Automated packaging solutions being widely used in the UK are now available to Australian manufacturers, opening up new ways of extending shelf life. Mandy Simmons reports.
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Confronting new product design challenges
Design collaboration, reuse and publishing technologies can give Australian manufacturers a competitive edge. Scott Frayne* reports.
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Post-Olympic slump to affect IT budgets
WITH the Beijing 2008 Olympics over, increased attention has been given to the after effects that the event will have on the Chinese economy and, in particular, on the rapidly growing manufacturing sector.
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Laser cutters – an edge for global competitiveness
LASER cutting is gradually gaining its place in Australia and New Zealand. If adoption of this technology overseas is an indicator, as our fabricators grow their markets we can expect more laser cutting technology to come into play.
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Motor efficiency evolution
In an era where efficiency is in the spotlight, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to reduce energy usage. Katherine Crichton looks at how overall system efficiency is providing a solution.
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CNC customisation provides the economic solution
MODIFICATIONS to a standard CNC controller has helped special-purpose machinery builder MKM International to engineer a radical integrated single-stage processing line for aluminium profiles.
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Automating safety inspections
OVER the past few years, automation has proven to be an important tool in the management of safety inspections as it enables effective identification of major OH&S risks.
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Contributory negligence
Ray Schaffer* reveals how smart employers are reducing their Workers Compensation premiums.
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The golden rules of risk assessment
AT ITS worst, the risk assessment is a bureaucratic time-waster that does nothing to make workplaces safer. On the other hand, following five golden rules mean risk assessments can be both functional and lifesaving.
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Opening doors to energy savings
High speed doors have demonstrated their worth when it comes to efficiency, but now manufacturers are finding there are also environmental benefits to using these devices. Katherine Crichton reports.
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Outsourcing ends progress
THE demise of the instrumentation technician in Australia began over 20 years ago when formal training in this area ceased.
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Linking operations and management
WATER and wastewater plants share similar challenges with all industries: the supply of a quality product (safe, treated water of required quantity); minimising operating and capital costs; and meeting regulatory requirements.
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The ’10 good reasons’ campaign
ABB, a power and automation technology group announced the Australian launch of its campaign to encourage manufacturers to take a serious look at investment in robotics and automated plants, with advice on how to maintain a strong position against competitors around the world.
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The latest in robotic palletising
MANY food and beverage plants have automated their processes with a palletising robot. This trend will continue given the speed and flexibility that robotics offer, according to SA-based Hot Melt Packaging Systems (HMPS).
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Plastics company powers up output by 30 to 40%
AT Power Plastics in Sydney, hand-packing 3,000 polyethylene condiment bottles an hour was taking a high toll in labour costs and operator health and safety - in a highly competitive market.
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Integrated safety control protects workers
Using an automation system that is one of the first of its type in the Asia Pacific region, a New Zealand steel company has been able to support its safety measures and Zero Harm policy. Paula Wallace reports.
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Lean – a weapon during economic pressures
IT IS fully expected when interest rates show signs of increasing and talk emerges of economic challenges, mainstream media highlights the potential pitfalls for business.
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Motor makers helping to drive down costs
The continuing emphasis on reducing production costs in the manufacturing industry means that greater attention is being given to the efficiency, flexibility and longevity of systems. Hartley Henderson reports.
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2008 ASCL Award winners announced
The Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) partnered to present the Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence Awards 2008 on Thursday the 13th of November at the Sofitel Brisbane.
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Company consolidates to form largest automation business in the Pacific
SCHNEIDER Electric has announced that it will combine the strength of its core Australian operations with its Engineered Services division and specialist subsidiaries, Citect and NuLec, to form one entity as of the beginning of next year.
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