PRODUCT NEWS

RMIT launches new online short courses for CNC machinery Workers across Australia will have the opportunity to learn how to operate programmable CNC machines and lathes, with RMIT University launching two new online short courses for beginners and advanced operators.

The Centre for Digital Enterprise (C4DE), a partnership between RMIT University, Wodonga TAFE and Sunraysia Institute, has collaborated with Okuma Australia to offer workers throughout Australia the opportunity to learn how to operate and program the latest Computer Numerical Control machines used in advanced manufacturing. By offering the courses fully online, it not only means that learners from anywhere in Australia can benefit from this new program, but it highlights RMIT’s readiness to innovate and quickly pivot to digital models of learning. Both courses are in line with the current trends toward industry-tailored, short, bite-sized segments of learning to upskill and reskill workforces rather than undertaking full qualifications. These courses are aimed at addressing the potential impacts that new smart skills and Industry 4.0 are having on the Australian workforce. C4DE Senior Manager Stephen Joyce said that digital skills in advanced manufacturing will be vital in driving job creation in the post-COVID economy. “We designed these courses to fill a gap in Australian industry,” said Joyce. “There are many different CNC machines used in businesses across Australia and employers often struggle to attract and retain workers with high level programming and operational skills. Working closely in partnership with one of the largest suppliers of CNC machines, Okuma Australia, we have been able to develop upto-date courses accessible on computers or mobile devices. And while the courses are built around Okuma machines, the knowledge obtained is transferable to all CNC style machines.” To support this online training, the C4DE has also released a free app for mobile devices to support those learning new digital skills in Industry 4.0. XR LearnHub, available on the iOS App store, enables

The key characteristic for all three roughing tools is a shallow approach angle and easy-cutting geometries, which facilitate high feeds per tooth at low cutting depths. Together with the high number of teeth, this ensures high machining volumes, stability and process reliability.

Furthermore, vibration tendency is reduced for long tools. The tools’ shallow approach angle reduces the radial load on the tools. This means that the MC025 Advance and MD025 Supreme solid carbide milling cutters are perfectly suited to machining thin-walled connecting elements, such as hinges and struts in aircraft construction. The MD025 Supreme is the benchmark in the aerospace industry. This is due to short machining times and its versatility for smaller ISO S components; and the short, stable peripheral cutting edge, reduced neck and compact design, which are very advantageous for milling deep cavities. All three students to experience augmented reality learning experiences on mobile or tablet devices. The App includes a full-sized, augmented reality (AR) model of a virtual Okuma multi-axial lathe machine and information about Industry 4.0. The CNC Operator – Introduction Course introduces basic CNC terminology, operations and programming. It is ideal for people with minimal or no knowledge of CNC machines, for metalwork practitioners who have a Certificate III level qualification, or for people with an interest in CNC technology – such as engineers, industrial designers and manufacturers who want to develop a better understanding of how to design for and/ or implement these building techniques into their production or design environments. The CNC Operator – Advanced Course is for practitioners already working as a CNC operator/machine setter/quality controller with intermediate skills. It is intended for practitioners wanting to expand their skills to take on new duties or employment opportunities around CNC machines and to enrich their programming and high-quality finishing skills in a modern Industry 4.0 setting. Students who have completed the CNC Operator – Advanced Course will soon also have the opportunity to gain practical experience on CNC machines through face-to-face CNC Operator Advancing Skills Days (subject to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions). These small group, face-to-face single training days will be offered in five locations across Victoria: Melbourne, Wodonga and at Sunraysia Institute’s Mildura, Swan Hill and Horsham campuses (with interstate options to potentially follow). The development of both of these courses was supported by the Victorian Government.

Walter boosts high-feed milling range

Walter is introducing three new high-feed milling cutters – the Xtra·tec XT M5008 high-feed milling cutter for diameters of 16mm-66mm; and the MC025 Advance and MD025 Supreme solid carbide milling cutters for diameters of 1mm-25mm – with application ranges that perfectly complement one another.

www.rmit.edu.au

milling cutters can be used in the ISO material groups P, M, K and S and satisfy high demands, for example in mould and die making. The Xtra·tec XT M5008 high-feed milling cutter enables near-net roughing and combines stability with wear-resistant Tiger·tec cutting tool materials – for optimum cutting data and tool life, such as for milling deep pockets, grooves or freeform surfaces. The most striking feature of both solid carbide milling cutters fitted with a parallel shank or ConeFit exchangeable head is their end-face geometry, which is specially developed for high-feed milling.

www.walter-tools.com

Konica Minolta unveils MiR 500 and MiR 1000 mobile industrial robots

Konica Minolta Australia has announced the availability of the MiR 500 and MiR 1000, through its partner Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), a leading manufacturer of collaborative mobile robots that help increase efficiency and drive productivity.

The robots are designed to help move pallets and heavy material around factories and logistics hubs. For organisations that rely on forklifts and conveyors to move pallets, robots offer an opportunity to take on this load with the added benefit of improving workplace safety. According to the Worksafe Queensland website, since July 2013, there have been 178 notified forklift incidents involving crush injuries or the risk of serious crush injuries and 114 statutory notices for the risk management of an incident involving a forklift crush injury have been issued. On average each year, 281 workers' compensation claims are accepted for crush injuries involving forklifts. 40% of these involve serious injuries requiring five or more days off work. Martin Keetels, National Manager of Robotics & Innovation at Konica Minolta, said: “Workplace injuries involving forklifts represent a massive cost to the industry. Workplace safety is paramount in these industries to protect staff but also to protect the bottom line and organisations’ reputations. The MiR 500 and MiR 1000 can assist organisations with this as well as offer economic efficiencies associated with deploying the right technology to complete tasks autonomously, giving organisations the opportunity to redeploy people to higher value tasks. In a 24/7 manufacturing or logistics facility, the MiR can offer a return on investment inside a year.” COVID-19 has highlighted the potential for a resurgence in manufacturing in Australia. Robots have a role to play in assisting smart manufacturers to leverage smart technology. And, in the instance of widespread crises such as a pandemic, robots offer a unique solution in both quickly scaling up operations to handle increased workload as well as helping with government restrictions such as social distancing. “The MiR 500 and MiR 1000 will have a critical role to play in the manufacturing and logistics organisations of the future and will play an important part in protecting workers and businesses and helping them de-risk and future-proof their operations,” Keetels added. “Konica Minolta is excited to play a role in that by bringing these robots to the local market backed by Konica Minolta’s service and support expertise.” The MiR Pallet Lift 500 ensures stable handling and transport of pallets and shelves. The MiR 500 lifts pallets autonomously from the MiR Pallet Rack and lowers the pallet for stable transportation of payloads up to 500kg. It can integrate with conveyors and with customers’ Warehouse Management Systems. The MiR Pallet Lift 1000 ensures stable handling and transport of pallets. The MiR 1000 can lift pallets autonomously from the MiR Pallet Rack and lowers the pallet for stable transportation of payloads up to 1,000kg. It can integrate with conveyors and with customers’ Warehouse Management Systems.

www.konicaminolta.com

Kaeser: Compact and highly efficient next-gen dryers

Kaeser Compressors recently launched the latest generation of its smaller heatless regenerated desiccant, dryers for flow rates from 0.2 to 1.13 cubic metres/min.

Compact, highly efficient and exceptionally reliable, these enhanced models present the ideal choice for compressed air supply systems serving sensitive industrial processes such as those found in the food, beverage, medical and pharmaceutical industries, to name only a few. The DC series of desiccant dryers from Kaeser Compressors can lower the pressure dew point of the compressed air to -70 degrees Celsius. They combine reliable system design, high energy efficiency and extremely low maintenance costs, delivering dependable frost protection for control valves and lines while producing dry compressed air for sensitive processes at minimal cost. The design of the smaller DC series heatless regenerated desiccant dryers has recently been enhanced. The new DC 2.0 to 11.3 models can operate in, for example, tenminute cycles to achieve pressure dew points down to -40 degrees celcius. During this process, the dryer switches between the two desiccant chambers only once every five minutes. This dramatically reduces the number of switching sequences between the chambers and resulting material wear on the valves and desiccant. Moreover, long cycle times additionally reduce the amount of compressed air required to restore pressure following the desiccant regeneration phase. As an example, whereas 7.6% of the compressed air must be diverted for a two-minute cycle, this proportion falls to just 1.3% with the ten-minute cycle of the small DC units. This reduction makes them highly efficient, saves energy and extends desiccant service life. On/off control of the DC 2.0 to 11.3 series models allows for intermittent operation, which saves energy when there is frequent interruption of duty cycles. This employs ‘reverse regeneration’ - where the regeneration cycle always uses up air from the downstream air receiver. This is particularly reliable as a completely regenerated desiccant chamber is always available each time the drying cycle restarts. This technique eliminates the

The edition is purpose-made for manufacturers and integrates with MYOB Advanced, Australia’s fastest growing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Features include bill of materials, production management, material requirements planning (MRP), product configurator and estimate tools.

“The MYOB Advanced Manufacturing Edition is rich with features specifically tailored to an industry that will play a pivotal role in rebuilding Australia’s economy,” said Kim Clarke, General

Manager – Enterprise at MYOB. “The Edition integrates production and resource management, sales and finance from one central system. This helps manufacturers streamline business processes as well as provide real-time visibility to generate accurate pricing, calculate and manage manufacturing costs, maintain revisions and track financials.

“In addition to catering to accounting and compliance needs, this purpose-built edition is a way for leaders of manufacturing businesses to manage their total supply chain, including financials, possibility of extreme pressure dew point values from occurring at the outlet as a result of excessive loading of the desiccant. Kaeser DC series dryers are provided with a generous fill-volume of desiccant material. Moreover, the desiccant supplied with the units features outstanding crush strength and resistance to liquid water. This keeps pressure dew points reliably low even under demanding operating conditions. Long term reliability is assured thanks to the tried-andtested valve technology which ensures trouble-free cycling over the long term. In addition, the durable desiccant chamber is designed for continuous operation for at least 10 years. As standard, these models come equipped with an Eco Control Smart Controller, a Modbus TCP interface for quick and easy Network setup. Network enabled - they can also communicate with the Sigma Air Manager 4.0 compressed air management master system from Kaeser. Here the dryer(s) can be optimally controlled and managed as part of an entire compressed air supply system. Highly effective silencers ensure that these latest DC models are also quiet in operation. Averaged across a cycle and depending on the model, the equivalent noise level is just 60 - 63 dB(A). Space-saving and easy to install, the compact design of the protective all-round enclosure makes these smaller desiccant dryers ideal for decentralised compressed air treatment. They are also perfect for wall installation. Compact, durable, efficient and reliable - the DC 2.0 to 11.3 models deliver flow rates from 0.2 to 1.13 cubic metres/min – and form part of the wider range of DC series heatless regenerated desiccant dryers from Kaeser Compressors that in total deliver flow rates up to 154.53 cubic metres /min. A pre micro filter and a post dust filter are also included as standard with the DC 2.0 to 11.3 models.

MYOB supports Australian manufacturers with bespoke business management software

MYOB has released the MYOB Advanced Manufacturing Edition, a software package designed specifically for Australian manufacturers, enabling them to efficiently manage their entire business using one system.

au.kaeser.com

all in one system without the need for expensive and cumbersome third-party manufacturing add-ons. Using MYOB Advanced, manufacturing leaders will now be able to make real time, datadriven decisions, ensuring their business is set up for growth.” With manufacturing the seventh largest industry for employment in Australia last year, it will be a key sector for the economy as the country recovers from the economic impacts of coronavirus. “Manufacturing and wholesale have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, according to recent research from MYOB,” said Clarke. “This data shows a decrease in revenue for two-thirds of respondents (66%) compared to last year, with 60% of those blaming COVID-19. However, manufacturing is also an industry we expect to receive solid investment as Australia and New Zealand diversify their manufacturing operations. “It’s those manufacturing businesses that are equipped to take advantage of this growth at scale and efficiency that will succeed.”

www.myob.com.au

Skills Lab industry-based diploma provides timely i4.0 skills

Skills Lab has launched a nationally accredited course to upskill the Australian workforce in the use of smart manufacturing technology and the navigation of a data-driven ecosystem.

Skills Lab has partnered with Ai Group and a number of TAFEs across Australia to deliver the nation’s first industry-based

Diploma of Applied technologies, supporting top-tier and midmarket manufacturers in their pursuit of a future focused and innovative workforce. Students in South Australia, New South

Wales and Queensland have commenced the study of units including ‘Working in Industry 4.0’ to support them in navigating their rapidly changing workplaces.

While COVID-19 has thrust a light upon the need to move quickly towards new technologies and initiatives, it has been a focus for many companies already. The CSIRO NAB Australian National

Outlook 2019 suggested 20% of predicted GDP growth could be attributed to investment in human capital, according to their vision of a preferred 2060 outlook, which calls for a digitally upskilled workforce.

Course modules delivered in the diploma produce immediate benefit for businesses as students research and solve current problems using emerging technology. Students will design and troubleshoot the development of a range of advanced technology systems, including cyber physical equipment.

“The project-based learning builds throughout the diploma, starting with an overview of the concepts and principles of working in Industry 4.0 (i4.0),” said Peter Rundle-Curry, Skills Lab

Trainer and Instructional Designer. “The culmination of the training will involve the design and manufacture of a cyber-physical sensor which will connect to the i4.0 environment through an edge device. The project encourages innovation and adaptation of i4.0 technologies into their current workplace.”

Trainers for Skills Lab bring a wealth of industry maturity to the diploma, with access to the knowledge base and the manufacturing expertise of SAGE Group engineers and technicians. A comprehensive knowledge of the new manufacturing value chain software for automated cutting. This new release contains new features and enhancements designed to make customers more efficient and profitable. A redesigned 2D CAD package provides improved font support, the ability to shape text, and other new features that are especially popular among sign makers. CAD editor preference allows users to set a default CAD program for edits to parts in the ProNest part list – either the embedded ProNest CAD software or a third-party software such as AutoCAD. Part reports can be quickly opened from the part list, so users can add individual part reports with an image of the part, plus dimensions, size, material, class, process, costing information, and more. Interior bridge cutting allows the addition of bridges to text and other interior geometry so that pieces don’t drop when cut. This helps minimise interior cutouts on parts for aesthetic purposes and reduces tip-ups. has been built through the development of an industry leading in-house manufacturing facility and an extensive portfolio of automation projects. The Diploma is resourced with industry-leading technology, with students gaining real-time experience in workplace problem-solving for their current employers. A range of practical assessment tools will be used to track learning that can be contextualised to add value to manufacturing clients through a focus on fully connected systems that boost uptime and increase responsiveness to customers. The diploma will also have a strong focus on communication skills, with students encouraged to collaborate across teams to innovate, and to find digital solutions for manufacturing challenges such as maintaining cost efficiency and product flexibility. “We want to build on communication skills and bring people together to think about how we problem solve things not just in their own way, but to think about what they could be doing differently to enable new ways of working,” said Laura Mabikafola, Skills Lab General Manager. Skills Lab is positioned to provide a specialised solution for those wanting to improve their digital skills while continuing to work within current restrictions, with the systems delivery model allowing for flexible time frames and tailored content specific for individual business needs. The cyber-physical training allows for remote learning with the unique support of live facilitated training. The sophisticated software enables active participation while learning with real-time guidance from trainers. The Diploma will be delivered over a period of one to three years, providing graduates with hands-on experience and an industry recognisable qualification. Off-job training will be delivered in blocks, or via a part-time option that supports local industry

Hypertherm announces release of ProNest 2021

Hypertherm has announced the release of ProNest 2021, a major version update of its advanced CAD/CAM nesting

requirements. www.skillslab.com.au “ProNest 2021 builds on the strong foundation of ProNest 2019 to make the programming process more efficient,” said Tom Stillwell, Marketing Project Manager for Hypertherm CAD/CAM software products. “Whether using plasma, waterjet, laser, or oxyfuel cutting, this new version provides the powerful tools fabricators and manufacturers need to increase material savings, boost productivity, lower operating costs, and improve part quality.” In addition, Hypertherm is releasing upgrades to its ProNest LT software for lighter production environments. Users with an active subscription, and customers with an active maintenance plan can upgrade to the new version of their respective product at no additional charge and continue to receive unlimited technical support, and other benefits.

www.hypertherm.com

OnRobot launches Eyes 2.5D vision system

Robotic arms are often tasked with picking items not presented in the same orientation, shape or size. To provide consistent positioning, manufacturers frequently add fixtures, bowl feeders and other hardware, adding cost and complexity to what ends up being rigid applications that lack the ability to easily pick different objects or achieve quick changeover times.

“A significant part of our customer base does not want to be tied to a fixed incoming position of a product they want to pick,” says Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. “They would love to eliminate complicated, bulky and expensive part feeders and fixtures to achieve this, but until now, vision systems have felt out-of-reach. Our new Eyes vision system changes all that.” As opposed to other vision systems on the market, Eyes just needs to take a single image for calibration and part recognition, and has automatic focus to work at different distances within the same application. Eyes is ideal for sorting a wide variety of objects or for CNC machine tending with metal parts that are defined by outer shape, as well as many other pick-and-place applications where orientation is important. Eyes also offers depth perception within its affordable and easy-to-deploy 2.5D vision. “2.5D is rapidly emerging as the perfect technology for visionguided applications,” says Iversen. “Compared to 2D it adds not only length and width but also height information for the specific part, which is ideal when objects may vary in height or if objects must be stacked.” Eyes can be easily mounted on the robot wrist or externally, and integrates seamlessly with all leading collaborative and light industrial robot arms through OnRobot’s One System Solution, a unified mechanical and communications interface based on the company’s Quick Changer, now an integrated part of all OnRobot products. The new vision system directly interfaces with other OnRobot devices making it is very easy to use Eyes together with any of OnRobot’s grippers. With a dual set-up, using a dual Quick Changer, the gripper’s tool center point (TCP) can be automatically configured by Eyes, eliminating any potential conflict between different software packages from different tool vendors. The optimal mounting depends on the application. Advantages of having Eyes mounted externally include not having to worry about cables running alongside the robot, and the ability to optimise cycle time, since Eyes can take the picture and process it while the robot is doing another operation.

www.onrobot.com

Cable-less Data Collection

Promotes Smart Factory by Collecting and Managing Measurement Data

Advantages of Introducing U-WAVE

Higher Efficiency

Data can be input by single button operation! Since there is no need for manual input misinput does not occur. Efficiency is greatly improved!

Centralized Data Management

Measurement data can be managed centrally! “Visualization of quality” helps prevent the generation of defective products!

Cost Reduction Effect

Easily connected to the Digimatic gage* currently in use! A system configuration reducing the initial and running cost is possible.

* Some models of U-WAVE-TM/TC are not applicable.

U-WAVE resolves measuring process issues!

Receiver

Digimatic gage

Up to 99 gages can be connected to 1 receiver

M.T.I. Qualos Pty Ltd 55 Northern Road, West Heidelberg VIC 3081 Ph: 03 9450 1900 Fax: 03 9458 3217 sales@mtiqualos.com.au www.mtiqualos.com.au

Kemppi unveils new Alfa and Beta e-series welding helmets and respirators Kemppi has launched its next-generation Alfa and Beta welding helmets and respirator models. The new e-series models provide excellent protection for arc welding, cutting, grinding, gouging and inspection processes, and deliver refined performance, durability and comfort to suit various budgets.

The new e-series range has been designed using feedback from ‘active welders’ to deliver greater wearable value. Highly robust and durable, both the Alfa and Beta e-series models feature an impact-rated shell that is tough and strong, yet lightweight. A spacious design accommodates eyeglasses and half masks, while also allowing good access to tight spaces. Various settings and features support easy adjustment for the best personal fit and extra welding comfort, including a comfort headband, integrated magnifying lens holder and an overall 20% weight reduction when compared to previous Beta models. Users can also choose from new optional leather neck and shoulder protectors. Both Alfa and Beta e-series models include a flip-up welding lens that is perfectly positioned for pre- and post-weld inspection. The lenses’ GapView feature is especially suitable for tacking and setting work. The large and clear impact grade inspection lens has a viewing area of 80 sqcm and is certified to EN 175B and AS/ NZS 1337.1. Users can choose from a wide range of welding lens options. EngView Systems has recently expanded its range of products for metrology and quality control with an innovative mobile/server application for safe transfer and storage of measurement results collected from calipers, micrometers and other manual tools. The solution is called mCaliper and supports instruments with various types of connectivity: Bluetooth and USB cable, and even tools with no data output like standard Vernier calipers. The software consists of a mobile application and a locally installed server, guaranteeing maximal data security. The mobile app is available for download in Google Play, for all Android versions 6.0 or higher. The mobile app displays a step-by step measurement plan for a quality control operator to follow. It gives colour-coded Starting at just 467g, the Alfa e-series welding helmets are Kemppi’s most lightweight and compact face shields in its welding safety product range. A durable, low-cost solution that provides protection for all general welding applications and grinding, the Alfa e-series welding helmets are equipped with either a passive glass welding lens or auto-darkening ADF welding lens. The Beta e-series has been designed for professional welders. Certified for welding, cutting and grinding according to EN175 B and AS/NZS 1337.1, the lightest model in the range weighs only 473g. The range includes three models that are equipped with either passive or automatic ADF lenses. Fitted as standard on the Beta e90A and Beta e90 SFA models is the new indications showing if the measured dimensions are in or out tolerance. The plan is based on a CAD drawing or an image and can be prepared within minutes. For each part ID the measurement plan is prepared only once and is used for all parts of the same ID. Once measurement is completed,

SA60B ADF welding lens. The SA60B ADF welding lens offers a 30% larger viewing area, excellent optical performance and brighter colours due to LiFE+ Colour technology. The lens measure 60mm x 100mm and features a welding shade range 3.5/5/9-13 with cutting and grind models. It is powered from a solar cell panel, supported by two replaceable CR2032 batteries. The Beta PFA/SFA/XFA e-series respirators offer reliable protection from work-related, airborne contaminants and are certified with a maximum inward leakage level of 2%. The respirators provide cool and clean breathing air from either a PFU 210e battery-powered filter unit, offering optimal freedom of movement around the workspace, or a supplied breathing solution, featuring RSA230 connection to a breathing source.

mCaliper – Digitalising results from any type of manual instruments

Tracking data from quality control tools has always been important, but is even more so now when businesses are working remotely and the collection and monitoring of measurement data is quite difficult.

www.kemppi.com

the data is uploaded on a server and stored for further analyses and reporting. Results are reviewed in graphical or table view. Measurement protocols and reports can be generated for a single measurement as well as for a specific part ID over a period of time. The mCaliper solution can easily be integrated with internal SPC or ERP systems to ensure a streamlined workflow. In compliance with the global COVID-19 situation, EngView Systems is releasing a free cloud-based version of mCaliper with a full set of features and the following limitations: number of allowed instruments (5 pcs), and limitation of 12 months for the safe storage of data.

www.metoptix.com.au