Industry News

AMSL Aero, a zero-emission aircraft designer and manufacturer, has been completing test flights of Vertiia, Australia’s first passenger-capable, emission-free, long-range electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The craft has been designed to travel up to 1,000 kilometres on hydrogen at a cruising speed of 300km/h with zero carbon emissions. It can carry up to four passengers and a pilot. AMSL Aero’s Vertiia customers plan commercial flights following certification and regulatory approval in 2027. Vertiia is an Australian-designed and manufactured eVTOL, the new generation of aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but flies fast and smoothly like a fixed-wing aeroplane. “My Dad was in the Navy and always spoke about flying off aircraft carriers,” explained Andrew Moore. “I grew up on a farm that had an airstrip. In the vastness of outback NSW, you had the ‘bank run’, the ‘mail run’, and medical and pathology supplies all having to be flown in. Growing up, I felt…

Researchers at a Scottish university have taken one small step towards a future where orbital factories can 3D print future tech on demand in space. Dr Gilles Bailet of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering has been awarded a patent for a new system that overcomes the challenges of 3D printing in zero gravity. His technology was recently rigorously tested during a series of trips on a research aeroplane called the ‘vomit comet’. Dr Bailet says that solving the challenge of 3D printing objects in low-gravity environments could pave the way for orbital fabricators capable of producing parts and components that could be assembled into novel equipment in orbit never seen before. That equipment could include solar reflectors to generate zero-carbon power for transmission back to Earth, improved communication antennae, or drug research stations that can create purer, more effective pharmaceuticals. For several years, Dr. Bailet has been working on a prototype 3D printer better suited for use in outer space. Instead of the filaments used in earthbound 3D printers, it uses a granular material developed by the team…

In an era where safeguarding space has become paramount to preserving the rules-based global order and ensuring ongoing international prosperity, Space Machines Company (SMC)unveils a breakthrough in space security technology. The company unveiled Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft variant designed to provide immediate, high-fidelity intelligence and protection for critical space assets. Operating at distances less than 10 kilometres from target satellites, Optimus Viper delivers the kind of detailed, actionable intelligence about critical space infrastructure that, until now, has been impossible to achieve. This announcement signals a fundamental shift in space operations, introducing the world’s first distributed, hyperscale production approach to delivering rapid on-orbit response for both national security and commercial space assets. Based on lessons learned from the launch of SMC’s inaugural satellite Optimus aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket earlier this year, Optimus Viper represents a fundamental shift in space security architecture. This agile 200-kilogram class “space first responder” can deploy within 24 hours of launch and operate within 10kms of target satellites, combining enhanced autonomous capabilities with Solstice OS (Space Machines AI-driven orbital operating system)…

Quantum researchers from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have demonstrated that quantum computing can significantly improve the way we solve complex problems involving large datasets. They have highlighted the potential of using quantum in areas such as real-time traffic management, agricultural monitoring, healthcare, and energy optimisation. By leveraging quantum computing's unique properties, like superposition and entanglement, researchers compressed and analysed a large dataset with speed, accuracy, and efficiency that traditional computers cannot match. Unlike regular binary computer bits that are either ‘on’ or ‘off,’ quantum bits (qubits) can exist in multiple states at once, allowing quantum computers to process many possibilities simultaneously. Dr Muhammad Usman, a CSIRO quantum scientist and the senior author of the study, said the research team demonstrated that quantum machine learning can simplify large sets of data without sacrificing important details. “With the global volume of data doubling every few years, quantum computing’s ability to handle this complexity will become increasingly valuable,” Dr Usman said. “Our work focused on groundwater monitoring as a case study, but quantum machine learning has broad applications in any field requiring fast, detailed…

Aeroplane pylons attach aircraft engines to the wings. Developing this critical component involves collaboration with specialists and industry partners, with Seco leading. Joe Gooding and Gary Meyers explain more. Pylons are not the most noticeable part of an aircraft. Hidden from view by covers, they are critical for structural integrity and, thus, safe and reliable aircraft operation. “There are one or two engines per wing, with up to four pylons to attach each engine,” explains Joe Gooding, a UK-based Seco Development Engineer, who supports customer projects with tooling and component machining strategy suggestions. “The pylon is made from titanium that’s often forged and then machined to the required dimensions and tolerances.” “The aircraft manufacturers use titanium for structural components. It is the best material and the safest option for those aircraft parts,” adds Joe’s colleague, Gary Meyers, Global Product Manager for Solid Milling, based in Sweden. “There are many applications involved in manufacturing a pylon,” he continues. “From face milling to copy milling strategies, indexable tools, solid carbide tools, drilling, reaming, and new barrel type machining developments for component finishing. The parts…

South Australia-based Fleet Space has licensed, manufactured, and activated its new ExoSphere product to enhance its technology for detecting underground minerals from space. This will enable mining companies to accelerate the search for minerals and cut costs by reducing their reliance on invasive land surveying. The SpaceX Transporter 12 rideshare mission carried 130 other payloads in a massive lift in mid-January. The Fleet Space product has earned recognition as one of Australia’s fastest-growing enterprises, with clients such as Rio Tinto and Core Lithium, conducting over 250 successful surveys across five continents. "With ExoSphere, we can quickly make real-time decisions, getting into positions where we can define drilling targets quicker,” said Andrew Bennett, Exploration Manager at Core Lithium. “When you can accelerate exploration programs, you are accelerating your discovery, which is a game changer for exploration.” “These new technologies integrating artificial intelligence and big data are essential to tackle the dual challenges of space exploration and climate change,” Fleet Space Technologies founder Flavia Tata Nardini is quoted as saying. “By making these new capabilities rapidly deployable in a way…

AMT: Thanks for your time, Afnan. Congratulations on the award. What was your initial reaction when your name was read out? Afnan Siddique: I was surprised, happy, and grateful. It was genuinely a lovely feeling. It was an honour to be recognised as the Young Manufacturer in 2024 in Victoria, which has a rich history in manufacturing. The other finalists' stories were astounding, so I didn’t expect to win the award. As I stepped onto the stage, I couldn’t help but think of my parents back in Bangladesh. When I started pursuing my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Swinburne University here in Australia, they had their qualms, fearing AI would be a threat to my job prospects. The news of my award brought them to tears. I’m glad that I was able to show them that their hard work raising me and their sacrifices somehow paid off. Ultimately, Mum and Dad are my biggest catalyst and the reason I am where I am…

TNO has developed an Adaptive Secondary Mirror for NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) in Hawaii. The IRTF is a 3m infrared telescope located at an altitude of around 4,200m at the summit of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. Designed for maximum performance in the infrared portion of the spectrum, it takes advantage of the excellent visibility, minimal water vapour and low thermal background that characterise the atmosphere above Mauna Kea. The University of Hawaii and the University of California Santa Cruz realised the secondary mirror upgrade project. During the integration phase, a manufacturing error required TNO to immediately find a fastener solution so that the integration could proceed. “We realised that some of the holes in the supporting structure of the secondary mirror assembly had been machined to the wrong dimension,” explains Arjo Bos, Systems and Mechanical Lead Engineer at TNO. “We tried standard A4 screws but had immediate issues with galling. We needed a fast solution to overcome our galling issue with an extremely tight schedule and some dependencies with other projects.” Delivery and…

ANCA, an Australian leader in advanced manufacturing, proudly announces that its co-founders, Patrick Boland and Patrick McCluskey, have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List. Known as ‘The Two Pats,’ their visionary leadership has propelled ANCA to the forefront of global technology. They have demonstrated that advanced manufacturing can thrive in Australia and contribute to high-value products, international competitiveness, meaningful careers, and sovereign industrial capabilities. A lifetime of innovation and dedication Boland and McCluskey's dynamic partnership, combining academic expertise and practical ingenuity, has driven ANCA’s success for over 50 years. Their passion for innovation and engineering excellence has led to the development of world-first technologies that have revolutionised the cutting-tool industry. Notable innovations include groundbreaking in-machine measurement, which disrupted and shaped the market and set new standards in precision manufacturing. Success didn’t come overnight. Long before the internet era, ANCA brought its ambitious vision to life by targeting a niche global market, adopting robotics, and applying innovative solutions to the machine world. Today, ANCA continues to…

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…

Drones are increasingly becoming indispensable in the aerospace and defence sectors, driving mission-critical operations ranging from surveillance to search-and-rescue. As the demand for more agile, adaptable, and high-performance drones grows, so does the challenge of designing and manufacturing components that meet these exacting requirements. While effective for simpler geometries, traditional manufacturing methods often struggle to meet the complex demands of modern drone systems, especially when it comes to lightweight yet durable designs. Additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming the industry, unlocking new possibilities in speed, design, and functionality for the next generation of drones. At EVOK3D, we enable our clients to overcome these challenges by leveraging Additive Manufacturing (AM). AM's flexibility allows clients to create intricate designs, such as internal cavities and lattice structures, achieving significant weight reduction without compromising strength. Additionally, the capability to rapidly prototype and iterate designs accelerates the product development process, reducing timelines from months to weeks. The role of HP MJF and nTop in drone design Design and prototyping are crucial in developing high-performance drones, where factors such as weight, strength, and functionality are critical. Traditional manufacturing methods…

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…

With Australia's high labour cost, most high-volume manufacturing has moved offshore. As a result, there has been a shift towards low-volume, high-value manufacturing, with Australian manufacturers adopting more advanced manufacturing methodologies such as additive manufacturing. This has necessitated a similar shift to advanced non-destructive testing for quality control, with computed tomography answering the call. Computed Tomography (CT) is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique analogous to CAT scans performed on humans. It is perfectly suited to inspecting manufactured components, especially those with complex geometries and internal structures. CT can be used to check dimensional accuracy (vs. CAD drawings), identify invisible defects beneath the surface to external inspection techniques, and investigate failures or process control and optimisation. Origins of CT Initially developed for medical applications in the 1970s, CT is now used more extensively in materials science, nondestructive testing (NDT), quality control, failure analysis, and geological materials investigation. In these applications, it is ideally suited to revealing subsurface defects and structures or checking manufacturing tolerances. Although CT has been used extensively in medical applications…