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INDUSTRY NEWS
Sydney’s “factory of the future” ready to drive innovation A $25m facility has been launched to drive innovation and foster industrial output in the heart of Sydney’s Tech Central. The facility is a foundational node for complementary facilities that support the NSW Government’s projects at Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Western Sydney parklands. Located in the Engineering precinct of the University of Sydney’s Darlington campus, the Sydney Manufacturing Hub is a new manufacturing-focused research facility that will work alongside industry to deliver cutting-edge R&D in additive manufacturing and materials processing. It is geared to enable concept-to-production demonstration capabilities, including advanced pre- and postprocessing of materials for faculty, students, small and mediumsized companies, and, if needed, larger companies to experience and leverage metal 3D printing and advanced manufacturing. The Hub provides capabilities for design; topological optimisation; 3D printing of metals, ceramics and polymers; as well as postprocessing heat treatment, advanced characterisation and more, paving the way for new technology in industries like aerospace, autonomous vehicles, biomedical, defence, maritime, and robotics. University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Scott AO said the University has continued to demonstrate its capability as a R&D leader in the region by working closely with both the public and private sector: “The Sydney Manufacturing Hub is a key demonstrator for what’s ultimately possible when government, industry and higher education work together on high-impact technologies. This is evidenced not only through the establishment of this new research facility, but also via our collaborative projects in Greater Sydney, particularly the Western Sydney Parklands and Aerotropolis.” Director of the University of Sydney’s Core Research Facilities Professor Simon Ringer said the Sydney Manufacturing Hub would drive the state’s ‘Industry 5.0’ revolution: “Advanced manufacturing is making the previously impossible possible. Key industries will benefit from these technologies through the reduction of material waste, simplified supply chains, and an independent capacity to create materials, components and even whole machines – all of which weren't possible using traditional manufacturing. Using these technologies we could soon see Australian-designed and built space rocket engines, hypersonic vehicles, satellites, eco-active
building and construction, and fast tracking of the electrification revolution in propulsion. It will even be transformative for areas like health – our team has recently leveraged additive manufacturing in the production of custom orthopaedic implants to help with patientspecific needs. We are witnessing a dramatic disruption in how materials are made that’s driving research breakthroughs.' “On one hand, we are looking at the periodic table with fresh eyes – additive manufacturing lets us combine elements to make new materials with entirely new combinations of properties at scale. On the other hand, additive and advanced manufacturing has made manufacturing more accessible, with digital workflows making it easier for local companies to enter competitive global markets.” The research facility places Sydney at the centre of a new skills based development and puts the gears in motion for the state’s advanced Industry 5.0 output. The facility will provide specialised consulting, fabrication activation and training to its industrial partners, providing both guided and autonomous access to the facilities for the purposes of testing, research and fabrication. www.sydney.edu.au
BAE Systems lands new $80m F-35 contract BAE Systems Australia in December was awarded a new F-35 Air Vehicle Support Services (AVSS) contract to establish sovereign maintenance and supply-chain support for the Australian fleet at RAAF Bases Williamtown in New South Wales and Tindal in the Northern Territory. “We are delighted to build on our contribution to the global F-35 program with this additional support for the RAAF,” said Andrew Gresham, BAE Systems Australia Managing Director, Defence Delivery. “We will be leveraging our years of experience in fast jet sustainment working side by side with the RAAF to deliver aircraft availability and capability requirements.” Maintaining and sustaining the global F-35 capability will create around 360 new direct jobs at BAE Systems Australia over the next 10 years and develop a specialist supply chain across Australia of more than 70 SMEs by 2025. BAE Systems has provided fast jet maintenance and upgrades to RAAF aircraft from its Williamtown facility for almost three decades and employs nearly 460 people in the precinct. The new AVSS contract will employ 46 BAE Systems Australia staff, providing direct, on-the-
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ground support to RAAF personnel sustaining the F-35. The company will have around 130 people working to support F-35 aircraft maintenance by the end of the year, having also recruited 25 former Jetstar technicians during the downturn in commercial aviation caused by COVID-19. As a key partner and integral part of the industry team with Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems delivers up to 15% of each fifth generation aircraft globally. This includes the advanced manufacture of the aft fuselage, empennage, and crucial components from our facilities in the UK and Australia, and advanced electronic warfare capability from our US business. Parts of the vertical tail, corrosion prognostics and avionics are manufactured by BAE Systems in South Australia. www.baesystems.com
