Smart Manufacturing

Objective3D advances additive manufacturing strategy with over A$2million investment

Australia Manufacturing Week (AMW) 2022 news Objective3D, a leader and the largest Stratasys provider of Additive Manufacturing (AM) solutions in Australia, has invested over A$2million to advance additive manufacturing at a production scale, including new innovative material offerings and an expanded AM software ecosystem with the availability of new polymer 3D printing systems for the Australian market. The investment includes the latest in Stratasys technologies and a newly constructed manufacturing pods at the Objective3D Additive Manufacturing Centre located in Carrum Downs, VIC, making it the largest showroom and additive manufacturing service bureau in the region. The new technologies are the Stratasys F770, J826, J35Pro, H350 and Origin One and will cover Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), PolyJet, Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) and P3™ Programmable Photopolymerisation. “These new technologies represent an opportunity to seriously tackle production manufacturing using additive”, said Matt Minio, Managing Director of Objective3D. “Our greatest growth today comes from customers who either wish to manufacture serious production volumes on their own additive system or have Objective3D manufacture for them. “These latest in-house technologies and new materials further enhance the ability for customers to manufacture greater production volumes using additive, producing components that are representative of injection moulded parts for their strength and surface finish. With the current disruptions to global supply chain, this technology couldn’t have arrived at a better time.” These latest technologies are currently available in Australia and will be available for viewing at the Objective3D Stand (stand no. AM30) in the upcoming Australia Manufacturing Week (AMW) 2022. SAF™ Technology powers new Stratasys H350 3D printer for production scale The Stratasys H350 3D printer is designed for the production of thousands of parts as additive manufacturing at higher volumes gains momentum in the industry. The first 3D printer in Stratasys’ new H Series™ Production Platform, powered by […]

Inductive sensors now in compact D3 and M4 housing

Treotham’s range of Wenglor inductive sensors with increased switching distances features enhanced performance in miniature design: A total of eight new sensors from the I03 and I04 series in the compact D3 and M4 housing for detecting metallic objects in confined systems. Practically no larger than a pin head, the robust sensors in V2A stainless steel housing demonstrate their strengths exactly where space is most limited. The I03 series sensors have a diameter of just 3 mm (D3) and a smooth housing, while the I04 series has an external thread with a total diameter of 4 mm (M4). With both series, the housing is just 22 mm long. The almost invisible miniature sensors detect precise switching signals in places where virtually no installation space is available. Increased switching distances of up to 1 mm, a robust PUR cable connection (two meters), a high IP67 degree of protection and a broad temperature range between –25°C and +70°C ensure high performance and long service life. Thanks to flush mounting, the sensors can be integrated mechanically protected in systems. The optional PNP/NPN and NO/NC variants also enable convenient handling with existing systems. Thanks to the LED adjustment aid, the sensors can also be easily installed. The bright LED shows the status clearly, even over long distances. Eight new products expand the entire portfolio The introduction of the I03 and I04 Wenglor series expands Treotham’s product portfolio for increased switching distances by eight new sensors (four per design). In total, there are now sensors in nine different formats in this range, with five connection types and in 15 different housing lengths. With this wide range of products there is a suitable solution for every special requirement. Thanks to the new types, solutions are now also available in areas with very little space, where a […]

igus receives UL approval for halogen-free TPE cables

The long service life of igus chainflex high-end TPE cables from Treotham convinces inspectors and gives customers certified security As the world’s first manufacturer, igus has received UL AWM certification from the well-known US organisation Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for its high-end TPE cables that do not use fire-retardant halogens as additives. This is the first time that the testing organisation has recognised that halogen-free TPE cables can also meet the fire protection requirements in industry. The independent organisation Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is one of the most important authorities in the USA in terms of product safety. It has been testing components of machines and systems since 1894 to see whether they are suitable for industrial use. Their seal is one of the prerequisites for a successful market entry in North America. Fire protection is a key decisive criteria. This is because, according to the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), machine fires are the fourth leading cause of fires in industrial environments in the USA, closely followed by fires caused by electrical factors. Fire protection can also be achieved without halogens For this certification, the igus engineers had to do a lot of persuading. Up to now, the flame retardancy of cables has been the key factor in obtaining UL certification for fire protection. Approval is therefore only granted to products containing flame retardants such as chlorine, fluorine or bromine. These additives increase the flame retardancy. However, so far it has not been taken into account that the flame retardants generally change the chemical structure of the jacket and reduce the mechanical load-bearing capacity. Therefore, igus starts much earlier in the process: The cable specialist focuses less on preventing a fire from spreading, but rather on how the cable itself caused the fire. The TPE jacket compounds are extremely resistant […]

Supply chain crisis

Jarrod Kinchington, Infor ANZ vice-president and managing director How has the global supply chain crisis that unfolded in 2021 affected the manufacturing sector in the ANZ region? No vertical market appears to be immune to the hardships and challenges resulting from the global pandemic. As we find ourselves in the third year of the pandemic, the repercussions from severe supply and demand imbalances are still being felt worldwide with an immense impact on the manufacturing industry. From availability and increasing cost of labour, freight capacity, semiconductors, empty chassis and warehouse storage space, this crisis has now revealed itself to be multifaceted and an ongoing concern for 2022. Following the Omicron outbreak and amidst trade and shipping chaos, some emerging long-term patterns show that the manufacturing sector will continue to be impacted by the ongoing supply chain issues. The cost of ocean and air freight shipping will likely remain even after current congestion and capacity constraints have settled. It is expected that traditional ‘peak’ seasons will start earlier and run longer, whereas freight contracts are predicted to run for shorter terms. Is there a way smart manufacturing technology can help organisations predict and prepare for such events in the post-pandemic future? The supply chain crisis has taught enterprises worldwide that more needs to be done to secure their operations. While we are likely to continue managing supply chain disruptions that will increase in pace and impact, we must grow supply chain resilience and have the ability to forecast disruptions into the future. Organisations must prioritise first-mile technology investments and collaborative logistics service provider relationships. They cannot afford to be solely focused on price or low cost. Instead, they must have new goals for holistic and multi-dimensional forms of visibility for freight capacity, supplier work-in-progress and financial health, modal hand-off points and […]

Extra-terrestrial lab launches in South Australia

The University of Adelaide has opened a space technology lab to test equipment bound for the Moon and Mars. The Extraterrestrial Environmental Simulation (Exterres) Laboratory is the first of its kind in Australia and will allow researchers to develop new technologies to withstand the harsh deep space environment. Led by University of Adelaide Associate Professor John Culton, the lab will be used to test equipment such as rovers and materials needed for human exploration. “Understanding how technology will perform when exposed to harsh extra-terrestrial environments is critical to supporting long-term human presence in deep space, specifically the Moon and Mars,” said Culton, who is Professor of Off-Earth Resources and the Director of the Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources. “Space hardware will be tested in the lab’s Regolith Thermal Vacuum Chambers (rTVAC), a nine square metre sealed lunar regolith simulant pit and a 27 square metre sandpit which can be tailored to simulate specific off-world environments.” Culton said the rare rTVACs will allow students, faculty and industry to test equipment in the combined atmospheric, thermal and regolith environments found at the lunar south pole and on Mars. The regolith and sand pits are instrumented using a 3D motion capture system that allows detailed analysis of the capabilities of experimental robotics, either remotely controlled from the Exterres Mission Control. “In addition, the regolith and sand pits are instrumented using a 3D motion capture system that allows detailed analysis of the capabilities of experimental robotics, either remotely controlled from the Exterres Mission Control or operated autonomously,” said Culton said. “Blackout screens and solar light sources can be installed on the pit for trials of computer vision for automated navigation, which is particularly difficult in the off-Earth environment.” The Exterres lab also has a high-power laser, a vacuum furnace, a box furnace and […]

Suhner Australia expands client offering around metal finishing processes

Suhner Australia, a leader in metal finishing solutions, has expanded its range of products and services around metal finishing processes to provide its customers with a total solutions package. In addition to providing Suhner tools, consumables and know-how in the surface finishing of all metals, Suhner Australia is now offering hand tools, annular hole cutters, safety equipment, tapes and glues as well as a tools for hire service. By broadening its range of products and services the company will be able to offer a higher degree of service to meet the needs of its customers. “All of the new products that we have chosen to incorporate in our range are integral to the polishing and finishing of metals regardless of whether they are stainless steel, aluminium, brass or special alloys. The larger product offering will allow us to offer customers a complete solutions package so that we can assist them with any aspect around metal finishing processes. “What’s more, a broader range means that our customers now also have greater choice when it comes to selecting quality hand tools, annular hole cutters, PPE gear, and tapes and glues. “We can also guarantee good availability of our new product range, which will be reassuring for our customers given the critical shortage of products that are being experienced in industry due to disruptive supply chains,” explained Robert Bartrum, General Manager, Suhner Australia. The company’s new hand tool range includes quality European brands such as PB Swiss Tools and Ruko drill bits. Maxisafe will spearhead the company’s range of PPE gear, while tapes and glues will include leading brands such as 3M and Stylus. Complementing Suhner Australia’s wider product range is its new ‘Tools for Hire’ service. The service allows customers to hire metal finishing tools for a “one-off” project, to meet additional […]

A three dimensional panoramic view of the turquoise spring Kiikunlahde in Hollola, Finland in a mini planet panorama style.

Sustainable Technologies in 2022

At the core of sustainability are cost savings which has led economists and environmentalists to see eye-to-eye on the long-term benefits of sustainable practices in business. RS Components value both the environment and energy conscious design. In addition to their global support of the environment initiatives of Engineers Without Borders, the RS library of accessible consumer materials cover everything from tech-articles to product-selection guides on the most environmentally-economic products on the market. Their commitment to keeping their RS Components customers up-to-date on sustainable product trends compelled them to launch a webinar – Sustainable Technologies in 2022. A panel of experts from the leaders in industry include Schneider Electric, Fluke, Phoenix Contact, ABB and RS PRO who will discuss how business can become more sustainable in operations. Join the Sustainable Technologies in 2022 seminar by clicking on the link below to register: https://nz.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=sustainable-technology&cm_mmc=NZ-PR-_-NZMMAG-_-DTC_203_0322_APAC-_-Sustainability_banner And add this date in your diary: 12PM Thursday 7th April 2022 All attendees who stay until the end of the session will receive a FREE e-Gift Card valued at $20*.

Why 3D printing in healthcare is imperative for sustainable healing

By Lim Jing (Ph.D.) Chief Technology Officer, Osteopore Three dimensional or “3D printing” is an additive manufacturing process that has been around for a while now – but is still guaranteed to attract attention. It produces a physical object from a digital design, and it’s been creating a buzz in the healthcare industry since the 1990s when dental implants and custom prosthetics took off. While there are many different types of 3D printing available, harnessing the technological advantage that 3D printing has over traditional manufacturing techniques is the key to its success. This involves creating a microstructure that is representative of native bone while meeting gross geometrical needs of the reconstruction area. Specifically, making use of the body’s regenerative capacity to rebuild lost tissues and the use of bioresorbable materials in implants leverage the combined technologies of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and 3D printing techniques. 3D printing technology has allowed us to make ground-breaking regenerative implants – our bioresorbable implant is the first of its kind to be successfully developed and commercialised for surgical use, and we see this technology as the way of the future for healthcare. When used appropriately, we find the solutions created with 3D printing regularly outperform traditional implant methods in terms of design and associated long-term healthcare costs. 3D printing allows the creation of complex geometries that copy the shape and function of natural bone and allows efficient productisation particularly in customised implants. Given the complex nature of bone microarchitecture, it is not a matter of course that production can happen at cost effective scale – and 3D manufacturing gives us that option. With improvements to technology, we can go down the path of automation, producing our implants around-the-clock and even remotely; there is a compelling commercial industrial argument for the technology alongside medical […]

igus 7th axis extends working space by up to 400 percent

Articulated arm robots can travel over six metres, quadrupling their working space: the 7th axis is now compatible with all lightweight articulated arm robots worldwide thanks to a simple Plug & Play kit. So far, models from Universal Robots, Epson and the igus robolink series from Treotham have benefited from this increased mobility. Now Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan, Yuanda Robotics and many other lightweight robotics suppliers are joining the list. The first users of the so-called 7th axis, a linear axis with an electric toothed belt drive that igus launched in 2020, were thrilled according to Alexander Mühlens: “Suddenly, thanks to the additional axis, their articulated arm robots are as mobile as humans. This enables them to take on multiple tasks in automation environments making them significantly more productive,” says the Head of Automation Technology at igus. “We therefore decided to extend the compatibility of the system to all manufacturers worldwide – such as Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan and Yuanda Robotics. With a matching Plug & Play kit of hardware and software we make customisation possible.” Ready-to-connect complete solution for all lightweight articulated arm robots In the future, all lightweight articulated arm robots with a weight range of 10 to 50 kilograms or, depending on the dynamics, a payload of 2 to 20 kilograms can use the 7th axis. Treotham supplies the system as a ready-to-connect complete solution from a single source. It consists of a drylin ZLW toothed belt axis with a length of up to six metres and two parallel rails made of aluminium. These can be mounted on the floor, walls or ceilings and a toothed belt drive with stepper motor for a positioning accuracy of 0.3 millimetres. Also included is: an energy chain for guiding energy and data cables; a switch cabinet integration kit with cables; […]

CES selects SYSPRO ERP to take its business to the next level

Caravan Electrical Solutions (CES) has selected Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) specialist, SYSPRO to address inefficiencies in its business as the forward looking Australian company experiences extraordinary growth due to Australians buying caravans and campers in record numbers instigated by the pandemic related travel restrictions. CES offers complete electrical systems for recreational vehicles, including the supply of materials, labour and a fully comprehensive warranty, with aftermarket support. After eleven years of experience in this field, CES has evolved with the key focus to provide quality labour-saving technologies to RV manufacturers and continued ongoing support for consumers who buy RVs with this technology. This diversity, focus and investment in state-of-the-art assembly machines, has enabled CES to claim its position as market leader. “The prolonged closure of international borders has merely been an accelerator for our business, which was what instigated the search for a professional ERP system to address inefficiencies in the business, so we can really take it to the next level for an unprecedented period of record growth,” said Jason Arter, Director, CES. CES is SYSPRO’s first sales deal in Asia Pacific for 2022 and took just eight weeks from an online enquiry to closing the deal. It was a competitive sales engagement process against Odoo and M1 Software, with comprehensive pre-sales engagement from discovery through to demonstration. CES has purchased SYSPRO ERP, SYSPRO MRP and SYSPRO MOM to integrate different parts of the business that are currently operated as silos. Somerton, Victoria based CES’ incredibly strong results in the past two years reflect a broader trend of increased adoption of travel via recreational vehicles (RVs) and caravans, largely due to the lack of international travel options during COVID-19. Data from The Caravan Industry Association shows record sales of campers and caravans in 2020 and 2021, up by at least […]

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