Industry News

AMT: As the Queensland Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, that is a lot of portfolio space to get your head around first off Minister.  Promise I’ll stay within the walls of manufacturing. Do you find a bit of ‘crossover’? GB: Definitely - there is lots of crossover and that’s what I want to see. I want to see local manufacturers benefitting from our significant investment in critical infrastructure like water projects, so that benefits to Queensland businesses are seen all the way down the supply chain. A significant amount of our infrastructure investment occurs outside Southeast Queensland given the decentralised nature of the state. And this is set to continue - as an example, 95% of our $62bn Energy and Jobs Plan will be invested outside SEQ. That’s why we have a plan and why we keep investing in our grants and support programs so that our local…

Australian electrolyser company Hysata has officially opened its new 8,000sqm global headquarters and electrolyser manufacturing facility in Port Kembla. This marks a significant milestone in Hysata’s journey, paving the way for commercialisation of its pioneering high efficiency electrolyser. Hysata’s electrolysers are poised to transform the economics of green hydrogen production and accelerate decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemical manufacture and heavy transport. The Australian Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), has given a vote of confidence in Hysata’s technology by announcing a $20.9m grant from its Advancing Renewables Program. This funding will support commercial demonstration of a 5MW electrolyser unit to be trialled adjacent to the Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton, Queensland. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Queensland Government-owned power company Stanwell Corporation will support the demonstration project with $3m, and provide the site and facilities for the field deployment of the electrolyser, which is being developed at Hysata’s new manufacturing facility. The project will create 44 new local jobs at Hysata. Hysata CEO Paul Barrett…

Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024) is being held at the Sydney International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour from 17-19 April 2024. Run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,560 square metres of exhibition space at the ICC, with more than 215 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. AUSTECH MACHINE TOOLS ZONE AUSTECH has been the cornerstone of AMTIL’s success for over 21 years. This iconic Machine Tools Zone now forms an integral part of AMW 2024. AUSTECH is specifically targeted at the metalworking, machine tool, and ancillary market in Australia. AUSTECH covers advanced manufacturing products and processes including: CNC Machinery, Lathes, Mills Contract Manufacturing/Precision Machining Cutting Tools, Tooling & Tool Holding Forming & Fabricating Machines Plasma, Laser, Waterjet & Ultrasonic Machines Ancillary equipment suppliers Finlease is sponsoring the AUSTECH Machine Tools Zone at AMW2024 in Sydney. Finlease sources finance for some of the country’s most innovative manufacturers. When you deal with a Finlease broker, you’re dealing with a…

Since its launch in Australia over 18 years ago, Applied Machinery has been supplying Yawei precision sheetmetal machinery to local manufacturers and job shops, maximising their productivity, boosting quality and broadening their capabilities. The Yawei range has steadily expanded and now includes CNC fibre lasers, tube lasers, pressbrakes, turret punch presses, guillotines and smart-factory automation solutions. The latest release from Yawei is a range of CNC Panel Folders offering fast speed, high efficiency panel folding with automation options available to maximise productivity. “When fast, accurate, repeatable four-sided bending is required the new Yawei Panel Folder is the answer.  Repetitive 4-sided work doesn’t belong on a pressbrake, or a panbrake - it belongs on a panel folder,” said Applied Sales and Marketing Manager Daniel Fisher. The Yawei FBA series panel folder uses world class componentry which includes a Beckhoff control system with a 15 inch colour display screen. The system automatically calculates the required pressing force, folding pressure and safe area. The Yawei FBE series machines utilise a Siemens CNC, feature automatic tool positioning and a suite of automation and…

Australia has an opportunity to develop a sovereign sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, with domestic demand for jet fuel expected to increase by 75% by 2050, according to a new roadmap released recently by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO and Boeing Australia. Unlike conventional jet fuel, SAF is produced from renewable sources – like agricultural waste, animal fats and vegetable oils – and significantly reduces carbon emissions over the fuel’s life-cycle making it a more sustainable alternative for powering aircraft. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap builds consensus on developing an Australian sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, identifying opportunities to produce and scale production using Australian feedstocks. CSIRO Senior Manager and lead Roadmap author, Max Temminghoff, said Australia was in a prime position to develop a domestic industry. “By actively working to liberate feedstocks, the roadmap estimates that Australia is currently sitting on enough resources to produce almost five billion litres of SAF by 2025. This could supply nearly 60% of jet fuel demand projected…

Since 1975, Dongara Marine has become a mainstay in West Australia's marine industry. Established by boat designer John Fitzhardinge in its namesake town, the business moved to a newly constructed waterfront shipyard in the port of Geraldton in 2022. Over the years, it has demonstrated exceptional prowess in boat building, maintenance, and marine services, emerging as a leader in the Australian maritime sector. "Dongara Marine's success lies in our broad skillset, diverse workforce, and in-house capabilities," says managing director and part-owner Rohan Warr. “We’re continually developing our workforce and refining our trade skills, providing us greater control over scheduling, costs, performance, and quality.” With highly experienced management, larger facilities, and an expanded, expert workforce Dongara Marine has the in-house capabilities to undertake virtually every aspect of highly sophisticated vessel construction, repair/modification, and vessel support for commercial, government and recreational clients. As a result of workload and projected demand, Dongara Marine is also operating from another established aluminium shipbuilding facility. Recent contract wins include two pilot boats for the Port of…

Developments in the electric vehicle (EV) market are advancing at a rapid pace, with consumer uptake on the increase and the end of the road for newly manufactured ICE vehicles fast approaching. The role of dynamic braking resistors in securing the EV power systems during the electric vehicle rollout. A DBR is a vital component in the EV power chain, responsible for safeguarding the electrical system by removing excess energy from a vehicle’s braking system. This mechanism supports several applications in the EV space — regenerative braking, fuel cell power reliability and heavy goods vehicle emergency braking systems. The regeneration game In EVs, a DBR’s ability to absorb and redirect energy facilitates regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the excess kinetic energy to recharge an EV’s battery. It is able to do this because the electric motor in an EV can run in two directions: one, using the electrical energy, to drive the wheels and move the car, and the other, using the excess kinetic energy, to recharge the…

Projection Micro Stereolithography or PµSL for short, is a micro 3D printing process that is a variation on stereolithography (SLA) that enables users to microfabricate components with ultra-high resolution down to 2 µm. With a range of commercially available liquid polymer resins and the ability to tailor your own formulation, PµSL introduces new levels of freedom compared to other traditional microfabrication techniques. It has the added benefits of superior material integrity and surface finish compared to conventional polymer 3D printing. With many manufacturers across a variety of industries pushing for miniaturisation in their product designs, micro 3D printing opens new possibilities for component manufacturers, offering design freedom and rapid concept to product timeframes. While 3D printing and desktop 3D printers have become extremely accessible, sometimes design specifications go beyond their capabilities and even those of micro injection moulding and micro CNC machining. In this article we explore Projection Micro Sterolithography (PµSL) as an alternative solution.   Background 3D printing of polymers has really taken off in recent years. Interestingly, the driving force behind the growth has been non-commercial…

Rising consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products, changes in the Australian policy landscape, and growing pressure from stakeholders means sustainability is now front of mind for every organisation. Simultaneously, an increasingly competitive and uncertain global economy of fast-rising materials and shipping costs is forcing manufacturers to implement intelligent, agile, and cost-effective production processes to improve efficiency and throughput. Fortunately, despite these converging challenges, businesses today have the digital tools to support collaboration with industry peers on a global scale. The rise of Internet of Things (IoT) connected smart factories provide manufacturers with the capabilities to leverage data insights from their shop floor and supply chains to develop end-to-end circularity in their sourcing, production and distribution processes. This is helping to minimise unnecessary waste and reduce carbon emissions for more sustainable operations. As more manufacturers move into a circular economy business model, decision makers are turning to innovation to support this transition, with 80% of CEOs increasing digital technology…

Welding has long been the go-to method for repairs and restoration of metal parts. Although it’s a well-established and great method for joining metals, when it comes to repair, welding may not always be the most suitable solution. Unfortunately, with limited alternatives available, it has often been the common or default choice. However, a new technology is now emerging that promises to revolutionise the repair process and offer a more versatile and efficient solution: low-pressure cold spray technology. Cold spray – also known as supersonic particle deposition - is a groundbreaking technology for repairing geometries and applying functional coatings. Unlike welding, which involves high temperatures and can result in distortion, residual stress, and damage to surrounding materials, cold spray operates without the need for extreme heat. Instead, it propels metal particles at supersonic speeds onto metal surfaces. As they collide, the kinetic energy of the particles causes them to deform and interlock with the metal surface, creating a strong, metallurgically bonded coating.  When it comes to repair and maintenance, the advantages of low-pressure cold spray over conventional welding…

Opal’s Wodonga facility, which utilises the latest advanced, high-speed packaging manufacturing technology, has a total footprint of approximately 55,000 square metres. The facility will process recycled and kraft paper from Opal’s Botany Mill in Sydney and Maryvale Mill in the Latrobe Valley. Opal has invested in Australia’s newest corrugating facility, which will produce packaging for a wide range of fresh produce, food processing, FMCG and manufacturing industries across Australia. The facility also features a highly automated materials and waste handling system. Mr Fumio Manoshiro, Chairman of Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd, officially opened the Fibre Packaging facility by unveiling a special commemorative plaque made by the creative design team at Opal Specialty Packaging. Opal is a member of Nippon Paper Group, one of the world’s leading pulp and paper manufacturers. The Victorian Government also provided grant funding for the project, to support jobs in regional Victoria. Minister for Regional Development, Gayle Tierney, congratulated Opal on the opening of its new facility. “Our support for Opal’s new $140m investment in Wodonga is a…

Australia’s premier manufacturing technology trade show, AMW Sydney 2024, is promising to be a dynamic and innovative event that brings together professionals, companies and experts from many industries related to manufacturing, engineering and technology. It is AMTIL’s aim for Australian Manufacturing Week to be more than just an exhibition. This is the centrepiece of a week-long celebration of manufacturing in Australia today. “On the back of the overwhelming success of AMW 2022 in Sydney, we have returned to the ICC at Darling Harbour for April 2024 and are excited to be delivering another strong show,” said Shane Infanti CEO of AMTIL, organisers of Australian Manufacturing Week. “We are very pleased to have the support of the NSW Government as the Major Sponsor for AMW. Government support is important in delivering the message to our industry that manufacturing is important and that the support mechanisms are there to assist.” Australian Manufacturing Week will take place at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney. The stats from our Melbourne show at the MCEC showed conclusively the appetite for…

Breaking new ground in sustainable construction, Capral has achieved yet another milestone with its Lower carbon aluminium offer, LocAl®, recognised at the 2023 Architecture and Design Sustainability Awards as the Green Building Product category winner. In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Capral's locally extruded, lower-carbon aluminium stands out as a testament to the company's commitment to sustainable practices and aluminium stewardship. The Sustainability Awards is Australia's longest-running and most prestigious awards program dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating sustainable design and architecture excellence. 2023 marks the 17th year of the program, with winners announced on November 9th at the annual gala event held in Sydney. Capral was recognised as the Green Building Product category winner for its market-leading Lower Carbon Aluminium offer - LocAl®. When LocAl® was introduced in November 2022, Capral had a clear objective to make locally extruded, lower-carbon Aluminium available to Australian manufacturers, architects and designers. The 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…