TAFE at laser’s cutting edge

The DMG machine uses lasers to cut holes and shape metal and ceramics with high precision for engine parts, factory machinery or robots. DMG boasts that it takes one third of the time of conventional die-sinking machining.

John Cawley, manager of the Swinburne Centre for New Manufacturing, is currently inviting businesses to use the centre’s new DMU 40 laser-milling machine and join the TAFE industry alliance, MECA (Manufacturing Equipment and Capability Alliance) he established.

“We’ve already had some businesses in our alliance use the workshop to develop prototypes and sell machinery,” said Cawley. “The new laser milling machine will be of enormous interest to a lot of small manufacturing technology businesses

“There are a lot of small entrepreneurial companies in manufacturing with some very innovative ideas. Unfortunately most of them don’t have the capital for machinery available in our workshop,” said Cawley, “if they join the alliance they get access to high powered manufacturing technology.”

The Centre for New Manufacturing is one of 15 TAFE specialist centres established with seed funding from the Victorian Government. The centres are helping build Victorian TAFE’s capability to meet the skill-needs of industry, particularly in the area of new and emerging industries. At the same time the centres are taking the lead in supporting networks within TAFE to make sure their expertise is shared.

The MECA workshop has become an asset for small-medium businesses in the manufacturing industry. Headland Engineering, an Alliance member of MECA, uses the MECA workshop to showcase its technology at work to clients. Earlier this year Headland sold a million dollar laser CNC cutting machine from the workshop.

The MECA workshop has also opened its doors for businesses to use the rapid prototype builder.

For more information call John Cawley on 03 9214 8576.