3D printing as a manufacturing aid
04 April, 2014 by Joe Hiemenz, Stratasys, IncThe primary reasons that jigs and fixtures are so abundant in manufacturing are that they help to improve quality, decrease cycle time and reduce costs. However, many manufacturers don't use such tools to their fullest because of the labour, time and cost required to make them.
MES market to hit $31m by 2017 in ANZ
04 April, 2014The Australian and New Zealand Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) market earned revenues of $22.8 million in 2013 and is set to reach $31.1 million in 2017, according to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan.
Sustainability - the key to success
07 February, 2014 by Rocco de Villiers*While most of the market fundamentals driving increased global demand are still prevalent, it is clear that only the companies which are able to manage cost along their entire supply chain, and manage production and scheduling based on better demand forecasting, will have the sustainable business model to thrive.
Domestic gas supply shortage predicted by 2021
03 February, 2014The 2nd Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO) has highlighted the challenges of domestic gas supply in Western Australia, the DomGas Alliance says.
Cooper Basin to boom in 2014
17 January, 2014The Cooper Basin is expected to boom in 2014, with some of the biggest names in oil and gas developing exploration programs in the region. According to Magnum Hunter Resources, the area will be snapped up within the next 12 months.
Productivity Commission highlights bleak future for Australian car manufacturing
10 January, 2014 by Kylar Loussikian, The ConversationA substantial increase in vehicle manufacturing is needed if Australia is ever to have a sustainable car industry, according to preliminary findings released today by the Productivity Commission's inquiry into Australia's Automotive Manufacturing Industry.
Industry is doing it tough
07 November, 2013 by John Immelman*Recent feedback from industry leaders paints a picture of a really tough automation, control and instrumentation (ACI) market. Projects in the process industries, certainly mining, have been deferred or mothballed, and the contraction in manufacturing continues. Both the process and manufacturing marketplaces are demonstrating no growth.
Annual industrial robotics report predicts a bright future
21 October, 2013 by Glenn Johnson, EditorThe International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has recently released its annual study of world industrial robot trends and predicts that the high demand for industrial robots will continue through to at least 2016.
ABB retains top spot in DCS outlook study
11 October, 2013ABB has retained the top worldwide market position in ARC Advisory Group’s Distributed Control Systems Worldwide Outlook study.
Default to China a manufacturing misconception
08 October, 2013 by Val PavlovicA successful company in the manufacturing and engineering sector is adamant Australia's belief that China is the 'be all and end all' in fabrication is something that it is mistakenly embedded in the Australian manufacturing psyche.
Unemployment increasing in minerals industry
26 September, 2013Unemployment in the Australian minerals industry has far exceeded national unemployment figures, a new report from the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) shows.
Growth to continue in water analysis instrumentation market
19 September, 2013Global Industry Analysts has released a research report which provides a review of market trends, issues, drivers, company profiles, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities.
Spending money to save money: technology from the IT world helps industry save
17 September, 2013 by Glenn Johnson, EditorLast week Garry Mahoney of Honeywell Process Solutions discussed bringing process data together to improve cost structures through better decision-making. Technology borrowed from the IT industry can help a great deal, but you have to spend the money to save money.
Improving industrial productivity: Honeywell’s thoughts on collaborative decision-making
10 September, 2013 by Glenn Johnson, EditorHoneywell Process Solutions recently held its Honeywell Users Group Asia-Pacific forum in Perth. ProcessOnline caught up with Garry Mahoney, who had some interesting things to say on better decision-making through making better use of process data.
Dying or just changing? Future of Australian manufacturing uncertain
03 September, 2013Uncertainty is brewing in Australia's manufacturing sector, Business Review Australia has reported. While Australia appears to have escaped the global economic crisis relatively unscathed, the manufacturing sector has been hardest hit by China's decelerating economy.
