RMIT University engineers are investigating a combination of sound waves and the nanomaterial MXene that could triple the lifespan of mobile phone batteries. MXenes are a class of two-dimensional materials that are compared to graphene. They are highly conductive and are of interest in novel batteries, but suffer from rust issues. Distinguished Professor of Chemical…
Details
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has released a roadmap to decarbonise Australia’s alumina sector – crucial for net zero goals as the country is the world’s largest alumina exporter. Worth $7.5 billion to the national economy every year, the Roadmap for Decarbonising Australian Alumina Refining, outlines technologies that could reduce emissions from Australia’s six alumina…
Details
Shipbuilder Luerssen Australia has announced a milestone in its growth, with its workforce reaching the 200 employee mark. Over the last four years the company has expanded its teams in Perth and Adelaide as it delivers twelve Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Royal Australian Navy. Luerssen has six vessels under construction across…
Details
Australian manufacturing is racing towards digitisation, and none moreso than in naval shipbuilding. Here, Craig Lockhart explains progress being made in developing a digital shipyard to construct Australia’s new Hunter class frigates. BAE Systems is progressing the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigate and building a critical industrial capability that will contribute to keeping our…
Details
Space services provider Saber Astronautics has announced the first set of Australian projects selected for development on board the International Space Station (ISS). Selected with a focus on their manufacturing potential, the projects range from the seemingly frivolous zero-G beer bottle from 4-Pines Brewing, to in space repair utilising Titomic’s cold spray fusion additive manufacturing…
Details
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor and ACT Minister for Skills Chris Steel (pictured) are encouraging eligible applicants to enrol in Fee-Free TAFE courses on offer through the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT). Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, which will inject more than…
Details
A major $23 million upgrade to the Queensland node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility network was celebrated on Tuesday. ANFF-Q has state-of-the-art facilities, staff and equipment specialised in microfluidics, organic electronics and opto-electronics, biomaterials, novel semiconductor materials, and related testing. According to a statement from the Queensland government – which contributed $4.59 million to…
Details
3D Metalforge places itself in liquidation 3D printing bureau 3D Metalforge has placed itself and its Singapore operating subsidiaries in voluntary administration. Directors voted to propose voluntary administration to creditors for the Australian listed parent company and, separately, for liquidation of its Singapore subsidiaries 3D Metalforge Pte Ltd and 3D Matters Pte Ltd. No reasons…
Details
A prototype autonomous machine developed with the help of CSIRO’s Data61 division has successfully completed a trial at an operating nuclear energy site in South America, collecting real-time data useful for safeguards verification. The robot is referred to as a “Robotized Cherenkov Viewing Device” (RCVD) and was developed in a collaboration between Data61, Hungarian robotics…
Details
Opal Australian Paper is considering permanently shutting down the production of white paper used commonly for business documents and copying due to a wood shortage affecting its Maryvale, Victoria paper mill (pictured). The Japanese owned company has temporarily stopped manufacturing its Reflex brand paper, according to a report on ABC news, due to a lack…
Details