AMT JUL 2015

jul15 Australian Manufacturing Technology

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Austech 2015: Getting back in business PAGE 36

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Volume 15 Number 06 JUly 2015 ISSN 1832-6080

contents

AUSTECH REVIEW Austech 2015 – Back in business

36

ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION Helping Betacom light up ANZ Leading the pack with robotic palletising

54 58

SOFTWARE Software – what is it?

Mobilising the manufacturing industry CAM nesting: More than just a geometric solution Cloud ERP for manufacturers – are we there yet?

62 64 66 69

FINANCE & LAW Legal trends for manufacturers to watch for Efic helps Tomco overcome export hurdles Production line patent goes down

70 71 72

WORKHOLDING Dimac soft jaws offer affordable quality Quick die-clamping – Reliability, productivity & affordability

73 74

From the CEO From the Industry From the Union

10 12 14

INDUSTRY NEWS Current news from the industry

16

PRODUCT NEWS Our selection of new and interesting products

29

36

Austech 2015 – Back in business Between 26-29 May, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre was the venue for Austech 2015, as Australia’s leading advanced manufacturing exhibition returned after a two-year break. The final totals confirmed the positive impression drawn from the impressive crowd size, the busy stands and the positive exhibitor feedback.

52

ONE ON ONE Deborah Anton Head of the Entrepreneur Development Division, AusIndustry 60 COMPANY FOCUS Quickstep – Accelerating auto composites

52

AMTIL FORUM OHS 76 Law 77 Logistics 78 Finance 79 Manufacturing History – A look back in time

80

AMTIL INSIDE The latest news from AMTIL

82

jul15 AustrAliAn MAnufActuring technology

your industry. your Magazine.

Austech 2015: Getting back in business PAGE 36

.Austech review

6 |

.Finance & Law .Robotics & Automation .Software

.Workholding

AMT JULY 2015

Quickstep – Accelerating auto composites While many manufacturers have been exiting the automotive sector, one Australian company – renowned advanced carbon fibre composites manufacturer Quickstep - is trailblazing a new direction in this sector.

60

Cover Australia’s premier advanced manufacturing exhibition was back in business this May. Amid widespread signs of a resurgence in activity across the industry, Austech 2015 drew robust crowds of visitors keen to see a diverse display that included all the key machine tool dealers and ancillary equipment suppliers, showcasing the latest manufacturing technology. Page 36

Deborah Anton Deborah Anton is Head of the Entrepreneur Development Division of AusIndustry . One of her key areas of responsibility is the Federal Government’s new Entrepreneurs’ Programme. This will seek to drive business growth and competitiveness by supporting business improvement and research connections and through the commercialisation of novel products and processes.

FROM THE

Editor William Poole

Manufacturing icons, past and future Last month saw the end of an era, with one of Australia’s oldest companies pulling out of manufacturing after nearly 160 years.

Founded in 1856, Stokes Limited was perhaps best known for the badges it made, including the ‘Rising Sun’ for the Australian Army. It also made electrical heating elements at its factory in Ringwood, Victoria. However, in the decades since its 1980s heyday, when it had more than 800 employees, the company had scaled down operations significantly, with much of its manufacturing outsourced to China.

Finally, in mid-June the company announced the sale of its appliance spare parts division for $5m. The Stokes brand will continue as a commercial supplier of lighting and audio-visual equipment. But its manufacturing operations – reportedly operating at a loss for more than 12 months – are scheduled to cease by the end of the year. The closure of the Ringwood plant will see ten employees laid off, some of whom had been with Stokes since the 1960s.

The announcement is of course unwelcome news for the staff who will lose their jobs, and it’s always sad when such a longstanding player announces its exit. But the coverage in some parts of the media conformed to a narrative that has taken hold lately in much of the reporting on Australian manufacturing today. The Stokes announcement was presented as yet another closure of yet another venerable Australian manufacturer, resulting in yet more job losses, providing yet more evidence of manufacturing’s inexorable decline. That narrative of decline has started to feel repetitive. More importantly, it’s a narrative that’s become misleading.

It’s misleading because alongside the Stokes announcement came a slew of good news about manufacturing in Australia, much of it covered in the pages of this magazine. For example, the ACCI-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends has revealed improving conditions across the sector for the third quarter running. SEEK, meanwhile, reports an increase in the number of job advertisements for the sector (along with transport and logistics) in non-mining states.

Even the Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index from the Ai Group saw Australian manufacturing expand for the first time in six months in May (June’s PMI will have come out after this edition of AMT goes to print, but let’s hope for good news). Around the industry there’s a feeling that things seem to be looking up.

That feeling was in evidence at Austech in May, where the vast majority of exhibitors I spoke to reported a perceptible uplift in sentiment among visitors, and an increased willingness to invest. DMG MORI alone sold ten machines during the exhibition, including one that went to Lovitt Technologies. Stokes made its name supplying badges to the Australian Army.

Today, Lovitt manufactures components for aircraft that will be flown by defence forces all over the world.

The Stokes announcement is unquestionably sad news. But framing the news in that overall narrative of decline is just too easy, and it overlooks the extraordinary work being done throughout our industry. Stokes was a great, iconic Australian manufacturer. But so is Lovitt.

So too are Quickstep (see page 52). So are Australian Precision Technologies, GP Graders and Hickory Group (page 24). And the list goes on. The Stokes story forms part of a broader narrative of Australian manufacturing that continues today with companies like these.

Editor William Poole wpoole@amtil.com.au Contributor Nina Hendy Sales Manager Anne Samuelsson asamuelsson@amtil.com.au Publications Co-ordinator Gabriele Richter grichter@amtil.com.au Publisher Shane Infanti sinfanti@amtil.com.au Designer Franco Schena fschena@amtil.com.au Prepress & Print Printgraphics Australia AMT Magazine is printed in Australia using FSC mix of paper from responsible sources FSC© C007821 Contact Details AMT Magazine AMTIL Suite 1, 673 Boronia Rd Wantirna VIC 3152 AUSTRALIA T 03 9800 3666 F 03 9800 3436 E info@amtil.com.au W www.amtil.com.au Copyright © Australian Manufacturing Technology (AMT).

All rights reserved. AMT Magazine may not be copied or reproduced in whole or part thereof without written permission from the publisher.

Contained specifications and claims are those supplied by the manufacturer (contributor)

Disclaimer The opinions expressed within AMT Magazine from editorial staff, contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of AMTIL. The publisher reserves the right to amend the listed editorial features published in the AMT Magazine Media Kit for content or production purposes.

AMT Magazine is dedicated to Australia’s machining, tooling and sheet-metal working industries and is published monthly.

Subscription to AMT Magazine (and other benefits) is available through AMTIL Associate Membership at $165 (inc GST) per annum.

Contact AMTIL on 03 9800 3666 for further information.

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FROM THE

CEO Shane Infanti – Chief Executive Officer AMTIL

Now is the time for reform We must have a long-term focus on building new products and new markets. This involves significant change such as being more innovative in the way we manufacture goods, investing in the latest technology, skilling ourselves so we create a technologically advanced workforce, looking past the constraints of a local market and creating products that will have global demand, and positioning ourselves in markets that we can compete in on an ongoing basis. These are all subjects that are raised whenever any discussion on our manufacturing future is held.

Those regular readers of my column will agree that for a number of years I have been beating the same drum when it comes to Government support for our manufacturing sector. One of the keys to our future is discussing these subjects and putting steps in place to ensure the subjects don’t become constraints and barriers.

This is why I am pleased to see the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council (AAMC) calling on the Productivity Commission to undertake a comprehensive analysis of Australia’s global competitiveness in attracting and maintaining advanced manufacturing.

The AAMC Chairman, John Pollaers, was interviewed in our magazine last month so if you did not see that editorial dig out last month’s AMT publication and have a read of it because he makes a lot of sense.

I support John’s recent call regarding five key issues and the recommendations that are being made, which are outlined below.

1. Encourage industry-research collaboration through tax reform Recommendation: In order to effect a step change in collaboration between business and publicly funded researchers, double the R&D tax incentive for R&D that is done in collaboration with an approved Australian research institute or university.

2. Support mechanisms that encourage more R&D Recommendation: Immediately remove the $100m cap on the R&D expenditures that companies can claim as tax deductions, and immediately withdraw proposals to reduce R&D tax offsets.

3. Stem the loss of Australian innovation and IP overseas Recommendation: Introduce an innovation incentive scheme to attract and maintain high value manufacturing in Australia.

This innovation incentive would effectively provide a reduced corporate tax rate on incremental income from qualifying activities. Applicants would be required to submit plans for substantive commitments in manufacturing or for expanding knowledge-rich activities or capabilities in Australia.

4. Encourage investment in new plant and equipment Recommendation: Expand the application of Federal Government rules of accelerated depreciation. Give a taxpayer the option of claiming accelerated allowances as an alternative form of tax depreciation, as follows: 1. Allow all plant and machinery, except motorcycles, cars and light goods vehicles (weighing 3 tons or less), to be written off at 33.3% over three years.

2. Grant a 100% accelerated depreciation allowance in the first year for capital expenditure incurred on the following:

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AMT JULY 2015

– the purchase of selected new machines, equipment or systems that demonstrably improve productivity and efficiency than similar ones currently used; – the installation of engineering control measures for existing machines, equipment or processes, with the primary objective to improve productivity and efficiency; – the purchase of selected new equipment or systems that do not pose a significant chemical or environmental risk; – the installation of engineering control measures for existing machines, equipment or processes to minimise chemical and environmental risk; – certified energy saving or energy-efficient equipment; – efficient pollution control equipment or device; – computers, robots, computer-aided machines and most other electronic equipment.

Caps would be determined through consultation with industry. Current anti-avoidance provisions are considered adequate.

5. Follow international accounting practice for IP tax treatment Recommendation: Recognise Intellectual Property as a depreciable asset, whether it is developed internally or acquired. Include goodwill and trademarks in these definitions. Adopt international accounting practice and allow IP amortisation expenses for tax purposes.

These recommendations all focus on the Government need to be flexible with their approach to addressing barriers to success.

Now is a very good time to look seriously at this reform. We are taking some positive steps forward and the opportunity to provide a framework for high value-added products and services is very real.

The recent announcement of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IM-CRC), coupled with the progress being made by the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Growth Centre, are both designed to encourage collaboration and the commercialisation of new products, improve workforce skills, improve the engagement with international markets and global supply chains and transform our existing manufacturing sector into one that the new age will support.

AMTIL is pleased to be involved across a number of these initiatives.

We have recently been re-appointed as an Industry Partner for the Entrepreneurs’ Programme and will continue the delivery of services under this Programme through Business Advisors and Research Connect Facilitators. We are also a Core Participant in the IM-CRC, providing the role of Portal Organisation that will encourage investment in research and industry engagement through various activities. We have also been working closely with the Chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Growth Centre, Andrew Stevens, as he works to establish this new initiative. I look forward to keeping our readers informed on this very important progress.

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FROM THE

Industry Innes Willox – Chief Executive Australian Industry Group

Building our digital future There are a number of issues in the digital space that Ai Group members consistently raise with me.

Firstly, with regard to the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), the political debate on how it will be delivered is now well and truly behind us. The NBN will be a key enabler for increasing productivity, innovation and the use of more advanced technology.

The benefits that flow will be immense.

But as we found in 2013, and still hear from business members today, the NBN rollout is not reaching regional areas and industrial estates as quickly as hoped for. For these businesses as well as residential customers, slow delivery of the NBN is creating a disadvantage, leading to a growing digital divide between those who have the NBN (or at least some form of broadband) and those who do not.

This is something we hope to work with the Government in addressing, including through a holistic and co-ordinated approach to broader policy issues that are arising from a digitally enabled economy. For example, by addressing business readiness and future workforce and skills shortages.

Secondly, you can’t talk to a business without the question of red tape being raised. The Government is making some progress in battling red and green tape, such as through its Red Tape Repeal Days. For businesses, an area that could be improved upon is streamlining the provision of data to Government – something the Government is trying to address as part of its deregulation agenda. In fact, Ai Group has been contacted by a number of different Government agencies with similar questions about ways in which they can promote this level of deregulation.

Broader policy issues of interest to our members include what the future digital workforce should look like. In an environment where technology is rapidly changing the way businesses operate (as well as society as a whole), there are questions about businesses’ readiness to embrace that change, but also about the future workforce. And that relates to issues such as identifying the necessary skills required in the immediate term (ICT skills) and long term (STEM skills).

From a Government perspective, this affects a number of different portfolios, including Communications, Industry and Science, Small Business, Education and Training, Employment, Immigration (457 visas), and Prime Minister and Cabinet (cyber security issues). So it is a very broad agenda.

Finally, there is the issue of how Australia can lift its digital competitiveness so that our businesses remain competitive and sustainable in a more globalised economy.

This year’s World Economic Forum Global Digital Competitiveness Report – which Ai Group contributed to as a Partner Institute – found that Australian businesses’ ability to use ICT to boost competitiveness improved from 18th place to 16th place in the world. But while this improvement is welcome, it also reminds us of our fall from 9th place in 2004.

Areas that were identified as in need of improvement included laws relating to ICT, fixed broadband internet affordability, skills (quality of the education system, maths and science education), capacity to innovate, and extent of staff training.

With a digitised economy that is becoming more globalised, these different areas of shortcoming highlight a need for improvement in order for Australian businesses to remain competitive and sustainable.

This is just a snapshot of the issues of importance to our members that will be a core part of a Digital Policy Priorities Statement that we

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AMT JULY 2015

“Leaders need to take charge and be prepared to increase their efforts to integrate digital technologies into their day-to-day operating environment. They also need to consider innovative ways to make better use of and invest in digital technologies to maximise their benefits.” are currently preparing. This will form the basis of our engagement with government in the months and years ahead.

Relevant to these priorities, the borderless nature of the Digital Economy means that no one country or industry can develop policies in isolation. To this end, Ai Group has used its membership of the B20 Coalition to develop a multilateral approach to ensure that the focus remains on the possibilities rather than the feared problems. Just this month we have released a discussion paper, Digital Economy - The Driver for Growth, which was developed by the B20 Coalition.

We also launched a Leadership Policy report at Parliament House in June. From a digital perspective, leaders need to take charge and be prepared to increase their efforts to integrate digital technologies into their day-to-day operating environment. They also need to consider innovative ways to make better use of and invest in digital technologies to maximise their benefits.

This will form part of a major conference we will be presenting in September. ‘The Leadership Revolution’ will feature a program of acclaimed international speakers, many of whom are global leaders in business strategy, innovation and also manufacturing technologies (www.leadershiprevolution.com.au).

I hope to see many of you there.

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FROM THE

Union Paul Bastian – National Secretary Australian Manufacturing Workers Union

Training agenda must include worker voices For many of us in the workforce, the journey from school into the world of work was supported by highquality training, often through an apprenticeship or cadetship. It was invariably delivered by professional, highly- qualified teachers and trainers operating out of properly resourced TAFE institutions. These were built by the taxpayer to underpin economic and social growth, and to help industry keep pace with the changes that were being thrust on us as technology and markets evolved.

Our training system has served us well, as has our apprenticeships system. They have both benefited enormously from an understanding, shared by governments, employers and the trade union movement that skills matter, not only economically, but also socially, The bold reforms to industry, and the establishment of our world-renowned national training system that emerged from the late 1980s had their genesis in industrial negotiations earlier in that decade. The aim of unions, employers and governments was to overcome industrial tensions and to jointly work to build a globally competitive manufacturing and engineering industry.

This was intended to support businesses as they made the transition into a global economy and to provide workers with access to training and career paths.

Unions and employers’ organisations came to the joint realisation that lifting the skills base of the industry would be a critical step in ensuring the manufacturing industry’s survival in the face of growing global competition. The resulting ‘Compact’ was the beginning of almost 30 years of unbroken, willing collaboration that delivered lasting reforms to the Australian economy.

It is a collaboration that the Federal Government is hell-bent on destroying. Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s administration has prioritised an ideological obsession with attacking trade unions over the more pressing need to transition the economy. The Government’s recent decision to discontinue funding for bipartite Industry Skills Councils (ISCs), and open up the critically important role of training package development to ‘competition’ will inevitably relegate skills and training outcomes as mere commodities to be traded for profit.

You only have to look at the debacles in Victoria and South Australia, resulting in the waste of hundreds of millions of dollars as the highly regarded TAFE systems in both states were trashed. Private training providers flooded the market to cash in on the waves of public money being thrown at them and this is how the latest federal moves are also likely to end.

Since coming to office, the Government has followed a clear pattern of shutting unions out wherever possible and dismantling long-standing, successful bipartite and tripartite structures for addressing the skills and productivity issues so important to our future.

It has also abolished the independent, tripartite advisory body, the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA). It added another ministerial Vocational Education and Training (VET) Advisory Board with no members who represent the interests of either workers or students, despite those workers and students being the principal clients of the training system.

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It announced a “new model for training package development” that means the end of the 12 joint union-employer ISCs and with them almost 20 years of successful collaboration that served Australia’s national interest well. It has appointed a new oversight body for the training body, the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC). It has no union representation.

The national training system is designed to meet the needs of the Australian community by helping employers and employees thrive and contribute to the national economy. Yet the Government continues to focus only on the narrow interests of business, as though workers, students and unions representing them had nothing of value to add.

The Government appears even to be reducing the influence of employer associations as they work to put the often narrow selfinterest of individual employers at the centre of the system at the expense of all other taxpayers.

The collaborative work of joint ISCs has been recognised internationally, including by the OECD, as a successful model for industry engagement and leadership in VET. The Government has made no genuine case for its decision to jettison the ISCs, which can be explained only by an ideological obsession.

The dismantling of key skills infrastructure at a time when our economy is in transition will slow the pace of change and lead to more uncertainty when business confidence is near rock bottom. We all know that innovation and lifting the quality of our products and services higher up the value chain are key components of rebuilding our fragile economy.

Instead of more disruption to the system, the Abbott Government should publicly acknowledge the proven benefits of structured collaborations to Australia’s skills and workforce development needs. It is not too late to change course and strengthen bipartite arrangements as called for in the Joint Industry Compact endorsed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the AiGroup and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in 2013.

The recent ACTU Congress has condemned the Abbott government and called on the states and territories to take the Commonwealth to task as their interests are also likely to be compromised. The AMWU, in conjunction with the Australian Education Union, has taken its concerns about the future of our training system to Canberra during National TAFE Week and will continue to lobby vigorously to ensure that the voices of workers, students and taxpayers are heard.

All Australians should benefit from access to high-quality learning experiences to ensure our younger generations – and experienced workers – will get the necessary skills to equip Australia to be competitive and prosperous in future.

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industry news

CSL calls for tax breaks for advanced manufacturers CSL Limited, Australia’s largest biotechnology company, has called for a more competitive corporate tax rate to help Australia attract investment in advanced manufacturing and convert its world leading R&D into fully-fledged industries located in Australia.

CSL made the call in its submission to the Government’s “Re-think” tax discussion paper. Australia, it argued, has a skilled workforce, quality education and a strong research base – the pillars of advanced manufacturing industry that create valuable products, sustainable revenues, and highquality employment. To develop a substantial, vibrant advanced manufacturing sector, CSL believes it must offer corporate tax rates on advanced manufacturing that are competitive with jurisdictions such as Switzerland, Ireland, Singapore and the UK. CSL decided to locate a $500m plant to manufacture highly sophisticated synthetic blood-clotting agents in Switzerland, even though much of the R&D for these products was undertaken in Australia. CSL said a range of factors influenced its decision, including proximity to market, availability of staff with relevant regulatory and market experience, and favourable industrial relations. However, it stressed that corporate tax rates were undoubtedly significant – the effective tax rate available in Switzerland is substantially lower than that of Australia.

“Australia possesses excellent universities and a highly effective research sector, in large

part as a result of governments’ policies and support,” said CSL’s Chief Financial Officer, Gordon Naylor. “It’s clear that we need to look at our tax competitiveness if we want to take the next step to build the advanced manufacturing, to commercialise our innovations, and to knit Australia into global supply chains.”

According to CSL, Australia secures a disproportionate share of government revenues from corporate tax. In its submission, it noted that large across-theboard business tax cuts that have featured in Ireland and, more recently the UK, are not feasible, it goes on to advocate a corporate tax rate capped at 10% confined to advanced manufacturing derived from Australian innovations. Targeted at new investment, an Advanced Manufacturing Tax (AMT) would not reduce Treasury revenue, since Australia is not attracting significant investment of this type in any case. However, the addition to output and employment made possible by a genuinely more competitive tax rate would be expected to increase Government revenues.

“CSL is Australia’s largest home-grown advanced manufacturer,” Naylor added.

“We’d like to do more in Australia and we

CSL’s Chief Financial Officer, Gordon Naylor.

want to see Australia perform to its potential.

Because we operate globally we know what’s required if Australia wants to be a serious advanced manufacturing player.”

Australian Technologies Competition names semi-finalists Thirty of Australia’s most exciting technology companies have been shortlisted as semi-finalists in the Australian Technologies Competition (ATC).

Now in its fifth year, the ATC seeks to find, mentor and develop Australia’s best technology companies that focus on improving industry efficiency, resource use and competiveness. The judging panel features the country’s leading experts in commercialisation, finance, intellectual property and technology development.

With a focus on building global success stories, the judges are looking for not only the best technologies but also the best managers and the best business plans.

The 30 companies shortlisted for the ATC15 Business Accelerator are industryleading innovators with the capability to become game-changers in the sectors of energy, manufacturing, food & agritech, mining, smart buildings and global development. The ATC15 Business

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AMT JULY 2015

Accelerator is designed to help turn good technologies into great businesses.

A total of 128 entries have jointly spent $225m to date developing their technologies and have 440 employees. Whilst many of the 30 semi-finalists are already selling solutions, they are jointly seeking an additional $50m to bring all the solutions to market.

The semi-finalists are developing a range of innovations that address the big growth opportunities and challenges of the future, with solutions that will create the new knowledge- and skills-intensive industries that will be Australia’s future. This year’s semifinalists include improved hooks for tuna fishing, water-based cremation, unmanned ocean vehicles called Bluebottles, and resin for manufactured timber made from spinifex.

“The quality of entries has again taken a step up,” said John O’Brien, the competition organiser. “We are thrilled to see so many amazing companies with their eyes firmly set on global markets.

We receive incredible feedback on the value of this program and it is always a privilege to work with so many talented entrepreneurs.”

The Principal Sponsor of the Competition is Autodesk, a leading software company that strives to help people imagine, design and create a better world. In addition to offering highly subsidised access to its design software through the Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program, the company mentors Competition finalists on how they can use technology to optimise product.

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industry news

CEDA warns of jobs threat from automation More than five million jobs, almost 40% of Australian jobs that exist today, have a moderate to high likelihood of disappearing in the next 10 to 15 years due to technological advancements, according to a new report from the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA).

Releasing the report, entitled ‘Australia’s future workforce?’, CEDA Chief Executive Professor the Hon Stephen Martin said we are on the cusp of a new industrial revolution and it is important to plan now to ensure Australia’s economy does not get left behind. Professor Martin said as part of the report, researchers examined the probability of job losses due to computerisation and automation in Australia.

“This research shows that in some parts of rural and regional Australia in particular there is a high likelihood of job losses being over 60%,” he said.

Professor Martin said there will be new jobs and industries that emerge but if Australia is not planning and investing in the right areas we will get left behind.

“The pace of technological advancement in the last 20 years has been unprecedented and that pace is likely to continue for the next 20 years,” he said. “While we have seen automation replace some jobs in areas such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing, other areas where we are likely to see change are, for example, the health sector, which to date has remained largely untouched by technological change.

Professor Martin urged Government to lead the way in facing the challenges posed by new technologies, calling for clear, detailed, adequately funded policies in education, innovation and technology. He also said we need to reconsider how we deal with

CEDA Chief Executive Professor the Hon Stephen Martin.

Keech CEO Dr Herbert Hermens.

reskilling workers as particular fields of employment disappear.

manufacturing business.

Dr Herbert Hermens, head of Bendigo-based Keech, said a move towards automation doesn’t have to come at the cost of jobs.

“Our labour market will be fundamentally reshaped by the scope and breadth of technological change, and if we do not embrace massive economic reform and focus on incentivising innovation, we will simply be left behind in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” said Professor Martin. “If we develop the right policies now, we have the potential to reduce the impact of these challenges and ensure our economy remains robust.”

However, the report’s findings came in for criticism from the CEO of one Australian

“Some businesses are failing to see the opportunity that automation brings – the opportunity to educate people and reskill the workforce in a movement towards more specialty skills that we can then export to the rest of the world,” said Dr Hermens. “ Automation should be used to strengthen Australia’s position in the global market. It allows us to be more nimble and quick to respond to changing trends.”

Rise in manufacturing job ads in eastern states The latest SEEK Employment Report has revealed a rise in job advertisements in the combined Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics industry in non-mining related states, from a low in mid-2013.

In the manufacturing sector, pockets of growth are offsetting the decline within areas of manufacturing that have been impacted by the reduction in mining investment. New job ads in assembly and process work are up 24% year-onyear, with new job ad growth also seen in the line of pickers and packers, machine operators and warehousing, storage and distribution.

Managing Director of Employment at SEEK, Michael Ilczynski, said the Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics industry was showing areas of opportunity for jobseekers.

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“The pull-back in mining investment has had significant impact on the combined Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics industry,” said Ilczynski. “Areas of the industry which are heavily reliant or exposed to mining, such as mining-related transport and manufacturing remain in decline. However, the strength of the New South Wales and Victorian markets, which are less exposed to mining, are creating opportunities within this industry, particularly in transport.”

Tasmania leads the pack, with the industry growing 23% year-on-year to May 2015.

This was followed by New South Wales with a strong 19% growth, while Australian

Capital Territory is up 8%, and Victoria is up 6%. Opportunities in Western Australia declined 23%, Northern Territory down by 20% and Queensland down by 3%.

The SEEK Employment Report provides a comprehensive overview of the Australian employment marketplace. The report includes the SEEK Employment Index, which measures the interaction between labour market supply and labour market demand, and the SEEK New Job Ad Index, which measures only new job ads posted within the reported month to provide a clean measure of demand for labour across all classifications.

industry news

ANCA opens new European HQ ANCA held a ceremony on 11 June to formally open its new state-of-the-art European headquarters in Weinheim, Germany.

ANCA’s new customer-focussed facility is close to its previous site in Mannheim, and involved an investment of over €4m. Jan Langfelder, General Manager – Europe for ANCA, said: “The expansion was necessary in order to keep up with our growth and to ensure we continue to offer good service and spare part deliveries in Europe. After helping set up the first German office in 1991 it is rewarding to see the continual investment and growth in this core region.”

As official guests, David Ritchie, AO, Australia’s Ambassador to Germany, and Dr Torsten Fetzner, Deputy Mayor of Weinheim, spoke at the event, which included tours of the technology centre, demonstration room, comprehensive spare parts store and service area. Ritchie expressed his delight at the opportunity to open a facility that showed such a large Australian investment in Germany by a successful Australian company.

The day was also attended by ANCA co-founder and Chairman of the Board Pat Boland and his family, and CEO Grant Anderson.

Boland told the 200 invited guests that he felt ANCA was in an important industry as the major eras of history are measured in terms of their cutting tool technology, through the stone, bronze, copper ages and today.

“The ANCA philosophy is to push in two different directions, one being engineering excellence, with 25 PhDs working in our R&D centre and close co-operation with universities around the world,” added Boland.

“The other dimension is practical trade skills. Machine tools have to be built ruggedly, they have to be reliable and easy to use for someone with a trade background. I think that push from an academic sense and a trade sense has been one of our important cultural features.”

In addition to the formal proceedings, the day included technical demonstrations, tours and lunch. An Open House was held on the following day to welcome more customers to see the new facility and machines.

ANCA was recently the recipient of the overall ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award and ‘Industrial Product of the Year’ award for the FX Linear range at the Endeavour Awards in Australia, and also won the ‘Manufacturing’ category in the PACE Zenith awards.

ACCI – Performance strong and outlook solid for manufacturing The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends has recorded the third consecutive quarterly improvement in conditions, indicating the mood among the nation’s manufacturers is upbeat.

The June-quarter survey, which asks questions on actual and expected conditions for Australian manufacturers across 12 sectors and all states, revealed a rise in the Actual Composite Index of 2.2 points on the previous quarter to 58.4 points, driven by new orders, output and overtime. Employment conditions improved a little in June but remain challenging.

“This latest survey shows that things are looking positive for Australia’s industrial production,” said Kate Carnell AO, CEO of the ACCI. “The combination of low interest rates, an easing local currency, support in the Federal Budget and rising home building activity is creating a virtuous groundswell. We finally have some reasons for our manufacturers to smile.”

According to the ACCI, manufacturing is benefitting from a strong upswing in home-building activity and improvement in service sector investment. The Jobs and Small Business package in May’s Federal Budget was also seen as a positive factor. However, the cycle remains constrained, with consumer spending below trend, mining investment turning down sharply and global fragilities persisting. Exports are rising gradually as the sector benefits from the sharp fall in the currency against the US dollar. A net 2% of firms reported a lift in exports and a net 5% expect an increase in the coming quarter.

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The Expected Composite Index was at 57.0 points, up 1.0 point on the March quarter, driven by new orders and output. A net 19% of firms, up from 8% at the start of the year, expect the general business environment to strengthen over the next six months. A net 32% expect profits to increase, driven by increased turnover.

There are tentative signs that investment by the sector is nearing a turning point, consistent with a trend reduction in spare capacity. A net 11% of firms expect to increase spending on equipment in the next 12 months. The improvement so far is centred on fewer firms looking to reduce spending. On jobs, the Labour Market Composite Index has trended higher over the past six quarters, to 55.3 points in June. The Index points to solid gains in coming months.

“It is important that we consolidate the gains that have been made,” added Carnell.

“We need certainty surrounding policy settings, which can best be achieved by the Senate passing the key measures from the Federal Budget.

We also need a steady pipeline of highquality infrastructure projects to overcome our growing infrastructure deficit and unleash productivity improvements.”

industry news

ARA - Collaboration GP Graders gets a visit the Governor underpins Regional from GP Graders was paid a visit by Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria, on 20 May, at the Rail Link Melbourne company’s manufacturing plant in The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is calling on the Federal Government to consider further funding for state passenger rail, after the recent completion of the $3.65bn Regional Rail Link project in Victoria.

The project was completed $187.5m under budget and ahead of schedule and will boost capacity for passengers in Melbourne’s west and Victoria’s major regional centres of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. ARA Interim Chairman, Bob Herbert AM, said much of the project’s success was thanks to the collaboration and co-funding from both the Victorian and Federal Governments.

“The successful completion of this project is a shining example of a collaborative approach between governments with commitments that have endured their election cycles,” said Herbert. “I encourage the Federal Government to take a leaf out of this book and consider where else they can assist state governments in building the vital infrastructure needed in our capital cities and regional areas.

Glen Waverley.

The Governor met with Managing Director Stuart Payne and the staff at GP Graders, whose cutting-edge fruit sorting technology has seen the company named as Australian Exporter of the Year. The Governor toured the GP Graders facility where he saw first-hand the grading machines in motion.

“GP Graders has an outstanding history of innovation driven by their commitment to take the extra steps to meet the changing needs of their key clients,” the Governor said. “It is always a rewarding experience to visit Victoria’s leading exports and learn first-hand about the intricacies of their business.”

The Governor (left) with GP Graders founder Geoff Payne.

Herbert added that further federal funding was necessary to meet the nation’s infrastructure challenges. He cited the recent Infrastructure Audit Report, which estimated that population growth will swell the demand for public transport by 55% in Sydney, 121% in Melbourne and around 89% in other capital cities.

“State governments cannot be expected to meet this challenge by footing the bill alone; it is time for the Federal Government with the support of the private sector, to take decisive action to meet the nation’s burgeoning infrastructure needs,” said Herbert.

K-Tig lands defence industry innovator award Adelaide-based welding technology company Keyhole TIG Limited (K-TIG) has won the Innovator Award at the DTC Defence Industry Awards.

The Awards, organised annually by the Defence Teaming Centre, are the peak industry event within the defence community and play a critical role in identifying and acknowledging the contribution of leading companies. The Innovator Award, sponsored by the Federal Government’s Department of Industry & Science, recognises a company who has invested heavily in research and development to produce highly innovative products that have contributed to building the capability of the defence industry in South Australia.

The Innovator Award was heavily contested by an unprecedented number of outstanding nominations, including finalists Saab Australia and Auspace.

“It’s tremendous to be acknowledged by the defence industry as a leading innovator” said Belinda Latz, K-Tig Operations Manager, who accepted the award. “Innovation is literally at the core of what we do, and this award comes at a very exciting time in the development of our company and technology.”

“Here in South Australia we have extraordinary defence capabilities,” added Neil Le Quesne, K-Tig CEO. “And the support to industry by the DTC, Defence SA and Department of State Development is exceptional.”

Winner of the 2014 Australian Industrial Product of the Year, K-Tig has developed an ultra-high-speed, full-penetration welding technology that welds up to 100 times faster than conventional welding in materials up to 16mm in thickness – in one pass.

The technology eliminates the need for wire, edge preparation and skilled operators, while requiring just 1/20th of the gas and power needed by other welding processes. “In two short years, K-Tig has managed to turn the way we think about welding on its head and has developed technologies which have eluded the world’s largest welding equipment manufacturers in the US and Europe,” said Le Quesne. “This technology places a tool in the hands of fabricators which routinely reduces the time, gas and power required to weld steels and exotic materials by more than 90%.”

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industry news

Auto component maker switches to solar CSIRO’s solar technology has been exported to Japan in a move that creates a major renewable energy export opportunity for South Australian company Heliostat SA. Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS), which received funding from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment to “develop and verify technologies for enhancing measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions”, will establish a field of 150 heliostats in Yokohama to run research projects. The CSIRO-designed heliostats are being constructed by Heliostat SA, a new company employing former auto industry workers in South Australia that is a new division of Precision Components, an Australian company affected by the car industry downturn.

It is the second international deployment of CSIRO’s solar thermal technology, following on from a similar project in Cyprus. CSIRO’s Energy and Resources Executive Director Dr Alex Wonhas said the two projects were a strong vote of confidence for the science agency’s solar capabilities.

“These projects are the fruits of more than a decade of solar thermal research emanating from our energy centre in Newcastle and demonstrate the growing worldwide appetite for concentrated solar power,” he said. “To have CSIRO’s heliostats selected by MHPS, a global leader in energy, proves that our technology is up there with the best in the world. Our successful collaboration with Heliostat SA also shows the benefits of science working closely with industry to create value for the Australian economy.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane visited the plant operated by Heliostat SA at Beverley, in Adelaide’s western suburbs.

The Federal Government provided $1m of matched funding from its Automotive Diversification Programme to Precision Components, which enabled the car manufacturer to diversify into renewable energy.

CSIRO’s heliostat field in Newcastle, which will be replicated in Japan.

Solar thermal tower technology uses a field of mirrors whose angle is under computer control (heliostats), each of which rotates accurately to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver on top of a tower. In this application the concentrated sunlight is used to create superheated steam, which can then be used to drive a turbine for generating electricity. Energy can be stored cheaply as heat in solar thermal systems, giving this technology great potential for medium to large scale power, even when the sun isn’t shining.

The CSIRO heliostat design is unique. It is smaller than conventional heliostats, and uses an advanced control system to get high performance from a relatively inexpensive design.

Carnegie lands $1.5m for wave energy project Wave energy developer Carnegie Wave Energy Limited has received approval for $1.5m in milestone payments from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for completion and deployment of CETO wave energy units and commissioning of the Perth Wave Energy Project.

Carnegie will receive the grant for the manufacture, completion and deployment of the three CETO 5 units as well as the successful commissioning of the Perth project. The commissioning milestone was awarded as all operational components of the Project are installed and operational and practical completion was reached on all construction activities. The Perth Project is the only grid-connected wave energy project currently operating anywhere in the world. The three CETO Units have cumulatively operated for more than 9500 hours.

Carnegie Wave Energy Limited is an Australian manufacturing company specialising in the development of wave energy technology. The company is the 100% owner and developer of the CETO Wave Energy Technology intellectual property. The CETO system is different from other wave energy devices as it operates under water, where it is safer from large storms and invisible from the shore. The technology is capable of generating power onshore or offshore depending upon the specific characteristics of a project site. CETO technology converts ocean wave energy into zeroemission electricity and desalinated water. It is environmentally

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friendly, has minimal visual impact and attracts marine life, operating fully-submerged in deep water, away from breaking waves and beachgoers, and unaffected by storms.

Upon completion, the Perth Wave Energy Project will be the first commercial-scale CETO grid and desalinated water connected wave energy project. The project is supported by $13.1m in Federal Government funding through the ARENA’s Emerging Renewables Program, and by $7.3m from the Government of Western Australia’s Low Emissions Energy Development (LEED) Fund. The Desalination Pilot is supported by a $1.27m AusIndustry grant from the Clean Technology Innovation Program.

The CETO 5 technology being utilised in the Perth Wave Energy Project (PWEP) is configured to utilise the CETO pumps to pressurise water and deliver it onshore via an underwater pipe.

Then, onshore, high-pressure water is used to drive hydroelectric turbines, generating zero-emission electricity. The high-pressure water can also be used to supply a reverse osmosis desalination plant, replacing or reducing reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting, electrically-driven pumps usually required for such plants.

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government news

Victoria’s leaders in manufacturing recognised Victorian Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio, recognised 16 outstanding individuals and businesses at the 2015 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Gala Dinner.

Manufacturer of the Year (Small Business)

Australian Precision Technologies AMTIL member Australian Precision Technologies Pty Ltd (APT) is a privately owned precision engineering business located in Melbourne’s south-east.

Some of the winners on the night

The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards were established in 2001 to celebrate manufacturing excellence in the state. The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame celebrates the heroes of the Victorian manufacturing sector for their innovation and excellence. The awards acknowledge those individuals and companies whose innovation, creativity and drive helps to make Victoria’s manufacturing sector competitive.

This year’s ceremony was held at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne on 26 May, attended by more than 800 senior decision makers from the manufacturing sector.

“Victoria has a long and proud history in manufacturing and our highly skilled workforce provides a strong base for our economy,” said Minister D’Ambrosio.

“The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards recognise the challenges ahead for the manufacturing sector by promoting innovation, growth and excellence in manufacturing.”

Carl Bizon, President of Cequent Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa (APEA) was recognised as a new member of the Hall of Fame’s Honour Roll. Bizon has firmly established the Australian operation as a Centre of Engineering Excellence, following a heavy investment in efficiency, technology, and productivity. In addition, Anna Reid, Victorian Operations Manager of Asahi Beverages, was named Young Manufacturer of the Year. Ms Reid is site manager of factories at Laverton and Tullamarine.

In the company categories, Australian Precision Technologies (APT) was named Small Manufacturer of the Year, GP Graders Medium Manufacturer of the Year, and Hickory Building Systems Large Manufacturer of the Year. In addition, a further five companies – Archiblox, Carbon Revolution, Duratray International, Keech Australia and Mobil Refining Australia

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(Altona) – were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Six new award categories were introduced this year to reflect Premier Daniel Andrews’ State Government’s plan to boost sectors that have the potential for extraordinary growth. The new sector categories and their winners are: • Medical technology and pharmaceuticals – Fairmont Medical Products

Founded in 1992, APT has forged a reputation as a leading provider of simple to highly complex precision components, instruments and assemblies. Through sophisticated manufacturing processes, APT has developed consistently high quality components for defence, aerospace, transport, rail, water control, resources, medical, mining, security and automotive sectors. www.aptengineering.com

• New energy technology – Millennium Electronics • Food and fibre processing – LangTech International • Transport, defence and construction technology – Alstom Transport Australia • International education – RMIT Advanced Manufacturing Precinct • Professional services – Dairy Innovation Australia Limited.

“In keeping with this year’s theme – Advancing Manufacturing - the awards acknowledge Victoria’s dedicated community of companies and individuals and recognise the innovation and export focus that is needed to make Victoria’s manufacturing sector competitive,” added Minister D’Ambrosio. “To meet the challenges of global manufacturing, Victoria must focus on areas of the market that have potential for growth.”

Lily D’Ambrosio, Victorian Minister for Industry and Ron Weinzerl, Australian Precision Technologies.

Manufacturer of the Year (Medium Business)

GP Graders Established in 1963, AMTIL member GP Graders commenced operations in the Australian market by supplying fruit grading machinery to domestic businesses.

AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti was among those presenting awards on the night.

Realising that export sales offered greater sales and revenue potential, and that through advanced manufacturing technology it was possible to both increase quality and reduce operating costs, GP Graders realigned its company strategy to have a greater focus on export sales to the US, Canada, Chile,

government news

to become Australia’s most prolific apartment builder, consistently topping the HIA Housing 100 for multi-unit construction and making the BRW list of Top 50 Most Innovative Companies.

Hickory offers a full suite of construction capabilities, and through its subsidiary the company manufacturers modular building systems including pre-fabricated bathroom pods and high rise building structures. This capability has earned Hickory a reputation as a world-leader in modular construction with the group manufacturing building products in Victoria for projects across Australia, as well as exporting their intellectual property to Asian markets.

developed a strong knowledge and skill set in the areas of sales, manufacturing, customer management, product development, IT and large-scale project management at GWA International, Stramit Industries and Tubemakers. www.trimascorp.com

Young Manufacturer of the Year

Anna Reid Manufacturing Operations Victoria, Asahi Beverages

www.hickory.com.au Stuart Payne, Managing Director, GP Graders.

Turkey, Greece the UK and mainland Europe.

Currently, GP Graders stands as the world’s largest supplier of cherry grading and packing machinery. The company invests millions in research and development, which leads to scores of innovations each year.

Honour Roll

Carl Bizon Cequent APEA, TriMas Corporation

GP Graders designs and manufactures all of its own machinery, as it provides greater control over quality standards and functionality. Domestically, GP Graders has a larger product offering including cherry, citrus, stone fruit, shellfish, mango, and apple grading and packing machinery.

Internationally, GP Graders is being used by leading cherry distributors thanks to the AirJet™ Defect Cherry Grader.

Anna Reid

www.gpgraders.com.au

Manufacturer of the Year (Large Business)

Hickory Building Systems Hickory is a leading construction and manufacturing company with over 20 years’ experience delivering high-density residential and commercial buildings. Established in 1991, the family owned business has grown

Minister D’Ambrosio, Eddie Pallota, Operations Director, Hickory Building Systems, and Shane Infanti.

Carl Bizon

Joining the NASDAQ-listed TriMas Corporation in 2008, Bizon manages its Cequent Group operations across the Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa. Over a sixyear period, Bizon has tripled the Group’s revenues through both local and global growth and acquisitions.

Bizon’s ability and policy direction has protected the heart of the Australian business through investment in efficiency, technology, productivity and customer and employee relations, and has leveraged this into international markets to successfully grow the company. Bizon has firmly established the Australian operation as Cequent’s head office and its Centre for Engineering Excellence.

Under his direction and guidance, subsidiary satellite manufacturing operations have been established in South Africa, Thailand, Germany, the UK, Finland and New Zealand, along with a sales office in China.

Whilst undertaking her double degree (Engineering and Information Technology) with First Class Honors in Engineering from the Australian National University, Anna Reid assisted in the design of a hand-held system to be used by Ford in its metal stamping operations in Victoria.

Since then, Reid’s manufacturing experience has included a role with George Weston Foods as the Process Improvement Engineer for NSW, overseeing manufacturing at Tip Top Bakeries in Adelaide as Operations Manager, and overseeing manufacturing of beverages at Golden Circle’s Northgate facility, Queensland. In early 2014, before moving to Victoria, Reid managed the implementation of an $80m upgrade to the Schweppes Australia operations in Western Australia, in the role of Project Implementation Manager. Impressively she did this whilst also continuing to run the state as Manufacturing Operations Manager.

Reid is now the Site Manager of two factories in Melbourne, one at Laverton and one at Tullamarine, which together produce over 35m cases of alcoholic and non-alcoholiv beverages, and manages a combined budget in excess of $60m. www.schweppesaustralia.com.au

Prior to joining the company TriMas Bizon

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government news

SA: Funding to stimulate innovation in SMEs The South Australian State Government will invest more than $250,000 in a range of projects aimed at helping small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) develop new manufacturing processes and products.

The funding is being made through the $1.1m Innovation Voucher Program (IVP), part of the State Government’s Manufacturing Works strategy. The IVP provides vouchers of between $10,000 and $50,000 to help manufacturing SMEs collaborate with organisations such as universities and private research companies to overcome technical problems to deliver innovation.

• Measurement Engineering Australia – $50,000 for a project with Brent Honeybone to develop a software solution to enhance an innovative irrigation product.

Successful applicants in the latest rounds of IVP funding include:

• Sunscreen Umbrella – $15,000 for a project with Fingo to undertake a detailed analysis of their esky product to improve its quality, features and durability.

• Hardcore Diamond Products – $20,000 for a project with the University of South Australia to conduct experiments with molten alloy infiltration for the production of specialised drill bits.

• Seapa – $27,000 for a project with Icarus Industrial Design to design and prototype an enhanced basket system for oyster farming, which will improve oyster growth and farming efficiency.

• PRB Units – $42,000 for a project with ITEK Ventures of the University of South Australia to design and prototype a vehicle immobilising device to be used during high speed police chases.

• Home Support Services – $16,775 to work with the University of South Australia to develop a software solution to monitor medication use, identify hospitalisation risks and potentially reduce healthcare costs.

• Critical Asset Protection – $50,000 for a project with Industrial Monitoring and Control to develop software for a specialised monitoring system to protect valuable assets.

• Coiltek Manufacturing – $30,000 for a project with Precimax Tooling to help commercialise a product that will improve metal detector performance.

SA Science and Information Economy Minister Gail Gago said SMEs often encounter problems they could not solve on their own.

“In some cases the company doesn’t have the resources to address manufacturing issues, and in other cases there are no readily available solutions,” she said. “The Innovation Voucher Program enables SMEs to partner with research and technology organisations to overcome their problems by developing new manufacturing processes and products. The collaboration with organisations like universities can then foster ongoing innovation.”

Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher said the IVP aligns directly with one of the State Government’s key economic priorities – Growth through Innovation.

“The transformation of SA’s economy will be built on the ability of our manufacturers to adopt new ways of doing things so that they can create globally competitive, high-value businesses,” said Maher. www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/ivp

Accelerating Commercialisation – $23.4m investment in projects A total of 18 Australian companies will receive grants to propel their innovative ideas from the drawing board into the marketplace under the Federal Government’s Accelerating Commercialisation programme.

Industry and Science Minister Ian Macfarlane said the first round of $10.6m in funding under the Accelerating Commercialisation element of the Australian Government’s $484.2m Entrepreneurs’ Programme would be backed by business investment in new opportunities and new jobs.

“These Accelerating Commercialisation investments will help 18 innovative Australian businesses get their ideas to market,” Macfarlane said. “Importantly, the $10.6m of Government funding is more than matched by investment from businesses themselves, leading to a total value for the projects of $23.4m. “Australia needs to turn great ideas into commercial products to keep up with global markets, and this investment will assist with that process across a range of sectors.”

Macfarlane said the projects include: • Development of a 3D printer learning programme for primary school children.

• Development of a state-of-the-art plant that produces hydrogen at a fraction of the cost of current methods.

• Commercialisation of a device that tests strength and injury risk in hamstring muscles.

• Manufacturing scale-up of a scratch-resistant acrylic glass.

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“Accelerating Commercialisation will drive business growth and competitiveness and deliver nationwide economic benefits by helping to ensure that more of Australia’s wealth of intellectual property is effectively commercialised,” Macfarlane added.

“Commercialisation Advisers guide businesses through the commercialisation process. Eligible businesses may also receive financial assistance in the form of a matching grant of up to $1m.”

Industry and Science Minister Ian Macfarlane

More information on the projects can be found at http://www.business. gov.au/advice-and-support/EP/Accelerating-Commercialisation/ Pages/AC-Announcements.aspx.

Details about the Entrepreneurs’ Programme can be found at www.business.gov.au or by phoning 13 28 46.

VOICE-BOX Opinions from across the manufacturing industry

The case for building submarines in Australia If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the last 25 years, it’s that government can’t successfully run naval dockyards in Australia. This is why the National Commission of Audit recommended the immediate privatisation of the Australian Submarine Corporation, writes Tony Shepherd.

There are three other important lessons that we must heed if we are to create an efficient, enduring naval construction industry in Australia. The first is the requirement for a single highly competent prime contractor responsible for the delivery of the whole vessel, including systems integration.

Second, we must ensure that the chosen platform is subject to tight capability and configuration control and the use of the most advanced existing systems and equipment.

Avoid R & D type solutions at all costs, and go with proven performers.

Finally, we should have confidence that we can successfully build complex warships here, adding to our high technology base and giving us the intellectual property and local capability to maintain, modify, and update naval vessels over a 30-year operating life.

Local construction gives us a much larger degree of independence than a build in an overseas dockyard. This is particularly important for a country at the end of a long maritime supply chain. The savage reality of this lesson was learnt early in World War II, when we struggled to defend ourselves.

The best recent example is the Anzac Warship Project, where ten ships were delivered on time and on budget with full operational capability. They were designed

by Blohm+Voss (now ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems TKMS) to suit Australian and New Zealand requirements, and built and integrated by a single prime contractor— Transfield Defence Systems—at the privatised Williamstown Naval Dockyard. With a new, vastly more productive workforce, ten Anzac frigates were built under fixedprice contracts. The combat system for the Anzac frigates was supplied by Sweden and developed in Adelaide. The cost penalty over a full ship build in Germany was negligible and more than offset by the long-term local industry support network. Local content in the project amounted to 80%.

These hard-learned lessons should be applied to the acquisition of our nextgeneration submarines. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has unique requirements: quiet, conventionally powered vessels able to operate in littoral waters and undertake extended, long-range patrols far from Australia. An ‘off-the-shelf’ solution to replace the Collins class isn’t an option.

“We should have confidence that we can successfully build complex warships here, adding to our high technology base and giving us the intellectual property and local capability to maintain, modify, and update naval vessels over a 30-year operating life.”

We should build on the lessons learned from the Collins-class submarines which, despite the well-known problems with systems integration and overseas suppliers, were successfully built in Adelaide. Both the Anzac frigate project and the Collins submarines’ construction reached international benchmarks of productivity and quality as well as helping to sustain more than a thousand SMEs across Australia.

We also need to learn from the difficulties and cost overruns experienced by the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project. It isn’t fair to use the AWDs as the key criterion to make decisions about the capability of local defence industry to undertake future naval construction in Australia. The AWD alliance structure was flawed from the start, with the ship’s designer left out of the alliance, and without a single experienced naval shipbuilder in charge.

The construction of the Anzac frigates and the Collins-class submarines followed a series of well-established procedures in Defence procurement, starting with a careful identification of the RAN’s top-level requirements for each platform. After the selection of a short-list of experienced offshore designers, funded project definition

studies led to the submission of fixed-price tenders for a local build that maximised the involvement of Australian industry. The Abbott government should follow this wellproven risk-reduction path.

Our successful naval shipbuilding experience in Australia in the 1990s showed that we could build surface warships and submarines simultaneously. The Abbott government should have confidence that, with the right defence procurement procedures and contractual arrangements in place, and with construction in privately-operated dockyards, the future submarines and the future frigates can be built successfully in Australia.

Our next-generation submarines should be built in Adelaide in a privatised dockyard with a single prime contractor using a proven, suitable design from a proven designer. This isn’t for xenophobic reasons. It’s for sound strategic and economic reasons.

Tony Shepherd chaired the Abbott government’s National Commission of Audit and is a former chairman of the Business Council of Australia. This article was first published in The Strategist. www.aspistrategist.org.au

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Tech news

UK: 3D-printing plastic 100 x faster The world’s first 3D printing machine that can make plastic parts as fast and as cheaply as traditional manufacturing is soon to be built.

The machine will build parts up to three times larger and 100 times faster than current comparable 3D printing machines, challenging conventional injection moulding for high volume production and enabling serious production of volumes over one million, which is currently inconceivable. The new machine will be able to make parts up to the size of a washing machine. The speed will depend on the size of the product, but small components should be built at a rate of less than one second per part. The HSS technology is being licensed to industrial machine manufacturers, with new machines being expected on the market from 2017/18.

University of Sheffield

Australia: Prefabricated Housing Research Centre $4m has been allocated for a new training centre at the University of Melbourne’s Advanced Manufacturing of Prefabricated Housing Research Centre. The Centre aims to provide new knowledge, methods and technologies to support the R&D needed to propel the prefabricated housing sector well beyond the current 3% share of the construction market and to train the next generation of industryready Australian engineers and scientists. Over the coming decade, Melbourne and Sydney will require an additional 60,000 and 80,000 public housing units respectively. The Centre’s expected outcomes include the creation of 20,000 new jobs by 2025; 90% faster construction than traditional methods and reduction of total costs by up to 50%.

University of Melbourne

Netherlands: 3D-printed bridge A Dutch startup is set to build a pedestrian bridge over a canal in Amsterdam using its own 3D-printing 6-axis industrial robots. The project, set to be completed in 2017, is a test for MX3D, an R&D firm whose specialised, multi-axis robots are built to “draw” metal and resin structures in 3D. The technology would allow infrastructure and other large objects to be printed in place, a possibility that could have implications for construction and design. The bridge will show how 3D printing finally enters the world of large-scale, functional objects and sustainable materials while allowing unprecedented freedom of form. The project’s progress may be followed from September via its website’s Visitor Centre Mixed and http://mx3d.com

UK: Generating light from gravity A team of engineers has developed an innovative lamp called “GravityLight” which generates light from gravity. No batteries or sunlight are required and it costs nothing to run.

It requires only seconds to lift the weight that powers GravityLight, creating 20 minutes of light on its descent. Ie a 1.8m drop of a 12kg weight is lifted and on release starts falling very slowly. This movement powers a drive sprocket, which rotates very slowly with high torque. A polymer geartrain turns this input into a high speed, low torque output that drives a DC generator.

This powers an onboard LED and ancillary devices. 20% of the world’s population do not have access to electricity; this product was developed to enable people to break free from the health hazards associated with kerosene lamps. The team is now crowd-funding for the Gravitylight radio.

Gravitylight.org

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AMT JULY 2015

Germany: Low friction coating for grease-free lubrication Researchers have developed a functional coating which lubricates without grease and protects against corrosion at the same time.

Suitable as a coating for metals and metal alloys, platelet-like solid lubricants and particles are incorporated in a binder. When this mixture is applied to a surface, it produces a well-ordered structure in which these particles are arranged in a roof tile pattern. This forms a “transfer film” between the low friction coating and the object through which surfaces can slide with the minimum of friction. The roof tile structure acts as a barrier while providing low-friction sliding.

INM - Leibniz-Institut für Neue Materialien

Australia: Truck’s gas system improves waste collection A world-first natural gas fuel system is improving the efficiency of waste collection in Adelaide, while reducing truck noise, running costs and particulate pollution. The Dennis Eagle refuse truck prototype uses an IntelliGas High Density Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Storage System. With 50-80% greater fuel capacity than conventional CNG, it is capable of collecting up to 1300 bins per 10-hour shift without refuelling. Because natural gas is abundant in Australia, reliance on imported fuel will be reduced.

Gas Energy Australia

US/Belgium: Plastic engine set for debut in concept car An automotive engine mostly made from plastic will be tested in a racing car in 2016. US engineer Matti Holtzberg and Belgian chemical company Solvay, are working on the Polimotor 2 project. Up to 10 metal engine components including the water pump, oil pump, water inlet/outlet, throttle body, fuel rail, cam sprockets and others will be replaced with parts made from seven high-performing thermoplastic materials. The aim is to reduce the engine’s weight from 67kg to 41kg. “If you don’t do it then nobody will ever do it” said Holtzberg.

The Engineer & Solvay.com

Germany: New laser method to apply diamond-like coatings Coating engine components with hard carbon which reduces friction to almost zero is already used in volume production. Now researchers have developed a new laser arc method to apply the coating on the production line, succeeding in producing hydrogen-free Tetrahedral amorphous carbon coatings (ta-C) on an industrial scale at a consistent level of quality. These coatings are significantly harder than conventional diamond-like coatings. “Unfortunately, you can’t just scrape off diamond dust and press it onto the component. So we had to look for a different method” said Team Leader Dr. Joachim Scheibe.

Systematic application of this new method could save more than 100 billion litres of fuel over the next 10 years, Fraunhofer

Product news

Kaeser rolls out new energy-saving low-pressure screw blowers Kaeser has announced the launch of its new FBS-series screw blowers, which provide free air deliveries of up to 67 cubic metres per minute.

Sectors such as the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, pulp and paper, textile and construction materials industries, and applications such as wastewater treatment, pneumatic conveying systems and power generation, can all benefit from this innovative screw blower technology.

Following on from the 2014 launch of the EBS series, the FBS series provides a low-pressure compressor solution that is quiet yet efficient.

FBS screw blowers are up to 35% more efficient than conventional rotary blowers, outclassing other comparable screw and turbo blowers on the market. Such significant energy savings are realised thanks to the inclusion of the same proven and trusted technology inherent in the standard Kaeser compressor range.

The rotors found in the EBS and FBS series are uncoated to ensure prolonged efficiency.

The data provided for the effective total energy consumption and usable flow capacity correspond precisely to the machines’ actual performance (as per the conservative tolerances outlined by Standard ISO 1217; measurements validated by TÜVSüd). This ensures that the estimated savings calculated as a result of investing in this piece of equipment are actually realised.

All EBS and FBS series screw blowers from Kaeser feature an integrated Sigma Control 2 controller. This provides continuous and comprehensive monitoring whilst allowing straightforward connection of each machine to communications networks.

For users requiring further productivity and energy savings, the Sigma Air Manager (SAM) master controller can be introduced. SAM features further refined software specialised for blower operations.

Made in Germany, the EBS and FBS series screw blowers are equipped with an internal cooling system that makes the energyintensive use of oil pumps and oil coolers redundant. They also feature a highly effective sealing concept that ensures long-term seal integrity without the need for vacuum pumps. Durability and reliability is enhanced by eliminating the need for auxiliary equipment and circulating oil lubrication. Cooling and process air are drawn in separately from outside the machine enclosure, which not only provides greater usable air mass flow for the same power consumption, but also ensures optimum cooling and efficiency.

Thanks to a clever component layout, these units can easily be installed directly next to a wall, or side-by-side, making maintenance easy. The EBS- and FBS-series screw blowers from Kaeser have been designed for dependable and continuous operation, and are available with free air deliveries of 10-67 cubic metres per minute, and a maximum differential pressure 1.1 bar. www.kaeser.com.au

The NEW Shape of Manufacturing Stratasys 3D Printers are changing the way manufacturers are taking on the world.

Our customers are discovering that 3D Printers give them the best edge to succeed. · Produce jigs, tools, fixtures, parts & injection moulds. · Speed up time-to-market with prototyping. · Rental & leasing options available.

Contact us on 03 8587 8200 or go to www.tasman3dprinters.com.au

AMT JULY 2015

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product news

Iscar ‘Dovetails’ savings with surface finish The machining of flat surfaces using face mills is a familiar metal cutting process throughout the world.

Indexable facemills with 45-65 degree cuttingedge angles are the most common cutting tools used for this everyday operation. The widespread use of these tools has resulted in a plethora of face mill design variations from a wide range of manufacturers. As in other highly competitive consumable sectors, keen competition has resulted in the advancement of face mill technology.

Iscar has long been considered a leading innovator in the field of indexable face mills, claiming many firsts in the areas of base materials, coatings and geometry. Recently, groundbreaking work by Iscar’s R&D team has resulted in the launch of DoveIQMill IQ845. Iscar describes its advanced new range as a ‘quantum leap forward’.

The design brief given to Iscar’s R&D team was a demanding one: to create a durable and robust tool; design a long-lasting economical insert; and enable users to achieve class-leading surface finish characteristics. Following an extended design and development period and exhaustive machining trials, each of the demanding design challenges were accomplished.

DoveIQMill IQ845 is characterised by the precise “dovetail” profile of the insert’s pocket. This ultra-secure arrangement is a major factor in the advanced tools’ success. The system’s cost-effective inserts are double-sided and boast eight cutting edges (four on each side).

The long-lasting inserts’ top and bottom surfaces feature complex geometries that ensure a positive rake and result in much improved chip formation. These surfaces rotate relative to each other around the central axis of the central hole.

The inserts’ side surfaces consist of alternating faces with different angles of inclination. The use of superior cutting geometry and

relatively wide wiper widths enable highquality surface finish results to be achieved throughout milling operations.

Soft and stable cutting, and smooth entry and exit of the milling tool into the machined material, depends on cutting edge inclination.

However, in the case of indexable cutters carrying negative or “dovetail” profile inserts, ensuring a positive inclination is a very difficult design task. To overcome this problem, Iscar’s R&D team found an ingenious solution. DoveIQMill IQ845 is believed to be the first indexable milling tool with doublesided inserts that features a significantly positive cutting edge inclination (more than 20 degrees) to provide a very smooth and easy cut.

This combination of high-quality features results in extremely impressive performance levels. Designed for stable, high-efficiency machining, DoveIQMill IQ845 delivers both time savings and high surface finish characteristics that replicate finish milling or even grinding.

The following example illustrates the successful application of Iscar face mill IQ845 FSY D80-08-27-R07 (80mm diameter, eight teeth). The user was machining low-alloy steel with a hardness value of HRC 3840, cutting at a speed of 180 metres/min, with a feed of 0.2mm/tooth, to a depth of 3.5mm and a width of 40 mm. The surface roughness value achieved was Ra0.5 (formerly Ra1.6.). The introduction of the advanced Iscar face mill substantially improved the overall process. It allowed previously used separate rough and finish milling operations to be combined in to a single, efficient operation. Cycle times were slashed and production costs were significantly reduced. www.iscar.com.au

Connective Retailing – get back in the sales game Connective Retailing is a new online tool to help manufacturers sell more products without disrupting existing sales channels.

Today’s tech-savvy consumers are often well informed regarding product specifications but unsure about product categories, usage characteristics and technical details. They go to bricks-and-mortar stores looking for personalised service and confirmation of product suitability. Who better to ask than the manufacturer?

Connective Retailing is designed to allow the manufacturer to assist in the sales process by providing the salesperson and consumer with an easy-to-use online tool that guides the consumer to the best product for their needs. This removes the burden of remembering all the product details from the retailer and allows the salesperson to concentrate on understanding the consumer’s demands.

Connective Retailing helps the salesperson build a relationship with the consumer by asking relevant, common-sense questions via an in-store screen, mobile phone or tablet. The consumer can see that the product selected is suitable for their requirements, thereby building confidence in the brand, and the manufacturer

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can see why certain products are chosen, thereby facilitating better marketing, product enhancement and stock levels.

Manufacturers and distributors are increasingly introducing guided selling tools in response to the growing number of products available and to meet the consumer’s demands. The retailing business is then free to focus on sales-training and relationshipbuilding instead. A guided selling tool ensures the customer goes away with the product they were looking for, reducing product returns and associated costs.

Connective Retailing uses Shop Assistant software, a guided selling tool developed by software development company Wired Internet Group that is proving popular with manufacturers and retailers alike. Wired Internet Group works with manufacturers and retailers to restore their consumer connection, and to help rediscover the market. www.onlineshopassistant.com

Product news

Kemppi releases FreshAir welding helmets Kemppi has unveiled its new FreshAir range of welding helmets, designed to provide protection against welding, grinding and associated airborne fumes and dust contamination, and ensure user comfort while meeting Australian standards.

The lightweight Beta 90 FreshAir helmet provides maximum flexibility and can be worn by welders working in any position, whether undertaking arc welding, plasma cutting, gouging or grinding operations. It provides excellent safety and protection for the eyes, face and lungs. The Beta 90 features a three-stage flip lens to protect against welding, tacking and grinding operations. In overhead welding applications, the Beta 90’s shield incorporates a perimeter deflection rim for additional protection. The helmet also boasts a dual-skin hatch design to reduce heat transfer to the face. To ensure any harmful airborne welding fumes and dust contamination are eliminated, the Beta 90 design incorporates the ‘positive pressure’ principal.

The Beta 90 FreshAir can be combined with either a battery-powered FreshAir filter pack or a locally supplied airline. Cool and clean breathing air is channelled through a filter and directed over the welder’s face. The positive pressure design also ensures that breathing is effortless.

Plus, the Beta 90’s adjustable fabric face seal creates a safe, easy breathing zone to deliver allday comfort.

The air-flow reduces lens-misting and a multi-point head harness ensures maximum adjustment and comfort.

The Delta 90 and Delta+ 90 FreshAir helmets have been specifically designed for work in extreme conditions such as heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, and mining and construction sites, where hardhat protection is advised or essential. Both the Delta 90 and Delta+ 90 incorporate many features of the Beta 90 but provide all-round head protection.

The Delta 90 integrates head, face and respiratory protection in one strong model to deliver maximum protection and comfort for welder.

This model can also incorporate optional hearing protection. For additional protection, the Delta+ 90 includes a separately hinged welding visor that can be raised independently from a large, clear, impact-grade face shield. This provides exceptional vision of the work area for both pre- and post-welding and fabrication, as well as a safe, clean breathing environment. Plus, the welding visor can be easily removed when welding protection is not required but high-quality respiratory, head, face and hearing protection are essential.

Both the Delta and Delta+ 90 FreshAir models can be combined with either a rechargeable, battery-powered FreshAir filter pack or a local air source to ensure the welder has access to cool, clean breathing air. All three FreshAir welding helmets have been rigorously tested and meet Australian and New Zealand standards. www.kemppi.com

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product news

W100-2 – Versatile miniature photoelectric sensors The W100-2 product family from SICK offers an economical photoelectric sensor solution with outstanding performance.

W100-2 miniature photoelectric sensors are compatible with all standard detection principles (through-beam photoelectric sensors, photoelectric retro-reflective sensors, photoelectric retro-reflective sensors for detecting transparent objects, energetic sensors, and sensors with background blanking), making them ideal for detection applications. The housing design includes M3 threaded mounting holes, spaced one inch apart, which allows for straightforward, standardised, inexpensive mounting.

Each sensor features a bright, visible light spot, clearly visible status indicator LEDs and an integrated M3 threaded mounting hole, all of which make commissioning quick and easy. W100-2 sensors are suitable for a variety of tasks, with numerous options in terms of switching output (PNP or NPN ) and connectors (male connector, M8, 3-pin; male connector, M8, 4-pin; cable, 2 m), light/ dark switching and sensitivity adjustment allow for a wide variety of sensor variants. The extensive range of accessories also opens up a diverse spectrum of application possibilities.

The energetic WT100-2 photoelectric proximity sensor features long sensing ranges of up to 1.2m. The WT100-2 photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with background blanking features reliable detection while simultaneously blanking backgrounds. The WL1002 photoelectric retro-reflective sensor features long sensing ranges of over 7 metres on the PL80A reflector.

The WL100-2 photoelectric retro-reflective sensor for detecting transparent objects features reliable switching and long sensing ranges for transparent materials. The WS/WE100-2 through-beam photoelectric sensor features long sensing ranges of over 30m.

Thanks to the extensive range of accessories (including slotted diaphragms and polarisation filter attachments), in addition to standard applications, positioning tasks can be carried out and small objects can be detected reliably. www.sick.com/au

maxon – New breed CoroMill Plura HD – of DC servomotors Reliable end-milling The DCX 22 DC servomotor from maxon has been robotically manufactured from a customer’s direct inputs into an internet-based motor configuration tool.

CoroMill Plura Heavy Duty (HD) is a completely new solid end-milling concept, developed for removing large amounts of metal with the reliability needed for heavy roughing.

The first feature to observe on the motor, gearhead and encoder combination is the complete lack of any screws, pins or clamps between any of the components. This is achieved even for the encoder with continuous flow laser welding. By removing the traditional mounting plate design between the DC motor and the planetary gearhead it saves on overall length.

CoroMill Plura HD is the first-choice solid roughing end-mill for shoulder milling, full-slot milling, ramping and helical interpolation in steel and stainless steel. It can also be used with cast iron and heatresistant materials. The tools offer secure, reliable machining in a wide range of cutting parameters.

A complete weld revolution between the motor and gearhead also eliminates the possibility of oil or water ingress into the motor at this point. The encoder cable exit is also sealed providing both strain relief and sealing. maxon DC servomotors do not require internal airflow or brush cooling allowing them to be completely enclosed. Using the web configuration tool features on the motor including the shaft length, shaft flats, cable lengths, gear ratios and winding characteristics can all be customised to best suit the application.

Normally a robust, efficient and customised motor drive that is manufactured to order in Switzerland would take a minimum of four weeks to produce. This new style of manufacturing represents somewhat of a breakthrough with the product being shipped in under 11 working days. www.maxonmotor.com.au

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High process security and a long predictable tool life are essential in heavy roughing operations. The optimised flute shape was designed utilising finite element analysis (FEA), and it assures effective chip evacuation when machining with a large depth of cut. This flute design also prevents recutting of chips and sudden tool breakage.

By efficiently removing chips, full-slot milling up to two times diameter with five-teeth end-mills is possible without compromising process security. Stainless steel end-mills also benefit from internal coolant for maximum chip evacuation and temperature control.

The geometrical features and grades allow for exceptional metal removal rates and tool life. Two new grades have been developed: one for all-round conditions, preferably in dry machining, and one to deal with tough conditions and large engagements in wet machining.

The tough face geometry is developed to cope with demanding ramping operations. Other features include differential pitch and cylindrical land to help minimise vibration and to provide predictable performance for reliable roughing. www.sandvik.coromant.com

Product news

Cygnus unveils new multimode ultrasonic thickness gauges Cygnus Instruments has released a new suite of multi-mode ultrasonic thickness gauges, available in Australia through Russell Fraser Sales.

Made in the UK and incorporating Cygnus’ Multiple Echo technique for measuring remaining metal thickness through protective coatings, the new line consists of the: Cygnus 2 Hands Free; Cygnus 4 General Purpose; Cygnus 2+ Hands Free; Cygnus 4+ General Purpose and Cygnus 6+ PRO. The new standard models (Cygnus 2 Hands Free & Cygnus 4 General Purpose) employ the Multiple Echo technique to give accurate through coating thickness measurements and new the Plus+ models (Cygnus 2+, Cygnus 4+ and Cygnus 6+ PRO) feature Multiple-Echo, Echo-Echo and Single-Echo measuring modes using twin crystal probes for a wider spectrum of applications, including extreme corrosion or back wall pitting.

The new Cygnus 2+, Cygnus 4+ and Cygnus 6+ PRO also include Measurement Stability Indicator (MSI) which is both intuitive and simple. Used in Single-Echo and Echo-Echo modes, this trademarked technique samples returning echoes to ensure they are all identical.

If the returning echoes are identical the display changes colour or format which indicates the reading is stable and reliable.

Data Logging is available on the new Cygnus 4+ and Cygnus 6+ PRO thickness gauges. The Cygnus 4+ records simple sequential measurements and the Cygnus 6+ PRO offers comprehensive data logging where the user can add defined text comments, create templates and add radial measurements around a last logged measurement point. Both models record up to 5000 measurement points, including A-scans.

Highly suited to Australia’s rugged operating conditions, the new range of Cygnus thickness gauges is manufactured using a twin-shot injection-moulded enclosure, which has a soft but durable TPE outer skin, making the units both robust and lightweight. In fact, Cygnus has achieved the tough American Military Standard MIL SPEC 810G for environmental protection. As such the new range can withstand the harshest operating conditions including drop, vibration, dust and water ingress (IP67), together with low- and high-temperature cycling. www.rfsales.com.au

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product news

Exair – Avoid the frustration of inferior air guns Inexpensive air guns are sold through many catalogues and industrial supply companies. Most have triggers or other parts that break quickly.

Their performance is similar to open pipe, where they simply blow a lot of compressed air. In addition to the high air consumption, many produce noise levels that violate health and safety requirements. Some even generate dangerous dead end pressures that can result in serious or fatal injuries if blocked.

EXAIR’s extensive range of safety air guns have been carefully designed to eliminate these problems. They are durable and comfortable to use. Each model uses an engineered air nozzle that provides superior performance by entraining large volumes of surrounding air. Safe operation is assured along with low air consumption and noise level.

The Precision Safety Air Gun is a small ergonomic gun good for light-duty cleaning or blow-off and fits well in smaller hands. It also has a strong focused blast of air capable of reaching into tight spaces.

The highly popular Soft Grip Safety Air Gun is cast from aluminium with a comfortable

four-finger trigger to reduce fatigue over long periods. A large variety of air nozzle options provides a solution for light to heavy duty blow-off applications.

The Heavy Duty Safety Air Gun is a powerhouse model designed for rough surroundings and robust blow-off applications. Built from a dependable cast aluminium body and full rubber grip, this gun is available with powerful nozzles to solve stubborn blow-off problems.

The Super Blast Safety Air Gun is equipped for the most difficult applications that require the highest force. It provides force from 1.45kg to 10.43kg, with a comfortable soft grip and a manual spring-loaded valve that is designed to shut off the compressed air supply if the gun is dropped. www.caasafety.com.au

Mill2Rush TNMX 18 – First-of-itskind triangular insert TaeguTec has broadened its Mill2Rush line by expanding the popular TNMX 18 series to be the first in the business to introduce a double-sided triangular insert used in extended flute cutters.

To accompany this breakthrough for the metalworking industry, TaeguTec has also added Mill2Rush TNMX 18 splitter inserts, a move that elaborates upon the existing line’s popularity and greatly increases the amount of applications, industries and materials that the family of inserts and cutters cover.

The first-of-its-kind TNMX 18 addition is characterised by a double-sided triangular insert with an 8mm thickness and 13mm depth of cut. These factors enable for powerful machining and add to the Mill2Rush family of cutting tools by allowing an even greater choice in heavyduty 90-degree machining. Other features include a high helical and positive cutting-edge geometry that also makes the machining process stable, which in turn increases productivity while cutting on cost, and an angled screw-clamping design that promotes rigid clamping.

The latest design improvements have introduced other advantages to the TNMX 18

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line. For example, the splitter insert’s grooves are located along the cutting edges to reduce the cutting load, vibration and noise under unstable machining conditions such as long overhang or weak fixtures. As such, the splitter inserts promote very stable machining and higher productivity since the grooves also generate reduced cutting load, which in turn allows for higher table feed during machining.

With the introduction of the new TNMX 18 chip splitter inserts, the extended flute end mills and shell mills now enable a wider variety of applications.

During the product testing phase, TaeguTec recorded impressive improvements in tool life and productivity compared to leading competitor’s similar offering. In one case study on an alloy steel workpiece, TaeguTec’s TNMX 18 line of flute cutters and splitter inserts outperformed the competition by 39% and increased tool life by 50%. In another test conducted on cast iron, the new line increased tool life by 290% while productivity rose by 38%. www.taegutec.com

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You know when it comes to your work truck maintenance and repairs, down time becomes even greater of importance to the business while your machine is out of action and waiting for the prognosis and repair to take place. Most repairs for heavy mechanical equipment require some kind of force to either remove or replace items such as bearings, bushes, joints, casings, steering arms suspension and gears etc.

These parts are usually old and severely worn out and can be stubborn to remove, so a sturdy and well engineered press like the hydraulic Metalmaster range; 10 tonne up to 300 tonne will certainly facilitate getting the job done on time.

Built to stringent quality and reliability these presses are manufactured from heavy steel plate to resist flex during high pressure force. They feature a two speed ram with faster return, hydraulic joystick control to ease the pressure on as required, table height adjustment to fit in large items, pressure gauge mounted in conventional location and is also supplied with a heavy duty table plate insert with 2 x vee blocks. Another option that you may find beneficial is that they have also designed this range with an adjustable sliding ram head allowing you to reposition the pressing ram to a more convenient position for those awkward jobs. That’s why Metalmaster presses deliver satisfaction no matter what workshop or industry you are in.

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ES S S E PR

Austech Review

Back in business Between 26 and 29 May, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre was the venue for Austech 2015, as Australia’s leading advanced manufacturing exhibition returned after a two-year break.

You can tell if an exhibition is going well if your company’s stand is so busy you forget to go to lunch. Just ask Shane Rolton of Pro Z 3D Solutions. Arriving at the start of the third day of Austech, he took time out to mention how things had gone on his stand the day before.

“Well, I didn’t get to eat anything until four in the afternoon,” said Shane. “It wasn’t till I stopped to grab some lunch that I realised the time, we were that busy on the stand. So I guess you could say we had a busy day.”

Shane’s remarks go to show that, when you want to get an idea how an event is going, it’s not just about hard facts and figures. Throughout the four days of Austech, the aisles of the exhibition were consistently busy, with the stands buzzing with activity. Nonetheless, once the doors closed and the final totals were tallied, the numbers confirmed the positive impression drawn from just walking the exhibition hall.

Over the four days, total visitor numbers for Austech and National Manufacturing Week (with which Austech is co-located) reached 11,490, a 2.3% increase on the last event in 2013, and the best attendance figures in several years. In addition, visitors had come from far afield, with strong numbers from Queensland and Western Australia, and even an impressive 2.10% arriving from overseas. Most importantly, a high proportion of visitors were key decision-makers in terms of purchasing decisions – 24.9% were business owners, directors, CEOs, managing directors or general managers, with engineering and technical managers accounting for a further 13.2%.

“Robust visitor numbers and positive exhibitor feedback about Austech 2015 show that people were once again keen to see all of the key machine tool dealers, ancillary equipment suppliers, digital and additive manufacturing in Melbourne,” said Kim Warren, AMTIL Events Manager. “It was pleasing to see such a strong show, despite the challenging market conditions.”

Much of this was down to the quality of the technology on display, from a hugely diverse array of outstanding exhibitors

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Austech Review

– Pro Z 3D among them – that represent the cutting edge in Australian manufacturing. Pro Z 3D was exhibiting within Digital & Additive Manufacturing Pavilion, a specialist area devoted to the burgeoning field of additive manufacturing and 3D printing.

Held in conjunction with the Inside 3D Printing Conference, the Digital & Additive Pavilion was a key point of interest for Austech visitors, enjoyed hectic traffic throughout the week.

Nonetheless, more traditional manufacturing techniques more than held their own, with a vast array of technologies and processes represented. Amada had the LCG 3015 AJ, its latest fibre laser cutting system, able to process brass, copper and even titanium. Modern Tools featured an extensive display that encompassed everything from welding tables through to bandsaws. And at the Applied Machinery stand one of the highlights was Mitsubishi’s new ML-3015 eX laser-cutter.

grading machinery in the Pavilion, a dedicated area where some of Australia’s most innovative manufacturing companies could demonstrate their capabilities.

“We’ve had a lot of interest,” said Terry Ibrahim, Managing Director of FountainLine IMS, which was exhibiting in the Pavilion. “For us it’s been about gaining credibility, so when we go to visit potential new clients, there’s a good chance they may remember us from here at the show.”

“I think it’s been very effective because some people weren’t aware of the type of cuts we can do in different materials, and all of a sudden they’re aware of it,” added Andrew Pleysier, Business Development Manager at Ultimate Laser. “Even with some existing customers, they could see some of our capabilities that they didn’t think we could do; it was quite new to them.”

Moreover, in a show dedicated to helping Australian manufacturers innovate and grow, it was great to see so much innovative technology that was proudly manufactured here in this country. ANCA was promoting its range of CNC tool-grinding technology, while its sister company ANCA Motion was showcasing its flexible control systems; Multicam demonstrated the latest in CNC routing machines; and Sutton Tools fielded a striking display of cutting tools and solutions.

As well as providing a showcase for some great manufacturing firms, the Pavilion was the venue for a speaker program running throughout Austech, covering subjects as varied as additive manufacturing, opportunities for automotive suppliers, IT and communications, and collaboration between industry and universities. Alongside that, the Pavilion featured a café and networking area, where visitors could pause and relax for a moment after a busy day exploring the exhibition.

Alongside manufacturing technology, there was plenty else to catch the eye. Hare & Forbes offered up a blast from the past, with an original car from the time the company was founded in 1930 – as well as the latest from its portfolio of machines and tools. Meanwhile, the MTI Qualos stand featured a racecar from Nissan Motorsport, with V8 Supercars legend Rick Kelly dropping in on the Wednesday after to meet fans and sign autographs.

This year’s event was the first since Austech moved to a twoyear cycle. For AMTIL CEO and Exhibition Director Shane Infanti, the results provide proof that the decision was the right one. Now, the focus moves on to Austech 2017.

Winners of a different kind were over at the Manufacturers’ Pavilion. Named Manufacturer of the Year (Medium Business) at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards during Austech week, GP Graders was displaying its innovative fruit-

“Switching to a biannual event was not a decision we undertook lightly,” said Infanti. “But we were always confident it was the right decision, and Austech 2015 had proved that, with great attendance, an outstanding line-up of exhibitors, and overall a fantastic atmosphere around the show. Above all, I think it’s been a great springboard for the next Austech. Bring on 2017!”

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Austech Review

DMG MORI – Machining a better tomorrow DMG MORI demonstrated its innovative technology with an impressive display of CNC machining centres and multi-axis lathes at Austech 2015. According to Paul McDermott, National Sales Manager for DMG MORI Australia, it was the ideal venue to highlight the company’s continuing commitment to Australian manufacturing.

“We want our customers to know we are a supplier that is here to support the local market,” McDermott stated. “We know that manufacturing is changing. Companies are adapting their products and technologies to develop new designs and applications.”

Aerospace was a significant focus of the display at Austech. McDermott stated that his confidence in the Australian manufacturing market was strong enough to justify bringing a DMC 80 U duoBLOCK into the country as a stock item. One of these units was sold to Melbourne-based manufacturer Lovitt Technologies Australia, for advanced aerospace machining. Among other things, Lovitt is a specialist aerospace and defence manufacturer, providing costeffective supply of Australian-manufactured components and assemblies for those industries.

DMG MORI sold a total of 10 machines during the event. Compared with previous years, the company nearly doubled the number of registered visitors to its stand, representing more than 400 companies, with more than 30 staff on hand to support the company’s sales efforts. Product specialists were flown in from Germany, Japan, Singapore and China to speak with customers and demonstrate the capabilities of the equipment.

“In our industry you often know who is likely to invest,” McDermott said, “so it was a pleasant surprise when a completely new customer came

Paul McDermott (right) with Lovitt Technologies’ Michael Ramsay and a DMC 80 U five-axis machining centre.

to the stand and purchased a machine.”

One machine on the stand was the NLX 2500 SY|700 CNC universal lathe, for manufacturers seeking a highly accurate, cost-effective turning solution. Another machine was the MILLTAP 700 compact machining centre. The MILLTAP is the first co-operative development of DMG MORI, and the company’s entry into the highproductivity milling and drilling market.

“Machine tools are the foundation of the industry,” McDermott said. “These types of machines are at the core of the development of most other products.

Hundreds of MILLTAPs are used in production of the ubiquitous smartphones and tablet devices most people now own.”

All machines on the stand were under the DMG MORI brand, featuring extended windows to increase accessibility and visibility without compromising safety.

Another priority was to improve energy efficiency for customers, both through design and retrofitting of existing machines with energy saving devices.

According to McDermott: “DMG MORI is looking for long-term sustainable partnerships and will continue to invest in, and support, Australian manufacturing.” www.dmgmori.com

Diverse display from Dimac Dimac had an extensive and diverse range of products on display at its stand, and it drew a constant stream of visitors.

“The show’s been good!” said Dimac Managing Director Paul Fowler. “Generally speaking, the quality of the enquiries has been really good. And the volume is good as well. I’m happy with the whole outcome.”

Two key areas of focus on the Dimac stand were tool-presetting and mist extraction.

Tool-presetting is a key way of speeding up machining processes, because tools do not need to be measured inside the machine, with measurements instead performed externally. Mist extraction is a growing environmental concern for machine shops as they to keep their workspace clean.

One product generating considerable interest was the Freddy coolant recycling system. The Freddy uses a vacuum to remove coolant at two litres a second, filters it to remove potentially contaminated fines and swarf, and then returns it to the machine for reuse, enabling the coolant to last longer.

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“We’ve had really good enquiries for the Freddy vacuum cleaner,” said Fowler.

“We’ve even had comments like ‘It’s one of the best things at the show’. We’ve also had good interest in the WTO range of live tools with their single-handed tool-change system, and L-Tool, the high-pressure tool and angle milling head.”

Fowler noted the high number of visitors to the show from further afield, with many travelling interstate from Western Australia or Queensland, or even New Zealand. He added that the move to hold Austech every two years had been a positive factor in that regard.

“People are coming and seeing new stuff; they’re not seeing a repeat of last year,” he explained. “Enough changes over the two years to make it significant. And it’s been very encouraging to see the interstate visitors.” www.dimac.com.au

Austech Review

Renishaw rolls out a record breaker Renishaw had two stands at Austech: one covering its range of quality and inspection products; and another showcasing its 3D printing technology, as well as a genuine world record holder, in the shape of a 3D-printed metal bike frame.

“The frame is done by a company called Empire Cycles,” explained Mike Brown, General Manager at Renishaw Oceania. “They tasked us to build and optimise the lightest possible seat stem for the strength that’s required. So we designed and printed it, and ended up with a seat stem that’s 40% lighter than the original and multiple times stronger. Then Empire said ‘We’d love you to do the full frame’, so we did. We printed it in titanium, and then found out it was the first one to be 3D-printed in titanium in the world, so we got the Guinness World Record.”

The new frame is some 33% lighter than the original, and significantly stronger. Renishaw even incorporated the thread forms in the 3D-printed design, eliminating the need for nuts and bolts. The frame weighs just 1.4kg, down from 2.2kg, but Renishaw is still tinkering with the design with the hope of getting the weight down to less than 1kg.

Picking the bike up and feeling how light it is was undoubtedly impressive, and its presence certainly generated interest and attracted visitors to the stand. Renishaw, however, didn’t come to Austech purely to talk about 3D-printed bike frames. It was at the show to sell products, and one in particular, according to Brown, is just about as revolutionary as the bike. Its new Primo system offers affordable ‘payas-you-go’ access to machine tool probes.

“Normally a probing system for a machine tool will set you back about $9000-$10,000,” he explained. “With Primo, you buy a token that lasts six months, and you have unlimited crash insurance. So if you crash your probe, and destroy it, we give you a free probe absolutely free, no questions asked, even if it’s your fault. The entire probe system

is just over $3500. The tokens are just under $900 every six months, so for $900 you get complete crash insurance. A lot of people don’t believe it.”

One of the benefits for Renishaw of being at Austech was being able to explain how the Primo system worked to potential customers face to face. And if Brown – already sounding decidedly hoarse when he spoke to AMT on the Thursday – was anything to go by, there were plenty of enquiries.

“We’ve had a lot of interest, you can tell by my voice!” said Brown.

“I don’t have a lot left and it’s only day three. A lot of interest, a lot of people.” www.renishaw.com

Techni Waterjet – Australian excellence Techni Waterjet’s stand featured an impressive showcase of its state-of-the-art, Australian-made profile waterjet cutting systems, and for Managing Director Darren Reukers, a crucial part of exhibiting at Austech was the opportunity to demonstrate the advantages that waterjets can bring.

“It’s really a lot about education,” said Reukers. “We’ve really just been educating people about the waterjet process and how it differs from the other cutting mediums like laser and plasma.

People are always fascinated with how high-pressure water can cut through very thick materials such as 100mm stainless steel and the like.”

Dominating the stand was a Techjet waterjet cutter, featuring a highly innovative PAC60 bevel cutting head, capable of producing parts with a true angle up to 60 degrees with continuous rotation. Regardless of the parts’ geometry, there is no repositioning of the head necessary, saving users time and guaranteeing higher quality.

Alongside the Techjet was the Quantum NXT 66,000psi electric servo pump. A patented Australian design, the Quantum NXT incorporates a servo motor directly enveloping a high-load, precision ball screw,

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making it significantly more efficient than the hydraulic systems traditionally used in waterjet systems.

Educating the marketplace is one of the benefits of taking a stand at shows like Austech.

The other is the opportunity to make contact with potential customers, develop leads, and lay the groundwork for sales of machines. And in both respects, according to Reukers, Techni’s presence at Austech has been worthwhile.

“It’s been a solid week,” said Reukers. “No actual orders yet, but we’ve had quite a number who’ve said they’re going back to just review the numbers and hopefully we can turn them into orders in the not too distant future. I don’t know if there’s a little bit more confidence in the market starting to return, but it certainly seems to be a solid show.” www.techniwaterjet.com

Austech Review

Livetools goes live One of the many exciting stories of Austech 2015 was the national launch of Livetools Pty Ltd. The Newcastle-based company attracted significant interest during the week-long event. Livetools saw over 300 visitors register at its stand, which at times was so full that people were spilling out into the aisles. International partners had also made the trip to show support for Livetools, including Tschorn of Germany, and Evermore of Taiwan.

Melinda Enriquez and Arthur Alexiou from Livetools, with Sina Kortmann from Tschorn (left).

Although Livetools hasn’t been around for long, this emerging start-up is already making a name for itself by offering hard-to-find and specialty tooling across a wide range of applications. Whether you’re looking for specialty live tooling, OEM products for all major machines, Australian-made endmills or quality indexable carbide tools from Europe. Livetools has a proven ability to find the solution to suit the market’s needs.

The highlight of the Livetools range at Austech was its Australianmade high-performance solid carbide endmills, which are taking the industry by storm by offering long tool life and improved performance through their unique designs. Livetools director Arthur Alexiou voiced surprise at the response from visitors, describing the company’s participation in Austech as an investment that should not be measured in weeks or months but will benefit the company for years to come.

According to Livetools, the decision by many internationally-based

tooling distributors not to attend Austech 2015 has opened the door for Australian companies such as itself. The use of next-generation technologies allows Livetools to run with low overheads, making it competitive across a range of industry sectors and able to continue growth amidst a shrinking market.

Livetools relies on “Lean distribution” structures that borrow the techniques of Lean manufacturing that are being successfully employed by leading SMEs. It also takes advantage of emerging technologies such as cloud-based ERP to run a highly mobile, highly connected workforce.

The company recently proved its resilience and flexibility during the recent wild cyclonic weather and power outages on the east coast, running its entire office from battery power for over a week.

Amid a complicated time in Australian manufacturing, with a fall in mass production and a scaling back of the resources sector, it was exciting to see that a start-up can still flourish and grow. With companies such as Livetools entering the market with a new kind of attitude, the future for Australian manufacturing doesn’t look quite so bleak. www.livetools.com.au

Objective3D – The sum of its parts Objective3D Parts showcased the capabilities of additive manufacturing by 3D printing 3D printers.

At its innovative stand, the Objective3D team actually 3D printed a bank of lifesize look-a-like 3D printers to act as display cases. The faux printers not only acted as display cases, but showcased the capabilities of the experienced team at Objective3D Parts.

“The problem with producing such realistic prototypes and 3D printed models is that people didn’t realise that our wall of printers was actually made entirely at our Advanced Manufacturing facility,” said Simon Bartlett, Objective3D Parts Manager. “The response we had, not only from visitors to the show but also our peers, was testament to the capabilities of our team and our processes.”

The main doors were built using Fortus FDM 900 and 400MC systems, while keypads and logos were built using an Objet 500 Connex 3 fullcolour Polyjet. The majority of doors on the printers were sanded, primed and painted to a high-quality finish, while others were left natural or sectioned, to show the various finishes that can be applied to FDM parts. Combining various technologies to produce realistic “3D printers” provided an example of the skill and experience of the Objective3D team and the breadth of services, technologies and materials available at their state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing facility.

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Austech Review

Benson Machines – Covering the spectrum Austech showcased the enormous variety of manufacturing technology on the market today, and this diversity was encapsulated at the Benson Machines stand.

The Benson exhibit took in the entire spectrum of modern manufacturing, encompassing everything from traditional equipment such as grinding machines, through to the latest in 3D printers, as well as educational and environmental equipment. According to Paul Philips, Managing Director at Benson Machines, the diversity on display has been well received.

machine operators do not face the risk of breathing in even small amounts of mist produced during manufacturing operations.

The second is that it keeps the machine shop clean, meaning increased reliability and a better working environment.

“Collecting the mist pretty well at its source in the machine tool before it escapes into the atmosphere is really what it’s about,” Philips explains.

“Every modern machine tool is fully enclosed, and it really needs a Filtermist.”

“It’s been much better than the last show. There’s more people through,” said Philips. “We’ve got a new presence with the 3D printing line-up we’ve got now, which has generated quite a lot of interest. And traditional products: we’ve got the Shigiya grinders that we’ve always been strong with, we’ve got mist collection, we’ve got the training simulator.”

Benson’s stand included an Australian premiere, with the 3D printer range from DWS, of Italy.

DWS’ products use light to selectively cure a resin gathered in a tank below.

The process delivers a very highquality surface finish and allows the production of extremely intricate designs. The DWS machines have applications in general design and engineering, and in industries as diverse as dentistry and jewellerymaking.

Additive manufacturing was well represented on the Benson stand, with the Zeus line of all-in-one 3D printer-and-scanner machines, as well as Ultimaker’s award-winning range of consumer-level 3D printers, all generating a great deal of interest from visitors.

Benson also ran a live demonstration on the strand of its Filtermist range of mist-collection products. According to Philips, the Filtermist line offers two key benefits. The first is in health and safety, where

Also featured was the Primacy CNC training simulator. The simulator largely resembles a full-size machining centre, with features you would expect on a real machine such as a CNC operation panel and display screen. It enables students to safely learn how to use a machining centre without the sorts of risks that practising on a real machine would entail.

“The instructor doesn’t have to worry about a student loosing fingers or crash the machine and cause a lot of damage,” Philips says. “There’s no material cost and no tooling costs so it’s a very cost-effective way for people to learn how to safely use machine centres and CNC lathes. It’s a great product. “ All in all, the Benson stand featured a striking variety of different types of equipment, while also unveiling plenty of new products. According to Philips, the move to a two-year cycle has been helpful in that regard.

“Two years gives you more time to have new products,” he said.

“More things change in two years, and I think a two-year cycle is definitely better than a one-year cycle when you look world-wide.” www.bensonmachines.com

Laser display from Raymax Austech was an opportunity for Raymax to showcase its range to new and interested persons.

Raymax reported visitors from a wide variety of businesses at its stand, from medical to armaments manufacturers, demonstrating the expansive range of companies attracted to Austech 2015. Visitors came armed with questions regarding aspects of laser technology that might be applied to their specific business needs or to improve manufacturing operations, or seeking advice and assistance on diversification of their business offerings. According to Raymax, interest broadly fitted two categories.

The first concerned laser marking. Raymax offers a selection of marking lasers, with the FOBA laser maker featured on its stand.

Questions centred around speed, accuracy, marking 2D codes, and facilitating permanent, traceable marks to meet regulations or to meet company traceability requirements. Raymax had FOBA’s Asian Area Manager on the stand to meet and talk with visitors interested in marking on a range of stratum and efficiencies offered with new FOBA laser’s ‘intelligence mark positioning’ (IMP) capability.

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The other big area of interest came from Australian manufacturers looking for solutions to help grow their business into the future, and concerned laser additive manufacturing (AM) using metal powders.

In Australia interest in 3D printing for manufacturing is high, though mostly where plastics are applicable. Using metal has the potential to expand AM exponentially in Australia, and is the continued focus for Raymax.

Raymax is developing significant expertise in this field. Lasers are key to the latest technological advances in AM, with selective laser melting (SLM) or shaped medal deposition (SMD) developing at explosive rates overseas. Raymax already has an installed base of cladding lasers successfully performing cladding processes for repair to damaged parts in heavy industry. www.raymax.com.au

MTIQualos_July2012:Layout 1

15/6/12 12:39 Review PM Page 1 Austech

Recruit Australia – Manufacturing people A recruitment agency might be one of the few exhibitors at Austech who you wouldn’t expect to have manufacturing technology on display.

Yet it was hard not to notice the machining centre that featured prominently at Recruit Australia’s stand. And for Director Edward Busuttil, its presence made perfect sense.

“Well it works in line with what we do,” he explained. “We specialise in the manufacturing sector. Most of our clients are in that space, that’s the space we’re in. So it lets potential clients know that this is our space too. We’re not manufacturing anything, but we’re supplying people.

Moreover, the presence of the machine, supplied by DMG MORI, proved a very effective way of attracting interest for Recruit Australia.

“It’s actually working for us, having a machine on our stand,” Busuttil added. “People have asked the question “Oh, are you selling machines?”. We’re not, but we’re selling operators, designers, all the people around the manufacturing sector.

Recruit Australia defines itself as a “micro-niche recruiter”, specifically targeting the manufacturing industry and specialising in providing staff with the particular skills and qualifications needed in the sector. This is underpinned by a bedrock of first-hand experience in manufacturing.

Indeed, Busuttil’s own background means he would be too out of his depth trying to sell the DMG MORI machine.

“I’m not as good as their sales guys of course,” he conceded. “But I do have a trade background and an engineering background. I started as a fitter and turner, an apprentice for Comeng building locomotives and specialising in brakes, and then I studied engineering. So did toolmaking, engineering, went on and on from there.

“And then I went into recruitment, and never looked back. I don’t recruit medical staff, I don’t recruit building industry people – I recruit manufacturing people. That’s what we specialise in.”

A long-time exhibitor at Austech, Busuttil believes participation in the show has served Recruit Australia well over the years. And he was particularly positive about this year’s event.

“The outcome’s been good,” he said. “The show for us has always been good. Many years ago when I did the first show, I was really nervous, but I reckon it was the catalyst for growth. It doubled my business overnight. It gave me exposure. Think about it: for four days straight, every person in here is a potential client or applicant. I would never get to see all those people in four days.

“I love the show, always have, but I think this year’s been great.” www.recruitaustralia.com

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AMT JULY 2015

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Austech Review

Sheetmetal Machinery – Highlighting new products Sheetmetal Machinery was showcasing an impressive line-up of products at its stand, with machines on display from SafanDarley, Krasser, RAS, Gecam, CoastOne, Wuko and Finn-power.

“I think this week’s been pretty good,” said CEO Brigitte Stavar. “We’ve had quite a number of interesting enquiries – much better than two years ago. I think there’s a little bit more confidence in the marketplace at the moment, a bit more positive sentiment in the market, a bit of investment. And we’ve released a couple of new products here.”

One of those products making its debut was a Legionnaire from Krasser, a fully automated cutting and slitting system suitable for length and diagonal cutting sheet metals from coils in lighter-gauge sheet metal. The Legionnaire allows to work with coils with up to 1250mm width and a weight of 2000kg. Equipped with an automatic Stolarczky decoiler, the machine is well suited to smaller workshops.

Having new products to showcase is always an advantage, according to Stavar, and she believes Austech’s move to a two-year cycle has been a positive step in that regard, allowing more time for fresh innovations to come through.

“I think we’re best on a two-year cycle,” she said. “We’re not advancing the technology in great leaps and bounds nowadays like we were years ago. Also our partners are working to a two-year cycle with the shows overseas. We should be following that cycle. That way you’re getting some new technology.”

Also on display was a pair of press brakes from SafanDarley: the E-Brake 100-3100 and the E-Brake Ergonomic 35-1250. SafanBarley was the originator of the electric press brake, producing its first model back in the 1990s, and has remained at the forefront of this innovative technology ever since. The E-Brake Ergonomic 35-1250 was equipped with an EC20 control and plexiglass panels so that visitors could view the SafanDarley pulley system.

The strategy proved to be a successful one, with both SafanDarley machines sold during Austech week. Moreover Stavar noted that many of the visitors on the stand have been people who have come to the show with both the intention and the authority to make purchases.

“We’ve got decision-makers coming in, directors, general managers,” she remarked. “The two Safan Darley machines are sold. And we’ve had some interest on the other machines as well – they’ll pan out over the next few weeks. We’ve had a fair bit of interest on the machines and some good leads, so let’s see how it goes.” www.sheetmetalmachinery.com.au

Specialised showcase for Haas Automation Haas Automation was proud to be exhibiting at Austech for the first time this year, and the results were very promising.

“The attendance has been very pleasing, we’ve got some very good quality leads and a couple of orders,” says George Buhagiar, Managing Director of Alfex CNC. “And the pleasing thing is that we’ve got a lot of stuff to work on, which is what we all want. Hopefully we can close another three or four orders in the next couple of weeks.”

Alfex CNC is an Australian distributor for Haas Automation, and has been a major exhibitor at Austech for many years. The decision to have a dedicated Haas Automation, situated alongside Alfex’s own exhibit, allowed a more detailed focus on the extensive range available from Haas, the largest machine tool builder in the US. “This year we’ve got the UMC750 five-axis simultaneous machining centre,” adds Buhagiar. “This is the first opportunity we’ve had to show it here in Australia – although we have already done installations, this is the first time we’ve had it at the show. So it’s pleasing to finally give people the opportunity to have a look at that machine.

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“We’ve also got the ST-30SSY high-speed CNC lathe, with Y-axis and high-torque live tooling. That’s also a machine that we haven’t had a good opportunity to focus at the show, so again it’s good that people can actually see it. And we’ve got the latest version of the BF3SS high-speed vertical machining centre.”

With this being the first Austech since it moved to a two-yearly cycle, the Haas stand was one of many that were showcasing a noticeably high number of new or upgraded models, which in turn brought increased interest from visitors. For Buhagiar, that vindicates the decision to switch to a bi-annual show.

“We’ve always been saying that we felt every 12 months was too much for a market of this size,” he says. “Having been two years since the last Austech, the show gives people a good reason to come and assess what their capital plant requirements will be. It gives people a reason to come and see what else is out there.” www.haas-australia.com

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Austech Review

Okuma – Emphasising automation Okuma Australia was keeping busy throughout Austech, always seemingly inundated with visitors. So it was ironic, with the team working so hard, that the focal point of the Okuma stand was on the latest labour-saving technology.

The most popular product on the stand, according to Phil Hayes, Okuma Australia’s Managing Director, was the Robojob robot-loading system.

Okuma signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Australia and New Zealand with Belgian robotics company RoboJob last year. Hayes regards the agreement as an important step in a broader move towards automated technologies.

“Our view is that there’s a lot of businesses and industries still hanging onto repetitive labour force, when really we need to get that idea out of our minds,” says Hayes. “We have to start thinking about how we put our labour force to creative ideas rather than repetitive stuff. Loading and unloading machine tools are gone. Those days are finished.”

Hayes cites the non-stop reporting capabilities of modern machines, with alarm systems that can be hooked up via telecoms networks to allow remote monitoring of operations at any time and from any location. Unmanned lights-out operations and the resultant ability to operate three shifts effectively is crucial in ensuring Australian manufacturing can remain competitive.

The spotlight on robotics and automation was just one aspect of an Okuma stand that placed a strong emphasis on the latest cutting-edge technology, with a line-up of machines that were all new models. For Hayes, holding Austech every two years has helped to ensure that Okuma has something fresh to display.

“Okuma puts a lot of R&D costs into developing machine tools once and we try not to change the overall design or configuration too often,” says Hayes.

“So the two-year cycle is good for us. But this year we’ve also been blessed that we’ve had very new products. All the products on our stand are new, so it was very much worthwhile for us to be exhibiting this year.”

In turn, the interest has been very high, with the Okuma team working hard to keep up with the number of visitors.

“We’ve just been over-run,” says Hayes. “It’s been very busy. Most of our customers know what it’s like to deal with Okuma, but the new people who come are certainly impressed with everything we’ve got.

And the other side of it is all the competitors who come to have a good look, which is an indicator that something is going right.” www.okumaaustralia.com.au

SEMMA stands out Some of the best manufacturers from Melbourne’s South-East region were showcased in the Manufacturers Pavilion, proudly grouped together within the SEMMA stand.

The City of Greater Dandenong and 14 local manufacturing businesses demonstrated their diverse capabilities and showcased the state-of-theart goods that they produce.

The SEMMA stand included Surdex Steel, Australian Rollforming, Ajay Engineering, EJ Hadaway, Corex Plastics, Hilton Manufacturing, Tycab Australia, Successful Endeavours, Die Tech Tooling, TRJ Engineering, Datco Industries, Catten Industries, U-Neek Bending and Bomac Engineering, as well as Swinburne University and CSIRO. SEMMA is a peak industry group representing more than 200 leading manufacturers based in Melbourne’s South East.

SEMMA’s presence, with the support of the City of Greater Dandenong, allowed local businesses to generate awareness of their brand, grow their networks and find new customers. Reports indicate the stand was a huge success with many SEMMA members now in the process of quoting for numerous new jobs. Many are still qualifying leads and have also reported that they have significantly increased awareness of their products.

“With the volume of people coming through, I would say it was the most positive show that I have been involved with since 2008,” said Aidan from Australian Rollforming. “We would like to take part again in 2017 and are hopeful of several good outcomes from the enquiries we have received so far.”

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Another SEMMA exhibitor has also reported establishing a collaborative partnership with two other businesses that were previously unknown to him. Collectively they will soon be able to offer a new product that neither party could do independently; demonstrating an unexpected win from attending the show.

CSIRO exhibited jointly with Swinburne University to demonstrate the unity and strength of the relationship between their respective organisations and SEMMA. Ros Hore from CSIRO said she felt “a real community feel around the SEMMA area. I thought it was a great event.”

While SEMMA continues to encourage manufacturers to explore opportunities using facilities such as Swinburne University and CSIRO, it is rewarding to see the relationship between these organisations develop.

Adrian Boden, Executive Officer of SEMMA said: “We want manufacturing in South-East Melbourne to thrive, so ensuring manufacturers (especially the small businesses) have the confidence to participate in events such as Austech is crucial to the long term success of manufacturing in the region. We want all manufacturers to feel included so collectively no business is too small to get involved and miss potentially game-changing opportunities.” www.semma.com.au

Austech Review

CSIRO launches Lab 22 CSIRO used Austech as a platform from which to launch Lab 22, a new innovation centre that will accelerate industry adoption of metal 3D printing and other emerging additive manufacturing technologies. competitive, but investment can be risky and expensive and the technical aspects are complicated,” said Kingsbury. “Lab 22 makes it much easier and affordable, so local companies can try out the equipment, use it to design or test new products or up skill their workforce – providing them with the tools to differentiate themselves, grow and get ahead of global competitors.

We’ve already signed up four industry partners and welcome more companies to get on board.”

The $6m centre provides Australian companies with affordable access to specialist additive manufacturing equipment and expertise and offers huge efficiency and productivity benefits for product development. By lowering their capital investment risk and allowing companies to ‘try before they buy’, Lab 22 overcomes one of the major barriers facing smaller businesses in adopting 3D printing with metal.

“This advanced equipment is in the range of $1m per unit, but the vast majority of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) don’t have that amount of capital on-hand to take a leap of faith on a new or emerging technology,” said CSIRO additive manufacturing research leader Alex Kingsbury.

“We’re providing Australian companies with a unique opportunity to access some of the most advanced additive manufacturing equipment with the help of our experienced technical experts, for a comparatively minimal daily fee.”

Australian 3D printing service companies, Made for Me and Keech3D, were the first companies to sign to use Lab 22’s new space with the aim of growing their metal 3D printing services.

“It’s critical for companies to be able to take advantage of new technology and development if they are to remain internationally

CSIRO has partnered with industry on a range of world-firsts using its Arcam 3D printer, including a titanium heel bone implant to treat a cancer patient, a mouthguard for treating sleep apnoea and a customisable ‘orthotic’ for horses suffering laminitis.

Lab 22 experts can help companies tailor design solutions, and have the ability to capture 3D data and simulate both the manufacturing process and in-service part performance.

Cold spray deposition technology, laser heat treatment, surface engineering and advanced machinery are also available to improve efficiencies, performance and profitability. Lab 22’s additive manufacturing equipment includes: Arcam A1, Concept Laser M2, Optomec LENS MR-7, Voxelject VX1000 and Cold Spray Plasma Giken. www.csiro.au

Headland – Reclaiming Sundays

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Headland exhibited a range of machinery and solutions that help time-poor business owners “Reclaim your Sundays” by innovating, automating and streamlining processes.

A demonstration of the Maxiem 1530 waterjet showed its precision and accuracy cutting various shapes from sheet metal. Matt Weaver, Headland’s Waterjet Technical Support Manager, said being one of two exhibitors showcasing a waterjet, it was great to see people’s interest: “People were extremely impressed with the robust nature of the machine as well as the simplicity of the software.”

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The Trumpf TruBend 7036 was also a feature on the stand. Warrick Theron, Sales Manager for Sheet Metal at Headland, said the 7036 always draws attention at any show. “The 7036 is one of those machines that will always draw a crowd,” he explained. “Its precision and accuracy is second to none, making it a popular investment for most people.”

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The metal fabrication section of Headland’s stand showcased the Kaltenbach KKS 400 E and KASTOwin bandsaws. Greg Bosward, Headland’s Metal Fabrication Product Manager said Austech was the perfect atmosphere for business owners to see the technology on offer.

“Austech is always a great opportunity for business managers to see innovative technology that they can implement into their business,” Greg said. “It certainly was quite impressive to see numerous people interested in Headland’s sawing machinery and how it could benefit their business.” www.headland.com.au

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Scan-Xpress Pty Ltd

42 James Street, Northcote VIC, 3070 Australia.

T +613 9946 1086, M 0416 188 479, E. Barry@scan-xpress.com.au, ABN: 51 005 337 057 AMT JULY 2015

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Austech Review

OSG – Exposure for A-brand One of a number of cutting tools companies that had striking displays at the show, OSG Tooling was reaping the benefits from a shrewd approach to multi-channel marketing.

“The interest has been good,” said Martin Calvert, OSG’s Australian Branch Manager. “We use Austech for brand recognition, to get the name out there. What we’ve found this Austech is that people have been coming through the stand saying ‘We’ve been seeing your ads in the magazine, so we thought we’d come and have a look at the products’. It seems to be coupled with the magazine advertising.”

The highlight of OSG’s stand was its A-branded products, which include the company’s A-Tap line. The A Brand is currently the focus of a global push by OSG, aimed at making it the industry leader in the hole-making field. Also on display on OSG’s stand S-XXPF forming taps, the WDO-series drills, the Phoenix range of indexable cutters, and holders from Nikken and Haimer.

OSG’s growing reputation as a specialist in the cutting of composites and other exotic materials was a particular draw at the show.

“We’re still getting general engineering companies,” said Calvert. “But we also find now that with this show we’re getting a lot of companies who are starting to machine in exotic-type materials, who have come to look at what we’ve been advertising. Probably 40% of enquiries we’ve had have been for tooling for composite materials, which is very high.”

Overall, Calvert was pleased with the high proportion of visitors to the stand who were not only in a position to make purchasing decisions, but who had actually come to buy.

“A lot of company owners, general managers, a lot of major companies,” he said.

“Overall, the people who have the genuine need for the product are the ones who are coming through. So we’re finding around 90% of the people coming to the stand are here because they require the product. They’re not just the guys who come to browse.” www.osgtooling.com.au

NMW 2015 finishes on impressive note Co-located with Austech, National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2015, Melbourne has reinforced the exhibition’s role as ‘the event that brings industry together’.

Organiser - Reed Exhibitions - was very pleased with the strong visitor numbers, including a significant number of C-level executives, managers and other business decision-makers responsible for making technology investments in their businesses.

People from across Australia and overseas attended NMW to investigate new products and services, commented Alistair Boyd of Innovative Welding, whose stand showcased welding technologies including the new K-Tig welding system.

“We’ve had a huge amount of interest and a good number of leads, from all around the world, including quite a few from New Zealand,” said Boyd. “It really helped our cause to give both a presentation and a demonstration at NMW. In fact, one visitor to our stand had been specifically directed by colleagues in the US to come to the demo we were blown away to have interest from the US!” NMW 2015 also presented a full speaker program, with industry experts including Dr John Blakemore, KPMG’s Dr Gary Veale and international Lean guru Bob Sproull sharing strategies for boosting

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performance and underwriting innovation. Among high-profile attendees at the speaker events was David Southwick MP, Shadow Minister for Innovation, who also toured the exhibition showcase.

“Having run businesses before entering politics, I understand the great opportunities trade shows create in networking and education,” Southwick said. “It’s been great to attend NMW and meet many innovative businesses. NMW has established a fantastic synergy of innovators and new solutions, which is great news for local industry.”

According to Anthony Reed, NMW 2015 Exhibition Director, the common thread in feedback was that visitors attend to see and touch new technologies.

“Almost everyone comes away from NMW having seen gamechanging products and services,” Reed said. “A comment that was overheard more than once during this year’s event is that it’s just an eye-opener about the range of technologies that is available to industry.” www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

Austech Review

Double debut at John Hart John Hart’s stand provided an eyecatching showcase for its entire range, while finding room for one product getting a world exclusive release, and another making its debut in the Australian market.

Getting its global release was the new CellPro Modular Robotic Machine Tending System. Designed specifically for Mazak machine tools, the CellPro brings simple, productive robot loading within reach of all Mazak users. It allows manufacturers to easily control their Modular Robot Loading system with simple and straightforward conversational programming.

A touchscreen interface allows users to replace point-to-point programming with a straightforward, wizard-based process building system.

CNC was developed in response to realworld issues and customer input. The result is a processing capability four times faster than its fastest CNC predecessors, complemented by new Seamless Corner Control and Variable Acceleration Control functions.

“It’s a revolutionary breakthrough in CNC capability in terms of its processing speed,” explains Dobrich. “The background processing speed of this control is the fastest on the market.”

Interest levels in the new products and “We recognised, after 30 or 40 years of in the John Hart stand in general have dealing with robotics, that one obstacle been good. Overall, Dobrich believes the for Australian customers has been the attendance levels throughout the show lack of understanding of how robots are have been strong, remarking in particular programmed,” says Mark Dobrich, General on the quality of prospects that came to Mark Dobrich, General Manager at John Hart.

Manager at John Hart. “So we’ve put in the stand. a touchscreen interface that is almost a “Certainly the level of enquiry and the quality or status of the people conversational way of programming robots for CNC. You don’t need making the enquiry has been very promising,” he says. “We’re seeing to know how to program a robot or understand the programming business owners, company directors, senior managers coming in and language. You simply put in some fundamental parameters and the asking pertinent questions about machine tools and what they can do CellPro will calculate all the robot movements to do that task for you.” for their business. There’s been what appears to be a higher level of The other focal point was the Australian release of the Mazatrol decision makers coming through.”

Smoothx CNC from Yamazaki Mazak, following its global premiere at www.johnhart.com.au IMTS last year. According to Mazak, every function of the SmoothX

Tasman 3D Printers – Revolutionising manufacturing Tasman 3DPrinters demonstrated how 3D printing is being used in digital manufacturing and showcased the latest range of Stratasys 3D Printers at the Stratasys stand.

CA PA B I LI T I ES

“Digital Manufacturing is helping Australian companies push the limits of innovation while reducing costs, streamlining operations and accelerating time to market” said Dominic Parsonson, Tasman 3DPrinters National Sales Manager. “If a company’s final parts are 3D printed, it can set aside the usual design for manufacturing constraints.

“Built layer by layer, 3D-printed parts can be more complex, lighter weight, easier to assemble, and just as durable as traditionally manufactured parts. Many local companies are starting to take the plunge and this innovation will assist companies to reinvigorate Australian manufacturing”.

Tasman 3DPrinters showcased the benefits of rapid prototyping with Makerbot 3D Printers at the Tasman 3DPrinters stand. Makerbot is setting the standards in reliable, affordable prosumer 3D printing.

Visitors viewed the range of Makerbots and 3D-printed models highlighting the amazing things that can be made.

Also on show was the DIWire from New York’s Pensa Labs, the world’s first desktop wirebender. Suitable for design labs or technology classrooms, the DIWire is a great fit with 3D printers, laser cutters and routers, allowing users to design, prototype and manufacture. www.tasman3dprinters.com.au

AMT JULY 2015

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Austech Review

Long live manufacturing You may not have seen Warwick Merry, but if you visited Austech 2015, chances are you heard him. As host of the Manufacturers’ Pavilion, his voice was regularly heard announcing what was coming up in the speaker program, and he enjoyed a unique viewpoint on this year’s event and what it revealed about the broader industry. Here, he offers his perspective.

At Austech 2015, there was a lot of talk about manufacturing, as you would expect. But there was also a lot of talk about the death of manufacturing in Australia. Based on the evidence on show at Austech, this is clearly not the case.

Manufacturing is strong in Australia, but we are focusing on the negativity, not the massive success stories. Some of the stories heard at the show prove that there are some fantastic companies doing amazing things.

For example, it is fair to say that automotive manufacturing in Australia is in decline, but the feeling is that this is not entirely a bad thing.

Margins in the sector were extremely tight, the demands were high, and the profitability was very low. With the removal of the government rebates and financial incentives, it would be difficult to find profitable manufacturers in the mainstream automotive industry.

So what are the success stories?

One company, Lovitt Technologies is a first-tier supplier to the aerospace, defence and general commercial sectors, based in Melbourne. Among other things, it manufactures components for the Boeing 737 and the F/A8 Super Hornet.

Another company, based in Dandenong, Volgren is manufacturing buses made of aluminium. These are more expensive than importing a traditional steel bus, but because they are made of aluminium – something that no other company does – they are significantly lighter to run, and therefore they are more cost-effective. Consequently total cost of ownership is, in fact, lower. What Volgren is also doing is starting to export these buses to Japan.

At the Manufacturers’ Pavilion we also had another company called Tomcar Australia. Tomcar makes an urban utility vehicle that had originally been made in Israel, but the owner of the intellectual property (IT) could not get them made to the specification that it wanted. So Tomcar started making them in Australia, and is now exporting the vehicles and selling them to customers including the US military.

In fact, throughout the course of Austech, Tomcar was searching for local suppliers to increase the proportion of the vehicle that is manufactured locally.

Currently, the Australianmade content sits at around 60%, and the target is to lift it to 85%.

A changing industry There are some amazing success stories in Australian manufacturing if we choose to look for them. The significant shift for the industry is that we are moving out of commodity manufacturing – mass production.

Our labour costs become prohibitive to be able to afford to do that, but what we do have is the ‘smarts’. Clever manufacturing is where the future lies.

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There is no reason why we can’t manufacture high-specification, high-quality products that we can then sell to the rest of the world.

During the Manufacturers’ Pavilion speakers program, both Roger la Salle from Matrix Thinking and Prof the Hon Stephen Martin, CEO of CEDA, stated that this is the future for Australia. One question they both asked is, instead of looking to Switzerland and Germany for highspecification products, why we can’t manufacture them here.

This kind of manufacturing would be ideal for our new submarines.

Many visitors to Austech felt it was outrageous that our current Government is not backing Australian companies to manufacture these vessels. There may well be politics involved, but it is important to know that we do have the ‘smarts’ to be able to do this.

And we are a clever, and lucky country. We have a history of clever innovation and we have proven that time and time again. From farmers who invented the stump-jump plough, to secure plastic bank notes and WiFi, Australia has created some amazing inventions.

To support this, Australia has amazing universities and technical resources. The CSIRO has just created Lab22, investing heavily in the latest in additive manufacturing equipment. Industry can access this equipment and CSIRO’s expertise, without significant outlay.

Manufacturers can rent the Lab for prototyping or to investigate how they might be able to use additive manufacturing processes in their own businesses.

Australia has the ‘smarts’, we have the opportunities and we have the capacity. All we need is manufacturers who are willing to look beyond their current business to see what the future holds. Now is the time to fully embrace ‘smart manufacturing’, by looking for the niche, looking for the high-specification product you can export to the rest of the world. Be confident that our manufacturing industry is recalibrating, not disintegrating. Long live manufacturing.

Warwick Merry was the host of the Manufacturers Pavillion at Austech and is a Master MC, Speaker and Consultant. www.warwickmerry.com

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company focus

Quickstep – Accelerating auto composites While some manufacturers have been looking for the nearest exit when it comes to the nation’s glum automotive sector, one Australian company is determined to forge ahead and drive a new phase of growth. By Nina Hendy.

A renowned success story in the aerospace sector, advanced carbon-fibre composites manufacturer Quickstep, which first began operating out of Perth in 2001, is now gaining traction in automotive markets. In midFebruary, the company appointed former Futuris Automotive Chief Operating Officer Dave Marino as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Marino takes the helm at Quickstep after more than 10 years in senior management and executive roles with the group that designs and manufactures automotive interior solutions for Ford, General Motors and Tesla. Quickstep then upped the ante to cement its senior management team’s vehicle manufacturing foundations, with the appointment of former GM Holden Managing Engineer Tim Olding as Vice-President of Systems.

For Marino, who has 25 years’ experience in the automotive industry – beginning his career as an engineer with Ford Motor Company before progressing onto Lear Corporation and to Air International – taking the driver’s seat at Quickstep makes perfect sense. Marino has a significant network of automotive contacts and extensive experience in business development both locally and overseas in the industry, along with a grounding in mergers and acquisitions, and in advancing partnerships.

“In the decade prior to leaving Futuris, really our strategic endeavours were to take an Australian automotive interiors business and globalise it,” says Marino. “Now it’s got a

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number of factories in China, Thailand and the US. We made a number of acquisitions and integrated them into the business.

“That is something that for the Quickstep business is a very attractive option in terms of being able to scale up quickly for positioning in global markets and finding the right partners in the China markets, in the US markets, in the European markets. I think there’s a number of important attributes that, as the business goes through its next transitional phase, I’m really looking forward to being able to support it with.”

Marino is no stranger to the push to develop lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles to meet the stringent CO2 emission requirements in some of the largest automotive markets in the world. What’s more, he was familiar with Quickstep’s capabilities in the field. Marino will draw on his global expansion experience with Futuris to fuel big plans for the company as it makes its transition beyond manufacturing by adding technology to its list of credentials.

“We’ve got great technology that we can sell to the global markets, and we have great manufacturing capability, so we are focused as much on parts set-up and part sales globally, as we are machine and technology sales globally,” he says. “Really it is about being technology-driven and taking it up to customers around the globe, setting up facilities and selling product to those global customers.”

And that’s not where Quickstep’s momentum ends. On the back of its growth in the aerospace and defence industries, the

company is trailblazing a new direction in Australia’s automotive sector.

Automotive moves Late last year, Quickstep entered into a letter of intent with defence contractor Thales Australia to use its unique Resin Spray Transfer (RST) technology, specifically developed for the automotive sector, which works with the patented ‘Quickstep process’. Under the deal, valued at about $8m, Quickstep will provide the strong, light and high-quality bonnets, side skirts and mudguards required for about 1300 Hawkei vehicles pending Thales’s success in securing the contract for its Bendigo plant.

“Supplying core-sandwiched bonnets and a number of other exterior panelled parts for that defence vehicle – that’s a really exciting project that the team’s working on right now,” Marino says. The foray into the next generation of protected light vehicles for the Australian Defence Force is a major endorsement of the Quickstep Process – an innovative method that uses liquids to cure components. That process, coupled with the RST system, provides exceptional results, delivering the required Class A automotive finish for carbon fibre composite vehicle parts.

It’s a process that also significantly reduces manufacturing time and costs compared with the traditional autoclave system.

The technique has made some headway in the premium automotive segment, resulting in a joint research & development project with luxury car maker Audi and the German Government.

company focus the growth activity. It’s a really exciting growth story based on advanced manufacturing contracts that last 20 years, which is a great base to build the business off.”

Quickstep is also in the final process for its first commercial sale of the Quickstep Process – a machine that has been built in Munich, Germany, for ORPE Technologiya. The deal, estimated to be worth about $6m, enables ORPE to make large carbon composite components for shielding on satellites.

Marino says the company is now looking to switch its focus from low-volume to highvolume automotive manufacturing, with Quickstep’s sights now firmly set on the US, the UK, Germany and perhaps, most importantly, China.

“We’re very focused on the Chinese automotive market as well, given that it is the largest automotive market in the world,” he says. “We’re looking at some interesting potential relationships to allow us to penetrate the Chinese market with the automotive technology that we can provide.”

Industrialisation for higher-volume manufacturing is an area that Marino knows all too well.

“That’s where I can bring some expertise and experience to the business,” he says.

“Our New Vice-President of Systems has substantial capability in both the automotive stream but also in the technology movement into mass productionisation in some of his prior roles. Bringing that sort of skill into the business is going to be really critical as we try and industrialise the technology from medium to higher volume activities.

“And really, when we look at our value proposition versus the competition, there are a couple of other competitors that are trying to do very similar things, in terms of increasing the level of volume capability that their technology can provide. So that’s a real focus for us in the next 12 months.”

As part of its shift into the auto sector, Quickstep has received a $1.76m Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund grant to develop an automotive division based at Deakin University’s Waurn Pond campus in Geelong. In the city once trumpeted as the home of Ford manufacturing, Quickstep will design and develop automotive manufacturing cells using the Quickstep Process. It’s a project that will enable the production of customer prototypes and initial production quantities as part of a $5.6m overall investment to June 2017 that’s tipped to create 30 new jobs and give Geelong a much-needed boost in the sector.

Beating targets There’s more good news for this Australian manufacturer. The company is well on track to exceed budget targets of $35m after surpassing $28m in sales in the first three quarters of the financial year. The phenomenal growth is largely due to Quickstep’s composite manufacturing division based at Bankstown Airport in Sydney. Its state-ofthe-art facilities have produced advanced composite parts, including doors, panels and 700 shipsets of tail parts for the prestigious F‐35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program – the largest military aerospace program in the world. Valued in excess of US$300bn worldwide, the program involves contracts with Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and Marand Precision Engineering.

Quickstep is also the sole supplier for the production of carbon fibre composite wing flaps for Lockheed Martin’s C‐130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft. The contract, which began in February 2014 is worth between $75m and $100m for Quickstep over five years. Marino says the rising revenue is three-fold on what it was the previous year.

“Given the growth in the JSF program over the next two to three years, we expect to see some substantial ongoing revenue growth in that Bankstown site,” he says. “We currently employ a total of 160 people in Bankstown and we expect that over the duration of the next three years to go to 250-plus, based on

“That piece of equipment is now being signed off and we’re just in the final process of delivery of that piece of capital equipment, which has really been part of the strategic direction of the business historically,” Marino says. “It really has been a business model that is making parts and getting composite credibility in the Bankstown site, using traditional methodologies. Then it has been about taking its new technologies for equipment sales globally and getting its revenue growth out of those equipment sales, plus the ongoing maintenance and servicing of those contracts, in terms of licensing agreements and service agreements.”

The company is working with a number of global aerospace customers to leverage off the back of its success. Marino says Quickstep will look at “globalising that in a much more significant way” at a commercial level in the US and Europe, which are home to the big aerospace markets.

“Most of those markets are of significant interest to us,” he says. “Not only on the aerospace side, but also on the automotive side.” Quickstep is no wallflower when it comes to conquering new terrain.

The company has been busy laying the groundwork, through cutting-edge research and innovation, for a bold future. While Marino is naturally reluctant to give too much away, he says the company is now exploring a number of automotive contracts and opportunities.

“I hope to make some positive announcements in the not too distant future,” he says.

Watch this space. www.quickstep.com.au

AMT JULY 2015

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Robotics & Automation

Helping Betacom light up ANZ A New Zealand outdoor lighting manufacturer has invested in robotic technology to ensure it stays ahead of the competition curve.

Established in 1988, Betacom designs, manufactures and assembles a range of road, area and tunnel lighting products, which are sold throughout New Zealand and Australia. Betacom has a rich history in lighting dating back to the 1940s as EC Gough Ltd and then Gough Technology. The company consists of three key business areas: functional and decorative road, area and tunnel lighting; safety systems incorporating portable earthing devices and HV operating poles; and custom sheet metal fabrication. It also provides inhouse engineering support across electrical, mechanical and optical disciplines. Betacom is 100% New Zealand-owned with all its manufacturing, product design and engineering support operations situated in Christchurch.

The company’s 3500sqm manufacturing and product design facility applies many technologies to ensure the highest-quality product is delivered to its customers. However, Betacom wanted to increase its automation capabilities so it sought advice from New Zealand-based project engineering group - Design Energy.

Founded in 2007, Design Energy specialises in the development and commissioning of equipment solutions which solve problems, deliver productivity gains and enhance its customers’ business. Design Energy handles everything from process engineering consultation to machine design, through to the supply and service of full turn-key systems.

To assist in finding an affordable and flexible solution, the team at Design Energy quickly resolved to apply a UR10 robot, developed and manufactured by Universal Robots. The UR10 was deployed to take over specialised production line tasks and support highervolume manufacturing runs. The enhanced automation enabled Betacom to service new high-volume jobs with unparalleled precision, amid increased orders from city councils throughout the country for its new range of LED road lighting products.

Quality assurance One of the major factors in Betacom’s decision to deploy the UR10 robot was its ability to deliver a quality product. Using a multi-head vacuum gripper the UR10 picks a circuit board from a rack and positions it on an aluminium pressing. The robot then picks six LED lenses and locates them onto the circuit board. The final step is to pick up a pneumatic screwdriver with auto feed screws and fasten the lenses and circuit board to the aluminium pressing.

Given the lenses need to be positioned in different orientations to ensure the best spread of light, Betacom was very focused on ensuring no mistakes were made during the production process to guarantee the delivery of a high-functioning product. Another benefit is that both the LEDs and lenses are not touched by human hands, ensuring minimum contamination.

According to Mike Shatford of Design Energy, the UR10 met Betacom’s needs because quite simply it doesn’t make mistakes.

“Universal Robots’ technology has revolutionised the manufacturing process, especially for products that require speedy, precise and consistent movements between waypoints,” said Shatford. “The UR10 removes the risk of missing a screw, ensures good thermal contact between the LED board and the base plate, and guarantees the correct positioning of the lenses. The result is a consistently uniform product output each and every time.”

One of the major elements in the new production regime for the manufacture of street lights is the need for a clean environment. The aluminium plate assembly was a highly repetitive and tedious but very precise process; particularly when it came to the handling of the LED lenses. Betacom wanted a hands-off approach to placing the LED

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lenses in place because if they were touched by human hands and were left covered in fingerprints, the product’s performance may be affected.

“The use of the UR robot meant Betacom could automate the production process while maintaining the clean environment needed because it requires minimum human intervention,” said Shatford.

Ease of use The ease of programming and the fact that the UR10 is a collaborative robot were also compelling factors in the purchase decision for Betacom. Many other industrial robots that could have been applied to the Betacom production line were much more complex and required coding knowledge. Shatford added that the Betacom decision was also based on the fact that, following the necessary risk assessments, the UR10 did not require safety shields, which meant the company’s staff could work side-by-side with the robot in a collaborative and safe way.

“The level of complexity in the robotic technology was approachable for Betacom,” he continued. “They could see their workers being able to easily program and operate the robot. I think it was the user friendliness that really appealed to them as well as its safety features.

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Robotics & Automation

Unique application Design Energy was engaged to map out and develop the process that allows the robot to assemble the necessary components onto the printed circuit board (PCB). The production process is unique in its application, so it required their expertise from the very beginning to ensure the deployment went as smoothly as possible. As a result, Betacom has significantly improved its automation capacity with the deployment of the UR10. It is now able to meet differing customer needs thanks to the flexibility and precision of Universal Robots’ technology.

“Betacom had not applied robotics of this kind to its manufacturing process before. They own a sheet metal shop where they use automated stamping and punching devices, but they hadn’t deployed robotics technology before. They understood that automation was the best option for this process and the UR10 enabled us to create an automated solution at a price point which made sense.”

“It’s not as simple as selling them the robot, delivering it to the manufacturing facility, and then flick the switch,” said Shatford. “Our role is much more involved than that and we work closely with our customers to ensure the robot is adding the value that it should be.

The Betacom deployment is currently in the early stages; however we are very confident that it will provide a strong ROI and lay the foundation for future business development.” www.betacom.co.nz www.designenergy.co.nz www.universal-robots.com

PowerMILL Robot combines manual and CNC programming Delcam has launched the 2015 release of its PowerMILL Robot software for the programming of robots for multi-axis machining operations.

The new release enables manual and CNC programming to be combined in a single program, so providing the maximum programming flexibility. Other enhancements include improved collision checking, automatic avoidance of wrist singularities and the ability to generate robot programs from tape files produced in other CAM software.

PowerMILL Robot also benefits from the many enhancements made in recent releases of PowerMILL, in particular the Vortex strategy for high-efficiency area clearance. In addition, the range of robots supported by the system has been increased so that it now includes Kuka, ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa Motoman, Stäubli, Hyundai, Comau, Kawasaki Robot, Nachi and Universal Robots equipment, in all cases eliminating any need for third-party translation software.

The new functionality in the 2015 release allows users to duplicate in the virtual environment teach-and-learn programming of the robot for linking moves. The model robot on the computer can be ‘jogged’ between positions where machining is to take place, in a similar way to the movement of the arm in the real environment. The programmed linking moves can then be integrated with the cutting moves to give the complete sequence of operations.

This approach will be necessary in any cases where there are additional objects in the real world that are not included in the CAD model of the part to be machined, such as the clamps or fixture being used to hold the item. In other cases, the user might prefer to move up and over the part, rather than moving around it, even if that is shorter.

A singularity in robot operation occurs when collinear alignment of two or more axes results in unpredictable robot motion. Singularities must, therefore, be eliminated to maintain smooth, predictable machining.

The new release automatically avoids wrist singularities, the most common example of this type of problem.

The improved collision checking in the 2015 release allows the complete NC program to be simulated in one operation, so saving considerable time when compared to the previous method of checking each toolpath individually.

Finally, the ability has been added to import existing tape files from other CAM systems. Once imported, the toolpaths can be simulated and post-processed in PowerMILL Robot in the same way as toolpaths from PowerMILL. PowerMILL Robot makes it as easy to program a robot for machining as it is to program a five-axis machine tool. As a fully-associated application inside PowerMILL, users have access to all the multi-axis machining strategies within PowerMILL and can use all the system’s project management options to manage, store and retrieve data.

With PowerMILL Robot, robots can be programmed for tool-topart applications, making them ideal for machining large parts, such as composite panels that need to be trimmed, or for part-to-tool applications, such as grinding or linishing. The working area can be extended with linear tracks and rotary tables for even greater flexibility over the size and types of parts that can be manufactured. www.delcam.com.au AMT JULY 2015

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Robotics & Automation

DRC-Hubo walks off with DARPA robotics prize “May the best robot win” was a frequently uttered phrase throughout the DARPA Robotics Challenge finals, held on 5-6 June in Pomona, California.

After years of research and development, several intense days of preparation at the competition site, a day of rehearsal and two full days of head-to-head competition in front of thousands of spectators, robots from South Korea and the US took home prizes totalling US$3.5m.

Taking first place and the US$2m in prize money that goes with it, was Team Kaist of Daejeon, South Korea, and its robot DRCHubo. Coming in second and taking home US$1m was Team IHMC Robotics of Pensacola, Florida, and its robot Running Man. The third place finisher, earning the US$500,000 prize, was Tartan Rescue of Pittsburgh, and its robot CHIMP. DARPA Program Manager and DRC organiser Gill Pratt congratulated all 23 participating teams and thanked them for helping to open a new era of partnership between robots and humans.

“These robots are big and made of lots of metal and you might assume people seeing them would be filled with fear and anxiety,” Pratt said. “But we heard groans of sympathy when those robots fell. And what did people do every time a robot scored a point? They cheered! It’s an extraordinary thing, and I think this is one of the biggest lessons from DRC—the potential for robots not only to perform technical tasks for us, but to help connect people to one another.”

Launched in response to the humanitarian need that arose during the nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan in 2011, the DARPA Robotics Challenge has consisted of three increasingly demanding competitions over two years. The goal was to accelerate progress in robotics and hasten the day when robots have sufficient dexterity and robustness to enter areas too dangerous for humans and mitigate the impacts of natural or man-made disasters.

The DRC Finals competition challenged participating robotics teams and their robots to complete a difficult course of eight tasks relevant to disaster response, among them driving alone, walking through rubble, tripping circuit breakers, turning valves and climbing stairs. A dozen teams from the US and another 11 from Japan, Germany, Italy, South Korea and Hong Kong competed in the outdoor competition.

“This is the end of the DARPA Robotics Challenge but only the beginning of a future in which robots can work alongside people to reduce the toll of disasters,” said DARPA Director Arati Prabhakar. “I am so proud of all the teams that participated and know that the community that the DRC has helped to catalyse will do great things in the years ahead.” www.theroboticschallenge.org

FDM delivers faster robotic solutions US-based Robai Corporation makes high-dexterity robots used in a wide range of applications.

In most robotic applications the end-of-arm tool (EOAT) is customdesigned to hold a unique part or piece of equipment. It is usually made from metal via traditional manufacturing methods and can take two weeks to produce. In contrast, Robai’s software capabilities allow it to develop sophisticated robotic programs very quickly.

The time disconnect between the two parts of production creates a self-imposed bottleneck in the company’s ability to turn products quickly, and nimbly meet customer needs. Moreover, metal EOATs are expensive to produce, heavy, and cannot incorporate intricate design components.

To alleviate this, Robai’s management considered several different 3D printing methods as an alternative to CNC machining, before purchasing a Stratasys 3D printer with fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology.

“We selected FDM because it has much greater strength and durability, uses materials that are available in a wide range of colours, and reduces the need for secondary processing,” said Ranjan Mishra, Cyton Engineering Manager for Robai.

FDM is an additive manufacturing process that builds plastic parts layer by layer, using data from CAD files. It allows Robai to produce plastic EOATs in a fraction of the time and cost required for conventional metal tooling. The lighter weight of 3D printed tooling also makes it possible to use smaller, less expensive robots. For example, Robai

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used a 3D printer to produce an EOAT for accelerometer motion testing on devices ranging from smartphones to a small laptop; each device was designed in 90 minutes and printed overnight.

“Using traditional methods to make EOATs requires about 70 hours of manufacturing time, costs US$7,000 and is generally delivered in about two weeks,” said David Askey, Chief Business Development Officer of Robai. “The use of FDM has made it possible to reduce the labour to about four hours, the cost to $400 and lead time to one day.”

For Robai, that means a 94% improvement in both time and cost from its previous way of doing business. Askey concludes: “With FDM, we’re able to print the part, tailor it exactly to the customer’s needs and have it ready for them in a day or two. That lets us deliver quick, high quality solutions for our customers.” www.robai.com www.tasman3dprinters.com.au

Robotics & Automation

Sawyer – Rethink’s smart, collaborative robot Rethink Robotics has introduced Sawyer, a single-arm, high-performance robot designed to execute machine tending, circuit board testing and other precise tasks that have historically been impractical to automate with traditional industrial robots.

Sawyer joins Rethink’s family of smart, collaborative robots, which also includes the groundbreaking Baxter robot that defined the category of safe, interactive, affordable automation. Sawyer offers the same safety, compliance and usability advantages of Baxter – including the iconic “face” screen, embedded sensors and train-by-demonstration user interface – while providing the smaller footprint and high-precision performance needed for tasks that require significant agility and flexibility.

In addition, Sawyer runs on the Intera software system, the same extensible platform that powers Baxter, so it works like humans do by dynamically adapting to real-world conditions on the plant floor and integrating seamlessly into existing work cells. Together, Baxter and Sawyer can address many of the estimated 90% of manufacturing tasks that cannot be feasibly automated with traditional solutions today.

Weighing only 19kg, Sawyer features a 4kg payload, with seven degrees of freedom and a one-metre reach that can manoeuvre into the tight spaces and varied alignments of work cells designed for humans. Its high-resolution force sensing, embedded at each joint, enables Rethink Robotics’ compliant motion control, which allows the robot to “feel” its way into fixtures or machines, even when parts or positions vary. This enables an adaptive precision that is unique to the robotics industry and allows Sawyer to work effectively in semistructured environments.

Sawyer features an embedded vision system, which includes a camera in its head to perform applications requiring a wide field of view and a Cognex camera with a built-in light source in its wrist for precision vision applications. Sawyer’s vision system enables the Robot Positioning System for dynamic re-orientation, and over time will support more advanced features that are inherent to the Cognex system, such as barcode scanning and object recognition.

“With Baxter, we introduced the concept of robots and people working together on the plant floor,” said Rethink Robotics President and CEO Scott Eckert. “With Sawyer, we have taken that relationship to the next level, with a high performance robot that opens the door for many new applications that have never been good candidates for automation.”

Sawyer is currently being field-tested by several large manufacturing companies in North America, Europe, China and Japan, with general

customer availability targeted for later in the year. Jabil, a global electronic product solutions company that is partnering with Rethink Robotics as an early adopter and field tester of Sawyer, recognises the robot’s immense potential.

“Flexible automation that addresses shrinking product lifecycles and helps companies align with consumer trends is a critical technology initiative for manufacturers,” said John Dulchinos, Vice President Of Digital Manufacturing at Jabil. “Rethink Robotics continues to lead the way in defining how workers and machines can coexist to leverage the strengths of each, and optimise productivity for all.” www.rethinkrobotics.com

Schunk has a hand in precision gripping Workholding and clamping specialist Schunk has launched its SVH line of servo-electric five-finger gripping hand.

The innovative new hand replicates the movements and characteristics of the human hand with its four fingers and a thumb configuration.

With a total of nine drives, the remarkable movement range of the SVH enables various gripping operations to be executed with high sensitivity. With its elastic gripping surfaces, the new SVH ensures a reliable and strong gripping force on objects that enables it to be used for a multitude of tasks. In addition to gripping and manipulation tasks, Schunk aims to redefine the possibilities of the human/robot communication configuration by permitting gestures with the fivefinger hand.

The new development is available in left- or right-hand versions and is completely suitable for mobile applications. Furthermore, the new SVH has complete integration of control, regulator and power electronics in the wrist, so there is no additional bulky control devices required. To further simplify integration into automation systems, the

SVH has been developed to allow easy connection and integration with market-standard industrial and lightweight robots via defined interfaces.

The SVH has a 1:1 size ratio with the average human hand, with an overall length of 242mm, a width of 92mm and a finger width of 19.6mm. With nine drives that control the thumb, small finger, ring, middle and index fingers, the SVH has a total of 20 axes of movement. To highlight its versatility and flexibility, the SVH has a total weight of 1.3kg and operates on a 24V DC power supply that allows it to be used in an almost endless range of automation scenarios. www.schunk.com

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Robotics & Automation

Leading the pack with robotic palletising Designing a new fully automated palletising line for a world-class packaging company required an innovative solution that integrated safety, automation and control.

Palletising in any manufacturing plant presents many operational challenges from production efficiencies to safety considerations. This is particularly applicable to a company like VIP Packaging, a leading plastic and steel packaging company in Australia and New Zealand.

VIP Packaging manufactures extrusion blow-moulded and injection stretch blow-moulded high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bottles. The production facility manufactures packaging solutions for the food and beverage, personal care, household consumer and industrial chemical industries. With clients that include many of the most well-known household names in Australia and New Zealand, VIP Packaging is committed to innovation, quality and sustainability.

The production line at the plant predominantly palletises bottles used for shampoos and laundry detergents. To minimise manual handling and gain production efficiencies, VIP Packaging called on Machinery Automation & Robotics (MAR) to deliver a solution to automate their palletising production line.

Hands-free palletising The VIP Packaging plant transfers packaging bottles that are arranged in pallets in a predesigned format that is suitable for transport directly to clients. These bottles can range in size from 500 millilitres to two litres and are delivered wrapped with clear plastic stretch wrap to ensure the bottles stay in position when transported.

Adhering to occupational health and safety standards, improving productivity and generating labour cost savings were all important priorities for VIP Packaging. According to Geoff Biscaya, Rigid Containers General Manager at VIP Packaging, “To remain competitive it was clear we needed to reduce labour costs by automating our downstream inspection, packing and palletising of our high-volume blow-moulding machines.”

Throughout this process there were three main palletising lines that would benefit from automation. These included the packaginghandling, the pallet-handling and the stretch-wrapping lines.

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The challenge ahead was to design a system that could automate the entire palletising line and deliver not only the cost savings, but also improve quality control and safety.

After studying the operation of the VIP system, MAR presented a fully automated system that included three robots, a pallet dispenser, a twin shuttle, three vision systems, a fully automated human machine interface (HMI), an automated pallet strapping system and a pallet stretching machine, all of which were controlled by one central motor control centre from Rockwell Automation.

In the VIP Packaging plant, plastic bottles are continuously transported on the conveyor to the palletising line where they are picked up by the robot and stacked in the pallet. Sensors are used to count the required quantity of bottles for each layer of packaging. Once a layer is complete, the robot picks up a plastic slip sheet and places it on top of the layer of bottles. This process is repeated until the pallet is full; the robot then places a timber sheet on top of the pallet to keep the bottles in place.

According to Merv Shirazi, Project Manager at MAR, the design of the grippers or claws on the robot arm was critical to the efficiency of the palletising process.

“When the plastic bottles stand up, we needed to make sure that they were in correct position,” he explained. “Because if one bottle slipped or fell out of place, a domino effect could occur and hundreds of bottles could then fall, which would not only create a safety hazard that would need attention, but it would also mean that the whole pallet would have to be rejected.

To stop the bottles that are packed in the pallet from breaking or slipping, the pallet is then automatically wrapped in clear plastic. Each pallet is then transported by shuttle to the loading dock and the empty pallet is returned.

Below: The new automated system improved productivity and generated significant labour savings.

Robotics & Automation

PowerFlex 4M drives provide effective motor control for the conveyors.

The entire robotic palletising system was controlled by CompactLogix.

It’s all under control In any automated system, integration between the control and safety system is important but in a palletising line that is controlled by a single operator, complete integration is essential. PowerFlex 4M drives were used to provide effective motor control for the conveyors and the entire robotic palletising system was controlled by CompactLogix.

“The Rockwell Automation compact machine control platform provides cost-effective integration of a machine or safety application into a plant-wide control system because it integrates safety, motion, discrete and drive capabilities in a single controller, making it the most appropriate choice for this application,” said Harish Ahuja, OEM Account Manager at Rockwell Automation.

The operator workstation features a user-friendly PanelView Plus 1000 touchscreen HMI, which is easy to navigate and incorporates a number of selection options. In addition to the primary control for the system start and stop function, the HMI also includes programming for the manual control of conveyors, manual control of the robot gripper, shift production data, error reporting, robot control and access control for maintenance and cleaning.

“The programming of the system is simple and straightforward and it caters for a wide range of bottle design shapes and sizes,” said Biscaya. “The control platform also includes integrated safety systems which deliver improved operator safety.”

When moving to an automated system, operator safety was a key priority, so with this in mind the system was designed with six separate safety zones that require no supervision. Parts of the plant were required to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is why reliability and minimising downtime was very important to VIP Packaging. This was addressed by designing and building the line to allow access to specific components that wear over time in a particular machine, without having to shut down the whole plant during routine maintenance.

brands. Biscaya knew that automating the company’s quality control systems would help it to maintain its reputation for superior quality packaging solutions and also introduce labour cost savings.

“With the help of MAR we were able to integrate vision systems that could identify a number of bottle faults and reject those bottles,” he said. “This automated quality control system was more consistent than the human element, which allowed us to lower the cost of each pallet through the associated labour savings and reduced packaging waste.”

To confirm that the automated system was working effectively, the HMI system was programmed to monitor and sound an alarm to alert the operator if too many bottles were rejected consecutively.

“We are continuing to realise the many benefits that the new automated system is providing,” Biscaya added. “It has met all of our key requirements by allowing us to reduce labour costs, while also improving quality control and safety. In addition, the solution has established a low base cost to run the plant over time, which helps to improve our productivity and competitiveness.”

The automation of the palletising line has resulted in significant labour savings, quality control and reduced running costs. The return on investment is approximately only two years, which will allow VIP Packaging to reap the rewards from the solution for many years to come. www.vippackaging.com.au www.machineryautomation.com.au www.rockwellautomation.com.au

Installing a new solution generally requires a period of shutdown of the existing system while the new one is installed so the goal with this project was to keep this to a minimum and also to reduce the risk of any teething problems with the new solution. To achieve this, the new system was thoroughly tested off-site prior to installation.

“The complete system including cycle times and other parameters were factory tested off-site prior to installation so we could minimise the risk of downtime,” said Biscaya. “This ensured that the installation progressed smoothly which was very important to our business.”

Consistent quality control Maintaining superior quality control is essential to VIP Packaging, which is known for packaging solutions that not only offer outstanding performance but also differentiate and enhance their customers’

PanelView Plus 1000 touch screen Human Machine Interface is easy to navigate and incorporates a number of selection options.

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One on one

Deborah Anton is the Head of the Entrepreneur Development Division of AusIndustry within the Department of Industry and Science. One of her key areas of responsibility is the Federal Government’s new Entrepreneurs’ Programme. By William Poole.

AMT: What is the Entrepreneurs’ Programme and what is it aiming to achieve?

AMT: What sort of companies can apply for assistance under the Entrepreneurs’ Programme?

Deborah Anton: I’m really excited to be a part of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, which aims to improve business competitiveness and productivity at the firm level. It is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative that drives business growth and competitiveness by supporting business improvement and research connections in targeted growth sectors and through the commercialisation of novel products, processes and services.

DA: Specific eligibility requirements vary across the different elements of the Programme.

Based on my experience managing this programme, I can say that it is very business-orientated. It uses experienced Facilitators and Advisers drawn from industry to help small-to-medium-sized organisations develop the skills and knowledge they need to advance and grow.

It also focuses on providing access to quality advice and established expert networks to meet business needs, and the programme delivers this objective through three distinct programme elements.

AMT: What are those three elements?

DA: ‘Accelerating Commercialisation’ helps entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, and researchers to address the commercialisation challenges of bringing novel products, processes and services to market. This may include a matched grant of up to $1m to support firms on their commercialisation journey.

The ‘Business Management’ element of the programme provides opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses by giving them the skills and insight to identify and leverage growth opportunities, improve business performance and increase markets. This may include a matched funding grant of up to $20,000 to support firms to implement practical activities focused on supporting their growth.

The final element of the programme is ‘Research Connections’, which provides expert advice and solutions for business to knowledge-related issues and a brokering service to link businesses with appropriate knowledge providers and research organisations. This may include a matched funding grant of up to $50,000 that assists direct access to research capability.

The ‘Research Connections’ part of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme recently helped Tank Stream Design, a business based in Burleigh Heads. This company knew it was time to integrate every aspect of their business into a single efficient IT system, including the design, manufacture and distribution of clothing and accessories; and sales and marketing, including an online presence.

The ‘Research Connections’ facilitators worked with the company to help them understand what web service providers could back-end into their enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and website. The facilitators also explored the areas the company knew they needed improvement and provided an evaluation of the company’s business, which Tank Stream Design acknowledged was extremely useful and would have taken them ages to do.

The Facilitators opened the eyes of this company in terms of what could be improved to make them more efficient and able to grow through such things as recommendations of software, training and who in the marketplace might have what the company needed. In the end, thanks to these facilitators, the company is in good shape to make the right decisions.

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For Business Management and Research Connections, the programme is primarily for small and medium-sized Australian businesses that have been trading for more than three consecutive years, and there are minimum and maximum turnover or expenditure thresholds. They must operate, or intend to operate in the future, in specific growth industry sectors or provide enabling technologies and services to those sectors. The growth sectors are: advanced manufacturing; food and agribusiness; medical technologies and pharmaceuticals; mining equipment, technology and services; and oil, gas and energy resources.

Accelerating Commercialisation eligibility is more focused on having novel intellectual property to commercialise. That said, turnover thresholds do apply as well. For any business wanting to check their eligibility for the Programme they should call 13 28 46 or check the website: www.business.gov.au.

AMT: And in practical terms, what will they get if they qualify?

DA: The Programme provides advice, matched grants and connections at no cost. There are a diverse range of advisory services and grants on offer that can specifically help businesses to be more innovative and competitive. These include building business capabilities, developing networks and identifying and capturing market opportunities, brokering connections with research, knowledge and technology organisations or providing commercialisation solutions to get novel products, processes and services to market.

The Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ian Macfarlane, recently announced the first grants provided as part of Accelerating Commercialisation. There were quite a few in the manufacturing space: let me give you an example that hopefully can give you a bit of a flavour for the scope of activities that can be supported.

Smart Steel Systems Pty Ltd has developed a fully automated steel fabrication system, which has the potential to generate major productivity benefits for the industry. This project will prove to potential customers and strategic partners the commercial viability of this unique manufacturing system. Accelerating Commercialisation support will be used to complete the final pre-production development and trial phase, with the outcome being a fully operational state-of-the-art commercial production facility.

AMT: What other programmes does AusIndustry run to assist Australian manufacturers?

DA: There are a few key programmes that support manufacturers, such as the R&D Tax Incentive and the Manufacturing Transition Programme.

The R&D Tax Incentive programme is designed to boost industry investment in research and development (R&D), and is broad-based, market-driven and accessible to companies in all industry sectors.

It provides a tax offset to support Australian companies to be more innovative, productive and competitive in the global marketplace.

The R&D Tax Incentive offers tax offsets for eligible small and large businesses for up to $100m R&D expenditure. This includes a 45%

refundable tax offset for most small to medium companies with an annual turnover of less than $20m per annum, and a 40% nonrefundable tax offset to other eligible business. At last count, over 13,000 businesses in nearly every sector of the economy have benefitted from the programme and the support it provides in offsetting some of the costs of undertaking industrial R&D.

where Australia is likely to have an opportunity to exploit favourable global market developments; or which have a significant impact on the Australian economy. Advanced manufacturing – which involves transitioning Australian manufacturers to adopt innovative technologies or business practices to improve or develop their manufactured products, processes or services – is seen as a priority.

R&D is a driver of innovation, and through the R&D Tax Incentive the Government is helping thousands of innovative Australian companies each year to invest in the new and improved products, processes and services that will keep them competitive in the global marketplace.

We will also be building strong ties with the new Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to ensure two-way access to initiatives that support business and sector growth.

Another programme that supports manufacturers is the Manufacturing Transition Programme. Together with the Prime Minister, the Minister recently announced the 19 grants that were awarded under this $50m programme. It is a highly competitive programme that supports the transformation to build our manufacturing capability for the future.

It encourages businesses to invest in more sophisticated and knowledge-intensive manufacturing creating high-value jobs in areas of greatest economic opportunity.

More than $250m will be injected into Australia’s advanced manufacturing, with more than $200m invested by Australian manufacturers and $48m from the Manufacturing Transition Programme.

To give you an example, Romar Engineering was awarded a $1.6m grant towards its $6.6m project to develop and expand its advanced plastic and silicone engineering moulding assembly and production facility in Sefton, NSW. The project will result in establishing capabilities that will provide more complex and higher value-added components for the electronics and medical devices industry.

AMT: What’s your background and how did you come to your current role?

AMT: What do you regard as Australian manufacturing’s key strengths, and what are the greatest challenges facing the sector?

DA: Australian firms and researchers have developed some worldclass products, for example the Cochlear implant and WiFi. We need to develop more and there has been more focus in recent times on how we maximise the commercial returns of the excellent research we do. I think the other key issue for manufacturers is how they ‘internationalise’ their focus so they can engage in global supply chains. Even a small part of a global product could mean major growth for an Australian manufacturer.

AMT: How do you see the sector evolving over the next five to ten years?

DA: Clearly we are seeing a shift away from much of the traditional, heavy industry, towards more value-added, niche products and services – businesses that focus on the customer and have a highly skilled workforce with technologically-sophisticated and integrated systems. In my view, all manufacturers should be thinking of themselves as “advanced”, as a lot of the change required is cultural – it is about thinking globally, and embracing innovation, new technologies, skills and systems. www.business.gov.au

DA: My first job in the Australian Public Service was as a Patent Examiner in the field of biotechnology. Since then I’ve moved around the Australian Public Service, but the constant theme has been roles involved with business. During my time in the Industry and Science Department, I have worked with a number of sectors including: mining equipment, technology and services; textile, clothing and footwear; and defence industries. I am now responsible for the AusIndustry – Entrepreneur Development Division, which in addition to looking after the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, also manages the R&D Tax Incentive and a range of Venture Capital Programmes.

AMT: What might an ordinary day in the job entail?

DA: My daughter seems to think my job is pretty easy – in her words, “I just talk to people.” Seriously though, as part of AusIndustry, my job is to ensure that we are efficiently and effectively delivering Government Programmes. This means I have a budget to manage, HR issues to deal with, reports to make to governance committees, and projects to oversee. These are all the usual elements of a business role, with the added extra of delivering in a Government context.

On an ordinary day I’m in my office in Canberra but the work that my team does is nationally focused so I might be on the phone to one of the AusIndustry State Office staff or one of our professional staff who are working with business every day. This week I’m heading to Adelaide to meet with our state office staff and customers.

AMT: Advanced manufacturing has been identified by the Government as one of five key growth areas for Australia. How does AusIndustry seek to promote advanced manufacturing and help more traditional manufacturers transition their businesses?

DA: As you mention, the Government has adopted a sectoral approach to industry policy. This prioritises government resources in areas where Australia enjoys a comparative advantage or is currently internationally competitive; AMT JULY 2015

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Software

Software – what is it?

Software has become an increasingly integral component in an ever-growing number of manufactured products, and manufacturers can gain significant competitive advantage by expanding their software development capabilities. By Ray Keefe of Successful Endeavours.

In mechanical engineering, when you need to know if a part meets its specification, there are ways to determine that. You might need to conform to criteria – shape, strength, stiffness and so on – and there are various tools and techniques to provide the information you need.

Electronics engineering has similar advantages. You can measure the frequency response of a circuit, confirm its voltage handling, input and output impedance, or power delivery.

And there are ways to determine a circuit is working correctly.

But what about software? It’s basically invisible by comparison. And what is it anyway?

Depending on your perspective, software may be an application such as Microsoft Word or SolidWorks, an operating system such as Windows or Linux, the programmable logic inside a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a mobile app, a website, or the embedded program inside a special purpose electronics product. All of these are valid ideas about what software is. If you run a machining centre or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, they include software too. Usually, more than one piece of software is involved.

In this article I will focus on the software that lives inside the products you use every day, because this is where the greatest commercial leverage is.

The future of manufacturing in Australia relies on smart, integrated, high-value-add products. Manufacturers who make components can be beaten on price, delivery, quality or capability. But if they combine their capabilities with other highly capable manufacturers they have a combined multidisciplinary offering and can supply a complete product.

That can be a much more defensible commercial position and allows them to hold a larger proportion of the value stream. The more disciplines needed to create the product, the more defensible the position. This is where a smart product that has local software to operate it and is also internet-connected to allow remote support can be a game-changer.

As an example, Successful Endeavours produces electronics controls for a bulk water-metering system for tank stands. We also provide the internet back-end that supports it, for software updates, configuration updates, collection of transactions, and alert notifications such as low battery voltage or no-flow alerts. We do not do the metalwork, or installation, or plumbing. There are usually at least two other parties for a product like this. We have updated software for units in the field in locations we have never visited. And this type of collaborative opportunity capture is becoming more common in my experience.

So back to the software bit. It is called software, because it is flexible. Hardware, by comparison, is usually thought of as inflexible or unchanging. If you need to change how a product behaves and it is within the capacity of the hardware to produce that change,

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you can do it just by changing the software. Another great advantage of software is that you can have a common hardware platform and – by changing the software – use it to create more than one product.

Software is also inexpensive as a component of a product when you get to manufacturing it. The cost of software at the component level is close to zero.

Within an overall product development process, Software Development is where the coding and debugging activities happen.

Like all good design flows, this is just part of the overall process. Before you cut any code you have to have an appreciation of what it needs to do and how it is going to do that. By the time you are writing software, most of the important decisions that will set the project up for success have already been made.

The specification of software has been through quite an evolution over time and is still evolving. We need efficient ways to convey ideas.

Writing a detailed, 400-page technical requirements document in MS Word or the equivalent is usually not the most effective way to do this. With improvements in computing power and graphical user interfaces, control flow can be defined using graphically represented state machines, which can be easier to understand than a large block of text.

Once the requirement behaviour of the system is described, the basic steps involved in creating the software itself are: • Coding – creating the source code in human readable form.

• Compiling individual source files into a format the machine understands.

• Linking – pulling all the compiled files together to make an operational program.

• Programming the linked files into the system.

• Debugging the operating code to eliminate errors.

As defects are identified and removed, this process is repeated until a satisfactory system behaviour is achieved.

If you use reasonable naming conventions for your variables and functions, it can even be relatively easy to follow for those who aren’t experienced with it. From the example above, you can also get a hint of just how much flexibility is possible. It is very easy to add extra readings to the system, change the filter performance or increase the debounce time if a switch has a lot of noise on it which could lead to false triggers.

So that is a very cursory look at software, why it is such a high source of leverage in the value stream, and why it can provide you with a defensible commercial advantage you can’t get from just making a component. For those who want to explore this in more depth, the Successful Endeavours blog has a section dedicated to software development. www.successful.com.au

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#futureofmakingthings

Software

Mobilising the manufacturing industry Today’s manufacturers face a challenge when it comes to integrating mobile applications and services into their enterprise environment. Many forward-thinking manufacturers are beginning to realise that mobility is only starting to meet its potential throughout the organisation, from the production floor to the field. By Jo-Anne Ruhl, General Manager, Infor.

The origin of modern mobility can be traced back to the introduction of connected devices in the early part of the last decade.

Manufacturers were fortunate to have a provider such as BlackBerry that could handle any software implication – such as providing a vertical “stack” to extend corporate email and secure devices as they left the “four walls” of the business.

Integrating mobile technology into operations can boost your company’s productivity, but only with the right strategy. One thing is clear: mobile technology will play a role in the business operations of every manufacturer in the not-too-distant future. Even at companies where management has yet to adopt a proactive, strategic approach to mobile technology, employees have started the process by bringing personal devices to work and using them to communicate with co-workers, customers and suppliers. In all likelihood, these manufacturers are gaining some benefit as two-way communications within their organisation and their supply chain improve. But this passive approach will keep manufacturers from fully realising the benefits of mobile technology.

Mobile technology has the potential to transform business processes, much like enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions did 15-20 years ago. And like ERP solutions—and material requirements planning (MRP) solutions before them—the transition to mobile manufacturing will be led by companies that adopt a strategy that integrates the new technology into the fabric of their business.

At Infor, we believe mobility, along with migration to the cloud, is one of the most significant technology trends facing manufacturers. We also believe manufacturers can only realise mobile technology’s potential if they develop a longterm strategy that incorporates the needs of multiple departments and integrates mobile solutions into their overall existing ERP strategy.

So why create a mobile strategy? Consider these four reasons: • Increase productivity. Mobility enables employees to work faster and more efficiently, increasing the plant’s productivity. Your organisation can develop customised apps for employees to share information on mobile devices without having to leave the shopfloor and locate a desktop computer to find information they need.

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These apps allow data to be captured and stored faster, enhancing employee access to databases. Mobile apps can also help workers collaborate faster and validate input in real time.

movement of materials. Connecting these systems to the organisation’s business activity monitoring (BAM) system can reduce inventory costs for the company.

• Improve customer relations. Using mobility solutions, you can remain in touch with customers regularly and get their feedback quickly. Previous methods for collecting feedback were very slow, which could undermine market share and brand reputation.

Negative feedback can escalate on social media but still remain unnoticed by executives if there are no systems in place to capture this information.

With mobility solutions, you remain connected with customers and maintain their complex operations easily and effectively. Mobile devices help you to remain active in the market.

Think integrated, think strategic

• Aid facilities management. Facilities management can be aided by enterprise mobility. For example, wall-mounted cameras in a facility can deliver a live video stream to smartphones. Every corner of the plant can be monitored without expensive wiring. This can help with observing security discrepancies.

Wireless sensors can be used both for maintenance management and asset tracking. Accelerometers can be embedded in mobile phones and incorporated in the sensors. If a machine’s sound level exceeds set tolerance limits, a sensor connected to a WiFi network in the factory could update the controller’s dashboard, expediting maintenance interventions.

If a machine is damaged, a mobile app could provide information about what part is damaged and what tool to use for repairs.

• Manage inventory. Manufacturing companies often have multiple sites and a high number of employees in remote locations. Mobility helps organisations simplify inventory management, automate data collection, and eliminate errors and write-offs. Real-time inventory management also helps you gain visibility into material movements and automate logistics. Mobile technology can ensure operations flow smoothly. There are applications that allow mobile devices to scan barcodes and RFID tags. When connected to an ERP system, supply chain managers can get real-time information on the

You’ve invested a lot of time and money creating an IT infrastructure that integrates core business processes to run your enterprise more efficiently. Creating a mobile strategy is no different – you’ll be integrating a combination of solutions and functionality to address specific business requirements.

As with any major software investment, you’ll need to make several strategic business decisions as you add in capabilities. Some top considerations include: • Define your needs. Determine which manufacturing process flows can most benefit from mobile connectivity, and to what extent. Analyse and understand how a specific mobile solution could be used to increase productivity or improve performance.

• Develop a deployment strategy.

Once you determine where to use mobile technology and what your priorities are, you’ll need to make some deployment decisions.

• Create measurement criteria. Think through how you will calculate the business benefit of adopting mobile technology for a specific process.

Weigh potential productivity gains against investment in hardware, software and training. Consider the potential for increased productivity and the business benefit you derive from employees who use mobile technology to respond faster to customer requests, increasing customer satisfaction, loyalty and sales.

• Think in terms of continuous change. Choose a mobility solution that can expand and adapt as your operations evolve. Choose a solution provider who understands manufacturing, its inherent challenges, and the specialised needs of the users.

It’s an exciting time for manufacturers, as mobile technology begins to transform the industry. Optimising the use of mobile devices in your manufacturing environment is a key tactic for increasing productivity.

A strategic approach that integrates new capabilities into your core ERP infrastructure is key to achieving optimal results. www.infor.com

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Software

CAM nesting: More than just a geometric solution Over the years, manufacturing processes have progressed steadily with the advent of technology. From an initial reliance on physical labour, manufacturers today are increasingly turning to more sophisticated means in their pursuit for efficiency and better results. By Tom Stillwell Sr, Marketing Specialist in Hypertherm CAM Software Team.

One of the main computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) applications in metalworking is nesting; the process of arranging cut profiles within a given area (typically on a flat metal sheet) to maximise material utilisation. Nesting software analyses the parts to be produced and, with the use of proprietary algorithms, determines the best way of laying out these parts with minimum raw material waste. Nesting is often used in industrial manufacturing processes, such as the manufacture of metal parts for machinery.

In the past, the concept of nesting merely involved filling a metal sheet with cut profiles, but along with technological advancements and increasing demands for productivity, this concept has evolved. The complexities of modern manufacturing meant that the nesting process is now more than just a simple geometric problem of arranging parts on a sheet. Moreover, nesting in sheet metal often poses far greater challenges compared with other industries, for three main reasons: • Complexity of parts. Machinery parts are often complex and irregular in shape.

Furthermore, modern manufacturers may have nesting jobs that consist of a mix of parts for different customers.

The angle of rotation of the various parts also has to be considered during nesting to ensure correct metal grain direction, while also providing effective material utilisation.

• Different sheet sizes. Today, sheet metal is available in a wide selection of stock sizes. Depending on job requirements, manufacturers may have to work with sheet metal of varying dimensions. At times, to minimise waste, manufacturers may even choose to cut smaller parts from sheet remnants, which are often irregular in shape.

• Optimising sheet utilisation and time.

For a given set of metal and parts to be cut, there will be various nest options available, even without considering part rotation. The challenge lies in identifying a particular nest that provides the optimal balance of sheet utilisation and cutting time.

Manufacturers are increasingly adopting a Lean manufacturing approach for optimal efficiency and cost savings. This demand for greater productivity, coupled with the abovementioned challenges, have led to the need

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Figure 1: Advanced nesting software optimises material utilisation through effective part management.

for more sophisticated nesting software that can offer additional benefits. One such software is Hypertherm’s ProNest, an industry leading CAD/CAM nesting software for advanced mechanised cutting.

Advancements in nesting software Compared to traditional nesting software, advanced nesting options confer several major benefits that ultimately lead to increased efficiency, better cut quality, and an overall improvement in the manufacturing process.

For manufacturers, keeping production costs low is always a priority, and one of the ways to achieve this is by maximising usage of materials. By considering the actual shape of the cut profiles (both regular and irregular) before nesting, advanced software is capable of automatically developing a layout of selected parts on the sheet metal, with optimal part spacing and orientation to maximise plate utilisation. The software is also intuitive enough to utilise spaces within existing parts. Furthermore, operators can easily create remnants, either cropping the plate and saving them electronically in the software, or by entering the dimensions of an irregular plate found in the manufacturing facility and adding these dimensions to create a remnant for immediate or future nesting. This way, leftover material can be reused for other jobs. Software such as ProNest also features capabilities that make

advanced-level nesting decisions based on the parts available. This way, manufacturers face fewer challenges when identifying the nest that gives the best sheet utilisation, as the software is capable of selecting the optimal nesting option. With nesting software that offers such capabilities, manufacturers will be able to utilise materials more efficiently during the manufacturing process. While efficient nesting is desirable, having the ability to cut these nests productively is another important consideration. Different continuous cutting functions that connect two or more profiles to form a single cutting path are now incorporated into some advanced nesting software, allowing manufacturers to cut their nests with ease.

For example, common line cutting arranges and joins any number of parts, with one or more straight edges, together so that the parts can be cut with a common line. Chain cutting provides a way of linking a variety of parts with a continuous cut, whereas bridge Continued next page

Figure 2: Operators can easily create remnants for immediate or future use

Software

cutting allows two or more parts to be linked by a thin web of material (bridge). Besides increasing productivity, these processes also reduce the pierce cycle, which saves time, extends consumable life, and lowers production costs.

Figure 3: With common line cutting, part quantity and material utilisation is increased.

With advanced nesting software, processspecific parameters like pierce rate, feed rate, and kerf compensation can be varied during the cutting process. All these factors contribute to cut pieces with improved edge quality, reduced dross, reduced hole taper, and sharper corners.

these features to be utilised automatically without operator intervention. Manufacturers will thus be able to consolidate all cutting processes into a single software solution, so less time and resources are required for software training.

Apart from simply laying out cut profiles during nesting, some software comes with additional features that are capable of detecting nesting conflicts and job errors.

These pre-cutting checks ensure that the job is properly completed the first time, thereby avoiding the need for secondary processes like grinding.

Within a single manufacturing facility, cutting processes may differ from job to job, based on the material thickness or job requirements.

For advanced nesting software, application is not limited to a single cutting process as the technology is compatible with multiple cutting processes, including plasma, laser, oxyfuel, waterjet, or combination punch, regardless of cutting machine brand and model. In addition, some nesting software allows operators to have control over advanced metal cutting applications like bevel and hole cutting, with specialised built-in support that enables

When it comes to nesting software requirements, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, as cutting needs can vary greatly, even within a single manufacturing facility.

Hence, the appeal of advanced nesting software lies in its modular structure, as manufacturers are given the option to customise their software, including only the features and modules that they require. This versatility translates to greater cost savings for manufacturers in the long run.

In order to fully utilise the benefits of nesting software in a modern manufacturing environment, integration with other corporate business systems within an organisation is vital. Today’s advanced nesting software offers quick and seamless integration with most enterprise resource planning (ERP)/ manufacturing resource planning (MRP) solutions through data sync capabilities that

provide fuss-free plug-and-play integration.

For instance, work order processing allows operators to process work orders, such as parts grouping and tracking, directly from within the nesting screen, instead of relying on manual input. When integrated with a plate inventory system, a good nesting software will allow manufacturers to effectively manage their sheet inventory, while ensuring that only available materials are used. These are just some ways in which advanced nesting software can contribute to a Lean manufacturing business approach.

Nesting software has come a long way since it was first developed, and today, it is no longer sufficient to view it as a purely geometric solution. Advancements in technologies have opened up a new array of possibilities in nesting processes that touch on increasingly more aspects of a manufacturing business.

For companies looking to achieve a Lean manufacturing approach, advanced nesting software like Hypertherm’s ProNest can add considerable value to a business and assist manufacturers in achieving high quality end products with greater efficiency and cost savings. www.hyperthermcam.com

Enhanced features for ProNest 2015 Hypertherm has introduced ProNest 2015 Version 11.1, including a range of enhanced features.

One significant Version 11.1 feature is a new quoting tool that can calculate per-part and total costs for any job. This tool is ideal for job shops, metal service centres, and other fabricators who need to quote work to external customers. In addition to using baseline material and production costs, the tool is capable of including secondary operations in the final cost, and the addition of markups or discounts for certain customers and jobs.

Additional notable highlights of this release include interior cut-up for laser cutting, enhanced SolidWorks assembly import, improved cut process Class selection, and material mapping by grade and type. ProNest 2015 Version 11.1 is available to current subscribers at no-charge. Subscribers simply need to log in to the online Knowledge Base, and select the “download” option.

The ProNest 2015 Version 11.1 release also includes enhancements in support of waterjet cutting. The software is now capable of applying four waterjet pierce types (dynamic, circle, wiggle, and stationary) automatically through the use of embedded process parameters. The software applies the right pierce type based on lead length, material type and thickness, as well as the available space around the pierce site, and pierce duration, all without the need for programmer input.

Another enhancement, used primarily for waterjet cutting, is the addition of Quality Colors, a feature that allows programmers to colour-code parts based on quality values, while in 2D CAD or while using ProNest’s Advanced Edit feature. Quality Colors are also shown on the nest.

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software

Cloud ERP for manufacturers – are we there yet?

Cloud-based systems for enterprise resource planning (ERP) are generating a lot of interest at the moment. Neil Clarke offers some insight on what’s out there.

You have probably heard of them: cloud-based “Software as a Service” (SAAS) ERP systems that allow you to get all the same functionality as the big guys at a fraction of the upfront cost. Sounds great right? If you would like some unbiased information on how these systems currently stack up, then read on.

I am only talking here about the SAAS systems that you subscribe to on a month-by-month basis and only require a web browser or thin client to use them. Most ERP systems can be hosted on the internet, but these are not SAAS systems. So why do we care about SAAS? SAAS systems have the promise of delivering higher functionality than is normally affordable to smaller companies, easier ongoing maintenance and support, and the ability to pay for the software as an operational cost over time rather than a large upfront capital cost.

All of which are good reasons to consider it, especially if your current network infrastructure (server and PCs) are more than five years old, as you will usually need to upgrade these to implement a new onpremise ERP system.

The downside to these systems is often less obvious than the advantages. The first two big hurdles that everyone considers instantly are security and the reliance on an often slow and unreliable internet connection. Security is an issue that can often be mitigated by good due diligence and good processes around password and access control. As far as an internet connection goes, you will need a good connection and a suitable backup plan.

Your existing ADSL service may provide sufficient bandwidth to run the system for a few users, but ADSL does not usually come with suitable service guarantees for a business. It is not unusual for me to talk with clients that have experienced four-day outages of ADSL. You can mitigate this with wireless 3G/4G modems, remote offices or by implementing a business-level service or even better a fibre-based internet connection.

– the systems still need to be configured and information structured properly to get the most out of them, and the pricing for this is commensurate with any on-premise ERP system, often resulting in a largerthan-expected upfront cost.

On balance though, cloud systems provide a full ecosystem that relieves a company of the necessity to manage the IT infrastructure, software updates and backups by rolling this into a monthly cost.

This can be very helpful for companies with dated infrastructure and limited support personnel, but do expect to pay for this over the long term in ongoing monthly rental charges.

Neil Clarke is an AMTIL Research Connections Facilitator with the Federal Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme (EP). The Research Connections service provides a phone-based review of your requirements and budget, and then the authoring of a report on what systems may be most applicable to your requirements.

This is fully funded by the Federal Government – see the website for more details or to apply for assistance. www.business.gov.au

One stop for all your welding needs.

Talk to the experts today.

Other concerns with these systems are a little less obvious to a firsttime buyer, and include the availability of good local support, how difficult it is to have a customised function added, what the reporting system is like, and what functionality is in the base product. As these systems are typically a single application code base and database, it may be difficult to have the software tailored to suit you. Most of the systems have a sub-system that allows you to create different entry forms and add fields but some customers may need more than this.

Make sure you consider these things when deciding on a system.

When you look at the functionality available in these systems you will find that the current crop of systems is aimed to sell to the largest customer base. If you need Accounting, Sales, CRM, Work Orders and/ or Field Service capability you will have a reasonable range of options to choose from, but if you are a manufacturer looking for things like Variable Bill of Materials, Routings, Work Centre Management, Finite Capacity Scheduling, date-based material requirements planning (MRP), forward or backward scheduling, or any other more advanced manufacturing ERP functions then you will have a very shallow pool of systems to choose from, especially those with Australian support.

Cloud-based SAAS ERP software can provide a higher level of functionality at a reasonable cost. For manufacturers requiring good MRP and production-scheduling capabilities, there are very few options available with Australian support. For people working in smaller environments where work can be managed with basic Work Orders then there are several good Australian supported options.

Like any ERP you will need help to implement any of these systems

Unmatched Welding Expertise No company understands welding like we do. lincolnelectric.com.au | 1300 728 720 AMT JULY 2015

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Finance & Law

Legal trends for manufacturers to watch for Laws are always changing. Equally, for manufacturers, their markets, customers and economic forces are also changing. This means that the application and use of existing laws can change or become more relevant, writes Paul Kirton, Director at M+K Lawyers.

For our many and varied manufacturing clients, this article summarises some areas where laws have recently changed, or are likely to change in the near future. It also looks at some trends impacting manufacturers where existing laws can help provide business protection.

unused) ways we find increasingly useful to get our clients at the front of the queue for payment:

1. Debt recovery in supplies of building products and materials.

Australian Consumer Law These new laws, and the consumer guarantees arising under them, have been in force since 2011. While largely used by endconsumers (who can be businesses) against their immediate supplier, the laws also provide consumers with rights directly against manufacturers. The supplier can also have a right of action against the manufacturer in certain circumstances (for example, if the defect was caused by the manufacturer).

We are seeing this more frequently, especially when the supplier is not forthcoming with a remedy or has disappeared, or where the manufacturer is an easier “brand name” target. If such a claim does come direct to the manufacturer, it must be dealt with properly. If not, significant fines can apply.

Manufacturers need to understand their obligations and honour them.

In a further extension, the “unfair contract terms” under the Australian Consumer Law are proposed to be extended from domestic “consumers” to also protect “small businesses”.

The protections will extend to all contracts involving a “small business” and will operate to strike out any “unfair terms” adversely affecting the small business. Those terms will be removed and the contract will continue to operate without those terms where possible.

Whether a term is “unfair” will depend on an assessment of its effect on the relevant parties.

What this means for manufacturers is that some clauses in their standard Terms & Conditions of Sale may not be enforceable (even if agreed) against small business or for small value transactions, when the same terms will remain valid against large businesses.

Watch this space…

Personal Property Securities The Personal Property Securities (PPS) Act is now part of the commercial landscape. Most businesses are complying, though many are still being caught out and losing their goods or any chance to recover payments.

One area we constantly see being missed (or misunderstood) is where a manufacturer holds its assets (machinery, equipment,

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Paul Kirton

vehicles, tooling, IP, etc) in one “holding” entity, and trades through another “operating” entity. The assets are leased or loaned to the operating entity for use in the trading business.

While essentially an in-house deal, if the operating entity is sued or fails, leading to liquidation, then all those assets can be forfeited to the liquidator – even despite the holding entity’s ownership of them – unless the PPS has been complied with and appropriate registrations made.

Our second PPS issue highlights some upcoming changes to PPS law relating to leases of motor vehicles, watercraft and aircraft. Currently, if a lease, loan or bailment is for more than 90 days (or is undefined), it is a PPS Lease that requires registration at the start of the transaction.

The 90-day lease term threshold is proposed to change to 12 months, consistent with all other personal property. This change has been introduced to Parliament, but is yet to be passed into law.

Getting paid While industry, building construction and retail growth are starting to increase, unfortunately this does not mean that customers are always necessarily able to pay you. Growth can bring cash-flow problems, and as the manufacturer, often you are the last to get paid (if at all) in the event of corporate failure.

The Court system, with its focus on process and the time that it takes, is cumbersome and ill-equipped to respond with the speed manufacturers need to recover undisputed amounts and keep their cash flow strong.

Acting quickly is one way to maximise the chances of recovery. There are two (often

If you manufacture goods for use in buildings, the “Security of Payment” legislation can be a powerful (but sometimes overlooked) way to recover payment. The suite of legislation known as “Security of Payment” is a fast-track method to obtain payment and maintain cash flow to your business. It provides a framework for making claims for payment, taking disputed claims through an adjudication process and, if successful, obtaining an enforceable judgment. The process from claim through to enforcement can be completed within approximately eight weeks at notably lower cost than Court proceedings.

The legislation notionally applies only to the building and construction industry, not manufacturing. However, the scope of the legislation is surprisingly broad and includes the supply of goods and materials which will form part of a building. This may include, for example, switchboards, precast panels, windows, fixtures, furniture and electrical items.

In order to use and respond to the “Security of Payment” legislation, strict time frames and other criteria need to be followed.

2. Statutory Demands.

Increasingly, our clients are seeing legitimate, undisputed debts stretching out beyond agreed trading terms. Often a firm demand is enough to get the customer back within terms. But not always.

Accordingly, when a more forceful approach is required, we are increasingly using “Creditors’ Statutory Demands for Payment of Debt”. Statutory demands are formal demands provided for by the Corporations Act. Serving a statutory demand requires the debtor to either pay, reach agreement for payment, or challenge the existence of the debt within 21 days. If it does not do so, it is deemed to be insolvent and is exposed to the risk of being wound up.

In our experience, the potential implications for a solvent debtor that flow from receipt of a statutory demand are generally enough to promote satisfaction of undisputed debts.

When a customer is facing cash-flow problems and juggling various creditors, the creditor who serves the statutory demand is usually the one who gets the attention. www.mk.com.au

Finance & Law

Efic helps Tomco overcome export hurdles When Adelaide-based Tomco Technologies landed a major overseas contract, it turned to Efic for assistance with the initial costs. By Andrew Watson.

Despite facing tough conditions domestically, Australian manufacturers are developing and exporting products that are in demand all over the world, from America to Europe and Asia. However, the path to export success can be challenging, particularly as manufacturers often need to shoulder significant upfront costs for materials, production and delivery, without receiving payment from their overseas buyer until the order is delivered.

Growth frequency One Australian company that has overcome these barriers is Tomco Technologies, a South Australian engineering company. Tomco designs and manufactures radio frequency power amplifiers for scientific and commercial applications, supplying its equipment to scientific and industrial customers around the world.

Founded in 1987, Tomco exports: • Particle accelerators, which are used in high-energy physics research by universities, private research groups and research institutes.

• Nuclear magnetic resonance systems found in MRI machines and industrial spectrometers.

• Radars that are used in weather prediction, surveillance, glaciology and climate change research.

Smaller versions of Tomco’s amplifiers are also used in security screening, sterilisation and materials research. All design, manufacturing and shipping is done out of its head office in Adelaide, along with Tomco’s research and development program, ensuring its products offer the best performance and use the most current technology.

The Tomco team overseeing the installation of their equipment.

Tomco’s bank was already covering the company’s trade facility and, once the contract with Bevatech came about, this facility had reached its limit. As a result, its bank was unable to approve further finance for this project. However, it suggested that Tomco contact Efic to see if we could help.

Help with additional working capital As Australia’s export finance agency, Efic was able to provide an export working capital guarantee for $620,000, which allowed Tomco to receive the working capital from its bank that it needed to fulfil the contract from Bevatech.

Tomco was able to buy everything it needed for the project upfront, which enabled it to proceed more smoothly and, due to this more efficient process, more profitably. Fulfilling this contract and having access to additional finance has allowed Tomco to bid on a wider range of other projects and grow the business.

Andrew Watson is the Executive Director, Export Finance, at Efic, a specialist financier that delivers simple and creative solutions for Australian companies to enable them to win business, grow internationally and achieve export success. www.efic.gov.au

Tomco Technologies equipment in action.

A new export contract After successfully winning a new contract from Bevatech, a German physics consulting firm, for the export of one 140kW and two 340kW radio frequency amplifiers, Tomco needed access to additional working capital to fund their manufacture. These amplifiers were to be used within a Heavy Ion Accelerator, to undertake fundamental research into particle behaviour for potential commercial applications.

As part of the contract, Tomco would also attend the project site to oversee the installation and commission of their equipment.

As many manufacturers who export will know through their own experience, there can be a significant lag time between the production phase of an export contract and the receipt of payment. This was the case for Tomco, which is often not able to receive advance payments for its products, and so must buy components and pay for manufacturing and delivery costs before payment is received.

Export working capital guarantees Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges when seeking further working capital finance from their bank to fund export contracts, as many SMEs may not have the required collateral, such as bricks-and-mortar assets, to lend against.

This barrier is often felt by manufacturers, who may have to pay for manufacturing, materials and delivery before payment is received. Fortunately, Efic can help bridge this gap between payment and delivery through the provision of an export working capital guarantee.

Efic’s export working capital guarantee provides security to an SME’s bank, allowing the bank to lend the additional working capital that an SME needs to finance an export contract, multiple export contracts with different buyers, or to finance an SME’s involvement in an export supply chain.

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Finance & Law

Production line patent goes down A recent Full Federal Court decision is a useful reminder that production lines and production processes may form the basis of valuable patent protection, even if the products resulting from those lines and/or processes are not themselves patentable. By Ben Mott.

The patent in question covered a production line for producing modified cables known as ‘multi-strand rock bolts’, similar to what is illustrated below.

Fig 1

Such bolts are: • Formed by axially compressing sections of cable to form bulbs.

• Used in the roofs and walls of mines and rock tunnels.

• Mounted by insertion into a bore hole, and then pumping grout into the bore hole.

An example of the production line covered by the patent is illustrated in plan and elevation below.

Ben Mott

‘The claimed combination is no more than the sum of its individual functionally-described components, providing an apparatus that carries out a sequence of ordinary and readily-perceived processing steps to achieve the output of bulbed cable according to a known physical operation (axial compression of the cable)’ [our emphasis].

Fig 2

The key components are the jaws 30 and 32, driven by rams 34, 36 and 38 to grip and axially compress the cable. The coverage of the patent was defined in following claim: ‘An apparatus for manufacturing multi-strand rock bolts having spaced apart bulbs formed therein, characterised by a feed means for supplying a multi-strand cable from a rotatable supply reel, a means for forming the cable with bulbs at spaced intervals and a means for determining the position of the cable to stop operation of the feed means to enable a further bulb to be formed’.

This can be clarified with some formatting and a few extra words: ‘An apparatus for manufacturing multi-strand rock bolts having spaced apart bulbs formed therein, characterised by a feed means [e.g. pinch rollers 14] for supplying a multi-strand cable from a rotatable supply reel, a means [e.g. jaws 20, 32 operated by rams 34, 36, 38] for forming the cable with bulbs at spaced intervals and a means [e.g. rollers 50 and switch 52] for determining the position of the cable to stop operation of the feed means to enable a further bulb to be formed’.

Multi-strand rock bolts (such as the bolt illustrated above) were publicly known before the patent was filed. It was against this background that the patentability of the production line had to be assessed. Ultimately it was decided that the invention lacked the ‘inventive step’ necessary to qualify for a standard patent. Along the way, the primary judge remarked:

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So does this mean that all production lines are not patentable? No. Many new production lines and production processes would qualify for patent protection.

Firstly, this patent failed because the production line (as defined in the claim) lacked an inventive step. An inventive step is a rather low bar to overcome. It merely requires a non-obvious variation. For example, if the components worked together in some new and beneficial way so that the production line was more than the sum of its components, the production line would likely have qualified for patent protection.

Secondly, in Australia there is the option of an innovation patent for which an inventive step is not required. Innovation patents can validly cover obvious combinations of well-known features.

A patent covering a production line and a production process could be used to preserve profit margin associated with an improved production technique. An Australian patent covering a production process (as opposed to merely covering a production line) would be infringed by an unauthorised sale of products resulting from the process. By way of example, an Australian patent to a process could be used to stop such products being imported from elsewhere.

Patents covering aspects of production are another tool that Australian manufacturers have at their disposal to shield themselves from wouldbe imitators. If you are developing some new aspect of production and guarding against imitation warrants some investment, it’s time for a chat with your patent attorney.

Ben Mott is a Principal at WADESON patent and trademarks attorneys. www.wadesonIP.com.au

Workholding

Dimac soft jaws offer affordable quality Dimac Tooling, a leading supplier of accessories and workholding solutions for CNC milling and CNC turning machine tools, is Australia’s largest supplier of soft jaws.

Manufactured at Dimac’s facility in Clayton, Victoria, for over 30 years, the soft jaws are precision engineered from 1040 or K1144 carbon steel. Accurate control of slot width ensures minimum runout when refitting soft jaws that have previously been machined. Dimac soft jaws are available in a large selection of sizes covering all brands of chucks. The company also offers custom sizes to suit any application including complete custom workholding.

“We have a huge range that will suit all commonly available power chucks and a big range of sizes for each chuck – in fact for any chuck on the market we’ll have a set of jaws for it!” says Dimac Managing Director Paul Fowler. “We believe our soft jaws are the best on the market, offering outstanding long life and durability in addition to excellent value. Due to growth in the market and economies of scale, we haven’t increased our prices for 15 years, and because we manufacture locally we can deliver anywhere in Australia quickly.”

Soft jaws are commonly used for second operation work on previously machined surfaces to prevent part marring and improve concentricity.

These parts are generally machined to size, in position on the chuck and can be formed into the desired shape. In contrast, hard jaws are best suited to first-operation gripping of black bar.

Soft jaws also over several benefits over hard jaws. Ideal in gripping pre-turned bars as they leave no clamping mark, they provide flexibility for awkward-to-grip parts where irregular surfaces may be present.

After forming, the soft jaws can be flame-hardened to minimise wear.

Custom soft jaws can be made to wrap around the workpiece to minimise deflection or distortion. Carbide gripper pads can be fitted for gripping forgings and castings. Balancing of non-symmetrical

workpieces can sometimes be achieved by varying the material left on each jaw. Soft jaws come in a massive variety of sizes allowing gripping of parts that would not be possible with hard jaws such as very small or large diameters.

“Our new website provides a really easy-to-use soft jaw search facility to allow our customers to find the right soft jaws for their requirements,” Fowler concludes. “Like all the products we sell, our soft jaws are supported by the full back-up and support of Dimac technical personnel to ensure the right product is selected and operates at optimum performance.” www.dimac.com.au

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Workholding

Quick die-clamping – Reliability, productivity and affordabiliy There are die-clamping systems that just clamp dies in machines and do nothing more. And then there are systems that simultaneously contribute to higher process reliability, result in less wear and enhance productivity. These systems don’t merely ensure that manufacturing quality increases and that dies are clamped safely, but also that this change takes place very quickly. By F Stephan Auch.

Rapid die changes allow companies to manufacture even low numbers more efficiently and in a shorter time.

As a result, storage may be reduced, reducing demand for space and capital. Rapid die changes also allow for longer machine operation times, hence freeing up additional capacity to be used for new orders. Since they usually are easy to handle, they can even be operated by non-experts.

Standardisation and simplification Some die clamping and changing systems can be used flexibly so that the number of required clamping elements may be reduced. In addition, they can often help to standardise, simplify and automate die changing processes. For this purpose, the functions of the clamping elements can be controlled by central machine control units within integrated production processes. Monitoring elements – in particular for pressure and positions – supply controls with feedbacks at the same time, and consequently assist in achieving higher process reliability and productivity.

The high-end solution, “magnetic technology”, even allows for clamping all steel dies of any geometrical shape, size and mass, and largely do without other clamping elements.

Clamping systems also offer advantages with regard to manufacturing quality and the lifespan of dies. The even, low-distortion clamping process, with the possibility of precise repeatability and selection of optimum clamping positions, all contribute to a constantly high production quality. This simultaneously reduces wear on the die.

Before making a decision on the appropriate clamping technology, the purpose of use should be clarified. Is the primary aim to simplify operation, to lower the number of clamping elements, or to reduce die wear? Or is it primarily about increasing machine productivity and product quality?

Investments pay off quickly Andreas Reich, Product Division Head of Quick Die-Clamping Technology of Romheld, emphasises that affordable standard components are available for a large number of tasks; these may be composed of modular programs.

In contrast, according to Reich’s calculation, when hydraulic quick clamping systems such as hollowpiston cylinders, clamping strips and hydraulic power units are used, the comparable die changing cost amounts to only €15,000 per year.

A die change takes only six minutes.

Taking investment cost of €8,000€12,000 into account, this results in a total of approximately €27,000.

Consequently the saving in the first year already is €33,000.

Reich concludes: “The investment will have amortised in a few months only.”

This does not even take into account that the gains in machine operation time extend production times and hence generate further yield via higher capacities. Reich calculates again: “Due to the die change taking six minutes, daily die changing times are reduced by well over half an hour.”

With 250 working days, this results in 125 hours more machine operating time to be used for additional orders.

Mechanical, hydraulic or magnetic?

But which clamping system is to be used for which application?

Reich explains: “I recommend simple hydro-mechanical clamping nuts – optionally with clamping force indication – compact claws and mechanical plug-in clamps if the clamping edge heights and widths of dies are uniform and clamping times of several minutes per clamping point are acceptable.”

In comparison to these, hydraulic clamping elements such as hollowpiston, plug-in, angle and wedge clamps significantly reduce the clamping and releasing time to between eight and 20 seconds. The die is fixed in all clamping positions simultaneously and evenly fixed at the touch of a button and hence without any effort.

“Hydraulic clamping is faster and has a positive effect on process reliability and production quality,” Reich adds. “In addition, the clamping force may be monitored and controlled, and the changing process may be automated.”

“Even specially customised solutions for particular requirements are available in the short term and at moderate cost,” says Reich, who dismisses the sometimes raised objection that clamping technology is expensive. “A simple estimate calculation already shows that investments will amortise in a very short period in most cases.”

Only electro-permanently magnetic clamping plates are even faster, positioning and clamping dies in less than three seconds.

The magnetic clamping plates are manufactured according to the customer’s specifications and are particularly useful when dies must be changed frequently. They are also preferable, if many differently dimensioned dies are used. If they are made of steel, they may be clamped without exception without the need to standardise clamping edge heights and die base plates.

As an example Reich cites a two-shift operation running 250 working days per year with a single die change per shift, or 500 die changes every year. With manual clamping screws, the changing time for each die change amounts to around 25-30 minutes. Considering the appropriate hourly rate of the machine, die changing costs amount to €5,000 ($7200) per month, which is €60,000 per year.

For newcomers to this technology, Romheld has introduced the Clamp & Go product line of magnetic clamping plates. The series comprises affordable magnetic clamping plates standardised in size and design and intended for a broad circle of users. As most other clamping elements, they may easily be retrofitted to the majority of machines. www.romheld.com.au

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AMT JULY 2015

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forum – 0hs

Falls: Low-hanging fruit for OHS in manufacturing Serious injuries in manufacturing may be declining but, ironically, injuries due to falls are rising, as explained by Carl Sachs Although injuries declined by 37% between 2000/01 to 2012/13, manufacturing continues to suffer the most serious claims of all Australian industries with a total of 15,380 during 2012-2013. Falls, trips and slips were a major cause, leading to 22% of manufacturing sector injuries. And they’re not going away. In fact, fall, trips and slips increased by 6% in 2012/13*.

Safe work at heights myths may be partly to blame. First, there’s a common misconception that falls are only a problem for construction sites and, second, that only heights of 2m or more are risky. The reality is that while most falls legislation deals with heights over 2m, many of the compensable injuries occur at lower heights.

Most of the answers for manufacturing facilities are already available in Australia’s top-selling safety standard and the second most popular construction standard, AS 1657. The national model Code of Practice, Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces, offers further guidance.

Selecting the correct means of access The humble ladder is a major contributor to falls injuries and safe design can make a dramatic difference to workplace safety.

AS 1657 deals with fixed ladders. The selection process mandates that staircases are used rather than ladders for access and egress. If staircases can’t be installed due to space constraints, the next best choice is a step-type ladder. While a person climbing rung ladders must use a lot of upper body strength, step-type ladders shift the load to the more powerful lower body. Make sure that all treads, stairs and rungs are tested to ensure they are slip-resistant. The revised AS 1657 also says the spacing between the bottom rung and the landing needs to match the spacings of the remaining rungs.

Platforms Working platforms are widely used in manufacturing facilities. To meet the Australian Standard requirements, all platforms over 300mm high must have a guard rail around the edge. The platform floor must be rated to at least 2.5kPa, which makes it capable of bearing the weight of two workers and their tools. Floors must be slip resistant and if items can fall off the edge, a kick rail/toe board is needed. The minimum platform width is 600mm, with increased clearance requirements at access and egress points to suit associated staircases or ladders.

Harness/PPE based fall protection.

If it is not possible to use passive fall protection like platforms, walkways or guard railing, it may be necessary to apply the second-lowest form of risk control, which is PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

These harness-based solutions are treated as a last resort and usually consist of an anchorage point, a lanyard and a harness. The way they are used, together with the configuration of anchors and lanyards, determine whether they prevent falls altogether or simply prevent a falling person from hitting the ground. “Work positioning” or a technique of “restraint” means that the worker is kept in a position where they cannot fall.

“Fall arrest” means that the worker can fall but not far enough to hit the ground or hurt in machinery below. The fall distances need to be calculated to make sure that this cannot occur. To calculate whether this is feasible or not, use the formula FF = L-S+H. Where FF = free fall distance; L = lanyard length measured from 1.5m above the ground t the dorsal attachment and H = height of the person, ; and S = the distance from the edge.

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Fall distances need to be calculated before specifying harness systems.

Based on the example in the figure above, a 1.8m tall person working 1.3m from an edge with an anchor at ground level, will fall 2.2m before their fall is arrested. This excludes and allowance for extension in the persons personal energy absorber. If there is an obstruction within the fall distance of 2.2m, the worker will hit that obstruction before the harness actually arrests their fall.

Unsurprisingly, work positioning/fall restraint is more desirable but a simple mistake in layout or usage of the system can see it downgraded to fall arrest.

Harness-based equipment has a reasonably low capital cost but the ongoing costs are significant. The inertia reels normally used in work positioning systems, for example, require annual inspection and maintenance under separate provisions in AS/NZS1891.

Statutory inspections, maintenance, training, rescue provisions, rescue equipment and administrative control costs make harnessbased systems more expensive than walkways and guard rails in the medium term.

Conclusion Following the model Code of Practice, Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces, together with AS 1657, goes a long way towards saving lives. Together, they spell out sensible height safety rules that make it clear how manufacturing workplaces can increase the safety of workers at the lowest possible cost while minimising legal liability.

Carl Sachs is Managing Director of fall prevention market leader, Workplace Access & Safety. He is the Technical Chair of working at height peak industry body, the Working at Height Association (WAHA). Workplace Access & Safety has a NATA-accredited laboratory and four factories around Australia, providing complete service from fabrication through to installation and commissioning of anchors, guardrailing, static lines, platforms other access equipment to government, public and privatelyowned companies nationally. carls@workplaceaccess.com.au or 1300 552 984. www.workplaceaccess.com.au *Australian workers compensations statistics 2012-2013.

forum – Law

It’s all in a name

Dr Victoria Longshaw and Dr Nigel Parker of Houlihan2 Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys discuss the differences in ownership rights provided by company names, business names, and domain names and trademarks.

When it comes to starting a business, choosing a name for your new venture can be one of the most exciting tasks! Or not. It depends on whether you can secure rights to use that name. Do you know whether you can use the name you want for your new business? Can your company name be the same as your trademark or brand name?

There are several misconceptions about the ownership rights provided by trademarks of brand names versus company names, business names, and domain names. Each of these names has a different purpose and may or may not offer protection to your business. Getting it right from the beginning is important, as the name/identity of your business can be one of your most valuable assets.

Company name It is compulsory to register your company name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). A registered company name (ACN) operates nationally and functions to identify the company as the legal entity that owns the business (as distinct from identifying its products and services).

However, unlike trademarks, company names do not provide any proprietary or enforceable rights relating to the use of that company name. You will not be able to stop other people from using your company name as a trademark or to describe their goods or services.

For instance, if you have registered “Melbourne Mowing Services Pty Ltd” as a company name, you cannot stop another person from marketing their services as “Melbourne Mowing Services.” If you wish to stop others from using or misusing your company name, you need to prove sufficient reputation in the company name, which can be an expensive exercise.

Business name A business name is the name under which your business operates. A registered business name (ABN) operates nationally and is required if you wish to trade using a name other than your registered company name.

Although you cannot register a business name that is identical to a business name registered by another Australian business or company, a slight change in the business name can be registered. For example, having a business name of “X Australia Pty Ltd” would not stop another from registering “X Pty Ltd.” Having a business name does not give you legal rights to that name and if another person uses your business name for the purposes of conducting their business, you cannot stop them. As with company names, if you wish to stop others from using your business name, you will need to prove your reputation in the use of the business name.

Domain name A domain name is an internet address, the unique identifying number that corresponds with an internet protocol address. Domain names allow an internet user to visit a specific website. Often the domain name of a business is the same, or similar to, its trademark, company name or business name.

If you have a domain name, you do not actually own it. All you have is a license to use that domain name. There are also rules and policies regarding the registration of domain names, such as those for “com. au” which may be viewed at the .au Domain Administration Ltd (.auDA) website (http://www.auda.org.au/). It is possible to register your domain name as a trademark, but only for the period of time that you have paid to use it and if it is inherently distinctive.

Trademark A trademark functions to identify a product and/or service in the marketplace and to distinguish your goods/ services from those of other traders. When applying for a trademark registration, it is necessary to identify the types (classes) of goods/services with which the trademark will be used. Successful registration of a trademark gives you the exclusive use of that trademark, or a substantially identical or deceptively similar trademark, throughout Australia for an initial period of 10 years (renewable thereafter). You can also apply to register the trademark in other countries if you are intending to sell your goods or services overseas.

It is not compulsory to register a trademark. However, continuing to operate a business without doing so is risky. If you are selling goods/services under a trademark that is too similar to the registered trademark of a competitor, they could send you a cease-and-desist letter alleging trademark infringement. Also, counterfeiters could copy your unregistered trademark and it can be very difficult to stop them from using your trademark. Having a registered trademark provides you with a valid defence against allegations of trademark infringement, as well as enforceable rights to use against counterfeiters.

If you wish to register a trademark, it is worth speaking to a trademark attorney first, as not all trademarks are registrable, and some may already have been registered by someone else.

Summary Company names, business names and domain names do not provide any proprietary or statutorily enforceable rights. You will not automatically have the right to use that name as a trademark. Only a registered trademark provides you with exclusive rights. To save time and money, you should first check if your trademark is available for your use and registration, and if available, you should register it, before using it and before registering your name as a company name, a business name or a domain name.

Houlihan2 assists with all aspects of Intellectual Property Law including the registration of trademarks, the provision of opinions on the registrability of trademarks, assistance in enforcement of trademarks and in defending against trademark infringement allegations. We can also assist you with the registration of your company name, business name and domain name. Please contact Dr Victoria Longshaw or Dr Nigel Parker of Houlihan2 on (03) 9851 6016 or mail@houlihan2.com. www.houlihan2.com

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forum – Logistics

Free Trade Agreements and their impacts on supply chains It is important to have a good understanding of the country-specific requirements of a Free Trade Agreement in order to calculate the true costs of a product. This includes taxes/duties, product specifications and documentation, packaging and price labelling. There is a growing trend for Australian organisations to move much of their product-handling activities off shore, but resource-wise, many SMEs are not equipped to take advantage of the ever-shifting international trade landscape. Hence the value in investing in supply chain optimisation, as explained by Lawrence Christoffelsz Over the past few years, the Australian Government has proactively worked on a number of FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) with key overseas markets such as Malaysia, Korea, Japan, ASEAN, China and currently even India.

As a result, many Australian importers and exporters have begun to re-think and re-strategise their global supply chains.

Unfortunately, the impacts and opportunities FTAs can have for an organisation are often missed or overlooked by SMEs. However, large corporations may have the resources to properly research and identify how to best take advantage of the changes in duty rates and the accompanying (sometimes confusing) product specifications and documentation requirements which go along with them.

Whether an exporter is targeting a new market with an FTA, or an importer is evaluating a supplier’s potential costs, both need to correctly calculate the true landed costs of their products – of which, duty rates and taxes are an important part.

This is generally a relatively simple calculation, however…

Offshoring product-handling These days, many Australian companies have products which are produced offshore, possibly with other imported components, or have some sort of additional ‘value-add’ component to their product sourcing and supply (e.g. re-packaging, price labelling, kitting, etc.). This is where it becomes extremely important to have a strong understanding of the requirements of Free Trade Agreement which may relate to the specific country in question.

What is typically referred to as ‘upstream’ activities (all product handling requirements before departure from place of origin) must be carefully taken into consideration.

Unfortunately, it is a growing trend for Australian organisations to move much of their product handling activities off shore and if your organisation hasn’t considered this so far, it will most likely be a question which must be raised in the not so distant future.

Contributing key factors for importers are: increasingly high costs of labour (VAS activities), which simply put is, any activity which needs to be performed on a product before it goes to store or customer is commonly being shifted ‘upstream’. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these activities are performed by the actual suppliers of the products, but instead is being commonly undertaken by outsourced VAS providers, such as global logistics providers and similar companies.

Likewise, the increasing cost of real estate in Australia (i.e. warehouse space), is also forcing companies to store much or their product or seasonal stockholdings off-shore and then ‘re-positioning’ locally in smaller volumes more frequently.

Both of the above, when combined with a rapid increase in online/ B2C sales channels by Australian retailers, it is easy to see why the

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traditional distribution models are aggressively being re-considered and re-designed for optimal cost and lead-time efficiencies.

As mentioned earlier, many SMEs are generally not equipped (from a resources and/or expertise perspective) to take advantage of the ever-shifting international trade landscape and as such, can often unexpectedly, find themselves becoming increasingly uncompetitive within long-established markets or sectors they’ve previously enjoyed success in.

The importance of supply chain optimisation Companies regularly budget for and invest in their sales and marketing strategies, research and development, and even export development, however when it comes to supply chain optimisation (which should include trade barriers, regulations, sales analysis (including online sales), lead time analysis landed costings, inventory optimisation and cashflow) they often fail to see the value in investing in this type of expertise from external specialists.

The inability of SMEs to be innovative, flexible and proactively adaptable to the changing global market place has already left many Australian organisations behind the eight ball – resulting in them becoming uncompetitive and unprofitable.

A great example of this, which we’ve already begun to see, is with the Australian fashion industry – global players, with innovative supply chains and powerful online offerings, have been able to have significant impacts on the domestic market and industry in a very short space of time.

Sales channels have shifted. Supply markets have shifted. Marketing channels have shifted. So, is it so surprising then that the way in which organisations value-add, store and distribute their products has changed dramatically also?

You already know the answer to this and as one of Einstein’s famous sayings reminds us: “The definition of insanity is; doing the same thing over and over, yet expecting different results!”.

This has never been as true as when it comes to international trade: leveraging Free Trade Agreements, researching and identifying opportunities to re-shape your supply chain, and engaging external expertise to increase the efficiencies of the overall ‘supply cost per unit’ of your products to customers.

Lawrence Christoffelsz is International Trade & Supply Chain Advisor. He is also Managing Director of Logistics Results Pty Ltd - an Australian-owned and operated company. This team of supply chain, logistics and international trade experts will increase your efficiencies and reduce the costs to your organisation. Ph: 1300 13 17 18 www.logisticsresults.com.au www.exportresults.com.au Lawrence Christoffelsz is also Director and Board Member of the Australian Chamber of International Trade - www.acit.org.au

forum – Finance

What’s happening with the economy?

Ken Richards explores what the current economic uncertainty means for Australian manufacturers and offers some financial advice for managing risk.

There’s lots of talk of cheap interest rates and a housing bubble, but what’s really going on?

products, such as a well-managed debtor facility can assist with working capital needs during stages of growth.

The housing market continues to experience strong growth and speculation continues around the significance of interest rates, negative gearing and foreign buyers, however, everything else seems fairly flat. It wasn’t that long ago that mining was performing strongly and was expected to continue for years along the same path, but that changed, as did the tech bubble and the never ending economic cycle, before and after the GFC.

Unfortunately, some businesses don’t consider spreading their debt risk until the bank says ‘No’ and often this is too late to be in a position to get the best outcome with structuring finance, so it’s worth regularly considering your position and what you would do, if there was a sudden down turn.

Along with the conflicting economic indicators, a number of visitors to Austech commented on uncertainty regarding the economy, particularly the lack of stimulus and incentives to assist local manufacturing, uncertainty at a Federal budget level and a complete lack of infrastructure in some states, such as Victoria. However, there were some positive comments regarding the lower dollar and the actual or anticipated benefit of increasing competitiveness, the side effect being the expected increase in the cost of imported machine tools.

What does that mean for manufacturers?

The general consensus seems to be that a lower dollar will benefit Australian manufacturers and that with a growing middle class in Asia and exponential growth for products in this market and the improving US economy, the lower dollar will continue to make Australian products increasingly competitive and start to swing demand back towards local manufacturers.

Whilst this is positive for local manufacturers, this process can take some time and in the early stages of growing export sales, may squeeze working capital. As such, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that your finances are properly organised and you have certainty over working capital and costs, as well as considering FX risk and hedging strategies.

With low interest rates and bank advertising, it’s easy to think that finance is becoming easier to obtain, a swing back to pre-GFC lending, but this isn’t the case. Banks are putting lots of money into property finance, however, business and equipment finance is higher risk and with low interest rates, any losses are more difficult to recover. Banks are therefore increasingly more cautious in lending to business, making things difficult for those businesses fortunate enough to have strong order books and in demand products.

As the old adage goes “banks always want to lend when you don’t need it and don’t when you do”, therefore, don’t fall into the trap! Whilst the last few years have seen a number of businesses consolidate their position, reduce debt and simplify, they have also put their primary bank into an increasingly stronger position and whilst banks have largely supported customers over the last few years, they are also businesses looking to minimise risk and maximise shareholder returns. Therefore businesses shouldn’t be afraid to look at other financing possibilities, particularly for self-funding assets, such as plant and equipment.

Additionally, other standalone

Our top tips for managing risk with your bank include: • Reduce gearing with your bank. Generally easier said than done, but a good reason not to finance plant and equipment with your bank.

• Try to split out separate property holdings and be wary of bankers telling you that different debts with the same bank aren’t linked, they almost always are!

• Consider other providers of working capital or debtor funding facilities, to supplement your bank facilities, rather than using your bank for everything.

• Consider what level of debt is appropriate and don’t avoid considering capital injections.

• Consider other risks, such as FX, insurance, key person insurance and bad debts.

That’s not to say that your bank isn’t an integral part of your business, but being too dependent on them can place a strain on your business, just when you need the bank the most and unfortunately, most banks in the current environment are governed by centralised credit departments with little understanding of the business they are assessing.

Therefore, whilst the economy continues to offer uncertainty, it also offers opportunity and it’s important to ensure you are in a position to leverage the opportunities as they arise.

In addition, to your accountant, there are a number of large finance brokers in Australia, with access to a large number of financiers and products, so ensure you seek independent advice and if you consider a finance broker, ensure they are accredited with a range of banks and financiers, are a member of a recognised professional body, such as CAFBA and understand your industry and needs and finally that they can consider all products in the market, not just those offered by one or two financial institutions.

Ken Richards is Director of Interlease.

Interlease is one of Australia’s oldest and largest Business Finance Broking companies with over 40 years’ experience as a specialist commercial finance broker and carries accreditation with over 40 financial institutions. The range of finance options offered is extensive and includes the core business of leasing and hire purchase, as well as trade finance, working capital and property finance.

Interlease researches your business and, combined with industry knowledge, arranges the best finance option to suit your business’ particular requirements. www.interlease.com.au Ph: 1300 859 429 krichards@interlease.com.au

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manufacturing history

Big wheels & little wheels – the story of Sir Laurence John Hartnett (1898 – 1986)

Part 6

A LEAP INTO THE UNKNOWN

UK-born Sir Laurence Hartnett arrived in Australia in 1934. He was known as Australia’s ‘Father of the Holden’, but he was much more than that as he tirelessly devoted himself to the country he loved via his visionary “Made in Australia” campaign. Apart from commencing the remarkable revitalisation of GM-Holden in 1934, his other contributions to Australia included being appointed Director of Ordnance Production in World War II, setting up the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation and numerous other ventures. In this instalment, WW1 is finally over, and 21 year-old Laurence has no immediate plans for the future. Is it possible to transition from a British WW1 Probationary Flying Officer to Head of Australia’s GM-Holden 16 years later? It is if your name is Laurence Hartnett! But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Laurence has yet to demobilise, and he has yet to stumble into his next (as yet uncertain) career path which will steer him towards the fledgling motor industry and his many future contributions to Australia.

A

very popular officer named Brisley had been killed on the very morning I reported for duty. He had gone up in a plane with a pupil pilot and had handed over the controls to the youngster to do a loop. Brisley had forgotten to buckle his safety-belt, or had not fastened it correctly. The pupil put the aircraft into a loop and flattened it out upside down. Poor Brisley fell out of the cockpit at 2000 feet. There were no parachutes in those days, as parachutes were not accepted as standard equipment in the First War. Great interest had been shown in demonstration parachute jumps by a representative of a firm called the Guardian Angel Parachute jumps Air Ministry officials and everyone on the station came out to watch. There were plenty of bets among those on the ground that the ‘chute wouldn’t open. But the parachute salesman, an adventurous chap, wasn’t at all perturbed.

With everyone on the station watching, at I500 feet he climbed out on to the wing and jumped. The parachute opened immediately and he floated down to within a few yards of the watching officials. It was a most convincing demonstration-but it didn’t convince the officials, however much it impressed the young flyers who saw it.

All the new pilots at Ternhill RAF station were trained for night flying on DH6s, known as “Flying Bathtubs” because of their shape. DH6s were primitive machines and Ternhill, by anyone’s standards, was a primitive aerodrome. The flares which guided us in and out on our dead-of-night flights were old buckets punched with holes and filled with kerosene-soaked cotton waste.

From the Flying Bathtubs we went on to FE2Bs. They had one bad fault: the undercarriage was unreliable. My first crash at Ternhill was in landing with a broken “undercart”. For my second crash, the wingtip hit the ground and the plane cartwheeled. I was flung clear-out, and Sears, our flight commander was slumped over the instrument panel - knocked out. I thought he was dead. Ambulance and fire engines were quickly on the scene and fellows came running from the hangars. Then someone undid my jacket and yelled, “Hartnett’s bleeding badly!” That frightened me out of my dizziness. I looked down for the blood-and saw red ink oozing from a smashed fountain pen in my pocket. That pen and the plane were the only casualties.

The principle of parachutes can be traced back to ancient China and later, to drawings

by Leonardo da Vinci. However it was the French physicist Louis-Sébastien Lenormand (1757-1837) who made the first witnessed descent with a parachute. He is also credited with its naming - from the Greek para (against), and French chute (fall).

After refining two modified umbrellas used in an earlier jump from a tree, he jumped from the tower of the Montpellier observatory in 1783 in front of a crowd of witnesses using a 4.3m parachute with a rigid wooden frame.

Illustration from the late 1800s.

When it came to long-distance nightflying bombing training, we had to face up to many hazards. Our compasses were, to say the least, erratic. Our maps and charts were not detailed; there was little or no meteorological information, and our navigation knowledge sketchy.

But by good luck we made trips safely to Ireland, France, and to other far-off points-and we generally got back again.

The war came to an abrupt stop with the Armistice in 1918 and our score with the enemy was nil. I applied for discharge very smartly. But the demobilization was not a thing to be rushed. To avoid congestion the R.A.F. was demobilizing over a period. I asked for any odd job, other than flying, that I could do to keep me occupied. My engineering background at Vickers impressed someone, so I became a Midland Area Engines Officer, and for about five weeks rounded up engine spares and parts for holding at a central point. Then I became transport officer. My major interest was to trace missing transport equipment. One item on my list was twelve missing motor-cycles. All I could find were bits of frames. Apparently a wonderful racket had been worked by some of the ranks. They’d been stripping service motor-cycles and smuggling the pieces out one by one, reassembling the bikes, painting them and selling them. I soon put a stop to that little game!

The Air Force handed me one or two other little jobs just to fill in time, but eventually my discharge advice came through in May 1919, and I was given six months pre-demob leave on pay. I was twenty-one.

I had a few pounds in the bank and not a thought in my head about what I should do in the future.

This is an extract from ‘Big Wheels & Little Wheels’, by Sir Laurence Hartnett as told to John Veitch, 1964. © Deirdre Barnett.

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To be continued…

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Supported by: Machinery Forum (NSW) Pty Ltd 43 Brodie Street, Rydalmere NSW Pty Ltd Phone: +61 2 9638 9600 e-mail: machinery@mafosyd.com.au

Shane Infanti – Chief Executive Officer AMTIL

AMTIL Strategies for 2015/16 The AMTIL Board and management team have recently reviewed and updated our current Strategic Plan, which identifies seven Growth Strategies and four Sustainability Strategies. In addition, we confirmed our mission, target markets and value proposition.

We remain committed to representing and promoting the interests of manufacturing technology suppliers and their customers.

The seven Growth Strategies are: Grow opportunities for Australian manufacturers. AMTIL will engage with a network of organisations to provide business development opportunities for our members, in particular targeted at SMEs. Supply chain development has been identified as a key activity.

Grow Manufacturers Pavilion. AMTIL will continue to focus attention on the Manufacturers Pavilion at Austech as a marketing and promotional opportunity for Australian businesses. The concept of having OEMs and Primes looking for local suppliers and manufacturers that can showcase their capabilities will be continued.

Grow membership. AMTIL will continue to develop a suite of services that encourage membership development and growth. These services will be in line with our value proposition outlined in the diagram below.

Grow event portfolio. AMTIL will continue to develop a national calendar of events that undertake four types of activity – Major Exhibition, Major Conference, Social Networking and Business/Personal Development – and we expect to provide a good mix of activities that members will be able to benefit from.

Grow on-line activity. AMTIL will continue to develop on-line activity through enhanced capability of websites and e-communication mechanisms. The development of a social media platform is a new initiative that will be rolled out in the new financial year.

Grow Government relationships. AMTIL will continue to develop our relationships with Governments at all levels as a Partner/Deliverer for Government Programmes and an influencer of government policy and initiatives. Proposed programmes include the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, the Innovative Manufacturing CRC and the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Growth Centre.

Develop a web strategy. AMTIL will continue to drive increased attention to our various websites that focus on news & information, events and member capability. Increased traffic to these sites will provide marketing potential and member benefit.

Our four Sustainability Strategies are: Continue to develop Austech. AMTIL will continue to position Austech as a biennial “SuperShow” through improved marketing and new initiatives. As our flagship event, Austech is recognised as the premier manufacturing technology trade show in the country and our intention is to maintain this credibility well into the future.

Maintain the credibility and integrity of our AMT magazine. AMTIL will continue to develop AMT as the premier industry magazine through improved editorial and a relevant, controlled circulation list. Increasing the size and readership, including on-line, are key strategies in this area.

Maintain our existing membership. AMTIL will continue to focus attention of member relations and improve our value proposition to ensure greater than 90% member retention. Key strategies in this area are to increase our networking activities, generate opportunities particularly through supply chain development and provide an industry voice to the Government.

Provide good Governance and sustainable finances. We will continue to focus attention on strong financial management, good governance and leadership.

I look forward to keeping our members informed of progress and seeing you at the various events we run during the year. For more information on any of the above please contact me on 03 9800 3666 or sinfanti@amtil.com.au

AMTILinside

Telstra – How business apps help improve productivity and reduce costs So who’s unsure about using apps in the workplace? We’re not talking about your public transport or wine app, but apps designed to help your business improve productivity and reduce costs.

There is an app for almost every business need, and if you ignore them you risk being left behind while your competitors surge ahead. Telstra research shows a whopping 75% of small businesses are still reliant on traditional paper-based tools, spending an estimated $608m a year on paper. And although there are many business apps for smartphones and tablets, only 24% of small businesses are using them in the workplace.

Yet business apps can bring huge benefits. They can help you automate manual processes, support document sharing for greater collaboration, electronically sign documents, track tasks, create digital invoices, replace paper forms, gather information in the field, and much more.

Kiss paperwork goodbye One of the main benefits of business apps is reducing the amount of paper we use. For example, a common glitch in automated digital processes is stopping everything to print a document for signing, then filing and mailing or faxing it. This can be a waste of time and money.

DocuSign is an example of a business app that allows people to easily produce an electronic signature (eSignature) by signing documents on a compatible mobile device with their finger. Electronic signatures speed up business processes by eliminating paper, and reducing employee time spent sending, tracking and handling documents. Not to mention reducing paper, ink, printing, faxing, postage and courier costs.

For example, if you are signing up a new customer using an application form or contract, the customer can sign with their finger on a tablet, and return it to you electronically within minutes. Without an eSignature, this process could take days posting, faxing, and chasing signatures.

Electronic signatures also create an audit history; they are an easy way to keep track of who authorised a document, and when.

But business apps can also help digitise your paper documents for easy storage and access. For example, the Shoeboxed app scans photos of receipts and invoices then extracts relevant information to

sort into common tax categories such as transport and amenities. And once everything is online, it’s easy to generate expense reports. All your records and reports are easily accessible on the go and can be easily shared with your accountant and financial planner.

Sharing information Business apps are taking advantage of cloud computing, making it easier and quicker for small businesses to access and share information as they need it. For example, the Box app stores documents online in the cloud, allowing information and ideas to be shared more quickly.

This improves collaboration among your staff, which might give your business the edge over your competitors.

Apps on mobile devices allow you to access information – so you can respond to queries or make decisions – while you’re on the go. You can make better use of time that would otherwise be unproductive, such as waiting for meetings to start or sitting around in airports.

Best of all, it’s easy to start using apps to help your business boost productivity and cut costs. Many apps let you just install and go.

Telstra is making this easy by launching an app store called the Telstra Apps Marketplace, a one-stop shop for business apps.

Telstra has teamed up with AMTIL to help our members get the most out of their telecoms. To take advantage, contact Telstra Business Centre Rowville (Melbourne) on 1300 793 684 or email amtil@TBCOuterEast.com.au.

At your service.

AMTIL supports its members through its select range of AMTIL Service Partners.

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Entrepreneurs’ Programme: meet the team This month AMTIL has begun its implementation of the Federal Government’s newly launched Entrepreneurs’ Programme, and we have assembled a great team of experienced, highly qualified advisers and facilitators to work with us to help you.

The Entrepreneurs’ Programme, developed from the Enterprise Connect initiative of the previous Government, is a flagship initiative focused on raising the competiveness and productivity of eligible companies at an individual level. The Programme will deploy more than 100 experienced Advisers and Facilitators, offering support to businesses through three elements: Business Management, Research Connections, and Accelerating Commercialisation. AMTIL is a partner organisation in the Programme.

Under Enterprise Connect and throughout the transition to the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, AMTIL employed a team of six people across Australia. Of that group, Bruno Bello, Neil Clarke, Michael Fetherstonhaugh and George Pofandt have remained on board to implement the new Programme on behalf of AMTIL. In addition, five new faces have been added to the team, with the appointment of Vineet Ahuja, Mal Clark, John Lochery, Rob Murphy and Richard Penman.

“These new appointments are the result of an extensive recruitment process by AMTIL, and we are confident we’ve put together a group that will ensure that Entrepreneurs’ Programme delivers real benefit for Australian manufacturers,” says Greg Chalker, AMTIL’s Corporate Services Manager. “In the last year alone AMTIL’s Advisers and Facilitators have worked with somewhere in the region of 300 businesses, evaluating their operations and helping them to improve. With the team now expanded to nine, AMTIL is better positioned than ever to help manufacturing companies in Australia move forward.”

Vineet Ahuja Business Adviser, Victoria Tel: 0418 566 381 Email: vahuja@amtil.com.au Vineet has a passion for supply chain continuous improvement, with over 39 years’ experience in senior management, implementing excellence in food, medical devices, healthcare products, oil, plastics and chemicals, and from small companies to global icons including international technology projects in Malaysia, India and Mexico. Vineet has the technical and leadership skills for organisational transformations, reducing waste, developing people, improving safety, influencing cultural change, teaching and setting future strategies, and turning around morale and businesses. With experience of production, procurement, planning, logistics, quality, advisory, technical services, engineering and project management, Vineet is a “thinker-doer mentor” with strong people skills and customer service orientation. Vineet is a qualified mechanical engineer, holds a

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AMTIL’s team consists of six Business Advisers and three Research Connections Facilitators (technology and knowledge experts from ICT systems to manufacturing processes and procedures). Our team works within a larger national cohort covering the entire country.

The Programme is an opportunity for small and medium businesses to take advantage of industry experts able to assess, advise, and mentor businesses on growth and improvement opportunities, connect companies to the research community and government assistance initiatives, help the development of effective supply chains in real and positive ways, and assist with the acceleration the commercialisation of innovative products and solutions.

In rough terms, if your business operates in or can demonstrate the capacity to operate in: Advanced Manufacturing; Food and Agribusiness; Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals; Mining Equipment, Technology and Services; Oil, Gas and Energy Resources; or Enabling Technologies and Services; and has a turnover between $1.5m and $100m (or between $750,000 and $100m for applicants from Remote Australia), then you need to visit the website www.business.gov.au, search for Entrepreneurs’ Programme, and look at the pages concerning Eligibility. Everything you need to know is there. It may make a big difference, and it costs nothing but a little time to find out.

For more information on the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, contact Greg Chalker, AMTIL’s Corporate Services Manager, by calling 03 9800 3666 or emailing gchalker@amtil.com.au.

MBA, PG Dip in Quality Management, as well as being a TAE40110-qualified trainer and mentor.

Bruno Bello Business Adviser, Victoria Tel: 0409 123 701 Email: bbello@amtil.com.au Bruno’s geographical footprint covers Melbourne metro-based businesses. While drawing on extensive experience in running global machining, design and fabricationrelated businesses, Bruno utilises his postgraduate business qualifications and extensive global business transformation background to assist a broad range of sectors in considering how they may be able to achieve a step change in revenue and profit. Sectors include pharmaceutical, food, IT, logistics and printing, among others. For Bruno, a different and qualified perspective often adds value that may not be apparent to highly skilled operators and managers who are focused on the daily demands of running a business.

Mal Clark Business Adviser, Victoria Tel: 0428 328 228 Email: mclark@amtil.com.au Mal joins AMTIL covering Melbourne and surrounds as well as Gippsland.

Mal has been involved in supporting Australian firms for nearly 20 years, over the past decade through various Federal Government programmes, most recently the Entrepreneurs’ Programme.

Mal’s background as a manager in corporate environments includes proven business development, commercialisation, P&L accountability and operational experience in manufacturing and service industries.

Mal has been a key player in management teams, forming relationships at all levels in an organisation. He is highly analytical with the ability to facilitate change in a short timeframe. His qualifications include: a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Physics from Monash University; a Diploma of Management of Research and Development from University

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of New South Wales; and a Diploma of Business Management from University of Melbourne Business School. More recently Mal graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mal is a CEng, MIoP, MAIP and MAICD.

Neil Clarke Research Connections Facilitator (IT Systems), South Australia Tel: 0408 280 601 Email: nclarke@amtil.com.au Neil entered the IT industry in 1987 after 10 years in the civil aviation sector. Neil has held technical and managerial positions in IT departments of medium-sized corporates and smaller businesses in diverse areas such as warehousing, product costing, network design, implementation services, technical consulting and software development. Neil has held director and managing director roles in two private companies, developing them from start-ups to successful multimillion dollar businesses focussed on software system development for shopfloor and industrial data capture processes. With experience in large and small companies, Neil enjoys using his hard-earned knowledge to help businesses overcome challenges in selection and implementation of IT systems to automate and improve workflows and information flows within the business. Having worked in both vendor and customer roles, Neil has a good understanding and empathy for the challenges businesses and vendors face in implementation of complex systems.

Michael Fetherstonhaugh Business Adviser, South Australia Tel: 0488 975 399 Email: mfethers@amtil.com.au Michael provides professional facilitation services with specialisations in business development and growth through marketing and accelerating business capabilities.

He enjoys working with companies to identify opportunities to grow revenue and reduce costs by improving efficiencies and empowering people. Michael has extensive leadership and management experience. Before joining AMTIL, he was a Business Adviser with Regional Development Australia, where he was responsible for working closely with Australian businesses seeking to expand, including entering various export markets. Michael has spent many years in management within the media (radio, television and print), where he worked

with companies to develop their brand and build their customer portfolio. Michael is an accredited Business Counsellor with an Advanced Diploma in Business Management, and qualifications in training and workplace assessment. The key areas Michael will be servicing will be Adelaide’s northern suburbs, Barossa, the Riverland, Mid North and Eyre Peninsula region.

John Lochery Business Advisor, Victoria Tel: 0449 210 515 Email: jlochery@amtil.com.au John is an experienced senior manager with a primary focus on continual improvement, innovation and profit, and an overall goal of maximising returns for shareholders and supporting companies’ brands in the markets they play in, while successfully developing new business opportunities. His strong strategic focus and team development skills have been gained from 25 years’ experience in sales and marketing, in both the retail and businessto-business sectors. John’s specialties include: strategic plan development and implementation; acquisitions and mergers; restructures and integration; production and manufacturing capital project management; new product development and launch planning and implementation; export development; and food service and retail sales and marketing. His industry experience includes a time as CEO of the Pastoral Pork Company, and Managing Director of Baxters Foods Australia. He was Sales and Marketing Manager at Bamboleo, an Account Manager with SPC Ardmona, and National Manager at Simplot Food Service.

Rob Murphy Business Adviser, Victoria Tel: 0439 675 516 Email: rmurphy@amtil.com.au With 40 years’ experience across diverse industries, Rob is an expert in business management and manufacturing processes.

In previous senior operational and management positions he has managed large teams, led export initiatives, increased productivity, reduced downtime, automated production lines and improved processing capability for a number of firms. His expertise allows him to provide best practice advice to manufacturers and service firms on a range of issues, including strategic planning, strategy deployment, operations management and human

resource management. Rob is a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and held positions as Victorian President and Senior Vice-President. Qualifications include a Dip Eng (Mech), B.Com (App. Eco), M.Bus (Manufacturing).

Richard Penman Research Connections Facilitator (IT Systems), South Australia Tel: 0409 169 978 Email: rpenman@amtil.com.au Richard comes to AMTIL from the Australian Industry Group, where he advised over 150 companies on technology solutions, platforms and strategies. Before that he was the Pacific Zone IT Manager for Bureau Veritas, the world’s second-largest group in conformity assessment and certification services in the fields of quality, health and safety, environment, and social responsibility.

Richard has extensive IT management and strategic ICT governance experience, gained through senior and executive roles delivering major business transformations and driving business capability evolution for SMEs and large enterprises. He now brings his expertise to AMTIL, to continue advising Australian SMEs on technology solutions and leveraging. Based out of Adelaide, Richard’s qualifications include a Masters of Information Technology.

George Pofandt Research Connections Facilitator (Technology & Knowledge), Queensland Tel: 0411 098 685 Email: gpofandt@amtil.com.au George specifically covers the Technology and Knowledge elements of Research Connections.

George is a manufacturing engineer and toolmaker and has extensive, hands-on experience in a wide range of industry sectors, including medical, aerospace, mining, agriculture and micromanufacturing. George also founded and operated the national manufacturing network known as ManufactureLink, which now forms part of AMTIL’s services. Since joining the original Enterprise Connect program in 2009, George has completed over 700 individual technical assistance enquiries for program clients.

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Innovative Manufacturing CRC up and running AMTIL is delighted that the government has trusted the IMCRC with its strong financial support to play a serious role in the transformation of Australian manufacturing. While the journey to this point has been long, the IMCRC now has funding for seven years, an impressive set of business participants and research providers and the core of a fine staff and board. The Commonwealth has said it will facilitate a fast start and the hope is that the IMCRC will be in a position to be ‘open for business’ on July 1 2015.

Here is an excerpt from a recent press release from Interim Chair Peter Jonson regarding the current state of affairs with the IMCRC. “Our immediate task is to register a company, which shall be a company limited by guarantee and not for profit. We also need to open bank accounts and acquire financial management capacity. We expect that our initial members will be largely enterprises, but others will be added as soon as they are ready. Our legal advisor is Peter Francis of FAL Lawyers who is tasked with creating suitable short-form documentation to make it possible for participants to join, subject to whatever caveats they wish to impose. Of course, if caveats are inconsistent with the needs of the IMCRC as perceived by the Interim board, we shall have to put relevant applications aside until negotiations are resolved.

“We shall be exploring ways to maximise the number of projects that can be started with the funding we have available. We are committed to minimal head office expenses and we are hoping that States that have not yet committed funds will be willing to provide contributions that can largely be used to support projects. We have approached the Chief Scientists in States with strong business participants as part of IMCRC to see what might be possible.

“I am delighted to announce that our Interim CEO will be Dr Mark Hodge. Mark is an engineer by training, a graduate of Monash and Ohio State Universities. Mark worked for a Defence technology company (in the USA), then for the Victorian Government before founding an Aerospace and Defence

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consultancy which continues to provide services to the sector worldwide. He was appointed as foundation CEO of the Defence Materiel Technology Centre (DMTC) in 2008, and has been widely applauded for his leadership in that role. Mark will work for IMCRC for up to 3 days per week to oversee our fast start and to advise the interim board as necessary. Until the recent CRC Conference, Mark was also the Deputy Chair of the CRC Association, coordinating a range of advocacy activities around the recent Miles CRC Program review which of course led to the recent announcement of continuation of the CRC program, and indeed the IMCRC funding announcement.

Our initial staff includes Mark Raphael, Simon Marriott, Larry Jordon and Sameera Silva, all of whom were involved in the establishment of IMCRC. I shall continue to work with this group, as well as leading the Interim board whose other members include Robin Batterham, David Charles and Trevor Tappenden. We shall work closely with the government’s new growth centres and other manufacturing CRCs. We plan to have a business advisory board and a research advisory board and are seeking volunteers from our business and academic participants. There will be overlaps in membership from each group so we can build business-research cooperation into the fabric of IMCRC.” For more details on the Innovative Manufacturing CRC please contact: Mark Hodge on 0421 613 382 or mark.hodge@imcrc.org Peter Jonson on 0403 048 105 or peter.jonson@imcrc.org or visit www.imcrc.org

AMTIL FOOTY TIPPIng 2015

stand up!

The mid-season bye can’t come soon enough for some and then there’s the tipping – talk about tight!

At the time of upload, the AFL season was coming to the end of the threeweek period where some teams see the break as a ‘reload’ for a scramble to secure a top eight position. Freo are still strong, Swans and Hawthorn are starting to flex their muscle, Tigers continue to disappoint and Port seem alomst a lost cause, and will the Pies stand up to pressure of a competitive month ahead? Tips wise, how close is it? The top four are separated only on margin points with tenth place only two tips behind. Now is the time for bravery to stand up. Will there be an Ernie Shakleton who led an expedition to the South Pole back in 1914 or a Charlie Lightoller who survived the sinking of the Titanic amongst them – who will crack under the pressure? It’s been a cracker of a season so far and can only hope for more. Til next time, Sanchez.

Round 12 1 Brendan Smith 2 John MacDonald 3 Seco 4 Conrad Willis B’shaw 5 magpiemad rules!

6 Damian 7 Nicole Sinclair 8 Josh Pearce 9 Jeff Hedger 10 Lou

71 (443) 71 (459) 71 (462) 71 (484) 70 (420) 70 (457) 70 (500) 69 (437) 69 (478) 69 (498)

Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited

Keeping it Simple.

One Membership, Many Benefits.

connect.inform.grow.

MeMbershIp pAckAges AvAILAbLe AMTIL membership for companies, individuals and supporters within the precision engineering and advanced manufacturing sector.

For more information visit www.amtil.com.au or contact corporate services Manager greg chalker on 03 9800 3666 or gchalker@amtil.com.au

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industry calendar

Please Note: It is recommended to contact the exhibition organiser to confirm before attending event

INTERNATIONAL Taiwan Automation Intelligence & Robot Show Taiwan, Taipei 16-19 July 2015 Automation intelligence & robotics technologies, products and equipment. Manufacturing applications (factory production, assembly and other processes) for a broad range of industries. www.tairos.tw/en MTT Expo Indonesia, Jakarta 4-7 August 2015 Machine tools, metalworking & precision tooling, automotive engineering & related manufacturing technologies. http://mtt-indonesia.com/expo Delhi Machine Tool Expo India, New Delhi 20-23 August 2015 Includes metal cutting/metal forming machine tools, welding, automation, software, assembling, metrology, accessories. . www.mtx.co.in Cambodia International Machinery Industrial Fair Cambodia, Diamond Island Conv Centre 21-24 August 2015 Metalworking & automation, plastics production, auto parts & accessories, food processing. www.camboexpo.com/CIMIF PDMAEC Philippines 26-29 August 2015 Die & mould machinery & equipment exhibition http://pdmaec.brinkster.net/index2.html Taipei International Mould & Die Industry Fair Taiwan, Taipei 26-29 August 2015 Machining centers, EDM, milling, grinding, engraving machines, lathes, presses, CAD/ CAM/CAE, Testing Equipment, auxiliary equipment etc. www.odm-dmi.com/en T-Plas Thailand, Bangkok 26-29 August 2015 Fair for plastics and rubber industries.

Concurrent event: Plastics in Automotive www.tplas.com/index.php/en Intermach 2015 Brazil, Joinville 1-4 September 2015 Automation; metrology; cutting/machine/metal forming tools; software; welding equipment; services for the metal-mechanical industry.

Includes: CINTEC Mechanical and Automation. www.intermach.com.br/en CIMIE China, Beijing 8-10 September 2015 International Metallurgy Industry Expo is one of the world’s four largest metallurgy events.

Concurrent events: China International Heat Treatment Exhibition; International Forging Industry Exhibition. www.bcime.com/en

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Vietnam Manufacturing Expo Vietnam, Hanoi 10-12 September 2015 Manufacturing machinery and technologies for supporting industries (machine tools for mould and die making and injection technologies for plastics manufacturing).. www.vietnammanufacturingexpo.com IMEX India, Bombay 13-15 September 2015 International machine tools and allied products expo, Co-located with: World of Metal; CWE (International Exhibition on Cutting and Welding Equipment); TechIndia (engineering and manufacturing industry exhibition);.UMEX (intl. exhibition of used machines); Hand Tools & Fasteners Expo. www.imexonline.com WESTEC USA, Los Angeles 15-17 September 2015 Expo for the advanced manufacturing industry. Includes cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, advanced technologies, new products and applications. www.westeconline.com Tube Southeast Asia Thailand, Bangkok 16-18 September 2015 Event for the tube and pipe industries in the SE Asia region. www.tube-southeastasia.com/index.php/en Metalform China, Shanghai 16-19 September 2015 Focusing on the metal forming industry.

Co-located with four shows: ChinaForge;, SheetMetal China; MetalFab China and MetalComp China. www.chinaforge.com.cn/en Jordan International Industries & Machinery Exhibition Jordan, Amman 19-22 September 2015 Only international machinery show in the Levant region. Includes metal working and plasticsprocessing machinery. www.jordanmachineryshow.com Euromold Germany, Dusseldorf 22-25 September 2015 Includes new trends in design, engineering, moulding and toolmaking, production and additive manufacturing /3D printing. From design to prototyping to series production process chain. http://euromold2015.com AmCon USA New York 23-24 September 2015 Texas 6-7 October 2015 Utah 27-28 October Michigan 10-11 November 2015 Design & contract manufacture expo. from prototypes to production parts. Includes printing; forming/fab; machining; engineering; prototyping; assembly. www.amconshows.com

Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show Canada, Mississauga 28 September – 1 October 2015 Includes latest advances in machine tool, tooling, metal forming and fabricating, advanced manufacturing including 3D printing/ additive manufacturing, automation. Includes Technology Zones. http://cmts.ca Sweissen Austria, Linz 29 September – 1 October 2015 Latest developments in joining, cutting and surface treatment. Practical solutions for business success, whether they build prototypes, limited series, serial mass production items, or industrial plants. www.schweissen.at/en Toolex Poland 29 September – 1 October 2015 Trade fair for machine tools, tools and processing technology. www.exposilesia.pl/toolex/uk Manufacturing Solutions Expo Singapore 30 September - 2 October 2015 Singapore’s showcase of the industry’s best ideas, innovative technologies and cost effective manufacturing solutions to meet the growing needs of manufacturing companies. Includes Singapore Pavilion. www.smfederation.org.sg/index.php/ calendar Motek Germany, Stuttgart 5-8 October 2015 Trade fair for automation in production and assembly. Includes mechanical engineering, assembly automation, feed technology and industrial handling for entire process chain. www.motek-messe.de/en/motek EMO Italy, Milan 5-10 October 2015 Includes Metal forming/cutting machine tools, welding, automation, software, accessories, metrology, quality control, OHS. www.emo-milano.com Weldex Russia, Moscow 6-9 October 2015 International exhibition for welding materials, equipment and technologies www.weldex.ru/en-GB Industrial & Tool Show USA Texas: 7-8 October 2015 Springfield: 28-29 October 2015 Oklahoma: 4-5 May 2016 West Texas: 8-9 June 2016 Showcase of industrial products and services www.expoindustrialshows.com

industry calendar local Sydney Boat Show Sydney Exhibition Centre, Cockle Bay Marina 30 July – 3 August 2015 The largest recreational marine event in the southern hemisphere www. sydneyboatshow.com.au Agriworld Australia Sydney Showground 16-17 July 2015 Includes Agribusiness value chain; Agriinvest (investment services); Agritech (field technologies, animal management); Agrinext (technology, equipment); Agritrade (trade services). www.agriworldaustralia.com.au ACI Connect 2015 Sydney Olympic Park 12-13 August 2015 Australia’s only conference and exhibition dedicated to automation, control and instrumentation technology. Includes industry expert keynotes on Connected Manufacturing, the all new Future Networks Forum, leadership panels, and two dedicated MiniLab workshop channels. www.aciconnect.com.au NT Resources Week Conference & Exhibition 2015 Darwin 25-27 August 2015 Brings together leading personnel in mining, exploration, engineering, construction, oil and gas to discuss latest developments Northern Australia and South East Asia. Concurrent with Mining the Territory and Building the Territory Conference www.ntresourcesweek.com.au

AIMEX Sydney Showground 1-4 September 2015 Asia-Pacific’s international mining exhibition.

Featuring the latest in mining innovation www.aimex.com.au

AIMEX

Safety in Action Melbourne Exhibition Centre 15-17 September 2015 www.safetyinaction.net.au/melbourne Australian Sustainability in Business Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 7-8 October 2015 Will look at the core fundamentals for a company’s sustainable future and how sustainable innovation improve their profitability and social responsibility while reducing their impact on the environment. www.australiansustainability.com.au Australian Construction Equipment Expo Melbourne Showgrounds 12-14 November 2015 Includes the latest equipment, products and innovations in the construction industry.

Includes exhibitors from civil engineering and construction, public works, Government, earthmoving and demolition. http://aceexpo.com.au Motorclassica 2015 Melbourne 23-25 October 2015 Australia’s premier event for rare and exotic, historic, vintage veteran classic and collectible cars & motorcycles. Celebration marques include 50 years for the Supercar, Dino, Shelby and Mustang; 70 years of MV Agusta and 50 years of the Bugatti Club Australia. www.motorclassica.com.au

Advertiser Index ISCAR 2-3 A2K Technolgies 63 Lincoln Electric 69 Alfex CNC 15 Livetools 39 Amada Oceana 90-91 LS Starrett 92 AMTIL AMT 51 Machinery Forum 81 AMTIL ManufactureLink 68 maxon motor 75 AMTIL Membership 87 MTI Qualos 31, 43, Front cover Applied Machinery 17 OKUMA 7 BAC Systems Pty Ltd 73 OSG Asia Pty Ltd 4-5 Barden Fabrication 49 PILZ Australia 23 Complete Machine Tools 33 Renishaw 45 Compressed Air Australia 19 Scan Xpress 47 Delahenty Machinery 75 SECO Tools 13 Dimac Tooling 41 Sheetmetal Machinery Australia 9 ECI Solutions 65 Tasman 3D Printers 29 Flecknoe Pty Ltd 75 Technical Forgings 75 Hardman Brothers 8 Walter AG Singapore 11 Hare & Forbes 35 Industrial Laser Impact card 66-67

Queensland Gas Conference & Exhibition Brisbane 24-25 November 2015 Dedicated to the latest developments and issues surrounding Coal Seam Gas (CSG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Queensland.

Rises in LNG exports of 8% pa for the last five years, predicted revenue for the CSG industry to grow 148% in 2015 and Qld holding over 92% of Australia’s CSG reserves, provide a perfect basis for personnel from the gas sector learn and share better production strategies. www.queenslandgasconference.com.au Motorworld Melbourne Melbourne 25-29 November 2015 A comprehensive automotive festival which presents the Australian automotive industry to buyers throughout Australia and Asia. Includes the latest release motor vehicles and motor bikes in motion. Features 23 dedicated feature zones www.motorworldmelbourne.com

aug15 Australian Manufacturing Technology

Your Industry. Your Magazine.

NEXT ISSUE…

MINING In the next edition of AMT we take a look at the current state of the mining industry and the openings there for Australian manufacturers.

Would you like to advertise in Australia’s No. 1 precision and manufacturing magazine?

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Call Anne Samuelsson of AMTIL on 03 9800 3666 or email asameulsson@amtil.com.au

FORMING & FABRICATION

CUTTING TOOLS MATERIALS HANDLING

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Expanding the support

of the sheet metal working industry SERVICE

SUPPORT

Amada continues to grow our service and support within Australia. We currently have 27 staff in 4 locations Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. We have recently invested in the latest service management software to improve our efficiency and give a better customer experience.

We have expanded and added Customer Engineers to provide a more advanced level of support. Our CE’s can provide assistance with anything from machine demonstrations and comparisons to advanced cutting conditions. This enables our customers to get the most from their machines.

We also offer overseas tours to visit other Amada users throughout the world.

PARTS & TOOLING

We currently stock over $2 million in Parts & Tooling, this enables us to offer shorter lead times. Our comprehensive range of tooling and technical expertise ensures you have a ‘one-stop’ supplier to meet all your tooling requirements.

Amada’s goal is simple; to provide quality long lasting tooling that maximizes productivity.

Amada Oceania Pty Ltd www.amada.com.au

TALK TO US MACHINES

Whether your looking to lower the cost per part, reduce lead time, Improve quality or just want to keep up to date with the latest technology.

EG 6013

The new EG offers high speed, ultrahigh accuracy processing achieved by easy operation.

Amada has an increasing and comprehensive range of sheet metal machinery available.

We invite you to one of our showroom locations to attend one of our monthly shows or even come over for a one to one visit.

Please call us or visit our website to arrange a visit.

View the EG at Our Sydney Solution Centre

LCG 3015 AJ r e s a L er Fib

The new LCG AJ Fiber Laser offers high speed cutting, low energy costs and an affordable price.

View the LCG-AJ at Our Melbourne Technical Centre

Sydney 02 8887 1100 Unit 7, 16 Lexington Dr., Bella Vista NSW 2153 Melbourne 03 9020 1400 Unit 1, 3-4 Anzed Court Mulgrave VIC 3170 | Perth | Brisbane