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Welding manufacturer K-TIG has confirmed that it will build a research and development facility within BAE Systems Australia’s Factory of the Future, where the company hopes to expand its robotic welding capabilities.
Adrian Smith, managing director of K-TIG, explained that the facility in the Tonsley Innovation District would not only support Australia’s domestic shipbuilding capacity but also support the enhance development of local industry.
“We are the smart welders of the future. Put simply, K-TIG’s advanced welding technology means welding is stronger, faster and more cost effective. A traditional multi hour weld can be done in less than four minutes to a higher quality and standard,” Smith said.
“We can capture and push data out across every single weld creating a digital footprint across a ship. This makes for high level repeatability and consistency, which means ships are built faster and cheaper.”
To support Australia’s shipbuilding capability, BAE Systems and Flinders University began developing the Factory of the Future to connect with Australia’s broader manufacturing and defence industry while expanding Australia's domestic defence capabilities.
Sharon Wilson, director of Continuous Naval Shipbuilding at BAE Systems Australia welcomed the future technological innovations heralded by the collaboration.
“What K-TIG provides has the potential to deliver game-changing technologies to the broader industrial sector, making industry more competitive and this could see flow on benefits for exports,” Wilson said.
“BAE Systems is delighted to support local companies with advanced capabilities. Line Zero underpins the philosophy of the Factory of the Future, which focuses on industry collaboration and diffusion of Australian innovation in Industry 4.0 technologies.
“Contrary to what most people think, manufacturing in South Australia is alive and well and thriving.”
Likewise, Professor John Spoehr, director of the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute at Flinders University welcomed the synergies gained by K-TIG joining as a research partner.
“The Research and Development facility is involving researchers and students by working with them to trial and test their innovative game-changing welding technology at the Factory of the Future facility,” Professor Spoehr said.
“It’s enabling SMEs and research institutions to bring new and emerging technologies under one roof at Tonsley, fostering opportunities for Australian businesses to join the global supply chain.”
It is hoped that the collaboration will minimise the impact of worker shortages in the industry, particularly within welding. Construction on the Factory of the Future Line Zero at Tonsley is expected to commence early February.
[Related: K-TIG to expand global footprint]
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