Products

Capricornia’s smart road to A$4.74 million Chinese joint venture

Australian scleral lens manufacturer Capricornia Contact Lens has signed a A$4.74 million joint venture with Chinese ophthalmic products distributor, Guangzhou Ruitai Biotech Co., Ltd. The two companies will establish EPICON (Chengdu) Medical Technology Co., Ltd in Chengdu, China. ‘Through the hard work over the past three and a half years, the accelerated registration of the first Rigid Gas Permeable scleral lens in China via the Real World data program was achieved. This is a remarkable milestone for both Capricornia and Ruitai,’ says Tony Capitano, Managing Director, Capricornia Contact Lens. ‘EPICON will focus on the R&D and manufacturing of scleral lens and other ophthalmic products,’ says Yongliang Lin, founder of Guangzhou Ruitai. ‘It will provide a whole set of innovative solutions in areas related to adolescent myopia, ocular surface diseases, refractive correction, and contact lens care products.’ A fast-tracked journey to China Founded in 1985, Brisbane-based Capricornia Contact Lens manufactured its first scleral lens in 1994. It is one of the earliest manufacturers of scleral lens in the world. The firm’s designs include lenses for Orthokeratology, irregular corneas and specifically the treatment of Keratoconus. Capricornia also manufactures a comprehensive range of custom soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses using state-of-the-art computer-controlled lathes. Guangzhou Ruitai Biotech is a high-tech enterprise focused on research and development, manufacturing, and sales of ophthalmic medical devices. Committed to the ophthalmic industry, Guangzhou Ruitai has invested in ocular surface repair, the prevention and control of adolescent myopia, and the treatment of glaucoma. Many of the company’s ophthalmic products enjoy the largest market share in their respective segments. In June 2019, Austrade Shenzhen introduced Guangzhou Ruitai to Capricornia. This came after China’s State Council released a policy allowing the Hainan provincial government to directly approve the import of certain medical devices that were not previously registered and approved by […]

Royal Wolf innovation to the fore

National shipping container company Royal Wolf has engineered a new twist on the backyard pool house with a luxury design that cost almost $50,000 less than comparable structures using traditional building methods. Royal Wolf Geelong Branch Manager Justin Van Loon had received quotes of up to $80,000 to build a 10mx5m pool house from landscaper builders before a lightbulb moment had him approaching Royal Wolf engineers for a solution. “The quote to do it using two shipping containers was significantly cheaper and we actually ended up with a larger pool house than we initially planned,” says Justin, who lives in Leopold, Victoria. “All up it cost about $30,000-$32,000, which included buying two containers, all modifications done by Royal Wolf and then completing other works ourselves like electrical and flooring.” Within weeks of Justin consulting the Royal Wolf team, engineering and workshop plans compliant with building regulations were drawn up, including a design for concrete footings. “The Royal Wolf engineers took into account our home address, wind ratings and all the different aspects that impact building structures and designed the pool house accordingly,” Justin says. “They also advised us on what materials we needed in order to strengthen the 12mx4.8m building and the window openings. The team modified the containers based on the drawings that were supplied by the engineers. “They removed two side walls of one container and one side wall of the other container, which was then strengthened and stiffened up with wide window openings, doors welded closed and the exterior painted.” Once complete, the pool house was delivered and placed by Royal Wolf at the Van Loon home. From sketch to completion, the project took just 10 weeks. “The best part was we had very little disruption or inconvenience at our home – we had the concreters dig […]

Problem solver Aaron Bollinger moves up the ranks to take on Hydraulink Mackay branch manager role

Hydraulink Mackay branch manager, Aaron Bollinger, says building relationships and solving customer problems are the keys to success that he has used to grow his career with Hydraulink A man focused on building relationships and solving problems has risen through the ranks to become Mackay branch manager of the national hose, fittings, and hydraulic service organisation, Hydraulink. Aaron Bollinger started as a service technician with Hydraulink, before moving into mobile service, breakdowns, and installations, then service manager, area sales manager, and now the branch manager at Mackay, Queensland. “Hydraulink provided me with outstanding support and a clear pathway to progress my career. Along the way I learnt from different managers and colleagues, all with different styles and ideas, and all of them helped grow my knowledge,” says Aaron. “In Mackay, we service major industries, such as mining, sugar, and agriculture. The customers we work with want to minimise downtime and ensure safety compliance on their sites, so they trust us to get them moving again,” he added. Hydraulink and sister company Hydraulink CCR’s extensive national network includes 14 company-owned sites in Australia, 135 network partners, and 150 service vehicles offering 24/7 onsite and mobile services to the same uniformly high levels of outstanding service, safety, standards compliance, traceability, and diverse machinery and equipment knowledge. As part of his move to branch manager, Aaron undertook leadership training at the Hydraulink Academy, which he says was practical and hands-on. “It didn’t feel like we were in a classroom – it felt like we were working with real examples that we might encounter next week on the job. We were also given homework, to bring real examples back to the group and describe how we applied our new learnings. It gives us a chance to learn where we could have done better, […]

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LAPP Australia expands access to TOSIBOX remote automation technology

A leading supplier of cables and connectivity solutions, LAPP Australia, is responding to cybersecurity demands from diverse Australian industry by expanding availability of the globally respected TOSIBOX automated and cybersecure platform for operational networks and infrastructure. TOSIBOX is a globally audited and patented remote access automation platform that performs at the highest security levels in the industry, while being simple to install and operate without the high cost and complexity of industrial control systems avoided by local industry, says Uthaya Sivanathan, Technical Solutions Manager – Industrial IT, for LAPP Australia. “Modular TOSIBOX is the simplest and most secure remote access solution available for diverse Australian applications requiring enhanced cybersecurity, including networks for factories and industrial automation and Industrial OT networks. “Its scalability extends from remote access for one user and one device, through to an enterprise-level OT network solution with hundreds or even thousands of users, devices, and networks for plants and sites connected across automation applications including industrial, smart buildings and cities, oil and gas and smart energy networks.” LAPP Australia’s expansion of the stocking, distribution, and technical backing for TOSIBOX, announced by Managing Director Simon Pullinger, complements the company’s expanded industrial automation services of which Uthaya Sivanathan’s role is part. Expansion of the range and backing for TOSIBOX also reinforces the service and supply capabilities LAPP Australia exercises through its local stocking of 5,000 cables and associated cable accessory parts locally stocked for immediate despatch (in addition to 25,000 product lines delivered from its parent LAPP Group in Germany within two weeks). “Our broad experience as a leading supplier of cables, connectors, and industrial connectivity solutions gives us a finger on the pulse of diverse industry, which is clearly demonstrating to us that secure connectivity is now demanded as an essential for remote access industrial automation, remote maintenance, continuous […]

Kuva: Aki Loponen, 2023Pictuner Oyaki.loponen@pictuner.fiwww.pictuner.fi

The rise and rise of portable welding machines

It is not that long ago that portable welding machines were seen as heavy, clunky equipment. Limited in their capability, they could usually only perform one type of welding, such as stick, TIG or MIG. And because of their power output, were mainly relegated to performing light and small welding tasks. Over the last 20 years however, portable welding machines have evolved significantly. While single-process welders are still available in the marketplace and no doubt have a place in the industrial landscape, operators can now also choose from a wide range of multi-process machines. These provide greater convenience and flexibility as they can be used to tackle various fabrication or construction jobs and projects both in the workshop and out in the field without the need to switch power sources. Greater productivity Apart from the ability to tackle a wider variety of work, quality portable welders also help deliver excellent welding results. According to Paul McVicar, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia, this is because of the machine’s stable arc. “Quality portable welding machines usually provide a very stable and even arc that allows the user to deeply penetrate various metals and produce consistent, high-quality welds. This reduces the need for reworking the weld as well as post-weld cleaning, which allows the operator to increase their output, while saving them both time and money,” explains Paul. Powerful Also contributing to improved productivity is that modern portable welders are far more powerful than their predecessors. Today, operators can choose a portable multi-process machine that has a 320 A with a 40-60% duty cycle. Or a 200 A with a 40% duty cycle. The greater amperage combined with the higher duty means that machines such as the new Kemppi Master M 205 let the welder safely create quality welds for a longer period of […]

Kemppi adds Pulse model to X5 FastMig welding range

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its latest addition to its range of X5 FastMig welders – the new X5 FastMig Pulse. The X5 FastMig Pulse multi-process welding system has been specifically designed for steel, aluminium and stainless steel welding in industrial environments. The machine delivers a range of features that help significantly enhance arc welding productivity. Built using energy-efficient inverter technology, the X5 FastMig Pulse offers faster welding and quality welds thanks to Touch Sense Ignition, effortless operation, excellent welding ergonomics, flexible equipment setup and is industry 4.0 ready. Faster welding, better quality weldsA high-performing machine, the X5 FastMig Pulse features the latest in ignition technology – Touch Sense Ignition – as standard. When combined with WiseSteel software, which is also included in the X5 FastMig Pulse, it delivers precise ignition capability and stable arc control. The X5 Pulse tackles the challenges of globular arc by alternating between short arc and spray transfer. In short-circuit transfer, it improves the arc stability adaptively, providing better out-of-position steel welding capabilities. In spray transfer mode, micropulsing of the current and voltage increases travel speed significantly. In doing so, the X5 Pulse helps to minimise the spatter produced by a traditional globular arc, as well as the need for post weld cleaning, saving the welder both valuable time and cost, while helping to deliver better quality welds. For more challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminium applications, the arc control can be further optimised with optional MAX welding programs and Wise special processes. Effortless operationDesigned to be hassle-free, the new model can be quickly set up thanks to Weld Assist. This feature guides the welder to set the right parameters for each application so they can start welding faster. The X5 Pulse is also very easy to operate. It features a large, graphical […]

Kemppi adds Pulse model to X5 FastMig welding range

Unbreakable rubber-and-fabric isolators curtail energy waste

Vibration occurs in all rotating or reciprocating machinery as a result of forces generated within it. Sometimes the vibration is intended, as in vibrating screens and vibrating conveyor sections, used by the food, beverage and the mineral processing and bulk handling industries, for example. Sometimes it is caused by imbalances in rotors, bearings, springs, and gears as vibration migrates from its source to surrounding structures and wear-prone components. If this vibration is not controlled within its intended limits – and where metal springs may bottom out, settle, crack, or break occur as a result – the consequences of unintended actuation and isolation patterns can include: Energy waste due to kinetic energy required for unwanted vibration Bottoming out under overload and surge, sending a large amount of stress to all of the machine’s components. Bearing failures, metal spring cracking and collapse, metal structure cracking and weaknesses – potentially leading to unexpected plant shutdowns. Operator fatigue and noise nuisance (NVH – noise, harshness, and vibration, which is increasingly a factor in workers’ compensation issues) A simple, robust, and effective means of solving vibration and isolation problems created by such equipment is provided by Marsh Mellow springs, which are fabric-reinforced solid rubber isolators used for quiet isolation of machinery vibration and for general shock absorption throughout industry. The cylindrical springs, developed by Firestone – the world’s biggest producer of air springs for isolation and actuation – are used world-wide as an alternative to metal coil springs for applications involving building, construction, computer, electrical and electronic equipment isolation, including with motors, gearboxes, compressors, conveyors, materials handling machinery and shock absorbers. Marsh Mellows give consistent performance regardless of changing loads, while offering high lateral stability and compact size, says James Maslin, Technical Product Manager, for Marsh Mellows’ Australian distributor, Air Springs Supply Pty Ltd, […]

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Australian Manufacturing Media Kit 2023 now available

The Media Kit 2023 focusses on key areas of manufacturing and technology integral for our manufacturers in this challenging year. This includes the best content to keep you up with the game, and assist your company to achieve its goals. Contact us to have your story read, your latest innovations you want to share with the world, including Asia where our media platform www.asismanufacturingnewstoday.com can have your news read about to the world’s largest business audience. Regards, Doug Green, Publisher

Hydraulic tension benefits industrial machinery

When commissioning industrial machinery, the importance of correct bearing installation is paramount. Bearing manufacturers say incorrect installation is directly the cause of 16 percent of all failures – and maintenance specialists say it is likely to be a big contributor downstream to generally shorter service life and resulting maintenance safety hazards. “When a new bearing is incorrectly mounted – be it by way of poor fitting, brute installation force, or incorrect tools – it can lead directly to premature and sometimes very swift bearing failure,” says internationally successful hydraulic tensioning tool manufacturer John Bucknell, who is Founder and CEO of Technofast. “A poorly installed bearing is not only a pending production liability in terms of service life, but also in terms of expensive downtime and the OH&S factors involved in getting the worn part out again when it fails prematurely,” he says. “Crude approaches may be quick, but they can be nasty and dangerous, risk damage to machinery shafts, and make subsequent bearing failure analysis either difficult or impossible,” says Mr Bucknell, whose safety-engineered and money-saving hydraulic tensioning solutions are used in time-critical fastening and service applications ranging from mining and quarry conveyors and comminution equipment, through to applications in conventional and nuclear power stations. Bearing sleeve withdrawal These same qualities of speed, precision and avoidance of downtime while ensuring worker safety were demonstrated in service recently with a bearing sleeve withdrawal operation when assembling a new mobile crusher and conveyor. It was being commissioned on-site to make road-base gravel for applications such as new highways and worksite infrastructure. The newly imported machine – purpose-built to be assembled where needed for immediate service – required precision technology that was demonstrably superior to old methods such as using a hand-made jig laboriously fabricated for the purpose, with no way of determining […]

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