Manufacturing Technology

Automating structural steel fabrication

The Metaltek XB1200 10-axis structural steel fabrication cutting system – slashes production times, material handling and manual labour. As budgets are getting tighter, customers of structural steel fabrication shops are getting more cost-conscious and it is unlikely they will pay more for work. As a result, shops are looking for ways to reduce costs by leveraging the latest technology and lean manufacturing concepts to gain an advantage. Reduced cost of labour and material handling through automation combined with increased output will take fabrication shops’ productivity to higher levels. Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) has created the Metaltek XB series 10-axis structural steel fabrication system. “We developed the Metaltek XB series to answer the need for fully automated structural steel processing in one machine,” company Director David White explains. “To eliminate as much manual labour as possible we included full material handling and all functions are automated and simple to operate. The whole machine is designed to reduce labour and double handling while increasing productivity and profits.” 4-sided plasma processing With a footprint of 3750 x 3600 mm, Metaltek XB offers full 4-sided plasma processing for the steel fabrication industry, advanced CNC robotics, high-definition plasma cutting and in-house developed user-friendly software and control interface. Moreover, 3-axis material handling conveyor systems and cross-transfer conveyors for load and unloading eliminates a large percentage of lifting, flipping and moving of steel members between machines. The machine is suitable for hot and cold rolled structural steel profiles, including RHS, SHS, UB, UC, PFC, TFC, EA and UA, with maximum beam cross sections of 1260 x 600 mm. All copes, mitres, square cuts, slots and holes can be cut automatically. Full bevel weld preps can be applied to all surfaces including underneath. Plasma etch marking is also a standard feature for part numbers, welding instructions, alignment marks […]

Million kilometres daily

Picture: The Iveco Daily range of van, single-cab and dual-cab tray truck models. The award-winning design of the Iveco Daily light commercial road vehicle meets the challenges of operations in a variety of urban and rural areas across the globe, including Australia’s harsh climatic extremes and physical road conditions. As a consequence, more than two million vehicles from the Daily range have been sold worldwide. Built on a solid steel truck chassis, the Daily has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) range from 3.8 to 7 tonnes, allowing it to carry a payload of up to 4.7 tonne. Standard configurations are Single or Dual-Cab chassis, tray-truck or van. An optional design that can be ordered is a 17-seat minibus. The durability of the design is shown by the fact that some Daily minibuses in South Africa have travelled more than one million kilometres. For the South African minibuses, a typical morning starts with a departure from Soweto at 6:00 a.m. with the vehicle’s first stop at 6:45 a.m. on the outskirts of Johannesburg, where it takes on passengers going to Namibia. Picture: The instrument console of the Iveco Daily minibus showing the odometer reading 1,000,000 Kms. From the city, the Daily proceeds onto difficult terrain, including stretches of desert and savannah filled with wild animals and fords to cross–with the vehicle’s odometer gradually inching higher. A journey of 1,000 kilometres, 365 days a year means this incredible milestone was achieved in just three years. Thirteen customers in South Africa have reported to Iveco that they have reached this same milestone figure: a number that is more than twice the distance between the Earth and the Moon (almost 400,000 kilometres) and 25 times around the Earth’s 40,000 kilometre circumference. Strength, reliability, and endurance have always been the hallmarks of Iveco vehicles: qualities that have […]

Ultimate protection for inspectors of high-energy equipment

More than 99 per cent of all arc flash incidents occur when a panel door is open, exposing workers to potentially lethal amounts of energy. The new ClirVu CV Series IR Windows eliminates the need to open the panel door to take infrared camera readings, and with an installation time of five minutes or less, there’s no excuse not to protect workers’ safety. The ClirVu CV Series offers the ultimate protection for the electricians, engineers and inspectors who work around high-energy equipment. They are Torture Tested to the highest arc blast test ratings and, when properly installed, maintain a panel arc test rating of up to 63 kA. Once installed, there’s no need to power down or remove panels. Inspections can be conducted quickly, easily, and safely often with little, if any, personal protective equipment. Installation takes one technician five minutes or less. Simply lockout-tag out, punch one hole with a standard conduit punch without removing the panel door, attach and secure the cover. The AutoGround feature instantly grounds the IR window to the metal enclosure, eliminating the need to separately ground each metal component of the window. The hinged cover is easily opened with a quarter-turn latch or key to perform infrared inspections. It also protects the window from accidental exterior impact.

Victorian construction industry utilising first Australian Bluetooth contact tracing solution

The Victorian construction industry is forging ahead on the road to recovery and taking advantage of the latest Bluetooth contact tracing technology, becoming the leaders in Australian safety. Despite a year of constant setbacks, The Commonwealth and Victorian governments have committed to supporting construction jobs across Victoria by jointly investing an additional $525 million to deliver infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades. Within the past three months, Major Roads Projects Victoria (MRPV) and their construction partners Decmil, Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd, John Holland Group Pty Ltd, McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd, Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd and Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty have all implemented a new contract tracing system as part of a rigorous COVID safe plan across their sites to keep these critical projects on track and Victorians in work. Over 8,700 Contact Harald cards have been distributed across these worksites, with more to follow. Contact Harald is a wearable contact tracing card that is given to all on site visitors including workers. The technology then records and stores interactions that last over two minutes and within a 1.5 metre radius. If a visitor declares symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, only the recorded users in close proximity to the suspected or confirmed case will be sent an SMS and email via the secure Contact Harald database, owned and administered by the construction company – removing the need for external agencies and nullifying cyber security concerns. In the event of a suspected or confirmed case, this new contact tracing system will notify only those with recorded close contact – this advancement enables construction to continue with minimal disruption. Director of Health and Product at Contact Harald Elissa Reid, said: “Now is the time for key infrastructure to take shape as we ease back into day to day […]

Coffee shop workers standing at the counter

For a unique shopping world: igus low-cost robot in the design of your choice

Custom design robolink robot arm ensures fast automation and a new shopping experience. From industrial use, robots are increasingly finding their way into the retail trade. There they ensure rapid automation of processes and are also a real eye-catcher. Users place high demands on design and reliability at a cost-effective price. For this reason, igus is now offering its low-cost robot – robolink DP – consisting of high-performance polymers, in custom design. Shopping and ordering online has already become part of everyday life, be it for new trousers, an SLR camera for the holidays or the sushi for dinner. Within a few minutes or the next day, the delivery service or the parcel carrier is at the door with the order – convenient and simple. But the new buying behaviour is increasingly building up competitive pressure on the stationary retail trade. Intelligent automation systems for fast shopping are in demand, in the supermarket as well as in the furniture store. Solutions can be: automatic juice dispensers, bread slicers or self-service cash registers with weighing technology, in which igus motion plastics – such as lubrication-free iglidur plain bearings and maintenance-free drylin linear guides – ensure wear-resistant movements. At the same time, retailers such as fashion houses and restaurants can develop store and design concepts that offer customers a new experience. Robots are a popular tool of choice because they are not only a real eye-catcher, but also a practical automation solution. They can give out prizes from raffles, mix cocktails or even cover a pizza with toppings. So far, expensive fun that is rarely found in Australia. With its igus robolink DP, Treotham now offers a new cost-effective solution, which the customer can design individually. Low-cost robots in the desired outfit Last year, igus presented for the first time its robolink […]

Trial aims to help support more solar

Solar customers in South Australia and Victoria will soon be able to feed more energy into the grid thanks to a new project announced today by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). ARENA has announced $2.09 million in funding to a consortium led by SA Power Networks to trial a new approach to integrating rooftop solar with the grid, using smart inverters. Distributors SA Power Networks and Victorian-based AusNet Services have partnered with industry-leading inverter manufacturers, Fronius, SMA, and SolarEdge, and energy management software company SwitchDin to develop the technical capability needed to offer customers flexible rather than fixed export limits for solar. The $4.84 million project will develop and test end-to-end technical capability to enable flexible export limits for solar PV systems. The capability will be built into Australian products from market-leading inverter manufacturers and will be enabled in many other inverter brands through SwitchDin’s Droplet gateway device. Through a 12 month field trial involving about 600 customers in South Australia and Victoria, the project will test the viability of this kind of connection arrangement, and refine and develop the associated technologies and customer connection service to the point where it could be offered as a standard service to all customers installing solar. Australians are currently installing new PV systems at a rate of more than 200,000 per annum across the NEM. These systems provide many benefits but also present challenges for distribution networks in maintaining safety, quality and security of supply. Distribution networks such as South Australia’s are reaching the limit of their capacity to host rooftop solar in some areas without major investment in network upgrades. Alternatively, they may have to impose zero or very low export limits for new solar connections in congested areas. “We want more solar, not less,” said Paul Roberts, […]

Local research collaboration cuts wear and tear on mineral processing equipment

In a new $2.4 million research partnership between the University of South Australia, LaserBond, and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), experts are set to develop some of the world’s most resilient minerals processing equipment. LaserBond, a pioneering Australian surface engineering company and the University of South Australia’s specialist Coatings Research Group at the Future Industries Institute, continue their fruitful collaboration on a new challenge. Minerals processing machinery, often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, endures some of the harshest possible conditions – erosion, corrosion and wear and tear induced by repetitive impact. A key competitive advantage for the industry and for manufacturers would be to increase the longevity of mineral processing equipment through composite coatings (called cladding). The improved cladding needs to match facility maintenance shutdown schedules. By matching the machinery life to service schedules, unforeseen shutdowns can be avoided or minimised. Shutdowns for repairs and maintenance of the equipment can cost more than $100,000 for every hour of downtime. UniSA lead researcher Professor Peter Murphy, says he welcomes the chance to grow the advanced manufacturing sector within Australia. “This comes at a time where we need to nurture our manufacturing capability and this project has the capacity to grow, employ and lead Australia through the challenging economic times,” Prof Murphy says. Key researcher on the project, UniSA’s Industry Associate Professor Colin Hall says industry experts in surface engineering, such as LaserBond, have long recognised the challenge and have specialised in the development of hard, wear-resistant coatings using laser cladding. “What we hope to do through this partnership is work with LaserBond to refine the technology, specifically focussing on key areas within mineral processing machinery prone to wear in different circumstances, to provide tailor-made coatings that resist that degradation,” Assoc […]

Aspera Mobile launches low-cost AS6 4G dual-SIM smartphone and new F42 4G flip phone

Full-featured phones for just $99 and $149 Aspera Mobile has launched the latest in its range of full featured and cost effective mobiles – the feature-packed, 5.99” large screen AS6 smartphone which features face recognition, a fingerprint sensor, dual-SIM and 4G for just $149 and the F42, 4G flip phone with pre-loaded social media apps and easy to use large buttons at only $99. Aspera Mobile MD Allan Robertson explained, “In the AS6 Aspera has kept its brand promise to bring a great value, budget-priced smartphone to consumers and we have specifically designed it to suit anyone looking for a large screen, full Android phone that won’t break the bank. Also, to get face recognition and a fingerprint sensor in a full-featured smartphone for $149 is exceptional value and very rare indeed.” Robertson takes his and Aspera Mobile’s commitment to Australian consumers very seriously and the company has continued to forge ahead in a very competitive market for close to a decade with local Australian-based customer service backing up its range of high quality, unlocked, reliable, and budget conscience phones. He continued, “In an age where the price of some mobile phones is running into thousands of dollars despite them being locked to a network, our success over the last ten years has proven that there is an increasing demand for high quality, low-cost alternatives. The AS6 gives you that in a smartphone and the F42 is ideal for the young or elderly, budget-conscious user wanting a simple phone with easy-to-read large buttons and the most commonly used social media apps – including WhatsApp™ and Facebook™ – already installed.” As all Australian telcos continue to wind down their 3G networks, having a new 4G phone is not only critical but makes good and practical sense. At just $149 the Aspera […]

DECO Australia new Innovation Centre at Minto

Leading manufacturer of aluminium building products and industrial finishes DECO Australia has invested in a new Innovation Centre at its Minto manufacturing facility. The architecturally-designed display centre, which showcases DECO’s leading line of aluminium building products, highlights its extraordinary capabilities as an Australian manufacturer. The wide range of non-combustible, timber-look products are creatively incorporated into the display, resulting in an informative, interactive space where customers can visualise how products will look on their projects and develop new design concepts. In addition, the Innovation Centre will showcase DECO’s line of industrial surface finishes, including its low-temperature hard anodising, powder coating and specialty finishes for the manufacturing, engineering, defence and commercial food industries. These quality finishes maximise protection and performance for a wide range of manufactured parts and components, and are tested to Australian and International standards to ensure ultimate durability and longevity. Industrial manufacturers visiting the Innovation Centre can tour the facility, observing DECO’s finishing processes and solutions first hand. DECO’s investment in its showstopping new display centre highlights the growth of Australian manufacturing, as well as the diligence and inventive nature of Australian manufacturers. DECO has been dedicated to providing attractive, compliant and quality products and finishes for over 15 years and its new showroom illustrates how the company is willing to go the extra mile for its customers.

Dematic to commission new automated national distribution centre for Woolworths in Sydney

Dematic today announced it has been selected by Primary Connect – the supply chain arm of Australia’s largest supermarket, Woolworths Group – to supply a state-of-the art automated fulfilment system for the new National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Moorebank Logistics Park, Sydney. Dematic, a global leader and innovator in warehouse automation, has a long history with over 50 years presence in Australia serving the supply chain industry. “Our local capability with over 600 employees and a manufacturing facility in Belrose, Sydney, ensures we continue to provide quality service and systems to our customers,” said Michael Jerogin, CEO of Dematic APAC. “We are very proud to be a trusted partner of Woolworths and thrilled to be building on this partnership by playing a key role in Woolworths’ automation strategy.” The Dematic solution for the new NDC will build store-friendly pallets for Woolworths’ retail stores. The Flexible Mixed Case Order Fulfilment system, powered by the Dematic iQ Warehouse Management System (WMS), will handle 9,000+ products from 900 suppliers, delivering daily to over 1,000 stores nationally. The 40,700 square metre Moorebank NDC is planned to feature wall-to-wall automation, providing the flexibility to cater for seasonal and other peaks in demand, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is designed to deliver store orders, catering for Woolworth’s expected growth with built-in scalability and modularity. The transport advantages alone are expected to provide benefits to Woolworths, helping to remove at least 26,000 truck movements between Woolworths facilities from New South Wales roads annually. “The investment at Moorebank is designed to transform the way we serve our stores, strengthen our network and deliver on our ambition to create Australia’s best food and grocery supply chain,” said Paul Graham, Primary Connect Managing Director and Woolworths Group Chief Supply Chain Officer. “Cutting-edge automation will build tailored […]

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