Gilmour Space achieves “one of the longest hybrid rocket engine test firings in the world” [VIDEO]
Gilmour Space has announced a 110-second, full-duration test of the upper-stage of its three-stage hybrid launch vehicle.
Industry and science step up as keys to national security
Analysis by Peter Roberts Australia’s defence forces, science and industry appear to be working more closely together today than they have at any time since the 1960s on the shared task of ensuring the country’s national security. This became a little clearer in the past week with the release of the 2018-19 Defence Industry and…
Rivet repair tool goes into production
Engineering firm Valley Precise Global has begun manufacture of a faster and more accurate way to reduce potential fuselage damage when replacing faulty rivets on aircraft. VPG’s Rivet Hole Alignment Tool (RHAT) reduces demands on the technician whilst eliminating errors related to centering over the rivet for subsequent drilling and reaming. Manufactured under an exclusive…
Hydrogen electrolyser takes shape in the suburbs
A pioneering renewable hydrogen production facility in Adelaide has celebrated a construction milestone with installation underway for its key component, an electrolyser. Situated at Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA), the Siemens 1.25 MW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser is part of the Tonsley Innovation District, south of Adelaide. Tonsley, the site of the former…
VEEM receives second order from Damen shipyards
Marine propulsion and stabilisation company VEEM Ltd has received its second order for its most powerful ship gyrostabiliser from Europe’s Damen Shipyards. The order for a second VG1000SD gyrostabiliser (pictured below) follows the supply of the first of the 20-tonne units which was installed in the company’s new Fast Crew Supplier, FCS 7011. The VG1000SD…
Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed
Maggie Beer drives Longtable sales Sales of Maggie Beer premium foods are accelerating as the company beds down its role as a cornerstone of the Longtable food group. Maggie Beer sales were up 37 per cent in 2020 over the previous year, while final quarter sales were up 220 per cent on the previous corresponding…
Austal begins building its largest-ever ferry
Perth international shipbuilder Austal has begun building its largest-ever catamaran passenger ferry at its Cebu, Philippines shipyard. Although three metres shorter at 115 metres than the longest-ever catamaran ferry built by Austal, the new Auto Express 115 to be christened Express 5 will be the largest-ever by volume. An aluminium plate cutting ceremony was held…
SciDev expands to meet tunnel demand
Waste treatment technology SciDev has extended its involvement in the Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project works package and is expanding its Kings Park production facility to meet demand. The Perth company’s agreement with the CYP Design and Construction joint venture will now include its MaxiDry chemistry and Optiflox technology. The products will be used in the…
First round of grants open for federal product stewardship scheme
The first round for grants worth between $300,000 and $1 million under the federal Product Stewardship Investment Fund is open, focussing on e-waste.
Sure, let’s bring production onshore, but it might not ensure supplies
The pandemic has changed the way we think about supply chains, in particular the chains that feed our need for food, medical supplies, and defence equipment.