Industry News

In August 2023, Elizabeth was inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame for Service to Industry. She spoke with Sonya Murphy for AMT. AMT: What were your initial thoughts when you received the Honour Roll at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards this year in Melbourne? Elizabeth Lewis-Gray: I was expecting to have been nominated for a regional manufacturing award, or the women in manufacturing award. As the night went on, those awards came up and I wasn’t nominated for them. Then I thought maybe it was the medium manufacturer’s award, but soon realised I hadn’t been nominated for that either. I looked at the program and came to the realisation that I was up for the top gong for the night. It was an exciting, and very special night shared with my husband, daughters,…

Lorraine comes with a wealth of experience in an industry membership peak body and the not-for-profit sector, having spent the past 15 years with AusBiotech, an Australian biotechnology industry organisation, including the past five and a half years as their CEO. After an exhaustive selection process, the AMTIL Board is pleased to see Lorraine Maxwell take office on 1st May. Lorraine led AusBiotech’s work to grow and promote Australia’s strength in biotechnology, influence policy change with state and Federal governments, serve and build its 3000-strong membership, galvanise networks, and succeed through strategic engagement and partnerships. She has played a key role in developing and advocating for manufacturing policy and support, specifically in medical manufacturing. She is currently chairing CSIRO’s Manufacturing Business Unit Advisory Group, and serves as a Ministerial appointment to the Trade 2040 Taskforce. Lorraine’s broader experience includes policy and communications roles with a multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer, a not-for profit membership organisation, a university faculty…

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, the search for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation is at the forefront of industry priorities. As digital transformation reshapes traditional manufacturing processes, there's a growing need for solutions that not only enhances operational efficiency, but also integrate seamlessly with emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and smart automation. Rittal, renowned for its German engineering excellence, offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to meet the complex demands of modern manufacturing. As Industry 4.0 and sustainability shift from emerging trends to essential requirements, Rittal's offerings, including the Blue e+ S cooling systems, Micro Data Centres, and Eplan software, have emerged as the ultimate solution for contemporary manufacturing needs. Blue e+ S cooling systems The Blue e+ S cooling systems represent a significant advancement in machine cooling technology, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. These systems are engineered to minimise energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing operations. By maintaining optimal operating conditions, the Blue e+ S series extends the lifespan of machinery and lowers operational costs, marking a step forward in…

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…

Best described as a customer-centric business, Western Australian manufacturing company, Vekta Automation has grown to become one of the most trusted automated machine suppliers for the timber frame and truss industry – both locally and beyond our borders. In 2007, Mechatronics Engineer (and Vekta Automation Managing Director), Ed Serrano spotted an opportunity in the Razer – a linear saw developed for the timber construction industry. After securing the rights to purchase the Razer and its IP, Serrano set up Vekta Automation from an unpowered shed on his Beckenham property. He worked to improve the functionality and performance of the Razer and to reduce the costs associated with its operation. “We were taking on a failed product with a terrible reputation. Every time one of these machines was built, it was done so at a loss. This was a major challenge for us – to spin that around and change the reputation of our core product. But we did it and it has been a hugely challenging and satisfying process,” Serrano said. In addition to the constant innovation of products,…

AXT has built a portfolio of products to suit the demands of industrial and academic customers looking to take their additive manufacturing beyond the limits of domestic systems. Catering to polymer, metal and ceramic 3D printing, we have systems that offer levels of precision superior to filament printers as well as imaging and analysis tools to verify the quality and accuracy of what you have produced. Using DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, Miicraft 3D printers exceed the limitations of filament printers, producing parts with higher resolution (39µm) with excellent uniformity and surface finish. Boston Microfabrication (BMF) go a step further enabling you to fabricate components with resolutions down to 2µm using PµSL (Photo Micro Stereolithography) technology. Their systems combine ultra-high resolution, accuracy and precision. For the ultimate in polymer 3D printers, the UpNano NanoOne 3D printers allow you to print parts with resolutions down to 170nm. Their 2PP (2 Photon Polymerisation) technology dispels the myth that 2PP printers sacrifice speed for resolution. For those looking to print with metals, Aconity 3D offers modular tailorable laser powder bed fusion systems with printable…

Register Online Now and check out more details at australianmanufacturingweek.com.au I hope you have already registered to spend at least a few hours discovering new stuff at AMW2024 in Sydney. The time taken out of the office and warehouses will be richly rewarded with new connections, education and experiences you can only have when you go to Australia’s biggest and most respected manufacturing show. The Darling Harbour forecourt in Sydney is even been busy drumming up unique entertainment, great food and drier weather for the show as well. Over the first two days, there is a very full program of speakers covering many areas of solutions for manufacturers in the Future Solutions Speaker Program, which was so well received last year in Melbourne. Check out the program HERE: There are Seven distinct Zones in the halls of the Sydney ICC, each focused on specific areas of manufacturing. AMW2024 has 271 exhibitors coming for the three-day event with their crews and stands filling the huge space. We are expecting many thousands to turn up for the big three-day Sydney event.…

For the steel construction industry, automation and process efficiency are crucial to meet high-quality standards with rapid and certain responses. FICEP, a global leader in automatic steel processing, addresses these needs by offering the combined system featuring the Valiant drilling unit and the Katana band saw. The VALIANT drilling centre VALIANT represents the latest evolution in Ficep's drill line range. VALIANT can position the beam and perform all programmed processes without the need for repositioning. The new extended sub-axis spindle positioning enables simultaneous drilling on all three surfaces even when the holes are not aligned. It can be equipped with three automatic 14-position tool changers, one for each spindle, which provide superior performance and a significant reduction in cycle times. VALIANT automatic systems can be supplied 'stand-alone' or combined with the KATANA band saw system. KATANA has a closed-loop feedback, making it one of the fastest in the market. KATANA can perform high-quality cuts up to 60° mitred cuts in both directions. KATANA is integrated with an automatic unloading device with a magnet that allows the processed short pieces…

Koenig brings you a range of quality and affordable fibre-cutting machines, for metal sheet and tube cutting, press brakes, as well as metal fibre marking, combination metal/non-metal and standard non-metal CO2 laser cutting machines. Our LF60M is our 3-axis tube cutting machine, with optional 5-axis upgrade, making tube cutting faster, simpler and more affordable than ever before. Streamline your production, and get fast and accurate results with a Gweike tube-cutting fibre laser. Don’t waste time drilling and cutting by hand, no more wasted stock! Come and see it cutting in action at our stand today! Ask about the LF60MA with automatic loading and LF60MS with its three-chuck system. The LF3015GA Pro fibre-cutting machine is the king of the show. With a fully enclosed 3.0x1.5m cutting bed and rear exchange table, you can easily unload/reload stock while the machine continues to cut, saving on overall production time. With a built-in airconditioned electrical cabinet this compact unit will slot into your factory in any Australian climate. Talk to Koenig about their different power options and models from 0-30kW and the high-quality BOCI…

Registrations are still open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney. This is the big one for manufacturers. AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,764 square metres of exhibition space at the ICC, with over 270 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. AMW2024 will provide a platform to explore new technologies, meet industry leaders, and witness cutting-edge innovations in manufacturing, all available right now. After registering to visit AMW2024, you can log in and tap through to My Show Planner. Tap through and collect the exhibitors you want to check out. All the Future Solution Speaker Sessions, all the amazing gear coming to Sydney this week. That way, you’ll have them all in ONE place, carrying it with you. So if you haven’t done it already, REGISTER NOW online to visit Australian Manufacturing Week in Sydney and plan your days on the My Show Planner, then download the AMW App, log in again and you’ll have a rundown of your AMW program in your pocket. This…

One of the most transformative aspects of Techni Waterjet's journey has been its electric servo pump technology innovation. Techni Waterjet’s groundbreaking developments have ushered in a new era of waterjet cutting, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. By introducing electric servo pumps, Techni Waterjet has not only reduced energy consumption but has also made waterjet cutting more eco-friendly, aligning with the global movement toward 'green' technology. This year marks a significant milestone for us as we proudly celebrate 35 years of manufacturing excellence. To commemorate this achievement, we are excited to offer a special promotion – a turn-key system at our best price ever, exemplifying our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction." Extraordinary OEM installation, service, and support worldwide While Techni Waterjet's technological innovations have garnered international acclaim, it's their exceptional OEM installation, service, and support that sets them apart in the global waterjet market. An unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction extends far beyond the manufacturing stage. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and demands of the Global Waterjet market, Techni…

Brisbane-based innovation company Elexon Electronics is embarking on a transformative journey with the Elexon2Zero program. This initiative signifies a major evolution for the post-recovery era of business, introducing a world-class quality enhancement program with three ambitious goals: zero defects, zero delays, and zero returns. Now commencing the new era internally called Elexon 2.0, the company’s enduring focus on quality and continuous improvement is taking them into the future with a state-of-the-art facility and bright outlook that align with the goals of product quality enhancement and fault reduction Elexon2Zero program. But let us take you back to the devastating event that started this journey. Fire incident as the start of Elexon 2.0 After a devastating fire in August last year reduced their site of almost twenty years to rubble, Elexon Electronics took the opportunity to revolutionise the way they design, manufacture and support customers now and into the future. Rising from the ashes, Elexon Electronics acquired a new facility twice as large, just 1.5km from the old site in Brendale, on Brisbane’s northside. The team, alongside industry partners and machinery suppliers like…

Anthony Albanese has made a major speech in Brisbane where he outlined the creation of a Future Made in Australia Act. The Prime Minister has said on Thursday at the Queensland Media Club, that Australia needs to stay in the global race for jobs. This is legislation that centres on using subsidies to boost domestic manufacturing and guarantee more local jobs. This package covers new and existing projects in Growth Industries like clean energy, batteries, and critical minerals. But this is not a new idea. Massive taxpayer subsidies are on offer to private companies in countries like the US with their Inflation Reduction Act, and also with the EU, Japan, and Korea, even Canada. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his speech that Australia needed to sharpen its elbows and offer these incentives or risk losing entire industries overseas. This will be a key part of the PM's pitch for a second term in government with an election now around 12 months away. The effort would be consolidating existing efforts under one banner, which included the Hydrogen Headstart, the…