Industry News

K-TIG ADVANCES NAVAL SHIPBUILDING APPLICATIONS

K-TIG recently announced that it has been awarded a research project under the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP). The NSRP is a collaborative program of the major US naval shipyards, sponsored by the Naval Sea Systems Command which manages the procurement and delivery of ships to the US Navy. The Program’s continuing mission is to reduce costs associated with U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair and to share innovation IP across its members.

The objectives of the K-TIG project (titled Breakthrough Welding Process for Pipe and Plate) include: • Developing mechanised K-TIG methods for candidate shipbuilding and repair applications • Demonstrating that K-TIG methods meet NAVSEA

TECH PUB 248 welding procedure qualification test requirements; and • Supporting the implementation of K-TIG’s technology at the participating shipyard.

K-TIG is the project lead, with Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) and The Edison Welding Institute (EWI) also coming on board as team members. Additionally, NAVSEA and Naval Special Warfare Center, Carderock Division, will participate in the evaluation of K-TIG.

The term of the research project is 12 months and due to complete in January 2024. Under the research project K-TIG will receive approximately US$70,000 by way of research funding. K-TIG will supply welding services and process protocols under the research project. NSW LAUNCHES $30M FUTURE INDUSTRIES INVESTMENT PROGRAM FOR MANUFACTURING

The NSW Government’s new $30 million program is designed to ensure the state remains a modern manufacturing powerhouse by attracting more investment in industries such as medical technology, digital systems, clean energy, defence and aerospace.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the new Future Industries Investment Program would drive growth in emerging industries and ensure NSW remains at the cutting-edge of modern manufacturing. “NSW is the manufacturing powerhouse of Australia and is home to a diverse range of innovative manufacturers that make and export world-leading products. We need to ensure our state remains ahead of the pack when it comes to the manufacturing of highvalue products and that means backing businesses to establish and expand their operations right here in NSW.”

The new program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Modern Manufacturing Taskforce’s report, which is available online.

The Future Industries Investment Fund is an open, competitive grant program that will provide rebate support for eligible businesses that create a minimum of 20 ongoing net new full-time equivalent jobs in NSW; or invest a minimum of $3 million in capital expenditure (excluding assistance from this Program) within NSW as part of the overall project. Applications open on Thursday 8 December 2022, with further details available online.

A 2022 study by Roy Morgan has shown that 90% of Australians think we should be undertaking more manufacturing in Australia.

The study was held in conjunction with the second annual Australian Made Week in June 2022, a campaign that encouraged shoppers to buy genuine Australian Made products, and highlighted the importance of supporting Australian businesses following the effects of the pandemic.

1,000 Australians were surveyed on their thoughts on Australian manufacturing and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their purchasing behaviours and resourcing experiences.

The results showed that Australians are troubled by the number of products not made in Australia and reported a desire for increased local manufacturing and support of local jobs. 93% of Australians said it was important to build up the local manufacturing industry to protect Australians from problems with the supply of products made overseas. 76% of Australians reported being concerned about the number of products sold in Australia that are made overseas.

Additionally, participants said that the pandemic had emphasised risks and issues associated with international product resourcing. In the last 12 months, 49% of Australians reported having difficulty getting products they would usually buy that are made overseas, and 71% have actively been looking to buy more Australian-made products.

The results of this latest study are consistent with previous research that indicate Australians’ preference for Australian-made products and manufacturing. In 2020, 93% of survey participants said they were more likely to buy products made in Australia – an increase from 87% in 2019.

This article first appeared on australianmanufacturing.com.au

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