Wohlers Report 2020 released: “users of AM are in the driver’s seat”
The 2020 version of the annual Wohlers Report, tracking the evolution of the global 3D printing industry, has been released.
Government releases defence sales catalogue
The federal government’s efforts to boost defence exports seems to be working to increase the pool of local defence exporters. Defence industry minister, Melissa Price released the fourth edition of the government’s Australian Military Sales Catalogue, which lists a growing number of exporters. The 2020 Catalogue showcases 170 Australian businesses – a 49 per cent…
Orbital wins new UAV customer in Singapore
Perth’s Orbital Corporation had broken into the Singapore defence market, signing a memorandum of understanding with one of that country’s largest defence companies. The agreement with the company, which has not been named, is for the design, development and initial low-rate production of multi-fuel engines for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A week ago Orbital deepened…
Aristocrat weathers virus thanks to digital gaming
Digital gaming is underpinning confidence by gaming machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure that it can weather the coronavirus storm. The Sydney company moved into the fast-growing digital and online space some years ago, and now gets 40 per cent of revenue from those sources. Sales of gaming machines and land-based gaming contribute 30 per cent each.…
Xtek makes first commercial sale of armour produced through proprietary curing tech
Composites technology company Xtek (ASX:XTE) has achieved what it says is a small but important first commercial order for armour parts produced using its XTclave curing system. The buyer is named as Tote Systems Australia, which will use Xtek’s lightweight ballistic armour plates in a soft armour and tactical vest system. The end product will…
Manufacturers hunker down for hard times as coronavirus hits
Now that the true extent of the health challenge facing Australia is evident, attention is turning to the economy where sales slow-downs, disrupted supply chains and closed markets are taking their toll. Today BlueScope steel and Boral became the latest in what has become a flood of large manufacturers forced to rethink sales and profits…
Coronavirus, bushfires, drought contribute to biggest drop in manufacturing conditions in two decades: survey
Business conditions for manufacturers have suffered their biggest single quarter decline in 20 years, according to the most recent Australian Chamber-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends.
Desperately seeking toilet paper, pasta or hand sanitiser? Some relief is just weeks away
By Flavio Romero Macau, Senior Lecturer in Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics, Edith Cowan University Panic buying, shop shelves emptied of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, pasta and other household supplies, supermarkets policing limits on buying products, Amazon and eBay stopping opportunists from selling items at exorbitant prices. When will things get back to normal?…
Canberra dithers on industry boost as virus takes hold
Canberra is doing far too little, far too late to seek help from industry in manufacturing the key tools Australia needs to weather the coronavirus pandemic. China alerted the WHO in December of the first cases of coronavirus, but it is only this week that Canberra seems to have taken any action to mobilise manufacturers…
Valiant Space successfully tests new rocket engine
Australian rocket company, Valiant Space, has successfully fired its ‘Momentum’ liquid fueled rocket engine, claimed to be the first commercially developed such engine in Australian history. The engine was ignited on 15 March at Beyond the Blue Aerospace’s launch and test facility, Funny Farm Space, north of Goondiwindi, Queensland. Black Sky Aerospace, known for their…