Manufacturing Technology

Groundbreaking deal set to elevate Australia’s manufacturing sector

Leading computer numerical control (CNC) distributor Innovync has inked a new distribution deal with European manufacturer CMS. The deal provides Innovync’s partners and other Australian advanced manufacturers with access to a range of new and innovative advanced materials and plastics. The deal, which was signed on 7th August 2020 marks an important milestone for Innovync. It is also significant for Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector which will now have greater accessibility to leading European products and materials which are playing an increasingly significant role within the aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, sporting, marine and electronic industries and which are already in use by companies including Spacex, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Hyundai. Commenting on the announcement, Pierre Sullivan, Innovync’s Managing Director said: “CMS has been machining plastics, composites, carbon fibre, aluminium, light alloys and metal at extremely high standards for years. They continue to invest heavily into research and development and are always at the forefront of cutting-edge design”. CMS’ machines provide precise and customisable equipment that is capable of machining carbon fibre, plastics, foam, composite material and metals within a 0.006mm tolerance. “These machines offer Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector a fresh chance to usher in a new era of nation and industry-wide advancement. We are incredibly proud of our continued relationship with CMS and to be trusted to bring their entire suite of machines to the Australian and New Zealand markets, which we believe will unlock great opportunities for local manufacturers by providing access to European industry-leading machinery,” Mr Sullivan added. The CMS announcement is the latest in a string of accomplishments for Innovync and will enable the firm to continue to deliver innovative solutions to its clients which include luxury super-yacht builder Vikal International, G James, Weir Minerals and Pacific Stone.

Hyster 4-wheel lift trucks tough and cost-efficient

The UT series of 4-wheel electric forklifts, in capacities from 1 to 3.5 tonnes complements the broader UT series range for customers seeking Hyster toughness, quality and strong service backing. It also brings the performance of electric forklifts to a new market sector seeking optimum cost-efficiency for their needs. Features of the new machines, which provide an ideal solution to meet users’ needs for less frequent usage, include an ergonomically designed operator compartment laid out to help operators work comfortably across a range of applications, including food and beverage, frozen produce, manufacturing, distribution and truck and transport centres. Power options including wet cell batteries with single point watering or maintenance- free Lithium-Ion technology. Smooth, progressive high performance is provided by AC traction and hydraulic motors with electronic control. European designed AC controllers are coupled with AC traction and hydraulic motors to allow for precise controllability. A small steering wheel facilitates fine control, with eight degrees of adjustment and low steering effort for operation in confined spaces. The low steering effort without kick-back facilitates precise positioning. Further features include: High strength profiled steel overhead guard for added protection coupled with low step height for easy access. The secure overhead guard has passed CE drop test and safety standards. Wide view mast to enhance operators’ forward view field. The high-vis mast provides soft landing technology as standard to absorb shocks. Controlled mast lowering speeds help to avoid damage. LED lighting is standard. Full suspension seat that reduces driver fatigue, which, like the steering wheel, is adjustable to suit a wide variety of operators. Safety features also include an Operator Presence System. Performance features include simple and clear display of speed, power, error code and working hours to keep operators fully informed. Colour displays integrated with functions such as performance selection to configure […]

D-Link A/NZ extends COVR Wi-Fi Certified EasyMesh System series

D-Link ANZ has extended its ground-breaking COVR AC1200 Seamless Mesh Wi-Fi System range, one of the world’s first Wi-Fi Certified EasyMesh™ home and home office mesh systems, to now offer a three unit pack (COVR-1103), as well as a single add-on unit (COVR-1100). Adding these new options now truly gives any user the flexibility to cover any home or home office with D-Link’s unique COVR mesh Wi-Fi solution. With high-speed AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi and 11ac Wave 2 with MU-MIMO, the COVR-1100 and COVR-1103 like the COVR-1102 before them are fast enough to support multiple devices undertaking everyday data-intensive tasks like HD streaming and video chats simultaneously. The COVR-1100 is perfect if you’re just starting out in whole home networking or have a smaller space. The COVR-1102 two-pack gives you more reach and coverage up to 325 square metres and the COVR-1103 three-pack truly blankets any home with up to 464 square metres of seamless Wi-Fi. The COVR industry-standard mesh networking technology allows for device flexibility and ease of use, as users can now easily expand any existing COVR mesh Wi-Fi network by adding additional single unit COVR-1100 points as required. That said, if you have a larger space or perhaps a townhouse over multiple levels then the COVR-1103’s three COVR points and optional wired Ethernet backhaul is the system for you. All three COVR systems work with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and all have profile-based Parental Controls for setting boundaries online. They are super simple to set-up with the D-Link Wi-Fi App and Quick VPN capabilities allows you securely connect to a remote network. COVR’s Quality of Service (QoS) prioritises network traffic to minimise the impact of limited bandwidth and its Triple Play VLAN support allows ISPs to provide multiple services with just one router. COVR-1100, COVR-1102 and COVR-1103 […]

The safety and cost benefits of an autonomous mining industry

Gaurav Sharma, Head of Industries Business for ANZ, Cognizant Employee safety is a major concern for Australian mining corporations. Even today, with arguably the best mining safety regulations in the world, there continues to be serious injuries and sometimes fatalities. Fortunately, the industry is in a good position to address these concerns with the help of technological advancements in automation. The benefits of automation stretch beyond safety McKinsey estimates that digital innovation in the mining industry can be worth $370 billion per year worldwide in 2025. A key element of digital innovation is automation ― automation of operating equipment, technology functions, and business processes. Already Australia is a world leader in mining equipment automation, including automated trucks, drill rigs, trains and port operations. Implementing automation across various facets of the mining industry can improve safety and improve productivity. While autonomous mining equipment requires companies to inject significant capital, it is balanced by lower operating costs. Automating mining equipment including haul trucks can mitigate the danger of driver fatigue and boost the efficiency of long-haul transportation, adding much more value to the supply chain of the industry. Sensor technology is now so advanced that autonomous trucks could sense even the smallest of hazards — like a bird flying in front of it — and react accordingly. The future has already arrived for autonomous driving in the sector Autonomous operations are now a working reality within the Australian mining sector. One of Australia’s leading mining corporations is a world leader in autonomous mining equipment technology. Since deployment, the company has had zero injuries, highlighting the major safety and productivity benefits that autonomous mining trucks provide. Are autonomous trucks the canary-in-the-coal-mine for other mining jobs? While there is a concern that autonomous trucks will replace jobs in Australia’s mining industry, the good news […]

Manufacturers must find new efficiencies

While Covid-19 has been disruptive across industries, the manufacturing industry is presented with an opportunity to come out the other side stronger than before. Manufacturers must re-examine their processes and even their entire business model to find new efficiencies and ways to compete with offshore firms. As the sector moves closer to Industry 4.0, it is essential for manufacturers to be aware of the technologies that are likely to shape strategies and priorities across the next five years, according to Epicor Software. Greg O’Loan, regional vice president, ANZ, Epicor Software Corporation, said, “Manufacturing is a sector ideally placed to benefit from emerging technologies. Industry 4.0 is a global concept that predicts the manufacturing sector will experience a fourth industrial revolution, this time based on digital technology. “With the right solutions in place, manufacturers will be able to make smarter decisions, optimise processes, deliver a better customer experience and, ultimately, outperform their overseas counterparts. To achieve this, decision-makers in manufacturing firms need to gain a thorough understanding of the solutions lining up to transform the industry in the next five years.” Epicor has identified the top four areas of technology that will drive digital transformation in the manufacturing sector: Artificial intelligence (AI) AI and data strategies are fundamental for all businesses, and organisations that do not already have a roadmap in place for AI could face an uphill battle to compete. Three-quarters of C-suite executives surveyed by Accenture said they believed if they did not scale AI in the next five years, they could go out of business entirely. (1) In manufacturing, AI can be used for everything from optimising production lines to automating defect checking, resulting in fewer costly defects and increasing overall productivity. Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G IoT solutions are continuing to gain rapid momentum in manufacturing […]

Hero plastics performance during Covid-19 pandemic points to expanding uses

Cut to Size Plastics is registered on the NSW Government’s Covid-19 Emergency Suppliers portal as a company that can supply raw material for manufacturing processes and products, including adapting its processes to manufacture components for urgently needed medical equipment, such as ventilators. One of the major groups of materials protecting medical and front-line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, engineering plastics, is also making headway as an alternative to metals in hygiene and safety-conscious industrial markets, including machinery componentry, safety, automation and industry 4.0 and process applications. Most of the PPE equipment used in the masks, goggles, gloves, gowns and coveralls involved in the Covid-19 pandemic are made of non-woven polymer polypropylene, while other translucent shields between customers and retail staff, for example, are made from polycarbonates such as Wearguard, which are not only very tough, but also very easy to wash down and resistant to chemicals involved. “It is in fact quite possible to introduce anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities into the formulation used to manufacture different engineering thermoplastics families – while other plastics groups are suitable in their natural or food grade state to substitute hygienically and cost efficiently for metals used in production process and Industry 4.0 higher speed automation,” says engineering plastics authority Mr Laurie Green. Custom manufactured plastics – sometimes with added hygienic, mechanical and lubrication qualities – can include Wearlon PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene) and Wearex UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). Standard product groups, including Wearlon Nylon, Wearace Acetal and Wearthane polyeurethane can not only be modified, but are often suitable in their natural state as light but tough high-performance alternatives to metals in applications demanding excellent impact resistance, high mechanical strength, high physical protective qualities, strong washdown and chemical performance and outstanding sliding and machinability qualities. “In addition to being used as machinery components – such as […]

How Australian firms can embrace lean manufacturing for improved competitiveness

The Covid-19 pandemic has created innumerable challenges for Australian business. However, it may also have created opportunities for some sectors, including the Australian manufacturing sector. Long beleaguered, this sector has the potential to compete more successfully if manufacturers can pivot successfully to new approaches and adapt quickly to changing market conditions, according to Konica Minolta. The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the risks Australia faces due to over-reliance on products from overseas. Australian manufacturers are making less and less of what Australians want and need, and the sector has been in decline since the 1970s. With political and market sentiment turning towards the value of Australian-made goods, now is an ideal time for manufacturing firms to reposition themselves, innovate, and take advantage of any targeted industry strategy embraced by the government. However, to do this, Australian firms will have to overcome one the biggest challenges of all; the relatively high cost of manufacturing in this country. Compared with Australia’s Asian neighbours, local manufacturers must contend with higher costs for energy, labour, and material. This makes it even more important for them to embrace lean manufacturing ideals and find ways to improve efficiencies throughout their processes. Matt Hunter, innovation product manager, Konica Minolta, said, “One of the key trends transforming manufacturing is the requirement for shorter product runs with faster turnaround. Customers are looking for the ability to customise and even individualise products at the same price-point as mass manufacturing. While this may seem impossible, new and emerging technologies are paving the way for this to become a reality.” 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a key technology that is helping manufacturers bring this dream to a reality. Useful in both prototyping and end-use parts, 3D printing can let manufacturers create products very quickly at a very low cost. When […]

Perfect Synergy of planning delicately places 30m crane into vital WA power role

The new Konecranes Turbine Hall crane, with nearly 30m span, had to be installed in a tight space, and was delivered swiftly and safely, with outstanding cooperation between Synergy and Konecranes Western Australia’s largest electricity generator, Synergy, has installed a new Konecranes 50t CXT double-girder Turbine Hall crane at its Kwinana facility as part of a series of upgrades designed to provide ongoing reliable and affordable energy to its customers. As the world’s leading supplier of cranes to the power industry, Konecranes has designed its Turbine Hall cranes to require less maintenance, and perform reliably over a longer life cycle. Made from only the best quality steel, each crane has overload protection and fail-safe operator controls for optimum safety and reliability. Synergy is owned by the Government of Western Australian and is a major retailer of electricity, with more than one million residential, business and industry customers across the State. “We opted to engage with Konecranes due to their history, market share and reputation in the crane manufacturing and service industry. As a Government-owned power generation company, ensuring a competitive quote was key factor in our decision to select Konecranes,” said Mr Steve Owen, Mechanical Engineering Officer, Gas Turbines and Distributed Generation – Asset Support, Synergy. Konecranes’ Turbine Hall cranes are designed to set new benchmarks in safety and performance. “As WA’s leading energy generator and retailer, delivery of reliable, affordable energy is Synergy’s focus, and choosing reliable partners like Konecranes plays a major role in this service,” said Mr Owen. “Other key benefits Konecranes provided us with were local fabrication, a simple construction process and the ability to meet Synergy’s strict guidelines and demanding deadlines for the installation,” he said. “Additionally, due to Konecranes’ geographical proximity to Synergy’s sites, emergency breakdowns can be acted upon with minimal disturbance to […]

Unlocking the future of 4.0

Cicada Innovations is running a free online panel, ‘Unpacking the future of manufacturing 4.0’ with: Deputy Director General, Department of Innovations and Tourism Industry Development CEO, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub CEO, SpeeDX What really is Manufacturing 4.0? How important is it to keep the manufacturing of crucial items on-shore so they are less affected by global events? What does the future of this changing space hold and how can Australia meet that challenge? https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/monthly-buzz-unpacking-the-future-of-advanced-manufacturing-registration-111083666236 Circada Innovations is a hub of science (particularly agricultural, medical and AI) startups at the National Innovation Centre in Sydney.

B360 rugged laptop engineered for 5G

Getac has unveiled its B360 fully rugged laptop, setting a powerful new benchmark for innovation in the rugged computing industry. Fully engineered for 5G, the B360 boasts best-in-class computing speed, brightness, and rugged reliability, resulting in a highly advanced mobile solution that excels in challenging working conditions in industries such as public safety, manufacturing, utilities and defence. The B360 runs on the 10th Generation Intel Core Processor, making it the fastest fully rugged laptop on the market, capable of running large numbers of applications simultaneously without any impact on performance. A 1,400 nits full HD display as standard, the brightest in Getac’s computer line-up, is also unrivalled in the fully rugged laptop class. The IP66 rating ensures it is completely protected from dust ingress, as well as high pressure water jets and spillages. The device can also withstand drops of up to six feet when in operation, while the latest MIL-STD 810H certification gives users complete confidence in its rugged reliability. The B360 is part of the Getac Select Program, which draws on Getac’s extensive industry experience to create comprehensive rugged computing solutions for specialised industry applications. As such, it is available in two distinct models at launch: The B360, ideally suited to the public safety, manufacturing, and utilities sectors and the B360 Pro, optimised for the defence sector. The B360: In addition to best-in-class speed, brightness, and ruggedness, the B360 is the thinnest and lightest fully rugged laptop in its class. At just 34.9mm thick and weighing 2.32kg, it can be carried and operated for extensive periods of time without causing user fatigue. Despite such a compact form factor, the B360 boasts an expansive 13.3” LumiBond 2.0 display for maximum usability in all situations and weather conditions. The latest 802.11ax Wi-Fi delivers wireless speeds up to three times faster […]

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