’ needs as we’re working with the best robotic technology manufacturer – the original patent holders of Delta robots and developers of the RobotStudio Suite, so we can innovatively integrate artificial intelligence with real intelligence into our work.” A long-standing partnership, A&RT were the recipients an ABB Robotics lifetime achievement award in 2019.  ABB's AVPs…

The Green Steel Alliance brings together leading research and industry stakeholders worldwide to support a carbon-neutral future in steel smelting. The initiative will foster cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint research projects to advance this transition. The Alliance engenders joint research initiatives to accelerate the development and deployment of green steel technologies. “Through the Green Steel Alliance, we’re creating a global partnership between universities and industry, offering the opportunity to transform the iron and steelmaking sector into a sustainable and carbon-neutral industry,” said Swinburne’s professor Alan Duffy, pro vice-chancellor, Flagship Initiatives. “Swinburne is excited to be part of the drive towards a greener and more resilient iron and steel industry worldwide and a more sustainable future. Initially founded with six universities renowned for their research in green steel, the alliance aims to bring industry partners and key stakeholders around the world to this platform to promote a carbon-neutral ironmaking and steelmaking future. Swinburne University of Technology experts are at the forefront of the green steel revolution, developing new methods to advance a net zero emissions future…

Although US President Donald Trump had previously indicated he might exempt Australia from steel and aluminium tariffs, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president has finalised his decision, stating, “There will be no exemptions.” During Trump's first term, Australian steel and aluminium were exempt from these tariffs, and BlueScope was hoping for similar treatment this time. “A tariff exemption was negotiated in President Trump's first term,” stated a BlueScope Steel representative. In reaction to the tariff announcement, the steel manufacturer pointed out its $5bn investment in US operations, which currently employ over 4,000 steelworkers. BlueScope Steel serves as Australia's primary steel exporter to the US, delivering approximately 300,000 tonnes of semi-processed steel annually. This steel is utilised by its US operations to manufacture flat products such as roofs and fencing. BlueScope ranks as the fifth largest steel manufacturer in America. Its North Star mill in Ohio produces three million tonnes of steel each year, matching Port Kembla's output and proving significantly more profitable. Following the rapid…

As manufacturing environments evolve and competition increases, businesses face growing pressure to enhance precision, reduce waste, and improve production efficiency. At booth MT510, Performatec will showcase live demonstrations of state-of-the-art waterjet and fibre laser cutting systems, providing a first-hand look at solutions designed to optimise production workflows. Live demonstrations of advanced cutting systems Performatec's live demonstrations will highlight how advanced cutting technology is improving precision, efficiency, and material versatility in modern manufacturing. The display at booth MT510 will focus on two leading-edge cutting solutions: Waterjet cutting – the most versatile machine for clean, accurate cutting of thick metals including mild steel, heat soak plate, aluminium, stainless, brass, copper and composites, offering precise cutting without heat-affected zones. Fibre laser cutting – designed for high-speed sheet metal processing, delivering exceptional accuracy with reduced operational costs. These demonstrations will provide attendees with practical insights into how these technologies can be integrated into different manufacturing environments. Expert insights from industry specialists Beyond the live demonstrations, Performatec's CNC machinery specialists will be available to discuss the technical and operational aspects of integrating advanced cutting solutions. Attendees…

Specialist engineering company AG Engineering Solutions has invested in the latest Okuma CNC Lathe technology to provide a marketing edge and increased capability. Formed in 2010, the private family business AG Engineering Solutions specialises in new work and the maintenance and refurbishment of major plant and equipment for leading mining companies, paper mills, the steel and recycling industries, etc. and has become the go-to company for the fast replacement or refurbishment of equipment, design advice, fabrication and preventative maintenance programs. “With this type of work we are called on to produce one or two off engineering solutions on our machines where size capacity, speed and easy programming are all critical factors,” said Managing Director Sam Guccione. “Our work is time critical as a breakdown in any of our clients’ major plants costs enormous amounts of money, so an Okuma machine that can produce an outcome in one process rather than multiple processes proves to be a great advantage,” he said. The latest Okuma CNC Lathe model LB4000EX x2000 is being commissioned. This is the company's first Okuma machine, and there is…

At AMW2025, RJS Tech Group will present a cutting-edge showcase featuring PPTools, NanoTech, Rogers Industries, and Whitelaw Engineering Machinery. This unified stand will highlight how Australian-made innovations are pushing the boundaries of efficiency, durability, and performance in modern manufacturing. PPTools will demonstrate the art of precision tool manufacturing with its Walter G200—a state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC grinding machine. Visitors will witness firsthand how this technology enables the production of highly accurate, custom-designed rotary cutting tools, essential for woodworking, metalworking, and composite machining. Whitelaw Engineering Machinery will present a diverse range of industrial lathes, the Meltio system, and other high-performance industrial equipment. The Meltio system, a breakthrough in hybrid additive manufacturing, showcases the future of metal 3D printing, enabling manufacturers to build and repair metal components with unparalleled precision. NanoTech will highlight its world-class PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating technology, developed using the PLATIT PLi411 Plus—the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. This innovative process significantly enhances tool hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance, ensuring extended tool life and higher machining efficiency. Rogers Industries, leaders in…

AMW2025 will open on Tuesday 6th May and will roll for four days. All six Pavilions and Zones will be open and active, over 400 exhibitors enthused and ready to show their best manufacturing technology at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The first day of AMW2025 will be full throttle. REGISTER NOW! To help visitors to the show navigate such a diverse line-up of exhibits, AMW2025 will feature six dedicated Zones covering a range of specialised aspects of the modern manufacturing landscape: Additive Manufacturing Zone Australian Manufacturers Pavilion Machine Tools Manufacturing Solutions Robotics & Automation Weld & Air Solutions Now in its third year, the Future Solutions Speaker Program will also be held at the Australian Manufacturing Week, over three days. The very popular program has a great range of 35+ expert speakers discussing the current trends and issues affecting the manufacturing landscape. With a focus on innovation, join us to hear from industry leaders, explore new technologies and learn from real-world case studies. The Future Solutions Speaker Program at AMW2025 is free to attend and…

Last year alone, RAM3D 3D printed and delivered 17,000+ of those ‘solutions’ (parts, components, and more) for our customers. AMW visitors can interact with a wide range of our metal 3D-printed parts at our stand to get an accurate look and feel for the possibilities and quality that RAM3D offers. Maybe you haven’t tried metal 3D printing yet. If that’s the case, RAM3D can help you maximise this Industry 4.0 technology, with over a decade of experience supplying various sectors such as aerospace and defence, industrial and engineering clients, and high-level sport and bespoke recreation markets worldwide. As specialists in the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process of Selective Laser Melting (SLM), our technical expertise truly shines as we bring our customers’ parts to life, understanding that the key benefits of utilising Metal AM—producing complex geometries, intricate shapes and structures, integrated design, and overall lighter, stronger, higher quality, and more efficient parts—are realised in every print. At previous shows, one of RAM3D’s repeat customers (a Victoria local) has cycled in on one of his titanium printed models to loan…

Alfex is proud to showcase the latest in Laser cutting, marking and engraving systems, CNC Machine Tools & Industrial 3D Printers at AMW2025. Visit us at Stand MT290 (Alfex) and Stand MT300 (Haas CNC) to see live demonstrations of cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. Whether you're looking to increase capabilities or improve production efficiencies, the team at Alfex is ready to help with over 300 years of combined experience in the manufacturing and engineering space. Alfex is set to make waves at this year’s Australian Manufacturing Week, showcasing the world’s leading laser brands, including Epilog Laser, Lotus Laser, Kern Lasers, ACSYS Lasers, VISION engraving and routing systems, and BOFA Filtered Extraction systems. As a trusted provider of high-quality equipment and exceptional service, Alfex continues to support businesses nationwide in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. From precision engraving to high-performance laser cutting and marking, these industry-leading brands provide Australian businesses with state-of-the-art solutions that enhance productivity, accuracy, and efficiency. Whether for aerospace, defence, automotive, industrial, or creative applications, Alfex delivers the right tools to drive innovation and business growth. Experts will discuss how these solutions can streamline…