July 2022

Waste not, want not

Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) Plastic waste is a blight on our environment, but one Newcastle company is “manufacturing change” – reducing plastic pollution and boosting business in the Hunter. Sustainable furniture company Resourceful Living transforms plastic waste into functional household items. Resourceful Living takes tonnes of discarded plastic, shreds it, heat-presses it, and cuts it into practical items ranging from furniture to clocks and even skirting boards. Based at Beresfield, the process “from pollution to practical” can take as little as two days. The company takes waste from yellow bins and environmental clean-up groups. An end goal is to help more big businesses improve their sustainability, all while bolstering the region’s manufacturing industry. As such, it is a worthy nomination for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) Outstanding Start-Up Award. The Hunter Manufacturing Awards represents all businesses actively engaged in the manufacturing sector, including their allies, in the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast regions. HMA has a loyal following thanks to its efforts of inspiring and encouraging vibrant and enduring manufacturing in these regions. A mission to promote best practices in manufacturing motivates the HMA. In highlighting the achievements of the best, it encourages and sustains the aspirations of those who want to join them. Resourceful Living is one such operation. With costs rising, particularly the cost of power, which also has issues around availability, it is imperative that local companies support each other. Manufacturing diversity is crucial for the Hunter region. Resourceful Living founder Jess Hodge says everything the business can use, it does use. And the possibilities for the end result are endless. “Covid made Australian companies acutely aware of supply chains and problems accessing products from overseas,” Ms Hodge says. “Now we’re manufacturing, we are also trying hard with […]

CSIRO program helps businesses boost R&D knowledge in advanced manufacturing

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is boosting Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability by providing free research and development (R&D) support to businesses to help them develop new products or services. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working on new advanced manufacturing solutions can sign up to the free, 10-week online Innovate to Grow program, to support their commercial idea by building their R&D knowledge, with 25 spots available. Upon completion of the program, participants may be able to access facilitation support, through CSIRO, to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper said global supply chain disruptions highlighted the need to build Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability. “Advanced manufacturing plays an important role in so many sectors, with manufacturing contributing about six per cent of Australia’s GDP, from biomedical manufacturing to smart robotics and automation,” Dr Zipper said. “Building Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability is a key part of Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, and much of this capability will be driven by SMEs, which make up 99.8 per cent of all businesses in Australia,” he said. Deputy Director of CSIRO’s SME Connect team, Dr George Feast, said that to help businesses take their products or services to the next level, R&D was essential to better understand what opportunities might be presented to them. “Even though we know R&D drives innovation, it can be an expensive undertaking for businesses, risky and time consuming for those without the right guidance and support,” Dr Feast said. “Through this program, participants will be given help to refine a new idea they want to explore and better understand their idea’s business and scientific viability. “They will also be exposed to industry knowledge, hear from innovation and industry experts, and work with an R&D mentor.” The program is open to all companies, regardless of […]

First Person View of Professional Freelancer Working on Green Mo

Configuring and programming igus linear robots – as easy as playing PlayStation

Gamification approach and additional features make online configurator for low-cost linear robots even more intuitive. With the help of the game engine Unity, motion plastics specialist igus has given its online configurator for low-cost linear robots a facelift, making its operation even more efficient. Now, users can configure an individual linear robot ready for connection faster and easier – in just five minutes. With the help of the online tools, any automation solution can be programmed and tested directly in the selected working area and also load CAD data and a suitable drawing. Even small and medium-sized companies can immerse themselves without a barrier in the world of automation – without the know-how of specialists and CAD software. Increase efficiency, reduce errors and lower costs: many companies are recognising the benefits of process automation. But choosing the right robot can be time-consuming – and time is money. Last year, igus developed an online configurator to make it easier getting started with automation. With just a few clicks, customers can easily configure ready-to-connect low-cost linear robots based on sliding drylin linear guides. Linear robots are available without control system, and with control system and software. “Since the launch of the configurator, we received a lot of positive feedback on the gamification approach and intuitive usability,” says Alexander Mühlens, head of the Automation Technology and Robotics division at igus. “Nevertheless, we asked ourselves: Can we continue to improve operation with this feedback? The answer was a resounding yes. As a result, we have further optimised the configurator and added new functions.” Configure individual robots — even easier thanks to the gaming platform For the new design of the configurator, the igus developers used Unity – a platform used in the development of games for PC and game consoles. Operation of the configurator […]

Albanese lays out radical new vision for Australia in the region: clean energy exporter and green manufacturer

Authors: John Mathews, Professor Emeritus, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University. Elizabeth Thurbon, Scientia Associate Professor in International Relations / International Political Economy, UNSW Sydney. Hao Tan,Associate Professor, Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle.Sung-Young Kim, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Discipline of Politics & International Relations, Macquarie School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University. Gone are the days when the federal government would cheer on Australia’s fossil fuel exports to the exclusion of all else, while seemingly doing everything in its power to hold back the switch to renewables. Now we have a new government, the clean energy transition is accelerating. Labor is framing the transition not just as decarbonisation but as a green economic boom through manufacture of electrolysers, green steel, green cement and green fertiliser. If successful, this will amount to a green industrial revolution. This radical new vision was laid out in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s speech to the Sydney Energy Forum. He proposed a new era for Australian energy industries and exports as well as using our wealth of renewables to drive deeper involvement in our region. It makes good commercial and climate sense for the federal government to target the Indo-Pacific for this green industrial revolution, since the region is already the world’s leader in clean energy investments. As of 2021, our region accounts for over 80% of the world’s private investment in clean energy. India, China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Pacific nations are natural partners for Australia in this new green push as well as leaders creating the market for clean energy and green products. Australia could gain greatly by exporting green power and green products, Prime Minister Albanese said this week. Brook Mitchell/AAP What does this actually look like? For a sign of what’s to come, look to the massive Sun Cable project, launched four years ago with early funding […]

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Innovative space start-ups to create a software-defined space to ground capability

Sydney, and Adelaide – Space start-ups Antaris Inc and Quasar Satellite Technologies have announced a partnership to bring a breakthrough innovation in satellite constellation management to market. Under the agreement, Quasar’s digital multibeam Phased Array technology, which enables customers to manage spacecraft constellations through a single ground station connection, will be integrated into Antaris Inc’s software-defined Open Satellite Platform. Antaris Inc Co-founder, Shankar Sivaprakasam said: “We are hugely excited to be partnering with Quasar to help mission owners and satellite operators significantly reduce the cost of managing constellations. Quasar’s digital multi-beam Phased Array ground station is a game-changer. “Rather than having to establish links to satellite constellations using multiple ground stations and providers, Quasar’s connectivity from a single station vastly simplifies and creates a cost-effective earth-spacecraft communication. “Being able to offer Quasar connectivity-as-a-service via the Antaris software-defined satellite platform for our SaaS customers will give us a significant advantage as we start to roll out our platform to clients across the world.” Under the agreement, Antaris will be one of Quasar’s first demonstration users once the company’s multi-beam service launches in early 2023. Antaris plans to make ground contact from its demonstrator satellite (launching late 2022) via an API service with the company’s S band antenna, and other bands into future. Antaris will then offer Quasar connectivity via its marketplace to customer base, which is expected to include satcomms providers, space agencies, defence and intelligence entities and contractors, and space start-ups. Quasar Satellite Technologies CEO, Phil Ridley, said “We are looking forward to working with Antaris on building an end-to-end software defined satellite platform for delivering capability to space. “The Antaris SaaS marketplace solution for orbiting mission design and management is a perfect match for our flexible ground station solution, and together they offer satellite mission designers a range of choices for […]

Enhance your customer experience with integrated CX tools

– Lindsay Brown, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific & Japan, GoTo. Advancements in automation, AI and digital transformation have created an opportunity for industry sectors to be leaders in internal and external business excellence, ultimately leading to best practice customer experience (CX). The manufacturing industry is a sector to lead the way and set the standard. Customers have become more savvy and more connected to every touch point in their supply chain, expecting more from every interaction. This newfound expectation has led to manufacturing companies increasingly focusing on quality assurance across all aspects of delivering products and services, while enhancing their business models. This inevitably results in boosting CX. In addition to product specialisation and best-in-class talent, companies are realising the urgency of unlocking the operational efficiencies that make work easier and more flexible. In Foundry’s Global MarketPulse Survey commissioned by flexible communications provider GoTo in Australia and New Zealand, 52% of businesses rated improving customer experience as a top customer support goal in 2022. Fifty-six percent also rated faster resolution times as a top customer goal, and 44% rated improving operating efficiencies and reducing costs. Yet there are challenges to overcome. Eighty-two percent of businesses surveyed rated simplifying the support experience for customers as a challenge, as well as integrated ticketing with communication channels (82%), increasing visibility into agent/technician performance/standard metrics (86%) and integrating remote support with CRM (88%). With customers at the centre of virtually every business decision, a growing number of companies are clueing into the wide-reaching benefits of flexible, cloud-based communications systems in delivering a competitive advantage through industry leading CX. The new technology is greatly assisting manufacturing companies – no matter what size or industry – to stand out by (over) delivering on their customer promises, by delivery in full and on time. […]

CSIRO to create world’s best respirator for Defence Force with Australian businesses

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will accelerate the development of ground-breaking protection for our defence force from chemical, biological and radiological agents, with an $8.6 million Defence Innovation Hub contract to further develop and commercialise its world-leading respirator technology. This is the largest contract signed by the Hub to date and will help bring the technology a step closer to being realised. The single canister device is a step change from existing technology, providing both protection for longer periods, and against more potential threats. As well as providing protection from biological and radiological agents, it will significantly reduce exposure to a broad spectrum of toxic industrial chemicals, also critical to the nation’s first responders. CSIRO will be working with Melbourne-based chemical manufacturing business and porous material’s producer, Boron Molecular, and Brisbane-based, Veteran Owned EPE Trusted to Protect, to develop the respirator, as well as Monash University. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall, said Australian innovations that protect our Defence Force personnel are a critical part of maintaining a secure Australia and region. “We are using science to create real-world solutions, working with Australian industry to build sovereign capability and turn brilliant ideas into something ground-breaking to protect our troops. “We are aiming to develop a respirator that will be the most capable in the world.” CSIRO researcher, Professor Matthew Hill, said CSIRO has been studying porous solids for around 10 years and has developed an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process. “By combining our expertise in nanofibers and porous solids, we’re developing a technology that will protect our military personnel from weaponised toxic chemical gases and vapours and give them a greater chance to safely complete their mission.” Nanofibres are super-light filters that can stop particles from getting through, and combine nanofibers with some of the world’s most porous materials […]

CNC Design invests in Application Centre

CNC Design is investing more than $3.5m in the establishment of its new CNC Design Application Centre, which will feature Innomerix, within the new advanced additive manufacturing centre. Founded in Melbourne in 1984, CNC Design has established itself in recent years as a pioneer in the design and manufacture of large-volume 3D printing and machining systems. Situated in a facility close to its head office in Nunawading, eastern Melbourne, the new CNC Design Application Centre and the Innomerix facility will focus on two key areas: the development and testing of new advanced composite materials for additive manufacture; and the expanded development of CNC Design’s range of VSF thermoplastic, wax and concrete printers, including support for customer applications and training. “We’re thrilled to be announcing our new Innomerix subsidiary, which will be co-located in our advanced application centre, situated here at CNC Design,” says Bruce Rowley, managing director and owner of CNC Design. “This is one of the most exciting areas of development in additive manufacturing today, with potential applications ranging from the maritime and construction industries, to production of hydrogen fuel cells. “The launch of both the CNC Design Application Centre and Innomerix builds on CNC Design’s work in this field to date and puts us at the forefront of innovation in this area going forward.” Innomerix will be the first Australian manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastic composites, producing a range of thermoplastic compounds using different additives and reinforcement materials such as synthetic fibres like carbon, Kevlar and glass. Taking its name from a combination of the words ‘innovation’ and ‘polymeric mix’, Innomerix will further advance the company’s innovative work in material technologies. The facility will specialise in creating new materials for additive manufacturing, in particular aiming to reduce the cycle-time for the development of new composite materials for 3D printing, […]

Kemppi releases new MasterMig range

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its new MIG/MAG MasterMig welding machine models 353 and 355. The 358 model is scheduled for release later this year. Designed in conjunction with professional welders, the new MasterMig range delivers a range of features to help enhance industrial welding productivity and quality. Faster set-up for greater productivity The new, compact and powerful Kemppi MasterMig range comes with Weld Assist as standard. This feature lets users set-up welding parameters quickly and easily to save time and improve productivity levels. By simply selecting the joint type, welding position and material thickness, users are ready to weld. Equipped with memory channels, the MasterMig range also lets users save chosen parameters for fast retrieval. The ability to save customised settings means welders do not have to go through an initial setup for every job. At the turn of a knob, they can highlight the desired setting and proceed to weld. Highly convenient, this feature saves precious time, while helping to increase productivity. Better Arc Performance Delivers More Productivity For greater welding productivity and control, the MasterMig 355 and 358 models can switch on the new MAX arc performance welding processes. MAX Cool, MAX Position and MAX Speed are new Kemppi welding processes that offer solutions for challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminum welding applications by increasing productivity, minimising spatter and speeding up welding without compromising quality. The MAX software options easily integrate with the MasterMig 355 and 358 models. A choice of models Suitable for use on site or at the workshop, the MasterMig range delivers real choice. It includes the 353, 355 and 358 models in the compact MIG welding category. These are available as manual, synergic (Auto), and pulse (Auto Pulse) welding options. Users can also choose to weld with gas-cooled guns or […]

Normet Group to buy Garock Pty Ltd

Normet Group Oy has entered into an agreement to acquire Garock Pty Ltd, a leading manufacturer and supplier of ground support systems for the mining and civil industries in Australia. With the acquisition, Normet strengthens its portfolio in dynamic ground support in underground mining and construction infrastructure projects. “This is a strategic acquisition for Normet in the Asia-Pacific market with impact on our global ground support business. With Garock, Australia will become Normet’s Global Centre for Rock Reinforcement R&D with ability to innovate in the future”, comments Ed Santamaria, President and CEO at Normet. Garock Pty Ltd will trade under the Normet Group from 1July 2022. Garock Pty Ltd, founded in 2012, offers highly innovative ground support systems that are fundamental to modern, safe underground mining and civil construction operations. Garock has a manufacturing presence in Western Australia and New South Wales and have 18 employees.

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July 2022