RMIT University engineers have created a new 3D-printed titanium alloy that is 29 per cent cheaper to produce than standard titanium whilst delivering improved strength and performance, according to research published on Monday. The team replaced expensive vanadium with readily available alternative materials to reduce costs. Lead researcher Ryan Brooke said the breakthrough addresses key…
Archer Materials has achieved accuracy improvements in its blood potassium biosensor and successfully demonstrated lithium ion detection, according to a company announcement on Monday. The Adelaide-based semiconductor company said its Sydney engineering team has made measurable improvements to the sensor’s accuracy while building on early test results from February. The biosensor is designed to measure…
Wood supplier ForestOne will close its dry sawmill and particleboard manufacturing operations at its Benalla facility, according to an ABC report on Saturday. The company announced on Friday it would maintain its green sawmill manufacturing and lamination line but scale back other operations due to increased manufacturing costs and weak market demand. Managing director Ian…
Robotic technology company FBR has launched a new automated welding robot called Mantis, targeting the mining, shipbuilding and defence industries, according to an announcement on Monday. The Perth-based company said Mantis uses its proprietary Dynamic Stabilisation Technology, originally developed for the Hadrian X bricklaying robot. The welding robot features an 8-metre reach and can operate…
Cold spray additive manufacturing business Titomic has launched a UK subsidiary. According to an ASX statement from the company on Monday, it has received a certificate of incorporation for Titomic UK Limited, marking “a key milestone in Titomic’s global growth strategy”. It named Les Gregory as Vice President for Business Development in the UK, where…
You have to get a lot right, but there’s an element of right place, right time when it comes to selling water heaters. According to Simon Terry, who runs one of the last three companies making water heaters in Australia, it’s a “no-interest category”, and you’re in the market once every 15 years. “My wife…
Wire arc additive manufacturing business AML3D has announced Arc Additive as a new, non-exclusive distributor in the UK and European markets. AML3D told investors on Monday that its European growth strategy is in alignment with the Scottish-based solutions supplier’s manufacturing expertise and target markets. The deal runs for two years. The Adelaide-based company announced plans…
Minerals-from-waste processing company Latrobe Magnesium has been granted an extension to its pilot project licence, now valid until February 2, 2027, by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria. The licence governs operations at its Hazelwood North site, where the company is pursuing its patented process to extract MgO from fly ash, a byproduct of brown…
What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Federal, SA governments tip in an extra $275 million for Whyalla steelworks as sales process continues The federal and South Australian governments have announced an additional $275 million in funding to support operations, workers and suppliers at the Whyalla Steelworks…
Forty grants totalling approximately $17.3 million have been awarded by the federal government under the Defence Industry Development Grants program. According to a statement on Friday from defence industry minister Pat Conroy, the second wave of grants follows 58 grants announced in May last year under the $170 million program. Grants are between $5,000 and…