Industry News

There are a lot of issues with the so-called ‘Open Innovation’ model – a prime example of course is ownership of intellectual property (IP). This has the potential to be a minefield if not properly understood and managed. However, before we go too far down the path of collaboration and open innovation, it may first be useful to agree on what we even mean by innovation, a word that seems to have been corrupted by so many, achieving nothing more that turning the simple into the complex! It can be argued that innovation is the basis for all things new and better. But what inspires innovation and new ideas? More to the point, what is the link between an innovative or inventive idea and an outcome? If we think of innovation when applied to building a business and making money, we need to think about the risks in business. In most cases when…

Anticipated to run over a three-year period, the research alliance covers the first phase of a project to research solutions that will revolutionise how composite polymers are used to manufacture mineral separation equipment and create new manufacturing technologies. UTS will house all project work at a new additive manufacturing (AM) facility at its Broadway campus to network and brainstorm various conceptual ideas. Located in the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT, the project will be undertaken with Rapido, a unique rapid prototyping unit established in 2016 to help industry, government and community partners translate innovative ideas and complex problems into viable products and solutions. Herve Harvard, Director of Rapido, says the unit seeks research partnerships to engage staff and students in innovative projects that help to bridge the gap between industry and universities. Two PhD students will be allocated to the Downer/IMCRC project and mentored throughout its lifecycle. “Partnering with Rapido harnesses a unique capability in terms of the breadth and depth…

SWI Engineering – Globally respected machinery SWI Engineering has grown steadily since the 1990s to become one of the largest sheet metal machinery manufacturers in Australia. The Warrnambool-based company now enjoys significant acclaim internationally as a high-quality manufacturer with the most comprehensive range of high-tech sheet metal machinery in the world, effectively competing against European and US manufacturers, where those companies tend to specialise on just one type of machine. Manufacturing sheet metal folders, automatic slitters and uncoilers, plus the seamless eBend app, the company now has a strong domestic market with volume export sales to United Kingdom, USA, New Zealand and Asia. SWI Engineering has recently commissioned an Okuma CNC horizontal machining centre model MA-600HII with OSP-P300MA control and ten- pallet facility, along with a Fanuc Robocut model Alpha-C600iA wire cutter with Fanuc series control. “Manufacturers rave about these machines as they are not too complicated with easy programming, are totally reliable,…

The new website has been designed to offer improved navigation and enhanced functionality, allowing users to gain easy access to all the products and services that AMTIL has on offer. Created with the user experience in mind, the site is based around a clear, accessible layout that makes it effortlessly easy for anyone visiting to find the resources they are looking for. Importantly, the site has been optimised for viewing on mobile devices – an essential feature in today’s digital landscape – as well as via desktop browsers. “AMTIL’s website is a vital portal both for our members and for anyone seeking information about advanced manufacturing in Australia,” said AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti. “The site has always performed exceptionally well by industry standards, both in terms of page visits and user experience. However, the world of digital media is changing constantly, and it’s important we retain an online presence that keeps in step with the latest innovations. We felt it was…

Back then the family business was focused on servicing, overhauling and repairing other watch brands. Five years ago, Josh and Nicholas created their own brand, Rebelde, which included the design, assembly and adjustment of the products. A huge turning point came two years ago, where the father-son duo decided to manufacture individual watch components themselves, rather than send parts out for sub-contract work. Not only was it a complete business change – it also means that Nicholas Hacko Watches is now the only watch company in Australia to manufacture their own parts. Josh explains that the decision to manufacture their own parts in-house was a “huge learning curve”, so they spent a great deal of time researching the best machinery for the job. The business needed a machine to enable them to continue producing the highest quality of watches for their customers, with timely and accurate service. With industry leaders in Switzerland favouring Makino over local Swiss manufacturers, Nicholas Hacko Watches followed suit. Josh says that the outstanding machine specs contributed to their…

Moreover, those silos continue to multiply as more systems are deployed to keep up with the increasing demand to digitise operations. Because those silos can’t connect with each other or with other existing systems and content repositories, manufacturers are left with separated collections of information that don’t provide useful or actionable insights. This creates measurable inefficiencies within the organisation beyond simply lacking actionable insights. Chief among these is that employees struggle to find the information they need, when they need it. For example, a global study conducted by M-Files revealed that 24% of respondents look for documents and can’t find them on a weekly basis. Spending too much time searching various content repositories means employees can’t concentrate on their core tasks. Even when employees do find the information…

Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, electronic security solutions, healthcare solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. Its Stanley Infrastructure division is searching for ways to manufacture low-volume, complex parts in a cost-efficient manner. By leveraging Markforged’s Metal X additive manufacturing technology, the Infrastructure team expects to slash capital costs on two different parts: an actuator housing for the PD45 hydraulic post driver, and a wheel shaft for the PG10 grofile ‘Frog’ grinder. Engineers at Stanley Infrastructure rigorously tested the performance, durability, and lifecycle of each of the two parts and approved them for use as production parts for a fraction of the cost. The Stanley PD 45 The Stanley PD 45 is a high efficiency hydraulic post hole driver. To actuate the hydraulic driving mechanism, the device uses a group of ball bearings to transfer the trigger pull force into the hydraulic actuator. The actuator housing holds these bearings in series to transfer…

In 1942, with World War 2 at its height in the Asia Pacific region, a group of Melbourne manufacturing companies formed the Victorian Vernier Society with the aim of assisting the war effort by co-operatively increasing their production. The Society quickly became a meeting place for Melburnian manufacturing people to share experiences, information and stories. Many manufacturing businesses at that time were family-owned and as manufacturing became crucial to the growing post-war Australian economy, the Society’s monthly luncheon became a gathering place for all those who believed passionately in ‘making things’. In 2017, Vernier celebrated 75 years of existence. Despite manufacturing’s diminished role in the Australian economy, the reduced number of family-owned manufacturing businesses and the decline in manufacturing employment, the Society has remained the monthly meeting place for all those who have a passion for manufacturing. The Society still believes, perhaps more than ever in…

Announcing his departure, Hayes commented: “It’s been a role I’ve truly enjoyed and I depart leaving a clear path for my successor, Dean McCarroll, who has held the post of General Manager at Okuma Australia since 2002. Dean will explore and continue to deliver innovative change and seek sensible progress of Okuma’s subsidiaries in both Australia and New Zealand.” In acknowledging his new role McCarroll commented: “It’s our people that truly define Okuma, with their passion, integrity, experience and knowledge, and this becomes the hallmark of what we stand for in the market as we partner with our customers from the first meeting. In keeping with industry trends I see my role as continuing to expand the professional development of our team and to highlight that engineering in Australasia as high-tech, clean and exciting.” Hayes, who had gained 14 years’ experience with machine tools and robotics at John Hart Pty Ltd, commenced with the Okuma…

Ace Wire Works is one such company; it has successfully made the transition from supplying automotive products such as the wire seat frames for Toyota Camrys, to a diverse product range that now includes retail display stands, welded mesh panels, horticulture products, food & beverage equipment, designer furniture and wire and mesh products for medical applications. Founded by Albert Blashki in 1954, Ace remains very much a family business, with Albert’s son Philip now the Owner and Managing Director. Moreover, with grandson Simon also involved, a third generation is part of the company, which now employs approximately 40 staff. Ace’s General Manager Sam Harris joined the company around two years ago with the specific edict of assisting the company transition away from automotive to non-automotive products. To say that it has been a success is something of an understatement, with growth of these products up by more than 50% in the current financial year. Harris attributes the company’s ongoing success to several key factors – in particular, the fact…

Moreover, while the main material used for the additive production of vehicle components to date has been aluminium, the new brake caliper is made from titanium. This is therefore the world’s largest functional component 3D printed from titanium. Vehicle trials for the use of the 3D titanium brake caliper in series production are to start by mid-2018. “Vehicle development is a never-ending process. This is particularly true at Bugatti,” says Frank Götzke, Head of New Technologies in Bugatti’s Technical Development Department. “We are always considering how new materials and processes can be used to make our current model even better and how future vehicles could be designed. As our performance data are often at the physical limits, we are especially demanding. This is why Bugatti always goes at least one step further than other manufacturers in the development of technical solutions.” Götzke joined Bugatti in 2001 and played a key role…

Bosch Australia customer The Yield knew how to revolutionise the way growers operate. First, it developed an IoT system to reduce the impact of costly oyster harvest closures in the aquaculture sector. Connecting oyster farms with Bosch IoT device management software decreased unnecessary harvest closures by 30%. As a result, this could save Australian oyster growers an estimated $21m a year. Following this success, the AgTech company extended IoT from aquaculture to agriculture. In October 2017 it launched Sensing+ for Agriculture, a tailor-made solution for irrigated crops: from apples and wine grapes to carrots, potatoes and leafy greens. In this case, The Yield is hosting back-end architecture on the cloud for greater flexibility and ease of use. A unique microclimate sensing solution With a new generation of younger farmers taking the reins, agriculture businesses want smart…

When you walk around TRJ Engineering’s premises in Hallam, it seems to epitomise the modern, efficient manufacturing operation. The large, open workshop is organised into clearly defined areas according to products and processes, organised along rational, coherent lines for maximum efficiency. Management and administration are housed in a separated building, connected to the factory by a footbridge that provides a comprehensive view out across the entire shopfloor. It’s an impressive set-up. But it wasn’t always like this. Two years ago TRJ was based a couple of streets away, in three adjacent blocks on Apollo Drive. The business was doing well – indeed its occupation of multiple sites was indicative of its success. However, operating a growing manufacturing business spread across three separate workshops presented constant logistical challenges. David Murphy, TRJ’s owner and managing director, recalls the “lightbulb moment” when he realised things had to change. “It was a Saturday morning, I was sitting out there with a coffee, watching three…