Most of us use products made in China every day and are aware of its growing economic power as a factory to the world. But China intends to become a developed nation by mid-century and integral to this ambition is its intense focus on innovation.
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Gas prices and global competition
Australian manufacturers are facing ever-escalating prices for gas. In 2016, local spot gas prices have gone from being substantially less than those in Japan to being substantially more. Spot prices will put pressure on contract prices.
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Key enabling technologies – the focus of the World Manufacturing Forum
Over 550 manufacturing professionals gathered in Barcelona at the World Manufacturing Forum in May this year to consider Industry 4.0 strategies. Bruce Grey shares some observations.
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Ultrasound could transform 3D printing for a future of smart materials
The advent of 3D printers supposedly means we can manufacture anything in our homes. But in reality most existing home 3D printers can only make things out of certain plastics, although there are industrial systems that can print certain metals.
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Hockey’s IP inquiry another opportunity likely to be missed
Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a wide-ranging review of Australia’s intellectual property regime.
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Five technology trends you can’t ignore
Australia's manufacturing sector of tomorrow will involve creativity, innovation and higher value products.
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How to prevent risk by ensuring employees are following correct procedures
A company's standard operating procedures (SOPs) are not only useful when compliance audits roll around every three years.
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Victoria’s economic future lies in exporting services
As manufacturing shrinks, what are manufacturing states such as Victoria to do?
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Acetal steals a march on metal machinery components
One of the foremost of the light, clean and tough engineering thermoplastics making inroads into the traditional domains of metal machinery components is that wonderfully versatile material acetal. Bruce Armstrong reports.
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