Industry News

Metal additive manufacturing encompasses various techniques for creating complex 3D objects layer-by-layer from digital models. Generally speaking, metal AM touts many benefits, including less manufacturing time, lower material waste and, in some cases, stronger material properties than traditional manufacturing processes. The landscape of metal additive manufacturing is constantly evolving for advanced manufacturers in Australia, particularly those serving industries like Defence, Oil and Gas, and Maritime Aerospace and Energy. While techniques like Laser Bed Powder Fusion (LPBF) and Cold Spray have garnered significant attention, Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) offers a compelling alternative, especially when considering large-scale applications. The question often posed to industry specialists is, “How does one know which metal additive manufacturing process is best suited to their workshop needs?” Under ASTM/ISO 52900, there are currently over 18 processes categorised into seven core metal AM techniques; without technology education, the average manufacturer can be forgiven for confusion regarding the process and technique suitable for their specific application. Generally speaking, a majority of Metal AM processes are best applied to smaller componentry or metal parts with a footprint well under…

Located in Emu Heights, just under the vast skyline of Sydney's Blue Mountains, Opie Manufacturing Group stands as a prominent example of industrial evolution. Founded in 1962 by James MacDougal Opie, this enterprise has transitioned from its early days of basic metalwork to become a leader in contract metal manufacturing and fabrication services across Australia. Today, the business is managed by his grandson, Tristan Opie, is the third-generation leader to successfully direct this Australian manufacturing company alongside his sister, CFO Alyssa Le Breton. Opie Manufacturing Group, despite its size and growth, always retains at its core the heart of a family business. From humble beginnings to advanced operations Initially focused on leveraging the then-novel potential of stainless steel to produce sanitary fixtures and washroom accessories, the company has expanded significantly. Today, it combines decades-old engineering practices with advanced technologies. This strategy not only sustains but enhances Opie Group's market position through high-precision laser cutting and full-service contract manufacturing to development of complex Data-Enhanced Production Systems and “Smart”…

A significant milestone for the Elexon Group of Companies has been hit as it relaunches its facility nine months after the devastating fire that fatally damaged the whole business. Stepping into the new era of Elexon 2.0, the group, led by its manufacturing branch, Elexon Electronics, is not just setting goals but setting the bar high. With an ambitious vision of achieving zero delays, zero defects, and zero returns, Elexon is propelling itself into the future with an Industry 4.0 facility and a bright outlook that aligns with the goals of product quality enhancement through the Elexon2Zero program. “Embarking on the Elexon 2.0 journey, the company is shifting its focus from recovery towards quality and continuous improvement, setting the stage for the future in alignment with the innovative Elexon2Zero program,” said Frank Faller, the CEO of Elexon Electronics. The event was a huge success, and we were honoured to have an incredible lineup of speakers, including Minister for Manufacturing Glenn Butcher, Minister Nikki Boyd, CEO of Regional Development Australia Jacqueline Steele, and Professor Karen Becker. The Elexon Group of Companies has…

Achieving this balance requires a strategic approach, starting with finding the right robotic welding specialist systems integrator. Their expertise will shape the success of your automation journey, ensuring alignment with your goals, your daily tasks, and future visions. Defining a system that's not only precise but also scalable is key. It's about anticipating tomorrow's challenges today and investing wisely. With technology advancing at lightning speed, and Australian government incentives awaiting those ready to embrace automation, there’s no time to waste. Use this opportunity to future-proof your business or risk being left further behind. Step 1. Find a suitable integrator. Selecting a recognised robotic welding integrator for your application is paramount to the success of your project. Begin by identifying integrators with proven local tech support and experience and expertise in your specific sector, before requesting a complimentary audit to assess their suitability for your needs. An integrator's capabilities can be evaluated by examining similar systems they've implemented. Their ability to provide local servicing and parts…

Engineering researchers have developed a 2D printing process using liquid metals that they say could create new ways of creating more advanced and energy-efficient computing hardware that is manufactured at the nanoscale. The process comes amid increasing worldwide demand for memory devices, which require significant amounts of energy to produce and use. “Reducing the temperature at which zirconium and hafnium become liquid is crucial to developing lower-cost electrical devices as far less energy is required,” said Dr Mohammad Ghasemian, the study’s lead author from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Developed by University of Sydney engineers and published in Small, the researchers first combined tin, zirconium and hafnium in a precise ratio. This enabled the alloy to be melted below 500 degrees, far lower than the individual melting points for zirconium (1855 degrees) and hafnium (2227 degrees). The liquid metal alloy has a thin oxide layer or ‘crust’ while maintaining a liquid centre. It is used to harvest the ultra-thin tin oxide nanosheets doped with hafnium zirconium oxide. “Tin is abundant, low cost and can be…

Automation of the manufacturing processes also requires analysis of the deburring methods. Knoepfel AG implements the deburring solutions of Heule Precision Tools in the production of highly complex mechanical components – also for cross bores. Whether mechanical engineering, process engineering, aircraft construction or fluid power technology: highly complex machines and systems are built from various components in all these industrial sectors. Manufacturers depend upon external specialist partners with a high level of expertise. One of these manufacturers is the company Knoepfel AG from Walzenhausen in Switzerland. The approximately 50 employees are focused on the production of complex, high-precision mechanical components. Thanks to its process-oriented approach and ‘zero error’ mindset, Knoepfel AG is not only a pioneer for series production, but also well suited to produce small batches and even one-off parts. In recent years, Knoepfel AG has transformed from a small workshop into one of the leading manufacturers in its field in Europe, however, the transformation is not yet complete: The company is continuously developing itself, streamlining processes and thereby also improving the range of services for its customers. For this…

Wagner Corporation’s $550m Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is taking off as a global epicentre for advanced manufacturing with the groundbreaking ceremony for Boeing’s new production facility in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane. The sod was turned on the 9,000 sqm facility that will anchor the aerospace and defence precinct where Boeing will manufacture its uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft, putting the region on the world stage and unlocking global opportunities in the sector. It is the first time in more than 50 years a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed and manufactured in Australia. Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner, who was joined by Scott Carpendale, Vice President, Boeing Global Services – Government Services Asia Pacific region and Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Cameron Dick, at today’s ceremony, said the potential ability to co-locate alongside suppliers attracted Boeing to Wellcamp Business Park. “We have world-class supply chain operators already located on-site, with the construction of this new facility set to be a catalyst for significant further investment from companies wanting to be part…

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working on advanced manufacturing solutions to apply for a self-paced, 10-week, online program that can help them turn an idea into an R&D opportunity. 'Innovate to Grow' was launched in 2020, and in just four years the free program has equipped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research. CSIRO recently announced a $20m investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. “Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said. “It’s an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes while driving prosperity…

She Made It is a ground-breaking documentary series that illuminates Queensland stories of resilience, innovation and triumph, as embodied by women in the manufacturing industry. Following the successful launch of the series on International Women's Day in March 2024, the web series has been entered into film festivals across Australia, the US and Canada, including Melbourne & Sydney Lift-Off film festivals, LA Femme International Film Festival and Montreal Women Film Festival. The series and standalone episodes will continue to be submitted to a wide variety of festivals over the coming year. The production is also aimed at providing women with more information about opportunities in manufacturing and highlighting the diverse types of work available in the manufacturing industry. As is known, there is a significant pipeline of manufacturing work in Queensland, and more women must join the industry to fill skills shortages. The documentary series is part of the Women in Manufacturing Strategy launched by the Queensland Government on International Women’s Day last year. The strategy is implementing key actions aimed at attracting more women to manufacturing, with a focus on…

OPEN MIND has always offered an innovative CAD/CAM solution whose CAD functionalities are seamlessly linked to CAM programming. This leads to enormous time savings in work-piece preparation. This alone makes it clear that CAM without CAD is no longer an option today. From version 2024, hyperMILL now combines CAD and CAM under one name (instead of hyperCAD-S), thus consolidating ‘CAD for CAM’ for the future. The familiar CAD functionalities remain the same, only their names change. New and enhanced capabilities hyperMILL 2024 includes a range of powerful enhancements to its core toolpath capabilities, as well as new functionality for increased NC programming efficiency in applications ranging from 2.5D machining to 5-axis milling. An optimised Deep Hole Drilling CAM strategy offers improved machining reliability by providing a user-friendly interface with process-relevant parameters clearly defined on a new process tab. New capabilities enable coolant and dwell time stages to be identified, allow a chip break to be integrated into a drilling process and more. A new single-tip gun drill tool simulation function provides precise collision checking and a detailed visualisation of…

BelottiSpA, a CNC machining solutions pioneer, proudly announces a groundbreaking advancement in additive manufacturing for tooling and moulds, facilitated by the integration of ADAXIS's AdaOne software. This ultimate platform makes it possible to program and control robotic arms as large-scale 3D printers for a wide range of materials. This collaboration with ADAXIS to incorporate BEAD technology is a significant milestone in manufacturing excellence, offering a simple tool that democratises the fabrication of complex large-scale parts. Multi-axis additive manufacturing, combined with CNC machining, has emerged as a compelling alternative amidst the evolving challenges of manufacturing industries. Making this technology (BEAD) accessible and cost-effective has been a clear objective for Belotti from the outset. Initially through collaboration with CEAD, which brought BEAD to market, and now collaborating with ADAXIS to deliver a turnkey user experience. The additive process excels in tooling and draping mould production, reducing lead times, increasing production flexibility, and ensuring cost and inventory control. However, its effective utilisation requires significant expertise and methodology. This collaboration prioritises user experience by offering simple, robust, and accessible…

NCG CAM is not so well known in Australia but quite a few in Australia have heard of Machining Strategist. NCG CAM has the same origin as Machining Strategist in the UK when it was developed and marketed by NC Graphics. NCG CAM is now, for 12 years, developed and marketed by NCG CAM Solutions Ltd just outside Cambridge in the UK. In Australia, NCG CAM is sold and supported by Camplex Pty Ltd. This is a very much improved version of the old Machining Strategist software. Many improvements and new features have been introduced roughing, finishing strategies, rest milling and tool simulation. NCG CAM V19.0 introduced 2-axis turning as part of its 3-axis milling and will soon support Turn/Mill machines that are becoming very popular in machine shops. NCG CAM can also program 4 & 5-axis machines with full machine simulation included with the post-processor. Apart from standard 5-axis milling operations, you can automatically convert 3-axis toolpaths with full gauge protection. NCG CAM v19 is noted for its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities. Whether you…

Delivering industry-focused and scalable research outcomes to regional Victoria has been a key goal of Deakin University’s Carbon Nexus, which marks its ten-year anniversary this month. The facility is home to the world’s largest open-access carbon fibre pilot production line, supporting the development of carbon fibre products and technologies in Geelong for a critical global industry. Located in the heart of Deakin’s Future Economy Precinct at the Waurn Ponds campus, Carbon Nexus has partnered with leading global companies including Vestas, PETRONAS, the Ford Motor Company, SABIC, Boeing and Solvay. Importantly, Carbon Nexus produced the first ever entirely home-grown Australian carbon fibre shortly after its establishment. Carbon Nexus was the catalyst for over 1,400 jobs and growth in the Geelong region, employing skilled workers displaced by the closure of local manufacturing between 2014-16 and boosting the growth of the Future Economy Precinct. Additionally, Carbon Nexus also attracted Quickstep Holdings to move its automotive R&D from Germany to Geelong in 2015, fostering collaboration between Quickstep and Deakin for broader partnership opportunities. The facility also significantly contributed to Carbon Revolution's growth, which is expected to…