Manufacturing Technology

Unlocking the benefits of multi-material drills

Versatile drilling offers a key to more productive manufacturing In January 2025, the World Economic Forum reported that facilities identified as part of its Global Lighthouse Network are achieving remarkable productivity gains of 70%, while simultaneously reducing energy costs by 40% and time to market by 40%. Lighthouses aside, how can all manufacturers raise their productivity, without increasing costs? Here, James Thorpe, Global Product Manager for Hole Making and Composite Machining at Sandvik Coromant, explains how a new drilling tool can enhance manufacturing production goals for multi-material applications. Beyond the Lighthouse facilities, manufacturers across the globe are increasingly tasked with producing parts from a diverse array of materials — from hardened steels and composites to softer metals and plastics — all while striving for uncompromising precision and efficiency. Addressing these challenges head-on requires tooling solutions that not only push the boundaries of traditional drilling capabilities but also streamline operations in an increasingly competitive market. Overcoming pain points Drilling is a fundamental yet technically demanding operation in modern manufacturing. One of the most persistent challenges involves material variability. Manufacturers often work with a wide range of materials, from tough hardened steels to lightweight but ductile metals. Each material presents unique difficulties —hardened steels can cause excessive tool wear, while softer metals may deform under drilling forces. Heat generation and tool wear are also significant concerns in drilling operations. High cutting speeds, prolonged machining cycles and demanding material compositions contribute to excessive heat buildup. This not only accelerates tool degradation but also impacts machining accuracy, leading to surface defects and deviations from required dimensions. Effective heat management solutions, both in tool design and machining strategies, are therefore critical for extending tool life and improving component quality. Another key challenge is chip evacuation. In deep-hole drilling or high-feed applications, inefficient removal of chips […]

Hunter Manufacturing Awards return in 2025 with national recognition and new award categories

Winners to fast-track into new national awards program as entries open across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid-North Coast The 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have officially launched, unveiling a revitalised program designed to spotlight innovation, inclusion, and global competitiveness in one of regional Australia’s most vital industries. Now in its 21st year, HMA continues to celebrate the outstanding achievements of manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Mid-North Coast regions. But this year comes with a powerful new incentive: a first-of-its-kind partnership with Industry Update’s Australian Manufacturing Awards will see 2024 HMA winners automatically fast tracked as national finalists in the debut of the prestigious new national program. “We’re proud to be raising the profile of regional manufacturers on a national stage,” said HMA Chair Jacqui Daley. “This partnership is a game-changer, it’s about putting the Hunter on the map as a manufacturing powerhouse and giving our winners the recognition they deserve across the country.” In the picture: Some HMA board members. Two new award categories have been launched in response to industry priorities: • Digital Transformation Award – recognising outstanding use of digital technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation in manufacturing operations. • Diversity in Manufacturing Award – celebrating businesses and individuals that are fostering inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces across the manufacturing sector. “We’re recognising the real forces shaping the future of manufacturing; digital innovation, diverse talent, sustainable operations, and global thinking,” said Ms Daley. “The 2025 awards are about more than trophies, they’re about celebrating the people and ideas that will lead our industries forward.” In the picture: Peter McKinnon, Omnia. The 2025 awards also feature a streamlined entry process following feedback from manufacturers, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to apply. HMA has also introduced new technology to […]

Electric hybrid vessel Hunter manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing is driving innovation on the Mid-North Coast

From iconic household brands like Milo to next-generation marine rescue and defence vessels, the mid-north coast is emerging as a powerhouse of advanced manufacturing in Australia. With a $32 million investment into Nestlé’s Smithtown factory, a suite of government funding initiatives, and major contract wins by local manufacturers, the region is proving that world-class innovation can thrive outside capital cities. Jacqui Daley, Chair of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, says the Mid North Coast is poised for a manufacturing renaissance. In the picture: Carbon fibre crop dusting drone, capable of crop dusting one hectare in two minutes. “We are seeing a powerful wave of innovation driven by local manufacturers who are combining legacy craftsmanship with future-focused technology,” said Ms Daley. In March 2025, the NSW Government launched an $800,000 Regional Manufacturing Pilot Program, focused on boosting productivity and competitiveness across regional manufacturing hubs, including the mid-north coast. The Federal Government has also committed $25 million to help NSW industries adopt low-emission technologies and enhance sustainable practices to support a new era of clean, green manufacturing. “Providing small to medium businesses with access to expert advice to find ways to cut waste, improve efficiency, and deliver better products is a fantastic initiative. The goal is to help local manufacturers become more competitive, reduce costs, and grow stronger businesses, which means more jobs and stronger economies in regional communities,” Ms Daley said. The Mid-North Coast is home to manufacturers with local, national and international reach with Birdon in Port Macquarie building maritime vessels for defence forces in Australia and the US, and a number of other international military forces and government agencies, while AE Gibson & Sons in Kendall continues to lead in the design, engineering and manufacture of special purpose industrial machinery and automation systems. Steber International, a Taree-based manufacturer of premium […]

China has moved to curb supply of critical minerals. Can Australia seize the moment?

Marina Yue Chang, Associate Professor, Technology and Innovation, University of Technology Sydney. In the escalating trade war between the United States and China, one notable exception stood out: 31 critical minerals, including rare earth elements, were strategically exempted from tariffs. This was not a gesture of goodwill. It was a tacit acknowledgment of the United States’ deep dependence on China for materials essential to its technological competitiveness, clean energy transition and national defence. Beijing’s response was swift and calculated. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced expanded export controls and a shift in pricing principles. The move reflects China’s long-standing effort to shift rare earth pricing from market supply and demand to pricing based on their strategic value. The impact was immediate. Rare earth exports from China effectively ground to a halt, as exporters awaited approvals under a new, opaque licensing regime. The announcement prompted President Trump to issue a new executive order directing a review of national security risks stemming from the US reliance on imported, processed critical minerals. As global supply chains reel from these disruptions, Australia finds itself in a unique strategic position. As a trusted US ally, it possesses the resources, partnerships and political capital to step into the breach. But can Australia seize this opportunity – or will it come with strings attached? China’s new playbook China’s latest restrictions target seven rare earths – such as dysprosium and terbium – crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets and missile systems. While stopping short of a full export ban, the policy functions as a chokepoint. It leverages China’s near-total global control of rare earth refining (around 90%) and its monopoly on heavy rare earth processing (98%). Domestically, China’s rare earth sector is dominated by two state-owned giants which together control nearly 100% of national mining quotas. These measures have exposed the vulnerability of Western supply chains. The US has only one operational rare earth mine […]

Sandvik Coromant to make debut at Australian Manufacturing Week

For the first time, metal cutting and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant will be present at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW). Taking place May 6 to 9, 2025 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MCEC), Sandvik Coromant will join its software partners, Vericut and Mastercam, to provide an advisory service to visitors looking to optimise their machine investment and tool management strategies. AMW aims to showcase the latest advancements in the manufacturing sector, bringing in over 150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The exhibition is split into different zones from machine tools and additive manufacturing, to manufacturing solutions and robotics and automation. Sandvik Coromant will be in the Manufacturing Solutions Zone, exhibiting from stand MS360. To give visitors a complete solution overview, Vericut and Mastercam will share the stand with Sandvik Coromant. This collaboration will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in digital manufacturing, machine investment strategies and process engineering. Sandvik Coromant will have an advisory booth to consult visitors on how to optimise their current machining challenges, offering solutions for complex components and providing support for new projects. At the stand, Manufacturing Wellness, a term coined by Sandvik Coromant in 2023, will be at the forefront of discussions. The concept revolves around eight essential habits, including taking a holistic approach, reducing waste, investing in automation and benefitting from strong partners, and acts as a framework for improving operational resilience and future-proofing the manufacturing industry. Sandvik Coromant’s entire offering will be visible through interactive digital displays. The stand will demonstrate Sandvik Coromant’s CoroPlus® Tool Supply inventory software, installed into the Robocrib TX750 vending machine, a popular solution in Australia and surrounding Asia. This all-in-one tool management software is used to efficiently manage and track assets and equipment by automating the tool supply process. It uses real-time […]

Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy, Infor

Q&A: What’s in store for Australian manufacturers for the rest of 2025?

By Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy at Infor Outlook for the Australian manufacturing sector for the rest of 2025 It has been a tumultuous first quarter for the manufacturing sector, as trade policies and tariffs have driven up raw material and component costs, creating a ripple effect across the global supply chain. More specifically, the recent imposition of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the US has hit Australian manufacturers hard as they grapple with higher interest rates and subdued demand in 2024. However, reducing interest rates to 4.10% could bolster business confidence and drive demand as the year progresses, opening up markets and investment opportunities for Australian manufacturers struggling to recover in a post-COVID world. How are Artificial intelligence and generative AI impacting the manufacturing sector? Generative AI (GenAI) is set to reshape Australian manufacturing, driving innovative integration, operational efficiency, and data insights, transforming productivity and revenue. We expect that distribution leaders will adopt AI, robotics, and IoT to enhance industry-specific processes, data, and ways of working. Research by KPMG indicates that over half of Australian (58%) and global (64%) CEOs view Gen AI as a top investment priority to gain a competitive edge for their businesses. How will the changes in global policy affect supply chains, demand, and long-term investment in manufacturing? Global policies and geopolitical risks can instantly influence supply chains. We have seen this with the recent 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the US, sending shockwaves through the global industry. This will impact production costs for many items, especially those with global supply chains, such as connected machinery & equipment, smartphones, laptops, servers, and other electrical and electronic products. Having considered the rising cost pressures, manufacturers are anticipated to adopt new, agile technologies and sustainable […]

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Manufacturing’s strong networking presence

New data names manufacturing the leading industry for networking averaging 110.2 connections per business. Manufacturing’s strong networking presence aims to develop strong supplier relationships, garner efficient logistics, and build B2B partnerships – making networking essential for growth. With networking picking up pace – which industries are the best at it? And how can both employees and businesses maximise their networking potential? To find out, Tapt analysed a sample of over 400,000 networking connections — instances where professionals exchanged details using our platform — from a total of 3.7 million interactions. They looked at total networking volume and how actively individual businesses connect to reveal the industries leading the way, as well as the best times to network. They’ve also shared tips to help you network more effectively. The industries where businesses network the most Rank Industry # Connections per business 1 Manufacturing 110.2 2 Retail Trade 107.4 3 Finance and Insurance Services 92.2 4 Information Media and Telecommunications 90.4 5 Construction 87.1 Thinking of networking with a manufacturing business? The data reveals that manufacturing is the highest industry where businesses network the most – 110.2 connections per business. Its top ranking comes as no surprise, given that manufacturing relies heavily on strong supplier relationships, efficient logistics, and B2B partnerships – making networking essential for growth. Retail follows closely behind at 107.4 connections per business. This could be due to the ongoing need for supplier negotiations, franchise partnerships, and customer engagement. The industries where professionals network the most Rank Industry # Connections per user 1 Information Media and Telecommunications 36.4 2 Manufacturing 34.5 3 Retail Trade 33.6 4 Education and Training 33.3 5 Accommodation and Food Services 32.6 For professionals looking to advance their careers and expand their industry presence, manufacturing offers 34.5 connections per user – second overall. This high […]

Federal Budget steady for STEM: Tech Academy awaits next steps

Investments in Australian innovation are a must to help the nation become a key global player in research and development. The Federal Budget picks a welcome winner in green metals, leveraging Australia’s abundant, cheap renewable energy to produce the metals of the future. The green metals industry is a leading example of a deep legacy of Australian innovation. The tax cuts, energy bill credits and even the beer excise freeze, provide some relief for the cost of living. These are not, however, the policies that will power long-term economic growth. Bold initiatives that will shape a resilient economy of the future – such as a commitment to re-thinking Australian R&D investment through the Strategic Examination of Research and Development; the Universities Accord; and the Diversity in STEM reviews – were ignored in tonight’s budget. ATSE continues to call for significant, bipartisan, sector-wide investments in science, technology and innovation to safeguard Australia’s economy into the future. ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said: “Investments in future Australian innovators and innovations are a must to help the nation become a key global player in research and development. Bold initiatives that will shape the resilient economy of the future need ample resourcing.” “The green metals announcements build on the Future Made in Australia agenda that has guided the past few years. Australia’s future economic resilience will be narrow if it is not built on investments in innovation and STEM skills as drivers of economic prosperity.” Ms Walker welcomed the announcement of investments in key science and technology infrastructure and workforce, providing crucial ongoing support for the national R&D agency CSIRO, and in the areas of nuclear medicine, biosecurity and the National Measurement Institute. “ATSE also welcomes the new investment in public schooling, including in science and engineering education,” she said. As Australia heads into […]

Tech Council of Australia Announces Chair Transition

Canberra – The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has announced that Scott Farquhar, Co-Founder and Board Director of Atlassian, will succeed Robyn Denholm as Chair, marking a new chapter for Australia’s peak industry body for technology. Robyn Denholm, who has led the TCA since its inception in 2021, will step down as Chair after 3.5 years of significant growth and impact, remaining on the Board to continue supporting the organisation’s mission. Denholm reflected on her tenure, highlighting the achievements of the TCA and the growing influence of the Australian tech sector. “Leading the Tech Council of Australia as inaugural Chair has been a privilege. Over the past three and a half years, we have worked to establish the tech sector as a critical pillar of Australia’s economy, securing bipartisan support for key initiatives and shaping policies that enable Australian innovation to thrive,” Ms Denholm said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together— including our bipartisan jobs goal, critical changes to migration policy and my ongoing work on Australia’s R&D review. I look forward to continuing to support the TCA as a Board member.” Scott Farquhar, a founding member of the TCA and one of Australia’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, will step into the role of Chair at a time of increasing opportunity and responsibility for the sector. “The TCA was founded on the belief that technology is a fundamental driver of economic growth, job creation, and national competitiveness. I’m proud to take on the role of Chair and help continue the work we started in advocating for a thriving tech ecosystem.” “When we founded TCA, the Australian tech sector lacked a unified national voice to advocate for our sector. Today, thanks to the work we’ve done alongside our members, we have a unified voice on the national […]

Master Lock launches key storage products

Master Lock has launched four new key storage products, highlighting their innovation in access sharing. Master Lock’s three new next-generation key storage units include permanent wall-mount, and both portable shackle and cable versions. With a sleek, modern ergonomic design that makes them easier to use, the new key safes also offer increased security through a solid metal body construction, as well as greater resilience against the elements with a durable weather resistant cover. All three units boast increased storage capacity to secure more than ten standard house keys, as well as larger modern RFID car keys and fobs, access cards and extra-large home, office and storage keys. Offering elevated convenience and security, the new Master Lock 5481EURD Wall Mounted Key Lock Box (RRP $59.95) provides permanently installed unrivalled storage capacity and usability. Whether it’s for an office, or a construction site, the lock box is designed to grant access to trusted individuals seamlessly and reliably. The Master Lock Portable 5480EURDAU Shackle (RRP $65.95) and 5482EURDAU Cable Key Safes (RRP $69.95) offer even more application and functionality. Each product’s respective shackle and cable is removable, allowing for easy placement in a wide range of locations. Ideal for using at work, on equipment, vehicles, fences or gates, these products provide unmatched installation flexibility and adaptability. For those with late night or early morning starts, the new Master Lock 5424DAU Portable Combination Light-up Key Safe (RRP $61.95) is a must-have. Perfect for securing keys, it features a light up combination panel, making it easy to use in low-light situations. The new Master Lock key storage products are available at Bunnings Warehouse (5480EURDAU, 5481EURDAU and 5482EURDAU) Mitre 10 and Home Timber and Hardware stock all four products.

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