May 2011 - Amtil

Preview
Austech – stronger than ever
Austech 2011, which will be held from 24 - 27 May 2011 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is already
conjuring up incredible enthusiasm, with the vast percentage of exhibitors being really excited about their
stands and what they will have on display. As such, AMTIL’s premier event is once again being seen as a ‘must
attend’ event by the manufacturing fraternity here in Australia. Exhibition organiser, Kim Warren, tells me
prospective visitors are already talking about turning up with their cheque book open, reinvigorated by the
upturn in the Australia economy and very keen to invest in tomorrow’s technology. To date, 137 exhibitors
from around the country have registered, occupying 5833m² of floor space. Some, 10,000 + visitors are
expected over the four days, further demonstrating the renewed confidence in Australian manufacturing.
B y M a r t i n O a k h a m
ith a focus being on new developments in machine tools, manufacturing
systems, automation, fabrication, precision tools, automation,
measurement, additive manufacturing and prototyping, there
will be something for everybody. Further, the manufacturing software
providers will demonstrate the latest in CAD/CAM, FEA, production
control, verification, part nesting, all ensuring increased process control
from art to part. Still further, Austech and National Manufacturing
Week (NMW) will line up alongside the triennial Ausplas international
plastics industry exhibition, making this a truly special event. Moreover,
with its new online presence (www.austechexpo.com.au) Austech now
provides exhibitors and visitors with an online forum tailored to their
needs, including easy online registration and stand booking information,
a list of exhibitors, as well as the latest related news and floor
plans.
“Austech ensures that local manufacturers have the opportunity
to gain comprehensive exposure to the latest technologies that will
enhance their efficiencies,” says AMTIL’s CEO Shane Infanti. “A drive
toward improved efficiencies within each company can have effects
right across the supply chain, thereby increasing the national industry’s
capability.”
The presentation of innovative products, solutions and services
from exhibitors will be supported by a number of initiatives. These
include innovateAustralia, the Manufacturers’ Showcase Pavilion,
Manufacture Link and the new Additive Manufacturing pavilion. There
are also a number of initiatives within NMW, these include: Automation
& Robotics, Materials Handling, Welding Technology and Information
Technology Zones.
innovateAustralia
The 370m² innovateAustralia showcase differs from previous years,
in that the main aim is to connect visitors with industry, in line with
our mantra to ‘connect inform and grow’. “Rather than the usual pure
technology dissemination, associated with past innovate showcases,
there will be a positive focus on what the technology offers in terms of
opportunities and where they lie.” Says Greg Chalker, Project Manager,
AMTIL. “Visitors will also get to see some of the products that typify the
opportunities that exist within each sector and discuss what it takes to
be successful in that space.”
The initiative has received funding support through AusIndustry’s Industry
Cooperative Innovation Program (ICIP) Via AMTIL’s Lynx project,
of which innovateAustralia is a major activity.
AMTIL’s project team has always taken the view that if it can promote
the adoption of leading manufacturing technologies, educate companies
in advanced management methodologies and process techniques,
then expose them to opportunities, it will place them on a steady foundation
for competitive growth. “Innovation in manufacturing is key to
global competitiveness and sustained economic growth, says Infanti.
“innovateAustralia comes at the right time for manufacturers and users
to get out and take a good look at the next generation of manufacturing
28 May 2011 Australian Manufacturing Technology