Global factory robot sales slowed in 2019, though figures the third-highest on record
A total of 373,000 industrial robots were sold in 2019, according to newly-released figures, with two-thirds of all new units sold in the Asia region.
Global carbon fibre market set back “four to five years” on the back of aerospace, automotive slump
A new report has significantly downgraded expansion in the global market for carbon fibre-reinforced polymers versus 2017 predictions, with the biggest change in the aerospace sector.
Industry 4.0 advanced apprenticeship pilot gains $7.2 million funding extension
The federal government has extended an advanced apprenticeship pilot, involving six universities and industry partners, with the next intake of students to begin early next year.
Highlights from the 4th International Forum on Additive Manufacturing
By RMIT Advanced Manufacturing Precinct and Centre for Additive Manufacture The 4th International Forum on Additive Manufacturing, delivered virtually on 9 September, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia proved by all accounts to be a great success. The Forum general chair Professor Milan Brandt of the Centre for Additive Manufacturing, RMIT University attracted a number of international,…
Australian Phase 1 clinical trials of DNA-based Covid-19 vaccine to begin
The University of Sydney has announced Phase 1 human trials of Australia’s first DNA-based Covid-19 vaccine.
Nufarm announces $456 million net loss
ASX-listed agricultural chemical business Nufarm has announced a full-year net loss of $456 million, down from a $38.3 million profit a year ago. The results included $215 million in impairments from its European assets, and the sale of its South American operations to Sumitomo Chemical for $1.2 billion, completed in April. “The agricultural markets in…
WA government announces defence industry training package
The Western Australian government has announced $18.3 million in programs to build defence industry skills, which it says aims to attract more defence manufacturing work to the state.
Tasmanian drone engine specialist earns $150,000 defence exporter grant
Currawong Engineering has been awarded a $150,000 Defence Global Competitiveness grant, assisting investment in production equipment.
Graphene strengthens composites in trials with Fremantle boat builder
ASX-listed First Graphene has announced a successful trial of graphene powders incorporated into composite construction materials with collaborator Ascent Shipwrights. According to the Perth-based graphene supplier, initial test work incorporating different proportions of graphene at 0.25, 0.5 and 1 per cent into a fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate showed improvements in ultimate flexural strength. …
Mobilising manufacturing
For the first time in years, our dependence on manufactured goods from outside of Australia has been questioned – all of a sudden, the kilometres in a supply chain really matter. By Peter Rowland.