Manufacturing news briefs - stories you might have missed

Researchers in crystal elasticity breakthrough

Scientists from University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology have gained new insights into the fundamental behaviour of flexible materials, allowing for the design of new building materials and technology, according to a statement from UQ. According to the statement, researchers have identified the origin of the restoring force that lets elastic crystals return to their original shape. Professor John McMurtrie from QUT said the method developed by the research team could be used to explore elasticity in other flexible crystalline materials. “Elasticity is ubiquitous and is fundamental to life and technology, allowing animals to move and sky-scrapers to stand up,” added McMurtrie. “Humans have used elastic materials for millennia for an almost infinite number of applications, but the molecular origin of the restoring force remained elusive until now.” The paper in Nature Materials can be accessed here.

NIOA appoints new BDM for North America

Defence contractor the NIOA Group has announced the appointment of combat systems specialist Frank Altamura. In a statement last week, NIOA said Altamura recently retired Project Director Joint Ammunition and Weapons Systems (PD JAWS) at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, and joins the company as as Business Development Manager – North America. Altamura “brings a wealth of knowledge to the company’s United States operations which include Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms”, the company said, and Altamura was “was instrumental in leading technical innovations, implementing acquisition changes, developing Department of Defense policy and regulation adjustments and coordinating munitions logistics with foreign partners” at Picatinny. NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa said: “As we continue to strengthen and diversify our participation in the US defense industrial base, Frank’s expertise will be invaluable.”

Study examines tin and tungsten in Victoria

According to the state government’s Resources Victoria, its geoscientists recently completed a study of granites from central and eastern Victoria “with potential to host tin and tungsten.” In a statement on Monday, the agency said the study undertaken with the United States Geological Survey “is the first to directly date tin and tungsten ore minerals in Victoria and confirms the state’s potential to have these resources.” Both are are important industrial metals and in demand globally. “Victoria is geologically like New South Wales and Tasmania, states known for tin and tungsten production” it added. “This further suggests the state has potential to have economically viable deposits of these metals.” The report can be accessed here.

IonOpticks makes new leadership appointments

Chromatography solutions manufacturer IonOpticks, announced “two key appointments to strengthen its global operations” on Monday, with Erik Verschuuren joining as Head of Global Sales and Zac Anderson as Business Development Manager for North America. CEO Xavier Perronnet said: “2025 is an exciting year for IonOpticks, with major product releases scheduled throughout the year that will extend our unrivalled column performance to a wider range of proteomics research applications, as well as adjacent sectors like bioprocessing and clinical proteomics. Bringing Erik and Zac on board as foundational members of our global team is a key step in our market expansion. Their leadership strengthens our international presence and enhances the support we provide to customers in key markets.”

Drone project bring UAS healthcare to warfare

A new drone delivery project led by Charles Darwin University’s North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) and supported by the Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) will focus on solving the technical, logistical and regulatory challenges of integrating large, heavy-fuel cargo drones into the battlefield operating system for healthcare purposes. According to a statement from the university on Tuesday, NACAS will work with Queensland uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) manufacturer SAIDYNAMICS to adapt their hybrid 2-stroke engine drone for long-range, cold-chain cargo operations, and involve Griffith University to develop navigation algorithms to locate drop-off locations in GPS-degraded environments.

Ampcontrol appoints new customer experience leader

Electrical engineering firm Ampcontrol announced the appointment of Murray Lyster to the role of Executive General Manager – Customer Experience & Delivery on Tuesday. Ampcontrol said Lyster will have a “dedicated focus on outcomes aligned with… strategic growth targets and customer needs” and joins the company from Innomotics Australia. Lyster also joined the Hydrogen Council of Australia’s board in 2017 and became its Chair in 2020. “Murray’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and driving transformative change in the global energy sector is exactly what Ampcontrol needs as we seek to lead the global energy revolution,” said Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol Managing Director & CEO.

Incat counts down to history-making Hull 096

Aluminium ferry builder Incat Tasmania is counting down the days until the official May 2 launch of Hull 096, the world’s largest battery-electric ship and the biggest electric vehicle of its kind ever built. In a post on Linkedin over the weekend it reminded readers of the “historic moment for Incat and the maritime industry” on its way, and which will “set a new global standard for sustainable maritime transport”. It added that, “Following the launch, work will continue on the interior fit-out and the installation of the battery system before the vessel undergoes sea trials on the River Derwent later this year.” The ferry is being built for Argentine fast ferry operator Buquebus. It will span 130 meters in length and be capable of carrying 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. There are fewer than 70 days to the launch at the time of writing.

WOA’s lupin isolate approved by China’s customs authorities

Wide Open Agriculture has received approval from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to export its high-protein lupin isolate into China. In the statement, WOA said its application “was supported by a local distributor who sees the significant potential for lupin protein in the Chinese market”, with commercial applications for the lupin including protein powders, plant-based milks, yoghurts and ice creams. WOA said it plans to sell into the protein powder and plant-based dairy markets, as well as marketing WOA’s alternative tofu product which utilises lupins instead of soy. WOA’s Chair Yaxi Zhan said regulatory approval “is a testament to the quality and safety of our ingredients and represents an important first step in our planned entry into the growing Chinese plant-protein market.” According to market research cited by WOA, the country’s plant-based protein market is projected to grow to $12.1 billion by 2030, following a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4 per cent.

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