Smart Manufacturing

  Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will accelerate the development of ground-breaking protection for our defence force from chemical, biological and radiological agents, with an $8.6 million Defence Innovation Hub contract to further develop and commercialise its world-leading respirator technology. This is the largest contract signed by the Hub to date and will help bring the technology a step closer to being realised. The single canister device is a step change from existing technology, providing both protection for longer periods, and against more potential threats.  As well as providing protection from biological and radiological agents, it will significantly reduce exposure to a broad spectrum of toxic industrial chemicals, also critical to the nation’s first responders. CSIRO will be working with Melbourne-based chemical manufacturing business and porous material’s producer, Boron Molecular, and Brisbane-based, Veteran Owned EPE Trusted to Protect, to develop the respirator, as well as Monash University. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall, said Australian innovations that protect our Defence Force personnel are a critical part of maintaining a secure Australia and region. “We are using science to create real-world solutions, working with Australian industry to build sovereign capability and turn brilliant ideas into something ground-breaking to protect our troops.  “We are aiming to develop a respirator that will be the most capable in the world.” CSIRO researcher, Professor Matthew Hill, said CSIRO has been studying porous solids for around 10 years and has developed an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process. “By combining our expertise in nanofibers and porous solids, we’re developing a technology that will protect our military personnel from weaponised toxic chemical gases and vapours and give them a greater chance to safely complete their mission.” Nanofibres are super-light filters that can stop particles from getting through, and combine nanofibers with some of the world’s most porous materials […]

CNC Design is investing more than $3.5m in the establishment of its new CNC Design Application Centre, which will feature Innomerix, within the new advanced additive manufacturing centre. Founded in Melbourne in 1984, CNC Design has established itself in recent years as a pioneer in the design and manufacture of large-volume 3D printing and machining systems. Situated in a facility close to its head office in Nunawading, eastern Melbourne, the new CNC Design Application Centre and the Innomerix facility will focus on two key areas: the development and testing of new advanced composite materials for additive manufacture; and the expanded development of CNC Design’s range of VSF thermoplastic, wax and concrete printers, including support for customer applications and training. “We’re thrilled to be announcing our new Innomerix subsidiary, which will be co-located in our advanced application centre, situated here at CNC Design,” says Bruce Rowley, managing director and owner of CNC Design. “This is one of the most exciting areas of development in additive manufacturing today, with potential applications ranging from the maritime and construction industries, to production of hydrogen fuel cells. “The launch of both the CNC Design Application Centre and Innomerix builds on CNC Design’s work in this field to date and puts us at the forefront of innovation in this area going forward.” Innomerix will be the first Australian manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastic composites, producing a range of thermoplastic compounds using different additives and reinforcement materials such as synthetic fibres like carbon, Kevlar and glass. Taking its name from a combination of the words ‘innovation’ and ‘polymeric mix’, Innomerix will further advance the company’s innovative work in material technologies. The facility will specialise in creating new materials for additive manufacturing, in particular aiming to reduce the cycle-time for the development of new composite materials for 3D printing, […]

The intricate merging of two processes spells significant savings and prospects for the packaging industry at-large. Proud Australian machine builders HMPS Group (HMPS) began in 1980 and have evolved into specialists in the design and manufacture of automated processing and packaging solutions. Over the years, the company has solved complex packaging challenges and their most recent success story was no exception. In an Australian first, HMPS designed and developed a sleever and cartoner in one footprint for Real Dairy. Real Dairy is a 100% Australian owned and operated company, with sites across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The company produces their own speciality cheese products and supplies these to retailers across the country. How it works Adam Read, Sales Manager at HMPS explains that this first-of-a-kind machine offers a small footprint, enhanced efficiencies, and long-term cost savings. “This system can handle pre-glued sleeves in 2, 3 and 4 cell trays at up to 180 tray/minute for the 2 cell trays. With minimal change over it can also operate as an end load cartoner erecting, loading and hotmelt sealing primary cartons.” HMPS supplied two complete units for this project, allowing Real Dairy to handle up to 360 trays/minute. “Combining two machines into one is extremely complex but rewarding – particularly for the end-user”.  “Generally, these tasks would be handled by two different style machines, and in this case, we had to figure out how to fit four machines into two machines.” Upon entry into the machine, the product (cheese and cracker packs) is transported through the machine along the main index conveyor where a sleeve is then applied to the product. “The finished product is then fed through the inkjet printer where a defined code is applied. It is then transferred to an outfeed conveyor” adds Adam. The machine includes […]