Integrated solutions and managed services provider Konica Minolta has been selected by Amiga Engineering to supply its 3D SYSTEMS ProX 320 DMP metal printer.
Amiga Engineering says it chose Konica Minolta in an effort to keep up with world best practice, and was looking for a new direction, and found it in 3D metal printing.
According to Amiga, the changing landscape of Australian industry means that engineering, machine shops, and jobbing workshops have been under increasing pressure to survive.
Michael Bourchier, general manager, Amiga Engineering, said, “Traditional industry, such as automotive, has moved offshore while the mining boom has faded. The country’s resources are being dug and pumped by large overseas corporations who no longer make capital investment here to have machinery or platforms made.
{loadposition peter}“Rather, they ship or float this equipment from Singapore or other locations around the world that are more competitive. Australians are left with being the maintenance crews of offshore-supplied equipment.”
Bourchier suggests that is a barrier to Australian creativity and innovation with Australia’s creative side is slipping to the lowest it has ever been.
Bouchier cites a CSIRO blog noting that, “Despite the well-publicised closure of some manufacturing sectors in Australia, manufacturing isn’t dying. Instead, like industry around the world, it’s undergoing a period of significant change as new, disruptive technologies and economic realities take hold and new markets emerge.”
“Amiga Engineering has been following the growth of this technology (3D metal printing). We decided that now is the time to take the plunge into this concept area to grow it and expand the business,” Bourchier says.
“Without a way to reinvent the business it is probable that we would be like many other engineering shops across Australia: falling by the wayside or becoming a conservative small business surviving on whatever business comes in. We believe that 3D metal printing will take Amiga Engineering to the next level and ensure our future.
“Free geometry is the new catch-cry, where items can now be functional to the upper limits of design and not be hamstrung by the technology that it can be machined on.
“Amiga Engineering can add value to 3D metal printing by offering a complete service. We can not only print, we can also finish the parts to a useable state if required, and the creative genius of our design engineers can be cut loose.”