Industry Update February 2016 - Issue 88

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST CIRCULATING MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE

Industry Update

®

MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE

Issue 88 February 2016 $12.00 INC.GST Issue 76 February 2014 $12.00

ENOUGH INC.GST

EMPLOYERS CALL FOR URGENT CHANGES TO UNFAIR DISMISSAL LAWS A growing band of Australian manufacturers is calling on the Federal Government to “soften” unfair dismissal laws, which they claim have had a devastating affect on small business.

One managing director that has been operating an Australian company for more than 40 years says employers have had enough.

“All we want is a level playing field,” he said.

“The current unfair dismissal laws are weighted unevenly toward the employee.

“It’s just not equitable.”

And the issue is fast reaching boiling point.

Industry Update contacted several prominent industry executives for comment.

Each senior executive asked not to be named for fear

of identifying staff members, but all agreed that the current laws are strongly biased toward employees.

Continued page 8

INDUSTRY UPDATE EXCLUSIVE

FEATURE

HOW LEAN MANUFACTURING CAN BOLSTER YOUR BUSINESS PAGE 11

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING? MINISTER CHRISTOPHER PYNE SHARES HIS VISION PAGE 18

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• EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER SCOTT FILBY

EDITOR TIM MICHAEL

IT’S TIME TO SCRAP DRACONIAN UNFAIR DISMISSAL LAWS

GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR HOLDEN WORKERS IN SA

All small businesses from time to time are faced with the unpleasant task of having to lay off staff for whatever reason.

In most cases this can be a simple process, where both parties agree to go their separate ways.

But now it’s a sad fact of life that an increasing number of employers are finding themselves embroiled in unfair dismissal cases and adverse action claims.

Under the current framework, employees who are fairly dismissed can easily bring an unfair dismissal claims against their employers.

This results in a drain on company time and resources.

As a small business owner I understand the upheaval this can cause in the workplace.

These laws were originally designed to protect employees from being dismissed or treated unfairly at work.

And no one wants to see employees treated badly.

But now we have reached the ludicrous situation where employers are being forced into massive payouts to avoid costly and time consuming legal action brought on by aggrieved employees.

We appreciate that employees need security and protection from unscrupulous bosses.

But employers also need more flexibility when it comes to lay-offs and retrenchments.

Industrial relations should be a key issue at the upcoming federal election, but neither side of politics seems keen to go there.

Former treasurer Peter Costello observed in a newspaper article late last year that: “Both sides of Parliament appear to agree nothing should be done to make our workplace relations more flexible and less regulated.”

For obvious reasons the Coalition does not want to drawn back into another “Work Choices” fear campaign and the Labor-Greens won’t to alienate employers by tightening the Fair Work screws even further.

The current legislation is so complex that neither employers nor employees have a clear understanding of their obligations.

The Productivity Commission has made some suggestions aimed at simplifying the whole process.

We hope their recommendations will be adopted as a priority by the new government.

Employers across Australia – particularly small business owners – are sweating on government to release the pressure valve.

Our patience is fast running out. Enough is enough.

Is Guido Dumarey the answer to Holden workers’ prayers or is he driving them up a dead end street?

Mr Dumarey, of course is the Belgian entrepreneur interested in taking over Holden's Elizabeth plant in Adelaide’s north, which is facing imminent closure.

The Belgian businessman has met with representatives from the state and federal governments assuring them his bid is genuine.

And Mr Dumarey’s credentials are sound.

The 56-year-old Belgian is head of the Dumarey family, which owns Punch Group, a collection of businesses and investments in Europe.

In 2012, he successfully took over a General Motors transmission plant in France that was earmarked for closure.

Holden plans to end Australian manufacturing next year, with about 1600 workers at the Elizabeth plant set to lose their jobs.

But the Belgian white knight has unveiled an ambitious plan to save them.

SA Premier Jay Weatherill has rightly warned workers employed at the plant against false hope.

In a radio interview Mr Weatherill said he was still “lukewarm” on the idea, but his government is treating the proposal seriously.

As part of the deal Mr Dumarey wants access to the hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies that have now been shut off by the federal government.

He also needs the support of General Motors and would have to address the remediation of one of the most contaminated sites in the state.

So there are many major hurdles still to jump before it's a done deal.

But both the SA and Federal Governments have indicated they will help where possible to get the proposal off the ground.

Federal Industry Minister Christopher Pyne, is pushing hard for the Holden plant to stay open in his home state.

And SA Opposition Leader Steven Marshall, who also met Mr Dumeray, is convinced it's a credible offer.

Mr Marshall says the SA Government should be “grabbing it with both hands."

However Mr Weatherill is taking a more cautious approach.

There are a lot of boxes to tick before the plan becomes a reality, he says.

The Australian car industry may have been given the last rites, but many auto workers are now starting to believe there may be life after death.

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• CONTENTS & DIRECTORY

CONTENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER

2

NEWS 5 Workplace incidents: Where does the buck stop?

Q&A 18 Exclusive interview with Industry Minister Christopher Pyne

MATERIALS HANDLING

28

CRANES & LIFTING Fork Force to distribute award-winning AUSA telehandlers

32

FEATURE 34 Designing for Manufacturing's Internet of Things

MACHINERY 20 Automation delivers five-fold increase in productivity

SAFETY FOCUS: FOOTWEAR The true cost of safety footwear

WASTE & RECYCLING Australia's E-Waste future

SAFETY 38 How automation can improve workplace safety

PUBLISHER SCOTT FILBY

27

FINANCE & ACCOUNTS MICHELLE ALCOCK

36

ELECTRONICS 40 Researchers on track to develop next-gem electronics AUSTRALIAN MADE MACS: A proud Aussie company with salt in its veins

46

INDUSTRIAL DOORS When was the last time your doors had a safety check?

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PRODUCT NEWS

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SUBSCRIPTION ASSISTANT MARK ZAKOSHANSKI

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EDITOR TIM MICHAEL

ACCOUNTS RECEIVEABLE LYN SLIGAR

CONTRIBUTERS Badrinth Setlur, Dr Caleb Wegener,

editor@industryupdate.com.au ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR SCOTT FILBY

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PRINTER NEWSTYLE PRINT

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER GLYN SMITH

WEB DEVELOPER JINI M R

Product Update Publications Pty Ltd Suite 203, Level 2, 621 Pacific Highway, St. Leonards NSW 2065 Phone: 02 9439 1288 Fax: 02 9439 3233 Email: sales@industryupdate.com.au Web: www.industryupdate.com.au

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Industry Update Manufacturing Media

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No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent from the Publisher. It is a condition of purchase or acceptance of this magazine that the Publisher does not assume any responsiblity or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission on this publication or from the use of the information in this publication or from the use of the information and illustrations contained herein and the Publisher makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein. © Copyright Product Update Publications Pty Ltd 2012.

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BE RECOGNISED FOR YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING Each year the NSW Training Awards celebrate and reward outstanding achievements in vocational education and training.

Be recognised and increase your profile in your industry and community. Awards are presented to apprentices, trainees, students, trainer/teachers, training organisations and employers.

Details on each of our award categories are listed on our website.

Eligibility for the student awards is limited to individuals who have completed or are due to complete their apprenticeship or traineeship between 1 October 2015 and 30 September 2016.

Apprentices and trainees who completed prior to this date but whose nominal completion date was in the eligibility period may also be nominated.

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For eligibility details and entry forms visit the NSW Training Awards website:

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NEWS •

COLBY TEAMS UP WITH NEW MELBOURNE DISTRIBUTOR Melbourne-based Smarter Storage Solutions, recently became one of newest businesses to join the Colby Storage Solutions Australian distributor network.

Smarter Storage Solutions is committed to reliable delivery, installation and servicing of industrial storage solutions, including pallet racking.

Though Smarter Storage is a new business, the team behind it has been in the installation, fabrication and building services business for many years, as A1 Precision

Solutions.

Colby Storage Solutions Director, Tony Woodlock, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Darko Balaban, Andrew Becic and the team at Smarter Storage to our Australian distributor network.

“We look forward to working closely with them to ensure Melbourne businesses have access to smarter, safer and stronger, locally made Colby racking.”

Colby Storage Solutions combines the flexibility of a national network of

independent distributors, with the resources of global materials handling leader Dematic.

Dematic maintains its commitment to manufacturing Colby storage equipment locally, to the highest possible standards, at a competitive price.

“We’re very excited to be joining the national Colby Storage Solutions distributor network, which will offer us the highest quality racking product on the Australian market, and the support of the experienced Dematic team,” said Andrew Becic, Director

at Smarter Storage Solutions.

“We look forward to delivering to our customers Australia’s best range of high quality storage solutions.”

Colby Storage Solutions Ph: 02 9486 5304 www.colby.com.au Smarter Storage Solutions Ph: 1300 265 291 www.colbydandenong.com.au

WEG AND DIRECT AUTOMATION FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WEG Australia has entered into a strategic alliance agreement with Direct Automation for the sale and support of its industrial switchgear range Australia wide.

Direct Automation Pty Ltd is a direct seller of automation and industrial control products such as PLCs, switchgear, AC drives/motors, operator interfaces, and much more.

“The alliance with WEG, will enable Direct Automation to offer a complete switchgear range to our industrial controls business,” said Katie Davies, Direct Automation’s Director.

WEG is global systems supplier, providing efficient solutions including motors, VSDs, soft starters, low voltage switchgear and transformers to all market segments, employing over 30,000 staff around the world and manufacturing in excess of 10 million electric motors and one million drives per year.

"Building on Direct Automation market experience, highly efficient business model, and WEG’s fast growing product portfolio, the partnership will provide easier and quicker access to WEG products and services, meeting the high demands of the industry,” said Leandro Mattedi, WEG’s National Product Manager for Automation.

The two companies will jointly market new products and pre-packaged solutions that can substantially impact efficiency and productivity for OEM’s and switchboard manufactures.

This is expected to reduce the cost of motor control products and result in faster delivery for customers.

The partnership will enable the traditional resources of WEG Australia and the logistics of Direct Automation to focus on increasing sales and support for the full range of industrial switchgear and motor control products for industry.

WEG service technicians and support engineers are working with the Direct Automation support team to ensure strong product familiarisation.

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• NEWS

WORKPLACE INCIDENTS: WHERE DOES THE BUCK STOP? Workplace incidents can be painful not only for employees, but can also cause great financial pain and stress to a business.

Shae McCartney, a partner at leading Australian law firm Clayton Utz, says that while you can’t change what’s happened in the workplace, you can reduce the impact.

At National Manufacturing Week in May this year Ms McCartney, a Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety expert, will explain how companies should respond to workplace incidents to minimize fallout.

Her presentation Who's Responsible for Workplace Incidents? will discuss current legislation covering workplace incidents and management responsibilities. Ms McCartney says there are many employers that still don’t understand their obligations under the new Act. “Many companies have developed technology-driven responses, which are delivering mountains of data (on topics including incidents arising among contractors) that they have no capacity to change,” Ms McCartney says. Collecting this data ultimately puts the company at greater risk of legal liability.”

Ms McCartney advocates a common-

sense approach in which companies only collect data on their direct areas of responsibility.

This, she says, should then be backed by agreements (on multi-employer sites) that clarify each party's boundaries.

“There is now more focus and more confusion around who is responsible (for workplace incidents),” she explains.

“A company executive not only has obligations for workers, but also for contractors, contractors employees and subcontractors and their employees.”

Ms McCartney says the main message for employers is to exercise due diligence and make sure the workplace arrangements in place do not create a safety risk.

“In other words you have to do everything that is reasonably practicable.”

To assist employers Clayton Utz has developed a new interactive app on how to best respond to workplace incidents.

The CU SAFE (Serious Accident, Fatality and Environmental Incident Response Guide) helps you respond quickly and with confidence should an incident occur.

Ms McCartney says the first 48 hours after a serious safety or environmental incident are the most important – but also the most demanding. The CU SAFE app – the first of its kind in Australia – covers a broad variety of incidents to guide employers through the correct incident response processes.

A practical step-by-step guide ensures you follow best practice as well as statutory requirements.

Ms McCartney says the app can be used for virtually any incident, but is particularly useful for serious accidents, injuries or major environmental issues.

“It’s all about the best ways to manage the response in a way that produces the least impact for the people involved – and the business.”

CU SAFE is designed for in-house legal counsel, environment and safety professionals and managers and on-site managers and operational staff. It can be downloaded onto any device and can be used without internet access – when and where you need it.

Ms McCartney says the initial feedback

Shae McCartney … ‘common-sense approach’

from clients has been amazing.

“They found the app to be interactive, intuitive and easy to use.”

One client commented: "People will still panic, but the app allows them to do so in an orderly fashion."

The free app is available to Clayton Utz clients and can be downloaded from: www. claytonutz.com.au National Manufacturing Week will be held at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from May 11-13.

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Soft foam can be deceptive when it does not have resilience or bounce.

It is resilience or an ability to bounce back when deformed by weight being

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• NEWS Continued from Cover

EMPLOYERS CALL FOR URGENT CHANGES TO UNFAIR DISMISSAL LAWS Another employer contacted by Industry Update claimed the current unfair dismissal laws are so complex that neither employers nor employees fully understand them.

“We want the laws to be simplified so everyone knows where they stand,” the employer said.

However, unions say any watering down of unfair dismissal laws would disadvantage “hundreds of thousands” of manufacturing workers.

Paul Bastian, the national secretary of the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union says any move to water down unfair dismissal laws would expose manufacturing workers to unscrupulous treatment by bad employers.

“We believe the current laws strike the right balance and would oppose any move to see them wound back,” Mr Bastian said.

Between January and September 2015, there were 11,137 unfair dismissal claims lodged, according to Fair Work Commission statistics.

This is almost 500 claims more than the same period in the previous year.

Following the 2013 election the federal government asked the Productivity Commission to conduct a review of the workplace relations system “to ensure the Fair Work laws worked for all Australians.”

The 12 month review involved extensive public consultation and received over 350 submissions from individual employees, employers, unions and social groups. The Productivity Commission’s final report was tabled in Parliament in December last year.

The Commission found there were problems with the current system, but called for its repair rather than its replacement. The Productivity Commission has made more than 30 recommendations to change key aspects of the Workplace Relations Framework.

Minister for Employment, Senator Michaelia Cash says the Government will carefully consider the final report.

“If there is a good case for sensible and

Senator Michaelia Cash … ‘considering changes’

fair changes that will restore balance to the workplace system, those changes will be clearly outlined and taken to the next election to seek a mandate from the Australian people,” she said. Meanwhile, a series of roundtable discussions is currently being held with employees, employers, unions, social welfare groups and women’s groups to consult on the final report.

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

“The Government is not ruling anything in or out at this stage,” Senator Cash said.

The legal fraternity admits current Unfair Dismissal laws can be a minefield for employers, many of whom are still struggling to come to terms with their obligations under the Fair Work Act. One legal expert claims there are still a lot of misconceptions among employers about the legal requirements for terminating an individual’s employment.

“It can be a tricky area to navigate, says Hilary Searing, a Senior Associate with leading Australian law firm Clayton Utz told Industry Update.

“For a dismissal to be considered fair – as opposed to unfair – the employee needs to have been dismissed for a valid reason and the employer needs to have followed a fair process, Ms Searing explains. This doesn’t always happen in practice, which is borne out by the cases that make it to the courts.”

Ms Searing says there are still many misconceptions among employers about the legal requirements for terminating an individual's employment.

“For example, we regularly hear employers refer to a ‘three strike’ rule: the need to give three warnings before they can dismiss an employee.

“Some employers also think that an employee who has received two prior warnings can automatically be fired for a third, sometimes trivial, offence.

“This is simply not the case,” Ms Searing warns.

“An employer always needs to follow a fair process to dismiss an employee, even where the employee has engaged in serious misconduct. You cannot simply terminate someone's employment without giving them an opportunity to respond to any allegations of misconduct, no matter how serious they are.”

Another common misconception is that casual employees are not entitled to lodge unfair dismissal claims, she says.

“This actually depends on a number of factors. These include whether the individual has met the minimum service requirements, whether they were employed on a regular and systematic basis, and whether they had an expectation of ongoing employment.”

Employers claim an unhealthy culture has arisen where employers realise it is cheaper to pay disgruntled workers to make the claims go away, rather than face huge legal bills to fight unfair dismissal claims.

“Under the present laws an employee who has been put off for whatever reason can turn around at any time and claim unfair dismissal,” said one employer.

“Employers can expect to pay between $4000 and $5000 to defend what may be a frivolous claim by a bereaved employee.

“And if the employee loses the case or pulls out at the 11th hour the employer must still pay

their own legal costs , which may amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

And many legal firms are now offering employees a ‘no win – no fee’ service so the employee has nothing to lose.

“And in most cases the employee has a 50-50 chance of getting an additional payout, so they have nothing to lose.”

“That’s why most cases are now settled before the matter gets to the Fair Work Commission.

“It’s a silly situation.”

Another employer cited a case where an employee made false claims on a job application CV regarding their qualifications.

And when the person was unable to perform the tasks they claimed they had expertise in, the employer had no other option but to part company with the employee.

“The employee claimed they had been wrongly dismissed, however the falsified CV was not sufficient grounds to sack them.

“Therefore, the employee had to compensated despite the fact they were clearly not qualified for the job.”

“It turns out the onus is on the employer to make enquiries to ensure an applicant’s credentials stack up.

“I don’t know of any employers who have time to make such in-depth checks if they have 30 or 40 applicants for a job.

“And it obviously is not reasonable to ask a potential employee at an interview to submit to a spot test.

“So if someone makes false claims in a resume, there is not much you can do.”

The same employer said it was equally as difficult to dismiss an employee who was caught stealing from the company.

“The only option for employers is to have them charged by the police and then they can be dismissed.

“But that person will then have a criminal record making it extremely difficult to get another job.

“So compassionate bosses now simply give the employee a warning and they remain on the job. “It’s a ludicrous situation.”

And employers say it’s getting harder to dismiss employees that are underperforming.

“It’s just not right that if a person is underperforming you cannot ask them to leave your business – especially in the current business climate, said another employer.

“Previously when unions were involved, you could negotiate a fair deal for employees that had been asked to leave,” he said.

“Now it’s almost non-negotiable.

“The current laws are so complex that employers cannot be expected to understand them.

“In many cases even employees don’t know whether an employer has done the wrong thing until they go to a solicitor.

“All we are asking for is simplification of

Hilary Searing … ‘balance is needed’

these laws so we know where we stand.”

Employers say to avoid costly and time consuming unfair dismissal cases many companies are now only employing staff on a casual basis. This means staff can be advised at any time there is no further work available.

For workers it means they don’t enjoy the same working conditions or job security as permanent staff – no holiday pay, no sick pay and no leave loading. And financial institutions are reluctant to lend funds for housing or motor vehicles to casual workers who are not employed on a permanent basis.

Ms Searing says the main aim of the Fair Work Act is to achieve the right balance and best outcome for all concerned.

“In my experience, the Fair Work Act works well in practice and achieves a good balance between the needs of both employers and employees,” she says.

“Many of the problems with the system arise more from misconceptions about the law and how it applies.”

This can be addressed through education and a sensible, practical approach on the part of both employers and employees.

“Of course, there's always scope to make changes that make it easier to apply the law in practice and respond to the changing dynamics of the workplace.”

Ms Searing supports the Productivity Commission's recommendations for refining the unfair dismissal provisions.

“This would help to weed out spurious claims upfront, which ultimately benefits both employers and employees, she says.

“The other important recommendation that I think should be adopted is amending the unfair dismissal test so that procedural errors alone don’t result in an employee receiving compensation or being reinstated for what would otherwise have been a dismissal for a valid reason – such as serious misconduct.

“The changes to the Fair Work Act following the 2012 review - for example, allowing costs orders against a party if their unreasonable act or omission caused the other party to incur costs - I think are a good step.”

Ms Searing says complying with the law and avoiding legal action is always preferable to ending up in court or before a tribunal.

“Given the complexity of workplace relations laws, it's a good idea for employers to seek advice on their dismissal processes and procedures to ensure that they operate in a fair and lawful manner to avoid, as far as possible, potential claims.”

NEWS •

CeMAT AUSTRALIA CONFIRMED FOR MELBOURNE 2016 CeMAT AUSTRALIA, Australia’s largest intralogistics and materials handling show, will open for the first time in Melbourne next year, following its inaugural launch in Sydney in May. The show will focus on education, interactivity and innovation.

The three-day show, which covers the best in supply chain management, materials handling and intralogistics will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from July 12-14.

Confirmed sponsors include DEMATIC, SWISSLOG and CHEP. Exhibitors include Kobot Systems, TVH and Headland Machinery.

And for the first time CeMAT AUSTRALIA will host the National Forklift Championship Finals 2016, organised by the Australian Warehousing Association.

CeMAT AUSTRALIA is the leading technology and service provider in the materials handling and warehousing industry.

The show offers an outstanding opportunity for the materials handling

industry to meet, exchange ideas and learn about future trends.

Companies can learn how to increase efficiency in the supply chain to reduce overheads through IT solutions, automation and innovation.

Next year’s show will be spearheaded

by Sarah Haughey, Show Director for CeMAT AUSTRALIA at Hannover Fairs Australia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of leading global trade fair company Deutsche Messe, organiser of the world’s largest international trade fairs.

Ms Haughey says the event will focus on interactivity, education and knowledge exchange to allow the industry to keep abreast of future innovations.

“CeMAT AUSTRALIA is an unmissable event for the materials handling and intralogistics industry,” Ms Haughey said.

“The sector is very time poor, so this show presents a critical opportunity for leaders to gather to explore future trends and innovations that will allow them to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.”

CeMAT AUSTRALIA includes the LINDE Knowledge Theatre as part of its exhibition offering. Up to 30 presentations by market leaders will be held during the three-day show.

Attendees will hear how industry pioneers have overcome problems and implemented leading solutions, nationally and globally.

“The 2016 show will outline real life situations where technology, integration and IT solutions has been used in an innovative way to overcome the challenges facing the industry,” Ms Haughey said.

Harvey Stockbridge, managing director at Hannover Fairs Australia, said: “Appointing Sarah to the dedicated position of being responsible solely for the CeMAT AUSTRALIA show demonstrates our commitment to the industry and shows how invested we are in the intralogistics and materials sector, to ensure positive growth across Australia.”

Companies interested in exhibiting at CeMAT AUSTRALIA should contact: sarah.haughey@hannoverfairs.com.au For more information visit: www.cemat. com.au

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NEWS •

LEAN JAPAN TOURS BOLSTER BUSINESS EFFICIENCY WITH JAPANESE KNOW-HOW

By David Sligar

The Japanese strategy for continuous improvement – kaizen – is legendary for underpinning Japan's worldleading manufacturing efficiency and quality.

Reporting for Industry Update in November, I had the privilege of witnessing the impressive results of authentic kaizen on the Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour held in Tokyo and Nagoya.

I started with some skepticism. My stereotype was that overseas events are over-hyped, talkfests of limited practical value. The Lean Japan Tour blew this thinking out of the water. Every participant I spoke to – and I spoke to most – had nothing but praise for the tour and reported taking away a wealth of practical ideas to improve their business.

One participant remarked: "You can read about kaizen, you can study the principles, but seeing the practical application of it – there is really no comparison."

My initial skepticism extended to the very idea of globally-applicable Japanese wisdom.

How could it address day-to-day business needs in a very different culture and legal system? Having written about business and economics for a decade, I've heard it all before. The tour smashed my thinking here too.

Kaizen is not pie-in the sky or culture-specific, it's about a methodological approach to improving processes and corporate culture. It emphasises schedules, targets and quantitative analysis to deliver precision and efficiency across the work stream.

Particularly impressive was the tour's practical sessions.

Participants were challenged to apply their learning with real machines, in factory setups.

In time-limited scenarios, they worked in teams from planning and quantitative analysis stages through to output.

You could see the eureka moments as theory turned to practice. Talkfest this was not. The seven-day tour included sessions with such global leaders as Gifu Auto Body, Toyota Body Seiko, Metal One Isuzu, Rinnai and Brother Industries.

In awe, I saw some of the world's greatest factories in action.

Paul Smith and Ben Sparrow lead the Shinka Management team. These men are genuine experts of kaizen, having learned directly from Japanese masters.

Both were trained in Japan – Smith boasting a PhD in Engineering from Kyoto University – with years of

experience improving processes in wide-ranging businesses.

Participants came from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The industries represented extended to forestry, aviation and even financial services. Kaizen is a process and a mindset that can be applied across sectors. The tour's diversity promoted creative knowledge-sharing.

"The mixed cultural group has added a lot of depth to the training," said one participant.

Australian businesses can learn something from Japan's teamwork culture. Australian employers sometimes speak of unmotivated workers and "she'll be right" complacency.

Some workers feel they lack a voice to promote their good ideas. While the Japanese can't be hurt by their harmonious and diligent culture, such attitudes have been fostered successfully the world over.

When Toyota, as part of a 1984 joint venture with General Motors, took on management of the Fremont Motor Plant, they adopted a nightmare. Drunken workers openly flouted management. They dealt drugs on the job

and sabotaged cars overtime to then fix them. Nevertheless, Toyota's management systems transformed the factory, with productivity surging to rival plants in Japan. All this with the existing workforce.

A representative from Metal One Isuza pointed to their company's foreign workers from across the globe. It's not about culture, he said, it's about structures and processes.

The Japanese are adroit in encouraging workers to take ownership and pride in their work. Factories prominently display detailed performance measures, for workers, teams and overall plant. There are rituals of acclamation for successes. With improvement comes increasingly more ambitious targets.

Many assume that Japanese innovating is driven by cutting-edge technology. On the contrary, it was the ingenuous simplicity that was striking. Staff design solutions internally with minimal resource usage.

As one Japanese leader said: “Draw on experience, apply sweat – don’t throw money at a problem.”

One example was a tool for moving goods along the production line composed of a wooden plank and a curtain rail. Powered only by gravity, a hook with the item slid down the curtain rail, with a drink-bottle as counter weight.

Participants remarked that their instinct would have been to buy an expensive over-engineered machine.

The tour was packed with serious content, but made time for historic sightseeing and fun. The dinners featured excellent Japanese cuisine and some terrific conversations. A representative of one company, whose tour participation went back years, said the tours enhanced worker performance so much they were putting their entire workforce through.

Global competition intensifies every day. If your business has scope to lift its game, seriously consider Shinka Management Lean Japan tour. *David Sligar is a special writer for Industry Update who was invited to attend the most recent Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour.

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

11

• NEWS

INDUSTRY ‘FIRSTS’ AT NMW 2016 National Manufacturing Week, Australia’s largest, longest running manufacturing industry event, returns to Sydney in May with several industry “firsts” to help propel the industry into the future.

Key to this year's program are colocated events, high profile industry figures presenting case studies and new ideas, as well as exhibitors from around the world with innovative products and services.

To enhance the value of attending for industry professionals, NMW 2016 will be co-located with headline events showcasing new possibilities for manufacturers, including the Safety First Conference & Expo.

Safety First is Australia's first one-stop safety event that provides a rare opportunity to see safety solutions and talk with leading

safety thinkers. NMW will also co-locate with Inside 3D Printing Conference & Expo, an event that brings new strategies, success stories and game-changing 3D printing technologies.

Inside 3D Printing will showcase next generation 3D printers to help businesses open up new worlds of possibility.

The showcase will include Konica Minolta Business Solutions', with 3D technologies that help companies create working prototypes, parts and custom-made products in a fraction of the time currently required, with industry leading service support by Konica Minolta’s national service organisation.

The showcase will also include energetic local businesses, including Bilby 3D and Sydney 3D Printing, backing global technologies with advice and support

for companies looking to leverage new opportunities from this technology. NMW will be home to over a thousand innovative products and services, from some 200 European, Asian and local companies.

Among the new solutions on offer in 2016 will be in the Welding Technology Product Zone, featuring welding solutions from Kemppi.

Kemppi is returning to NMW to showcase its latest range including the FASTMIG family of high end MIG welding packages, as well as welding quality, traceability and documentation management systems.

Alongside the showcase in the heart of the exhibition floor, NMW's Seminar Theatre will provide free access to industry experts sharing strategies and case studies on hot-button manufacturing issues.

"NMW's demonstration program is one

of the event's strengths,” said Event Director, John Gorton.

“There's just nothing like being able to see, touch and try new technologies. This year's event will feature more demonstrations to help manufacturing professionals visualise how a particular solution could help their business," Mr Gorton said. National Manufacturing Week will be held at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush from May 11- 13.

Registration for NMW is now open at: www. nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au.

SEW DRIVES MICHELANGELO EXHIBITION SEW-EURODRIVE, a global leader in motors, drives and gear units, will sponsor Michelangelo: The Exhibition in its first ever national tour from March this year.

The exhibition, which showcases Michelangelo as the sculptor, the painter and the architect, features full-scale sculpture replicas made from the casts of Michelangelo's originals statues.

Outside of Italy, these can only be seen together at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. The exhibition will also feature a fully equipped Renaissance artist’s workshop.

SEW-EURODRIVE Managing Director, Robert Merola said: “Michelangelo Buonarroti was not only a brilliant painter, but also a brilliant sculptor and architect.

“It is always the exceptional achievements

of individual thinkers with ingenious ideas and clever decisions that drive advancements.”

The exhibition has been created by the acclaimed Artisans of Florence: International, in collaboration with The Niccolai Group and Muri Dell’Arte (Italy). Michelangelo: The Exhibition debuts at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, Burnie Tasmania from March

12 – May 22. For further details visit: http:// www.burniearts.net/ Whats-On/Exhibitions/ Michelangelo-TheExhibition.

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GEARING UP FOR QUICK CHANGES SEW PUTS ANDREW ENGINEERING ON THE RIGHT TRACK

They might not yet be matching the times of Formula One pit crews, but railway maintenance teams are set to exchange bogies – sets of four wheels at each end of a railway carriage – in record time.

This is due to new processes made possible by equipment developed specifically for the purpose.

Driven by the flexibility and precision of the SEWEURODRIVE MOVIDRIVE B drive inverter, the latest exchange system enables faster, safer and more economical turnaround in railway maintenance sheds throughout Australia.

Changing bogies is a demanding business.

According to Neil Boehringer, Project Manager at Andrew Engineering, the company that manufactures the bogie exchange system (BES), the new design halves the changeover time.

He says that when traditional methods are used, it takes a team of maintenance workers an hour and a half for each changeover.

Using the new equipment, a single operator can remove and replace a set of bogies and have the train ready to leave the shed within 45 minutes!

This makes it easy to carry out maintenance on the wheels or other components away from the train.

The older methods rely on jacking the whole train up or working from below in specially constructed pits, but thanks to the precise movements controlled by the MOVIDRIVE B drive inverter, the car need only be lifted by 50mm.

The bogie is then easily removed from the carriage and brought out sideways. This combination of movements requires a complex set of drives, motors and gears, working in all three axial directions (x, y and z), with some of the lifting and positioning movements requiring great precision.

When equipped with an absolute encoder feedback mechanism, the inverter can be configured for fine or course movements in any direction, says Mauro Castiello, Sales/ Application Engineer at SEW-EURODRIVE. “The absolute encoder gives us the ability to lift and position with a tolerance of 0.1 mm, in real time,” he says. “In other cases, when we don’t need that level of precision, it’s more like manually operating a crane. You press the button and the motor runs, and then you release the button to stop it.”

During the system design phase, Boehringer and his team at Andrew Engineering enlisted their supplier to assist.

“If it’s a complex design that you can’t do yourself, they support you,”

14

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

he says.

SEW-EURODRIVE employed its Workbench software in producing the designs. Castiello says that by feeding in parameters like the speeds of the movements, the weights to be lifted and the type of friction to be encountered the designers could easily select the appropriate motors and drives.

To cater for the range of movements, the system design included a combination of helical bevel and helical worm gearboxes.

“After the equipment selection was made, we reviewed the calculations together with the Andrew Engineering designers.

Once approved, a three-dimensional CAD model of the system was provided and then used directly into their own design software,” says Castiello. “Their skilled designers could use this input to engineer a complete BES, with no additional information from us.”

Because the movements are sequenced when the bogies are changed over, the designers requested a single inverter, to control the individual movement of four different motors. This resulted in considerable savings for the overall project.

“Rather than asking you to buy a Rolls Royce version, SEWEURODRIVE optimises its designs to suit our needs every time we work with them,” says Lincoln Oxer, Senior Electrical Designer at Andrew Engineering.

Oxer says another major advantage of the design was the ability to control the motors and drives via a field bus, with acceleration times, deceleration times and other parameters easily managed. Similarly, any adjustments that become necessary as conditions change during the lifecycle of the machine can be carried out remotely or by the operator at the human-machine interface (HMI).

The complete system controls 15 different motors through seven drives. Some of the motors have brakes; some have absolute encoders for extra precision and others don’t.

Consequently there is a wide variety of power and current requirements during the bogie changeover and it is essential that all the parameters can be switched simply.

“You get complete parametrisation and adjustability at your HMI without having to connect up a laptop to do the tweaks.

You can limit the current if you need to do a soft stop. And it also has the grunt to lift heavy weights,” says Oxer.

Delivery time was an important factor in the success of the project. According to Oxer, the industry norm is to deliver this kind of equipment in 12 to 16 weeks, whereas SEWEURODRIVE was able to deliver in one week because their local operation holds stock.

The ability to source all of the components from a single

supplier was also important says Boehringer, who has selected gears, motors and drives from SEW-EURODRIVE for complex projects over many years. It simplified the design process and there were no concerns about different suppliers arguing over warranty responsibilities.

While the cost, speed and labour-saving advantages of the BES are clearly important, improved safety is the number one benefit. The two traditional methods of exchanging bogies, that is, working from an underground pit beneath the train car or working beneath the jacked-up train, require special precautions. This is not the case with the new system.

When a pit is installed in a maintenance shed – an expensive civil construction exercise – special work practices must be put in place to maintain the trains. Working in a pit beneath the train means working in a confined space.

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulations for confined spaces include requirements for quick and easy exit in case of emergency. At the same time though, the maintenance crews are working at height to change the bogies, and there is a requirement for scaffolding to ensure their safety. “These two requirements are fighting against each other, and maintenance might be delayed because the issue is too hard to resolve,” says Oxer.

He says that working under a heavy jacked-up train is not pleasant either, regardless of the safety precautions in place. “It always makes me nervous,” he says.

In stark contrast, the new Andrew Engineering BES, powered by the SEW-EURODRIVE MOVIDRIVE® B drive inverter, overcomes this safety dilemma. In railway maintenance sheds around Australia, it is now possible for a single operator to carry out the bogie exchange in a safer, faster and more cost-effective manner.

SEW-EURODRIVE Ph: 03 9933 1000 www.sew-eurodrive.com.au

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• NEWS

RECREATIONAL DRUGS AND THE WORKPLACE: ARE YOU AT RISK? You don’t have to look too far to see evidence of Australia’s escalating drug problem. Every day the media reports on a barrage of incidents, accidents and violent attacks that can be directly attributed to the use of recreational drugs, alarmingly many are connected to a higher uptake of crystal methamphetamine, or ice, as it is commonly known.

The problem is that many businesses have previously seen this out-of-hours activity as exactly that – if it occurs outside of allocated work hours, then it’s not really a workplace problem.

The truth is somewhat different based on two factors: • Our societal tendency to refer to all non-prescription drugs as ‘recreational’ inadvertently alludes to usage being carried out only during off-the-clock hours, something we now know to be less than accurate and; • Recreational drug use can create significant behavioural changes that render employees unfit for work and can give rise to unnecessary risk of harm to themselves and to their co-workers It’s easy to dismiss reports as overblown hype, but when the situation intensifies to the point of introducing a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement enquiry into drug use (specifically crystal methamphetamine) in industry, we’ve clearly moved beyond a media beat-up.

In June last year, Australian Industry Group (AiGroup), which represents 60,000 businesses employing more than one million Australians nationwide, prepared a submission for the parliamentary inquiry, which highlighted some troubling statistics.

The submission cites a report prepared by the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA).

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The NCETA report is based on the 2004 survey results and showed a higher propensity for drug use in some industries (specifically: transport, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, retail and hospitality) than that of the total workforce average.

It also found that 2.5% of the workforce reported attending work while under the influence of drugs, with tradespeople (3.9%) and unskilled workers (3.7%) representing the largest groups when compared with professionals and managers.

What NCETA’s report does not highlight is the subsequent shift in the form of methamphetamine commonly being used. The 2014 release of the survey report was able to compare data obtained in previous surveys and underlines a significant move away from powdered forms of the drug (speed) to crystal (ice). This swing appears to indicate a notable change in the social acceptance of a drug, which was previously considered outside the bounds of “casual” drug use.

AiGroup has interpreted these findings as particularly concerning for the manufacturing, mining, construction and transport industries, given the fundamental requirement for heavy machinery and vehicle operation. In addition, the group analysed input from its own members and discovered common characteristics among employees who were found to be ice users and subsequently required management as a result.

It was found that they: • Had a period of stable employment • Had no prior history of disciplinary action or poor work performance • Were more likely to work in regional or remote worksites and/or offices • Tested positive for very high levels of methamphetamine (well above detection cut-off rates of 150ug/L) These findings should concern business owners, managers and safety officers, as they contradict commonly held beliefs of a ‘typical’ drug-user’s profile and therefore potentially diminish an employer’s perceived ability to detect drug use without a structured workplace drug policy and co-ordinated testing program in place.

There has been significant resistance to workplace drug and alcohol testing in Australia, particularly from the viewpoint of industry groups and unions, who have argued that testing represents an employee privacy invasion.

AiGroup acknowledges this viewpoint, yet concludes that under Australia’s rigorous workplace health and safety (WHS) legislation, businesses must be permitted to implement a structured policy and program of testing if that will enable meeting these WHS obligations.

Much of the current drug research and reporting focus revolves specifically around ice, due to the documented rise in uptake. This increase in usage is facilitated through ease of availability as, compared to other stimulants such as cocaine, ice is relatively straightforward to obtain. It is manufactured locally and subsequently distributed throughout Australia via

organised crime networks, which appear to be just as effective in infiltrating regional areas as metropolitan centres.

This reach, combined with a relatively low street price and powerful physiological and psychological effects, deliver ‘bang for buck’ to potential users, making it the drug of choice for an increasing number of Australian workers.

Amphetamine users have been found to fit into one of three distinct groups: social, functional or dependent users.

Functional users represent a distinct risk to businesses, as they tend to use drugs to perform specific tasks, which are often related to their employment.

In industries and occupations susceptible to time pressures, such as mining, construction and transport, there is even greater enticement to indulge in order to get the job done.

Amphetamines are not the only concern, however. The

use of any substance, which impairs an individual’s judgement or their ability to effectively respond to a situation, can put any company at risk. According to the NDSHS data, from a purely demographic perspective, males in the 20-29 year age group represent the highest usage rate in terms of “use in the last twelve months” and “use in the last month” categories.

The data also indicates that both cannabis and ecstasy are still in widespread use, while a decline in both heroin and GBH usage has been observed.

Regardless of the substance in discussion, AiGroup made recommendations to the Australian Government for a more concerted effort in the development of fit-for-purpose drug and alcohol policy and testing that acknowledges the specific needs of an industry, an organisation and the particular roles and responsibilities within that organisation.

The group additionally rejects the stance proffered by some unions, whereby “policy objectives focus on worker impairment rather than objective, medical drug and alcohol testing procedures underpinned by Australian Standards”.

From a duty of care perspective, it’s hard to argue against the logic of implementing a program that addresses the needs of the business’ obligations, whilst providing a safe and secure work environment for all employees. *This article was prepared by Pathtech Pty Ltd, a global supplier of state-of-the-art science and forensic products, including drug and alcohol detection devices.

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If you are looking to grow your business with a low cost investment, we can offer you an alternative to outsourcing that will see you take control of your own production from as little as $151 per week.

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• Cuts metal up to 25mm thick • Water tray for efficient control of sparks & fumes • Magnetic breakaway head eliminates damage to torch & improves safety • Digital Torch-Height Control (DTHC) Quick response for improved cut quality & improved torch consumable life • Dynamic Cut Control (DCC) on Hypertherm powermax 65/85/105/125. Software control of cutting amps & air pressure.

Error messages from plasma unit displayed on Swift-Cut control screen. Varied cutting speed control from the console for improved cut quality

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Tables From As Little As

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Specifications and prices are subject to change without notice. All prices exclude GST and valid until 03-04-16.

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(02) 9890 9111

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1/2 Windsor Rd, Northmead

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www.machineryhouse.com.au

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> High speed precision > Control your own production > Includes Hypertherm Powermax plasma

17

• Q&A

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HO

PYNE OUTLINES GOVERNMENT PL

In this exclusive interview with Industry Update editor Tim M the main challenges facing Australian manufacturing and ou

What do you see as the main challenges now facing manufacturers in Australia?

Australia is a small, high cost economy, with low manufacturing productivity by world standards. This reduces the competitiveness of our manufactured products, and is contributing to a decline in traditional manufacturing in Australia.

Further, the OECD ranks us 23 out of 26 OECD countries for our businesses collaborating on innovation, and last out of 30 OECD countries for business-research collaboration.

Evidence demonstrates that businesses that collaborate with others in their supply chain and with researchers perform better. Collaboration gives businesses access to knowledge, ideas and different ways of doing their business which helps them better meet market demands and lower their costs.

Another means of improving our economic performances is to better focus our science and research effort for national economic outcomes in terms of productivity and competitiveness.

Australia is ranked 81 out of 143 countries on how effectively we get returns from government’s investment in research. The Government has a range of policy and programs to address these issues.

Is traditional manufacturing dying in Australia?

Manufacturing is in transition and there are positive signs.

January 2016 was the seventh consecutive month in which the Australian Industry Group’s Performance of Manufacturing Index expanded. This is the longest unbroken run of expansion since 2010.

Manufacturing continues to be an important element in Australia’s industry mix. It adds diversity and depth to economic activities that provide resilience to global and domestic economic changes. It is a supplier and market for other industries, and makes large contributions to research and development, skills and technology transfer, exports, productivity growth and jobs.

The Government is committed to ensuring that our manufacturing industry is internationally competitive and moves in step with the global transition to the smart, niche and export-focused industries of the future. The future of manufacturing brings together the full suite of value-adding activities from product concept, research and development, design and production, to distribution and after-sales service.

The Government’s vision is for an agile economy capitalising on Australia’s commercial and scientific strengths.

The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science contributes to this vision by facilitating the growth and productivity of globally competitive industries including manufacturing.

The Industry Growth Centres Initiative is the centrepiece of the Government’s industry policy direction to boost Australia’s productivity and competitiveness. Growth

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Centres are currently being established in six key sectors of the Australian economy: Advanced Manufacturing; Cyber Security; Food and Agribusiness; Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals; Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS); and Oil, Gas and Energy Resources.

Does Advanced Manufacturing hold the key to Australia's economic future?

High tech, innovative, approaches to manufacturing are consistent with the Government’s focus on driving economic reform through transforming Australia’s innovation and science ecosystem. The Government is committed to a strong and sustainable high-value, globally-competitive, manufacturing industry in Australia.

Advanced manufacturing is one of the Government’s six priority growth sectors. This is in recognition of the importance of manufacturing to the economy, but also acknowledges that changing global and market cost structures are seeing the sector transition from traditional, commodity type manufacturing to low volume, high value niche manufacturing where it can compete globally.

The Government has established the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, one of six Growth Centres.

The Growth Centres Initiative is an industry-led approach that will drive innovation, productivity and competitiveness by concentrating our investment on key industry sectors.

The Initiative will identify opportunities to increase collaboration and commercialisation, improve capabilities to engage with international markets and global supply chains, enhance management and workforce skills, and reduce regulatory burden.

The Government has also funded a new Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, which will work with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre as its research engine to assist Australian manufacturers to transition to high-value internationally competitive manufacturing.

In addition, the Australian Government’s $155 million Growth Fund is helping automotive workers from Holden and Toyota transition to new jobs; encouraging diversification by automotive supply chain firms; and accelerating new private sector business activity outside of car manufacturing.

Have Australian manufacturers been slow to embrace new technology?

Australia has many globally competitive firms using advanced manufacturing in Australia to supply intermediate goods to the global supply chains of multinational companies.

These firms are agile in responding to the market by actively sourcing commercially useful new knowledge and ideas; and apply them to deliver to market appealing products that compete on value rather than price alone. They have survived the high and volatile exchange rate and Global Financial Crisis of recent times.

Often, these firms are not well known to the general public. For example: Marand is a supplier of high quality precision tooling, machine tools and engineered automated production solutions to a range of industries

including defence aerospace; ANCA supplies advanced manufacturing machinery and equipment to principally export markets; Redarc supplies vehicle electrical power conversion equipment; Rode Microphones supplies global media companies with leading-edge microphones; and A H Beard is a premier manufacturer of quality mattresses and bedding, exporting to China. Australia needs more of these types of businesses and more of them to grow into larger enterprises.

Should more manufacturers be embracing new ideas in innovation and science?

Many of our manufacturers are embracing new ideas in innovation and science, and we need more of them to take advantage of the opportunities offered by these new technologies.

The Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA) is a blueprint for building a more innovative Australia, and will position our country to seize the next wave of economic prosperity.

The Agenda is designed to encourage every single business, large or small to be more innovative. It is designed among other goals to bring together all those in Australia who recognise that the future for our economy is in high-tech advanced manufacturing.

The Agenda will build on key measures the Government already has in place including its establishment of Industry Growth Centres, including in the area of Advanced Manufacturing.

Innovation and science are critical in globally-competitive sectors like manufacturing because, to perform on par with other nations, we have to find new ways of doing things, of excelling on a global stage.

We cannot match labour costs but we can and should continue to outdo other nations in quality and our innovation and entrepreneurial approach. And a large aspect of attaining both quality and innovation lies in having the skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Should Australian companies be investing more in R&D? Companies investing in research and development are more likely to improve their competitiveness and ongoing profitability. They directly benefit through sales of better products, cost savings from new processes or sale of intellectual property developed. Investing in R&D also has broader benefits to the Australian economy, boosting

Q&A •

OLD FOR AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING?

LAN TO REVITALISE INDUSTRY

Michael, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne discusses utlines the Government’s vision for the industry in the decade ahead … productivity and economic growth.

The National Innovation and Science Agenda recognises the importance of encouraging greater levels of innovation across the Australian economy to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

When launching the Agenda, the Australian Government announced it was reviewing the R&D Tax Incentive programme. The Review will identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and integrity of the program, including by sharpening its focus on encouraging additional R&D. The Review is expected to report to Government in April 2016.

Israel is a world leader in innovation -- should Australian companies be following their lead?

The Government is investing $36 million over five years under the National Innovation and Science Agenda to improve Australia’s international innovation and science collaboration. Complementing our existing support for international collaboration, these new measures will support our Global Innovation Strategy.

The new measures will provide seed funding for Australian businesses and researchers to collaborate internationally on research and promote an open-market approach to industry-research collaboration including regional workshops, multilateral projects and mobility support.

It will also support the establishment of five ‘landing pads’ in five locations to support entrepreneurial Australians and market-ready startups by providing an operational physical space to access the talent, mentors, investors and a wider connected network of innovation hubs in those locations.

A ‘landing pad’ in Tel Aviv, Israel, will be established to provide emerging Australian companies with access to new opportunities to reach global markets.

The landing pads will provide market-ready Australian startups with a short-term operational base in global innovation hotspots, and provides companies access to entrepreneurial talent, mentors, investors and a wider connected network of innovation hubs.

The landing pad initiative will help ambitious and creative Australian companies surround themselves with the knowledge, inspiration and access to markets they need to take that all-important next step.’

The government is to be applauded on its innovation initiatives – are you confident this will breathe new life into the manufacturing sector?

The future is bright for our innovative advanced manufacturing firms who are transitioning to low volume, high value niche manufacturing where they can compete globally.

The Innovation and Science Agenda is designed to help deliver new sources of growth, maintain high-wage jobs and seize the next wave of economic prosperity. As in many other areas of industry, advances in technology have the potential to transform existing manufacturing business and build new ones; and to create new products, processes and business models.

There is a key opportunity for the manufacturing sector to embrace greater research-industry collaboration as a means of driving innovation in the way it provides solutions, enhances existing products or develops new ones.

Would you like to see greater collaboration between industry and research/education organisations?

Currently, Australia’s collaboration between researchers and industry is the lowest in the OECD. While we rank 22 of 144 countries on global competitiveness according to the World Economic Forum, there are opportunities for Australian businesses to improve.

Under the National Innovation and Science Agenda, the Government will increase the level of collaboration between industry and research sectors because businesses that collaborate on innovation with research organisations are three times more likely to experience growth, improved sales and export activity.

As mentioned, Industry Growth Centres are being established in six sectors of competitive strength and strategic priority: Advanced Manufacturing; Cyber Security; Food and Agribusiness; Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals; Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS); and Oil, Gas and Energy Resources.

Each Growth Centre will work with its sector to lift the level of collaboration between businesses, and between industry and research organisations.

Each Growth Centre will develop Industry Knowledge Priorities to inform the science and research community of industry’s needs and opportunities for commercialisation. The Priorities will align sector research with industry demands, and forge even stronger links between industry and researchers.

As the Growth Centres develop their sector competitiveness plans and coordinate activities for their sector, they will inform the ongoing development and delivery of government industry policy and programs that align with the key sectors, including the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, the CRC Programme and CSIRO. Should more Australian students (particularly females) be encouraged to take up a career in science and/or technology?

The talent and skills of our people is the engine behind

Australia’s innovative capacity. We are focussed on equipping Australians with the skills needed for high wage, high productivity jobs.

We need to expose more students to coding and computational thinking to equip our students with the problem solving and critical reasoning skills for the jobs of the future. Over the coming decades some jobs will be lost to automation but many other new jobs will be created in both new and existing industries.

The Foundation for Young Australians predicts that today’s young people will hold as many as 17 different jobs, in five different careers, over the course of their working lives.

Our education system, therefore, must equip students to be successful entrepreneurs, hold a diverse number of jobs or work across a number of industries.

Women hold around a quarter of STEM and ICT related jobs and are significantly underrepresented in high level research positions. We need to engage more girls in STEM and computing, and provide pathways to progress their interest across the education system and into careers.

To meet these needs, the Talent and Skills package of the Agenda is aimed at developing Australia’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills.

The Agenda will provide funding to expand existing initiatives based on successful Australian and international models (such as the Science in Australia Gender Equity pilot and the ‘Male Champions of Change’ project), as well as a range of public-private partnerships to celebrate female STEM role models and foster interest in STEM among girls and women. These initiatives will build on work already under way in Australian Government science agencies to drive greater gender diversity in the innovation system.

Finally, where do you see Australian manufacturing in 5-10 years’ time?

In 5 to 10 years, Australian manufacturing will be more agile, delivering to market appealing products that compete on value rather than price alone, providing high skill jobs and prosperity to all Australians. Manufacturing will be supported by a vibrant, resilient, well-connected industrial ecosystem that supports manufacturers with commercially useful new knowledge and ideas that grow their competitiveness and productivity.

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• MACHINERY

AUTOMATION DELIVERS FIVE-FOLD INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY

Faced with increased international competition and a steep drop in mining construction, Doyalson-based Kmar Engineering sought to automate its structural steel coping process. As a result, the company achieved a 500 percent increase in production, better finishes and dimensional tolerances, and the ability to produce a wider range of profiles, including pipe work …

Located in Doyalson on the Central Coast of NSW, Kmar operates out of two factories processing beams, structural steel, tanks, silos, hoppers, ladders, walkways, platforms and much more.

The business looks back at a 30-year history, mainly focusing on the mining industry. However, the recent steep drop in mining construction and pressures of both domestic and global competition have led company owner Peter Learmonth to change the way he thinks and the way he works.

“Working smarter, concentrating your time on valueadding activities means obtaining greater manufacturing efficiencies and increased productivity,” he says.

In face of intense competition to drive labour costs down and with the relentless pressure from the market to reduce lead times, Kmar decided it was time to automate their factory.

“My aim was to provide steel work to the local market efficiently and cheaper than before,” Peter explains. “We decided to offer custom, versatile steel processing services in the short term to the steel suppliers themselves, who cannot afford or are not willing to wait four weeks for stuff to come from China.”

After thorough investigations, Peter decided to go for a locally-made machine from Brisbane-based Advanced Robotic Technology (ART).

The company is a renowned manufacturer of routers and plasma cutters sold under the ART brand, and has recently added the Metaltek brand to its line-up of Australian-made

machines. The Metaltek XB1200 structural steel coping machine offers fully-automatic structural steel, pipe and plate processing in one machine.

“I had a look at some American or Canadian machines,” Peter says. “When I started looking at the ART machine I went to Brisbane, talked to David (White, ART’s Director), and I was really quite impressed. The machine does more things than the competitors’ machines I investigated. Of course we also liked the idea that it was Australian-made and we felt that in David we had someone we could liaise with and get the assistance we later needed. Local support and service is very important for us.”

The machine was installed in December 2014 and after initial training and familiarisation with the machine, the company has been flat out with work for the last couple of months. According to Peter, installation went smoothly and ART’s support and service were very good. “We couldn’t speak highly enough of them.”

Kmar’s increase in orders from steel suppliers can largely be attributed to the machine’s versatility and productivity.

Being able to automatically process not only beams but pipe work has transformed the business and opened up new opportunities. “We’ve been doing a fair bit of pipe work since we installed the Metaltek XB machine, cutting all angles, custom shapes, creating weld preps, slots and bevels ... that’s fairly unique to be able to do that automatically,” Peter says.

“We’ve recently created weld preps and widening joints on 170 tons of pipe with our Metaltek machine. In the past, we wouldn’t have done that job. Doing it manually would have taken us at least five times longer and nowhere near as accurate!”

The machine’s versatility and range of capabilities including four-sided processing is complemented by its userfriendliness. “The controller is easy to learn, it is easy to pick things up and get started with the job, although there are so many things in there we are still learning,” Peter explains.

An extra bonus is the XB’s ability to cut structural steel and pipe directly from any 3D CAD program using 3D solid and mesh files such as .stp, .iges, .stl, .obj and others.

Additionally, the machine supports .dxf files of simple 2D CAD drawings, which can be loaded into the machine and nested alongside NC1 files. No need to learn new specialised

Beat the competition.

steel software to generate machine-oriented NC1 files.

Moreover, a 3-axis material handling conveyor systems and cross-transfer conveyors for loading and unloading eliminates a large percentage of lifting, flipping and moving of steel members between machines.

“We simply prepare the next length of steel for loading while the previous one is cutting. A tick box on the touch screen lets the controller know that the next length is ready to load.” Inside the work area, the machine automatically senses material dimensions, and an extra-articulated robotic arm performs the desired cuts, even underneath the beam.

“The machine has been changing directions for us,” Peter concludes. “It is really like a breath of fresh air, it is almost like ‘being on holidays’… what I mean is we can now concentrate on the value-add work, be more productive, concentrate on strategic business developments and let the machine do the hard work.”

Routing, Milling, Drilling & Tapping Machines

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Ducting & Insulation Cutting

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• MACHINERY

THE ALPHA BET FROM 600 MACHINES – SPELLS QUALITY All over Australia there are workshop managers giving serious thought to their capital budget for 2016 – and many will be looking forward to the day when their new Alpha lathe arrives.

Two Queensland companies that have already taken delivery have provided feedback on their experience with a recently-installed model from the extensive Alpha range.

The Yatala-based nationwide distributor of top brands of hydraulics components, AT Hydraulics, has acquired an Alpha 1550XS. A team from the 600 Machine Tools office in Brisbane installed and commissioned the machine at the AT Hydraulics workshops in Pearson Road.

“We chose the Alpha because it meets our needs for accuracy, speed, and reliability,” said managing director John Mack.

“As we provide world-class hydraulics components to companies that expect precision, it is imperative that every item made in our workshop meets our customers’ exacting specifications and requirements for high-quality workmanship.”

Alpha XS models are fitted with the latest Fanuc Manual Guide i CNC control system, The XS Series is designed, engineered, and manufactured to exacting toolroomaccuracy standards (DIN 8605), and bears the coveted CE mark – Europe’s globally-recognised “badge of quality.”

The Alpha XS Manual/CNC range is available in five versions with a choice of various “swing over bed” and “distance between centres” dimensions for optimum versatility in a wide variety of turning applications. These machines are designed for fast, high-quality repeatability, with excellent accuracy and surface finish.

The configuration selected by John Mack and his team provides remarkable flexibility. The lathe can be operated as a ‘plain vanilla’ machine that even the new apprentice can safely operate. However, there are five operating modes altogether, culminating in the extraordinary performance available when using the ultra-high speed OiTD CNC control.

These virtues are added to high-quality repeatability and accuracy for turning small-to-medium sized batches, superb surface finish, and significantly lower component production costs.

Along with all Colchester-Harrison machines, the Alpha range is available in Australia exclusively from Sydney-based 600 Machine Tools Managing director Cliff Purser said: “Fast, easy set-up times and simple operation in all modes are the keys to the Alpha XS Series’ continuing success.

“For new and experienced operators alike, the excellent Alpha XS has become the industry benchmark for lathes in its class – even more so now that it has a milling option.”

AT Hydraulics is the sole distributor for Poclain Hydraulics in Australia, and an appointed distributor for some of the world’s foremost hydraulics OEMs, including Parker, Enerpac, Gresen, Voac, and Commercial Hydraulics. It is a

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supplier to leading OEMs throughout the country.

The company provides nationwide services from three centres – Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth – backed by experienced sales, engineering, and service staff.

Each branch is fully-equipped to carry out major repairs, component testing, and manufacture.

Mr Mack said: “The applications for hydraulics in industry – from manufacturing plants to quarries that crush stone – is amazingly varied. The costs of a breakdown can be

horrendous, and that is why our cylinders are manufactured to close tolerances.

Happily, the XS model of the Alpha 1550 is a big lathe with up to three metres between centres.

Mr Mack added: “The 600 Machine Tools team in Brisbane, led by Wally Nujin, did a great job in helping us to select the right machine for our needs, and helped us with every phase of the project, from selection to installation, from commissioning to operator training.”

A company that has built a sound reputation in Australia’s industrial sector over the past four decades is Imperial Machinery & Manufacturing of Brendale on the outskirts of Brisbane.

Widely known as a manufacturer of press-brakes, guillotines, and garage presses for pushing-off bearings, the company has recently invested in additional and replacement machines for its workshops in Kremzow Road.

New on the shop-floor is a brand-new Alpha 1550XS, a turning machine chosen not only for its accuracy and reliability but also for its ease of operation.

Managing director Arno Heick explained that, nowadays,

skilled operators command very high wages and are hard to find at a time when Australia is experiencing significant skillshortages in the engineering sector.

Mr Heick has found that, with the new Alpha, even semiskilled operators are very capable of consistently producing components of high quality, with quick turnaround, while enjoying job satisfaction.

The Brendale company is especially noted for its expertise in the repair and refurbishment of press-brakes, and this often requires precision manufacture of lead screws and cylinders.

Not only does the XS have the necessary length, it has a swing over bed of 554 mm, a 15 kW main motor, spindle speeds of 1-2000 rpm, and a spindle bore of 104 mm – and great spindle-torque at low speeds.

Mr Purser said: “Our research shows that there aren’t any other lathes on the market today, including full CNC machines, that can compete with the Alpha X series for fast, easy set-ups or speed of production when it comes to ‘oneoffs’ and small-batch turned parts.

“This remarkable range of turning machines from the 600 Group has consistently delivered accuracy, reliability, and a long working life since its introduction in 1995 – and continues to expand its capability and capacity.”

Mr Purser said: “The range of high-quality turning machines available from Colchester-Harrison, along with those of fellow 600 Group member Clausing of America, is probably the largest range of lathes – CNC or manual – available from a single source in Australia.

“Regardless of the size or complexity of the components, the volume needed, the throughput expected, and the skill-level of operators, the 600 Machine Tools nationwide network has the knowledge and experience to help workshop managers in identifying the right machine for the task.”

He added: “Our engineers will not only recommend world-class machines that are noted for their accuracy, reliability, and long working life, but supervise the installation, commissioning, and operator training, and ensure unstinting support throughout the life of each machine.”

Brisbane was recently visited by board member of the Yorkshire-based 600 Group, Stephen Rutherford, who said: "it was interesting to see how local companies are overcoming the nationwide skills shortage by specifying configurations that

MACHINERY •

SECO EXPANDS ITS THREADMASTER TAP PRODUCT RANGE Seco has introduced new additions to the Threadmaster Tap family, including taps for larger hole sizes, as well as dedicated solutions for specific material groups.

This substantial expansion encompasses over 200 new products and brings the number of ISO material-specific taps within the family to 330.

Threadmaster Tap includes straight-flute, spiral helix, helix point and form-type taps designed to optimise performance and chip control in ISO P, M, N and K materials. Straight flute tap sizes range from M3 to M42 and are available with or without internal coolant capabilities. Spiral helix tap sizes range from M1,6 to M30. Helix point taps sizes range from M1 to M30. Lastly, forming taps range from M1 to M48.

In all tap types, tools in sizes from M4 and above

feature internal coolant capabilities. All products within the Threadmaster Tap range feature specially engineered coatings to boost performance, lengthen tool life and maximise versatility. The family covers all common thread sizes to ensure that all manufacturers can benefit from its excellent performance. Threadmaster Tap products are compatible with Seco’s EPB 5867 synchronised tapping chucks to provide a comprehensive solution.

For more information contact a local Seco representative or visit http://www.secotools.com/threadmaster.

Seco Tools Ph: 1300 557 326 www.secotools.com/au

ANCA LAUNCHES FIRST CYLINDRICAL DESIGN FOR TOOL GRINDERS ANCA has resisted using linear motors – until now.

“The linear motors you see in machine tools these days are all the flat bed type. I’ve never been happy with that design for tool grinding,” explains Pat McCluskey, co-founder of ANCA. “It wasn’t until Pat (Boland, ANCA’s other co-founder) and I saw a cylindrical linear motor operating on a transfer machine that we saw a technology we felt we could adapt to suit our tool grinding machines.

“With the help of our control systems group at ANCA Motion our company designed a patented cylindrical LinX Linear Motor specifically for grinding applications that don’t have the typical drawbacks of flat bed style linear motors.

“For a start, the magnetic flux in our new LinX Linear Motor is cylindrical, which has many benefits. The motor uses the entire symmetrical magnetic field, delivering more efficiency than the flat bed style linear motor, which is typically single sided.

“Secondly, because the flux in the flat bed linear motor is asymmetric, it creates tremendous downforces on the rails, making everything wear faster and further reducing efficiency.”

At the very slow speeds used for high surface finish tool grinding, these large downforces cause any tiny oil drop contamination on the rails to produce cogging effects that show up as poor tool surface finish.

Particularly on curved surfaces like ball-nose cutter lands. The cylindrical design linear motors enables the elimination of cogging and improves surface finish on the tool when grinding.

On its latest tool grinders, like the FX Linear and MX Linear ranges, ANCA has replaced the ballscrew system with an electronic equivalent, which is a cylindrical linear motor. LinX Linear Motors have the same power consumption as a ballscrew system.

The ballscrew has been replaced with a stainless steel tube containing magnets and the ball nut has been replaced with linear motor stator. The addition of linear scales as standard further ensures that high accuracy levels are maintained.

The LinX Linear Motors have an IP67 rating and have been designed for a lifetime of operation in harsh grinding environments. The magnets and winding on the motors are fully enclosed and with no mechanical moving parts there is no loss of machine accuracy over time due to

wear.

As the linear motors run a lot cooler a dedicated chiller unit is not needed for the motors.

The chiller unit from the machine’s regular coolant system is used instead which reduces required floor space and power.

LinX Linear Motors provide a smoother axis motion resulting in high levels of machine precision and enabling superior tool accuracy and surface finish.

ANCA Pty Ltd (Australia office) Ph: 03 9751 7300 www.anca.com

THE MITSUBISHI WILL EVEN CUT YOUR COSTS. THAT’S APPLIED THINKING. All Mitsubishi laser cutters feature cross flow resonators. This exciting technology delivers outstanding savings on maintenance and running costs.

In fact a figure of 3L/h laser gas usage is achievable along with a staggering 90% saving of energy in standby mode. Plus operators can expect a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an axial flow resonator.

They are also surprisingly affordable, so there’s savings all round.

Call: 03 9706 8066 Email: sales@appliedmachinery.com.au Visit: appliedmachinery.com.au Connect with us socially

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• MACHINERY

NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE INOX CUT FROM PFERD The new tungsten carbide burrs with the INOX cut for machining stainless steel give high stock removal performance, as well as being ergonomic.

The new tungsten carbide INOX cut from PFERD is an innovation when it comes to processing stainless steel.

Compared with conventional cross-cut carbide burrs, it demonstrates 100 percent higher stock removal performance on austenitic, rust and acid-resistant steels.

The INOX cut achieves high quality surface finishes thanks to optimum chip formation. Heat generation is minimised due to the open chip spaces and the associated optimum chip removal. This prevents the tool from being damaged by thermal influences, such as discolouration.

High stock removal and surface quality are fundamental requirements for cost effectiveness and efficiency: quick work with the best work results.

INOX burrs are extremely pleasant and comfortable to handle, and run smoothly with reduced vibration and less noise.

The PFERD product range includes all common burr shapes and dimensions (cylindrical shape ZYA, ball shape KUD, cylindrical shape with radius end WRC, flame shape B, pointed tree shape SPG, tree shape with radius end RBF, oval shape TRE and conical shape with radius end KEL).

PFERDERGONOMICS® recommends

tungsten carbide burrs with the INOX cut as an innovative tool solution for working comfortably with considerably lower vibrations and noise.

PFERD Australia Ph: 1300 073 373 www.pferd.com.au

ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR GERMAN MACHINE TOOL PRODUCTION For 2016, the German machine tool industry is cautiously optimistic.

“We’re expecting moderate growth of 1 per cent in 2016,” says Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop, Chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), speaking at the organisation’s annual press conference in Frankfurt am Main.

This prognosis is based on capital investment from the major customer sectors, global figures for machine tool consumption, and finally the order bookings at Germany’s machine tool manufacturers.

For the investments, Oxford Economics, the VDW’s forecasting partner, was in the autumn of last year expecting a global

increase of 4 per cent.

The principal drivers are traditionally the automotive industry, followed by the electrical engineering and electronics industries, metal product manufacturers, and the mechanical engineering sector.

Machine tool consumption is predicted to rise by 4.2 per cent. Europe tops the rankings here (plus 4.6 per cent), closely followed by Asia (plus 4.5 per cent) and America (plus 2.5 per cent). Order bookings at German machine tool manufacturers, an indicator for medium-term business activity, showed a moderate rise of 1 per cent in 2015, to reach 14.9 billion euros. Production output and order bookings are thus settling at

approximately the same level.

During the first three quarters of 2015 Asia and Europe ordered 4 and 3 per cent more German machine tools respectively than in the previous year.

Orders from China, which account for around a quarter of the total, were down again, this time by 8 per cent.

Last year, the German machine tool industry produced machines worth 15.1 billion euros, corresponding to an increase of 4 per cent.

“That’s once again a record figure, following the last high in 2013,” said Dr Prokop.

Dr Prokop said all in all, the German machine tool industry is in excellent shape.

For more than 100 years the machine tool industry has demonstrated it can repeatedly re-invent itself.

It has overcome many challenges, and never failed to upgrade its leading position in the world. This year the VDW celebrates its 125th anniversary.

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Sydney Office:

600 Machine Tools 27 Foundry Road, SEVEN HILLS NSW 2711 Phone: (02) 9674 4738 | Email: machines@600machinery.com.au

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Brisbane Office:

600 Machine Tools 292 Evans Road, Salisbury QLD 4107 Phone: (07) 3277 4844 | Email: qldbch@600machinery.com.au

Contact us for your nearest distributor and service provider

MACHINERY •

QLD PRECISION ENGINEERING COMPANY CELEBRATES 45 YEARS Queensland precision engineering service company, Dalzell & Bagley this year celebrates 45 years in business.

This innovative private company is actively investing in the future to cater for even higher levels of service and an extended range of services to industry.

Owned by Cameron George, Dalzell & Bagley is diversifying and expanding its operation in the light of the mining downturns.

It now covers precision machining, fabrication, design and maintenance to provide an all in one service to its customers.

Investment in the latest technology plays a significant part in this strategy, streamlining operations for greater efficiency and productivity and the on-going training of its skilled workforce to ensure they are proficient in all machining and fabrication operations.

“Since working with Dalzell and Bagley we’ve seen that they are a strong example of strategically planning their workflow and production methods to achieve maximum efficiency,” said Okuma Australia Managing Director, Phil Hayes. “Given the last few years of slower activity as a result of global pressures, it’s become more and more necessary to upskill and to insulate our business from unexpected and mostly uncontrollable changes in a raft of factors that have strong impacts on our day to day outcomes. Dalzell and Bagley are doing this very well and enjoying the benefits,” he said.

Today the company employs 18 engineers and has a policy of training young people with apprentice opportunities to

ensure skilled operators are available in the industry for future expansion.

The latest capital investment for this innovative company has been the commissioning of an Okuma LB4000EX CNC lathe with live tooling.

This high end machine of choice is proving to be a marketing advantage for production and jobbing work where turned components also require milling operations such as keyways, drilled and tapped holes, hexagonal sockets, flat sides or pockets.

This high capability machine has some standout features that make it so important to the DB Engineering machine shop.

“The large size turning capacity of Ø480mm x 1.6m long provides for a wide scope of work that can be machined.

Utilising the servo-motor driven automatic tailstock and parts catcher allows us to automate all operations,” said Angus Absolon, DB Engineering Production Manager. “Paired with the hydraulic power chuck, high torque spindle motor and extremely fast rapid transverse, the capacity has drastically reduced cycle times, in some cases up to 50 percent,” he said.

The company operates CNC machines with twin pallet loading systems reducing unproductive down time.

The introduction of Autodesk Inventor software some 18 months ago enables the company to offer full design facilities, 3D modelling through to a manufactured product.

As part of the company’s planned expansion of its

fabrication services, modern laser equipment will be brought in-house.

“Today the company is well placed to cater for the manufacture of high and low volume production runs with CNC lathes, CNC machining centres and conventional machines catering for services such as CNC machining, metal fabrication, prototype development and design plus repairs and maintenance,” said Mr Absolon.

Okuma Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9757 5888 www.okumaaustralia.com.au Dalzell & Bagley Engineering Ph: 07 3277 5155 www.dbengineering.com.au

NEW MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TURNING HEADS FROM SECO TOOLS Seco’s new Multi-Directional Turning (MDT) interchangeable heads for use with the Seco Steadyline® modular vibration-damping tool bar system now incorporate the company’s recently developed GL Connection.

Together, the GL Connection and Steadyline bars ensure precision and superior surface finishes for grooving and turning with the new MDT heads in long-reach applications as well as those with high risk of cutting vibrations.

The extremely high-precision GL

Connection allows users to quickly, easily and accurately exchange MDT heads and other types on the Steadyline bars.

Once the bar is set, tool heads can be mounted and remounted without having to reset the system. The polylobe tapered interface of the patented GL Connection features two positions so that MDT insert cutting edges can be oriented to face either up or down for effective chip control.

Seco’s Steadyline is a passive/dynamic vibration-damping system that provides

effective vibration control. Passive means no energy transfers into the holder, while dynamic refers to the fact that tool vibrations trigger the system’s internal workings into action. As such, these products can perform typical long-overhang operations faster than traditional tools, reduce spindle stress and offer high metal-removal rates, smooth part surface finishes and long tool life. The MDT heads also offer Seco’s Jetstream Tooling® coolant technology. Jetstream Tooling is a high-pressure coolant delivery system that

efficiently removes heat from the cutting zone to improve tool life, part quality and productivity.

Coolant is channeled through tooling to outlets in very close proximity to the cutting zone.

For more information visit: www. secotools.com/steadyline Seco Tools Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 55 73 26 www.secotools.com

DON’T BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, BEND IT LIKE YAWEI. THAT’S APPLIED THINKING. Because Yawei heavy duty pressbrakes handle up to and beyond 3000 ton, there are virtually no limits on what is possible.

Yawei is a world leader in high precision pressbrake technology, utilising world class componentry and the latest in Delem 2D and 3D graphical controllers.

Plus you’ll get the support of Applied Machinery’s service team that includes some of the leading pressbrake technicians in Australia.

Call: 03 9706 8066 Email: sales@appliedmachinery.com.au Visit: appliedmachinery.com.au Connect with us socially

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• MACHINERY

UNEEK PARTNERSHIP PAYS BIG DIVIDENDS FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY As well managed and successful companies grow, more opportunities become available.

It’s not luck that these opportunities appear, it’s about gaining international integrity and a name for quality and service.

Uneek Bending Co Pty Ltd have developed and grown in the Australian engineering market through over 50 years’ experience and accumulation of technical and practical know how.

The success of a recent alumina industry venture was achieved through the company’s well- established capabilities combined with more than 20 years’ association with Indian based company GB Engineering.

GB is an international engineering company specializing in the design and building of large scale boilers and components for major industries throughout the world. The company also designs and manufactures desalination plants, heat exchangers, bio-mass boilers, pressure vessels and all types of equipment for processing plants around the world with full accreditation for ASME ‘U’ and ‘S’ Stamps along with ISO 9001 quality standards Uneek have now introduced GB Engineering’s complete capabilities to some of

Australia’s largest mining and processing industries to partner in the development of new opportunities. This new project partnership venture has already achieved major success in Australia within the Alumina industry supplying Super Heater Elements for three boilers in a plant in Western Australia.

Uneek project managed this multi-million-dollar contract and GB Engineering looked after the supply of the boiler tubing to the correct specifications and the manufacturing of all the primary, secondary and tertiary super heater elements for three separate power boilers for a major Western Australian processing plant.

The joint project came in at some two thirds the cost had Uneek handled the total build in their local plant.

Budget included Uneek supervised delivery from India and both the Uneek project management team and the client company conducting regular on site production inspections throughout the design and manufacturing process. The project was delivered on time and on budget to the complete satisfaction of the client.

The 20-year association with GB Engineering has now developed to the point that both companies have full confidence in the partnership working together on many levels.

Uneek, with the expertise and experience as project managers and fabricators, and GB Engineering as the main manufacturers, are opening doors to new Australian major engineering project opportunities.

Over the past 10 years companies have looked outside Australia for their manufacturing needs and have been seduced by the low cost of using overseas companies to build their equipment. Some of these Australian companies

Perfect alliance … Uneek Bending Co and GB Engineering

have been caught out without fully investigating the quality and manufacturing procedures which in some cases differ dramatically from their past local manufacturing experiences.

The issues of dealing with overseas companies include knowing the local language, investigating what world standards are in place and whether these companies actually work within these standards … and to what extent they manufacture the items themselves or farm out to other companies without the correct standards.

All of these issues and concerns were discussed and resolved between the customer, GB Engineering and Uneek to ensure everyone was fully informed and comfortable to proceed. This meant both the project management and manufacturing processes were fully coordinated so the project was successfully completed.

Uneek Bending Co Ph: 03 9771 4900 www.uneek.com.au

SECO CLOSE-PITCH QUATTROMILL BOOSTS FEED RATES Seco now offers its popular general-purpose Quattromill® face milling cutter in a new close-pitch version.

Thanks to a special patented centre-locking insert screw design, the new face mill puts more teeth/inserts in the cut for higher feed rates, improved surface finishes and increased productivity.

Instead of locking from the front, Seco´s innovative insert screw locks/ operates from the back of the insert pocket, eliminating the need for wedges or other extra parts and accommodating more inserts per cutter diameter.

Additionally, Seco significantly increased the density and strength of the Quattromill close-pitch cutter bodies.

Quattromill face mills are free cutting, feature positive cutting rake/ negative radial rake geometries and accommodate a wide range of standard inserts for all workpiece materials.

And due to their cutter geometries, the face mills excel in both stable and unstable machining conditions.

For more information visit: www.secotools.com/quattromill

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WASTE AND RECYCLING •

AUSTRALIA’S E-WASTE FUTURE A HOT TOPIC AT AWRE 2015 The idea of an e-waste free Australia was a hot topic at last year’s Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo in Melbourne.

The country’s leading experts called for greater cohesion between the industry, government and the community to assist with overcoming the growing e-waste problem.

Australia’s waste industry needs better strategies to deal with the proliferation of e-waste, said John Gertsakis of Infoactiv during the E-waste Futures panel discussion.

Despite ongoing improvements in e-waste recycling practices in Australia, panelists spoke of how the country was lagging behind its counterparts.

Europe leads the way when it comes to e-waste after creating a sense of shared responsibility between manufacturers, government and the community.

Rebecca Brown from the Western Australian Local Government Association called for new legislation to shift the onus back on to manufacturers and to set new standards for the quality of electronic goods produced, rather than relying solely on product stewardship and recycling.

Panelists also called for greater leadership at a government level, as aspiring to be e-waste free would create jobs, business

opportunities and investment in infrastructure.

Alexandra Haughton, AWRE Event Manager, said that the highly attended and insightful discussions on e-waste held during AWRE reinforced the event’s position as a leading industry event.

“AWRE’s education program offered delegates an exclusive opportunity to access the key influencers and decision makers in the rapidly changing landscape of waste and recycling in Australia,” Ms Haughton said.

On the exhibition floor of AWRE, e-waste featured heavily, with MobileMuster creating a dynamic installation out of 570 old mobile handsets and 500 circuit boards to replicate an Australian Rules football field.

The 570 phones represented the 5.7 million unused mobile phones in storage across Victoria, which is enough phones to cover the surface of the MCG one and a half times. If recycled, it would divert 985 tonnes of e-waste from landfill, which would have the same environmental impact of planting 30,000 trees.

Held over two-days, AWRE 2015 was attended by more than 1700 key industry professionals, making it the most successful show in the event’s six-year history. This was

re-enforced with 78 per cent of the 2015 exhibitors already committed to returning to the 2016 show.

AWRE organisers Diversified Communications concluded the event with the announcement that they have an in principle agreement with the Waste Management Association of Australia to host the association’s Enviro Conference at AWRE from 2016.

The first co-located AWRE and Enviro Conference is scheduled for Sydney in July, this year.

For more information visit www.awre.com.au

CST ELIMINATES COMPLEXITY AND COSTS IN WASTEWATER PROJECTS CST Wastewater Solutions is introducing new engineerand-build water and wastewater treatment and recycling packages to help lower the cost and complexity of wastewater projects.

The design, supply and install packages – incorporating global and locally manufactured technologies proven in use by some of Australia and New Zealand’s leading companies and councils – are aimed particularly at: • Industries seeking readily constructed or portable,

low maintenance solutions for operations particularly in remote, ecologically or environmentally sensitive areas - ranging from resources or agribusiness developments in the country or outback, through to food, beverage, manufacturing and processing plants sharing precious water resources with urban areas.

• Councils seeking engineering assistance to develop clear choices and optimum solutions incorporating advanced low-maintenance technologies providing high levels of water purity while reducing maintenance, waste handling and OH&S issues associated with running them.

“Rather than presenting such organisations with a jigsaw of disparate collections of technologies and engineering services options for them to piece together, our packaged solutions focus on clear, properly engineered solutions that deliver what they promise, says CST Wastewater Solutions Managing Director Mr Michael Bambridge.

“CST offers turnkey solutions based on a known raw water quality and guaranteeing water quality outcomes thus giving user engineers significant confidence in the outcomes and limiting their exposure and potential concerns.”

Mr Bambridge says there have been major advances in water quality, water recycling and green energy from wastewater technologies over the last decade, but not all organisations have the in-house expertise these days to realise the benefits.

CST Wastewater Solutions engineering team has a track record of more than 25 years successful project implementation to back its new design, supply and install packages.

CST Wastewater Solutions Ph: 02 9417 3611 www.cstwastewater.com

THANKS TO GENOX THESE OLD TYRES WILL GO AROUND AGAIN. THAT’S APPLIED THINKING. To date over 100 Australian organisations have selected the Genox brand for a reliable, cost effective and environmentally friendly solution for their waste reduction needs.

Genox fully automatic tyre recycling plants are the complete solution for your trye recycling needs. There is no need for manual debeading of tyres and ambient temperature processing reduces operational costs and minimises secondary pollution.

Plus the plants are extremely easy to operate and maintain.

Call: 03 9706 8066 Email: sales@appliedmachinery.com.au Visit: appliedmachinery.com.au Connect with us socially

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• MATERIALS HANDLING

CROWN EQUIPMENT LAUNCHES NEW EXPRESS RENTAL SERVICE Crown Equipment, a global leader in material handling, has launched a new service designed specifically for companies that need material handling equipment in a hurry.

Called Rental Express, the service offers same-day delivery of rental forklifts to Australian metropolitan areas. The new service has been designed to focus on the “need-it-now” nature of many rental requirements, says Crown general manager Paul Kartelo.

“Renting forklifts has always been a financially attractive option when you need extra capacity, but the real driver for many rentals is the absolute need to keep up with material handling demands,” said

Mr Kartelo. “Waiting two or three days for the right truck is no longer an option. Our customers need the right truck at the right price, but most importantly, they need it right away. With over 10,000 vehicles in the rental fleet, Mr Kartelo says availability will not be an issue. “It’s all about delivering the right truck for the task and delivering it quickly to help ensure operations are not negatively impacted,” he said.

“And we are doing that by offering a same-day delivery service. If you call Crown before 11am on business days, you will have your truck onsite the same day, or your first day’s rental is free.

“We are that confident of fulfilling needs and have an experienced team online and on the phone

to discuss the customer’s requirements.”

Crown believes their Rental Express service is the first of its kind in the industry.

“We understand our customers and their needs.

Rental Express is just another way in which Crown is responding with agility to our customers’ changing demands,” Mr Kartelo said.

Crown operates a service and distribution network that exceeds 500 retail locations in over 80 countries.

Crown Equipment Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 072 752 www.crown.com/au

CLEAN UP WITH KÄRCHER’S NEW INDUSTRIAL CLASSIC RANGE Kärcher’s new KM 130/300 R D Classic and KM 150/500 R D Classic have essential features to deliver an excellent cleaning result in a heavy-duty environment.

As industrial sweepers, the Classic range is made for cleaning outdoor areas including rough and heavy dirt as well as extreme dusts.

The Classic range is ideal for cleaning production facilities, steel plants, logistics

centres, car parks, storage areas or on construction sites. It can cover large areas from 5,000 sqm up to 18,000sqm.

The robust steel chassis and the simple design offer a long machine life. The Classic units are equipped with a powerful and reliable Yanmar 4-stroke diesel engine. A working width of 1,300/1,500mm and a hopper size of 300/500 litres, makes sweeping easy.

MAXIMUM POWER FOR TOUGH CLEANING JOBS. The new KM 130/300 R D Classic and KM 150/500 R D Classic are built tough for the best result in the Industry – there is no compromise if it needs to be clean! www.karcher.com.au

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With Kärcher KM Classics you are guaranteed high cleaning efficiency and fast sweeping of large and dusty industrial areas at an attractive price.

Contact Kärcher to book your demo.

Kärcher Ph: 1800 675 714 www.karcher.com.au

Gearmotors \ Heavy Industrial Solutions \ Electronics \ Decentralised Systems \ Services

Less is more with MOVIGEAR® Are you under pressure to reduce costs in your facility? SEW-EURODRIVE can help!

The MOVIGEAR® Mechatronic Drive System substantially reduces your inventory with its ability to cover a broad range of gear ratios with a single unit. Independent research has also proven that the MOVIGEAR® reduces start-up and operating costs in materials handling by 20-30%. So, relax...We’ve got this!

SEW-EURODRIVE- Driving Australian Industry

MOVIGEAR® • Compact design • High degree of protection • IE4 Super Premium Efficiency class • Motor, gear unit and electronics are combined in a single housing • Optimum efficiency due to precise matching of all drive components and the use of permanent magnet motor

www.sew-eurodrive.com.au 1300 SEW AUS (1300 739 287) to be directed to your nearest office Melbourne (Head Office) I Sydney I Brisbane I Townsville I Perth I Adelaide INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• MATERIALS HANDLING

A ‘TRUE’ CLEAN WITH TENNANT BATTERY-POWERED SCRUBBERS Deliver visibly cleaner results in your facility without area closures or safety concerns with a reliable Tennant scrubber.

Tennant has a comprehensive range of walk-behind and compact ride-on scrubbers to suit the harshest of environments and applications, in particular manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. Tennant scrubbers are available with a number of innovative technologies that can significantly reduce the costs involved in buying, storing and disposing of chemicals, and can help to reduce your time and cost to clean.

The majority of Tennant’s scrubbers are also battery-powered allowing for complete mobility and removing cord hazards in your facility.

Perfect for manufacturing and warehousing environments, the Tennant 5700 battery-powered walk-behind scrubber cleans tough, industrial facilities with ease, providing long-lasting and consistent cleaning results.

The 5700 offers superior performance with an aggressive scrubbing system of up to 136kg of down-force, a shock absorbing frame and a durable polyethylene construction.

The 5700 is highly customisable and available in three path widths, in both disk and cylindrical brushes, along with an optional off-aisle wand for greater reach.

The 5700 along with Tennant’s complete industrial walk-behind scrubber range, is available with the new ec-H2O

NanoClean™ technology which utilises tap water, removing the need for chemical detergents.

The converted water is created by an on-board e-cell that generates millions of microscopic nano-bubbles that promotes the cleaning capability of the solution.

This results in no detergent residue left on the floors, which improves floor traction and leaves floors looking cleaner for longer.

Let us help you improve your cleaning regime and facility’s cleanliness.

Contact Tennant for an obligation-free onsite survey and demonstration.

Also, you can “Like” Tennant Australia on Facebook for further promotions and product updates.

Tennant Australia Ph: 1800 226 843 www.tennantco.com.au

KABELSCHLEPP CABLE CARRIERS OFFER PERFECT SOLUTION Kabelschlepp Cable Carriers from Tsubaki Australia solve cable handling problems in a broad range of applications.

Whether mining, robotics or manufacturing, Kabelschlepp has the ideal system. The cable chain range starts with micro-sized carriers that can be used in

TM

small medical instruments, and finishes with large super-duty steel cable chains that are used in offshore oil rigs. These chains are backed up by a range of specialty cables that are designed specifically for continuously moving applications. Tsubaki can design turn-key solutions and complete packages

tailored to your specific needs.

Or if you prefer to be in control of the design, there is an Online Engineer configuration tool to assist you in quickly selecting and configuring the optimal cable carrier system for your application.

Tsubaki’s Australian assembly centre and

SCRUBBER SWEEPERS

Tennant offers a range of exclusive, fully-integrated scrubber-sweepers engineered for consistent, industrial-strength cleaning whether scrubbing, sweeping or doing both at the same time.

1300 836 626 TENNANTCO.COM/AU/MANUFACTURING

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large chain and cable stock ensures you get efficient service even for the most challenging jobs.

Tsubaki Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 02 97042500 www.tsubaki.com.au

MATERIALS HANDLING •

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR LENCROW IN 2016 After a challenging year, the materials handling industry is looking forward to 2016 with much optimism.

Ross Grassick, the Managing Director of Lencrow, a leader in materials handling equipment, predicts the industry sector will be back on track and more productive this year.

Lencrow has been operating in Silverwater in western Sydney since 1976.

The family-owned and operated business originally traded under Allforks Hire Pty Ltd offering services and sales for materials handling equipment.

It has since grown to become Australia's largest independent supplier of forklifts – a one-stop shop for all materials handling solutions.

With 120 staff across five branch locations and an extensive dealer network, Lencrow has earned a reputation for its outstanding customer service.

Mr Grassick admits 2015 was a difficult one for the company.

In a major coup, Lencrow announced it had become official dealer of Nissan by Unicarriers Materials Handling Equipment – but the transition has not been easy.

“The year was not ideal with the on-again-off-again UniCarriers dealership,” Mr Grassick admits.

“This hesitation knocked around the company’s

cashflow and I know this has created issues, he says.

“But with 2015 clearly in the past we begin 2016 with the Australian dealership for UniCarriers secured.”

Mr Grassick is now working closely with UniCarriers officials in Japan to prepare a solid partnership to deliver the best supported product range to Australia.

“We are looking by early this year to start training programs on the UniCarriers product,” he says.

“We have already ordered new stock and we are looking over the next six months to start a rolling program to have fast moving units available in the country most of the time.

“We have now put in place what is required to ensure the supply of spare parts and we will be receiving stock on a weekly basis.”

And Mr Grassick says UniCarriers will be releasing new products in Australia later this year. “These are new never-seen-before models with extra features to enhance productivity and efficiency for operation workflows.”

Mr Grassick says the response from ex-Powerlift dealers has been favourable.

The dealers will supply UniCarriers, as well as EP Equipment and Bomaq forklifts on behalf of Lencrow.

“This is a part of our ongoing strategy to deliver increased service and products to Australia in 2016,” Mr Grassick says.

Lencrow has begun streamlining internal processes to prepare for a larger distribution network for UniCarriers.

“Current focuses are on building the network across the nation and finding like-minded forklift suppliers to provide second to none after sales services,” says Mr Grassick.

Any forklift suppliers who are interested in carrying UniCarriers products are encouraged to contact Lencrow’s head office to secure distribution in their area.

Mr Grassick thanked the Lencrow team for their efforts last year and looks forward to working with them as the company continues to grow this year.

UNICARRIERS: SETTING A NEW BENCHMARK IN MATERIALS HANDLING Nissan Forklift – the brand known and trusted by Australian forklift owners and operators – is undergoing a major transformation.

Don’t panic, the brand will continue to exist – but not in the familiar branding that we know now.

Nissan Forklifts will soon be known as UniCarriers – encompassing economy through to luxury.

The UniCarriers range offers value for money with a broad range of models to suit the most challenging materials handling applications.

Lencrow Materials Handling was last year appointed official distributor for UniCarriers in Australia.

Mr Grassick says Australia can expect the same level of quality and attention to detail across the board.

“It may look new but the driving experience and performance with UniCarriers remains the same.

“And with continuous developments in production and design the market can expect to see a list of new materials handling equipment hit the market.”

“From UniCarriers this year, Lencrow Materials Handling will be distributing products that have not been offered before by the manufacturer in the country.”

The new series will include counterbalance forklifts, in 1800kg and 3500kg capacities in their economy range.

Mr Grassick says Lencrow will now offer clients a range of equipment for all budgets.

“The bottom line is our range will be greatly improved and the service for UniCarriers forklifts will be second to none.

“Customers can expect the same value and reliability with the new UniCarriers brand.”

Though UniCarriers might appear to be a new brand name emerging in the forklift market however; the product actually dates back to the very first forklift manufactured in Japan during the 1940’s.

UniCarriers is comprised of the two heavy weight Japanese forklift manufacturers – Nissan Forklift and TCM. The company united to strengthen Japan’s forklift brand utilising the experiences and strengths of both manufacturers.

Unicarriers offer a comprehensive range of internal combustion forklifts with capacities starting from 1000kg up to 43,000kg.

Premium models feature electronic engine management system technology. The electronic technology monitors and manages the forklift’s fuel economy as well its speed controls, automated tilt leveling and includes a built-in weight scale.

Unicarriers are at the cutting edge of design and technology consistently delivering quality products applying years of experience and research in forklift manufacturing.

UniCarriers advanced engine efficiency has reduced carbon emissions by an even further 16 percent than any other model.

All products include full parts and labour warranties backed with factory support on all its products.

Lencrow Materials Handling has been involved in the

Australian forklift industry for nearly four decades.

Lencrow supplies the largest independent range of materials handling equipment in Australia.

Its own hire fleet consists of over 2,500 units nationwide.

In July this year Lencrow celebrates its 40th anniversary month, with a new model expected to be released as part of the company celebrations.

Lencrow Materials Handling has branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle and Adelaide – and has its sights set on expanding UniCarriers distribution around the country.

Mr Grassick says customers will soon discover “a new generation of service” from Lencrow as UniCarriers distributors.

Customers will be encouraged to embrace the digital age through their smart phones and tablets.

Simply scan the QR code in the Lencrow ad on Page 7 to learn more.

Lencrow Ph: 1300 536 276 www.lencrowforklifts.com.au INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• CRANES & LIFTING

Continued from cover

NO CRANE, NO GAIN for heavy and large materials. Nothing of this is new – still it is essential to be spelled out.

To emphasise the importance of a simple necessity: A running crane.

Universal Anodisers, at the forefront of anodising aluminium sheets and extrusions for architectural applications in Australia, depend on their cranes for daily production.

From 1998, MHE-Demag worked closely with Universal Anodisers to meet specific crane requirements for a purpose built factory.

A rough environment with acids exposes their production line and cranes to immense stress. MHE-Demag has the ability to not only provide cranes that endure in such circumstances, but also to be there in case anything goes wrong.

To withstand such an aggressive

environment, MHE-Demag work closely with Universal Anodisers.

It is necessary to stay in a continuous dialogue, to ensure all needs of Universal Anodisers are being met. This requires deep understanding of the production circumstances and expertise in crane design, manufacturing and maintenance.

Thorough communication is a prerequisite to provide solutions for special and individual requirements.

Ausreo, a major player in the reinforcement industry had to realise this the hard way. Without an agreement for regular crane services, Ausreo followed the strategy to call for help when it was needed.

This led to unplanned downtime with all its negative consequences.

With over 20 cranes in various productions sites across Australia, Ausreo depend on the ability to lift and move goods, to keep their business running.

Since Ausreo decided to book in regular, preventive services, their cranes run – on time and on budget, without unpleasant surprises.

MHE-Demag is trusted in highlighting necessary repairs and indicating potential future problems.

This kind of prevention is paramount for a business that relies on the ability to lift and move goods.

Weir Minerals, a leading supplier to the mining and mineral industry, choose MHE-

Truth, Not Dare* *When audited by the AMAA Industry Update is committed to protecting advertisers by having their distribution independently verified by AMAA.

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Demag over other service providers, for simple reasons.

MHE-Demag is responsive and reliable.

Functional cranes are key components in the production line of Weir Minerals.

Ensuring that cranes do not stop is money worth being spent. Downtime costs surpass maintenance costs by far.

Reaction time of a service provider is crucial for a supplier in Australia’s most vibrant and demanding industries.

MHE-Demag Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9609 9500 www.demag.com.au

CRANES & LIFTING •

KONECRANES LAUNCHES NEW GENERATION C RANGE OF LIFT TRUCKS Konecranes has introduced its new Generation C series of lift trucks, which includes the full range from 10-65 ton forklift trucks, container lift trucks and reach stackers.

The range was first introduced to Europe and North America at CeMAT Hannover 2014, and since then has enjoyed enthusiastic uptake in excess of several 100 units.

The Generation C lift trucks are already hard and reliably at work in the European and North American fleets.

The C series lift truck includes a completely new driver’s cabin with first-inclass features to enhance safety, comfort and productivity.

The C series also boasts increased reach stacker lifting performance, an enhanced TRUCONNECT® remote monitoring system and improved engine performance.

The C series is equipped with common platform diesel engines that meet emission legislation levels EU Stage II/EPA Tier 2, EU Stage IIIA/EPA Tier 3, or EU Stage IV/EPA Tier 4f.

These new engines are in general several decibels more silent and can save up to 6 percent in fuel consumption over previous ones. Most engines can be supplied with a start/stop function to further reduce fuel consumption, typically between 5 - 15%,

and to extend the factual engine service life.

The new driver’s cabin offers operators class-leading spaciousness and superior visibility made possible by an even more ergonomic layout with integrated seatmounted controls. The industry’s first 7” touch screen color display provides full truck monitoring including eco-drive, fuel management and driver login. The touch screen monitor also supports an optional integrated rear-view camera and tire pressure monitoring. The efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system offers a 50 percent overall capacity improvement.

Konecranes web based TRUCONNECT

remote monitoring service is also available for the new C series lift trucks.

TRUCONNECT monitors everything from fuel consumption and travelling, to utility work, service actions and critical events – for individual lift trucks as well as fleet of machinery.

Konecranes Ph: 02 8796 7666 www.konecranes.com.au

FORK FORCE TO DISTRIBUTE AWARD-WINNING AUSA TELEHANDLERS Fork Force Australia has been appointed the exclusive Australian importer and distributor for the award-winning European Ausa Telehandlers, adding to its extensive fleet of forklifts for sale and hire.

Ausa was recently recognised as the

Best Exporting Company in Europe in the European Business Awards due to their innovation, ethics and international success.

“The European Business Award cemented our decision to choose Ausa Telehandlers to complement the rough terrain forklifts we already have within our fleet, said Fork Force Australia Managing Director Steve Cunliffe.

“With our famous factory backed 5 year parts and labor warranty on all of our new equipment including Telehandlers, it gives that extra re-assurance to our customers that they’re buying a high quality product.”

Ranging from 1 to 3 tonne, Ausa Telehandlers are innovative in design and technology, and have superior efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.

“Put simply, they’re high quality and extremely competitive in purchase price compared to their European counterparts showing superior return on investment,” said Allen Powell, Executive General Manager.

The compact telehandler range is packed with features exclusive to Ausa including a joystick with integrated arm functions increasing safety and productivity while contributing to reduce operator fatigue.

LM FASTENERS The one and only small fasteners company that serves your needs

Face to face counter service No minimum sale OPEN 7AM TO 5PM MONDAY - FRIDAY & 8AM TO 2PM SATURDAY lmfasteners@westnet.com.au | www.lmfasteners.com.au

It also exclusively features a front folding cabin, which facilitates ease of service.

The Kubota engine ensures minimum noise level and fuel consumption, and the Bosch-Rexroth hydrostatic transmission provides smooth and safe operation.

With over 50 years of manufacturing, and supplying to more than 80 countries, Ausa is a world leading innovative company

dedicated to the design and production of compact industrial vehicles including their premier compact Telehandlers.

The Ausa Telehandlers are now available Australia wide through Fork Force Australia.

Fork Force Australia Ph: 1300 42 3675 (4A FORK) www.forkforce.com

HELP REDUCE MAINTENANCE COSTS ON OVERHEAD CRANES LOAD LIMITERS

ROPE AND CHAIN CRANES AND HOISTS: • Helps reduce the risk of accidents • Protects against overloading of Crane and supporting structures • Quick and easy installation and available for all capacity cranes • Available preset or easily calibrated on site • Helps reduce maintenance costs • Minimizes down time • Automatic reset by reducing the load CONDUCTOR BAR • Available in steel and copper • Quickly and easily installed • Supports required only every 1.5m • Also available in a compact cluster range

SIDE PULL PREVENTERS/ROPE GUIDE PROTECTOR Prevents side pulling and protects rope guides and drums on most multi-fall Cranes and Hoists.

• Prevent dragging of loads • Helps reduce down time.

Liftco Industrial Supplies Pty Ltd

Freecall: 1800 LIFTCO (543826) Email: liftco@optusnet.com.au Web: www.1800liftco.com.au INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

33

• FEATURE

DESIGNING FOR MANUFACT

By Badrinath Setlur

Connected devices made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT) present unprecedented opportunities across industry sectors and processes.

Designing new business models that support IoT-enabled capabilities requires companies to take a multi-pronged approach, to redesign business models and bring a multitude of technologies together.

Businesses need to deploy sensors, communicate with multiple devices and implant advanced analytics to distill actionable insights. Accomplishing all this requires an approach that embraces design thinking aimed at optimising IoT. In an IoT network, each object represents a node, continuously transmitting a large volume of data about itself and its surroundings — we call these digital footprints code halos. Products built with this capability are often referred to as the new breed of connected products. A recent report by IT research firm Gartner states that the installed base of things (excluding PCs, tablets and smartphones) will grow to 26 billion units in 2020, a near 30-fold increase from 0.9 billion units in 2009.

This means that the code halos surrounding products will offer organisations unprecedented access and insight into product usage.

In this landscape, the physical world is highly intertwined with the information world, with every object across the value chain sharing and receiving context-specific information for performing a particular task.

How IoT enables informed manufacturing An informed manufacturing organisation contains four elements: informed products, processes, people and infrastructure.

• Products: Advanced sensors, controls and software applications work together to obtain and share real-time information with the potential for autonomous machine action.

• People: Connecting people across all business functions and geographies, and providing them with relevant information in real time allow for intelligent design, operations and maintenance, as well as higher quality service and safety.

• Processes: By emphasising bidirectional information-sharing across global manufacturing value chain, informed processes lead to a flexible and adaptable supply chain.

• Infrastructure: Using smart infrastructure components that interface with mobile devices, products and people, informed infrastructure helps manage complexities more effectively and improve efficiencies.

All parts of the manufacturing value chain can benefit greatly from a deep penetration of digital sensors that enable enhanced visibility and better control of production processes, as well as increased automation of tasks.

before they happen, lower inventory costs and potentially reduce capital requirements.

Plant floor control automation: The IoT data and network provide interconnectivity between the shop floor and top floor, which enables the automation of specific processes and reduces the human intervention required to address issues or deviations. Continuous parameter monitoring by sensors enables alerting when deviations occur from preset control limits, triggering automated process adjustments. IoT can also advance shop floor visibility by providing continuous status at multiple checkpoints.

The benefits of increased visibility extend beyond the enterprise to suppliers and thirdparty providers, avoiding stock-out and material carrying costs.

Remote monitoring and management of critical assets: While remote asset monitoring has been around for decades, the ability to issue corrective commands is rapidly maturing.

Consequently, equipment suppliers have a more direct role in the operations and maintenance of manufacturing plants if they embrace new service offerings and business models.

Models can pivot around hours of operation rather than equipment sale, and the buyer gets to use the equipment ‘as-a-service’. This can create entirely new and closely linked business relationships between manufacturers and their suppliers.

A range of possibilities exists across core functional and process areas Connected supply chain: By connecting the production line to suppliers, all stakeholders can understand interdependencies, the flow of materials and process cycle times. IoT systems can enable location tracking, remote inventory level monitoring and automatic reporting of material consumption.

Access to predictive analytics based on real-time data helps manufacturers identify issues

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Energy management and resource optimisation: Energy is among the highest contributors to cost overhead for manufacturing facilities. IoT systems and automation of environmental controls, such as HVAC and electricity, can create additional cost savings for manufacturers.

These systems also offer integrated weather data and prediction analysis to help manufacturers optimise energy usage. Smart HVAC concepts are being extended into building and home management systems.

Pro-active maintenance: Manufacturers have widely accepted the concept of preventative and condition-based monitoring, but many are still in the process of implementing these programs. If the manufacturer has equipment that needs to operate

FEATURE •

TURING’S INTERNET OF THINGS

Standardisation: A key issue concerns the numerous networks that operate in silos— each designed differently and serving different purposes. IoT applications are often created for specific purposes and offer limited applications in other areas. Interfaces should be standardised and solutions made interoperable at various levels and across various platforms to promote integration and scalability. Initiatives such as International Standard for Metadata Registries (ISO/ IEC 11179) and its implementation (for example, the Universal Data Element Framework, or UDEF, from OpenGroup) are aimed at supporting semantic interoperability between structured data.

Security and privacy: With hyper-connectivity, the data associated with IoT goes from big to colossal and from high-velocity to supersonic, and it spans multiple categories (for example, structured, unstructured and semi-structured). Security and privacy in this environment become even more critical. Devices must be secured on the network, and users need to feel confident both about their personal data and the controls over the flow and exchange of sensitive organisational data.

Infrastructure: The IoT requires complex interconnection between hardware and software that works at the assembly level. With so much data being captured and transferred, organisations need much more capacity to store the information. Another dimension is the kinds of data that the IoT captures. The first data type — large file data comprising images and videos — is traditionally accessed sequentially. The second, which comprises billions of small files created by sensor data, must be accessed randomly. Clearly, tomorrow’s data centres must contend with the dual challenge of storage efficiency and effective retrieval of large data sets.

Analytics: Given all this data, organisations need to master the art and science of converting it into actionable insights. This will likely be the biggest challenge for many manufacturers, given the growth of the Internet of Things. According to a Stanford University estimate that the world generates around 1,200 exabytes of data per year. Data generation is expected to grow at 40 per cent each year.

jumpstart their IoT journeys and build competitive differentiation.

• Design Step 0: Analyse sensory architecture.

• Assess the embedded sensors already in your products.

• Benchmark the product configuration with competitive offerings.

• Assess component/sub-assembly supplier parts range for embedded sensors.

• Humans-in-loop evaluation for your products and services.

• Design Step 1: Create an IoT vision tailored to the organisation.

• Evaluate ROI based on revenue models, efficiency savings and product

differentiation.

• Design a blueprint for your organisation’s connected ecosystem, including

suppliers, dealers, connected workforce and partners.

• Process: Outline a customer experience design for achieving the IoT vision.

• Design Step 2: Initiate engagement and employee communication.

• Engage and integrate employees, customers, process owners, operators and

partners into the IoT program.

• Communicate with all stakeholders to solicit feedback on touchpoints and

potential benefits to make it a win-win for all stakeholders involved.

• Design Step 3: Focus on application development and infrastructure.

• Evaluate potential proliferation of personal connected devices within different

stakeholder communities.

• Create a BYOD implementation plan.

• Decide on a common approach to development and deployment across

multiple devices.

• Design Step 4: Rapid deployment, monitoring and modification planning.

• Agile and flexible deployment with small, step-by-step implementations; get

started with IoT and achieve incremental benefits.

• Design Step 5: Developing product features and embedded sensors

• You are now ready to exploit the potential with additional sensors and

start building alliances and partnerships. These can help with further

monetisation and differentiation.

Connected devices are here to stay and the trend will only grow. Already leaders are investing in IoT solutions and reaping benefits. By embracing essentials of the design approach needed to optimise IoT, organisations can align IoT-based solutions to drive value and create a superior experience for customers. The deeper meshing of virtual and physical machines clearly holds tremendous transformative potential for the manufacturing value chain, from suppliers through customers, and at every touch-point along the way.

Moving forward with IoT While the challenges can be overwhelming, the following steps can help organisations to

*Badrinath Setlur is Assistant Vice President of Manufacturing, Logistics, Energy and Utilities Consulting, Cognizant www.cognizant.com

within a certain temperature range, the company can use sensors to monitor actively when it goes out of range and prevent malfunctions. Measuring vibrations to detect operations that are out of spec is another example.

Overcoming design challenges IoT can improve and automate decision-making across the manufacturing value chain.

However, numerous challenges must be addressed before the full potential of IoT can be realised.

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

35

• SAFETY FOCUS: FOOTWEAR

THE TRUE COST OF SAFETY FOOTWEAR

By Dr Caleb Wegener

In a study of 321 workers in variety of industries that were required to wear safety footwear 91 percent of the workers were assessed to have a foot issue, of which 72 percent were attributed to the safety footwear they wore.

The study by Marr & Quine, Shoe Concerns and Foot Problems of Wearers of Safety Footwear, found half of the workers (49%) also reported to have out right foot pain – a rate three times what would be expected in the general population.

The high prevalence of foot problems in workers that wear safety footwear is a serious concern for both worker welfare and workplace productivity.

The process of selecting safety footwear for the workplace is often heavily driven by the item cost.

However, the real costs to footwear related issues are often captured in the workplace health and safety division.

But the implementation of comprehensive assessments of the site, job tasks, workforce and correctly fitting safety footwear all assist in reducing the true footwear costs.

The appropriate steps in selecting footwear for the workplace are outlined below: 1. A comprehensive risk assessment process of the workplace should be undertaken to understand if any additional safety footwear requirements are necessary. A range of different footwear may be required for different areas within the workplace. Additional safety footwear standards include:

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• Penetration resistant midsole for protection from sharp objects underfoot.

• Metatarsal guards to protect the arch of the foot from impact injuries.

• Anti-static designs to reduce the risk of spark ignition in volatile environments.

• Sole resistance to hot contact • Slip resistance characteristics to slips with soap on ceramic tiles, glycerol on steel or both. Selecting the appropriate style of outsole pattern for the work surface should also be assessed.

• Water resistance for protection in wet environments.

• Ankle protection from side impact.

• Conductive footwear to earth static electricity.

• Electrically insulation from the flow of electrical current.

2. Movement patterns undertaken in each job task in the workplace should be analysed when selecting safety footwear. For instance if workers driving machinery require free ankle mobility to quickly adjust their foot on the pedals. Analysing job tasks should result in a short list of styles appropriate for each job type in the workplace.

3. Understanding the workforce physical characteristics should also influence the style of footwear selected. For example a work place that is dominated by obese males may require footwear to have a much wider and deeper fitting profile than average.

4. No one style will correctly fit an entire work force.

There is a large variation in foot width, depth and arch height in the population. A range of footwear with differing fitting profiles will ensure that the vast majority of workers will have a style of footwear that fits their foot.

5. The final step is ensuring the workers safety footwear is correctly fitted. Footwear is best fitted at the end of the day and wearing work socks. Correctly fitting footwear is a four step process. The first step is to determine the correct length by removing the insole and standing on it to ensure that a gap of 12-15mm exists between the end of the longest toe and the insole. The insole should then be returned to the footwear and the footwear fitted to the flex point at the ball of the foot, foot width and depth. If any of these parameters are not correct a different size or style should be selected. Correctly fitting safety footwear is potentially the most important step in reducing foot issues in the workplace.

Safety footwear is a significant contributing factor to foot issues in the workplace.

However, implementation of a comprehensive process of workplace assessment and footwear policies can help improve worker welfare, workplace productivity and reduce the real cost of footwear. * Dr Caleb Wegener is a member of the MACK BOOTS Footwear Research & Innovation team

SAFETY FOCUS: FOOTWEAR •

INNOVATIVE MACK BOOTS FOR ROUGH TERRAIN Rough terrain is about to get a whole lot smoother.

MACK is set to release an innovative new range of safety footwear worn to perform in rough terrain with the aim of reducing injuries in the workplace and improving productivity.

When the going gets rough … MACK safety footwear

Ankle sprains and strains are common workplace injuries in industries where workers are exposed to rough terrain.

The MACK product development team has spent the past few years working with health and safety personnel of leading industrial companies throughout Australia to gain a comprehensive understanding of their injury profiles and biomechanical requirements in the workplace.

This extensive consultation process has led to the design and development of the innovative ADAPT™ range of safety footwear specifically designed to improve adaption to rough terrain.

The paradigm changing ADAPT™ range from MACK has been designed with the performance requirements of the

foot and ankle on rough terrain as the core design principle.

“The design and development process of the ADAPT™ range has considered the footwear as a complete structure, rather than developing each individual component separately, this ensures harmonised function from the foot to the ground.” says Dr Caleb Wegener, Footwear Research and Innovation.

The ADAPT™ sole unit and upper designs have independent areas of both flexibility and stability based on the specific foot and ankle requirements during each phase of the walking cycle.

The lightweight designs of the ADAPT™ range also assist in minimising fatigue at both the localised muscle

level and generalised worker fatigue helping to improve workplace safety and productivity.

The ADAPT™ range consists of five styles that are targeted to a cross section of roles and occupations that are exposed to uneven terrain.

The safety shoe industry is set to change this year with MACK launching new innovative footwear across multiple application requirements.

The ADAPT™ range is just the beginning of what’s to come from MACK in 2016.

MACK BOOTS Ph: 1300 350 216 www.mackboots.com.au

MEN IN BLACK: NEW ZIP SIDED BOOT FROM OLIVER Off the back of the success of the 45-632Z 150mm Wheat Zip Sided Boot, Oliver now offers a second colour option that is just as versatile, comfortable and hard wearing.

In this instance the boot upper is water resistant black full grain leather, with the added convenience of a zip side for ease of entry and release.

Guaranteed not to activate metal detectors this boot won’t generate sparks or even rust as the composition of the AT 45-645Z has a hard wearing dual density PU/TPU sole with a composite safety toe cap to protect the foot against injury.

The AT 45-645Z also incorporates the Oliver SOFTstride® comfort system with exceptional underfoot cushioning that works to soften and absorb impacts on the foot stride after stride.

This feature is achieved by a layer of

open cell low density urethane foam that is built into the insole that contours to the individual foot shape.

Oliver’s SOFTstride® provides the added reassurance and comfort to get through long hours of working without being weighed down along with superior protection and is thus offering the ultimate in work boot comfort.

Key features incorporated in the new AT 45-645Z include premium water resistant leathers, the innovative hi-impact non-metallic composite safety toecap that has the traditional NATUREform® wide profile being 45 percent lighter than traditional steel toecaps yet still exceeds industry safety standards.

Additionally, the AT 45-645Z features the TECtuff® rubberised toe bumper to safeguard against premature wear caused

by scuffing.

The Oliver COMFORTcushion® Impact Absorption System also protects the heel and ball of the foot with the Odorban™ Control Technology providing the anti-microbial treatment to the boot lining and footbed to protect against odour, staining and deterioration.

The AT 45-645Z also has a 130ᵒ C heat resistant outsole and also includes EH (Electrical Hazard) protection.

As the long recognised innovation leader in the category, Oliver Footwear is confident of market and wearer acceptance of the new AT 45 NonMetallic Series.

Its pricing structure is highly competitive and includes a 30-day Comfort Guarantee that allows the wearer to return the boots within 30 days of purchase with receipt.

The comfort guarantee tag allows customers to claim a full refund or exchange for an alternative footwear choice.

Oliver Footwear Ph: 03 53 200 200 www.oliver.com.au

DESIGNED TO ENDURE. MADE TO MOVE. WORN TO PERFORM. MACKBOOTS.COM.AU | 1300 350 216 Mack Footwear is sold under licence from Mack Trucks, Inc. All rights reserved.

Filename MAC0001_IndustryUpdate_Ad_230x100mm_FA

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37

• SAFETY

HOW AUTOMATION CAN IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY The most effective way to improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of injury is to cut the time workers must spend in hazardous areas.

And this can be achieved through automation and new technology, says safety expert John Merrett.

Mr Merrett, product manager for safety at Omron, a leader in automation and workplace safety, says unfortunately most employers don’t invest time and dollars into improving safety for workers.

“Many companies don’t invest in safety, Mr Merrett says.

“They believe it will adversely affect their productivity.”

But in actual fact it can improve productivity, he says.

“Many employers only look at safety when it’s too late – usually after someone has been hurt – and that’s a serious issue.”

Mr Merrett says an education campaign is needed to convince employers that safety is the most important element when operating machinery.

Employers should think of machine operators as members of their family.

“I’m sure that would put a different light on it.”

They should also understand that by investing in making machines safer, they will save money in the long run.

Mr Merrett says automation and technology hold the key to a safer workplace.

“By using automation you are getting the (machine) operator out of hazardous areas – you are reducing their exposure to dangerous situations.

“And that must be a good thing.”

When you reduce the need for human intervention you reduce the potential for injury or fatalities, says Mr Merrett.

But many employers are not taking advantage of new workplace technology.

“Some don’t want to spend the money,” Mr Merrett says.

“I see so much machinery in the workplace that is 30 or 40 years old with no guarding or other safety features.

“And because it was built that way originally, employers don’t believe there is a need to guard it.

“They have the attitude that because the machine has been running for 30 years and nobody has been hurt, it must be safe.

“But in reality nothing could be further from the truth – the operator and those around them are at risk.

“Any machine has the potential to cause harm and therefore must be guarded.”

Companies that ignore workplace safety face many

hidden costs, Mr Merrett says. “They are running the gauntlet.

“If a staff member is hurt, employers are faced with Workers Compensation payouts and lost productivity.

“They may also face big court costs, legal fees and increased insurance premiums.”

Mr Merrett says a workplace fatality can be devastating for employers and employees and their families.

“Employers that are negligent can face up to five years’ imprisonment as well as fines of up to $600,000 for individuals.

“And for companies, the fine can be up to $3 million.

“This could close a small company – or a even big one.”

“Therefore, it’s in an employer’s best interests to ensure a safe working environment – it’s like an insurance policy.”

Mr Merrett says employers have been slow to embrace new technology, but the situation is changing.

“They now realize that by adopting new technology it gives them an advantage over their competitors,” he says.

Technology has changed significantly in the past 10 years to help improve workplace safety, he says.

“Companies like Omron have a strong focus on safety – their products have become a lot smarter.

“For example, Omron light curtains offer unique features such as Preset Reset and Dynamic Muting designed to improve workplace safety.

“These measures provide added safeguards to reduce the risk for operators and staff.

“At the same time they increase efficiency by reducing downtime.

“Companies now find they can get a quick ROI (return on investment) by investing in this type of technology through improved productivity.”

And with recent advancements in safety standards, such as ISO 13849-1, electronic programmable safety controllers can now be used.

This means safety features are now much easier to configure and to subsequently change if required.

And this in turn can be integrated with the rest of the (programmable) control system, which further improves safety.

Mr Merrett says automation they can minimize the need for manual handling – and greatly improve safety.

“Workers that are stooping and lifting products face serious back injuries,” he says.

“By using robotics for example you can minimize manual handling and reduce heavy lifting and the risk of accidents.

“It also gives workers a better working life if they are not required to lift and move heavy objects.

“And workers can spend more time in other operations while machines carry out the heavy lifting.”

Robots don’t provide a total solution, but they are a great start, says Mr Merrett.

“You still have to have some human intervention, but you will certainly reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.”

Mr Merrett is confident Australian workplaces will become much safer in coming years.

“New safety standards were introduced in Australia and New Zealand last year designed to further improve workplace safety.

“Our safety standards are now among the best in the world.”

Mr Merrett would like to see greater collaboration between industry and research institutions when it comes to workplace safety.

“There is no reason why they shouldn’t work together to improve safety – that would be a great thing.”

Mr Merrett says safety should be a key element of research and development (R&D) when designing machines.

“The main focus now seems to be ‘how do we make the machine work’ rather than how do we make it safer.’

“Safety should never be an after thought,” he says.

“It’s cheaper in the long run to design safety into machines rather than have to add safety features later.

“It is vital to protect operators and everyone around the machine – without compromising productivity.

“That’s what it’s all about.” *Based in Melbourne, John Merrett is Product Manager for Safety at Omron. He conducts safety seminars and provides training for customers, distributors and staff as well as technical support.

NARVA PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY Narva, a leader in automotive lighting and electrical accessories, has heeded the call for a safer working environment with the launch of a new Blue Spot LED safety light.

The new light can be fitted to forklifts and used in other materials handling applications, to warn if a forklift is approaching.

Mandatory reversing alarms in loud and busy working environments such as factories and warehouses, can be lost among the noise.

With a concentrated light projection the Narva’s BlueSpot safety light can be easily mounted to the forklift’s protective roof frame, casting a strong beam approximately 500mm at 5m onto the floor ahead, warning others of the intended driving path.

The new safety addition is particularly valuable to anyone crossing from a blind angle such as in between racking in front

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of an oncoming forklift.

The 9-110 volt light features two potent XP-E 3 watt LEDs and is programmed to be a constant beam yet despite its strong light output it boasts compact dimensions of 100mm H x 122mm W x 82mm D. Thanks to adoption of the latest LED technology, the light has a very low current draw (0.4A at 12V and 0.2A at 24V) plus the benefit of exceptionally long service life. For ease of fitment and durability, stainless steel mounting hardware is also included as standard.

As an added bonus the Blue-Spot LED safety light is supported by a 5-Year LED Narva warranty.

Already widely used in the US and Europe, the new Narva Blue-Spot lights are available in Australia from Brown & Watson International through leading automotive, transport and warehousing outlets.

Narva is Australian owned and is a leader in the

development, manufacture and supply of automotive lighting and electrical components for the automotive, marine and transport industries.

Visit the Narva website for more information.

Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9730 6000 www.narva.com.au

Can you afford not to test?

Deter, Detect & Eliminate Drug & Alcohol abuse at your Workplace with Pathtech The Pathtech detection range includes: › Saliva Drug Testing: Securetec DrugWipe – Detects current & recent drug use – Requires only a small amount of saliva, just a wipe down the tongue – Fast test results available in 8 minutes – Ability to detect even small traces of cannabis – As used by Police for roadside drug screening › Breathalyser Alcohol Testers – Proven accuracy & precision – Light & ergonomic – Certified to Australian Standards 3547:1997 – Provides near instant results › Urine Drug Testing To request a copy of the Pathtech Workplace Drug & Alcohol Detection Catalogue, contact the Pathtech team.

Phone 1800 069 161 Email drugwipe@pathtech.com.au Website pathtech.com.au

Up to 15% of workplace injuries worldwide are attributable to drug & alcohol use

Around 60% of individuals who consume drugs & alcohol at harmful levels are in full time employment

Estimated $6 billion per year in lost productivity through alcohol & other drugs in Australian workplaces

13% use cannabis 4% use amphetamines 1/2 of Australian workers drink

at harmful levels.

Pathtech.com.au/products/drug-alcohol-testing Device recommendation, detail product training and after sales support provided

In addition to our extensive Industry Experience, Pathtech also supply the Securetec DrugWipe to every Australian Police Jurisdiction for random, roadside drug screening.

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

39

• ELECTRONICS

RESEARCHERS ON TRACK TO DEVELOP NEXT-GEN ELECTRONICS Liquid is often seen as the kryptonite of electronics, known for damaging and corroding components.

That’s why a new process that uses vapour– rather than liquid – to grow designer crystals could lead to a new breed of faster, more powerful electronic devices.

The method, invented by an international team of scientists from the University of Leuven in Belgium, the National University of Singapore and CSIRO was published in the journal Nature Materials.

For the first time, the researchers have shown how the designer crystals known as “metal organic frameworks” or MOFs, can be grown using a vapour method that is similar to steam hovering over a pot of hot water.

The crystals are the world’s most porous materials, and if applied to microelectronic devices, could significantly boost their processing power.

However according to CSIRO researcher

Mark Styles, up until now these crystals could only be grown and applied using a liquid solvent, making them unsuitable for electronics applications.

"Just like your smart phone doesn’t like being dropped in water, electronic devices don’t like the liquid solvent that’s used to grow MOF crystals," Dr Styles said.

"It can corrode and damage the delicate circuitry.

"Our new vapour method for growing and applying MOF crystals overcomes this barrier and has the potential to disrupt the microelectronics industry.

"On the atomic scale, MOF crystals look like bird cages that can be tailor-made to be different shapes and sizes.

"They have an extremely large surface area, meaning they can be up to 80 per cent empty inside.

"The net result is a structure where almost every atom is exposed to empty space: one

gram of MOF crystals has a surface area of over 5000 square metres – that’s the size of a football field.

"Crucially, we can use this vast space to trap other molecules, which can change the properties of a material.

"In the case of electronics, this means we can fit a lot more transistors on a microchip, making it faster and far more powerful."

The international team, which was led by Ivo Stassen and Professor Rob Ameloot from the University of Leuven in Belgium, drew on specialist X-ray analysis techniques from CSIRO and the Australian Synchrotron to understand how the vapour process works, and how it can be used to grow the MOF crystals.

According to Dr Styles, the applications for MOFs can only be limited by your imagination.

"Another potential use for this technology would be in portable chemical sensing devices

that could be used in hazardous environments such as chemical processing plants and underground mines," he said.

The Nature Materials paper is available at Chemical vapour deposition of zeolitic imidazolate framework thin films.

TREOTHAM TO DISTRIBUTE NUOVA PRESS SAFETY SYSTEMS Treotham Automation now supplies pressbrake safety systems from Nuova Elettronica.

With over 30 years experience, Nuova Elettronica is one of the biggest names in their

industry, and can guarantee the safety of the press-brake operator.

The DSP laser is a reliable type 4 safety device for press-brake machines.

It protects the press-brake operator from the danger of crushing that can accidently occur between the moving part of the machine and the fixed one.

When an object enters the protection zone it is detected immediately, causing the interruption of the mobile part motion.

The DSP laser is easy to install and is very economic. It can adapt to most press-brakes and it allows various possible configurations.

It fulfils safety category SIL3, Ple,Cat 4 of AS 4024.1-2014 machinery safety standard and safety regulations EN61496-1/2 e EN12622.

Nuova Elettronica uses cutting-edge technology compared to traditional systems

that are now obsolete.

The DSP laser safety device replaces the DFS laser beam as it functions better and is easier to use.

Treotham Automation Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9907 1788 www.treotham.com.au

NEW COMPACT PANASONIC SENSORS FOR TIGHT SPACES Control Logic has released the new Panasonic EX-Z range of Thru-beam Ultra-miniature photoelectric sensors.

The new sensors are small enough to consider using in applications where previously, fibre optic sensors, were the only option.

These units have the added advantage that the sensor and amplifier are fully selfcontained in one extremely small package.

The EX-Z sensors are available in two body styles, front or side sensing and three different models with ranges of 50, 200 and 500mm.

Due to the built in slit mask the longest range model has the ability to detect an object as small as 1mm whilst the shortest range unit can detect an item as small as

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0.3mm.

The high-brightness 4-element red LED provides strong light emission stability over a long period of time while at the same time making sensor alignment an easy task.

All models are rated to IP67 for use in process lines where water is used or splashed and rust resistant stainless steel sensor mounting brackets and screws are also available.

Control Logic Ph: 1800 557 705 www.control-logic.com.au

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internet is

here

begin your journey with GE GE is making the Industrial Internet real! Connect your machine, data, insights and people to improve performance, uptime and productivity.

THE GE ADVANTAGE

minimise lifecycle costs decrease time to market

reduce unplanned downtime boost system performance

Scalable open standard control solutions and market leading migration gives the power to easily transform your outdated control system into an Industrial Internet ready control system. It’s easy, it’s fast and there’s no need to rip and replace. Software is easily converted and wire moves are minimised.

Connecting to the Industrial Internet has never been easier!

A NEW ERA OF INNOVATION.

for more information call 1800 557 705 or email sales@control-logic.com.au

www.control-logic.com.au

industrial. electrical. automation.

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

41

• ELECTRONICS

NHP UNVEILS EWON WIRELESS ACCESS ROUTERS NHP has released wireless access routers to the eWON range – eWON Cosy and eWON Flexy.

These remote access devices provide superior customer service. And because they can identify and troubleshoot performance issues as, and in many cases before they occur, they increase uptime and improve the

before.

The eWON remote access devices allow you to upgrade easily to new technology and are able to connect to a wide range of industrial devices for seamless communication. From utilities, agriculture, water and wastewater to any other plant application that requires fast data acquisition

productivity of your installations.

Gaining a competitive advantage means you must provide real value to customers in a market place that offers increasing choice.

Equipment that provides real time and readily available data is key to this and thanks to the range of eWON industrial remote access devices, this is now easier than ever

anywhere and anytime, ensure you’re ahead of the competition with eWON. NHP Electrical Engineering Products 1300 NHP NHP (647 647) www.nhp.com.au

BEANAIR WIRELESS SENSORS FOR OIL AND GAS PLATFORMS Bestech Australia exclusively distributes the BeanAir wireless sensor network (WSN) to enable real-time monitoring performance and environment.

These wireless temperature and strain SAW sensors which consume ultra-low batteries and are fully autonomous, can be used for up to seven years. They are ideal for remote applications. The new R&D project developed an integrated system that allows BeanGateway (data collecting

via Ethernet or Modbus) /BeanDevice (wireless sensors: accelerometer, inclinometer, temperature, humidity & light sensor etc.) can operate without the internal battery.

The new ATEX/EX Zone 2 enclosure designed with a specific antenna coupler as show in the image makes BeanAir WSN suitable for ATEX site.

Wireless Sensor Networks used on the oil and gas platforms focus on monitoring the production process, to either prevent or detect health and safety issues or to optimise and increase production. Areas wireless sensors can be used in a variety of applications including remote pipelines, corrosion, equipment condition and real-time reservoir status.

Key features: Wireless & passive SAW sensors • Temperature and strain measurements • No battery, no energy harvesting, free from electrical risk • Robust and stable, compatible with harsh environments

• Maintenance free, no need of re-calibration Ultra Low Power Wi-Fi • Lower Total Cost of ownership – works with existing access • Easy provisioning & IT friendly: WIFI sensors use IP-overEthernet networking environment • Certi¬fied IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi Low Power technology • Compatible with WEP/WPA/WPA2/WPS Self-Powered system • Solar energy harvesting • Integrated primary cell for UPS functionality Reliable alloy aluminium enclosure • IP66 Rating • Atex II 2 GD EEx d IIB Ex tD A21 Bestech Ph: 03 9540 5117 www.bestech.com.au

Satisfying your Food and Beverage manufacturing needs When it comes to the Food and Beverage industry, NHP offers the ultimate partnership to achieve project success. How? Put simply, we’re easy to do business with.

From the handling and batching of raw ingredients, to the manufacturing, final packaging and dispatching of the product, our quality network of global supply partners help you achieve optimum site efficiency.

NHP ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS PTY LTD

1300 NHP NHP | nhp.com.au |

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NINDUSTRYUPAD_3469.indd 1

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

NINDUSTRYUPAD_3469_02/16

We have a local team of technical experts to provide solutions in Process and Automation, Functional Safety, Hazardous Areas and Drives and with the agility to satisfy your round-the-clock needs, there’s no need to wait any longer. Put us to the (taste) test…

1/02/2016 9:08 AM

ELECTRONICS •

COMPACT UPS FROM OMRON OFFERS TOP PROTECTION The compact S8BA Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) from Omron increases equipment stability and system reliability.

The 24-VDC backup is best suited for the prevention of voltage drops or power failure in industrial-purpose computers (IPC)/ controllers. The UPS adopts a lithium-ion battery, with a life expectancy of 10 years, and DIN rails can be attached to it.

According to Omron, the S8BA is the smallest in its class, offering outstanding value

for money.

This space saving unit is easy to install and the wiring lets you reduce assembly work.

Panels can be downsized even further by using slim power supplies. The S8BA UPS offers great design flexibility and you can select the UPS with optimum output capacity.

Omron Electronics Ph: 1300 766 766 www.omron.com

Wireless RFID pressure sensor with integrated data logger (optional)

New compact laser displacement sensor

TELESCOPIC PNEUMATIC MASTS Motion Technologies now supplies a wide range of pneumatic masts with weight carrying capacities from 10kg to 500kg.

The masts are telescopic to keep the collapsed height small (under 3m), with stroke heights from 5m-15m as standard.

Extended heights of the mast (up to 30m) are available on request.

The air-operated anodised aluminium masts are simple to operate and are supplied with stay wires.

A mechanical locking assembly is fitted to each stage, which allows air to be removed after extending.

This is an ideal solution for an

Range: 10-50mm Measuring rate 4 kHz operated using an intuitive web interface

Motion Technologies Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9524 4782 www.motiontech.com.au

MINIATURE PHOTOELECTRIC SENSORS FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS Balluff’s new R01E stainless steel flatpack photoelectric sensor, with its IP69K rating, is ideal for harsh duty and wash-down applications.

These sensors offer diffuse versions with ranges up to 100mm, polarized retroreflective with ranges up to 1m, and through beam sensor with ranges up to 2.2m.

With a precise, uniform visible red light beam, alignment is easy and objects are reliably detected.

Not only does the small size provide flexibility in installation, but the stainless steel housing is built to survive the toughest applications in the harshest environments.

Connections are made by cable or M8 three-pin quick disconnect.

These sensors are ideal for a broad range of applications including: • Packaging • Machinery • Assembly machinery • Material handling • Small part detection • Error proofing • General purpose automation.

Built to Balluff’s highest standards, all

Linearity from 8µm

application that requires height.

The lightweight masts can be used in fieldwork, mounted to trailers or utes.

R01E sensors offer reverse polarity and short circuit protection.

Balluff’s attention to quality, superior sensor design, and performance means better reliability, less down time, and higher productivity.

Features include: • Red light • Miniature stainless steel housing • Polyamide (PA) optical surface • PNP, NPN, NO, NC outputs • IP69K • Diffuse, retroreflective and throughbeam sensing modes Balluff's complete line of photoelectric sensors can be found at: http://www.balluff. com/balluff/MAU/en/products/overviewphotoelectric-sensors.jsp Balluff Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9720 4100 www.balluff.com

High-g shock sensor Industry Standard Rugged – requires no external power

World‘s first air energy meter Accurate measurement of energy flows and consumption

Bestech Australia Pty Ltd U14, 44 Garden Bvd, Dingley, VIC 3172 Ph: 03 9540 5100 or 02 9624 4233 @: enquiry@bestech.com.au : www.bestech.com.au INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

43

76,180 PEOPLE

• INDUSTRIAL DOORS FEATURE

*

involved in the manufacturing industry will look at this page.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SELL THEM TODAY? Advertising in Industry Update’s magazine, website or product cards can generate leads at a fraction of the cost of other mediums.

Contact Industry Update today • 02 9439 1288 • sales@industryupdate.com.au The current CAB audited circulation of Industry Update magazine is 19,045 with a readership of 76,180 as of March 2015.

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www.industryupdate.com.au

this gap has now been plugged by the universally recognised standard DIN EN 12599. However, in certain cases, it is well worth checking that the company performing the work really understands and is able to execute this process.

3.

Even if a fixed system was installed with the intention of obtaining continuous volume flow measurements, it was almost always implemented “half-heartedly“ with no on-site calibration and adjustment. Although the air duct routing forced designers to create adventurous or even risky inflow and outflow routes, instruments for measuring volume flow (and regulators) were installed at completely unsuitable locations. The absence of adequate inflow and outflow routes generates asymmetric flow profiles at the measurement locations – and these profiles often change over time.

VOLUME FLOW MEASUREMENT COMES OF AGE

sume extra energy in moving the surplus air around the system but expensive air conditioning processes (cooling, heating, humidifying or dehumidifying) generate further costs by treating unnecessarily large volumes of air.

On the other hand, operators and planners have recognised that too little volume flow also creates problems ELECTRONICS • as it results in an inadequate air supply. In other words, it is no longer possible to ensure the required air supply in the zone of use with negative consequences for the persons or products affected. Moreover, an insufficient volume flow can also lead to hygiene problems – from oxygen deficiency to accelerating bacterial growth in moist, slow-moving air.

The measurement technology specialist halstrup-walcher identified this problem and responded immediately by offering a complete package solution:

FROM ON-SITE CALIBRATION TO ON-BOARD COMPENSATION OF PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE

By Jens Amberg The importance of volume flow measurements to air quality and operating costs has been underestimated for many years. The observations below clearly illustrate this point: 1.

Although verification measurements are usually per¬formed during the start-up process for any ventilation system, it is the case that almost no other measure¬ment is “fudged“ as regularly as the volume flow to be achieved. Inspection measurements prove that deviations (usually shortfalls) of up to 40 percent are not unusual.

2.

Until a few years ago, there was simply no practical and sufficiently 1. The company supplies pressure transmitters, which accurate process using a handheld device are perfectly tailored to the requirements of volume measurement, such as the newly launched for flow obtaining instantaneous volume flow P 34 differential pressure transmitter. This provides the folmea¬surements in air ducts, which often have lowing functions: a) compensation pressure and temperature values highly in¬dividualofinflow and outflow layouts. with the aid of an on-board static pressure sensor Nevertheless, this gap has now been plugged and analogue temperature input that can be used a variety of ways (optional, if required) by thein universally recognised standard DIN b) optimum support for the start-up technician. The EN 12599.

However, in assigned cer¬taintocases, it volume flow can be the differential using any of the three methods described is wellpressure worth checking that the company below: performing the work really understands is • by entering a k-factor (volume flow = and k * root (differential pressure)) able to execute this process.

• by entering a volume flow-differential pressure 3. value Even a fixed system wastheinstalled pairif(e.g. after determining design at the operating point) or with the intention of obtaining continuous • by using an individual 20-point curve. This volume flow measurements, it wasduring almost is particularly advantageous calibration / adjustment of complete test sections. always implemented “half-heartedly“ with no These options dramatically simplify start-up operon-site calibration and adjustment.

Although ations and therefore also the accuracy of a wide variety of applications. the air duct routing forced designers to 2. Selection, delivery and (on request) installation of the create adven¬turous or even inflow appropriate primary element.

Therisky simple X-gridand is not always the right solution. The key is to find the coroutflow routes, instru¬ments for measuring rect compromise between the available budget and the accuracy required. Some measurement locations volume flow (and regulators) were installed at also require the installation of a simple flow straightener, without which thelocations. obtained results would be completely unsuitable The absence completely unreliable. Most suppliers of measureof adequate inflow and outflow routes ment technology today do not provide design and gen¬erates asymmetric flow profiles at the

measurement locations – and these profiles often change over time.

In his type of measurement scenario, failure to per¬form on-site calibration and adjustment results in a large measurement error.

4.

Even at critical measurement locations in process air technology applications (e.g. in drying technology), designers neglected the fact that volume flow mea¬surements change significantly when temperature and static pressure values change.

But maybe that‘s quibbling. After all, why take such enor¬mous trouble to measure volume flow if perhaps it does not really matter?

That may be true for some applications.

Yet there is a growing recognition that excessive volume flow in air conditioning and process air systems sends operating costs spiralling upwards. Not only do ventilator fans con¬sume extra energy in moving the surplus air around the system but expensive conditioning (cool¬ing, heating, Fig.air 3: On-site volume flowprocesses calibration. A service that ensures maximum precision at the measurement point humidifying or dehumidifying) generate consulting services of this kind as these are time confur¬ther costs by treating unnecessarily large suming and require expertise. volumes of air. flow calibration: we always offer 3. On-site volume and include on-site calibration for every volume On the other hand, operators and flow measurement point (in accordance with DIN EN 12599). This takes into account, and thelittle most part planners have rec¬ognised thatfortoo compensates for, the individual deficiencies of the measurement location.

Basedproblems on this calibration, volume flow also creates as it the pressure transmitter is then adjusted to achieve optiresults in an inadequate air supply. In other mum precision.

4. words, Volumeit flow in an accredited laboratois nocalibration longer possible to ensure the ry: not only primary elements (determination of the required air supply in the zone of use with k-factor) but also balometers, ventilators and complete test sections (sections of air duct with primary negative consequences for the per¬sons or elements and suitably adjusted differential pressure transmitters) can be Moreover, calibrated. This is particularly products affected. an insufficient interesting for machine and plant designers because customer-specific airalso ductlead designs can be obtained vol¬ume flow can to hygiene with factory calibrated volume flow measurement loproblems from oxy¬gen to flow cations, if – necessary including deficiency the appropriate straighteners. Incidentally, our accredited laboratory accelerating bacterial growth in moist, slowcan also be used to calibrate mass flow. moving air.

Clearly, the difference lies primarily in being able to observe all the relevant aspects of the volume flow meaThe measurement technology specialist surement as a whole. In practical applications, the accurate, stationary (permanent) measurement of volume halstrup-walcher identified this problem flow is essential for maintaining air quality and keeping operating costs underimmediately control. Volume has awoken and responded byflow of¬fering a as a measurement parameter and deserves this attention. complete package solution: 1.

The company supplies pressure transmitters, which are perfectly tailored to the requirements of volume flow measurement, such as the newly launched P 34 differential pressure transmitter. This provides the fol¬lowing functions:

© Hellen Sergeyeva / 123RF.COM

a) compensation of pressure and temperature values with the aid of an onboard static pressure sensor and analogue temperature input that can be used in a variety of ways (optional, if required) b) optimum support for the start-up technician. The volume flow can be assigned to the differential pressure using any of the three methods described below: • By entering a k-factor (volume flow = k * root (differential pressure)) • By entering a volume flow-differential pressure value pair (e.g. after determining the design at the operating point) or • By using an individual 20-point curve.

This is particularly advantageous during calibra¬tion / adjustment of complete test sections.

These options dramatically simplify start-up oper¬ations and therefore also the accuracy of a wide variety of applications.

Selection, delivery and (on request) installation of the appropriate primary element. The simple X-grid is not always the right solution. The key is to find the cor¬rect compromise between the available budget and the accuracy required. Some measurement locations also require the installation of a simple flow straight¬ener, without which the obtained results would be completely unreliable. Most suppliers of measure¬ment technology today do not provide design and consulting services of this kind as these are time con¬suming and require expertise.

3. On-site volume flow calibration: we always offer and include on-site calibration for every volume flow measurement point (in accordance with DIN EN 12599). This

takes into account, and for the most part compensates for, the individual deficiencies of the measurement location. Based on this calibration, the pressure transmitter is then adjusted to achieve opti¬mum precision.

4. Volume flow calibration in an accredited laborato¬ry: not only primary elements (determination of the k-factor) but also balometers, ventilators and com¬plete test sections (sections of air duct with primary elements and suitably adjusted differential pressure transmitters) can be calibrated. This is particularly interesting for machine and plant designers because customer-specific air duct designs can be obtained with factory calibrated volume flow measurement lo¬cations, if necessary including the appropriate flow straighteners. Incidentally, our accredited laboratory can also be used to calibrate mass flow.

Clearly, the difference lies primarily in being able to ob¬serve all the relevant aspects of the volume flow mea¬surement as a whole. In practical applications, the ac¬curate, stationary (permanent) measurement of volume flow is essential for maintaining air quality and keeping operating costs under control. Volume flow has awoken as a measurement parameter and deserves this attention.

Fig. 1: Do you know how much is flowing here? Ventilation ducts for an industrial building

*Jens Amberg is Managing Director of halstrup-walcher GmbH. Bestech Australia is the sole distributor of Halstrup Walcher in Australia and New Zealand.

Bestech Ph: 03 9540 5117 www.bestech.com.au

Fig. 2: Control cabinet installation of the P 34 pressure transmitter, optimised for volume flow

FAN COOLING FOR ELECTRONICS CAN BE A DANGEROUS OPTION In a rush to keep electronic control circuitry cool, an operator might choose the quickest option – open the control panel door and aim a fan at the enclosure. Bad idea!

A fan forces humid, dirty air onto your expensive circuitry.

The open door is a safety violation that presents a shock hazard to workers. That solution could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and fines.

To avoid costly downtime and long term damage to

your expensive circuitry, Compressed Air Australia offers a complete line of EXAIR's UL Listed and CE Compliant Cabinet Cooler Systems to dependably cool and purge your electrical enclosures.

They convert an ordinary supply of compressed air into clean, cold -7°C (20°F) air.

They mount in minutes through an ordinary electrical knockout and have no moving parts to wear out.

Compressed air filtration is provided that keeps water, oil and other contaminants out of the enclosure.

Compressed Air Australia Ph: 1300 787 688 www.caasafety.com.au

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

45

• AUSSIE MADE FEATURE

MACS: A PROUD AUSTRALIAN COMPANY WITH SALT IN ITS VEINS MACS (Marine Aquaculture & Commercial Service) is at the forefront of the commercial and aquaculture industries in Australia.

The Victorian-based company has been involved in large scale operations including the Victorian Desalination Project and, more recently, the ongoing live harvesting of scallops in Port Philip Bay. Founded in 2005 by two business partners, Peter Bold and Brendan Meloni, MACS has become a great Aussie success story.

Peter Bold is a successful Mussel farmer in Portarlington in Victoria.

Over the years he has gained an excellent operational knowledge of the Aquaculture industry and Port Phillip/ Western Port Bays.

Brendan Meloni has been successful in business in the Commercial industry, and together the partners recognised that there was a need for a professional Commercial and Aquaculture Marine Service within their local area.

The partners developed a business plan and began building a new 13m boat, which they called the Beverly Anne.

In 2007 the Beverly Anne was launched and MACS quickly established a number of clients within the commercial market.

As MACS progressed, the Diving Services arm to the business was introduced.

Committed to safety and quality, MACS’ team of commercially certified divers specialise in a wide variety of offshore and inland services.

Part of the success in MACS’s diving operations has been the ability to produce Nitrox on-board the vessel, allowing divers to spend longer dive times under water, resulting in a

higher production rate.

MACS was instrumental in being the first company to build this Nitrox producing machine in Australia.

MACS has also been successful in the implementation of Screw Anchors for the Commercial and Marine industry.

Screw anchors have been used throughout the world for many applications both on land and into the seabed.

Initially anchors that were installed into the seabed used a diver operated drill.

Having a diver bought with it some serious issues regarding OH&S, extra equipment on board, was time consuming and added an additional cost.

Therefore, the next development step was to remove the diving component, which in turn would result in a faster and most cost effective operation. All screw anchors are now installed totally driverless.

The screw anchor is designed to screw into almost any soft surface seabed. The screw anchor rig consists of a surface unit with a stand-alone diesel power unit running the pneumatics and hydraulics.

The machine is connected to the subsurface drill unit via a 50m umbilical.

This unit is controlled by the operator using an underwater camera and has a fine degree of control, allowing gentle and correct placement of the drill unit, minimising any potential environmental damage. The rigging doesn't contact the seabed as it goes straight up towards the surface where it is attached to a buoy. Screw anchors are positioned using a DGPS, which results in precise positioning of each application.

Underwater video backup is also used to verify correct installation. Screw anchors also have a superior holding ability

in comparison to concrete weights and have a less warp ratio.

With a steeper angle on the warp there is no contact with the seabed.

The environmental impact of the screw anchor is negligible, and many have been installed throughout Australia where any other type of anchor would not have been allowed. The major environmental advantage of the anchor is the avoidance of “chain-drag” on the seafloor there for reducing seagrass erosion.

After installation the only visible evidence of the screw anchor on the seafloor is a small "footprint" and the anchor warp.

MACS has ambitious plans to keep growing its business nationally and internationally, with a continued focus on outstanding customer service.

MACS Ph: 03 9717 3665 www.marineacs.com.au

AUSTRALIAN MADE CAMPAIGN UNVEILS ITS NEW BOARD The Australian Made Campaign, renowned for its world famous green and gold kangaroo logo, has elected two new members to its Board of Directors.

This follows the resignation of Robert Gerard (Executive Chairman of the Gerard Corporation) and Alf Cristaudo (former Chairman of the Australian Canegrowers Council) from the Board at the annual general meeting in Canberra last week.

The Vice President of the National Farmers Federation, Fiona Simson, and the CEO of Australian natural medicine manufacturer Martin & Pleasance, Richard Holyman were elected to fill their vacancies.

46

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

The Executive Chairman of Coopers Brewery, Glenn Cooper, was also re-elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The Australian Made Campaign’s national Board consists of 10 directors, elected by the organisation’s 11 members – the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its network of State and Territory Chambers, and the National Farmers’ Federation.

The board now comprises: • Glenn Cooper AM (Chairman), Executive Chairman, Coopers Brewery Ltd (Adelaide) • Allyn Beard (Deputy Chairman), Company Director, A.H. Beard Pty Ltd (Sydney) • Neil Summerson FCA (Treasurer), Company Director and former Chairman, Bank of Queensland (Brisbane) • Nicki Anderson, MD, Powerforce Group (Melbourne) • Kate Carnell AO, CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Canberra) • David Gray AM, MD, David Gray & Co Pty Ltd (Perth) • Richard Holyman, CEO, Martin & Pleasance (Melbourne) • Robert Hutchinson, State Manager, ParexDavco (Australia) Pty Ltd (Brisbane) • Michele Levine, CEO, Roy Morgan Research (Melbourne) • Fiona Simson, VP, National Farmers Federation (Northern NSW) The Australian Made Campaign is a not-for-profit organisation that administers and promotes Australia’s

registered country-of-origin certification trade mark.

Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison said it is an exciting time for the Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) kangaroo logo.

The average number of businesses registering to use the logo on authentic Australian goods each month has almost doubled over the past year, he said.

And the Federal Government recently announced it would be integrating the symbol into its new mandatory country-of-origin food labelling scheme.

Why the logo has been so successful Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said that the strategic direction provided by its Board of Directors had been instrumental to the logo’s success.

“Trust and recognition of the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo has never been higher – almost 2,500 businesses are now using this symbol on approximately 15,000 products sold around the world,” Mr Harrison said.

Mr Harrison thanked Alf Cristaudo and Robert Gerard for their contributions during their time served as directors.

“The Australian Made Campaign is particularly grateful to Robert Gerard, who has volunteered his time as a Director for more than a decade, driving the establishment of critical policies and providing invaluable insights over the years,” Mr Harrison said.

For more information about AMAG visit: www.australianmade.com.au.

AUSSIE MADE FEATURE •

ANTI-DUMPING FINDINGS ‘A BIG WIN FOR LOCAL FOOD INDUSTRY’ The Australian Made Campaign has welcomed the finding by the Anti-Dumping Commission that penalties should be imposed on dumped tomatoes exported out of Italy into Australia.

“The Anti-Dumping Commissioner’s findings clearly validate what’s been known in the market for a long time, which is that these

tomatoes have been exported into Australia in violation of the fair trade rules set down by the World Trade Organisation,” Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison said.

“Consumers in Australia prefer Australian Grown produce and this should not be distorted by ridiculously unfair pricing,” Mr Harrison said.

“It makes no sense for the great produce grown in the Goulburn Valley and processed by companies such as SPC Ardmona to lose out in the marketplace against illegally dumped products.”

In a major win for local producers, the Australian Government will impose duties on certain prepared or preserved Italian tomatoes.

The Anti-Dumping Commissioner has recommended that dumping duties be applied

to Feger and La Doria canned tomatoes.

This is the second dumping decision regarding Italian tomatoes and now means that all canned tomatoes from Italy are now subject to anti-dumping measures.

During the investigation interested parties had opportunities to make submissions.

The final decision is to apply dumping margins of 8.4 per cent to Feger tomato products and 4.5 percent to La Doria imports.

Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the ruling is a strong and decisive decision for local producers.

“This ruling will ensure that Australia’s only canned tomato producer, SPC Ardmona, can now compete equally in Australian stores and supermarkets.”

Mr Pyne said the government is

committed to a strong and robust antidumping system.

Australian tomato growers would also benefit from a fairer economic environment, potentially selling more of their product to local processors, he said.

RECLAIM YOUR SPACE WITH BOSCOTEK STORAGE SOLUTIONS Commercial rents are on the rise and space has never been more at a premium than it is today.

For any business to consider moving to larger commercial or industrial premises is a huge undertaking — costly and time consuming.

A far more cost-effective way to deal with growth or to address a need for greater workflow efficiencies is to look at your storage systems. Rationalised, efficientlydesigned storage systems answer the call by progressive business for a more organised, intelligent approach to housekeeping and workflow.

Boscotek, an innovative Australian manufacturer, is the region’s first name in high-density storage systems and heavy-duty

workbenches. Boscotek’s promise is simple yet powerful: reclaim your work space.

Whether it be in education, government, automotive or health, Sydney-based Boscotek has helped a host of organisations work more efficiently with custom storage systems.

“Only recently we completed a project with the CSIRO in Canberra,” explains Boscotek Senior Designer, Humberto Mesa. “They required a solution to store hundreds of thousands of soil samples — a monumental task — something we could achieve by combining our high-density storage system design with our Bosco Maxitek rolling storage system. It was a custom solution CSIRO couldn’t get elsewhere, and a solution we could provide because of our flexible manufacturing capability.”

Boscotek high-density storage systems are renowned for their ‘lifetime warranty’ build quality and innovative design. The superheavy-duty extension runners in the drawers combine with a patented anti-tilt safety feature to ensure the safety of your staff and the longevity of your investment.

It’s truly astonishing to observe just how much floorspace can be reclaimed by leveraging Boscotek’s high-density storage systems.

“Interestingly, we made a study of our own factory floor during a facility upgrade,” observes Humberto Mesa.

“We reclaimed a massive 83 percent of our available floorspace by moving from traditional storage methods, such as shelving, to our high-density systems. Not only did it allow us to make the most of our workspace, we were more efficient in the way we organised our tools — allowing us to more effectively employ the 5S storage methodology; meaning we were working smarter and more profitably — it was a revelation!”

Boscotek’s range of heavy-duty workbenches are just as hard wearing and customisable. They come in a variety of load capacities and configurations, and can be accessorised with cupboards, drawers and shelfs, as well as above-bench accessories such as toolboards, tool hooks and lighting options. An adjustable leg option provides a full range of working bench heights.

The Boscotek range of heavy-duty workbenches can be found in organisations across Australia, and are heavily favoured by educational facilities.

Boscotek’s robust build quality and design innovation are legendary, but more than anything clients appreciate Boscotek’s ability and willingness to accommodate their specific requirements.

“Our Sydney facility is a highly flexible manufacturing environment, said Mr Mesa.

“We’re not limited to high-volume runs or hard tool-type setups. We can work with clients to provide the solution that best suits their individual needs.

“Our clients are looking for ways to work smarter, more efficiently and aren’t willing to make any sacrifices on build quality. And that dovetails exactly with what Boscotek prides itself in — innovation and quality.

We’re continually developing and improving our designs to meet our clients’ exacting requirements.”

Boscotek Ph: 02 9914 0900 www.boscotek.com.au

Get the It’s recognised. It’s trusted. It works.

Australian Advantage Call 1800 350 520 or visit australianmade.com.au INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

47

• INDUSTRIAL DOORS, PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES

WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOUR DOORS HAD A SAFETY CHECK?

t s e b e h t y l r a e Cl

Industrial Door Solutions M.T.I. Qualos Pty. Ltd. are leaders in the manufacturing and service of Industrial Transparent Flexible Doors, Insulated Traffic Doors, and Roll-Fast Doors.

We produce to the highest quality standard within a full range of industrial doors to suit any door application.

NEW 36pp brochure now available.

Contact us to get your FREE copy.

Contact our team today to find a solution for you.

M.T.I. Qualos Pty. Ltd. 55 Northern Road West Heidelberg, Vic. 3081 Tel: 1300 135 539 Email: sales@mtiqualos.com.au Website: www.mtiqualos.com.au

48

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

Industrial roller doors and roller shutters are certain to suffer occasional damage, whether through forklift damage, vandalism, extreme weather conditions or any other cause.

Damage to your roller door or roller shutter has the potential to not only place people at risk, but also to hamper the smooth operation and security of your business.

Southern Shutter Services specialises in the repair, sales and service of industrial roller doors and roller shutters throughout Victoria.

Southern Shutter Services aims to repair your door in the quickest and easiest fashion, to minimise any disruption to the operation of your business, while ensuring all safety measures are met.

Southern Shutter Services believes prevention is the best solution.

Therefore they encourage regular services and safety checks on all doors.

More often than not, issues affecting the safety and operation of your door can be detected during a service, and subsequently fixed before costs rocket and lives are endangered.

Established in 1996 and with a highly experienced staff, Southern Shutter Services offers free no obligation quotes.

Southern Shutter Services Ph: 03 9705 1517 www.industrialrollerdoors.com.au

FOR QUALITY AND INNOVATION, IT’S MTI QUALOS When it comes to industrial PVC doors, MTI Qualos is synonymous with quality and innovation.

This Australian-owned business has a proud history stretching back to 1946, when it began operating as an engineering company.

Since 1970, MTI Qualos has specialised in the design and manufacture of domestic and industrial doors.

The company offers a wide range of doors to suit industrial and domestic applications.

From simple, transparent PVC Strip and Swing style doors to high-speed Roll-Fast Doors, the MTI Qualos design team can custom make a wide selection of styles.

Their high-speed doors are designed to seal out drafts and fumes, making them ideal for temperature-controlled environments.

And with the addition of automatic operation and numerous safety features, they fully comply with all of the latest Australian workplace operating standards.

With its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Melbourne, MTI Qualos provides products and services to clients across Australia. MTI Qualos continually invests in improved design and manufacturing processes.

Using state-of-the-art technology and the

latest computer-aided design techniques, the MTI Qualos team ensures of its products are produced to the highest standards.

Quality assurance is a top priority through all of its processes, to deliver products of superior quality and affordability.

MTI Qualos offers a wide range of quality PVC products, including a large choice of style options for custom doors.

All of its PVC doors are made-to-measure for a perfect fit and smooth operation.

The MTI Qualos team is highly experienced with door design, manufacture, and installation, covering virtually every application. MTI Qualos custom PVC doors are used in all types of industry applications, from food to heavy industry. The are draftfree, dust free and safe to operate. Their transparency also offers savings on energy.

Thanks to the sealing effect of the RollFast custom doors, heat is retained and the clear PVC panels save on energy for lighting.

They are ideal for situations where temperature control is desired, such as food storage and refrigeration.

Contact MTI Qualos for a free quote.

MTI QUALOS Ph: 1300 135 539 www.mtiqualos.com.au

Do you need a PREMIUM high speed door?

INDUSTRIAL DOORS, PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES •

FOLDUP SPEED DOORS: IDEAL SOLUTION FOR LARGE OPENINGS

FLEXIBLE PVC

Full service throughout Aust Speeds of up to 4m/sec.

Climate control & security Call DMF today

DMF International Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 281 170 www.dmf.com.au

GET IN QUICK: DMF HIGH SPEED INDUSTRIAL DOORS ARE GOING FAST DMF International are Australian manufacturers and suppliers of specialised high speed roll doors, offering solutions for a broad range of warehousing problems.

The controlling of temperature, dust, vermin, security, draft, or product separation can be solved by using various high speed

doors.

DMF not only manufacturers PVC high speed roll doors, it is also the exclusive Australian agent for the premium German supplier of doors, Efaflex Gmbh.

DMF can supply a variety of solutions, to improve your access control and operating conditions.

Doors are custom manufactured to size, and configured to suit the traffic flow and required purpose of the door.

High-speed insulating doors are becoming increasingly popular, as these are designed to operate not only at fast speed, but provide greater temperature control while in the closed position.

The result is an improvement in efficiency of air conditioning or refrigeration, with a return on funds achieved relatively quickly.

DMF has partners Australia wide who are all trained in the product range.

DMF International Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 281 170 www.dmf.com.au

ALL CLEAR

Contact DMF for an assessment for your application.

INSULATION

High-speed roll doors are increasingly popular for control of temperature, dust, security, draft, or product separation, in warehousing and logistics.

However, there are limitations to the sizes of high-speed roll doors, and this is where the foldup door has advantage.

DMF International Pty Ltd are manufacturers and suppliers of specialised high speed doors, that can bring solutions to warehousing issues that arise.

DMF can now supply and install large foldup doors for openings that exceed the design capacity of roll doors.

Suitable for sizes of 6m to 15m in width, the foldup door has a series of windbars that offer increased support in wind exposed areas.

The door folds upward with a Roman blind effect, with the panel being pulled upward by a series of tensioned lifting straps.

Safety is by standard photoelectric light beams, and straps are single unit so that if one fails, then the door will not crash down.

Opening speeds of up to 1m/sec are achieved, and much larger openings can be accommodated with slower speeds.

www.dmf.com.au sales@dmf.com.au

Free call 1800 281170 Victorian partner of DMF P R E M I E R

DOOR SYSTEMS

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• PRODUCT NEWS

NEW CENTRIFUGAL PUMP RANGE FROM GORMAN-RUPP Gorman-Rupp has released a new range of centrifugal end suction pumps.

The 6500 Series, available now from Australian distributor, Hydro Innovations,

contains six solids handling models and three effluent pump models.

The range has been designed to have a very low lifecycle cost and minimal service requirements, making them ideal for delivering an excellent ROI. The “Smart Scroll” volute allows installers to position the discharge in any one of eight positions, which increases flexibility in pump installation to help reduce installation costs.

Pumps are fitted with SiC/SiC oil lubricated seals, with separate oil chambers for

seal and bearing oil with separate sight glasses so that operators can tell at a glance that oil levels and clarity are right in each chamber.

The chambers are also separated by an atmospheric vent that keeps water pressure away from the bearings if a mechanical seal fails. Oversized bearings and alloy steel shafts (with options for stainless steel) add to the reliability, as does the double volutes designed into the higher head models.

Solids handling models have minimum 76mm spherical solids handling capability, flow

rates from 20 litres per second (lps) through to 900 lps, and heads to 120m. They also have a side access [clean-out] port for easy access to pump interiors for inspection and blockage removal, while pusher bolt capability assists in the removal of the suction flange.

Effluent models range in flow from 20 lps through to 350 lps, with heads to 155m.

Hydro Innovations Ph: 02 9898 1800 www.hydroinnovations.com.au

FLAT CABLES FOR FREEZING TEMPERATURES FROM TREOTHAM The Cicoil flat cables have been designed to provide reliability in harsh weather, freezing climates, cryogenic equipment and space applications, reaching operational temperatures as low as -65°C. They are used in thousands of demanding applications and are ideal for use in land, air and marine equipment.

The cables have a deep freeze resistant Flexx-Sil rubber jacket that is highly flexible and will not deform, crack or wear due to long-term exposure in incredibly

freezing temperatures. The extremely durable jacket material is also self-healing, with small punctures and cable jacket damage easily being repaired in the field, offering a long service life.

Unlike many cables that become stiff and brittle when exposed to cold environments, Cicoil's unique Flexx-Sil rubber jacketed cables are not affected when exposed to ice, vibration, snow, saltwater submersion and most chemicals.

They can withstand physical shock,

operational stress and temperatures of up to 260°C. The cables are extremely rugged and are UV and ozone resistant.

They are an excellent alternative to PVC, Teflon, Neoprene and Polyurethane cables that tend to be less effective in colder applications.

The Cicoil cables are UL recognised, CE conforming, RoHS & REACH compliant and quality assurance certified to the ISO 9001 (AS9100) standard.

Treotham Automation Ph: 02 9907 1788 www.treotham.com.au

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PRODUCT NEWS •

SPITWATER SILENT DIESEL FOR QUIET, BIG CLEANING JOBS Spitwater, Australia’s largest manufacturer of high pressure water cleaners, has released a new diesel-powered pressure cleaner.

The new heavy-duty pressure cleaner is powered by a highly reliable Hatz SilentPack Diesel engine.

This portable, hot and cold water high pressure cleaner is ideal for big industrial cleaning jobs. Designed and built at Spitwater’s Albury manufacturing plant in southern NSW, this new pressure cleaner is a purpose-built machine for high capacity cleaning jobs where noise is an issue.

Model SW15200DES Silent Diesel offers 15 L/min hot or cold water flow at 3000 psi (200 Bar) pressure in a selfcontained, portable machine.

The heart of all Spitwater machines is an industrial brass head Interpump pump with three ceramic pistons – ideal for our water conditions.

On the new model, the pump is directly coupled to a 12.8 hp (9.6 kW), Hatz Model 1D81C, Silent Pack Diesel engine.

This is the simplest and the most efficient power transmission system which ensures that the pump operates at the governed speed of 1,800 rpm.

The Hatz Model 1D81C Supra Silent Pack is the German designed and built encapsulated, single-cylinder Diesel engine.

The engine is air cooled, with a vertical cylinder. It uses direct injection multihole nozzle. Flywheel fan and charging alternator are integrated in the flywheel so there are no v-belts. It is encapsulated into a noise-proof capsule of sheet- metal.

The exhaust system is integrated into the noise-proof capsule including a main as

well as an end silencer.

It offers many other features such as ease of service, automatic injection pump bleeding, as well as ventilation of the crankcase which leads into the intake port and naturally, the electric start with over-cranking protection.

However, the most impressive feature of the engine is its quietness. The machine delivers a reading of 62.8 dB(A) at 7m, which is very impressive and makes it highly suitable for use in cleaning outdoor surface areas in densely populated areas.

The new Model SW15200DES Silent Diesel is manufactured in a locally made, zinc-annealed and powder-coated chassis with the Spitwater trademark red, newly designed, roll-over frame and covers.

Like all Spitwater models of this type, this machine is also fitted with a large water cooling tank, a Spitwater feature.

The Spitwater Model SW15200DES Silent Diesel is ideal for many industrial applications where petrol is not a fuel of choice or excessive noise is an issue.

This includes mining applications, earthmoving equipment, trucking operators, large workshops and even onfarm use.

They are built tough for tough Australian working conditions and will remove heavy dirt with ease.

FIX IT IN A FLASH. JUST CUT, PEEL AND STICK.

Spitwater Ph: 1300 SPITWATER www.spitwater.com.au

SAFETY FIRST: TENTE CASTORS FOR AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLES Tente AGV castors are not only tough, they are extremely safe, making them ideal for hospitals.

The Series 814 Heavy Duty Castor gives maximum operating comfort, minimized risk of injury and better directional stability.

These castors feature a Spring Loaded Directional Lock, so if the castor loses ground contact, it automatically aligns in the direction of motion again.

This is provided by a spring inside the castor, which prevents uncontrolled panning and ensures a smooth passage through doors, elevators and narrow alleys.

The slim design suits all AGVs and because of the spring loaded directional lock, it avoids damage at the collection site.

Due to stainless steel components and sealed ball bearings, it can easily be cleaned

Perma-MendTM is a unique, easy to use UV or sunlight activated, self adhesive repair patch. and provides protection against splashing water and detergents – a crucial advantage in medical environments. The optional XSX wheel provides additional safety, electrically conductive wheels protect against discharges.

The castors are rated up to 350kg per castor and can easily be re-lubricated with a grease nipple. They are available in a total or modular directional lock as well as with brakes.

Perma-MendTM UV Torch (sold separately) means even in low light or at night, repairs are a breeze.

Repair of tanks, pipes, roofs, steps, switch boxes, radiators, mufflers, bumpers, boat bodies. Can be used on any wood, metal, glass, ceramic, concrete and plastic surface.

TENTE Castors & Wheels Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 836 831 www.tente.com.au INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• PRODUCT NEWS

COMPACT COMBI SWITCHBOX WITH HIGH AIR OUTPUT FROM GEMÜ The GEMÜ 4212 combi switchbox with integrated 3/2-way pilot valve is capable of intelligent and precise position detection and has additional diagnosis options.

In comparison to external variants, the integrated pilot valve offers both functional and economic benefits, such as fast reaction times, automatic programming of end positions and lower compressed air consumption.

Local programming of the end positions is also possible without a connection to the control unit and without opening the housing.

The combi switchbox is designed to be assembled on a variety of medium to large valves with linear actuators using variable mounting kits.

In specific terms, this equates to a valve stroke of 5 to 75mm. The colour LEDs of the high-visibility display are very bright and

can be seen from all around through the transparent housing cover.

A "location function" can be used to activate an optical signal and identify the valve in the plant. High-quality electronic components complemented by a robust yet compact housing produce a qualitatively sophisticated overall image. Thanks to the integrated manual override, the installation costs during servicing work in particular are

significantly reduced, as there is no need for electrical energy to supply compressed air to the valve.

The combi switchbox is available in a 24 V, ASinterface or DeviceNet versions as well as with an IO-Link interface. www.gemu-group.com

NEW CUTTING-EDGE SILVENT CUSTOMISED AIR KNIFE SYSTEM Air knives are most commonly used to clean, dry, sort or cool processes from surfaces or objects.

On an average, 70 percent of all compressed air is used for blowing. Blowing also causes hazardous noise levels and compressed air wastage.

Silvent air knives create a broad but narrow flow of air to achieve a pneumatic scraping effect without mechanical contact.

All Silvent air knives feature the optimal combination of high blowing force, low energy consumption and low noise levels.

Available from Spray Nozzle Engineering, the newly developed Silvent300 in stainless steel comes together to provide a complete air knife manifold solution. The highly flexible air knife system is not limited to any specific lengths; the length of the manifold tube and its number of nozzles can be specifically tailored for nearly any application.

This new air knife set up brings about even lower air consumption, lower noise and higher blowing force, nozzle thread connection available in two directions, straight or perpendicular, depending on the

nozzle outlet direction. Compact air knife design with high capacity (½” air supply size) coupled with compact-mounting brackets with full adjustability to suit all sorts of application needs.

Silvent’s versatile two-step blowing process allows the possibility to have two separate air streams on the same air knife.

High quality nozzles that will withstand higher wear, especially on the protective ribs. The nozzle outlet holes are evenly positioned along the whole nozzle width, this provides a homogenous and uniformed blowing pattern on the air knives.

With three standard sizes available from stock, Silvent air knives may be ordered with or without built-in flow regulation.

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

Precise position detection ...

GEMÜ 4212 combi switchbox

With flow regulation in every nozzle, the blowing force can be fine-tuned to the exact amount of force required. This means both the noise level and air consumption can be reduced to the absolute minimum.

Silvent’s air knives are made entirely from stainless steel and are suitable for the most demanding applications, such as those involving aggressive chemical environments and high ambient temperatures or the stringent hygienic requirements of the food processing industry.

Spray Nozzle Engineering Ph: 1800 NOZZLE www.sprayingsolutions.com.au

PRODUCT NEWS •

TENNANT SETS NEW BENCHMARK IN INDUSTRIAL SWEEPING Tennant’s new S30 Mid-size Ride-on Sweeper delivers exceptional indoor and outdoor dust control benefits.

The S30 features the recently upgraded SweepMax™ Plus Cyclonic System to help reduce cleaning costs and improve your workplace image.

This innovative, high performing sweeper is designed to tackle the harshest of environments. It is the industry’s only sweeper with a 3-stage filtration system equipped with a cyclonic pre-filter.

Engineered for reliable, industrial strength sweeping of fine grains of sand and dust through to light debris, the S30 is designed to sweep a clean path quickly, while maximising

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR STILLAGES? Collapsible stillages are gaining popularity across the logistics transportation industry.

These are stillages that are collapsible once the goods have been delivered, to enable effective use of space on trucks when they return to the depot. They are also widely used in the automotive industry. There many different designs used in various industry sectors. They are sometimes called ULD (Unit Load Device), by aerospace and postal industries.

As always, safety is a key factor when using these collapsible stillages – especially for transport personnel.

There have been great safety improvements in newer designs of stillages to avoid workplace injuries.

Are your workers bending over the stillage to load and unload?

Do you have removable gates to allow personnel to walk in for loading and unloading?

Do your stillages have sharp edges?

dust control.

Because it has a cyclonic pre-filter, less dust reaches the filter. This results in fewer shake backs, increased filter life and more time spent sweeping.

The S30 has also been upgraded with a ThermoSentry™ heat sensor located in the path of the system airflow from the hopper to the vacuum fan. This senses the air temperature passing through the vacuum fan and initiates shutdown if temperatures exceed 70°C. This feature helps prevent fire if the

Do the posts of your stillages have locks in place when free standing, to prevent accidents?

Do your stillages have “unwanted catches” that may attach to a worker’s clothing?

Do your stillages have drainage holes to ensure no slipping accidents?

Do your stillages have support tynes to prevent slipping when forklifting?

Stillages from Kobot Systems offer a range of stillages that cover all of the above

debris in the hopper ignites, protecting your operator and facility.

Optimised for performance, safety and ease of use, the S30 Mid-size Sweeper delivers consistent and effective results to provide a safer working environment for employees and customers.

Contact Tennant to request a free product demonstration.

Tennant Ph: 1300 TENNANT www.tennantco.com/au/manufacturing

safety criteria.

Contact Kobot Systems to discuss your stillage requirements.

Kobot Systems Ph: 08 9307 8178 www.kobot.com.au

NEW WASTE WATER PUMPS ‘ERADICATE’ DOWNTIME Gorman-Rupp, the world leader in solids handling self priming centrifugal pumps, has released the most advanced system for handling solids laden wastewater, according to Australian distributors, Hydro Innovations.

Called the Eradicator™ solids management system, the technology is ideal for the new challenges for solids handling pumps, including stringy solids that would normally choke pumps and cause stoppages.

The new system comes as an option on the Gorman-Rupp range of Super T series pumps, and is also available as a retrofit kit on existing Super T Series pumps already in the field.

The Eradicator™ system features an aggressive self-cleaning wear-plate incorporating a number of notches and grooves, as well as a patent pending lacerating tooth that helps break up stringy materials, scrape them off the impeller vanes and pass them through the pump - all without impacting performance or interrupting service. A special cover plate with the system includes a patented lightweight inspection cover that can easily be removed if necessary to inspect pump internals.

System benefits include improved operational efficiency, increased uptime, reduced maintenance costs, lower life cycle

costs and easier access to the impeller.

Operators will also find that the lighter coverplate is easier and safer to work with.

Eradicator-equipped pumps do not require expensive chopper blades that need periodic replacement, but rely on passing large solids and stringy materials straight through the pump. The system is available with carbon steel or hardened alloy steel wear plates. Pumps can handle flows from 5 l/s through to 200 l/s and heads to 45m, and Gorman-Rupp Super T Series pumps are able to be mounted high and dry above the wastewater [up to 7.6 metres] so that operators gain easy access

New Eradicator system from Gorman-Rupp

without the need for cranes or other lifting devices (unlike submersible pumps).

Hydro Innovations Ph: 02 9898 1800 www.hydroinnovations.com.au

Gorman-Rupp Super T Series Pumps now available with: Gorman-rupp Solids Management Designed For “TODAYS SEWAGE”: System sanitary wipes plastic bags fibres sludge

The system consists of a new, patented lightweight inspection cover, an innovative back cover plate incorporating an obstruction free flow path, and an aggressive self-cleaning wear plate including laser cut notches and grooves, along with a revolutionary tooth designed to clear material from the eye of the impeller. lightweight inspector cover, revolutionary cleaning tooth, cover plate with obstruction free path.

Retrofit Kits Available For Current Super T Series Pumps Exclusive Australian Distributor

HydroInnovations.com.au

02 - 9898 1800

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• PRODUCT NEWS

GERMAN TECHNOLOGY CUTS DAF COSTS A single DAF Pump is able to replace the entire air bubble system on DAF (Dissolved Air Floatation) plants, authorised distributor, Hydro Innovations claims.

Their EDUR® Multiphase pumps draw in air through a “snorkel” in the suction line, sheer the air, then feed it into the DAF plant, producing a discharge stream into the tank that is saturated with 30 to 50 micron air bubbles.

Conventional DAF systems normally consist of a wastewater tank, compressor, air saturation vessel, and effluent pump.

The effluent pump draws effluent from the tank and pumps it into the air saturation vessel. A compressor pumps air into this same vessel.

The air/water mixture is “saturated” under pressure, then released back into the wastewater tank at atmospheric pressure where tiny bubbles form and adhere to the

suspended matter (fats, oils and other small wastewater particles).

The bubbles (with their attached suspended matter) float to the surface of the tank, where floatables can be skimmed off the surface.

By using EDUR® Multiphase pump technology, asset owners can replace the compressor, air saturation (pressure) vessel, control system and multistage pump with a single pump that can replicate (or improve) the performance of the “conventional” system.

The EDUR pump is set up the same as a conventional pump, to draw liquid from the “clean” side of the DAF tank, but it also draws atmospheric air into its suction line instead of using a compressor for this task. “Standard” pumps are not capable of handling air this way.

The air is mixed with the water as it moves through the

Multiphase pump technology …

Industrie-Bloc NUB

pump, and the air goes into solution as it is saturated under pressure.

The EDUR® Multiphase (DAF) pump greatly simplifies the system, and because of this, capital costs and maintenance costs can be greatly reduced.

No compressor to maintain and no pressure vessel to maintain and certify. There is also an energy saving, because there is no longer a running compressor.

EDUR® multiphase pumps can deliver flows from 1 l/s [for smaller DAF plants] to 15 l/s (which cater for wastewater in-flows of up to 150 l/s with a single pump, or use multiple pumps if flows are higher) and produce pressures to 12 Bar. A variety of materials and seal arrangements enable EDUR pumps to operate in a very wide range of applications.

Available materials include ductile iron, “gunmetal” bronze, stainless steel and super duplex. Mechanical seals are available as balanced, double and tandem.

Hydro Innovations Ph: 0298981800 www.hydroinnovations.com.au

EXAIR’S NEW SPRAY NOZZLE FOR TIGHT SPACES EXAIR's 1/4 NPT Internal Mix Deflected Flat Fan Atomizing Spray Nozzle atomises fluid and sprays at a right angle to the nozzle orientation.

This allows spray to be placed precisely where it is needed when the mounting and work areas are limited. These nozzles are ideal for coating the inside of enclosures and ductwork. They combine liquid and compressed air inside of the air cap to produce the finest mist of atomized liquid that can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of your application.

The spray nozzles provide liquid flows from 6.8 to 26.1

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

litres (1.8 to 6.9 gallons) per hour.

With EXAIR’s atomizing nozzles, you can coat, cool, treat and paint a variety of products using compressed air and liquids with a viscosity of up to 300 centipoise. They are commonly used with water, light oils, rust inhibitors, chemicals, paints and dyes.

The stainless steel construction of these atomizing nozzles adds to their durability and corrosion resistance.

EXAIR atomizing nozzles are available from Compressed Air Australia, and come with 1/4 NPT and 1/2 NPT connections with BSP adaptors included, and in a variety

of sizes and shapes to meet your needs.

All models are adjustable, come with a 5-year Built-toLast Warranty and are CE compliant.

Compressed Air Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 787 688 www.caasafety.com.au

PRODUCT NEWS •

Complete Powder Handling Systems

RS COMPONENTS EXPANDS ITS PNEUMATICS RANGE RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents, the global distributor for engineers, has announced a significant extension to its range of pneumatic components from SMC. Targeting machine builders developing new pneumatics-based applications as well as maintenance engineers, the additions to the SMC pneumatic components range comprise more than 600 products including cylinders, actuators, valves, fittings, assemblies, filters, lubricators, regulators, hoses and air-preparation devices.

Pneumatics technologies are deployed in a multitude of industry sectors including automotive, electronics, photovoltaics, print, pulp and paper, food and beverage processing, mineral processing and quarrying, and also in life sciences.

RS is now the only global distributor holding stock for the majority of SMC pneumatic component products.

The increased range now includes the KQG2 one-touch pneumatic fittings manufactured from SUS316 stainless steel, which offers higher pitting and corrosion resistance. They are suitable for use with compressed air, water and steam, and are able to perform across a wide range of pressures from –100kPa up to 1MPa and temperatures from –5 up to +150°C. Ideal for the food and beverage as well as the chemical industry, the devices include: straight, elbow and bulkhead threaded-totube adaptors, and straight, elbow, tee, and bulkhead tube-to-tube adaptors, tubing nuts and plugs for pneumatic adaptors and fittings, and elbow threaded adaptors.

The KQG2 range of lightweight and compact push-in fittings are 30 percent smaller and 62 percent lighter than the existing KQG range and available to tubing diameters from 3.2 to 16mm.

Another highlight of the range is the new AR-B series of pneumatic air regulators.

A wide range of machines and associated components

BULK BAG DISCHARGERS

Model BBU3F These offer pressure settings of either 0.05 to 0.7MPa or 0.02 to 0.2MPa, and feature a new lightweight modular design that allows connection to other SMC air-preparation equipment. The AR-B series can be mounted using a bracket, or can be panel mounted. All versions come with a locking setting nut to prevent accidental adjustment and are available in various body sizes (20 to 40) and with 1/8 to 1/2in piping.

Finally, the CP96 range of double and single acting ISO-cylinders provides a large number of options including 32 to 100mm bore, 25 to 500 mm stroke, and double and single rods. To eliminate piston rod lurching at the end of the stroke, the CP96 doubleacting cylinders incorporate a floating seal mechanism and use precision bushings and piston-rod tolerances. Additional features include: fully adjustable end-of-stroke cushioning using a hex key; magnetic position sensing as standard; improved mounting accuracy; and a lightweight-profile barrel design. The extensive range of pneumatic components and products from SMC is now available from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.

RS Components Ph: 1300 656 636 http://au.rs-online.com/web/

EXTENDED RANGE STAINLESS STEEL FACED SENSORS FROM TURCK TURCK now offers a 2-wire, DC stainless steel faced sensor with an extended sensing range.

With the extended range additions, TURCK enhances its industry-leading line of stainless steel faced sensors.

Stainless steel faced sensors are an ideal fit to be used as substitutes for traditional plastic faced sensors in applications where the sensors are routinely damaged by impact.

The one-piece housing is made from high-grade stainless steel, which resists

Bulk Bag dischargers

corrosion and is rated IP67 against moisture ingress. The standard temperature rating for the line is -25 to +70°C. The rugged construction and design of the stainless steel sensor line allows it to fit the needs of a wide variety of applications.

PTFE or WeldGuard® coating is available upon request.

TURCK AUSTRALIA Ph: 1300 132 566 www.turck.com.au

A regular model, fitted with option of highly accurate Flexible Wall feeder, and mounted on load cells.

Model BBU5F For high product throughput, of order of 40 tonne/hr, with screw conveyor outlet to Pneumatic Conveying Vessel.

Highly developed systems, complete with downstream process equipment. A wide range of models and accessories.

BAG DUMPS in Stainless Steel

How it opens for cleaning

Sievmaster with Check Sieving

Easy to clean sanitary design. For flours, sugars, spices, cosmetics, seeds - almost any powder or granular material.

TAWI vacuum-assisted lifting

Moving Objects -

Vacuum Assisted Lifting

For safe and effortless moving of sacks, cartons, pails etc.

Eliminates muscular injuries.

A range of specials developed in Melbourne.

Lifting a 20 kg sack

The Professionals in Powder Handling

IndUp1516

Head Office VIC - Tel: (03) 9457 8270

www.kockumsbulk.com.au INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• PRODUCT NEWS

SMART SENSORS FOR PACKAGING FLEXIBILITY Tailor-made products manufactured in line with a specific customer’s requirements call for a flexible packaging solution.

To meet these market demands, intelligent sensors are becoming one of the main components in many systems.

They play a particularly important role in the Industrial Internet movement.

Major changes in industry affect the foundations of the production process itself; calling for shorter changeovers, remote production management solutions and packaging systems that can be adapted to product flows, formats, materials and environmental conditions.

As a result, companies can manufacture and package made-to-order products at mass production prices — known as a “batch size of 1.”

The move to the Industrial Internet will result in minimal changeover times and immediate production, which will improve flexibility regarding the type and size of packaging produced.

Sensors are beginning to play a fundamental role in machine automation and the improvement of flexibility.

Packaging manufacturers are able to store parameters for special formats, colours, contrasts and surfaces straight to the sensor.

In the event of a product changeover, they can be automatically activated in a matter of moments and their settings can be replicated in full. The automation system provides the sensor with optimum application-specific parameters, such as the sensing range, hysteresis or threshold.

Sensors make the packaging process

more transparent. They record and process values and statuses and then share them at the controller level. Sensors sort, detect, locate, identify and verify. They are able to monitor certain parameters, enabling users to apply an accurate preventive maintenance plan.

Sensors come with their own reliable auto-diagnosis function, meaning that they can be replaced both quickly and easily in the event of malfunction.

SICK’s Smart Sensor Solutions powered by IO-Link provide users with a comprehensive range of communication functions and are also able to carry out certain functions automatically.

Smart sensors are able to count process events independently. They can measure the time and speed at which objects pass

the sensor and monitor values such as revolutions per minute. The sensors then either transmit the measured values to the control unit as absolute figures or they analyse the data themselves and transmit it in the form of binary information.

SICK Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 334 802 www.sick.com.au

THE BIG TASK OF MANAGING SMALL PARTS While almost every other aspect of manufacturing has changed over the years through automation or computerisation, manual parts reordering systems like Kanban remain in use in manufacturing plants around the world.

For over 60 years, there has been little innovation in reordering procedures for manufacturers across the world.

But according to Kent Savage, CEO at Apex Supply Chain Technologies, this is no longer the case.

Mr Savage and his company, Apex Supply Chain Technologies, have spent the last 20 years automating various aspects of the supply chain with industrial vending solutions.

Today, its cloud-connected solutions are used by tens of thousands of global clients to ensure supply chains are up and running as effectively as possible.

For its latest product, Mr Savage turned his eye to solving the tedious and labourintensive issue of reordering small parts.

“In creating the Actylus Smart Replenishment Solution, we looked at all the

challenges that of tracking, managing and ordering small parts,” Mr Savage said. “The result is a new, automated procedure that has been designed from the ground up to boost supply chain productivity by 30 percent and grow bottom-line revenues across a variety of industries and applications.

“If you run out of stock – your lines go down, it’s that simple. With our latest solution, Actylus, any business or manufacturer that relies on bins to manage stock is now able to replace the cumbersome manual counting and alerts of flags, labels and cards with a cloud-centric automated solution.”

Actylus uses highly accurate scales under each of its bins to precisely monitor stock levels and reorder based on weight.

Bin sizes are totally flexible and weight levels are easily reconfigurable, meaning Actylus is capable of storing and monitoring any item traditionally stored in bins. This includes electronics, electrical components, auto parts, healthcare supplies, maintenance parts, plumbing, fasteners, to OEM parts and more.

“Actylus smart bin technology also

determines when an individual bin needs restocking and sends automated restock alerts and re-order notifications to suppliers at any time of the day or night,” said Mr Savage.

“This eliminates counting trips, safety stock and emergency orders – which keeps lines up longer and frees up staff to concentrate on more important areas of the business.”

Another key addition is the access to 24/7 business intelligence, providing far more operational visibility than other processes like Kanban ever could.

“Our proprietary Trajectory Cloud platform constantly monitors each Actylus system, so managers will instantly know when an item needs to be restocked, ensuring you

never run out. Usage patterns and trends are readily accessible through an easy to use reporting system. Managers can even log on and check stock levels via phone or email anytime, anywhere.”

When it comes to implementation, Mr Savage says all Actylus devices are shipped flat-packed and are supported by Apex Connect n’ Go Technology. Installation is as simple as plugging the device into a power supply and connecting it to the Internet, with no software to install or servers to maintain.

“We believe that Actylus is the next step in manufacturing efficiency,” said Mr Savage.

To find out more visit: http://www. apexsupplychain.com/au/products-3/actylus/

IT’S MAT WORLD – BY A NOSE Mat World has introduced two new nosing lines to its comprehensive range of matting and safety products.

Both the new products are aluminium stair nosings intended to help prevent slips and stumbles on stairways.

The Mat World Basic model is an aluminium extrusion, 75mm from front to back and with a 25mm aluminum rightangle return at the front to drop down over the stair riser and help hold the nosing in position.

It has four, black 10mm carborundunm strips running the full length of the tread to

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ensure good grip so that shoes do not slide off the front of the step.

The Mat World Lumin model has 35mm front to back conventional carborundum.

Then, in front of the carborundum and up to the front edge of the aluminium extrusion, is a 15mm yellow, luminous glowin-the-dark abrasive strip at the front of the tread.

This strip collects sufficient energy from light, whether daylight or electric, that it automatically glows as soon as lights are turned off, ensuring that steps are not missed in the dark.

In fact, after only 10 or 15 minutes exposure to a light source, the luminous strip will continue to glow in the dark for as much as 8-10 hours.

The Lumin model has a 30mm rightangle return at the front to drop down over the stair riser.

Both stair nosings are made to length based on the width of the stairs to be protected and can be easily fixed in place by simple screwing. Mat World will supply only or can quote for installation.

Mat World operates nationally in major capital cities, with specialist staff available for

free, no-strings, no-obligation advice and help.

Contact Mat World for more information or to see a sample.

Mat World Ph: 1300 676 807 www.matworld.com.au

PRODUCT NEWS •

REDUCE PUMPING COSTS WITH RAGAZZINI PERISTALTIC PUMPS Manufacturers can save money on their pumping costs by installing Ragazzini Rotho peristaltic pumps according to Australian distributor, Hydro Innovations.

Ragazzini with electrically operated retractable roller system

The design of the pumps allows asset owners to reduce downtime, energy costs, maintenance costs, and also reduce the risk of product contamination.

Ragazzini pumps providing reliable pumping service at a chemical plant

Food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries should find the range interesting.

The Ragazzini Rotho pump is self-priming and requires no seals or valves, and only requires the occasional hose replacement to keep it running at peak efficiency.

The “roller on bearings” design eliminates the need for the pump casing to contain a lubrication fluid because there is no friction on the surface of the hose.

This means drives can be smaller compared to other peristaltic pumps, and maintenance costs are much lower because there is no fluid to drain and replace each time a hose is changed.

The “lubrication free” casing also means that there is no contamination hazard when pumping food grade or hygienic products.

Easily retractable rollers also make clean-in-place (CIP) or sanitise-in-place (SIP) operations much easier.

By retracting the rollers, CIP or SIP fluids can be flushed straight through the hose. Leak detection (due to a worn hose) is also super fast because of Ragazzini’s float type sensor, located at the lowest point of the pump housing, so pumping can be stopped within seconds of a leak, reducing product wastage.

A very strong vacuum enables the pumping of quite viscous products (even with solid particles), because the pump can produce the “pull” to draw materials such as honey, grout, resins or waste sludge or slurries.

The “Rotho” is also a good choice for transferring shearsensitive or foamy products, where the non-emulsifying action minimises damage to the product or its consistency.

INNOVATIVE CASTOR SERIES FOR APPLICATIONS MOVED

BY AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLES! - A robust HEAVY-DUTY SWIVEL CASTOR that has proven particularly effective for use in hospitals.

- The Series 814 Heavy Duty Castor gives maximum operating comfort, minimised risk of injury and better directional stability, making this versatile series FOR AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLES (AGV), very attractive and application-oriented.

- The special features are the spring-loaded directional lock and the ballpoint-pen principle.

- LINK FOR TENTE VIDEO – AGV CASTORS https://www.tente.com/au-en/cms/New-Product-Video%21/1249.html

Leak detector provides early indication of hose failure

The Ragazzini Rotho pump can run in either direction, making it ideal for loading and unloading jobs.

The pumps can run dry without damage, and because there is no contact between the product and the mechanical parts, a long service life can be expected.

Pumps can be used for dosing jobs as little as 0.5 litres per hour or transfer applications up to 180m3/hr. Pumps can develop pressures to 15 bar.

Hoses are available for corrosive and/or abrasive applications and for hygienic, food grade or high temperature applications. CIP and SIP hoses can be steamed to 120oC. Autoclave sterilisation is possible on alimentary and pharmaceutical hoses.

Hydro Innovations Ph: 02 9898 1800 www.hydroinnovations.com.au

A LEADING AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURE OF

ABRASIVE BLAST EQUIPMENT Protoblast Company has been designing and manufacturing to suit customer’s individual needs since 1975.

• Abrasive Recovery Systems • Airless Blast Machines • Section Blast Machines • Dust Collectors The best way to prepare a surface for a coating is by using the abrasive blasting process. Whether you need to blast castings, concrete blocks, screws, surfboards or steel work...

Protoblast has the experience to design and supply equipment that is fast, efficient, improves your product and saves you money... year after year.

SPECIAL FEATURE:

Spring-loaded Directional Lock

Contact Tente Australia for further information. Tente is the world leader in manufacturing and supplying castors for Automated Guided Vehicles.

Visit au.tente.com Call 1300 836 831

P.O. Box 157 Picton NSW 2571 P. 1800 772 320 Inter. +61 2 4677 2320 E. sales@protoblast.com.au

www.protoblast.com.au INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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• COMING EVENTS

2016

COMING EVENTS CONNECT EXPO Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre April 19-20 Ph: 8908 8555 www.connectexpo.com.au

CEMAT AUSTRALIA Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre July 12-14 Ph: 02 9280 3400 www.cemat.com.au

2016 PROFIBUS & PROFINET GLOBAL FORUM Australian Technology Park Sydney May 25 Ph: 02 9555 7899 www.profibusaustralia.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN WASTE & RECYCLING EXPO Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park August 10-11 Ph: 03 9261 4500 www.awre.com.au

NATIONAL MANUFACTURING WEEK Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park May 11-13 Ph: 02 9422 2500 www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

CHEMECA 2016 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Adelaide Convention Centre September 25-28 www.chemeca2016.org

SAFETY FIRST CONFERENCE & EXPO Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park May 11-13 Ph: 02 9422 2500 www.safetyfirstexpo.com.au

WASTE EXPO Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre October 4-5 Ph: 02 9528 5791 www.wasteexpo.com.au

INSIDE 3D PRINTING Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park May 11-13 Ph: 02 9422 2500 www.inside3dprinting.com.au

WHY YOU MUST NOT MISS OUR APRIL EDITION Is this the year Australian manufacturers have been waiting for?

The Australian manufacturing sector expanded for a seventh straight month in January – the longest run of expansionary readings since 2010.

Business confidence is on the rise and we look forward to an exciting year.

Now’s the time to promote your products and services to Australia’s manufacturing community.

Industry Update, Australia’s leading manufacturing publication, can give you instant exposure to 76,000+ key industry players across Australia.

The April edition will feature a special preview of Australia’s biggest industry expo, National Manufacturing Week.

This year’s show in May will be held in conjunction with Inside 3D Printing and the Safety First Conference & Expo – and show visitors will be offered free copies of our April edition.

Don’t miss this great opportunity.

Other special features include: • Welding & Profile Cutting Technologies • Pollution control & waste management • Focus: Safety Glasses • Industrial Lighting Feature • Industrial Flooring Solutions Editorial and images should be sent to: editor@industryupdate.com.au The deadline for editorial submissions is: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Advertising enquiries: Scott or Glyn Ph: 02 9439 1288

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

24HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE Phone: 1300 269 266 Mobile: 0414 900 171 Email: info@anycool.com.au WE ARE ONGOING PROBLEM RECTIFICATION SPECIALISTS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY!

www.anycool.com.au

PRO-PAC SEALS NEW PARTNERSHIP DEAL Pro-Pac Packaging has formed a new distributor partnership with the Global Sealed Air Group across Australia.

This is the first time the two industry heavyweights have joined forces to form a strategic partnership.

Sealed Air’s focus on quality service and continued innovation combined with Pro-Pac’s silos of products and industries means big things are expected in the year ahead from both parties.

All Pro-Pac Packaging’s sales, customer service and purchasing staff are being trained Australia wide in the latest and best product offerings from Sealed Air. Pro- Pac started business manufacturing environmentally friendly Voidfill products which is now supplied from its facilities in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Product protection is a core part of Pro-Pac’s business and the new partnership will aim to expand on this area capitalising on Sealed Air’s latest innovative developments and products.

“We are very excited to join with Pro-Pac, a leading corporate player in the

Australian packaging market, and expand on our end-user client base through their channels,” said Ken Chrisman, Global President of Sealed Air Product Care, said during a recent Australian trip.

Pro-Pac’s new range includes the New Air I.B.® Express Bubblewrap on demand machines with inflatable 10mm Bubblewrap, FasFil EZ® Auto Voidfill Paper Machines, the latest model of Fill Air Rocket® with increased speed and the Instapak® range.

These products and their consumables are now available through any Pro-Pac branch.

Pro-Pac Packaging Ph: 1300 776 722 www.pro-pack.com.au

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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