Opinion

With Industry 5.0 kicking off, manufacturing companies are at the forefront of a technological revolution, seeking innovative solutions for their factories to drive operational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.

There are a multitude of challenges currently facing the manufacturing sector in Australia, not least managing an ageing skilled workforce operating on a 24/7 shift basis.

Since their earliest inception, metal additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have provoked much discussion and debate around the ‘revolution’ of manufacturing thanks to the unprecedented capabilities these technologies afford for producing complex metal parts and components.

In the dynamic manufacturing sector, where competition is intensifying and innovation is recognised as a key differentiator, manufacturers are always looking to enhance operational efficiency, minimise costs and elevate product quality.

In the precision-demanding realm of micromoulding, the selection of appropriate materials is not merely a step in the manufacturing process, it’s the cornerstone upon which the performance and reliability of the final product rest.

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.

The manufacturing sector outlook for 2024 remains cautious amidst several challenges. Fiscal tightening, inflation, and geopolitical instability could undermine growth in 2024, and if favourable economic trends start to unwind, the risk of a downturn looms large.  

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.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has witnessed an exponential surge in recent years. The process's ability to manufacture complex geometries, customised parts, and intricate designs is unparalleled.

Sustainability topics have continued to rise to near the top of the agenda for many manufacturing CEOs. More and more we are seeing their commitments published along with their investment in delivering environmentally sustainable business. But how well are companies doing, what else can be done, and who’s setting the example?