Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Commissioning underway for state-of-the-art $2 million web coater at Newcastle Institute for Energy A new tool at the Newcastle Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) Materials Hub will support sovereign manufacturing, according to Tobias Schappeler, the Managing Director of Scitek. Scitek is finalising the installation and commissioning of the Intellivation Roll-to-Roll Web Coater this week ,…

Seven things you need to know about lithium-ion battery safety

Dr Matthew Priestley explains why greater respect and education is needed regarding the use of lithium-ion batteries at home and in the workplace. Lithium-ion batteries are the most widespread portable energy storage solution – but there are growing concerns regarding their safety. Data collated from state fire departments indicate that more than 450 fires across Australia…

Robots and radiotherapy among projects awarded $18 million in Accelerating Commercialisation grants

More than 30 projects were awarded grants under the federal Accelerating Commercialisation program last week, ranging from pilot-scale superconductor manufacturing to an autonomous vehicle to assist blasting at mine sites. Accelerating Commercialisation is part of the AusIndustry Entrepreneurs’ Programme, and provides funding and advice to help “[b]usinesses, start-ups and researchers” reach global markets with “a…

Celebrating Australian sovereign capability — the local leader in the advanced air mobility race

Today in our Celebrating Australian sovereign capability editorial series we look at advanced air mobility manufacturer AMSL Aero, which recently achieved its maiden flight. Brent Balinski speaks to co-founder and CEO Andrew Moore about their progress so far, the potential of electric aviation, and the importance of companies making final products in Australia. There are…

Celebrating Australian sovereign capability – report card on our capability sectors

Yesterday in our series – Celebrating Australian sovereign capability – Lance Worrall argued that sovereign capability is about a nation making things it needs, and policy with purpose. Today he identifies Australia’s priority sovereign capability sectors, and reveals where we are falling short. Over 30 years Australia overdosed on neoliberalism. The patient’s disorders include deindustrialisation…

Finding one’s special purpose (podcast)

By Brent Balinski “Geelong’s had an interesting evolution and obviously the company in its various forms reflects that,” Ross George, Managing Director of Austeng, a self-described boutique engineering firm plying its trade in the city.  “My grandfather supplied parts to International Harvester, Ford, Alcoa, Pilkington Glass, and so all the Geelong-based automotive businesses, which have…

Celebrating female manufacturing leaders on International Womens Day

On International Women’s Day 2023, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) has celebrated six female manufacturing leaders – all with distinct career journeys – who are challenging stereotypes and misconceptions to pursue a career in manufacturing. Here @AuManufacturing presents their stories. A podiatrist. A fashion business founder. A biomedical researcher. These are just three of…