Ms Jan Jarratt MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment & Economic Development in Queensland officiated at the launch of the Queensland node of the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) held at Millatec Engineering’s new facilities at Sherwood.

“Queensland is at the leading edge of Defence research in materials science,” says Dr Mark Hodge, CEO of DMTC. “Our Queensland researchers are working with local manufacturers to break down the barriers preventing them from taking part in the global defence supply chain.”

The DMTC is a joint venture between defence, industry, universities and government research agencies whose Queensland node is supported by the Queensland Government’s Smart Futures fund and managed by the CAST Cooperative Research Centre.

Along with major research programs in air platforms and propulsion systems, DMTC’s Queensland researchers are looking into so-called “enabling” technologies required for local fabrication of components based on new materials such as titanium. 

One area of significant interest is precision machining, the speciality of Brisbane-based company Millatec Engineering.

“As a participant in the DMTC our company has already benefited from a collaborative research project that has reduced the machining time of some components and boosted our productivity,” says James Johnson, managing director of Millatec. “We are looking forward to applying the same principles to titanium, stainless steel and tool steel machining activities.”

The improved capability within Millatec will increase turnover and create employment opportunities for a further three to six people. 

Millatec is one of the Queensland companies benefiting from the DMTC’s technology transfer program, which allows businesses to access DMTC technologies while working closely with the defence supply chain.

“Queensland SMEs will now be able to bid into global defence supply chains in partnership with or independently of the leading prime contractors to the Australian Defence Force,” says DMTC CEO Mark Hodge. 

In one example of the close R&D relationship between SMEs and defence contractors, Millatec is working with BAE Systems’ research team in Adelaide on benchmarking and other titanium machining activities.

The host of the launch, George Collins, CAST CEO predicts the node will benefit small and large Queensland manufacturers, “DMTC brings together Australia’s top experts and innovative companies to develop new materials and manufacturing technologies for defence applications.  These technologies can also be used in non-defence applications and will help companies maintain and win new manufacturing business from both Australia and overseas.”

Ms Jan Jarratt MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment & Economic Development in Queensland officiated at the launch of the Queensland node of the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) held at Millatec Engineering’s new facilities at Sherwood.

“Queensland is at the leading edge of Defence research in materials science,” says Dr Mark Hodge, CEO of DMTC. “Our Queensland researchers are working with local manufacturers to break down the barriers preventing them from taking part in the global defence supply chain.”

The DMTC is a joint venture between defence, industry, universities and government research agencies whose Queensland node is supported by the Queensland Government’s Smart Futures fund and managed by the CAST Cooperative Research Centre.

Along with major research programs in air platforms and propulsion systems, DMTC’s Queensland researchers are looking into so-called “enabling” technologies required for local fabrication of components based on new materials such as titanium. 

One area of significant interest is precision machining, the speciality of Brisbane-based company Millatec Engineering.

“As a participant in the DMTC our company has already benefited from a collaborative research project that has reduced the machining time of some components and boosted our productivity,” says James Johnson, managing director of Millatec. “We are looking forward to applying the same principles to titanium, stainless steel and tool steel machining activities.”

The improved capability within Millatec will increase turnover and create employment opportunities for a further three to six people. 

Millatec is one of the Queensland companies benefiting from the DMTC’s technology transfer program, which allows businesses to access DMTC technologies while working closely with the defence supply chain.

“Queensland SMEs will now be able to bid into global defence supply chains in partnership with or independently of the leading prime contractors to the Australian Defence Force,” says DMTC CEO Mark Hodge. 

In one example of the close R&D relationship between SMEs and defence contractors, Millatec is working with BAE Systems’ research team in Adelaide on benchmarking and other titanium machining activities.

The host of the launch, George Collins, CAST CEO  predicts the node will benefit small and large Queensland manufacturers, “DMTC brings together Australia’s top experts and innovative companies to develop new materials and manufacturing technologies for defence applications.  These technologies can also be used in non-defence applications and will help companies maintain and win new manufacturing business from both Australia and overseas.” 

Note: High resolution photos of the launch and Millatec facilities are available on request.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jasmine Smith, DMTC Communications Manager, E. jasmine.smith@dmtc.com.au or P. 0439 034 562

Sue Keay, CAST Communication Manager E. s.keay@cast.org.au or P. 0408 778 667

ABOUT DMTC:     

The Defence Materials Technology Centre is a technology development joint venture that develops new  materials and manufacturing technologies for the Australian defence sector.  It has activities in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia. DMTC is the Australian Government’s first Defence Future Capability Technology Centre.  Visit www.dmtc.com.au

ABOUT CAST CRC:      

CAST is a collaboration between industry, researchers and the government conducting industry-driven research in metals technology and manufacturing.  It is funded under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres program.  Visit www.cast.org.au

ABOUT MILLATEC ENGINEERING:          

Millatec is a Queensland-based precision machining company.  Providing services to a range of industry sectors such as defence, telecommunications, avionics, automotive suppliers, tool making and medical instrumentation. The company is equipped for prototyping and small run production and also has the facilities to undertake selected high volume machining. Visit www.millatec.com.au

DMTC’s Queensland participants will host a launch of the DMTC’s Queensland node and Millatec Engineering’s new Brisbane facilities, while NSW participants will host a launch of the DMTC’s NSW node and the Lean Automation Technology Demonstrator.

The Queensland event will be held on 9 March at Millatec’s Sherwood premises.

DMTC’s Queensland node hosts research programs in Air Platforms and Propulsion Systems.  In addition to these major research programs, the node also conducts research into enabling technologies (e.g. for machining, joining coatings, robotics and lean automation) that will be required for economical fabrication and maintenance of components based on new materials. 

The work on machining is of particular interest to local machining specialist and DMTC participant, Millatec Engineering.  The launch of the Queensland node coincided with Millatec moving into new premises so there will be two reasons to celebrate at the Queensland event.

 The NSW node of the Defence Materials Technology Centre and the Lean Automation Technology Demonstrator will be launched at the University of Wollongong on 24 March.

The NSW Technology Demonstrator includes several state-of-the-art robotic and welding facilities in an integrated cell which allows the latest manufacturing technology to be explored by industry partners. Many of the systems involved are unique within Australia.

The technology demonstrator was funded through the NSW Science Leverage Fund in support of DMTC. The University of Wollongong, ANSTO and Bluescope Steel are Core Participants of DMTC centre and Supporting Participants include a range of NSW SMEs. The research being carried out by UOW and ANSTO is mainly directed at improvements in Armour protection for land platforms and new materials and production technology for maritime platforms.

The conference will interest members from industry and research sectors who have a generic interest in the potential development and exploitation of new and advanced Australian technology that may have potential application to JSF. It is also a forum for industry and researchers to identify shortcomings and new capabilities required to present a more competitive package of opportunities.

The Conference is to be formally opened by The Hon. Greg Combet AM MP, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science.

The first two days will be held at Hilton On The Park, Melbourne, in a formal conference format focused on advanced technology relevant to JSF.

The third day, Wednesday 5 May, will be sponsored by the Victoria Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development, and will be in the form of Industry Technology Workshops that address specialist industry areas and how best to provide a focus for JSF activities at the national level.

In an invitation to interested parties, Air Vice-Marshal J.P.Harvey, Program Manager for New Air Combat Capability, said the Conference aimed to build on the success of the three earlier Conferences and the strong ongoing support from Australian industry and R&D organisations.

“This year we plan to build on our theme of ‘Advanced technology for a future JSF’ to extend to ‘From ore in the Ground to Parts on the Aeroplane’.

“A key objective of the Australian Government in joining the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Project is to achieve a significant involvement by Australian industry and research organisations throughout the production life of the JSF Program.

“To that end, and with the objective of better positioning Australian industry and research organisations to be able to engage in the JSF Follow-On Development and Sustainment programs, the New Air Combat Capability (NACC) Project has been working to identify a national R&D base which we believe will be needed to support long term involvement in future JSF development activities.

“The Australian JSF Advanced Technology and Innovation Conference is a key part of this initiative.” The Conference will encompass national and international perspectives and include advanced technology presentations from Australian industry, universities and other R&D organisations.

Registrations: secure online registration facilities at www.jsfconference.gov.au

Further information: www.jsfconference.gov.au

DMTC develops new materials and manufacturing technologies across air platforms, maritime platforms, propulsion systems and armour applications to enhance the future operations, readiness and sustainment of the Australian Defence Force.

The annual ADM Congress has evolved into a pivotal event in the Defence calendar, bringing together senior officials from all areas of the Australian Defence Force, Defence Materiel Organisation and defence industry.

Dr Hodge was part of a Panel of experts that included representatives from Rapid Prototyping, Development and Evaluation (RPDE), the Defence Industry Innovation Centre (DIIC) and Australian Defence Apparel (ADA).  

Dr Hodge and other Panel members highlighted the opportunities for industry to utilise DMTC and DIIC to leverage their R&D activities and provide a mechanism for linking up a range of Defence policy initiatives including cooperative research centre activities, Defence Science & Technology Organisation’s (DSTO’s) Corporate Enabling Research Program (CERP) and the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program. 

Using a new armour development activity as a case study, ADA commented that its involvement with DMTC and DIIC has allowed it to leverage its activities by a factor of four or higher, further noting it would have had great difficulty pursuing its corporate technology development objectives without its interactions through DMTC and DIIC.

Attracting over 250 delegates each year, ADM2010 will once more provide a valuable channel for communication between the players shaping the future of Australia’s defence and industry environment. The Australian Defence Magazine Congress was held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra from 23 to 24 February 2010.

DMTC develops and delivers new materials technologies and manufacturing processes to enhance Australia’s defence capability by adopting a collaborative approach between Defence, defence industries and the research sector. The Awards recognise individuals and project teams whose efforts have significantly contributed to the execution of DMTC’s vision and mission.

Dorji Chavara and Andrew Gillen of ANSTO received Industry Partnership Awards for their crucial contribution to the capability of DMTC Industry Participant BAE Systems in the Propulsion Systems program.

Four Early Career Awards were presented to recognise the efforts of early career technical officers, engineers and scientists to DMTC projects. Recipients of this Award were Zengxi (Stephen) Pan of the University of Wollongong, Elizabeth Pham and Mathew Moyle of BAE Systems and Ryan Middleton of VIPAC.

Dinesh Shanmugam of Thales Australia won a Research Collaboration Award for the collaborative spirit in which he undertakes his work in the Armour Applications program.

Presenting the Awards, DMTC CEO Dr Mark Hodge said it was highly encouraging to witness the level of enthusiasm and commitment these Award winners had demonstrated.

DMTC’s workshop and technical conference was held on the 18th and 19th of February at Hilton on the Park in Melbourne, with around 120 people attending.

DMTC is a joint venture that brings together defence industry, universities and government research agencies to develop new materials and manufacturing technologies that will enhance Australia’s defence capability.

About DMTC: DMTC is a joint venture between defence industry, universities and government research agencies focused on enhancing Australia’s defence capability through the development of new materials and manufacturing technologies. www.dmtc.com.au

Please contact Jasmine Smith, DMTC Communications Manager, for further information or interview requests. Email jasmine.smith@dmtc.com.au or phone: (03) 9214 4775 (direct) / 0439 034 562 (mobile).

The seminar is entitled ‘Carbon fibre, carbon nanofibre and diamond reinforced copper and copper alloyed composites: elaboration, physical properties and applications’.

It will be delivered by Dr Jean-François Silvain, Institute de Chimie de la Matiere Condensee de Bordeaux (ICMCB) and Professor Jean-Marc Heintz, Director of ENSCBP at the University of Bordeaux.

DMTC participants and associate members are encouraged to attend the seminar, to be held at 3:30pm in the Seminar Room on Level 3, Building 170, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Melbourne.

The Awards recognise individuals and project teams whose efforts have significantly contributed to the execution of DMTC’s vision and mission.

Dorji Chavara and Andrew Gillen of ANSTO received Industry Partnership Awards for their crucial contribution to the capability of DMTC Industry Participant BAE Systems in the Propulsion Systems program.

Four Early Career Awards were presented to recognise the efforts of early career technical officers, engineers and scientists to DMTC projects. Recipients of this Award were Zengxi (Stephen) Pan of the University of Wollongong, Elizabeth Pham and Matthew Moyle of BAE Systems and Ryan Middleton of VIPAC.

Dinesh Shanmugam of Thales Australia won a Research Collaboration Award for the collaborative spirit in which he undertakes his work in the Armour Applications program.

Presenting the Awards, DMTC CEO Dr Mark Hodge said it was highly encouraging to witness the level of enthusiasm and commitment these Award winners had demonstrated.

DMTC’s workshop and technical conference was held on the 18th and 19th of February at Hilton on the Park in Melbourne, with around 120 people attending.

DMTC is a joint venture that brings together defence industry, universities and government research agencies to develop new materials and manufacturing technologies that will enhance Australia’s defence capability.

DMTC develops and delivers new materials technologies and manufacturing processes to enhance Australia’s defence capability by adopting a collaborative approach between Defence, defence industries and the research sector.

The new research project will investigate protective attire and equipment for Defence personnel, including protection from ballistics.

Participants will include the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), which will contribute $120,000, the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) and Australian Defence Apparel (ADA).

Robert Peile, Business Development Manager, DSTO Business & Commercialisation Office said DMTC provided an excellent vehicle for collaboration.

“From our perspective, the DMTC provides scope for us to access to both know-how and background IP that we would not otherwise be able to access,” he said.

“It allows us to manage IP on a project by project basis,” added Tom Radtke DSTO Head, Physical Protection.

“The benefit of undertaking this project within DMTC is that it leverages the full range of participants’ skills, competencies and capabilities.”

The new research will establish the technical direction of a more comprehensive supplementary program in Personnel Survivability which is expected to evolve from the new project. 

Research activity will be driven by existing defence capability requirements as articulated in the 2009 Defence White Paper.

More specifically, DMTC sees opportunities to develop new materials, manufacturing technologies and systems that will enhance or maintain individual protection while improving on weight, bulk and utility. Such solutions would also seek to maintain or reduce life cycle cost and improve modularity and upgradability.

DMTC currently has four primary research programs – Air Platforms, Maritime Platforms, Propulsion Systems and Armour Applications.

About DMTC: DMTC is a joint venture between defence industry, universities and government research agencies focused on enhancing Australia’s defence capability through the development of new materials and manufacturing technologies. www.dmtc.com.au

About DSTO: The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is the Australian government’s lead agency charged with applying science and technology to protect and defend Australia and its national interests. DSTO delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and other elements of national security. www.dsto.defence.gov.au

About VCAMM: The Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) is a one-stop-shop interface which allows industry to maximise the potential for knowledge and technology transfer from and to the research community. www.vcamm.com.au

About Australian Defence Apparel:  Victorian-based ADA creates and delivers superior apparel and sophisticated armour to military and civilian authorities. www.ada.com.au

DMTC develops and delivers new materials technologies and manufacturing processes to enhance Australia’s defence capability by adopting a collaborative approach between Defence, defence industries and the research sector.

The new research project will investigate protective attire and equipment for Defence personnel, including protection from ballistics.

Participants will include the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), which will contribute $120,000, the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) and Australian Defence Apparel (ADA).

Robert Peile, Business Development Manager, DSTO Business & Commercialisation Office said DMTC provided an excellent vehicle for collaboration.

“From our perspective, the DMTC provides scope for us to access to both know-how and background IP that we would not otherwise be able to access,” he said.

“It allows us to manage IP on a project by project basis,” added Tom Radtke, DSTO (insert position).

“The benefit of undertaking this project within DMTC is that it leverages the full range of participants’ skills, competencies and capabilities.  And we’re able to link the industry partner into the defence opportunities that are available through DSTO.”

The new research will establish the technical direction of a more comprehensive supplementary program in Personnel Survivability which is expected to evolve from the new project. 

Research activity will be driven by existing defence capability requirements as articulated in the 2009 Defence White Paper.

More specifically, DMTC sees opportunities to develop new materials, manufacturing technologies and systems that will enhance or maintain individual protection while improving on weight, bulk and utility. Such solutions would also seek to maintain or reduce life cycle cost and improve modularity and upgradability.

DMTC currently has four primary research programs – Air Platforms, Maritime Platforms, Propulsion Systems and Armour Applications.

About DMTC: DMTC is a joint venture between defence industry, universities and government research agencies focused on enhancing Australia’s defence capability through the development of new materials and manufacturing technologies. www.dmtc.com.au

About DSTO: The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is the Australian government’s lead agency charged with applying science and technology to protect and defend Australia and its national interests. DSTO delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and other elements of national security. www.dsto.defence.gov.au

About VCAMM: The Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) is a one-stop-shop interface which allows industry to maximise the potential for knowledge and technology transfer from and to the research community. www.vcamm.com.au

About Australian Defence Apparel:  Victorian-based ADA creates and delivers superior apparel and sophisticated armour to military and civilian authorities. www.ada.com.au

Please contact Jasmine Smith, DMTC Communications Manager, for further information or interview requests. Email jasmine.smith@dmtc.com.au or phone: (03) 9214 4775 (direct) / 0439 034 562 (mobile).