Industry News

Brothers Steve and Grant Frisken used to have regular phone hookups on Sundays. Steve, an optical physicist, worked in the telecommunications industry, and Grant led the software development for a corneal topographer (using reflectance light to measure the front surface of the eye). Grant knew that if you could find a way to keep the eye perfectly still, then optical coherence tomography (OCT) would have a whole new life in the ophthalmic field, beyond imaging the back of the eye. If you could remove motion artefacts (caused by the eye's movement), then the micron-level accuracy of OCT could be used to measure the critical surfaces at the front of the eye. These are the measurements you need for the precision of cataract and refractive surgery and monitoring other important ophthalmic eye diseases such as myopia and keratoconus. Grant challenged Steve to devise a new way of using OCT to image the eye, knowing that eye movement will always be present. They…

Increasing production capacity in a manufacturing business is often costly. It can involve purchasing new machinery, employing additional staff, and renting or buying additional buildings. However, before investing in these costly options, first ensure you are using all the hidden capacity in your factory. Here are three places to find it. Downtime I frequently visit factories and see many machines stopped without any clear explanation. While breakdowns can often be a factor, the biggest reductions in downtime usually come from simple process and organizational changes that are quick to implement and cost nothing. There are dozens of improvements you can make to reduce downtime and liberate hidden machine capacity. The start point is measuring your downtime and analysing the potential causes. You then chart these on a Pareto chart and focus on reducing the top two or three causes to have the biggest impact. Wasted space We are often approached by clients who have run out of factory space. They are often considering the difficult and expensive…

Every four minutes, someone in Australia is hospitalised with a head injury, with 24 per cent of all concussive episodes caused by sport. The time taken for a patient to be diagnosed with concussion has largely been based on rudimentary field assessments, and diagnosis is often delayed as patients are transported to scanning equipment in hospitals. As a result, the potential for misdiagnosis or delay in treatment is high. With support from AMGC, Headsafe will change this, with the introduction of a ‘brain scanner in a briefcase’ dubbed Nurochek. Nurochek is a world-first device able to be deployed in mobile and clinical settings for rapid assessment and response to head injuries at the point of injury and at treating doctors or clinics. Verified extensively in the United States and Australia, this USA FDA-cleared portable headset uses patented technology to measure the brain’s electrical activity and sends the results to an online AI algorithm for analysis and later to the ‘cloud’ for secure storage. In a two-minute assessment, Nurochek will…

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, together with the Job and Skills Council, has released the 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan, highlighting the numerous opportunities the multi-billion-dollar sector presents to jobseekers and the country. The plan is a roadmap outlining the key skills and emerging workforce needs for the industry. With projected employment growth indicating a likely increase in employment equivalent to around 120,000 additional workers (16.8%) by the year 2033, the plan is designed to turn challenges into solutions and begin to build the capacity of the manufacturing workforce in Australia. It highlights sectors with the greatest opportunities for growth, development and expansion including the defence, clean energy, medical and space sectors, and the urgent need for skilled workers. Australia’s highly diverse manufacturing industry, which encapsulates everything from food manufacturing to machinery, metals to transport and robotic engineering, is the fifth largest industry in Australia and contributed $124bn to the economy in the 2021-2202 FY, according to the Manufacturing Alliance. Sharon Robertson, CEO of Manufacturing Alliance, said that most people’s understanding of manufacturing is that it is dying out in Australia, when in…

Headland Technology has successfully acquired Noble Industrial Machinery Repairs (NIMR), a well-respected business servicing machinery in the steel and fabrication industry, based in Western Australia. This acquisition represents a key milestone in our growth strategy, significantly expanding our geographical reach and enhancing our service capabilities. This acquisition of NIMR accelerates Headland’s market reach and coverage in Western Australia, strengthening its position in the local fabrication industry.  By complementing its existing business lines, NIMR enables Headland to provide clients with a more comprehensive service capability. NIMR brings specialised knowledge in repairing plasma lasers, drill lines, coping lines, beamlines, and other industrial equipment.  As we integrate Noble Industrial Machinery Repairs, we prioritise providing exceptional value and superior service to our clients. Jacques Strauss, our WA State Manager, will oversee a seamless transition while upholding our high service quality standards. Our combined strengths will allow us to serve a broader range of industries and enhance our service offerings, ensuring our clients receive the highest quality service and innovative solutions. This strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with Headland’s commitment to growth and…

Surface morphology is an important property for many high-tech surfaces with features as small as a few nanometers and surface roughness below one nanometer. The Nanite Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) from Nanosurf is the tool of choice for surface analysis of all shapes and sizes of workpieces. It delivers nanoscale precision measurements and is small enough, at less than 48x87x61mm, to allow integration into virtually any imaginable environment. The NaniteAFM is a versatile tool that can be used across various industries, from nanotechnology to data storage and precision optics. Its ability to unveil intricate nanoscale surface details, including sub-nanometer roughness, makes it invaluable for diverse applications such as ceramics and glass analysis. The NaniteAFM is designed for ease of use and integration. Its compact, robust design, with a tip-scanner, two inspection video cameras, and an on-board approach motor, fits into an exceptionally small footprint. It contains everything needed to operate independently, making integration a breeze. With just 300cm3 in space and a stable docking site, you can mount the AFM and start using it right away. The NaniteAFM uses a dovetail…

AMTIL’s 25th birthday was always going to be a big event. A party everyone would remember for a long time—one for the record books. Organised over several months, the occasion brought together AMTIL members to acknowledge the opportunities and business milestones of the last quarter century. With an unrivalled view of the sun setting over the entire city of Melbourne, AMTIL members were served an array of beautifully presented hors d'oeuvres by a small army of impeccably dressed staff. The venue boasted floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, illuminated by a billion or so lights as night fell. Drinks flowed throughout the evening, and the live music provided by Rita Satch and her band, added to the party atmosphere. The main event of the evening was the awarding of trophies to companies that had been members of AMTIL since the association's foundation. Many attendees flew in from interstate. Brigitte Stavar, the president of AMTIL, handed 22 representatives their large…

A range of hyper-accurate cancer drugs is in production at a newly opened research and manufacturing hub at The University of Queensland. The newly opened Australian Research Council (ARC) hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals (AMTAR) is a one-stop shop that connects biotech firms with the expertise and equipment needed to design, test, and deliver groundbreaking precision cancer treatments. Created through a $5m ARC grant and more than $10m in industry funds, the AMTAR hub will operate out of UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) with support from collaborators across the radiopharmaceutical supply chain. Hub leader and AIBN director of research Professor Kris Thurecht said radiopharmaceuticals were an emerging group of drugs designed to spare the body from the harsh effects of cancer treatment. “Medical technology is still very much in development, but radiopharmaceuticals already represent a multi-billion-dollar industry that will be integral to modern healthcare,” Professor Thurecht said. Through AMTAR, we have an opportunity to position Australia as a global leader in this field.” Therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy have traditionally been the backbone of…

A new facility at The University of Queensland is set to provide Australian researchers with cancer vaccines tailored to individual patients. The lab at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) will combine equipment and expertise to enable the design, manufacture, and delivery of new mRNA cancer vaccines. Backed by a $3.3m grant from the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) National Critical Research Infrastructure program, the new hub will provide the local research community with vaccines that match each patient's specific treatment needs. Deputy Director of AIBN’s BASE facility, Dr. Seth Cheetham said it could transform cancer treatment. “Personalised mRNA cancer vaccines are now being used to train the body’s immune system to recognise and eradicate cancer cells,” Dr. Cheetham said. “Despite the huge potential, Australian researchers haven’t had the necessary infrastructure to build these vaccines, leading to a critical gap in the local drug development pipeline. “This lab changes that, with a leading team of investigators in a purpose-built space, working with local industry and academics to progress a range of high-quality mRNA cancer vaccine candidates from design…

ON Accelerate breaks down the challenges that often prevent deep tech ideas and research from evolving into real-world applications and market-ready ventures. The showcase highlighted the impressive strides made by the ten deep tech teams from the latest ON Accelerate cohort since commencing the three-month program. They were selected for their work in addressing critical areas of innovation, including global health challenges, championing sustainability through circularity and pushing the boundaries of advanced manufacturing and AI. “The ideas, innovations and advancements delivered by this year’s ON Accelerate program were truly inspiring,” CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Doug Hilton said. “These researchers are working at the cutting edge of technology to tackle some of society’s greatest challenges. The CSIRO is proud to play a pivotal role in unlocking success pathways that ensure the translation of ideas into real solutions, products and companies.” Dr Grant Lynch of EMU Systems from the University of Sydney, and one of the Accelerate 8 teams, was announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Stanford Australia…

In Australia's vast and varied landscape, where long distances separate cities and regions, the transport sector plays a pivotal role in connecting communities and driving economic activity. However, with growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability, a pressing need to decarbonise this crucial sector is needed. Recognising this urgency, Australian trailer manufacturer Borcat Trailers has taken a significant step towards sustainability by embracing Capral Aluminium's LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium. Borcat Trailers, a renowned name in the Australian trailer manufacturing industry, has built its reputation on quality, durability, and innovation. Committed to reducing its environmental footprint, the company has partnered with Capral Aluminium, a leading supplier of aluminium products, embracing LocAl® Green lower carbon aluminium as the new standard for extruded aluminium supplied into its business. Capral's LocAl® offer includes two lower carbon aluminium options: LocAl® Green with carbon emissions of 8kg CO2e/kg Al* and LocAl® Super Green at 4kg CO2e/kg Al* - amongst the lowest carbon aluminium available globally. The carbon emissions in primary aluminium production range from under 4kg CO2e/kg Al to over 20kg CO2e/kg Al, largely dependent upon…

As Southwell Lifts & Hoists prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025, it stands as a testament to enduring innovation, resilience and excellence in engineering. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the historic milestones, significant achievements and enduring legacy of a company that has been a cornerstone of the vertical transport industry in Australia. The early years: founding and initial growth Founded in 1945, Southwell Lifts & Hoists began its journey in the post World-War-Two era, a time when industrial growth was paramount to rebuilding economies. The company's inception was rooted in addressing the burgeoning need for reliable lifting solutions in various industries, including manufacturing, construction and logistics. With a vision to deliver high-quality, dependable products, the founders laid a strong foundation that would support decades of innovation and growth. In its early years, Southwell focused on manufacturing simple hoists and lifts designed to meet the immediate needs of local businesses. The company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction quickly garnered a loyal customer base, setting the stage for future expansions. Technological advancements and product diversification…

The Combi-LC is Combilift’s latest innovation supporting the global shift to renewable energy. As demand in this sector ramps up, there is a constant need to handle increasingly large loads and this machine answers the call. Blades for onshore wind turbines typically measure up to 80 metres long, but the latest LC model goes one step further. While making light work of onshore blades, the LC can handle lengths of up to 115 metres and weights of up to 70 tonnes – the kind used for larger offshore wind farms. In 2022, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, announced the identification of six priority areas for offshore wind – Gippsland, VIC; Hunter, NSW; Southern Ocean, VIC; Illawarra, NSW; Bass Strait, TAS; and Indian Ocean off Bunbury, WA. This announcement solidified the need for the Combi-LC for the wider energy and manufacturing sectors. However, the size and weight of each blade is only half the issue for Siemens and other…