Feature

For many small and micro manufacturers, managing production and raw material planning has long been a challenge – limited by costly and complex enterprise systems that are often out of reach.

The heavy asset industry has proven resilient to economic, social, and environmental challenges it has faced over centuries of operation. In today’s environment of heightened technical advancement and greater-than-ever focus on employee wellbeing and productivity, Management Controls President Ken Naughton has identified several industry-leading trends that will impact decision-making through 2023 and into 2024.

Around 70 per cent of the world's population resides in structures made of concrete, making it the second most used material in construction after water, UNSW Sydney researchers said in a news release.

Across the continually evolving manufacturing landscape, the integration of automation solutions continues to move quickly. For metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes the same is true. However, the post processing of metal parts, which is critical for successful outcomes, has been largely overlooked causing serious bottlenecks in the process chain — until now.

Established as the Australian Research Council’s Training Centre for Collaborative Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing, the facility will focus on the implementation of cobotics with research programs addressing both technological advances and human and design factors needed when implementing new technology. 

The importance of having a resilient supply chain has been heavily emphasised as skyrocketing costs of essential items are showing no signs of slowing down in Australia and across the globe. 

In an era where supply chain disruptions, long lead times, and rising costs continue to challenge manufacturers, on-demand production is proving to be the smarter, faster, and more cost-effective alternative.

To become future-ready, manufacturers need to focus on data strategies, rich customer experiences, workforce upskilling and action-backed sustainability goals.

A widespread effort to limit and phase out the use of “forever” chemicals called Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is taking over the world, especially now that the chemicals have taken a foothold in almost every material in our everyday lives. 

In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a ground-breaking technology with transformative potential. From aerospace to healthcare, AM has revolutionized industries by enabling the creation of complex, customized parts with unprecedented precision.