Developments

Plummer block technology extends life of key bearings by 50 per cent

New plummer block housings launched in Perth by Schaeffler Australia this month respond to industry demands for extended bearing life with reduced maintenance and total cost of ownership. The new generation of FAG Plummer Block Housings are large-size bearing housings, engineered to increase the service life of fitted spherical roller bearings by up to 50 percent compared to conventional plummer block housings. Their advances – including increased strength and shock resistance due to the use of (EN-GJS-400) spheroidal graphite cast iron as standard – make the SNS ideal for the broad diversity of applications where spherical roller bearings are widely used, including machinery operating in aggressive environments, says Schaeffler Australia Pty Ltd Industrial Heavy Industries Manager, Mr Jeff Gordon. Key applications include industries such as mining and minerals processing, quarrying, cement, manufacturing, oil and gas processing, bulk materials handling (including port loading facilities), manufacturing and steel, primary product and food and beverage processing, pulp, paper, packaging and forestry, and major infrastructure and water and waste water plants. The new plummer blocks – for shafts from 115mm to 530mm and from 4 7/16 inch to 19 1/2 inch diameter – are one of the latest global technology advances from the Schaeffler Group, which employs more than 80,000 people worldwide. Schaeffler’s research and development centres alone employ more than 6,000 people dedicated to high-performance, low-maintenance bearing technology that enhances sustainability by maximising machinery life and minimising energy demands. Such low-maintenance technologies are ideal for all industries that can’t afford breakdowns or production stoppages, Mr Gordon told the Perth launch, held after the arrival of stocks of the first of the new technology bearings in Australia and New Zealand. “Maintaining production is obviously vital in our energy and resources sectors – where even short interruptions and maintenance outages can be measured in millions […]

Resource employers launch 2017 campaign for workplace relations reform

Australia’s resource employers have launched a 2017 workplace relations campaign focusing on ‘Five Urgent Reforms’, and is first calling on the Turnbull Government to take action on Labor’s excessive and costly union workplace entry laws. “AMMA’s members across the national resource industry are deeply concerned that our parliament appears unable or unwilling to address fundamental problems in our workplace relations system,” Steve Knott, chief executive of AMMA, said. “Reform priorities identified in 2016 by more than 100 leading resource companies – a highly representative cross section of an industry directly and indirectly employing around 1.1 million Australians – are yet to be acted upon or even debated. “This is despite many of these reforms lining up with changes recommended by the Productivity Commission, and Australia’s deteriorating economic and employment conditions highlighting the urgent need for political action.” The five reform priorities identified by AMMA’s members and forming its 2017 campaign are: 1. Restore balance to union workplace entry laws; 2. Focus enterprise bargaining on employment matters; 3. Expand agreement making options for employers and employees; 4. Return to balanced termination of service laws, where a valid reason exists; and 5. Replace the Fair Work Commission with modern, balanced institutions. On the first priority, AMMA has released an animated video and written to key senators and members of parliament, highlighting the absurd costs, delays, productivity impacts and safety issues associated with the thousands of site entry requests resource employers now receive each year. “When Labor’s Fair Work Act gave union officials and recruiters almost unlimited rights to enter worksites, the number of visits sky-rocketed to thousands. One project received 17 visits in just 24 hours, while another received more than 300 in 90 days,” Mr Knott said. “We are even seeing union recruiters target employees in their lunchrooms and resource employers […]

Expert calls for grid renationalisation

A publicly owned national electricity grid is the logical solution to Australia’s energy crisis, according to University of Queensland economist Professor John Quiggin. In “Grid Renationalisation – a discussion paper”, published by Flinders University’s Australian Industrial Transformation Institute, Professor John Quiggin said electricity reform in Australia has been a comprehensive failure since the creation of the National Electricity Market (NEM) in the 1990s. “We’re past the point of tinkering; energy instability is compromising our growth and economic progress,” Professor Quiggin said. “Tweaks to the system, such as those being considered in the Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, will not resolve the fundamental failings of a privatised and fragmented system subject to multiple regulators. “The price increases of the past decades and the series of recent breakdowns reflect systemic design flaws, exacerbated by the failure to take appropriate account of the implications of climate change. “The appropriate policy solution is a unified, publicly owned, National Grid encompassing the ownership of physical transmission networks in each state and interconnectors between states. “It would be responsible for maintaining security of supply and planning the transition to a sustainable, zero emissions, electricity supply industry. Professor Quiggin said that some would describe a publicly owned National Grid as “unthinkable”. However he said it was the only coherent response to the failure of neoliberal electricity reform, just as the establishment of a publicly owned National Broadband Network was the only feasible response to the failure of telecommunications reform. “And, in the light of the political upheavals of 2016, the idea that any political possibility should be dismissed as unthinkable appears obsolete,” Professor Quiggin said. AITI Director Professor John Spoehr said the paper lays down a challenge to governments of all persuasions to set aside politics and pursue policy that is […]

Geelong strengthens its carbon fibre industries x2

Two developments in two days have strengthened Geelong’s carbon fibre industries showing the coastal Victorian city is more than capable of giving itself a future after the closure of the city’s Ford stamping and engine plants. CSIRO and Deakin University have patented a new method for making carbon fibre which should be both stronger and with more consistent quality across its length than existing methods. A wet spinning line was launched at Waurn Ponds just outside Geelong. Carbon fibre combines high rigidity, tensile strength and chemical resistance with low weight and is used in aerospace, civil engineering, the military, cars, and also in competitive sports. Only a handful of companies around the world can create carbon fibre, each using their own secret recipe.” Also this week the Australian Manufacturing Growth Centre announced $250,000 project funding for Geelong-based carbon fibre composites manufacturer, Quickstep Holdings. Quickstep has its own fast curing process for composites, makes vertical tail parts for the F-35 fighter jet, and manufactures rocket fairings for European customers. The investment will help the company develop a carbon fire fender for the European market. AMGC claims that the project has the potential to generate $25 million in revenue and increase in-demand jobs in the region. The funding comes on top of $250,000 in project funds the AMGC granted to the Advanced Fiber Cluster Geelong. This funding will directly support the Geelong Manufacturing Council in collaboration with Carbon Nexus, a Deakin University research centre. Picture – CSIRO’s carbon fibre spinner.Show less

Three quarters of Australian manufacturers plan to invest in automation

Robotics most popular type of automation chosen for future investment among Australian manufacturers Universal Robots, the Danish pioneer of human-robot collaboration, has released the results of a survey, which canvassed the views of members of various online groups dedicated to communicating with the Australian manufacturing community. These groups include; the Australian Manufacturers Forum, the Australian Furniture Association Industry Forum, the First 500 group of SME business owners, the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council and The AiG Australian Manufacturing LinkedIn group. The results showed three quarters of respondents were looking to invest in automation in the future, suggesting an increasing focus on innovation within the Australian manufacturing industry, backed by continued growth[1] and business confidence. Amongst those respondents looking to invest in automation, an overwhelming majority (57 per cent) plan to invest in robotic solutions in the future, while 36 per cent plan to invest in automation via materials handling. A quarter of respondents plan to spend on Internet of Things solutions, while just over one fifth will invest in on logistics. Universal Robots’ results reinforce recent research from Telsyte, which found that one in three organisations intend to use robotics and 25 per cent of large organisations are already using Robotic Process Automation[2]. According to the findings, the top reasons for Australian manufacturers to automate processes include; improving business efficiency, reducing production time, improving quality, reducing staff costs and freeing up staff to work on value add tasks, as well as to satisfy growing orders. “In the face of high local labour costs and the need to drive efficiencies, automating processes is now considered essential in order to compete both on a regional and international level,” said Shermine Gotfredsen, General Manager, Universal Robots, Southeast Asia & Oceania. While the vast majority of Australian manufacturers are confident in their business growth and […]

Comfort leads to efficiency with new reach stacker

The Port of Södertälje’s brand-new Konecranes reach stacker is having an impact on operator efficiency. The new reach stacker (model SMV 4531 TC5), which is widely available throughout Australasia, benefits from a unique cab design, making for greater operator comfort leading to more efficient cargo handling. Bertil Jansson, supervisor at Port of Södertälje, Sweden, says, “We discussed in-depth what we wanted and what was important. We realised that the ergonomics of the cabin, the workspace itself, was a very important aspect. We test drove a number different brands but the experience of driving the Konecranes reach stacker was the best. “When sitting in the cab, and operating the machine for a full day, the Konecranes reach stacker came out on top because of the greater visibility, the design of the joystick and so on. It’s very popular with us.” In order to lift the variety of building project cargo that comes through the port – everything from concrete and walls to complete housing modules – the reach stacker is equipped with extra lifting loops on the spreader, and a power pile slope that allows the yoke to tilt and compensates for an oblique load. The new machine is also equipped with a hydraulic sliding cabin that improves visibility even more. The Port of Södertälje has also chosen to have the remote monitoring system TRUCONNECT® Premium installed together with the newly released Konecranes Weighing System. The Port of Södertälje already has a number of Konecranes lift trucks.

FactoryTalk Batch software introduces modern approaches

Industrial producers with batch applications can now create more flexible, reliable and productive operations with the latest release of FactoryTalk Batch software from Rockwell Automation. The software enhances scalability and responsive control of distributed, skid-level phases with the integrity of plant-level coordination, whilst delivering an improved, reliable user experience with built-in mobility. “Rather than trying to force-fit applications into rigid batch control systems, producers can now customise a modern batch system to their application’s needs,” said Dan UpDyke, Product Manager, Rockwell Automation. “These enhancements give batch producers greater flexibility when designing, operating and expanding batch systems. They also enable producers to use mobile devices for a more intuitive experience and improved workflows.” Integration with the SequenceManager solution from Rockwell Automation enables batch sequencing to occur at either the controller or server level. This allows machine builders to develop and deliver fully tested skids that end users can integrate into their batch process with minimal validation and commissioning effort. It also minimises the rework required when manufacturers with small, controller-based batch systems expand to larger, server-based batch systems. New mobile support can help create intuitive workflows, reduce procedural steps and increase collaboration. With mobile devices, workers no longer need to be bound to control rooms and fixed terminals. Instead, they can access real-time information, interact with processes and secure approvals from anywhere in a plant. A modern web interface also helps reduce the number of clicks required to access information.

Konecranes extends steel industry and advanced technology leadership

In the picture:Konecranes staff at the 2016 Steel Convention. From left to right, Daniel McCarney (Operations Manager), Peter Monaghan (National Industrial Equipment Sales Manager), James Dowe (Managing Director, Australia, New Zealand and Philippines) and Steve Gagnuss (Head of APAC Region). Global crane manufacturer and service leader Konecranes is extending its technology and leadership involvement in the steel industry by being a major sponsor of the Australian Steel Convention for the 5th year in a row. At this year’s convention, hosted in Melbourne CBD in Konecranes, which employs over 12,000 people across 600 locations in 48 countries, demonstrated its UNITON crane. UNITON is particularly applicable to the steel industry and related uses such as materials handling, manufacturing and maintenance. A strong focus this year was on advanced technologies such as SMART features, lifecycle care through yourKONECRANES and the new Konecranes parts store, all of which are designed to provide a greater level of safety, reliability and information that can help to better plan maintenance and service schedules. “Our continued support of this convention provides us with a valuable opportunity to discuss the steel industry with other experts and help shape its future into one that is safe, efficient and reliable,” said Konecranes Managing Director, Australia, New Zealand and Philippines, Mr James Dowe. Mr Dowe also attended Konecranes’ booth at the convention, along with Konecranes Head of APAC Region, Mr Steve Gagnuss, National Industrial Equipment Sales Manager, Mr Peter Monaghan and Operations Manager, Mr Daniel Mccarney in order to answer any questions about Konecranes technologies or the steel industry in general. “Our company has a strong ethos of safety, which is vital to the steel industry. I’ve had some insightful conversations about the future of the steel industry at past conferences, and I’d invite anyone who is interested in cranes for the […]

Combining Forces Means Stronger Land Vehicles

Two South Australian companies are proving the strength that comes with combining forces, teaming up to win a contract that will see them help develop the future of Australia’s land defence force. Rugged hardware developer APC Technology and mission software designer Acacia Research have won a contract to develop systems for the national LAND 400 initiative to build Australia’s next generation of armoured fighting vehicles. Managing Director of APC Technology Scott Begbie said the joint effort would allow both companies to build upon each other’s strengths. “APC has extensive experience supplying hardware solutions into the defence area, and Acacia Research have very efficient software that requires minimal computer resources,” he said. “Therefore, combined solutions can be provided that minimise heat generation, volume and weight in systems, which are always important issues in military applications. “This is an example of what can be achieved by the use of innovative Australian technology.” “This is the culmination of independent Australian development that enables us to collectively compete with anyone in the arena.” The two companies will jointly develop both hardware and software for the new mission systems, which are aimed to serve all needs in terms of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR). While the system is being designed specifically for the LAND 400 system, once complete the technology will be usable by a variety of defence projects. “The combined solutions we develop are applicable in the C4ISR environment, and the systems can operate independently or as part of a network-centric environment,” Begbie said. “This is the culmination of independent Australian development that enables us to collectively compete with anyone in the arena.” The combined forces approach of APC Technology and Acacia Research is the newest addition to a growing number of South Australian technology partnerships. South Australian aviation services […]

“Manufacturing is dead in Australia?” We don’t think so

John Sheridan, CEO at Digital Business insights. When we asked people across our industry networks two years ago, “Is manufacturing dead?” the answer was resoundingly “No.” But it is in transition. It is not just manufacturing that is changing. All our industries are being disrupted to a greater or lesser extent. And that is intimidating for many. The digital revolution continues to disrupt, largely in ways that are ill understood by politicians. Industry sectors are impacted and transformed. Jobs disappear daily. And nobody knows who to blame. Internet. Email, The World Wide Web. Google. Multiple apps and devices. Take your pick. The use of connected wisdom and insights (joined up thinking) to manage the disruptive change is absent without leave. Governments and businesses postpone action and wait and see. And “Leadership?” is a cry for help from populations across the planet. This is no time for dickering around. Another year has almost gone. The political news side-show alley in the US, Europe and Asia is super sticky and attractive day by day, but really just a shell game hiding the deep and fundamental issues of digital change that are a million times more disruptive than presidents and brexits could ever be. And to address that we need strategic and thoughtful action, not side-shows. We have to recognise and then understand what is changing and then do what we can about it. Which surprisingly is rather a lot. Because with the shift of power from vendor to customer, old world to new world, and “command and control” to collaboration, most useful action is now starting at the grass roots. Born of frustration. But also born from the recognition of the positive power of network connection and collaboration. Two years ago there were a number of comments from ministers in Canberra about […]

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Developments