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EDITORIAL Good as gold
Comment A credit to our history
IT’S not every day you turn 50 in today’s fast-moving publishing world. But we must have done something right, because 50 years ago we made you a promise, and today we are still here keeping that promise, month-by-month, issue-by-issue.
A
MILLION manufacturing
for the fivefold increase
workers clocked-on
in the productivity of our
in 1961. A million
manufacturing industries in the
will clock on today. They are the heart of the
In May 1961, Manufacturers’ Monthly
They cannot account
space of the last five decades. They cannot understand why
(MM) was developed to fill a hole in the
great story of Australian
manufacturers invest more
industry. Business was booming, and
manufacturing – a story that
in research and development
investors needed a reliable journal to
Manufacturers’ Monthly is
than any other industry sector.
show them where to spend.
rightly proud to chronicle.
They cannot explain why
People in manufacturing
Australian manufacturers have
to present you with this special Gold
tend to respect their history.
emerged resilient through the
50th Anniversary issue. From the entire
They value the insight that
booms and busts of a volatile
team, we’d like to thank our advertisers
comes from decades of
global economy.
who have supported us over the past
endurance in a tough global
50 years; our readers who have given
market. They know their debt
a million workers determined to
us such valuable feedback; and you,
to the workers of the past, and
ensure their story lives on for
the industry, for welcoming us into your
they repay it by investing in the
generations to come.
workplaces for half a century.
workers of the future.
Half a century on, it is our honour
They do not hear the voice of
We stand shoulder-to-
Manufacturing has an exciting future in
That’s why, when markets
Australia, and MM will be there reporting
shift, and technology moves
in that mission. Our stories
on these developments for the next 50
on, manufacturers don’t flinch.
were twined together in their
years – and another 50 after that. In
They make sacrifices. They
earliest chapters. They will
1961, we made you a promise, and we
make changes. They learn
never be untied.
just happen to be the sort to keep our
to thrive – not just endure –
word. Now, here’s to the future!
through innovation. Those who have not lived
shoulder with the workers
I know there are difficult times ahead. I see the impact of rising energy costs
SARAH FALSON
that story cannot do justice to
and currency fluctuations. I
Managing Editor
the resilience and ingenuity of
recognise how hard it can be
Manufacturers’ Monthly
those million Australians.
6 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Senator Kim Carr congratulates Manufacturers’ Monthly on its 50-year contribution to Australian manufacturing.
Continued on page 8
Senator Kim Carr Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science & Research
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Grant McClean of Coca-Cola Amatil (right) with David Rubie
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Logistics Solutions | Service & Support | Software & IT | Voice Picking | Wireless Networks | Storage Solutions | Conveyors | AS/RS
Comment A credit to our history
(Continued from page 6)
to secure the capital and skilled workers to innovate. Glib answers won’t ring true to people who know their history. The Government offers instead its commitment to face the realities of the twenty-first century squarely, with confidence in our greatest asset – the workers of Australia. We have been working with manufacturers and unions to turn their ideas into commercial returns. Through the carbon
– and the assurance that every
price, we will help them prepare
cent of the revenue we raise
incredible story – a story that
for a clean energy future. We
will be redirected to keep our
deserves to be told. I trust, in
will give them the certainty to
industries strong and our living
fifty years’ time, Manufacturers’
invest in cost-cutting technology
standards secure.
Monthly will still tell it with pride.
8 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
We take up the threads of an
“Manufacturers make sacrifices. They make changes. They learn to thrive – not just endure – through innovation.” Senator Kim Carr Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Growing stronger every year.
INTERPUMP
Sydney 98 Carnarvon Street, Silverwater, 2128. (02) 9737 9797
Melbourne 20 Egan Road, Dandenong, 3175. (03) 9769 2577
Brisbane 126 Robinson Road, Geebung,4034 (07) 3865 2551
Perth Adelaide Unit 2 - 91 Sales Leach Highway, 08) 8340 8060 Kewdale, 6105 (08) 9353 5288
1300 537 742 | sales@kerrick.com.au | www.kerrick.com.au
Comment Consultation will take us forward Sophie Mirabella MP outlines manufacturingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crucial role in our economy.
O
N THE occasion of
great skill in doing so. Clearly, the
player in advancing research and
its 50th anniversary,
nature of Australian manufacturing
development activity, and generates
I congratulate
has evolved dramatically since
products that are essential to
Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
those times, and we can only begin
Australiansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; everyday lives.
Monthly and everyone who has
to imagine how much more it may
played a role in that achievement.
change in the centuries ahead.
Any contribution that advances
Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacturing future. Throughout its history, the sector
understanding of the importance of
constant that manufacturing has
has shown that it is resilient, smart,
manufacturing to Australia should
played a vital role in shaping our
innovative and hard-working. Although
be celebrated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and there is no
economic destiny. I firmly believe
it faces many cost disadvantages,
doubt that Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly
this must also remain the case for
its entrepreneurial spirit, skill and
has made a substantial one over
many years to come.
resourcefulness still make it a
the past half-century.
Despite substantial recent job
From the earliest days of our
Sophie Mirabella Shadow Minister for Innovation
It has, nevertheless, been a
I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost optimism in
losses, the sector still employs
formidable international competitor. I earnestly hope that the
settlement, Australians have
nearly a million Australians. It also
Government shares those views,
possessed an instinctive desire to
remains a crucial driver of innovation
too. It simply must halt its approach
make things, and have displayed
and new technology, a central
Continued on page 12
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10 | May 2011 Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
1$&(23$1Š3.Š5(2(3Š 1,$3!&%493(/7 #/- !5
Comment Consultation will take us forward (Continued from page 10)
The manufacturing industry generates products that are essential to the everyday lives of Australians, and it will continue to do so for the next 50 years, at least.
of burdening manufacturing
labour costs, OH&S laws and
businesses with too many costs
environmental standards.
and pressures – especially in the
more heed to the needs of our
the high Australian dollar.
manufacturing community; there
Both sides of politics must
must be more consultation, and
recognise that the decisions we
there must be a greater focus on
make over the next few years
what kind of economy we want
will be critical to the future of
in 10, 20 and indeed another 50
Australian manufacturing. Many
years from now. Frankly, there’s
manufacturers are already
too much at stake to do otherwise.
struggling on wafer-thin margins,
12 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Governments must pay
face of rising interest rates and
There has rarely been a time
and are confronting increasingly
(even over the past 50 years)
intense competition from
when such discussions have
overseas. In such circumstances,
been so crucial, and I know that
more must be done to address
Manufacturers’ Monthly will be
our growing disadvantages
continuing to assume an important
against countries with lower
place in taking the debate forward.
AUSPLAS = PLASTICS MACHINERY, MATERIALS, METHODS. Ausplas is Australia’s national trade exhibition for the plastics industry and is held only every three years. It brings together exhibitors from across Australia and from major overseas suppliers of plastics equipment, products and technology. For 2011 around 70% of the exhibit space features displays of processing equipment in operation, plus a vast range of ancillary equipment, new materials and applications. A feature at Ausplas this year will be the participation of numerous companies bringing new developments in the field of plastics fabrication for industrial users in mining, building and manufacturing. Also exhibitors showing their expertise in the production of large and complex mouldings.
Tuesday 24th to Friday 27th May 2011 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST EVER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY EVENT Arrange your FREE trade ID pass online NOW at www.ausplas.com
Analysis News A lean way of thinking BY ANNIE DANG
“You can read books and
‘LEARNING by sharing’ is not
listen to lectures, but when
a phrase you often hear in
you visit a place you can learn
the manufacturing industry.
about the company itself, its
‘Competing interests’ and
processes, the sort of technology
‘trade secrets’ may sound more
and software they use, why they
familiar. But, according to Brian
have chosen these technologies
Levitan, public officer for the Lean
and processes and how that is
Network, the new industry group
working for them,” Levitan told
offers a different kind of culture.
Manufacturers’ Monthly.
Made up of industry
Ian Storey, production planner
practitioners looking for new ways
for Dunning Industries – a family-
to learn practically about Lean
owned engineering manufacturing
manufacturing processes, the
SME, specialising in CNC mills
Sydney-based Lean Network is a
and welding systems – says
not-for-profit organisation that hosts
that access to the on-site visits
panel discussions and on-site
has provided a practical way to
visits to encourage and promote
develop new ideas to increase
processes will suit Dunning
signage, clearer descriptions of
discussion about Lean thinking.
business efficiency.
Industries they provide a
and improvements to workflow,
foundation which we can build
optimisation of materials
In the Network, members
“The site visits are extremely
A first-hand look inside a production site using Lean principles is crucial to understanding the Lean message.
“Even though not all of the
Network, including improved
voluntarily share information about
valuable because you get to see
on and adapt to suit our
placement and workspaces, and
their Lean implementations in a
first-hand the people who are
particular purposes.”
improved mobility through the
spirit of cooperation and willingness
using Lean and are often on the
to help each other improve their
leading-edge,” Storey said.
production processes. One major
“You also get to see people who
Dunning Industries has made a number of small
purchase of additional trolleys and mobile benches.
improvements to the efficiency
appeal of the Network is the access
are just starting out on their Lean
of its operations as a result
• LEAN NETWORK
to on-site visits.
manufacturing journey.
of Storey’s membership to the
www.leannetwork.com.au
14 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Be one of the first to see what’s new in Advanced Manufacturing Connect with large numbers of key industry contacts in one place Learn about the latest products and services designed to help grow your business Combining with National Manufacturing Week and Ausplas for Australia’s largest ever manufacturing industry event Find out more, and register to visit at austechexpo.com.au
Austech 2011 Australia’s Premier Advanced Manufacturing & Machine Tool Exhibition 24th – 27th May 2011 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre South Wharf, Melbourne RN8930
ONLINE MEDIA PARTNER
MEDIA PARTNER
AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
SUPPORTING PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Analysis News Manufacturers flock to Queensland BY SARAH FALSON
“It was clear that there was a
PROFESSIONALS involved in
gap in the Queensland market
manufacturing technologies
leaving manufacturing and
and engineering industries
process professionals without a
will welcome the launch of the
forum to keep up-to-date with the
Queensland Manufacturing Show
latest technology,” Kinsella told
when it hits Brisbane in June.
Manufacturers’ Monthly.
The event, to be held at the
“We look forward to showcasing
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition
the latest in a vast array of
Centre from 21–23 June 2011
products including CNC machine
alongside the Queensland Safety
tools, CAD/CAM software,
Show, will showcase manufacturing
instrumentation, robotics,
technology and services to
programming systems and general
help local companies become
industrial engineering products.”
Queensland was in need of a trade show for manufacturing and process professionals: Kinsella.
“Approximately 28% of our
• QUEENSLAND
visitors to the most recent show
MANUFACTURING SHOW &
according to Australian Exhibitions
at the show, with the majority
were manufacturers so we start
QUEENSLAND SAFETY SHOW
& Conferences (AEC) managing
coming from the manufacturing
from a very strong base point,”
03 9654 7773
director, Marie Kinsella.
industry and related sectors.
said Kinsella.
www.qldsafetyshow.com.au
more ‘Clean, Lean and Clever,’
Over 5,000 visitors are expected
16 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
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Analysis News Counting down to success BY SARAH FALSON
was developed to harbour a culture
to the economy and provide
WITH the manufacturing industry
of competition and innovation
consumers with a choice of locally-
counting down to find out the
among local manufacturers and,
manufactured goods. Australian
winners of the 8th annual Endeavour
eight years later, close to 100
manufacturers employ and train
Awards at a dinner ceremony
finalist companies prove Australian
Australians, and support other
in Melbourne on 25 May, major
manufacturing is among the best
businesses who supply goods and
sponsor BlueScope Steel wishes all
in the world.
services to your company,” he told
99 finalists ‘good luck’ on the night,
According to BlueScope Steel
Manufacturers’ Monthly.
and marvels at the extremely high
acting general manager – Industrial
calibre of entries for 2011.
Markets, Steve Gregson, it is
manufacturer and supplier of flat
BlueScope Steel is a
The Manufacturers’ Monthly
not just the large firms that are
steel products in Australia, and is
Endeavour Awards program was
at the forefront of manufacturing
once again the major sponsor of the
designed to reward Australian
innovation, as the smaller players
2011 Endeavour Awards.
companies that have excelled in
continually show their worth in
developing new manufacturing
competitions like these.
technology, or instigated new
“No matter how big or small
According to Gregson, this year’s
Your manufacturing organisation makes a vital contribution to the Australian economy: Gregson
hardest few years on record. Join us on the night!
Endeavour Awards is particularly poignant as it comes at a time
• TICKETS: ALEX EVANS
practices that have given their firm
your manufacturing organisation,
when local manufacturing is
02 9422 2890
a competitive edge. The program
you make a vital contribution
recovering from some of the
alex.evans@reedbusiness.com.au
18 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
KONECRANES’ DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGY GOES TO THE HEART OF CRANE SAFETY, RELIABILITY & SERVICE LIFE
Konecranes is an industry leading group of lifting businesses that offers a complete range of advanced solutions for overhead cranes and hoist maintenance. Konecranes have developed solutions such as RailQ and RopeQ to help identify root cause of failure. Runway surveys are normally expensive, difficult and can significantly disrupt production. RailQ can survey a complete runway in a quarter of time and without the need to gain access to the entire length of runway. With Konecranes you are set for tomorrow’s demands.
27 Service Locations across Australia and New Zealand. To contact your nearest branch, please phone 1300 937 637. Visit www.konecranes.com.au
t n e m e g a n a M is s ly a n A Trade finance delivers positive results BY KEN RICHARDS
be a time-consuming prospect
MANY manufacturing corporations,
to investigate the many finance
as well as SMEs, are turning to
options available. In many
specialist equipment finance
instances, business-owners
brokers to negotiate the terms
approach their bank to organise
and conditions of trade finance
their commercial finance and, in
facilities required for the
doing so, find that the bank grants
acquisition of machinery and other
the facility – but at what cost?
capital equipment necessary to increase productivity.
Finding a staff member within a bank with expertise in the
Trade finance facilities offer
importation of capital equipment
Letters of Credit for the importation
can be difficult and, invariably,
of machinery or equipment, along
every bank or financier has
with hire purchase agreements,
different requirements and
lease purchases with varying
limitations which can lead to
balloon or residual options,
delays and issues with machinery
followed by a letter of credit
unsecured loans and working
manufacturers or agents.
issued for anything up to one
capital lines of credit.
Added to this, most purchases
For business-owners, it can
require a deposit to be paid,
Securing capital credit can be confusing, however financiers offer industry-specific programs.
shipping in a currency other than
year for manufacture, and usually
Australian dollars.
require a substantial payment for
Continued on page 22
Our isolators are very flexible and so are we. Mackay has the largest range of rubber vibration isolator and equipment mounts in Australia. We are the first choice for both original equipment and replacement parts. More importantly, our design and manufacturing facility is capable of producing mounts for delicate electronic equipment to very large engine mounts.
We are certain that Mackay can provide a solution to your rubber requirements – it’s amazing just how flexible we are. T (03) 9555 6500 F (03) 9276 8882 E info@mackayrubber.com.au w mackayrubber.com.au
E X C E L L E N C E MAC009/A
20 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
I N
R U B B E R
T E C H N O L O G Y
t n e m e g a n a M is s ly a n A Trade finance delivers positive results (Continued from page 20) Next, GST will be required at the
specialist. Payments can also be
security to support equipment
professional specialist equipment
time the equipment enters Australia,
structured to suit projected cash
acquisitions. It is much more
finance broker to negotiate terms
often in addition to freight and other
flows, all without collateral security.
prudent to minimise the security
and conditions of your commercial
offered, and hold this for any future
equipment finance will help deliver
working capital requirements.
positive results for your business.
customs charges. There are often
Not only will most banks overly-
other costs too, such as tooling and
complicate this process, but in
associated equipment and, finally,
today’s economic climate, most
Business owners understand
payment of any retention following
have restricted their commercial
the situation in which real estate
interest rate, terms and conditions
the successful commissioning.
finance lending. Though in the past
is taken as security, however few
will be more favourable than those
they would have provided trade
realise the impact of providing their
you might negotiate directly with
producing income throughout this
finance facilities, these are now
bank with a fixed and floating charge
your bank, it is also more likely
time either, and may take further
considered ‘additional’ security by
over the assets of a company to
that the trade finance facilities will
time to be fully-integrated.
way of real estate, or through a
secure trade finance facilities or
be approved with minimal, if any,
fixed and floating charge over the
commercial finance. Such charges
collateral security required.
company’s assets.
give the bank significant control
[Ken Richards is the director of
over a business and can severely
Interlease.]
The equipment usually won’t be
Expand your options Few businesses realise that
Though this may be a reasonable
Not only is it more likely that the
this entire process, along with
position to take in a company’s
the associated foreign currency
start-up phase, once a business is
hedging, can be managed by
well-established there should be no
Reap the rewards
1300 859 429
a suitable equipment finance
need to tie-up additional collateral
Choosing an independent and
www.interlease.com.au
limit future borrowing capacity. • INTERLEASE
We can turn your ideas into rubber. If you’re thinking about rubber components for your products, be it extruded, moulded or bonded then we can bring your requirements to reality. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in design, material and manufacture. Our experienced design staff have access to the latest software modeling tools and a full scale NATA accredited laboratory.
We are certain that Mackay can provide a solution to your rubber requirements – it’s amazing just how flexible we are. T (03) 9555 6500 F (03) 9276 8882 E info@mackayrubber.com.au w mackayrubber.com.au
E X C E L L E N C E MAC011/A
22 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
I N
R U B B E R
T E C H N O L O G Y
Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra. Printed by Geon Impact Printing, 69-79 Fallon Street, Brunswick, VIC, 3056
t n e m e g a n a M is s ly a n A Priceless advice boosts business BY SARAH FALSON NEW research conducted by the
component of business success. Since 2008, Enterprise
Australian Government’s small
Connect has been working with
business assistance service,
small and medium businesses
Enterprise Connect, shows that
around Australia to review and
businesses that adopt a strategic
improve their performance. Each
approach to their operations
Business Review is conducted by
experience significantly better
a Business Adviser with years of
business outcomes.
relevant private sector experience.
According to the research, conducted among Enterprise
Review leads to rewards
Connect clients, the improvements
A case in point is legendary
were equivalent to increasing the
Tasmanian footwear company,
labour force by 25% or increasing
Blundstone. Blundstone has been in
capital expenditure by 65%.
business since 1870, but like every
The research supports the findings of a recent international Management Matters survey which pinpointed strategic planning as a vital
Enterprise Connect business adviser Steve Turner (L) and Steve Gunn, chief executive officer of Blundstone.
business it had to take a strategic
with what he achieved with the
from Enterprise Connect was
view to stay ahead of its competitors.
support of Enterprise Connect.
swift and I was impressed by the
Blundstone’s chief executive officer, Steve Gunn, was pleased
“The Business Review application process was easy and the response
professionalism of our business Continued on page 26
AUTOMATE YOUR FINANCE PROCESS Experts in structuring equipment finance Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane 1300 859 429 | www.interlease.com.au
24 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
t n e m e g a n a M is s ly a n A Priceless advice boosts business (Continued from page 24) adviser Michael Turner and state
Review, saying the company had
the business, however, we were
director Keith Calvert,” Gunn told
already started acting on the advice.
lacking the systems and procedures
Casa will be run by a management
necessary to support company
team with my involvement being
growth,” said Claude Cicchiello.
very much based around overall
Manufacturers’ Monthly. “One of the valuable insights
Specialised service
“Ideally, in five year’s time, La
we gained through the Business
The emphasis on strategic planning
Review was that, to increase our
has also made a big difference to
the company has utilised the Tailored
market growth, we needed to shift
Adelaide-based cheese manufacturer,
Advisory Service grant to introduce a
that have traded in Australia
our focus from being manufacture-
La Casa Del Formaggio. The family-
culture program incorporating systems
for at least three years, are
driven to being market-driven.
owned business was opened by
and procedures. A new management
financially solvent, and operate
Gerardo and Rose Cicchiello is 1988
structure and incorporated systems
in specific industry sectors, may
and is now run by their children.
have also been put in place.
be eligible for assistance from
“The Business Review highlighted that we needed to beef-up our marketing expertise
Enterprise Connect business
As a result of the Business Review,
“Business growth has never been
business strategy and direction.” Small and medium businesses
Enterprise Connect.
and focus more on our brand
adviser, Michael Cain, conducted
better. We now feel we are beginning
positioning and product marketing
a top-to-bottom Business Review
to support our operational strength
businesses in industries including
as well as refresh our sales
which pinpointed areas for
with systems and procedures. We
manufacturing and defence.
channel strategies to better target
improvement and growth and again,
have become more strategic in
our customers.”
strategy was underlined.
investing capital into the business
• ENTERPRISE CONNECT
as we prepare for even further
131 791
increases in volume,” said Cicchiello.
www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au
Gunn said he welcomed the recommendations of his Business
“The review confirmed we were good at the operational aspects of
26 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Enterprise Connect supports
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IT@MM Getting connected to CAD for growth: Part 2 BY ALAN JOHNSON
and think about the community
EVERY year, attendees at
platforms for 3D Swim and the
SolidWorks World are treated to
additional data management
sneak previews of the upcoming
products online, you really start to
release of SolidWorks (see
get these network effects where
below), plus an indication of the
you benefit as more and more
company’s general direction.
people use the platform, with
This year’s event, held in
customers interacting more, and
San Antonio Texas earlier this
more intense than SolidWorks
year, was no exception with
alone does,” O’Malley said.
connectivity and collaboration
Another tool expected to be
high on the agenda with the
of interest to readers will be
company’s recently released
SolidWorks Post3D. Based on the
n!Fuze (see April issue of MM).
existing 3DVIA technology, Post3D
Bertrand Sicot, SolidWorks’
creates virtual collaboration
newly appointed CEO, says
spaces or posts for designers to
connectivity is becoming more
upload CAD assets and review
and more important for engineers.
their work with partners in a fully
“Designers don’t work in a vacuum.
interactive and realistic context.
There is a shift to more and more
Max Piper, CEO of local
collaboration within communities;
SolidWorks reseller Intercad, says
they share designs, information,
each post can be shared publically
and images.
As seen in San Antonio. Is this the ultimate CAD operator’s chair?
or privately and allows users to
visualise in a 3D environment all
“We will provide the ‘Facebook’
meet virtually, in real time through a
within the confine of their own
product based on Enovia’s V6
for designers. Because today the
personalised URL set by the author.
offices,” Piper said. (Post3D will
platform that offers designers
be available in mid 2011.)
and planners an immersive
Live Buildings is an online
internet is much more than just
“Basically this incorporates
email, it’s a place where users
product design within a virtual
share and discuss ideas,” Sicot
setting. This will reduce the need
at SolidWorks World 2011 was the
structure, floor layout and even
told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
to travel great distances for
announcement of SolidWorks Live
place furniture and other decor.
presentations and all.
Buildings, a SolidWorks offering for
Austin O’Malley, executive VP R&D and strategy with SolidWorks agrees, “If you look forward
“Engineers, designers and their clients can now communicate and
30 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
But probably the biggest news
the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry.
environment to quickly design
The user interface has the community aspect for Continued on page 32
Make Your Vision a Reality. Discover how the latest 2012 Autodesk速 Product Design and Manufacturing Portfolio, including Autodesk速 Inventor速 software, can help you create and deliver your most innovative work. Visit www.autodesk.com.au
Image courtesy of Dynamic Structures Ltd.
IT@MM Getting connected to CAD for growth: Part 2 (Continued from page 30) collaboration and online libraries
SolidWorks 2012
of commonly used models that
Like many years in the past, a sneak
can be searched and dropped into
preview of some of the new features
the design quickly.
for SolidWorks 2012 was revealed
It is an initial conceptual design tool, like a SketchUp on steroids with the ability to exchange data
in the form of a “skit” in Texas. This year it was the CAD Cops. While the skit ran for quite a
with DraftSight, the new free 2D
while, not all the new features were
AutoCAD clone from SolidWorks.
shown. O’Malley said the company
In Texas, SolidWorks showed DraftSight running on the iPad, which will be released later this year. What with a clone for AutoCAD
was still working on some of them. “We are working on new features all the time, but there are some significant things we
and a clone for AutoCAD WS, it’s
have announced this year,” he told
clear Dassault/SolidWorks has
Manufacturers’ Monthly.
Autodesk in its sights and are just
As an example O’Malley said
Amazing designs on show in San Antonio.
gives breakdowns of cost by
adjustments can update the
manufacturing process.
individual component cost.
getting started with AEC. It will be
SolidWorks 2012 will include
interesting to see where all this
a brand new Costing Tool,
machine setup costs can
link in some information from their
leads and how Autodesk reacts.
which analyses the model and
be input so that quantity
Continued on page 34
32 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
It will include areas where
Whether users will be able to
IT@MM Getting connected to CAD for growth: Part 2 (Continued from page 32) ERP system is not clear at this
as well. File properties, functions,
adjustments to the balloon
stage, but O’Malley was adamant
and global variables will all be
sequencing on the fly with all
it will not be too difficult to put the
available from drop down boxes.
associated Balloons and Bills of
SolidWorks will be the first 3D
Materials dynamically updating.
CAD tool to incorporate the ability
information needed in the system. “There will be some base
Users can also utilise the Measure tool from within the
and New Zealand market. “Plus, the announcement that
Balloons will also now have
for users to generate accurate
information and templates, and we
Equation Editor to create a reference
magnet lines allowing them to be
costs for their designs, will be very
will have some way to hook it up
dimension on the fly which can be
positioned along a magnet line
much of interest to our customers
to a data management system to
used as part of the equation.
with users having complete control
who must tightly manage costs to
over the spacing along that line.
ensure sustainable competitive
extract the information,” he said.
SolidWorks 2012 will
Another new feature will be
see balloons with several
There is also a new Large Design
Equation Editor which is a single
enhancements. Users will be able
Review mode in SolidWorks 2012
dialog box with the software
to Auto-Balloon sequentially which
which allows users to open large
automatically calculating the
will allow users to pick the location
assemblies very quickly.
solve order.
of item 1 balloon and then other
There are several different views incorporated such as category,
Solutions, Australia’s other
number order around the view.
reseller of SolidWorks says the
According to O’Malley, the
Manufacturers’ Monthly. • INTERCAD
Shane Preston, CEO of Solidtec
balloons follow in sequential item
advantage,” Preston told
1300 CAD CAM www.intercad.com.au
customer driven enhancements
• SOLIDTEC
Users will be able to access all
whole setup is very configurable
for SolidWorks 2012 will be
1800 824 883
dimensions of a part from a list
and will allow users to make
particularly useful in the Australia
www.solidtec.com.au
dimension, and ordered view.
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www.chandlermacleod.com 34 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
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IT@MM Shifting manufacturing design BY KARSTEN HOJBERG
share and simulate the models
MANUFACTURING in Australia has
with their customers before
undergone significant shifts in
manufacturing is started.
the last 50 years. However, the
Today more than ever, design
one constant is the mandate to
is king, and ugly doesn’t sell.
do more with less while becoming
To produce concept design
more innovative in order to stay
that fits to purpose, as well as
ahead of the competition.
being aesthetically pleasing –
The most significant changes over
such as with consumer product
the last 25 years have been around
manufacturing and special
process and technology, enabling
purpose machinery manufacturing
manufacturing design to evolve into
– forward-thinking manufacturers
a more holistic expression of all
are turning to 3D models. Made
resources required to create the
using specialised design software,
end product, including materials,
these digital prototypes of highly-
energy, manpower, processes and
complex products maximise
going to the building industry,
industry, with Maserati allowing
of course, cost.
accuracy of designs and develop
the architecture and construction
customers to custom-design the
models which are much easier to
industries now want to understand
body kit.
view and understand.
the engineering and manufacturing
Where previously product design happened through paper sketches that were then translated to the
3D models provide a clear and
Profile view of an automobile prototype produced using design software.
process and participate.
It won’t be too long before other car manufacturers follow
production process in a linear
accurate presentation of how the
step-by-step process, it became
end-product will appear, which
in customers and end-users
customers’ needs and being able
increasingly necessary for design
is very useful when dealing with
contributing to manufacturing
to ‘render emotion’ into what
to be more engineering-driven.
customers that may not understand
design. With what is termed
is physically built. We call this
the engineering processes.
as the ‘maker’s movement’,
the ‘democratisation of design’.
bespoke products are becoming
[Karsten Hojberg is director of
Today, that engineering-driven approach has become even more
This technology is especially
There is also an increase today
suit, taking into consideration
sophisticated, adopting 3D design
useful today as manufacturing
more commonplace due to the
manufacturing solutions, Autodesk
simulations and digital prototyping
is not solely the domain of
affordability and accessibility of
Australia & New Zealand.]
to ensure that the designs are
manufacturers anymore.
design tools and technology.
created with as much detail as
With approximately 30% of
possible so that the designers can
manufacturing done in Australia
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WWW.BOKERS.COM/MANM 36 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
g n i t a r b e l Ce th
SPECIAL FEATURE
A lifetime of experience Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly May 2011 | 37
Celebrating th
SPECIAL FEATURE
A lifetime of experience Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly May 2011 | 37
y they have helped – and hindered – development of our industry. Over the following 50 pages, we hear from each of our specialist editors working alongside MM today, presenting their view of how manufacturing has helped shape their respective industries. The editors from Electronics News, PACE, Australian Mining, BPN and Food magazines each share their thoughts. Looking to the future, we paint a picture of the next 50 years, and where our industry is likely to be. From technology to social trends, we raise the most An assembly line in 1966 (far left) compared to an assembly line today (above). Robotics, automation and safety are just some of the advancements making production quicker, cheaper and more precise today. Image: GM Holden.
the most in-depth, and the most engaging monthly publication for the Australian manufacturing industry – and we will continue to do so for another 50 years after this.
Cause for celebration In keeping with the theme of our 50th anniversary, the following 50 pages of special 50th birthday coverage present a retrospective of Australian manufacturing from 1961 to the present. This section features decade-by-decade analysis of Australian manufacturing over the past 50 years. From 1960s gogo dancing, to 1970s bad hair and bellbottoms, right up to today’s top trends and technology, we cover the ‘whos’, ‘whys’ and ‘wheres’ of Aussie manufacturing, and how
important questions facing our industry today: Is mining the new manufacturing? Is globalisation killing our industry? How can local businesses get ahead?
“From now on, remember that in your business life you must have the 2M’s – ‘Manufacturers’ Monthly’ – to keep you informed of what is happening to the 4M’s – Money, Men, Machines and Materials – of industry.” – MM May, 1961
What’s so good about Australian manufacturing anyway? Australian Industry Group chief executive, Heather Ridout, gives her insight into today’s manufacturing industry in Australia, and provides some tips for the industry and government to work together to ensure the future of our industry. Now sit back, relax, and let us entertain you. A whole lot has happened during the past 50 years, for the better and worse for Aussie manufacturing. What matters is that you’re still with us, reading our stories, listening to our opinions, and heeding our advice. Let’s hope we continue to enthral you for another 50 years. Happy
Flashback to 1961 • Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, is born • Oral contraceptives first sold in Australia • Last electric tram service runs in Sydney • Parkes radiotelescope opened • Four Corners first screened on ABC TV • IBM introduces Selectric typewriter • Former NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, is born • The First electric toothbrush is produced • Lady Chatterley’s Lover banned from sale • Niagara Falls produces hydroelectric power • Former Prime Minister, Earle Page, dies • Dame Joan Sutherland announced Australian of the Year • Australia defeats England 2-1 and retains The Ashes • First in-flight movie is shown on Trans World Airlines • Manufacturers’ Monthly was born!
birthday Manufacturers’ Monthly! Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 39
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1960s a peak of 7,000 people from 35 nations. At the time, it was
Fast Facts 1960-1969
the only plant in Australia to
• Manufacturing expansion
manufacture the complete vehicle. It introduced to Australia the in-line transfer machining of engine blocks, the “rotodip” paint process, automatic conveyor assembly processes and major advances in just-in-time and flexible manufacturing concepts. In the inaugural edition of Manufacturers’ Monthly, an article headlined “Fuss about automation decried by BMC expert”, highlights the prominence of the car company
was double the rate of the rest of the economy • One in every 16 workers was employed in the automotive industry • Unions were powerful and lobbied successfully for better wages and conditions • The UK teamed-up with the EU and access to the British market tightened.
at the time, and how automation was viewed in the 1960s. In the
in the 1960s. They are still
article, Mr NH Humphries, chief
operational today, but are probably
manufacturing engineer with BMC,
less than 10% of the shop.”
warns that many people were fed-
panels were bolted together and
word ‘automation’.
then painted by hand” Phillips said.
“I think it’s a pity the word
“For general assembly in the
was coined in the first place,
1960s, we used a ‘chain-on edge’
otherwise there would not
production line, which was a
have been half as much fuss
single chain that transferred the
about this natural evolution of
cars through 140/150 stations
mechanisation,” he said.
through general assembly.”
Despite the arrival of serious
Keith Moss, now in his 80s,
competitors – namely, the Ford
remembers working for Holden in
Falcon, Chrysler Valiant, and
the 60s well.
Japanese cars – in the 1960s,
Moss said safety was already
Holden’s locally-produced, large six-
an issue in manufacturing. “I
and eight-cylinder cars remained
remember when I was manager
Australia’s top-selling vehicles.
of the press shop in Woodville;
Richard Phillips, present director
I started safety meetings with
vehicle assembly operations, said
shop stewards. We worked in
the Elizabeth assembly plant in
consultation in those days,
South Australia was put in place
with the unions becoming more
in the mid 1960s and at the time
powerful,” he said.
it was well-advanced in production
“At this stage there was very
techniques. “In fact, some of that
little automation, but we did
equipment is still in use today,” he
have air tools. It was all hand
told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
spot welding on the general
“Even today if you go into the
46 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
“In the 1960s, most of the body
up with the controversy over the
assembly then. For different
press shop you will see a couple
colours in the paint shop it was
of press lines that were installed
just a case of changing guns.”
1970s
The shocking seventies
By the 1970s the global economy had changed dramatically, and Australia’s ‘stagflation’ reflected the greater world recession. Alan Johnson writes.
R
ECESSION, war, civil rights and feminism set the scene for Australian society in the 1970s,
and the manufacturing industry was forced to abandon the ‘she’ll be right, mate’ attitude it had enjoyed during the previous prosperous decade. But although the sector struggled to compete with cheap imports, the 1970s signified the beginning of environmental consciousness in manufacturers. The trend for star-rated equipment, carbon reduction schemes and energy management systems can all be traced back to Australian supplier ANCA, formed in 1974, developed some of the first CNC controllers for the local market. The company is still going strong today, and has expanded into the complex cutting and grinding market, employing 280 across the country.
a new social consciousness about the world as a single organism that needed to be preserved, as a result of new images of the Earth from afar taken during the first
developments, led to dramatic
Moon walk in 1969.
change in the Australian workforce
In Australia, the manufacturing sector experienced substantial decline in employment levels
quantitative import restrictions. On the export front, firms
and production across all sectors –
turned to export, and the share
manufacturing in particular.
of manufacturing production that
The campaign by trade unions
was exported in the 1970s had
between 1973 and 1980, down
for equal pay and sharp rises in all
increased gradually to 15% by the
by 80,000. Manufacturing’s
real wage costs caused a squeeze
early decade and then experienced
share of employment fell from
from rapidly-escalating costs and
a plateau until the mid-1980s.
25% in 1970 to 18% in 1985; as
intensified import competition.
well, its proportion of total GDP
Tariff cuts in particular
a difficult period for many in
fell from a high of 29% in 1960 to
compounded the problem and,
heavy industry, with BHP closing
18% in 1985.
accordingly, import quotas were
its Whyalla (South Australia)
imposed on those goods most
shipbuilding works in 1978,
Australia’s international
affected by competitive external
forced out of business, it was
competitiveness was affected by
producers. The clothing industry,
argued, by foreign competition.
both external and domestic issues.
for example, was in sharp
Increasing competition from
decline after its peak in 1971,
huge uptake by manufacturers
newly-industrialised Asian nations
and this industry, along with the
of computer technologies to
and fluctuating exchange rates,
textiles, footwear and whitegoods
lift production efficiencies.
together with domestic workforce
industries, was the subject of
CNC machines were starting
Throughout this period,
48 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
It’s clear the 1970s was
However, the 1970s saw a
to be in common use in
supply all the data for the BOM
We said in 1971
machine shops in the 1970s,
(Bill of Materials), the heart of
Exports, tariffs, pollution, trade
with manufacturers faced with
MRP, which then worked-out when
unions and industrial relations were
shortages of skilled machinists.
stocks of these items needed to
the main themes of Manufacturers’
The introduction of CAD/
be replenished. It automatically
Monthly’s May issue in 1971.
CAM allowed further increases
reordered quantities to be made
Editor of the day, John Keenan,
in design ability and less time
and gave the dates they should
used his editorial piece to blast the
needed and with more accuracy.
be made. MRP appeared to
treasurer of the day, Billy Snedden,
But the greatest level of progress
be a boon for manufacturing,
for having special tax concessions
of computer application was in the
eliminating the hundred of stock
for the rural sector – which were
areas of process control and, by
cards, together with their tedious
apparently being exploited – while
error prone updating.
ignoring the important mining and
the late 1970s, this technology was appearing everywhere. Computercontrolled processing had its
“Man still makes war on man, and industry and Government are still at loggerheads,” Managing Editor, Norman B Rydge, MM May 1971.
But with the arrival of MRP
manufacturing sectors.
something else disappeared from
Describing the department
the production office, beside the
as “Canberra manipulators”, he
processing trades, and in processes
stock card – the simple but very
said export industries should be
where heat, speed, and dimensional
effective Gnatt chart. This was a
encouraged in the same fashion
control is critical. The computer was
huge board that showed all the work
as the rural sector so that
also now in the office of the 1970s,
centres and the orders due on them
valuable foreign exchange could
for the current and forward periods.
be earned. He went on to argue,
Planners had this easy-to-understand
”It is obvious that in the years to
board in front of them on a wall,
come these sectors [mining and
which was accessible to all who
manufacturing] are where our
walked into the production office.
export future lies.” How profound.
This effective planning tool
Trade unions, with a youthful-
greatest impact in the primary metals
first in accounts and payroll. The biggest change came with MRP (Materials Requirement Planning) programs. They appeared in the early 1970s and promised a production planning paradise for inventory managers and production planners. Production engineers would
“We are strong enough to take what we want. If you don’t take it our way you can take the consequences.” – ACTU Leader Bob Hawke.
became part of history and was
looking Bob Hawke in charge of
dumped as soon as an MRP
the Australian Council of Trade
system was installed.
Unions (ACTU), were also making
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 49
1970s air pollution, manufacturing was
in Australia looked to start
1970 we had as good as high
Fast Facts 1970-1979
being challenged to lift its game.
manufacturing smaller, more
volume assembly, pressings and
• Manufacturing employment
The 1970s article suggests
economical cars. However,
sub-assembly, as the US,” Moss
manufacturers be charged for the
this was the decade BMC, now
told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
amount of pollution they create
British Leyland Motor Corp,
in the water, air, soil, and the
decided to introduce the near
to Japan, I saw first-hand how
environment.
legendary Australian big car:
it should be done. Once back,
the Leyland P76. A couple of
we started tidying up the plant,
said, “industries that used water
years later though, following the
painting floors, and generally
heavily, but returned the water in a
worldwide collapse of British
improving the plant; better
clean state would not be charged,
Leyland and its associates, the
housekeeping and so forth.
while small charges would be
Victoria Park/Zetland factory in
applied to companies who pollute
Sydney was closed by 1975.
1970-1985 down 25% • Growing competition from newly-industrialised Asian neighbours • Import restrictions put on clothing and textiles • Australian exports rise to 15% • CNC and process control emerges.
“For example,” the article
slightly, rising as the degree of
During the 1970s, Chrysler
“However, later on, when I went
“Their equipment was not as good as ours, but they had higher efficiencies. Even now, Japan
contamination rose.” However the
began working closely with
has no raw materials, they have
author argues this would be too
Mitsubishi Motors Corp with the
to import everything so waste in
the headlines in the 1971 issue,
complicated and too difficult to
result that Chrysler Australia began
Japan is minimal, unlike us and
with one headline reading, ‘Labour
regulate and police. Today’s carbon
building Mitsubishi-designed,
the Americans who just frittered it
watches Hawke to see how far
tax conversation comes to mind.
Chrysler-branded vehicles such as
away,” Moss said.
he will fly’. As Hawke spread his
It was a similar story with calls
the Galant and the Sigma.
A new entry to car making in
wings (pun intended), many people,
for recycling of end waste and used
including some union leaders, were
materials. The author argues that “it
as usual with the Falcon, but with
Motors who set-up factories in
critical about his role in forcing a
is cheaper to produce goods freshly
the oil crisis came the Cortina and
Australia to build small 4-cylinder
showdown on a big issue of the
made from new materials than it is
the Escort, which were adapted for
cars in the wake of the 1973
time; price maintenance, and the
from re-cycled waste materials”.
the Australian market from 1972.
oil crisis. Models produced in
The start of the 1970s saw
Australia included the Pulsar,
need to legislate against it.
“Until we can devise a system
For Ford Australia it was business
Australia in the 70s was Nissan
Hawke must have impressed
of either taxing new materials or
Holden launch the new HQ
some, as the author of the article
reducing the cost of re-using old
series in 1971.
called him an industrial Robin Hood.
materials, it is rather uneconomic
“We are strong enough to take what
solution.” The environmentalists
with Holden throughout the 1960s
(Australian Motor Industries) and
we want. If you don’t take it our way
would have had a fit.
and 1970s, had the opportunity
announced plans to spend $27
to visit Detroit in 1970 and noted
million on an engine and gearbox
Car industry
manufacturing at Holden was
production plant in Altona, Victoria
Following the oil crises of
keeping pace with the US.
which began the production of
you can take the consequences,” Hawke said at time. With beaches in Sydney closed by pollution from sewage and
the 1970s, car companies
50 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Keith Moss, a worker who stayed
“We were right up to them. In
Pintara and Skyline. In 1972 Toyota bought-out British Leyland’s interest in AMI
engines in 1978.
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1980s Boom and bust
The 1980s saw the restructuring of Australia’s manufacturing industry and the birth of the Button car plan. Hartley Henderson writes.
T
HE 1980s in Australia
growing recognition of the need to
was a decade of
promote innovation, modernisation
contrasts: economic
and efficiency in order to compete.
boom and bust; famine
Companies increasingly saw
and consumerism; heavy metal
the need to ensure that they
and pop; and the mullet and the
performed at world’s best practice
flattop. Unfortunately, double-
following the lifting of protection.
denim still happened. While Australians were coming to
A new approach to industry policy was based on the
terms with increasing immigration
implementation of a series of
and multiculturalism, the
industry restructuring plans for the
manufacturing industry was moving
main industries facing difficulties
off-shore to China and South East
with foreign competition, namely
Asia where it could manufacture
the Passenger Motor Vehicle
seemingly the same goods for
(PMV), Textiles Clothing and
less money. The Government
Footwear (TCF), heavy engineering,
soon realised that Australian
steel and shipbuilding industries.
manufacturing was in urgent need
The Motor Industry Development
of restructuring in order to be
Plan (also known as the Button
internationally-competitive.
car plan, after the then Minister
High unemployment in the early
for Commerce, Trade and Industry,
part of the decade was followed
John Button) was introduced in
by an economic boom. Then
the mid-1980s at a time when
came the October 1987 stock
the motor industry was heavily-
program to phase down all tariffs
market crash, followed by deep
protected by import tariffs.
(except for PMV and TFC) to 10% or
economic recession. Key Government initiatives
The aim was to improve the
15% by 1992.
efficiency of the motor vehicle
impacting manufacturing during
industry through consolidation of
Technological advances
the period included the Hawke
resources, which in turn would
Many Australian manufacturing
Government’s 1983 decision to
enable tariffs to be reduced
companies were now recognising
float the Australian dollar and
and establish a platform for
the need to adapt to changing
introduce financial deregulation,
competitive exports. Consolidation
market conditions and to
as well as the reduction of tariff
of resources involved reducing
improve the productivity of
barriers, and a restructuring of
the existing different models by
production processes.
the industry, which included the
various manufacturers to eight,
Peter Horman, who was the
Button car plan.
and included the introduction
founding managing director of the
The reduction in tariff barriers
of badge-engineered vehicles
Sick Industrial Sensor Company
and the removal of fixed interest
whereby, for example, Holden
for Australia and New Zealand
rates meant that Australian
Commodores were also marketed
from 1982 to 2007, says sensors
businesses were placed in
as Toyota Lexen’s.
played an important role in the
direct competition with overseas businesses, and there was 56 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
In 1988, the government introduced an across-the-board
automation of manufacturing processes and the reduction in
to cover the protected area. Safety regulations were being extended
Fast Facts 1980-1989
to protect operators in machine
• Regulations were introduced to control
environments. “Bar code readers with incandescent optics at this time were used for reading pharmacy codes for packaging verification, and the research and development of laser bar code readers gave
incandescent light optics. The output
• Button car plan to force proved unpopular with
many more application challenges to
sensors were operating with visible
the metals market
productivity solutions,”
sources were developed, allowing
“From 1980 all photoelectric
systems were introduced in
industry consolidation
1980s, modulated infrared light
manual operation methods.
• New awards and training
industry further options for Horman recalls that during the
Holden’s 1981 VH Commodore was one of the first cars to incorporate an engine from the company’s new (now closed) production facility in Fishermens Bend, Victoria. Image: GM Holden.
industrial plant emissions
buyers • Stock market crash in 1987 caused deep recession
be solved with sensors, which had
• 120,000 manufacturing
become smaller and more robust.
workers lost their jobs.
Working conditions The February 1981 issue of Manufacturers’ Monthly carried
rise in inflation and unemployment. The Australian Manufacturing
an editorial about how the
Workers Union’s current (AMWU)
dismantling of the wage indexation
industry and economic advisor,
system was being replaced by
Nixon Apple, who was with the
collective bargaining.
AMWU in the 1980s and 1990s said
“The early introduction of the 35-
the early 1980s and 1990s were
functions of these sensors were
hour working week now appears not
characterised by boom/bust cycles.
basically relay switching, with some
only likely, but inevitable. Disparate
“On average in each recession
analogue output logic devices. The
sections of the union movement will
some 120,000 manufacturing
industrial controllers were mainly
be able during this post-indexation
workers lost their jobs. There was
switching devices with high current
period to pressure individual
a general recognition in the early
switching relays, and the fields
employers for a shorter working
1980s of the need to rebuild the
week with far more self assurance
economic fundamentals of Australian
than they could previously muster,”
manufacturing industry. Even though
the editorial stated.
the Australian dollar was low, there
of application were mainly in the product handling, packing machines and textile machine areas. “Safety light curtains for the protection of operators of power presses were also using incandescent optics with a rotating mirror wheel to parabolic mirror giving a parallel light beam curtain
In the 1980s, sensors played an important role in the automation of manufacturing processes.
Some concerns were raised by
was an urgent need to combine
the Confederation of Australian
the Government decision to pursue
Industry that the general
tariff reductions with positive
introduction of a 35-hour week
industry and trade development
would add $10,000 million to the
policies to develop stronger global
annual wages bill and result in a
manufacturing capability in Australia
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 57
1980s Boom and bust as the country could no longer
to GDP shrank significantly.
live off mineral resources and the
However, in terms of employment,
establishment of the Industrial
sheep’s back,” Apple said.
manufacturing was second only
Supply Network, that later became
to the retail sector,” Herbert told
the Industry Capability Network.
Era of accord Bob Herbert, who was Victorian
“The union’s drive for a shorter working week is nothing less than a disguised pay hike for those still in work,” Managing Editor, Norman B. Rydge.
Manufacturers’ Monthly. “MTIA had made a major shift
“One positive initiative was
“Restructuring meant that industry progressively became
director of the MTIA in the 1980s
in approach to support a global
more competitive and was
when Victoria was very much
engagement, but argued that
better able to engage in the
regarded as The Manufacturing
the initiatives of the Hawke/
international marketplace, as well
State, said it was an era of
Keating government should be
as stimulate import replacement
accord that was in play and MTIA
more interventionist to support
at home. The Button plan for
supported that process.
manufacturing. It was a time when
the automotive industry was
manufacturing had much to absorb,
particularly important for Australia
of immense challenge with a
including financial deregulation,
because of its position as a
spate of factory closures, and
tariff reductions, and consequent
critical provider of technology and
manufacturing’s contribution
industry rationalisation.
skilled jobs,” Herbert said.
“The early 1980s was a time
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58 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
’ S R E R TU RDS C A F U N A A W M A R R O F OU E V L A A E S D N N E O L W A O U N N S' S N T A TURER E C A H F K U T N ! TIC THLY’S 8 E MA THDAY R EBRAT I L B E C H T P HEL LY'S 50 MON MONTH The Endeavour Awards, hosted by Australia’s leading manufacturing magazine Manufacturers' Monthly, is the pinnacle event for Australia’s manufacturing industry where innovation and achievement are celebrated.
Manufacturers’ Monthly turns 50 this year and will be presenting a special award at this year’s event: The Most Innovative Manufacturing Company formed in the last 50 years. Come and celebrate the magazine’s anniversary and the outstanding achievements made by the industry at the 2011 Endeavour Awards. Date: Wednesday 25 May Time: 6.30pm Venue: RACV Club, Melbourne Tickets: $150 per person or $1,200 for a table of 10 exc GST Book tickets at www.manmonthly.com.au/awards or contact Alex Evans on 02 9422 2890.
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Comment
Food industry remains healthy
Equipment innovation, shifting consumer habits and recession pressures have created a turbulent 50 years for the food manufacturing sector.
T
HE 1960s was a decade of considerable change for Australia. Fifteen
years of intensive immigration had injected some 1.5 million people into the country’s population; this growth resulted in a suddenlyflourishing workforce and meant Australia was able to progress from what had been largely a nation of primary industry – cattle, wheat, etc – to one of manufacturing. unprecedented prosperity as well
For Heat and Control, one
After the 1980s recession,
as significant and lasting social
invention followed another, with
demand for new food products
changes which brought about
the creation of production line
began to pick-up and with it, an
increasing numbers of dual-income
oven and fryer technology, which
increase in food manufacturers’
families. With less time available for
focused on the market for snacks
capital for equipment purchasing.
food preparation and cooking, a new
and prepared foods.
market for convenient, prepared and packaged foods emerged. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, a wide variety of processed
Frying systems were
Nevertheless, towards the end of the millennium there were
revolutionised through the invention
significantly fewer machinery
of the external heat exchanger.
manufacturers than there had been
A little later came the
at the beginning of the 1990s.
foods became available; the
multipurpose oven or MPO Cooking
marketplace became more
System, which allowed for much
mean that today’s industry
competitive and demand
more precision in preserving
largely operates within a
intensified from food companies
the original moisture content
global community, with large
for an increasing variety of food
and food flavours; by controlling
multinationals helping to
processing machinery.
the interaction between cooking
shape the food machinery
temperature and moisture, a rapid
developments from a network of
Control, MPI and Linco Food Systems
heat transfer could be achieved,
regional bases. In Australia the
rose to meet this demand, with
without the problem of dehydration.
industry continues to develop
Companies, such as Heat &
advanced and specialist machinery
David Stone EDITOR Food Magazine
Installing a heat exchanger for a potato chip line in 1976. Image: Heat & Control.
The 1960s were marked by
For the last 50 years, the
Evolving business trends
alongside changing tastes and
designed to tackle everything from
Australian processed food market
bakeries and meat processing to
has been changing and this
beverages and quality packaging.
has resulted in a need for more
automation, the reduction of water,
There was a shift from batch
eating habits. Emphasis is increasingly put on
specialised food processing
of energy consumption and meeting
production to a continuous cooking
machinery. Smaller-scale commercial
sustainability goals, but also on
process, automation for individual
ovens and niche application
improving flavour and texture,
functions was introduced, and
products began to appear throughout
and making food that is generally
whole-line systems were created.
the 1970s and 1980s.
healthier for the consumer.
62 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
60 years of building food processing & packaging systems Proud to be manufacturing world class food systems in Australia for the world. Snack Foods Meat Poultry & Seafood French Fry & Potato Products Fruit & Vegetables Dairy Foods Bakery Foods Prepared / Ready Meals Confectionery
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1990s
Joining the world stage
While manufacturing was becoming more specialised in the 1990s, it was also becoming more open. Hartley Henderson reports.
W
HEN globalisation lead the way for grunge and retro-inspired
fashion, the republican debate was threatening ties with Britain, and Sydney was gearing-up for the 2000 Olympics, members of the global manufacturing industry started to get to know each other. Using a great new thing called ‘the internet’, manufacturers could start
The export market was booming and Australian manufacturers truly became exposed to the world. Image: Ubeeco.
to see – for the first time – what competing businesses were doing in the facilities across the other side of
“Over the longer term,
the world. This transparency started
the increasing openness of
to fuel stiffer competition, as well as
manufacturing meant that, whereas
collaboration and, finally, productivity.
manufacturing exports were only
Manufacturing imports and exports
about 14% of total Australian
grew exponentially during this time,
exports in 1963-64, they stood
and businesses flourished in the
at just under a third of exports in
new global marketplace.
1997-98,” the researchers state.
Australian products became
Productivity Commission
known for their high quality –
research shows that the
especially compared to some
1990s was a stable era for
of their neighbours – and local
manufacturing, with growth rates
businesses looked outside their
less variable than past decades.
own backyards for extra coin. According to a Productivity
“For example, for manufacturing as a whole, volatility was less
Commission research paper called
than half that prevailing in the
Trends in Australian Manufacturing
previous two decades. This
(2003), exports increased from just
probably reflects the fact that,
over 15% of manufacturing output in
other than in 1990-91, there were
1989-90, to around 24% in 1999-
no general economic downturns in
2000, with import shares also rising.
this period,” the writers say.
The paper points out that while
Australian manufacturing was
both simply- and elaborately-
becoming increasingly open. In
transformed manufacturers
1999-2000, over one-third of
(STMs and ETMs) showed
domestically-sold manufactured
substantial growth, export growth
goods was produced overseas
of ETMs was particularly strong,
and about one-quarter of
growing by over 130%.
domestically-produced goods was
64 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
The 1990s was a stable decade for manufacturing. During this time, more firms looked to automation and robotics to give them a competitive edge.
Exports increased from just over 15% of manufacturing output in 1989–90, to around 24% in 1999–2000, with import shares also rising.
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the spirit of safety
1990s
Joining the world stage
The now retired former managing
and failsafe detection requirements
director of Sick Industrial Sensor
by industry increased. Safety light
Company, Peter Horman, says
curtains became solid state with
advances in light emitting diodes
an array of beams replacing the
revolutionised the design and
need for moving parts.”
capabilities of sensors, allowing
Horman said colour sensors were
them to be used in more numerous
also established allowing many
and various locations throughout
applications in the packaging and
industry in the 1990s.
printing areas to be solved.
“The need to network the
“Scanning laser beam devices
sensors was recognised and with
also became more intelligent
the advance in PLC and electronic
allowing large safety areas
controller designs, sensor design
to be protected, and volume
and outputs were modified to meet
measurements and intelligent
the automation requirements.
barcode scanning applications to be
“Robotics in automation areas
Automation became more commonplace in the 90s and productivity increased. Towards the end of the decade, there was an increased focus on worker safety. Image: Mrs Mac’s Pies.
GM Holden, recalls the late 1980s
realised,” Horman said.
increased the need for smaller
“In the paint shop, the biggest
and early 1990s was when welding
change was going from hand
and more intelligent sensors.
Car industry changes
operations in the body shop moved
spraying to automated spraying in
Visible infra-red diodes enlarged
In the 90s, the automotive industry
from a complete manual shop to
the late 1980s and early 1990s,
the application of sensors for
rationalised from five manufacturers
the heavy use of robotics.
and then to robotic spraying.
proximity detection and control,
producing 13 models of passenger
“This continued to the point
solving background interference in
vehicles at eight plants in 1985 to
where the shop that makes the
modular approach to the vehicle.
proximity detection applications. In
four manufacturers producing five
Commodore range is now about
Things like completely developing
particular, ambient light interference
models at four plants by 1999.
98% automated. Also, through the
a cockpit module as an off-
was no longer a problem in sensor
But over the same period, industry
1990s and early 2000s, a lot more
line sub-assembly, rather than
application areas.
production increased.
automation, including robotics, was
assembling it in the vehicle, and
installed in the press shop,” Phillips
other modules included the rear
told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
suspension,” Phillips said.
Richard Phillips, director of
“Sensors became more intelligent as critical measurements
vehicle assembly operations at
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2000s We can do it all
The turn of the century brought new challenges for manufacturers who needed to become more flexible to survive. Sarah Falson reports.
M
ANUFACTURERS
the Australian Manufacturing
have experienced
Workers’ Union, financial stimulus
their fare share
packages during the time saved
of ups and downs
an extra 50,000 manufacturing
over the past decade in Australia, but they have continued to thrive roll with the punches, and they
Technology advancements
make the best of what they’ve got.
No doubt, the 2000s have been
because they are flexible, they can
Manufacturing output has
tough for manufacturers. Fussy
grown rapidly since the inaugural
consumers, expensive raw
Manufacturers’ Monthly in
materials and rising transportation
1961, quadrupling by 2003. The
costs have made our industry a
industry’s share of total output has
harsh judge of character, where
progressively fallen however, in part
only the innovative survive.
due to the rapid rise of the resources
But survive we do. Australia now
sector. In 2001, manufacturing GDP
has one of the most technically-
was 11.6% – a figure that has been
advanced manufacturing industries
declining steadily from around 30%
in the world, developing some of
in the mid-1950s.
the most cutting-edge products on
Exports were strong in the early
the market. Cochlear, Resmed,
2000s, reaching above 25% of
Bluescope Steel, Onesteel, CSR
manufactured goods sold, however
and Boral are just some of our
this figure dropped off approximately
local success stories, proving that
innovation are most important for
5% by mid-decade due to the high
specialist products, often with high-
them, and why.
Australian dollar – a scenario we see
IP, are our strong suit.
mirrored in today’s economy.
From 2000 to the present, the
“They need to do whatever it takes – develop new products and designs,
expectation for manufacturers to
use advanced technologies, bundle
Australian manufacturers had
‘do it all’ has skyrocketed. Staying
products and services, use better
learnt the importance of playing
on top of the latest technology,
processes for market intelligence
farther afield, and multinationals
innovating to compete globally,
and assess customer responses,
were becoming more common.
reducing production costs (and
and manage international networks –
International competition – both
time), and keeping valued staff in
in a coherent, strategic manner,” the
here and overseas – forced locals
a skills crisis, are daily concerns
paper reported.
to aim higher.
for companies.
By the turn of the century,
The onslaught of the 2008 “‘Time moves on and waits for no-one’, which is why MM, even though it has technically reached what most call ‘middleage’, is in effect barely touching its prime,” Editor, Branko Miletic, MM May 2001.
workers from losing their jobs.
According to a 2005 NSW
Many of the most important manufacturing techniques used
global financial crisis hit
Business Council report, Innovation
today were developed to reel-in
Aussie manufacturers hard,
– the future of Australian
costs, maintain quality and raise
with thousands of workers
manufacturing, manufacturers
output. The majority of plants
losing their jobs as companies
must improve existing ways of
now incorporate some form of
moved offshore or closed
doing business across the board,
automation, along with more
down completely. According to
by defining clearly which kinds of
sophisticated IT systems allowing
76 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
become common over the past ten years, streamlining management,
are manufacturers entering export
simulation and workflow controls
markets, they are also embracing
into a single unit. Though a
local opportunities. Off the back
smaller number of reports and a
of the mining boom, construction,
single interface are real benefits,
technology, transport and IT
the process visibility achieved
products are required on-mass.
with systems integration shows
In building, products made from
manufacturers exactly where they
more sustainable materials are
can save money.
needed. Across the board, solar
‘If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,’ has been the catch-cry of the decade. Intelligent automation
‘If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,’ was the catch-cry of the decade. Here, operators at an O-I glass plant keep an eye on production.
Flexibility is the key. Not only
power and energy management systems are essential. Advanced robotics, wireless
systems can now manage a plant’s
communications, broadband
energy use, safety systems, and
internet, laser welding, hydrogen
quality levels. Using this information,
fuel cells, simulation, cloud
manufacturers can react quickly
computing and mobile devices are
to change, such as new laws and
just some of the new technologies
regulations, standards, product
developed during the 2000s helping
lines and materials. Maintaining
manufacturers meet these needs.
volumes while catering for more
Heinz site manager – Wagga,
niche consumer demands is now
Phil McVeigh, says manufacturers
more realistic.
are born pioneers. It’s one thing to
greater process visibility and, in
roll with the punches when change
turn, more quality and cost control. According to Mrs Mac’s pies
Nation of pioneers
occurs, but it’s another thing
According to Australian Made,
entirely to embrace new battles,
managing director, Iain Macgregor,
Australian Grown chief executive,
and answer them with innovation.
advanced production technology
Ian Harrison, manufacturers are
has had a huge impact on his
reacting to change in a more
huge driving force. Ten years ago, it
Western Australian plant’s
positive manner.
was safety. And now, environment is
“The need to be innovative
productivity over the past decade. “Production levels have risen exponentially with a corresponding fall in operating costs. Engineering and staff skills have changed dramatically as manufacturing and distribution technology has evolved. IT is now a key department heading our ongoing development,” Macgregor told Manufacturers’ Monthly. Systems integration has
“Manufacturers need to do whatever it takes, in a coherent, strategic manner.” – NSW Business Council, Chief Executive, Australian Industry Group.
“Twenty years ago, quality was the
the driving force. If you manage your
has become pivotal for
quality right, and you manage your
manufacturers in the last 10
safety right, and you manage your
years. Manufacturers have
environment right, your costs will go
increasingly embraced the
down – it’s as simple as that,” he
continuation of a global focus and
told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
the need to succeed in export
“Every year, we re-set, and
markets. Australian manufacturing
we say, ‘What will be the big
has become very high-tech in the
challenges this year?’ We welcome
last 20 years. We are very good
that. Manufacturers have got to the
at what we do,” Harrison told
point now where change is just a
Manufacturers’ Monthly.
part of life. It’s part of the fun.”
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 77
Meeting your evolving needs
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lement14 is an industry first combination of online community and
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Built on the strong foundations of Farnell, element14 remains dedicated to superior local service.
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78 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
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Future
Into the crystal ball
Why ‘smart manufacturing’ is the way of the future. Sarah Falson writes.
F
IFTY years ago, this magazine hailed ‘methods manufacturing’ as the
way of the future. Standardising equipment and training staff to work together were the ideas of the hour. Twenty years later, ‘lean manufacturing’ was on the agenda, cutting-back materials and staff costs. Now, in 2011, a new term is being coined, encouraging us to be methodical, lean, and above all, smart. Yes, Cars of the future will run without the need for oil. Image: GM Holden.
‘smart manufacturing’ has been born, and you heard it here first. Today, carbon pricing, waste
a global village of engineers
make important decisions as they
management, water shortages,
to collaborate on new ideas
start building a more responsive
supply chain efficiencies and
and develop new products.
and agile organisation, through
electricity costs are the biggest
Manufacturers will continue to
improvement in productivity and
stepping stones for industry.
develop ground-breaking ideas to
efficiency,” Holmes said.
Manufacturers that find ways to
manufacture ‘smarter’, and in turn
‘do more with less’ will shape
will create some of the greatest
general manager of O-I Australia
Australia’s future. In the future,
new technologies known to man.
– a Sydney-based glass bottle
rising material costs will lead to
This is not just a pipedream,
Closer to home, Brian Slingsby,
manufacturer – says smart
an even more intensified need for
according to IDC analyst,
manufacturing is already making
productivity and efficiency in the
Chris Holmes, in his report,
its way into his plant.
production line and, as a result,
IDC Manufacturing Insights. In
businesses will demand more
2011 alone, productivity and
[waste] use and safety are key
from IT as they expand globally.
efficiency will be top-of-mind for
areas of focus, and technology
manufacturers in the Asia Pacific
advancements continue in all
manufacturing’ principles will
region, and companies will spend
aspects of glass manufacturing
adopt new mobile devices and
the money to make this happen.
from melting, inspection and
Companies that heed ‘smart
embrace cloud computing. They
“While cost will definitely
“Energy use, emissions, cullet
packaging. We have a team
will look more closely at their
be one of the considerations,
dedicated to working on
supply chains both here and
the focus will shift toward
developing and implementing
abroad, and come up with new
cost efficiency rather than
emerging technologies and
ways to tap into regional growth.
cost reduction. Streamlining
each O-I region is responsible
workflows, and better visibility
for commercialising new
will be used by most
of enterprise information will
technologies and turning them
manufacturers, improving cost
also get increased attention as
into reality,” Slingsby told
and quality control, and allowing
these will help manufacturers
Product lifecycle management
82 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Continued on page 84
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Future
Pushing the boundaries
Into the crystal ball (Continued from page 82)
T
HE manufacturing
also intensifying shortages in
industry has played a
the supply of a growing range of
leading role in wealth
skilled occupations.
creation in Australia
These forces were emerging
for much of our history. In recent
before the recent global
decades it has undergone
financial crisis (GFC) and have
significant changes in the face
quickly re-emerged over the
‘smart manufacturing’ will be
of seemingly insurmountable
past year or so. The GFC itself
at the forefront of innovation.
challenges.
saw a collapse in global trade
Manufacturers’ Monthly. Manufacturers who embrace
Those who take the leap will be
Australian manufacturing remains
that hit manufactured exports
responsible for finding new ways
a vibrant and versatile industry
particularly severely and a
to protect the planet, and all of
that has shown over its history an
retreat from spending on the
us living on it. They will find ways
ability to adapt and prosper. It plays
part of local consumers and
to tap into new energy sources,
and will continue to play a vital role
businesses. This caution and the
and develop new motors that
in the Australian economy both
resulting weak domestic demand
allow cars to run without the need
during the current mining boom and
has persisted and has been
for oil. They will further develop
beyond, when it will be required
prolonged by the swift increase
affordable, modular housing,
to sustain economic growth in the
in interest rates over the past
allowing everyone to own their
absence of the windfall from high
year or so. On top of this, recent
home. They will continue to evolve
mineral prices.
reductions in immigration have
healthy, low fat natural foods,
Despite the ongoing
reduced demand growth and are
lessening the global obesity
importance of Australian
epidemic, allowing our children to
manufacturing, the industry is at
live longer, more comfortable lives.
a key juncture. The rise of new
poses formidable challenges
centres of manufacturing around
for the industry. Challenges,
forefront of this new wave. We
the globe – most notably China
however, are not new to
were 50 years ago, and we will be
and the boom in prices in mineral
manufacturers who are intent on
in 50 years to come.
commodities and the associated
adapting, investing and looking
rush to expand output and export
for new opportunities.
And Australia will be at the
Product lifecycle management will be used by most manufacturers in the future.
facilities – is at the centre of current challenges. On the one hand, Australian
exacerbating skill shortages. This combination of forces
The manufacturing industry is vastly different to what it was 50 years ago. The image of low-
producers are facing increased
skilled and highly labour-intensive
competition and lower prices in
factories has been replaced
domestic and export markets. On
by modern production systems
the other hand, with the Australian
featuring high innovation and
dollar at around 40% above its
technology processes and lean
post-float average against the
manufacturing requiring skilled
US dollar, imports are becoming
labour. Manufacturers have
even cheaper and exports from
increasingly extended themselves
Australia are becoming more
into provision of services around
expensive. The mining boom is 84 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Our manufacturing industry is pivotal to the growth of our nation, explains Heather Ridout.
Continued on page 86
Heather Ridout Chief Executive, Australian Industry Group
A decision for quality
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SICK
F
rom rudimentary beginnings, machine vision systems have developed into “smart
cameras” – integrated self contained standalone units with built in image sensors, communication interfaces, and industry standard outputs for connection to PLCs where image processing takes place. As well as possessing image capture capability, they are able to extract information from captured images and make decisions that are used in wider machine automation systems. However, most smart cameras remain expensive and require extensive integration by developers to be effective. Custom programs
Evolution. Today’s leading vision “smart camera” systems by Sick.
often need to be developed, while off the shelf software from third parties must be adapted. This is why Sick has developed
complete production control; • High resolution VGA imaging (640x480 pixels), providing
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evaluation and Ethernet interfacing. They are designed for trouble-free
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• SICK PTY LTD 1800 334 802 scarter@sick.com.au www.sick.com.au
Sick’s Inspector vision sensors are perfectly suited to many machine vision applications. With increased performance and advanced features, the Inspector I40 in particular can perform part inspection tasks just like a smart camera.
Inspector. Vision systems have never been easier.
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 85
Future
Pushing the boundaries
(Continued from page 84)
industries providing construction
manufacturing of high-tech goods
their core products. They are also
and building materials.
and related services.
increasingly globally focused and
Australia also is a very
There are, therefore,
competing and investing in world
significant producer of minerals
fundamentally good reasons to
markets. From its contemporary
and agricultural goods, which
expect that manufacturing can rise
base there are considerable
provide a source of tremendous
to meet current challenges, just as
opportunities. Three broad areas
opportunity for manufacturers in
it has risen to meet challenges in
in particular stand out.
food processing, metals, plastics
the past. This is not to say that the
and paper products, for example.
challenges are not very substantial,
There are clear opportunities in linking closely with the provision
Another broad area of
but it is a vote of confidence firstly
of manufactured inputs and
opportunity relates to our
in the industry itself and secondly
associated services for the
‘know how’ – the human
in the ability of Australians and
booming mining and mining-related
capital, technology and design
Australian governments to find
construction sectors. Australia is
capabilities that Australia has and
new ways to build for the future,
a significant mining equipment
continues to invest in. Significant
to make investments and to
provider and has world-class
opportunities lie in niche
encourage success.
9 1
.2 .9 4 2
86 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
1 1 0
“Challenges are not new to manufacturers who are intent on adapting, investing and looking for new opportunities.” – Heather Ridout, Chief Executive, Australian Industry Group.
The world of metalworking
INFO: VDW – Generalkommissariat EMO Hannover 2011 Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken e.V. Corneliusstrasse 4, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, GERMANY Tel. +49 69 756081-0, Fax +49 69 756081-74 emo@vdw.de · www.emo-hannover.de
Integrated systems specialists
ADVERTORIAL
Dexion
D
exion is a specialist in designing smart distribution solutions and integrating
them into a customer’s business. Now part of the GUD Group, Dexion brings together distribution functions and materials handling equipment with sophisticated software to build systems that increase productivity and profitability for its customers. According to Dexion Executive General Manager ANZ, Mark Barraclough, Dexion can service customers of all sizes in the region. “We cover the entire spectrum of businesses. From supplying high-end business systems where customers are moving many thousands of parcels or products a day, through to single operators who want some shelving in their office or racking in their warehouse,” he says. Barraclough describes Dexion
Quality is the cornerstone of the solutions and products we provide.
The Dexion Real Time Distribution System (RDS) bridges the gap between enterprise systems and materials handling equipment.
A sophisticated system that bridges the gap between
can monitor the system’s current
strong relationship based on
enterprise systems and
state and performance while
respect, shared knowledge and
as a specialist in designing smart
materials handling equipment,
having the mobility to move
ongoing support.”
distribution solutions and integrating
they combine to manage and
throughout the centre.
them into a customer’s business.
control the many components
“Readers will probably be familiar with Dexion’s market leading pallet handling systems, but today,
This mobility advantage
Dexion has “fully manned and resourced” offices in every state
of Kimberly Clark’s effective
becomes apparent if ICC detects
in Australia with an additional
distribution operation.
any mechanical problem. A
26 Dexion Supply Centres
Dexion has done a lot of
warning message tells the
(franchises – independently
Dexion’s distribution systems are
innovative work with its software
operator precisely where the fault
owned and operated) throughout
built upon innovative technologies.
controls and the field devices in
lies and he can move to the exact
Australia and New Zealand,
Many of these technologies
the distribution systems it has put
location for speedy resolution.
Barraclough adds.
Dexion developed, while others
in, Barraclough says.
Barraclough says Dexion is
“This mix of solutions, products
also very focused on quality.
and services ensure an unrivalled
(ICC) is a state-of-the-art component
“It’s a cornerstone of what we
ability to cater for the storage and
of the Dexion RDS that gives an
produce, what we install, and the
distribution needs of virtually any
developed technology is the
operator precise management and
solutions and the products that
business in the region,” he says.
Dexion Real Time Distribution
control of the equipment in the
we provide,” he says.
System (RDS), implemented
distribution centre.
are sourced from leading global manufacturers,” he says. A perfect example of locally-
at Kimberly Clark’s, National Distribution Centre.
Integrated Command & Control
ICC is a browser-based system. Using just a laptop, the operator
“But what makes Dexion’s way unique, is how we work with our customers. Building a
• DEXION 1800 100 050 www.dexionsmarterthinking.com.au
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 87
Endeavour Awards Celebrating 50 years of innovation COMPILED BY MARGARET TRA
COLIT In 1999, COLIT – trading
Drum roll, please
ANCA
as Punch-IT Systems – was
Formed in 1974 by two founders,
developed in Victoria by two
ANCA has since expanded to
machine operators. It sold
280 employees Australia-wide.
Integra Tooling Systems’
Specialising in CNC controllers
world-first linear high-speed
and Tool and Cutter Grinders,
coil punching lines, called
BY SARAH FALSON
on the night. These are: Technology
ANCA provides solutions for
Punch-IT. In 1999 an alliance
Ninety-nine entries, six months
Application; Consumer/Trade
complex applications. ANCA
was formed with Union Steel,
of hard yakka and two weeks of
Product; Industrial Product; Steel
cultivates an innovative culture
resulting in a division called
intensive judging mean we can
Innovation; Exporter; Environmental
to engage customers. It is a
UniBlanks to sell added-value
now reveal the shortlist for the
Scheme; Enterprise Connect;
complex and robust manufacturer
products to existing customers.
final two categories in the 2011
Global Integration; Safety Scheme;
that aspires to be a global leader.
Manufacturers’ Monthly Endeavour
Young Manufacturer; Lifetime
Awards – ‘50 Years of Innovation
Achievement; and of course, Most
Austal
LyondellBasell Australia was
1961–2011’ and ‘Technology
Innovative Manufacturing Company
Formed in 1988, Austal makes
established in 2007 by a merger
Application of the Year’.
1961–2011.
customised aluminium vessels
of Basell and Lyondell, with
And not a moment too soon.
LyondellBasell Australia
A huge ‘thank you’ to our
for commercial and defence
manufacturing sites in Clyde and
Because, as you know, our
sponsors who will be there to
applications. The company
Geelong. The company employs
magazine is celebrating 50 Years of
support us: Atlas Copco, SICK,
has delivered more than 200
153 workers in Australia, with
Innovation itself this month, which
Phalanx Consulting Group,
vessels to 37 countries,
38 operators at the Clyde site.
is why we made you all wait so
Advance Metal Products, Industry
and employs 750 people in
LyondellBasell manufactures
long to reveal the finalists in this
Capability Network, Export
Australia and 2,500 worldwide.
51 homopolymer and impact
category. You can thank us later.
Finance & Insurance Corporation,
Austal wants to expand its
copolymer grades and continues
Our country develops some of
Enterprise Connect, Skilled, ifm
presence in the defence and
to develop new offerings. Future
the top manufacturing equipment
efector, Siemens PLM, NHP, and
commercial markets.
markets include coal and gas.
and uses the best production
especially BlueScope Steel, who is
techniques in the world. We
this year’s overall Awards sponsor.
Byron Group
Marand
should be proud of ourselves
See page 18 of this issue for
Byron Group began operations
Marand Precision Engineering
for innovating, when market
an interview with BlueScope
in 1963 and focused on quality
was formed in 1969. In the
conditions are against us.
Steel acting general manager –
sheet metal products, building
beginning Marand focused on
Industrial Markets, Steve Gregson.
all the masts for Australian
making tools for the Australian
and French yachts in the
automotive industry, however
The Australian manufacturing industry is a tough beast, and it
For those attending on the
will continue to thrive during the
night, we will be treated to a
America’s cup series, and
in the mid-1980s demand
next 50 years.
special address from Innovation
supporting Qantas for Aircraft
lessened so it diversified
Good luck to all the finalists;
Minister, Senator Kim Carr, and
parts. Today it operates out of
into steel, mining, rail and
we hope to see you at the
we also have a little surprise for
four manufacturing facilities
aerospace. Marand aims to be
8th Annual Endeavour Awards
our guests to get us all in the
in Sydney, with workshops
Australia’s largest supplier to
ceremony on 25 May 2011 at the
festive mood. It’s sure going to
around the country. The firm
the Joint Strike Fighter defence
RACV Club in Melbourne. All 12
be a night to remember. Long live
has expanded into emergency
program with a possible $1.5
category winners will be presented
Aussie manufacturing!
services and airline support.
billion in contracts.
88 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Finalists 2011 Robotic Automation
Victoria. The company now has
products for home and family care,
other materials. WASA uses
In 1988 Robotic Automation (RA) was
22 employees producing products
including cleaning, laundry, kitchen
CAD systems to assist design,
born, with manufacturing facilities
with paper and adhesive, including
care and body care. Tri Nature was
producing an array of fasteners
in Australia and New Zealand. It
carbon neutral paper sticky notes,
the first company to manufacture a
from just about any material.
manufactures turn-key automated
note pads and highlighted tape.
phosphate-free powder for laundry.
solutions for traditional manufacturing
Stikki designs for the Australian
companies. RA integrates robotics
market and sells to business and
with its own custom-built end-of-arms
consumer customers.
(EOAT) tools, and other automation
O-I Asia Pacific Washers and Stamped Components Australia
O-I Asia Pacific, a local glass packaging supplier, was born in
Washers and Stamped
1980. The company has 14 glass
equipment to engineer an integrated
Tri-Nature
Components Australia
plants and one mould shop across
solution that aids the process in a
In 1989 Tri-Nature was formed
(WASCA) is a family business
Australia, New Zealand, China and
production line.
to bring the marketplace natural
established in 1964 in Victoria,
Indonesia. It specialises in glass
solutions for industrial, household,
manufacturing washers and
packaging for the beer, wine,
Stikki Products
and personal care. Tri-Nature
stamped components. It has
spirit and non-alcoholic beverage
In 1976 a small Australian-owned,
manufactures on-site in Kooragang,
since increased its capabilities
markets. Innovation and design
family business was formed in
NSW. It carries in excess of 200
to parts in rubber, fibre and
are very important to O-I.
Modern solutions with a timeless service.
INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR AND AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS.
NHP has been innovating the electrical industry since 1968. We provide our customers with the world’s best products, from the best global manufacturers - then customise solutions to suit the local market.
1 1 20
At NHP we aim for our customers to find “what they want, when, where and how they want it”.
8 196 Sales 1300 NHP NHP
nhp.com.au
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 89
Endeavour Awards Technology pivotal to product success COMPILED BY MARGARET TRA
a flexible solution encompassing full integration of a new robotic
Coca-Cola Amatil
system and modifications to
PET bottle self-manufacture
existing systems to enable them
Coca-Cola Amatil Supply Chain and
to remove the manual handling of
Krones Germany have designed,
timber pieces.
installed and commissioned two new production lines at Coke’s
SmartRider
production facility in Sydney.
SmartRider
These lines enable PET bottles to
SmartRider used composite
be blown and immediately filled
materials engineering firm Marco
on-line, eliminating the need to
Engineering in Brisbane to create
purchase and transport bottles
a unique horse-riding stirrups
from another facility, therefore
range called ‘Escape’ Breakaway
increasing the flexibility of the
Stirrups. The tool-making and
production lines.
plastic injection moulding facility was able to engineer the
Hawk Measurement Systems
lightweight stirrups in eight bright
Gladiator Self Cleaning Acoustic
The stirrups are designed for
Level Switch
safety, and ‘break away’ from the
A large export coal mine had
foot in the event of a fall, allowing
problems with microwave and
the rider to be freed immediately.
colours, with built-in UV protection.
Nowadays, it’s the technology that takes your concept from design to production that makes (or breaks) an idea.
admittance probes on blocked chute applications because
Govan Industries
of high dielectric magnetite
SAIPEM – ENI India, Power
manufacturing operations has
used an ‘off the shelf’ system
and coal fines build-up. Hawk
Distribution Panel
allowed the company to enter a
using ‘off the shelf’ products,
Measurement Systems used
Govan Industries supplied Saudi
new market, developing Carbon
which gave it a competitive
its automatic cleaning acoustic
Arabia a range of explosion-proof
Neutral Paper Sticky Notes for
edge since traditional military
Gladiator switch that removes
electrical power distribution panels
B2B and consumers. Though
methods are expensive. A
build-up and is not affected by
for the oil and gas industries.
most sticky notes manufacturers
new aluminium profile building
the high dielectric environment.
These were made according to
in Australia import their products
system reduced costs and Ryan
The acoustic switch is a dual
customer specifications. The
for cost reasons, Stikki can
has since signed with Boeing.
transducer system.
company used CAD, along with
manufacture various lines here
streamlined purchasing, planning,
in Australia. The Carbon Neutral
Benedict Industries
Fenning Bairnsdale
manufacturing, testing, inspection,
offering saves costs and waste.
Benedict Recycling Chipping
Robotic Timber Sorting and
packing and invoicing procedures,
Stacking
to reduce waste and labour cost.
Norton Resource Recovery
Ryan Aerospace
Facility
Helimod Helicopter Simulator
Benedict Industries’ Recycling
(MAR) designed an automated
Stikki
Ryan Aerospace (Australia)
Resource Recovery Facility is a $30
solution for Fenning Bairnsdale
Australian Carbon Neutral Paper
has manufactured the world’s
million state-of-the art building and
– a timber conservation firm – to
Sticky Notes
first low-cost, reconfigurable
construction waste recovery facility
eliminate the need for manual
Custom-made manufacturing
helicopter simulator using
in Sydney. The team invested in
stacking. The company required
equipment in Stikki’s Australian
advanced 3D CAD. The company
optical sorters, wind separation, star
Machinery Automation & Robotics
90 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Finalists 2011 screens, trommels, eddy currents
order to custom-manufacture the
solution incorporating a Major
production time and little waste
and magnet systems, saving over one
system. This removes waste and
Materials Robotic Loading System,
meant the unique vehicle has not
million tonnes of waste from landfill.
improves service.
a Minor Materials Robotic Loading
only found a market niche, but also
System and a SCADA system.
uses lean manufacturing principles.
Centor Centor Online iPad Application
Dulux Group and Robotic Automation
Brisbane-based Centor manufactures
Robotic Compositing, Handling &
hardware systems for folding
Stocking System
Fast ‘n’ Fun
Formero selective laser melting
and sliding doors. The company
Compositing the various powder
TA-37
(SLM) technology is currently being
developed its own ‘quote and order’
ingredients of a customised
Fast ‘n’ Fun, which hires radio-
used by Rex Bionics in Perth to
iPad application called Centor Online,
powder-coat product was a
controlled entertainment transport,
develop custom-made prosthesis.
which the company has rolled-out
labour-intensive process requiring
teamed with maintenance firm
The technology has already
across its business in Australia and
DuluxGroup staff to handle and
Mini Driver Grader & Earthworks to
been successfully trialed for the
overseas. It provides pricing and
decant loose, heavy bags of
develop the Trade Assistance (TA-
purpose of making a custom hip
technical illustrations, takes orders,
powders, in different sizes weighing
37) – an all-in-one grader, mower,
implant. SLM can provide custom
and prints quotes and orders on a
up to 25kg each. DuluxGroup
loader and dozer. The TA-37 was
metal parts in titanium and cobalt
mobile printer and emails them to the
worked with Robotic Automation to
manufactured of 80% roll-formed
chrome for the defence market,
customer. It then creates a production
develop and install an automated
steel from BlueScope Steel. A short
medical and dental industries.
They were able to deploy nine staff members to safer areas.
Formero Additive Manufacturing projects
The best product designers have an edge. Solid Edge. Design better.
Creative, efficient designers are the key to delivering better products faster. And no product gives designers a competitive edge like Solid Edge with synchronous technology. Solid Edge helps you create designs more intuitively and instantly revise any design, even complex models from other CAD systems. Learn how Solid Edge
will help you reach your design potential—and help your company realize greater success. Go to siemens.com/plm/gettheedge © 2010 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All rights reserved. Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. Solid Edge is a registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. All other logos, trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks used herein are the property of their respective holders.
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 91
STS - Camtek KeyCreator 2011 KeyCreator 2011 • Explicit modelling. • Hybrid design. • “DDE” Solid editing. • Superior Surfaces. • Integrated Drafting. • Excellent Translators. • Unbeatable PRICE that includes • 12 mths Maintenance & Support.
Austech Stand #
690
STS, CAMTEK,
VISI 19 - CAD CAM NCG CAM 10 NCG CAM 10 is the VISI 19 is a full CAD/ worlds easiest CAM system to learn and use. And STL machining is a breeze. NCG CAM includes the full range of HSM Milling from 2, 2.5, 3, 3+2 Axis and 5 Axis machining at BEST in Show Prices.
Tel 03 5625 5200 Tel 03 9588 2390
VISI 19 Expert 2.5D VISI Expert 2.5
automates all your 2 CAM system of the high- 2.5 axis machining est quality suitable for: using your own expert Automotive, Aerospace, knowledge base. ComTool Design, General Enplete AFR/MFR with all gineering & much more. features being machined Parasolids kernel with great translators, excellent Surfaces, to your custom settings. See a VISI Solids and 2 - 5 axis Machining. Expert 2.5D demo on Stand 690
Intelligent Drivesystems, Worldwide Services
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS THE “GERMAN“ ALTERNATIVE
Complete Drivesystems from a single source. NORD Drivesystems (AU) Pty Ltd 18 Stoney Way, Derrimut, Victoria, 3030 Australia Phone: +61 3 9394 0500, Fax: +61 3 9394 1525, www.nord.com.au National Customer Service 1300 00 NORD (6673), au-sales@nord.com
DRIVESYSTEMS
The Most Complete Range of Planetary Gearheads Â? Stocked
in Australia - supported ported worldwide Â? Suit all servo and stepper motor brands Â? Easy selec on with online Design DesignTool Tool
Â? Online drawings and
Â? IP67
Â? Stainless steel
True Helical Technology Â? Â? 100% Maintenance-free Â? Two year warranty Thinking â&#x20AC;&#x153;insideâ&#x20AC;? the Box Â? Quiet
www.apexdyna.com.au
A sh
m nts :1 EM 0 m kla -in eme c N p a 8 0 o & c b 2 0 r D epla .5 - 5 tric 3 Low R 1 Me izes 1 s
APEX DYNAMICS AUSTRALIA 36 Taunton Drv Cheltenham VIC 3192 Tel: +61 3 9585 2739 sales@apexdyna.com.au
Quality Value Delivery
Hoisting productivity without lowering safety.
ABB low voltage AC drives with direct torque control (DTC) provide smooth speed and torque control, cutting crane movement cycle times and optimizing crane capacity. Safety is enhanced via mechanical brake control with new productivity levels through quick and easy programming. To raise your productivity expectations to new heights, visit www.abb.com/drives
ABB Australia Pty Limited Phone: 1800 222 435 E-mail: drives@au.abb.com www.abbaustralia.com.au
THIS MONTH’S PRODUCT FEATURE IS THE VACUUM LIFTER JUMBO FLEX 35
The vacuum lifter that can lift and move a huge range of products weighing up to 35kg and can handle boxes, bags, sacks, rolls of film and many other items as well. Lifting, lowering and releasing of the load are controlled with a single trigger action on the operator control handle, this handle is also suited for both left and right handed operation
Millsom’s also have a great range of vacuum lifters capable of lifting up to 2000kg and jib cranes, bridge cranes and low friction track systems to suit most applications. HANDLING SOLUTIONS
LIFT & MOVE SHEET,
STEEL OR WOOD
EASY LOADING OF YOUR CNC
JIB CRANE
WORKSTATION CRANE
FOR THE WOOD INDUSTRY
The Right Advice, The Right Solution,The Right Choice MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, BRISBANE, PERTH, ADELAIDE & NZ
FREECALL 1800 99 22 11
www.millsom.com.au email - sales@millsom.com.au
maxon compact drive
Three in one. maxon compact drive Motor, sensor and controller in one. When it concerns compact drive intelligence, maxon compact drives are called for: motor, sensor and controller are all integrated in an aluminum case. Link the drive through the CANopen network and solve even complex tasks with the programming tool included, "EPOS Studio," in no time at all. maxon motor is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading supplier of high-precision drives and systems of up to 500 watts power output. Rely on the quality of the highly specialized solutions which we develop with and for you: Tel. +61 2 9476 4777, info.au@maxonmotor.com, www.maxonmotor.com.au
maxon motor driven by precision
fast track your business with Epicor ERP manufacturing & distribution software
Visit us at Stand 3507
w w w. c o g i t a . c o m 1300 COGITA
The right ERP business vehicle to beat the competition, built on: COGITAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience in your industry for 25+ years. Epicor ERP â&#x20AC;&#x201D; acclaimed software built for manufacturing, designed for individuals and ready for fast changes to your business. Proven performance implementations in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and New Zealand.
NMW 2011 Conference to focus on strategies for success An expanded National Manufacturing Week Conference will run alongside this year’s NMW 2011, on the theme of Embracing innovation for a competitive, efficient and sustainable future. This conference, which will be in addition to the demonstrations and product shows running in NMW’s demonstration area, will bring manufacturing leaders, consultants and policymakers together to discuss industry challenges. Its aim is to give participants the details of strategies
that have worked, as well as opportunities that are arising and actionable advice on why and how innovation can help business growth. Speakers will include experts from Toyota Australia, Schiavello Group and Branach Ladders, as well as from Government and consultant organisations. The full conference program and costs will be published shortly on nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au. In other news, strong bookings have meant that the combined NMW, Austech and Ausplas exhibition will take up most of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The NMW exhibition space has had a substantial face lift. It now features a simplified layout, based on 10 separate, colour-coded Product Zones to make it easier for buyers and sellers to find each other.
With so much to see this year, it’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead, so that you don’t miss the highlight events and exhibitors for your industry. Details are available at nationalmanufacturingweek. com.au. While you’re there, don’t forget to register! Registration is quick, easy and free and it’s the only way to get into the exhibition designed to bring vital news, insights and contacts for Australian manufacturing. Look forward to seeing you at the show. Paul Baker Exhibition Director National Manufacturing Week
Gearmotors \ Industrial Gear Units \ Drive Electronics \ Drive Automation
Drive Electronics from SEW-EURODRIVE It’s Simple
SEW-EURODRIVE understands the need for manufacturers to have access to both simple and advanced frequency inverters. With the MOVITRAC LTE B, it’s simple - an easy to use keypad and simple installation make it the ideal solution for simple speed control. What’s more, it’s now available with IP66 protection, providing you with added defence against dust and water in harsh environments. SEW-EURODRIVE – Driving the World
1300 SEW AUS
www.sew-eurodrive.com.au
Melbourne (HQ) I Sydney I Adelaide I Perth I Brisbane I Townsville
TUBULAR CONNECTIONS ARE SIMPLER WITH TUBE CLAMP Solid Dynamics supplies Tube Clamp range of fittings & tube which are suitable for safety and maintenance requirements. Tube Clamp fittings can be used to assemble safety handrails and guardrails for machinery and also come in many sizes and types to fit existing structures for maintenance purposes. Our fittings can be used on vehicles for portable safety rails and structures that can be foldable or fixed. Contact Solid Dynamics today on 1800 789 098 or email: sales@soliddynamics.com.au
Show Preview devices, including the popular ALV 100 compact multifunctional laser welder, as well as the Germanmade ACI laser marker, which is used for fast, quality, permanent laser marking of metals and plastics. The ACI WorkstationPROFESSIONAL laser marker is designed for larger workpieces and batch runs for the efficient and easy inhouse marking of serial numbers, bar codes, datamatrix, text or logos. The ALV 100 laser welder is ideal for precision welding of metals in the tool and die industry, sensor production and medical device manufacturing. 1300 367 648 www.m2lasers.com.au
4. DMG/MORI SEIKI DMG/MORI SEIKI Australia will host two joint stands and one exclusive stand at Austech, featuring three new, Australia-first machines. The DMU 65 monoBLOCK is designed as an entry into the high-tech world of simul-
2
108 | May 2011 Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
taneous machining in 5 axes; the NTX2000 is a high-precision, high-efficiency integrated mill turn
centre; and the NLX2500 is the
Tooling’s stand (584) at this
first model to be released from
year’s Austech exhibition. The
the new X-Class series of CNC
company will exhibit a line-up of
lathes. The company’s travelling
CNC machine tool accessories
column milling centre DMF 180,
to increase shops’ productivity
as well as the DMU 50 eco and
and reduce their environmental
DMU 70, will also be there.
impact. These include coolant
03 8540 4600
maintenance, clean air work-
www.dmgmoriseiki.com
shops, high-pressure coolant,
See us Austec at STAND h 635
and quick jaw change fixtures.
5. Dimac
For clean and healthy air in
IT’S ALL about productivity
workshops, Dimac is showing
and the environment on Dimac
the REVEN Recojet oil mist
3
After introducing the World-Renowned Absolute System to Digimatic Calipers, Mitutoyo now announces a further major breakthrough in electronic Caliper Design. The New COOLANT PROOF Caliper achieves an Ultimate Dust/Water/Coolant protection level.
The COOLANT PROOF Caliper can be used in tough workshop conditions where at present only a mechanical Vernier Caliper can be used.
M.T.I. QUALOS PTY. LTD. MELBOURNE 55 Northern Road, West Heidelberg, Vic. 3081. Phone (03) 9450 1900 Fax (03) 9458 3217
SYDNEY 5 Hallstrom Place, Wetherill Park, N.S.W. 2164. Phone (02) 9756 5577 Fax (02) 9756 5666 Web: www.mtiqualos.com.au e-mail: sales@mtiqualos.com.au
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 109
Two New Powermax Plasma Cutting Systems Now Available in Australia Powermax 65® and Powermax85® are the two new systems that come with more torch options, industry leading technological innovations and a more rugged torch design for greater durability in harsh cutting environments. A number of technological advances offer improved cut performance, reliability and ease of use. Smart Sense™ technology boosts efficiency by automatically adjusting gas pressure to the cutting mode and torch length, while Spring Smart™ technology in the electrode increases reliability by eliminating moving parts in the torch body. Despite these new features the new systems are 30% smaller and up to 20% lighter than the systems they will replace in the Powermax line up. New torch options including an ergonomic 75 degree hand torch and a 15 degree hand torch for gouging and cutting in tight locations. In addition the torches which are part of the Hypertherm new Duramax™ series are up to five times more rugged and durable than before. Westgate Hi-Tech Machinery stocks the full range of Hypertherm Powermax hand held plasma systems with consumables ready for your cutting applications.
ACN 087 591 044
Ph: 03 9391 1133 Fax: 03 9391 1244 5 Sutton St. South Kingsville Vic 3015 sales@westgatehitech.com.au www.westgatehitech.com.au
Show Preview process without the effects of
designed to be mounted on
heat, which prevents hardening,
X-Y cutting tables. The ma-
warping, dripping slag or amalga-
chine uses the company’s new
mation. The waterjet machine is
APC59T Windows control. The
capable of bevel cutting and re-
touch-panel reduces the number
acts flexibly to changing contours
of keyboard and button actions
and materials.
to a minimum, allowing the
03 9799 8788
user a straightforward, intuitive
www.ultimatelaser.com.au
control of the entire production cycle. The advanced software
8. Haco Australia
‘RoboTorch’ raises the bar for
At stand 582 at Austech, Haco
other plasma software on the
will be exhibiting a CNC plasma
market due to the simple
machine, called KOMPAKT
layout of the user-interface,
3015, featuring a Hypertherm
the company claims.
HyPerformance HPR XD plasma
08 9414 8009
source, which is specifically
www.hacoaustralia.com.au
7 5 WORLD CLASS PLASMA CUTTING PCS4000HD
100%
AUSTRALIAN
MANUFACTURED
+HDY\ 'XW\ &RQVWUXFWLRQ 'XDO 6LGH $& 'LJLWDO 'ULYHV $XVWUDOLDQ 0DGH Phone: +61 (03) 9305 2555 112 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Website: www.profilecuttingsystems.com
Show Preview
9 9. Hi-Tech Metrology HI-TECH Metrology, a provider of metrology and scanning products and services, will be
aided inspection and reverse
11
engineering on stand 687 at the
and information on a complete
10. Idronic
ties for fabricators, profile cutters,
upcoming Austech exhibition.
range of laser scanning technolo-
METAL fabrication software compa-
engineering and sheet metal shops.
With a focus on using the latest
gies from Hexagon Metrology,
ny Idronic demonstrates its innova-
LaserQuote assists parts program-
scanning technology to capture
Romer, Brown & Sharpe, Shef-
tive management system software
ming, customer relations and quote
and process high-resolution 3D
field, Leica, Kreon, Perceptron
LaserQuote on stand 693. Laser-
generation, as well as production
spatial geometries for reverse
and Micro-Vu.
Quote is a business management
control of various features in metal
engineering, visitors will walk
1800 283 095
system designed to manage and
cutting and fabrication operations.
away with practical knowledge
www.hitechmetrology.com.au
streamline all daily business activi-
The softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s built-in laser cutting
displaying the latest technology for 3D scanning, computer-
114 | May 2011 Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Show Preview
10 wizard can generate an accurate
help advanced manufacturers
and consistent quote in seconds,
become more agile. The mini fac-
and the software facilitates the
tory will feature real examples of
automation and creation of program-
some of the tools and techniques
ming where multiple parts obtained
TXM uses to achieve: shorter lead
from clients are nested together
times and a better and more flex-
using CAD nesting software.
ible service to customers; reduced
1300 437 664
working capital to free-up cash;
www.idronic.com
changed workplace culture with all employees engaged in improving
11. TXM Lean Solutions
quality, productivity and customer
LEAN manufacturing and project
service; differentiation on service
management company, TXM Lean
and a competitive edge to com-
Solutions, will be exhibiting at
pete more effectively with imports;
stand 505 with a themed ‘mini
and reduced costs.
factory’, demonstrating how lean
03 9607 8241
manufacturing techniques can
www.txm.com.au
116 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
8
THE WORLDS MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT RELIABLE PRESS BRAKES AND GUILLOTINES. Ground breaking technology is used in the innovative servo-electric SAFAN E-BRAKE. Higher efficiency, lower production costs, better ergonomics and responsible practices. SAFAN the specialists in the E-volution in sheetmetal working for over 70 years. Based on the remarkable XXL-Center technology, the RAS XL Center is a new folding innovation for roofing and architectural profiles. By folding the part up and down the new model reduces material handling to a minimum. With programmable tapered gripper positions for conical parts, the XL-Center defines a new class.
HIGH-TECH MADE BY RAS since 1939. If you want to bend precision parts, fully automatically at high speeds in high quality, regardless of batch size, with the highest levels of flexibility and total repeatability, then the full electric (no hydraulics) RAS Multibend Centre is the next level of metal fabrication for you!
E-Ventures CENTURIO the automatic sheet metal slitting and cutting machine with integrated coil warehousing systems and unlimited number of coil-storage places. Costly and time consuming internal coil transport has been eliminated.
Sheetmetal Machinery Australia Pty Ltd Unit 45/756 Burwood Highway Ferntree Gully Victoria 3156 Ph: +61 (3) 9758 9377 Fax: +61 (3) 9752 3305 www.sheetmetalmachinery.com.au email: sales@sheetmetalmachinery.com.au
INNOVATIVE - RELIABLE - PROFESSIONAL
ls o To e in h c a M & g in rk o lw ta e M Melbourne rubber reaps rewards BY PETER SCHOOLING
Mackay manufacturing manager, Noel Hawley.
MACKAY Consolidated Industries, an Australian supplier of engineered rubber and bonded
“They also provide significant safety improvements over the older machines.”
metal/rubber composite products, is reaping
Along with the Moorabbin plant’s equipment
the benefits of installing four new presses at
upgrade, Mackay is taking the opportunity to
its Melbourne manufacturing facility.
invest in its staff, with training designed to
The company supplies composites for
improve overall efficiency.
the automotive, transport, construction and
“We currently have twelve staff undertaking
industrial markets, and has recently received
a diploma in ‘lean manufacturing’ through
increased interest in its products from the
a course offered by Ballarat University, 50
mining, infrastructure and defence markets.
undertaking Certificate IV and a further 140
Two years ago, Mackay purchased two
staff scheduled to be put through the course
1,000-tonne presses for its Moorabbin
over the next 2 years. We expect to see
manufacturing plant to manufacture a range of
significant efficiencies as a result of this
rubber pads for armoured personnel carriers as
investment in staff training,” said Hawley.
part of a three-year defence contract with the Australian and Singaporean armed forces. The company has now added two 500-tonne
Over the next 12 months, Mackay will also be upgrading its smaller presses with the planned installation of new 50- and 100-tonne machines.
models to the mix to produce rail suspension
“The significant investment in new equipment
components, mining equipment and other
and our commitment to staff training are
assorted industrial items.
clear evidence of the commitment we have to
All presses were supplied by Taiwanese
provide our customers with the highest quality
manufacturer, TungYu, with the 1,000-tonne
Australian manufactured products coupled with
models working around the clock. Mackay has
the shortest lead times,” Hawley said.
reportedly experienced excellent performance and reliability from these machines, and
“It will also ensure we remain competitive
external), signature reduction materials for surface warships, tank tracks, road wheels and
against overseas companies in the future.”
pads, ballistic shields and launch silo covers
Mackay’s automotive customers are the
for ESSM missiles for use on NATO warships.
expects to see the same results from the new 500-tonne models.
The operator-friendly presses have boosted productivity.
likes of Ford, General Motors and Toyota. The company is also a long-term supplier to the
• MACKAY CONSOLIDATED
presses will boost productivity, enhance product
Australian Defence Industry, providing products
03 9276 4633
quality and provide greater efficiencies,” said
such as submarine components (internal and
www.mackayrubber.com.au
“These new ‘operator friendly’ state-of-the-art
118 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
A N I W G I M C I T A M D L E n a t W e g A I S W U a L Purchase ance to WIN! PTER ONLINE . h c r EG IS R u o ! y Y r T N fo WARRA 5,000 R A E Y 1 A EXTR
lden o H t s 1 e: d u l c n i Prizes Cash 3rd $1500 Fuel 2nd $5000
x $4
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WEEKLSY! PRIAZutoE-Darkening WIA Blue valued at Helmet, RP $154 R
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uary 2011 r b e F th 4 1 runs nder Competition th 2011. Authorised u LTPS/10/11952, o 0 2 until June 3 0/2929, NSW Permit N mit No TP 10/05243.2 1 er SA Lic No T o 10/4397 and ACT P N V IC Permit
u a . m o c . welding l details for ful
ls o To e in h c a M & g in rk o lw ta e M Robotic sin beam welding machine Electric turret punch press A SIN Beam welding machine from Austrian company Zeman
It incorporates a PLC control system with operating pane.
MAXITEC is now distributing Finn-
movement. A pull movement
Powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s E5x Compact Express, a
provides strokeless wearing for
compact, high-performance servo
the mechanics.
Bauelemente which is now being
According to the Perth-based
distributed in Australia has been
distributors, Specialist Machinery
called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;very rareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;game
Sales, the main advantages of the
changerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the structural market.
SIN Beam are that it is one-third
eliminates the bulky, vibrating issue
monitoring centres reportedly
lighter than traditional H beam
of hydraulics by using servo-electric
provide a safe production and
corrugated web beam production
machines. It is also said to be far
punching technology together with
fast setup with optional PCS and
line, in one unit. The fully-automatic
stronger because of the corrugated
programmable punch modes,
3rd clamp with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;moveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.
welding machine needs only one
web, allowing much greater spans
stepless adjustment of speed and
operator, offering welding speeds
and in many cases the removal or
position and accurate forming.
up to 1m/min.
reduction of columns.
The machine is essentially a
It offers a profile width of 333
electric turret punch press. According to Maxitec, the unit
The unit provides a 1250mm
Users can produce various
The Pneumatic clamps with central locking and sheet security
With brush tables, the system can handle a maximum sheet weight of 200 kg and maximum
x 2500mm working area
sheet thickness of 8 mm. Optional
to 1500mm, and a profile length
widths and lengths without
that reportedly requires no
lifting brushes provide an extra
of 400-16000mm (tapered: 400-
producing scrap.
repositioning of the job piece.
safety for sensitive materials.
The unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single water-cooled
12000mm). Web thickness is 1.5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3.0mm steel (optionally 1.5
â&#x20AC;˘ SPECIALIST MACHINERY SALES
servo motor operates on a ball
â&#x20AC;˘ MAXITEC
to 6.0mm); the unit can weld steel
0414 151 900
screw for its linear movement
02 8536 5800
coil and flange flat steel.
www.smsales.com.au
and a pneumatic RAM return
www.maxitec.com.au
Acra Machinery Pty Ltd
20 Fowler Road Dandenong, Victoria, 3175
ph. (03) 9794 6675 www.acra.com.au
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EUROPES NO.1 FABRICATION MACHINERY SUPPLIER AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA 120 | May 2011 Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
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602
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Hartford LG 1000
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www.cncmachine.com.au Phone: 1300 CNCSALES or 1300 262 725 * Specifications & Prices are subject to change without notification. Price excludes GST. Price valid from 24th till 27th of May 2011 #Finance is also subject to final credit approval by the financier
Automation & Robotics Lights out, machines on BY ANNIE DANG
of this type is ever going to be
A growing number of companies
cheap,” Bentrup advises.
have gone down the path of
Thorough planning, including
becoming an automated lights out
getting as complete costs
manufacturer, shutting down their
analysis, will help manufacturers
doors at the end of the day and
monitor costs and keep it under
returning the following morning to
control. Most importantly it will
find machines have produced an
provide a clear indication of
entire shift of products, with no (or
capital outlay needed to equip
limited) human intervention.
the plant with the technology,
For these companies the addition
the costs required to operate
of an automated third shift means
and the expected return on
more orders can be accepted and
investment in full automation.
produced through present production systems, alleviating growing
Multi-stage installation
pressures and remain competitive.
Air conditioning manufacturer
Andrew Bentrup, MD of
Temperzone is in the initial
automation specialist Maxitec, said
phase of a multi-stage
the most immediate advantages
technology upgrade to become a
of automated manufacturing is
completely automated lights out
the ability to plan production more
manufacturing plant.
effectively, and further in advance.
The company is consolidating
The other, he says, is securing larger
its growth strategy on automated
and more competitive contracts,
Finn-Power technology; a move
“Automated lights out
which management expects will
manufacturing gives companies
swell its employee base and dispel
greater scope to bid for bigger
any manufacturing myths that high-
and more demanding contracts,
tech software driven fabrication
as well as the confidence to
machinery results in downsizing.
not only win these contracts
“Shop floor staff are finding that
positive results; the company is
modern technology and the power it
but also deliver well on time
with almost all the labour component
now moving into larger premises
delivers to the industry,” he said.
and on budget,” Bentrup told
taken out of the equation, they
to expand its work intake and
Manufacturers’ Monthly.
can concentrate on core activities,
maximise its investment in
company in a position where it,
return far better productivity and
machinery and personnel.
if the opportunity arises, can
He says any company that
Software-driven lights out manufacturing allows companies to have a completely unmanned third shift running overnight.
“The owner has to see the
takes steps towards becoming
enjoy much safer workspace,” said
an automated lights out
Bentrup, whose company did the
to successful lights out
market but also step into the
manufacturer, considered to be
Temperzone installation.
manufacturing is vision.
international fold,” Bentrup said.
at the top level of world’s best
The Finn-Power setup, with
Bentrup says the key
supply not only its own national
“Business owners need to be
practice, is more likely to be held
the Night Train FMS automated
innovative and forward-thinking
• MAXITEC
in high esteem among industry.
handling system soon to be at the
in their use and adoption of new
02 8536 5800
This he adds will place them in a
hub, is said to ensure Temperzone
technology.
www.maxitec.com.au
better position to qualify for major
will eventually process sheet
local and international contracts.
“Business owners have to learn
metal in more economical coiled
to let go of long-standing labour-
• TEMPERZONE
However such prestige does not
form rather than individual sheets.
intensive processes and understand
1800 21 1800
come without costs. “No investment
The adoption has so far yielded
a lot of trust has to be placed in
www.temperzone.com.au
122 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Fast Charging is Charging
Leaders in Fast Charging Technology – the smarter way to charge. affer workking enviironmentt Fast Charging Technology eliminates battery changing by safely recharging batteries quickly in the vehicle during scheduled downtimes. Removing the OH&S concerns associated with battery changing, giving you a safer working environment.
aximising running time The downtime associated with battery changing and battery watering is significantly reduced through fast charging. Fast Charging Technology gives you the power to run long or multiple shifts on just one battery. Optimising the running time of your fleet.
bolish the battery room
CenturyYuasa is leading the way in Australian Traction Batteries.
By eliminating battery changing, Fast Charging Technology abolishes battery rooms for good. Which in turn, eliminates changing equipment, the need for special ventilation and acid neutralization infrastructure. Regain your battery room real estate!
Organiise your fastt chharge suitability inspection today!
educe operational costs
Phone 1300 734 580 www.forkliftpowersolutions.com.au
By abolishing the battery room, Fast Charging Technology removes the need for extra batteries. Maximising the productivity of your fleet by removing the wasted time of battery changing. Reducing operational costs by up to 70%.
Fast Charging Technology is universal and can charge any battery, regardless of make, size, voltage or capacity. It identifies each battery as it is connected so it can automatically custom charge several trucks and batteries of various specifications simultaneously. Maintaining optimal charging levels without exceeding safe battery temperatures.
Fast Charge Technology
LDRY CYBN694
echnologically advanced
Superior automation products offer flexibililty for any application HMI Direct sales structure: designed to meet the demand for more comprehensive technical service and support requirements for Australia’s growing factory and process automation industry. The new sales structure exemplifies TURCK’s commitment and dedication to providing locally stocked inventory and immediate service with a more aggressive
VT250 HMI touch panels combine control and application oriented visualization functions with integrated PLC functionality, providing unprecedented flexibility in communication capability. Serving as a gateway between fieldbus and real-time Ethernet, the VT250 netX controller supports multiple protocols with master or slave programmable capabilities, providing enough power for communication between virtually every fieldbus and real-time Ethernet system.
pricing arrangement for TURCK’s superior sensing, connectivity and network I/O solutions. Managing director Cameron Dwyer is
Serving as the only authorized distributor of Bihl+Wiedemann interface products, TURCK provides customers with a single supplier capable of meeting the most diverse industrial equipment needs by offering the highest-quality automation technology and interface products for industrial networks.
elevating TURCK’s position in the industry—striving to offer customers the best products promptly, reliably and flexibly. To keep pace with TURCK’s constantly evolving customers, Dwyer plans to rapidly expand the company and change its market position to adapt to the customer’s needs.
Sensing
Connectivity
First of its kind, two-wire DC sensor with Factor 1 technology delivers extended sensing range. Uproxx®+ sensors feature an integrated pre-damping protection to reduce metal-free mounting area in applications. Available in M12, M18, M30 and CK40 body styles with cable and quick-disconnect options— and like all TURCK sensors are weld field immune.
M12 true torque connectors ensure a secure connection— eliminating overtightening. The connectors are compatible with all M12 devices, with either a straight or right angle configuration, and available with 3,4 or 5 poles in both male and female versions.
RFID BL ident® the industry’s only modular RFID system with built-in I/O capabilities allows users to add additional I/O modules to the RFID system, plus up to 8 channels of RFID and additional discrete or analog I/O comprised on a single node on the network. Built on the ISO15693 13.56MHz HF standard, BL ident can be integrated into existing platforms while supporting multiple configurations including PROFIBUS®-DP, DeviceNet™, Modbus-TCP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP™.
Modular I/O The best I/O available offering a complete line of products designed to save time and money. Consisting of five product families and thousands of part numbers, I/O products can be custom designed for specific applications including, interfacing directly with motors, drives, valves, operator panels, push buttons, and analog and digital sensors—eliminating being locked into proprietary PCL I/O solutions.
Linear Measurement Q-track™ linear position sensors eliminate magnets, contact and noise using linear and rotary position sensors that provide absolute feedback with high linearity and repeatability. The solid-state, RLC tuned inductive coil design breaks through the limitations that plague conventional technologies, and are sealed to IP67. Q-track™ enables position without limitations.
Pressure Sensing High accuracy pressure sensors with programmable output place control in the user’s hands, allowing for output selection of either two switch points or a 4-20 mA analog output with one switch point. Providing optional rotation and varying pressure ranges, these pressure sensors provide the flexibility needed for diverse application requirements.
Direct is faster. And smarter. Over 15,000 sensing, connectivity, interface and communications solutions are now available locally and direct from TURCK Australia. Call us with your next application:
1300-132-566 turck.com.au
©2011 TURCK Inc.
Automation & Robotics Niche robotics hike productivity BY HARTLEY HENDERSON AN industrial robot supplied by ABB Australia and recently installed by Applied Automation & Engineering is delivering big benefits for a manufacturing company in the Melbourne suburb of Melton. MHG Plastic Industries, with some 140 employees, is a leading manufacturer and innovator of protective, functional and decorative automotive parts and accessories including body side mouldings, wheel covers, grilles, mudflaps and fender vents. The company’s plant at Melton is an 8,000 m² state-of-the-art facility equipped with computerised injection moulding machines and extruders. ABB Australia’s Olivier Coquerel says the IRB 4600 robot supplied
ABB’s IRB4600 robot tending an injection moulding machine.
to MHG enables more compact manufacturing cells with increased
compact robot, with its slim swing
Andrew Shaw, says that the
“The steel tubes are conveyed
production output and higher quality.
base radius, fine elbow behind axis
IRB 4600 robot installed at
into the cell where they are over-
“Greater process speeds and
3, small lower and upper arms, and
MHG is utilised to handle blank
moulded, checked for absent
lower scrap rates mean improved
compact wrist, means that your
hydro-formed steel tubes into
runner, trimmed, and then conveyed
productivity, and the new compact
production cell can be created with
a JSW1300 injection moulding
out of the cell as an RGOR. This
and optimised design enables
reduced floor space by placing the
machine (IMM), and the over-
process commences with the
flexible floor, tilted, semi-shelf, or
robot closer to served machines.”
moulded automotive front-end
tubes being loaded onto the
bolster assembly tubes (or
infeed conveyor which transports
RGOR’s) out of the IMM.
them into the cell where they are
inverted mounting,” Coquerel said. “The small footprint of this
Applied Automation & Engineering managing director,
126 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
singulated prior to being picked
“The robot then positions the
productivity improvements, as
by the robot. The infeed conveyor
RGOR over the attribute station
can accommodate 35 minutes of
to ensure, via stationary photo
production,” Shaw explained.
electric sensors, that all of
taken out of the cycle time, with
the runners are attached. On
the machine only operating at 25
confirming this, the robot loads
percent capacity,” he said.
“The robot is fitted with an end-of-arm tool (EOAT) that can handle both a blank hydroformed steel tube and an RGOR at the same time. During normal operation, the robot picks a tube from the infeed conveyor, moves to a holding position, and waits for the IMM tool to open. The robot then moves into the tool and collects the completed RGOR. The EOAT then rolls over and places the blank tube into the mould before exiting the IMM with the RGOR.
The IRB 4600 robot installed at MHG Plastic Industries is utilised to handle blank hydro-formed steel tubes into a JSW1300 injection moulding machine.
the RGOR into the trim station. “A trimming tool on the EOAT
well as other benefits. “Some 15-20 seconds has been
“There has also been perfect consistency of product and a
proceeds to trim all runners from
significant increase in quality. In
the RGOR and trimmed waste is
addition, there are substantial
collected in a waste bin beneath
safety and ergonomic benefits. The
the trim fixture for recycling. With
structural members for the front end
trimming completed, the robot
of cars that we produce have holes
picks and places the RGOR onto
and sharp edges, but the robot takes
the outfeed conveyor, which
away the need for manual handling.”
delivers it back to the operator.” According to Matthew Mannix,
• ABB AUSTRALIA
product engineer at MHG, the
03 8544 0000
robot has provided significant
www.abbaustralia.com.au
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 127
What’s New Desiccant air dryers
IP66 extension for inverter range
Spring scissor lift
ATLAS Copco has launched three new desiccant air-dryer ranges designed with low pressure drops and delayed dryer cycles. The new line-up includes two ranges of heatless desiccant dryers, the CD 25+-145+ and the
OPTIMUM Handling Solutions
CD 110+-300+.
has released the Palevator spring scissor lift, said to be
The third new range is the blower purge dryer, BD 100+-
an excellent solution for safely
300+, built for energy-efficiency
stacking pallets of heavy bulk
and endurance. By using heated
products such as paper, tinned
ambient air for regeneration,
food and bottled beverages. Requiring no power or
this dryer range keeps the energy cost minimal. A desiccant air dryer protects
The new IP66 model provides added dust and water protection for harsh environments.
compressed air supply, the scissor lifts can be used
production, equipment and the
SEW-EURODRIVE has released
quality of the end product by using
an IP66 extension of the
to 2.2kW) and three phase (up
said to be easily-transported
desiccants to adsorb moisture
company’s Movitrac LTE version
to 7.5kW), Version B comes in
around the factory.
from the compressed air.
B frequency inverter range.
three compact frame sizes.
These three new desiccant air
Version B is said to be
Available in single phase (up
It also boasts an integrated
almost anywhere and are
The lifts are available in stainless steel, hot dipped galvanised or
dryer ranges are suitable for the
suited to low-power, variable-
DIN-rail snap-in mounting
powder-coated finishes. The weight
most demanding industries and
speed drive applications, such
capability, which simplifies
capacity of the units are said to be
applications like electronics, food
as small fans and pumps,
installation, plus it features
easily-adjusted by simply removing
and beverage, pharmaceuticals,
machine tools and conveyors.
14 standard and 26 extended
or inserting the correct springs,
and oil and gas.
Previously available in both
configuration parameters.
according to the required duty.
IP20 and IP55 housings, the • ATLAS COPCO COMPRESSORS
new IP66 model provides added
• SEW-EURODRIVE
• OPTIMUM HANDLING SOLUTIONS
02 9621 9680
dust and water protection for
03 9933 1000
1800 066 008
www.atlascopco.com
harsh environments.
www.sew-eurodrive.com.au
www.optimumgroup.com.au
128 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Innovative valve automation
Measure your process & do something about it With modern technology valves are transformed. Seamlessly integrated positioners, feedbacks, pilots, network interfaces or integrated PID process controllers have opened limitless possibilities in process control. www.burkert.com.au | 1300 888 868
We make ideas flow
What’s New TRAJEXIA is Omron’s latest
Extended tube inserts range
motion platform, said to offer
STOCKCAP has added more
users the performance and ease
sizes to its tube insert range. It
of a dedicated motion system.
now includes round sizes from
Stand-alone modular motion system
13mm up to 100mm, square
The stand-alone modular system is said to allow maximum
sizes from 13mm to 150mm
flexibility and scalability.
and rectangular sizes starting at 30x15mm up to 150x50mm.
At the heart of Trajexia lies the
Manufactured from LDPE and
TJ2 multi-tasking machine controller,
available from stock in black,
powered by a 64-bit processor. It can do motion tasks such
the inserts come in convenient
as ecam, e-gearbox, registration
packs of 100, 500 and 1,000. Available for a variety of wall
control and interpolation, all via simple motion commands. Trajexia offers control of up to
thicknesses from 0.5mm up to
The system is scalable up to 64 axes, inverters or I/O modules.
8mm, all inserts push-in easily.
64 axes over a Mechatrolink-II or EtherCAT network, or traditional analogue or pulse control with independent position, speed or
torque control for every axis. Users can select from rotary, linear and direct drive systems.
130 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
• OMRON ELECTRONICS
• SINCLAIR & RUSH
1300 766 766
1800 003 211
www.omron.com.au
www.sinclair-rush.com
Cordless LED worklights POWERFUL cordless LED worklights that run for eight hours or more on one charge are being introduced by GO Distribution to provide optimum illumination and safety in manufacturing, fabrication, maintenance and recreational tasks. The new HEMIPLUS LED professional worklights provide powerful beams using LUXEON REBEL LEDs to exceed the light area intensity of a 75W beam, while also eliminating hot spots, dull areas or irritating halo rings. The HEMIPLUS LED was reportedly
Thermal imaging products FLIR Systems Australia has
revolutionise the way consumers
released two new product
think about infrared cameras due
ranges: the re-designed E-Series
to its small size and price.
handheld imagers and the i3 infrared camera.
The pocket-sized, multipurpose i3 for building and
The re-designed E-Series
electrical inspections is said to
handheld imagers are now
be the most affordable and cost-
packed with connectivity features
effective full function infrared
including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,
camera on the market today.
along with touchscreen and • FLIR SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA
iPhone App capabilities. The new i3 infrared camera
03 9550 2800 www.flir.com/thg
is tipped, by the company, to
built to meet the rigorous demands of the automotive repair industry, which needed a high-performance worklight that
Rotary lobe pump
would function strongly for an entire work
MATRIX Process Solutions has
pumped media with suspended
shift, illuminate an entire engine bay, and
introduced SSP Pumps’ Series ‘A’
solids, fibrous matter and sludges
recharge in fewer than a four hours.
rotary lobe pump for applications
with rag and grit included.
within general industry, mining,
The light is also useful for applications including industrial heavy vehicle maintenance, mining and
chemical and wastewater.
sizes up to 300mm dia, flow rates
Manufactured from stainless steel, the pumps can reportedly
manufacturing workshops.
The pumps feature standard port up to 680m3/Hr, and differential pressures up to 10 Bar.
handle low to high viscosity pumped • GO DISTRIBUTION
media and are said to be ideal
• MATRIX PROCESS SOLUTIONS
1300 544 369
for delicate media, froths, gels,
07 3200 3433
www.cliplight.com
emulsions and sludges, including
www.matrixps.com
www.colby.com.au
“
ColbyRACK is no problems, just solutions
“
The cordless worklights provide safety for the entire work shift.
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 131
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Energy-efficient air conditioners
'EFPI )RXV] 7]WXIQW )1' 7SPYXMSRW The units use R134A earth-friendly refrigerant to reduce environmental impact.
7TEGI 7EZMRK
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9RMZIVWEP 9WEKI
SPECTRACOOL indoor and outdoor
the front of the unit and direct
2IEX *MRMWL
'YWXSQMWIH 7SPYXMSRW
air conditioners from Pentair
the air upwards in a 90-degree
Technical Products deliver cooling
angle for the most direct air path,
to sensitive electronics within
reportedly provide redundancy on
enclosures. The air conditioners
the condenser side.
'SWX IJJIGXMZI
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132 | May 2011 Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
feature a dust-resistant treated
The units feature a modern, all-
coil, supporting filterless operation
metal exterior cover with minimal
in most environments and offer a
use of visible fasteners. The cover is
broad range of cooling capacities,
removable in one piece for repainting
power input and mounting options.
at the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location.
The units also feature rotary compressors and use R134A
â&#x20AC;˘ BERTECH INDUSTRIAL
earth-friendly refrigerant to
ENVIRONMENTS
reduce environmental impact.
03 9898 7544
Dual impellers, which pull air into
www.bertech.com.au
Monitoring relays
Linear encoder AMO CORPORATION has released the new IP67-rated LMB-410 spar linear encoder, said to meet high-shock, high-speed and highvibration specifications. The LMB-410 measuring scale features a stainless steel carrier and an adhesive-free mounting spar with a snap cover, and is said to perform similarly to a linear optical encoder.
The in-Case series feature configuration DIP switches.
The encoder operates on an inductive scanning principle which is suited for general purpose machines, such as machine tools, printing equipment and aerospace applications. The IP67 rating makes The encoder eliminates the need of a test box during setup.
contaminated conditions including being submersed in fluid. The encoder head can be equipped with wipers to
auto offset eliminates the need to use a test box during setup.
automatically clean the scale during operation, and according
• CNC DESIGN
to the company, the encoder
03 9417 2820
head’s gain compensation and
www.cncdesign.com
comes with all popular function
Group (ACE) and Hiquel’s in-Case
variants, combinations and
series provides an integrated
options selected by DIP switches.
range of industrial monitoring
Hiquel’s new offering means
and timing relays in a new,
that just three timing relays offer
compact 22.5mm DIN rail case.
all standard timing functions
The series was reportedly
and incorporate special features
designed with emphasis on
such as dual timing functions
flexibility, and incorporates a
and elapsed time indication.
new micro-controller. With just four monitoring relays, the series
• AUTOMATED CONTROL
offers single-phase current and
ENGINEERING
voltage, three-phase voltage, and
02 4954 5004
Thermistor monitoring. It also
www.aceg.com.au
www.colby.com.au
“
ColbyRACK is helpful advice on storage design
“
the scale ideal for dirty or
AUTOMATED Control Engineering
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 133
What’s New Custom cable carriers
Dust suppression system TECPRO Australia has introduced
suppressing dust that is difficult
the Elefante fog cannon to
to control using other methods.
its range of dust suppression
It uses water pressure of up
systems. Produced by Italian
to 10 bar through 156 nozzles,
company Idrotech, the Elefante
and the flow rate varies from
fog cannon is suitable for large-
14.8L per minute to 87.6L
scale dust suppression.
per minute, depending on the
Three concentric nozzle rings produce a mist of fine water
particular nozzle size fitted to the supression system.
particles which are propelled
Users can design their own cable carrier.
by a powerful fan a distance of
• TECPRO AUSTRALIA
up to 60m. The fog cannon is
02 9634 3370
said to be particularly useful for
www.tecpro.com.au
Automated quick die exchange MOTION Technologies has
and a measurable return on
TSUBAKI is now distributing cable
OnlineEngineer configuration
introduced the Serapid
investment, the company says.
and hose carrier solutions from
tool to help customers select
Quick Die Ex-Change, which
German company KabelSchlepp in
and configure the optimal
reportedly allows users to
of both standard QDX products
a variety of options, from light-
KabelSchlepp cable carrier system
handle dies and molds safely,
and custom-engineered special
weight micro-sized mono cable
for their application. There are
ergonomically and efficiently.
QDX products.
carriers up to large super-duty
also application photo and video
steel chain designs. The range
galleries on the site, along with
Technologies, the QDX program
total automation of a die
also includes carriers with 3D
2D and 3D CAD drawings.
covers the entire process of
transfer system.
movement for multi-axis robotic
According to Motion
Serapid has an extensive line
The system is said to offer
die change. Components are
applications and tube types for
• TSUBAKI AUSTRALIA
optimised for results that really
• MOTION TECHNOLOGIES
protection from chips and debris.
02 9704 2500
count to make the process of
02 9524 4782
www.tsubaki.com.au
die change quick, consistent
www.motiontech.com.au
The company offers an
134 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Industrial gloves for metal workers The gloves allow materials handling workers to effectively grip wet or oily objects.
Portable bunding system SPILL Station has released the Quickbund portable bunding system. Constructed from X-R5, a chemical-resistant material, it is said to not become brittle or crack when exposed to oils and fuels. Featuring fold-down walls for truck and forklift easy access, the standard 1,000L model folds down to a compact 500x500x100mm size and weighs 10kg. All of the 10 standard sizes, which range from 1,000 to
WORKERS in the metal fabrication
glove surface. Using this system,
them comfortable, healthy and
24,700L, have high-frequency
industries who have struggled to
oil penetration is eliminated,
protected.
welded seams to prevent
find an oil repellent glove with
thereby reducing the risk of
gripping properties should take a
dermatitis and eliminating the
creates a roughened surface of
look at an innovative glove option
users’ need to wear two pairs of
microscopic channels in an ultra-
The portable system can
from Ansell.
gloves in challenging applications.
thin nitrile coating on the outside
reportedly be deployed and
for grip with a barrier of nitrile.
functional in seconds.
The new HyFlex 11-920 glove
The gloves are said to allow
The Ansell Grip Technology
leaking and contamination. They can also be custom-made.
is said to provide excellent grip in
materials handling workers
oily conditions, by using Ansell’s
to effectively grip wet or oily
• ANSELL
• SPILL STATION AUSTRALIA
own Grip Technology in the palm
objects with significantly less
1800 337 041
1300 664 266
coat to wick oil away from the
force than usual, keeping
www.ansell.com.au
www.spillstation.com.au
www.colby.com.au
ColbyRACK is improved safety, reduced damage
“
“
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 135
What’s New Solar-powered desalination system ONESTEEL, in conjunction with
manufacturing plant the system
governments and organisations
Victoria-based F CUBED, have
can separate valuable minerals
wishing to provide safe water to
developed a solar-powered
and salts for reuse.
developing countries along with
desalination system, called
OneSteel Galvatube precision
Real-time USB thermal imager
industrial and mining industries,
MICRO-EPSILON’S
Carocell, to provide industry with
tubing makes up the steel
agriculture and horticulture
thermoIMAGER TIM is a
high-quality potable water.
framework of the system, for
operations, urban usage and as a
miniature, real-time thermal
increased durability. The steel tubing
replacement for bottled water.
imager with USB. The unit can
The modular system produces
measure temperatures from -20
safe, high-quality potable water
is galvanised internally and externally
from seawater, groundwater,
and is designed for outdoor use
an $11m MOU with the South
to 900°C, and offers thermal
contaminated and polluted water.
where greater protection from
Australian town of Ceduna to supply
sensitivity of 0.1K.
corrosion is required.
13,000 Carocell panels which will
The Carocell units can be groundor roof-mounted and emit zero
The Carocell units are
F CUBED has already signed
The system has exchangeable
produce approximately 200 million
lenses with 9°FOV (field of
greenhouse gas emissions. The
manufactured in different sizes and
litres of pure drinking water annually
view), 31°FOV and 64°FOV,
system uses no chemicals, filters or
multiple panels can be connected
as a result of processing sea water.
allowing temperature to be read
electronics and also enables rainfall
together in order to produce large
to be captured and harvested.
quantities of distilled water.
both near and far away. • ONESTEEL AUSTRALIAN TUBE MILLS
• BESTECH AUSTRALIA
disease-causing pathogens and
a high level of demand for its
02 9792 9085
03 9584 1133
heavy metals. If used outside the
Carocell systems, including from
www.onesteel.com
www.bestech.com.au
The purification process removes
F CUBED said it is experiencing
136 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
THE NEW Nilfisk CFM S2 and S3
Electrocylinders
single-phase industrial vacuums
PARKER Hannifin’s new HMIX
have been designed to meet a
cylinder is a fully-integrated
wide range of industrial cleaning
sub-system which combines
challenges.
tie-rod cylinder technology
Industrial vacuum cleaners
with a high-precision feedback
Available in a variety of configurations, the machines
transducer, manifold and
are said to feature strong, solid
pipework into a single unit. The internally mounted
construction and cutting-edge innovations such as an electronic
magnetostrictive transducer
keypad with LED indicators that
provides continuous analogue or
monitor the performance of the
digital feedback of the actuator’s position, derived from the
main and HEPA filters. The S2 comes with a 50L
servicing, the machines have been
99.97% of particulate, down to
collection container, while the
approved for electrical safety,
and including 0.3 microns.
S3 is available with 50 or 100L
according to Nikfisk.
collection capacities. Featuring a modular design for easy modifications, upgrades and
interaction of two magnetic fields. • PARKER HANNIFIN
• NILFISK
AUSTRALIA
multi-stage filtration, including
1300 556 710
02 9842 5110
an optional HEPA filter to capture
www.nilfisk.com.au
www.parker.com
They can be equipped with
Celebrating 50 years | Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2011 | 137
Materials Handling Green power in fuel cell technology BY ANNIE DANG FOR the local materials handling and lift truck market, alternatives to traditional forklift power have provided newer and greener options for manufacturers who rely on these technologies, especially ahead of a carbon tax which could be rolled-out mid next year. Crown Equipment general manager for markets, Craig Kenchington, told Manufacturers’ Monthly that manufacturing companies that realised their negative impact on the environment as a key issue a A fuel cell-powered Crown lift truck is refuelled at a mobile hydrogen refuelling truck.
decade or more ago will be the ones that will feel the least impact of any tax on carbon.
in materials handling to help
also Australia’s comparatively
“We don’t know yet just
mitigate future business risks
relaxed environmental laws
companies which use forklifts
how the tax will be applied or
related to the price on carbon.
and regulations compared to
the cleanest and arguably, the
administered, but the fact remains
These options include electric
its European counterparts, who
cheapest form of power in the
that those companies that are
forklifts which can be charged
favour fuel cell power as the more
history of the materials handling
already embracing cleaner energy
using renewable energy and
carbon-efficient solution.
industry,” he says.
options will be in a position of
alternative fuel sources, such as
competitive advantage regardless
hydrogen fuel cell technology.
However, fuel cell power’s
“Fuel cell power offers
“This is because the process
limited take-up in Australia
involves basically little more than
of what the final carbon tax
Electric forklift models are
reportedly has more to do with
hydrogen and water, both of which
outcome may be,” he says.
the most popular alternative
lack of awareness rather than
are naturally occurring.”
According to Kenchington,
source of clean power for the
price. It’s a new type of power
there are a number of options
local market. This is largely
which the market knows little
available to companies engaged
due to their cost efficiency and
about, explains Kenchington.
138 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
In fact, Kenchington says many companies in food manufacturing, Continued on page 140
Materials Handling Forklift safety barriers
Green power in fuel cell technology (Continued from page 138)
A NEW range of forklift barriers from Barrier Group – consisting of the
The barriers are designed to keep people and forklifts separated.
Post-Q, Menni-Q and Dock Safe Q – is designed to keep forklifts and people separate to avoid accidents. Post-Q provides impact protection
for example, are already using
which was established in 2008.
hydrogen onsite for production,
Locally, the next step in
but are unaware that that same
Crown’s fuel cell power R&D
source of hydrogen can power
is working with relevant
their forklift fleet.
Government authorities and
against low-speed manoeuvring
Menni also acts as a delineator
In the US market, Crown is
vehicles. It is a Modular Safety
against forklift tines or straying
already supplying companies,
the technology. The company
Fence which is non-conductive,
pallets entering walkways under
such as Wal-Mart, with vehicles
is currently in contact with a
corrosion- and abrasion-resistant,
the fence system.
designed and manufactured
number of applicable Government
and can be used indoors or
suitable customers to trial
for fuel cell power packs. The
departments and is in the
outdoors. The Impact Protection
deployment loading barrier dock
adoption of the technology
process of shortlisting suitable
Fence, Menni-Q, is designed
designed to prevent people falling
followed a 24-month trial of 20
customers for Australian Fuel
specifically for warehouses,
from loading docks.
Crown Fuel Cell Qualified Trucks
Cell technology trials.
Dock Safe Q is a rapid
factories and road work.
at the Warner Robins Air Force • BARRIER GROUP
Base in Georgia, USA by Crown
• CROWN EQUIPMENT
Barriers’ Menni System enables
1300 553 320
Research & Development division
1300 131 604
it to be fixed to the ground. The
www.barriergroup.com.au
dedicated Fuel Cell Project Centre,
www.crown.com/au
Used in conjunction with
THE CROWN
REVOLUTION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN Contact Crown now to be one of the first to see the new Crown C-5 internal combustion forklift, designed and manufactured by Crown.
131 604 crowninfo@crown.com or visit crown.com/au to learn more. There is nothing like a Crown, for picking it up and putting it down. 140 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
Powered by
Materials Handling Heavy-duty conveyor’s no rubbish BY TONY SCULPHER
The horizontal conveyor is 12
BRUNTON Engineering &
meters long, and the incline
Construction has recently
conveyor is 13.25 meters long and
commissioned two new, heavy-duty
then elevates 6.5 meters at 35
slatted belt conveyors for SKM
degrees. Both conveyors feature
Recycling’s new Waste Recovery
a 1,800mm-wide rubber belt, and
Facility in South Geelong, Victoria,
have the capacity to move up to 20
capable of handling 500 tonnes of
tonnes of waste products per hour.
waste per day. SKM Recycling, founded in 1999,
The waste recovery trucks deliver to the SKM Recycling site
now has four recycling sites across
all waste products as collected
Melbourne and Geelong, recycling
from household domestic recycling
household waste and distributing it
waste bins. The contents can
to 12 councils across the state.
contain all manner of household
With daily recycling exceeding
waste products from cardboard,
500 tonnes, SKM also provides
cans and glass, to non-compliant
recyclable collection services to
items such as automotive
schools, hospitals, government
batteries, and automotive engine
departments, and from commercial
components. The calculated
multi-stage assembly comprises
Unicase construction, offering a
and industrial businesses. Sorted
density of the waste product is
of a combination of one NORD
rigid, single-cast housing with high
recycled products are then on-sold
0.4 tonnes per cubic metre.
The NORD motors allow the 12-metre conveyor to move 20 tonnes of waste per hour.
Helical bevel gearbox and one
overhung load capacity. Featuring
The complete design and
NORD Helical inline gearbox, close
double output shaft seals fitted
furniture, and paper and cardboard
construction of the two heavy-
coupled together to provide a large
as standard equipment, the NORD
manufacturers.
duty slatted belt conveyors
range of slow output speeds and
assemblies proved to be ideal for
was completed at Brunton
very high torque capacities.
the dirty and arduous conditions.
to packaging, clothing, plastic
The SKM Recycling project consisted of one horizontal conveyor
Engineering’s Somerton, Victoria,
for loading of waste products from
engineering workshops.
the recovery trucks, and one incline
The company selected and
The NORD multi-stage assemblies are identified by
[Tony Sculpher is regional sales manager for NORD Drivesystems AU.]
the NORD type designation
conveyor for delivery of the waste
installed two 3kW NORD multi-
‘SK9072.1/32AZK-112LH/4TF’. All
• NORD
products to the existing sorting
stage geared motor assemblies for
of NORD’s Helical bevel and Helical
1300 006 673
systems conveyor.
this unusual application. The NORD
inline gearboxs feature NORD’s
www.nord.com.au
142 | May 2011 Manufacturers’ Monthly | Celebrating 50 years
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