Austeng Managing Director Ross George presents on the topic of Advanced Manufacturing at the Victorian Manufacturing Showcase 2016 held in Ballarat on 18/10/16.
Kit Haselden Photography – www.kithaselden.com
See the Courier Mail’s Article ‘Victorian manufacturers visit Ballarat for first regional hosting of the Victorian Manufacturing Showcase‘ dated 18/10/16
Austeng client Imagine Intelligent Materials Pty Ltd (Imagine IM), opened Australia’s first commercial graphene plant at Austeng premises on 14th June 2016. It was officially unveiled by local MP Sarah Henderson.
The pilot plant will produce up to 10 tonnes of graphene per year, built for Imagine IM by Austeng.
See full report here.
Austeng was pleased to host local Lara MP John Eren, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events last week when he announced a $185,000 State Government grant to extend the Geelong Manufacturing Council’s Industry Innovation Program. This program partners Geelong companies with Deakin University researchers to drive innovation.
Behind John Eren MP is Adapt-a-Pole’s new cutting edge power pole re-butting truck.
See Grant Keeps Program Alive article from the Geelong Advertiser dated 9/9/15.
A new 30kw solar system recently installed on Austeng’s roof is helping the company reduce its carbon emissions in line with its Carbon Management Response Plan and thereby minimising its carbon foot-print.
Managing Director of Austeng, Ross George presented at a Manufacturing Industry forum – “Leading for the Future” in Geelong at Deakin’s Waterfront Campus on 30th October, 2014. The Centre for Workplace Leadership (CWL) presented the findings of their research as to productive work practices that drive performance. Ross spoke about the process of Austeng’s transition from a company reliant on traditional clients such as in the automotive industry to entirely new areas such as bio-medical engineering and the “clean-tech” sector.
See attached copy of an article from The Age dated 31st October, 2014 headed “Manufacturer’s not ready for a depleted future, study says“.
A unique partnership between Austeng, bio-technology company Cytomatrix Pty. Ltd. and Deakin University has been recognized by winning the prestigious Victorian Engineering Excellence Award for Research & Development/Innovation at a glittering awards ceremony at Hamer Hall, Art Centre, on 10th September 2014.
These parties have together created a world-first manufacturing process for a new class of high value materials being novel or short nanofibres. These novel materials open up a wide range of new applications in bio-technology, medicine, materials science and other fields.
A successful, dynamic and interactive collaboration between academic and industrial partners has realized a multi-scale approach to short-nanofibre manufacturing. In a concerted effort, the various project partners contributed unique know-how with Austeng (project leader) providing fluid-systems engineering expertise, and Cytomatrix/Deakin providing the short nanofibre know-how and rapid prototyping capabilities including 3D printing. In 2014 Austeng manufactured, delivered, installed and commissioned the short nanofibre manufacturing plant.
Key engineering innovations of this project derive from design principles from the aeronautic and auto industries applied in an entirely-new context to generate highly-tuneable nanoscale fibre materials.
Ross George, Managing Director of Austeng commented that…”It was great to see academia and industry collaborating to produce such a good outcome for both parties and the Geelong region and to be recognized by engineering peers for the underlying engineering innovation and development”.
A “world first” short nanofibre production machine manufactured by Austeng, in collaboration with local bio-technology company Cytomatrix Pty Ltd and Deakin University was officially unveiled by the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Nick Wakeling at Deakin’s Geelong Technology Precinct. See article ““Hi-tech kickstart”” from the Geelong Advertiser dated 31/7/14.
See a recent article from the Industrial Capabilities Network’s newsletter “Long standing history with ICN Victoria proves lucrative for Geelong’s Austeng”
On 30th August, 2013 it was formally announced that Austeng was the successful industry partner of the State Government Skilling The Bay Geelong Future Industry Project. This project allocated $500,000 – funding to one innovative project that demonstrated capacity to transfer R&D from Deakin University into local industry to generate business opportunities and sustainable employment as well as training opportunities.
Austeng is working with local bio-tech company Cytomatrix Pty Ltd (in conjunction with Deakin University) who has innovative patented technology relating to “short” nanofibres. The successful proposal was for the design and manufacture of a pilot scale manufacturing plant to produce nanofibres for use in the medical filtration industry.
At the launch, held at Deakin University in Geelong, the Higher Education Minister Peter Hall said the project was a “great example of how Geelong can build on its existing strengths to create new industry opportunities”.
Cytomatrix CEO Mark Kirkland said “The short nanofibre technology is truly world leading and has enormous potential. At the centre of the nanotechnology is a nanofibre machine invented by Deakin, built by Austeng and used by Cytomatrix – We don’t want to sell the fibres” (see attached Geelong Advertiser article headed “City’s hi-tech future is here” dated 31/08/12).
See also Geelong Advertiser – ‘Fibres Future for City’ 4-9-13
Austeng has proposed adapting commercial wind turbine technology to an iconic structure proposed for Geelong’s waterfront.
JOH Architect’s Sea Dragon won $10,000 from Senia Lawyers in an Icon for Geelong competition to design a landmark for the city.
The design features nine wind turbines powering a floating corkscrew-like structure driving an undulating wave.
Austeng has built uniquely designed silent wind turbines for business and industrial sites on behalf of Renewable Energy Solutions Australia who are happy for Austeng to use its technology in constructing the wind turbine.
– read more (Article from Geelong Independent 7th March, 2014)
We were approached by a Carpet Transport Company to design and develop a specialised container trolley to be used inside a shipping container to maximise the use of space within the transporting vehicles.
The system needed to be self-contained, portable, self-powered and able to carry a maximum weight of 15 tons. The loading bays in which the system to be used were not level, so it had be capable of being loaded and manoeuvred on sloping surfaces to a maximum of approximately 5 degrees.
The risk with this project was to develop a system with a high degree of stability on a sloping surface. The extreme weights involved also increased the difficulty in developing a solution.
Research for this project was difficult to undertake. It involved physically inspecting the carpet rolls, the transport vehicles and the current loading technologies. A huge effort was invested in identifying the needs of the people performing the loading operations. Extensive data was gathered to be used during the design stage
Further research was conducted in the area of independent power sources as this was a critical aspect of the project. Many different options was reviewed, such as actuators, electrical motors, air and hydraulics.
Using the data gathered during the research phase, extensive effort was devoted to design the system. Many trails were conducted on various power source options. Air was originally the preferred method, however the results were poor. While the trolley was empty or on a flat surface, air provided the required power, however when the trolley was loaded or the surface was sloped, insufficient power was generated. The most successful source was hydraulics, however further design effort was necessary to increase the power output.
Once the power source was selected, the unit was developed. Difficulties were experienced with the operational aspect of the system. The operation of the unit was preformed remotely and it was found, during development, that the remote control could be accidentally activated, such as when placed in a pocket, etc. To overcome this problem, an isolator was incorporated in the development
Following the construction of the unit, on-site testing was performed. At one stage a hose burst which increased the risk of damaging the carpet from the oil. A drip tray was incorporated to capture any possible leakage. The problem was investigated to identify the reason for the burst, and it was discovered that the operator stopped too suddenly which effectively increased the pressure inside the hose. The addition of locking mechanisms resolved the problem and reduced the inertia created by sudden stopping. Other operational issues were discovered which required re-engineering to address.
Final testing of the redeveloped locking mechanisms produced positive results. Following a period of time, several mechanical breakages and hydraulic failures were report. Issues involved flat batteries were also experienced. Investigations were undertaken and most of the problems were found to be administrative – units not being charged and locking pins being lost. The flat battery issue resulted from an incompatibility between the charging method and positioning of the charging equipment within the shed – it was necessary to run leads across the floor, which was not acceptable. Several modifications were made including a fixed location for storing the locking pins and the development of a weather-proof connection for the battery charging operation which allowed the unit to be charged in more open spaces.
We have since manufactured numerous units for our client and have significantly increased the cost efficiencies of their operation.
We are pleased to inform you that Austeng is entering into an exciting phase of its growth and development. As part of a general strategy review and in line with our plans for continuing the company’s traditional success by entering in new and innovative sectors we have restructured our personnel to take full advantage of the current myriad opportunities that exist as well as position Austeng to move forward and look toward the middle of this century.
As part of a re-structure of the company we have appointed Marcus Cowie to the position of General Manger of Austeng. This role will be solely focussed on project managing and ensuring our clients’ needs continue to be met in the most timely and efficient manner possible.
Marcus, an engineering graduate from Monash University, will be well known to some of you given his previous role at Austeng as Maintenance/Service Manager. His attributes such as excellent communication and organisational skills as well as his demonstrated leadership qualities make him ideal for this role. He has previously worked on a variety of projects in design, mechanical, electrical and programming capacities as well as over project management including commissioning.
Marcus will be replaced by David Habgood – again a current Austeng employee and a Monash University engineering graduate. David’s experience in handling inquiries and project engineering as well as his excellent management and people skills makes him well suited for this role. We are currently advertising for an engineering graduate to fill David’s previous role as Projects Engineer/Jobs Estimator.
Ross George will retain the Role as Managing Director and be more outwardly looking, concentrating on such matters as identifying new product/client opportunities. His engineering flair and innovative thought will continue to contribute to, as well as grow, Austeng’s ability to develop practical engineering solutions to client’s manufacturing challenges and assist in clients developing new technologies.
Austeng has recently completed a custom built hydraulically driven “croc gate” system so Melbourne Aquarium Staff can expeditiously and safely clean the tanks of their new addition – “Pinjarra” a 50 year old, 750 kg salt water crocodile almost five metres long.
The three level Croc Liar is the centre-piece of an $8 million aquarium overhaul.
Austeng’s brief was to design a hydraulically driven (by 2 phasing cylinders) system of gates intended to confine the crocodile in its tank or in part of the land mass, particularly to keep the 700 kg croc out of the tank while the tank windows were being cleaned. While not in use the gates stay retracted under the ground floor and are not visible to the visiting public.
Click here to view the Herald Sun article (6/8/2013).
Eco Whisper Turbine 20kw
Silent, Sustainable, Superior Wind Technology
Presentation by Lyn George to Geelong Manufacturing Council in November 2012
