News

SEMINAR: Nanostructures via Thermal Spray

A seminar on Nanostructures via Thermal Spray: Processing, Properties and Modelling will be held on 12 May at DSTO by the Defence Materials Technology Centre and AVD DSTO.

Professor Chris Berndt, Professor of Surface Science and Interface Engineering, will present the seminar from 11.00am to 12.00pm at David Warren Auditorium, Building 22, DSTO, Fishermans Bend.

Prof Berndt is an active DMTC contributor and an internationally recognised authority in his field.

“The concept of producing nanostructured materials via thermal spray processes, although intuitive, is neither routine nor reliable. There are many technical challenges necessary to transition the science to an engineering reality,” Prof Berndt said.

“Some strategies to overcome these barriers will be presented from the viewpoint of integrating more fully the materials science into the materials engineering so that manufacturing processes can be consistent and of statistical relevancy.”

Posted by DMTC on May 7th, 2010

‘Innovation key to Australian JSF success’: Combet

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, today opened the fourth Australian JSF Technology & Innovation Conference in Melbourne.

“The conference will allow over 200 of Australia’s leading academic, technical and industry innovators to explore opportunities to be involved in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program, now and into the future,” said Mr Combet.

“The JSF Program offers immense opportunities for Australian industry potentially creating several thousand long-term jobs, whether it is through the development of new markets or the chance to enter into global supply chains.”

“For Australia to be successful in this future environment we must drive innovation in defence technology by pooling the expertise and resources of government, industry and R&D organisations,” Mr Combet said.

“Today’s conference is one small step in that process.  The connections made here today between research organisations, industry and government may well lead to new capabilities in the JSF in 10 years time.”

Mr Combet highlighted the establishment of the Defence Materials Technology Centre as a successful Government initiative, noting that the Centre had expanded the relationship between DSTO, universities and industry. 

“I’m glad to see there are representatives from the DMTC here today,” he said.

The potential for Australia to become a global supplier of titanium and titanium components for the aerospace sector is one area being considered by the conference.

“Opportunities for Australian Small to Medium Enterprises to win work in global supply chains of large primes and their second and third tier suppliers are also being explored.

“These opportunities do often present challenges for local industry as the upfront investment is significant to improve capability and increase capacity.

 “To help overcome these challenges the Government is working with the JSF prime contractors to develop long-term agreements with Australian companies so that the industry has the confidence to make the necessary investments to win this work.”

Mr Combet announced that $8.5 million of funding had been approved by the Government to help industry overcome early investment challenges.

“This support will be targeted at technological developments that will enhance Australian involvement in the program, investments that will increase the opportunities for small Australian companies to become involved and also encourage innovation by Australian industry which has applications for JSF follow-on development.

“This targeted support, along with support from other government programs – is particularly important as the focus shifts to greater engagement in JSF production, sustainment and follow-on development.”

Mr Combet also congratulated the 28 Australian companies that have already won work in the face of stiff international competition on the JSF Program.

Posted by DMTC on May 3rd, 2010

WORKSHOPS: Next generation manufacturing innovations in titanium processing

Titanium alloys are now playing an increasing role in the aerospace industry and in particular the defence because of their superior properties such as high strength, lightweight and corrosion resistance. 

The Defence Materials Technology Centre has secured the kind support of Enterprise Connect’s Defence Industry Innovation Centre and the CSIRO to run one-day workshops with the aim of providing the latest developments in titanium research, technology and processing in Australia and overseas in order to assist SMEs in the defence sector improve their productivity, competitiveness and efficiency. 

Sessions will focus on titanium machining technology, benchmarking and hybrid machining, additive and joining technology.

A range of academic, research and industry speakers have been invited to present at the workshop.  These include: BAE Systems, SECO Tools, Sutton Tools, Millatec, RMIT University, DMTC, CSIRO, University of Wollongong, CAST CRC and Swinburne University of Technology.

Where and When?

MELBOURNE: Tuesday 1 June
Ian Wark Laboratories
Main Conference Room
Bayview Avenue,
Clayton VIC 3168
9:30am – 5pm

BRISBANE: Thursday 10 June
QMI Solutions
Training Rooms A/B
33 McKechnie Drive
Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113
9:30am – 5pm

WOLLONGONG: Tuesday 15 June
University of Wollongong
Innovation Campus
iC Central – Ocean Room
Squires Way, Fairy Meadow
9:30am – 5pm

ADELAIDE: Tuesday 22 June
Mawson Lakes Hotel and Conference centre
10 Main St,
Mawson Lakes SA 5095
9:30am – 5pm

Who Should Attend?

  • Manufacturing Engineers and Managers
  • Process/R&D Engineers
  • Applications Engineers
  • Maintenance Supervisors
  • Precision Parts Specialists 

Registration fee: NIL

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, contact : Prof Milan Brandt workshop coordinator at Milan.brandt@rmit.edu.au or Dr Viktor Verijenko at viktor.verijenko@dmtc.com.au

TO REGISTER, please phone Bronwynne McPherson on (03) 9214 4447 or email bronwynne.mcpherson@dmtc.com.au


Posted by DMTC on April 30th, 2010

BAE Systems opens new engineering hub in Melbourne

BAE Systems has opened its new engineering hub in Melbourne that will integrate the company’s aerospace, autonomous systems and guided weapons research into a single facility.

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr and Victoria’s Minister of Industry and Trade, the Hon Jacinta Allan, officially opened the company’s new engineering centre at Richmond on Tuesday.

The building, on River Boulevard, will give teams from BAE Systems’ Aerospace and Autonomous Systems Development (AASD), and Weapon Systems (WS), access to modern laboratories to support a range of advanced design and test activities.

It will accommodate more than 300 BAE Systems employees.

Jim McDowell, Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia, said the company was at the forefront of research into autonomy and guided weapon systems.

“Our AASD group in Melbourne leads our global company’s engineering development and design capability across BAE Systems Australia’s Aerospace business unit, including design and development of autonomous enabling technologies, P-3, F/A -18 and Hawk Mission Systems support and Aircraft Integration activities for Blackhawk, Chinook and Seahawk” Mr McDowell said.

“Our Weapon Systems group is also involved in the cutting edge design, integration and support of ship air defence systems and guided weapons, including the highly successful Nulka active missile decoys and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM),” he said.

BAE Systems will initially lease approximately 3000 square metres and three floors of the new complex with capacity available to expand its presence if required.


ABOUT BAE Systems

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services.  BAE Systems Australia is a Core Participant of the Defence Materials Technology Centre.

Posted by DMTC on April 29th, 2010