Plazmax, a leading manufacturer of CNC plasma cutting systems, is set to demonstrate its cutting-edge technology at Australian Manufacturing Week in Sydney at the Sydney International Convention Centre from April 17 to 19, 2024. Alongside their Australian Distributor, Semco, Plazmax will be conducting live cutting demonstrations featuring their flagship CutAce cutting system at Booth MT920 in Halls 1-3. The CutAce system embodies Plazmax’s commitment to excellence, incorporating Hypertherm’s world-leading XPR plasma cutting technology alongside Plazmax’s proprietary innovations. These innovations allow Plazmax to maximise the potential of Hypertherm’s exceptional product, enabling capabilities that set their systems apart from the competition. Three key differentiators define Plazmax’s presence in the CNC plasma cutting market: 1. Increased Productivity: Plazmax’s proprietary laser height sensing module delivers a minimum productivity increase of 28% over conventional CNC Plasma systems, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations for their clients. 2. Advanced Taper Correction: The CutAce system boasts the ability to cut taper-free holes at speeds and costs surpassing non-plasma processes, while also exceeding the 1:1 hole-to-plate ratio limitations of other plasma systems. 3. Superior Bevelling: Plazmax sets a new standard in beveling, offering faster, more accurate, and intricately detailed bevels compared to other plasma systems currently available in the market. Plazmax Technical Director and Founding Partner, Brad Johnston, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying “Our presence at Australian Manufacturing Week underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the CNC plasma cutting industry. We are excited to showcase the capabilities of our CutAce system, which not only integrates “Hypertherm’s cutting-edge technology but also demonstrates our proprietary advancements that redefine productivity, precision, and versatility in plasma cutting. We look forward to engaging with industry professionals and demonstrating how Plazmax continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in metal fabrication.” Attendees of Australian Manufacturing Week are invited to […]
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Pathways forged for indigenous youth in uniform design and production
Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) proudly announces an industry-first collaboration with Indigenous Design Labs (IDL), marking a significant milestone set to champion and showcase Indigenous youth creativity and community engagement. Chris Dixon, CEO of ADA, emphasised the significance of this collaboration within the Defence and manufacturing sectors, stating, “This pioneering partnership not only represents a groundbreaking endeavour in crafting new apparel, but also underscores ADA and IDL’s commitment to driving positive change and fostering cultural appreciation within Australia’s apparel manufacturing landscape, aligning closely with ADA’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Through innovative design, community engagement, and social responsibility, ADA and IDL are poised to set new standards for inclusive practices.” Phase one of the collaboration will see IDL creating modern and contemporary print artwork applicable to uniforms, bringing a fresh aesthetic to ADA’s warehousing and manufacturing operational crew. Phase two of the collaboration will launch an 8-week training program, integrated into a real[1]world uniform development project, where IDL youth will collaborate with ADA designers to develop a new clothing range from concept to prototype and manufacturing. The launch will coincide with Closing the Gap Day on 21 March 2024, amplifying the initiative’s significance and sparking conversation around social cohesion and economic empowerment. Leigh Harris, Indigenous business owner of ingeous studios and IDL Founder highlighted, “Indigenous Design Labs consist of a team of young creatives focusing on abstract and contemporary designs that reflect a diverse representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We view every opportunity as a chance to contribute to and expand upon the ongoing narrative of Indigenous design.” Sheree Jacobs, IDL Torres Strait Mentor, added, “We are passionate about ensuring equal opportunities for individuals in regional areas. Partnering with a significant organisation such as ADA, not only grants access to urban opportunities but also empowers us to showcase what is […]
Hydraulink trendsetter doubles commitment with Bayside Brisbane franchise
Martin Smith, left, with the Hydraulink team including partner Andrew Schuler (fifth from left) and Hydraulink Bayside’s Andrew Richardson, (sixth from left). One of the pioneers of the Hydraulink hose and fittings organisation in Queensland has backed the success formula of the of the expanding national network by taking up a neighbouring franchise, in the Bayside district of Brisbane. Martin Smith – who has more than tripled the size of his existing distributorship in Brisbane North over the past nine years – has joined with his business partner Andrew Schuler to extend the range of Hydraulink services available to Bayside businesses seeking the same world standards of safety, compliance, cost-efficiency, and operational uptime. “Brisbane North already has major resources in Brisbane, with a strong engineering home base, established contractors, and a fleet of six vehicles giving 24/7 service. This will be further expanded with more vehicles and resources to back the local knowledge of Hydraulink Bayside’s Andrew Richardson, who is widely respected in the area,” he said. Hydraulink hose and fitting services are used by machinery ranging from forklifts and trucks, through to major civil engineering, primary industry, construction, logistics, manufacturing, warehouse, materials handling, and heavy machinery including tractors, graders, scrapers, bulldozers, diggers, and cranes, including wheeled and tracked equipment. The Hydraulink network – trading under the corporate signature “Best Under Pressure” – now includes 150 service points throughout Australia priding themselves on high ongoing standards of training and product, extensive machinery knowledge, and being able to deliver uniformly high standards of work across single businesses and machines, through to multiple sites and machinery fleets. Queensland Experience Martin Smith has long Queensland experience with the Hydraulink network and the opportunities for its can-do franchise operators, who are selected for their knowledge, enthusiasm for customer service – and willingness to continuously […]
Capricornia’s smart road to A$4.74 million Chinese joint venture
Australian scleral lens manufacturer Capricornia Contact Lens has signed a A$4.74 million joint venture with Chinese ophthalmic products distributor, Guangzhou Ruitai Biotech Co., Ltd. The two companies will establish EPICON (Chengdu) Medical Technology Co., Ltd in Chengdu, China. ‘Through the hard work over the past three and a half years, the accelerated registration of the first Rigid Gas Permeable scleral lens in China via the Real World data program was achieved. This is a remarkable milestone for both Capricornia and Ruitai,’ says Tony Capitano, Managing Director, Capricornia Contact Lens. ‘EPICON will focus on the R&D and manufacturing of scleral lens and other ophthalmic products,’ says Yongliang Lin, founder of Guangzhou Ruitai. ‘It will provide a whole set of innovative solutions in areas related to adolescent myopia, ocular surface diseases, refractive correction, and contact lens care products.’ A fast-tracked journey to China Founded in 1985, Brisbane-based Capricornia Contact Lens manufactured its first scleral lens in 1994. It is one of the earliest manufacturers of scleral lens in the world. The firm’s designs include lenses for Orthokeratology, irregular corneas and specifically the treatment of Keratoconus. Capricornia also manufactures a comprehensive range of custom soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses using state-of-the-art computer-controlled lathes. Guangzhou Ruitai Biotech is a high-tech enterprise focused on research and development, manufacturing, and sales of ophthalmic medical devices. Committed to the ophthalmic industry, Guangzhou Ruitai has invested in ocular surface repair, the prevention and control of adolescent myopia, and the treatment of glaucoma. Many of the company’s ophthalmic products enjoy the largest market share in their respective segments. In June 2019, Austrade Shenzhen introduced Guangzhou Ruitai to Capricornia. This came after China’s State Council released a policy allowing the Hainan provincial government to directly approve the import of certain medical devices that were not previously registered and approved by […]
Royal Wolf innovation to the fore
National shipping container company Royal Wolf has engineered a new twist on the backyard pool house with a luxury design that cost almost $50,000 less than comparable structures using traditional building methods. Royal Wolf Geelong Branch Manager Justin Van Loon had received quotes of up to $80,000 to build a 10mx5m pool house from landscaper builders before a lightbulb moment had him approaching Royal Wolf engineers for a solution. “The quote to do it using two shipping containers was significantly cheaper and we actually ended up with a larger pool house than we initially planned,” says Justin, who lives in Leopold, Victoria. “All up it cost about $30,000-$32,000, which included buying two containers, all modifications done by Royal Wolf and then completing other works ourselves like electrical and flooring.” Within weeks of Justin consulting the Royal Wolf team, engineering and workshop plans compliant with building regulations were drawn up, including a design for concrete footings. “The Royal Wolf engineers took into account our home address, wind ratings and all the different aspects that impact building structures and designed the pool house accordingly,” Justin says. “They also advised us on what materials we needed in order to strengthen the 12mx4.8m building and the window openings. The team modified the containers based on the drawings that were supplied by the engineers. “They removed two side walls of one container and one side wall of the other container, which was then strengthened and stiffened up with wide window openings, doors welded closed and the exterior painted.” Once complete, the pool house was delivered and placed by Royal Wolf at the Van Loon home. From sketch to completion, the project took just 10 weeks. “The best part was we had very little disruption or inconvenience at our home – we had the concreters dig […]
Problem solver Aaron Bollinger moves up the ranks to take on Hydraulink Mackay branch manager role
Hydraulink Mackay branch manager, Aaron Bollinger, says building relationships and solving customer problems are the keys to success that he has used to grow his career with Hydraulink A man focused on building relationships and solving problems has risen through the ranks to become Mackay branch manager of the national hose, fittings, and hydraulic service organisation, Hydraulink. Aaron Bollinger started as a service technician with Hydraulink, before moving into mobile service, breakdowns, and installations, then service manager, area sales manager, and now the branch manager at Mackay, Queensland. “Hydraulink provided me with outstanding support and a clear pathway to progress my career. Along the way I learnt from different managers and colleagues, all with different styles and ideas, and all of them helped grow my knowledge,” says Aaron. “In Mackay, we service major industries, such as mining, sugar, and agriculture. The customers we work with want to minimise downtime and ensure safety compliance on their sites, so they trust us to get them moving again,” he added. Hydraulink and sister company Hydraulink CCR’s extensive national network includes 14 company-owned sites in Australia, 135 network partners, and 150 service vehicles offering 24/7 onsite and mobile services to the same uniformly high levels of outstanding service, safety, standards compliance, traceability, and diverse machinery and equipment knowledge. As part of his move to branch manager, Aaron undertook leadership training at the Hydraulink Academy, which he says was practical and hands-on. “It didn’t feel like we were in a classroom – it felt like we were working with real examples that we might encounter next week on the job. We were also given homework, to bring real examples back to the group and describe how we applied our new learnings. It gives us a chance to learn where we could have done better, […]
LAPP Australia expands access to TOSIBOX remote automation technology
A leading supplier of cables and connectivity solutions, LAPP Australia, is responding to cybersecurity demands from diverse Australian industry by expanding availability of the globally respected TOSIBOX automated and cybersecure platform for operational networks and infrastructure. TOSIBOX is a globally audited and patented remote access automation platform that performs at the highest security levels in the industry, while being simple to install and operate without the high cost and complexity of industrial control systems avoided by local industry, says Uthaya Sivanathan, Technical Solutions Manager – Industrial IT, for LAPP Australia. “Modular TOSIBOX is the simplest and most secure remote access solution available for diverse Australian applications requiring enhanced cybersecurity, including networks for factories and industrial automation and Industrial OT networks. “Its scalability extends from remote access for one user and one device, through to an enterprise-level OT network solution with hundreds or even thousands of users, devices, and networks for plants and sites connected across automation applications including industrial, smart buildings and cities, oil and gas and smart energy networks.” LAPP Australia’s expansion of the stocking, distribution, and technical backing for TOSIBOX, announced by Managing Director Simon Pullinger, complements the company’s expanded industrial automation services of which Uthaya Sivanathan’s role is part. Expansion of the range and backing for TOSIBOX also reinforces the service and supply capabilities LAPP Australia exercises through its local stocking of 5,000 cables and associated cable accessory parts locally stocked for immediate despatch (in addition to 25,000 product lines delivered from its parent LAPP Group in Germany within two weeks). “Our broad experience as a leading supplier of cables, connectors, and industrial connectivity solutions gives us a finger on the pulse of diverse industry, which is clearly demonstrating to us that secure connectivity is now demanded as an essential for remote access industrial automation, remote maintenance, continuous […]
The rise and rise of portable welding machines
It is not that long ago that portable welding machines were seen as heavy, clunky equipment. Limited in their capability, they could usually only perform one type of welding, such as stick, TIG or MIG. And because of their power output, were mainly relegated to performing light and small welding tasks. Over the last 20 years however, portable welding machines have evolved significantly. While single-process welders are still available in the marketplace and no doubt have a place in the industrial landscape, operators can now also choose from a wide range of multi-process machines. These provide greater convenience and flexibility as they can be used to tackle various fabrication or construction jobs and projects both in the workshop and out in the field without the need to switch power sources. Greater productivity Apart from the ability to tackle a wider variety of work, quality portable welders also help deliver excellent welding results. According to Paul McVicar, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia, this is because of the machine’s stable arc. “Quality portable welding machines usually provide a very stable and even arc that allows the user to deeply penetrate various metals and produce consistent, high-quality welds. This reduces the need for reworking the weld as well as post-weld cleaning, which allows the operator to increase their output, while saving them both time and money,” explains Paul. Powerful Also contributing to improved productivity is that modern portable welders are far more powerful than their predecessors. Today, operators can choose a portable multi-process machine that has a 320 A with a 40-60% duty cycle. Or a 200 A with a 40% duty cycle. The greater amperage combined with the higher duty means that machines such as the new Kemppi Master M 205 let the welder safely create quality welds for a longer period of […]
Kemppi adds Pulse model to X5 FastMig welding range
Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its latest addition to its range of X5 FastMig welders – the new X5 FastMig Pulse. The X5 FastMig Pulse multi-process welding system has been specifically designed for steel, aluminium and stainless steel welding in industrial environments. The machine delivers a range of features that help significantly enhance arc welding productivity. Built using energy-efficient inverter technology, the X5 FastMig Pulse offers faster welding and quality welds thanks to Touch Sense Ignition, effortless operation, excellent welding ergonomics, flexible equipment setup and is industry 4.0 ready. Faster welding, better quality weldsA high-performing machine, the X5 FastMig Pulse features the latest in ignition technology – Touch Sense Ignition – as standard. When combined with WiseSteel software, which is also included in the X5 FastMig Pulse, it delivers precise ignition capability and stable arc control. The X5 Pulse tackles the challenges of globular arc by alternating between short arc and spray transfer. In short-circuit transfer, it improves the arc stability adaptively, providing better out-of-position steel welding capabilities. In spray transfer mode, micropulsing of the current and voltage increases travel speed significantly. In doing so, the X5 Pulse helps to minimise the spatter produced by a traditional globular arc, as well as the need for post weld cleaning, saving the welder both valuable time and cost, while helping to deliver better quality welds. For more challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminium applications, the arc control can be further optimised with optional MAX welding programs and Wise special processes. Effortless operationDesigned to be hassle-free, the new model can be quickly set up thanks to Weld Assist. This feature guides the welder to set the right parameters for each application so they can start welding faster. The X5 Pulse is also very easy to operate. It features a large, graphical […]
Kemppi adds Pulse model to X5 FastMig welding range
Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its latest addition to its range of X5 FastMig welders – the new X5 FastMig Pulse. The X5 FastMig Pulse multi-process welding system has been specifically designed for steel, aluminium and stainless steel welding in industrial environments. The machine delivers a range of features that help significantly enhance arc welding productivity. Built using energy-efficient inverter technology, the X5 FastMig Pulse offers faster welding and quality welds thanks to Touch Sense Ignition, effortless operation, excellent welding ergonomics, flexible equipment setup and is industry 4.0 ready. Faster welding, better quality weldsA high-performing machine, the X5 FastMig Pulse features the latest in ignition technology – Touch Sense Ignition – as standard. When combined with WiseSteel software, which is also included in the X5 FastMig Pulse, it delivers precise ignition capability and stable arc control. The X5 Pulse tackles the challenges of globular arc by alternating between short arc and spray transfer. In short-circuit transfer, it improves the arc stability adaptively, providing better out-of-position steel welding capabilities. In spray transfer mode, micropulsing of the current and voltage increases travel speed significantly. In doing so, the X5 Pulse helps to minimise the spatter produced by a traditional globular arc, as well as the need for post weld cleaning, saving the welder both valuable time and cost, while helping to deliver better quality welds. For more challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminium applications, the arc control can be further optimised with optional MAX welding programs and Wise special processes. Effortless operationDesigned to be hassle-free, the new model can be quickly set up thanks to Weld Assist. This feature guides the welder to set the right parameters for each application so they can start welding faster. The X5 Pulse is also very easy to operate. It features a large, graphical […]