Manufacturing news briefs - stories you may have missed

Monash researchers show new way to ultra-strong titanium alloys

Monash University engineers have led a world-first study, which the university says has demonstrated how 3D-printing techniques can be used to produce an ultra-strong commercial titanium alloy and provided a significant leap forward for aerospace and other industries. Australian researchers, led by Professor Aijun Huang and Dr Yuman Zhu of Monash University used a method to manipulate a material’s microstructure, achieving unprecedented mechanical performance on commercially available alloys and described in the journal Nature Materials. “Our findings offer a completely new approach to precipitation strengthening in commercial alloys that can be utilised to produce real components with complex shape for load-bearing application,” said Huang. “The 3D printing plus simple heat treatment also means the process cost is greatly reduced compared to other materials with similar strength.”

NIOA wins fourth consecutive national award

Australian-owned arms and munitions company NIOA was named LAND Business of the Year the fourth year running at the Defence Connect Awards last week. NIOA was also a finalist in the Prime Contractor of the Year category, as well as Innovator of the Year for its work in creating the Australian Missile Corporation. “It has been a big year across the business and a great lead-up to 2023 when we will mark 50 years in the firearms industry,” said Group CEO Robert Nioa in a statement afterwards. “Our plan is to continue to grow as Australia’s leading firearms, weapons and munitions company, delivering on our promise to build sovereign capability.”

Northrop unveils MQ-4C Triton autonomous aircraft

Northrop Grumman Corporation has unveiled Australia’s first MQ-4C Triton autonomous aircraft at its Californian aircraft production site, at an event was attended by U.S. and Australian Defence officials. According to the American defence contractor, it highlighted the continued progress of the MQ-4C Triton program for both the Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Navy. Northrop Grumman said in a statement that the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system is a high altitude long endurance aircraft and provides real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The Australian Department of Defence entered a Cooperative Program with the United States Navy for development, production, and sustainment of the Triton capability in 2020. Under this arrangement, Triton is being acquired through a United States Navy contract to Northrop.