The Australian welding and manufacturing sectors are at a pivotal moment.
Rapid advancements in technology, coupled with growing demand in critical industries like renewable energy and Defence, present immense opportunities to modernise and lead globally. Weld Australia is excited to announce a transformative partnership with EWI (previously known as the Edison Welding Institute) and the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) to provide Australian manufacturers with direct access to cutting-edge automation solutions and world-class research and development (R&D).
Revolutionising Australian industry
Weld Australia’s collaboration with EWI and CWB will focus on Industry 4.0 technologies such as cobots, automated welding systems, and collaborative automation. These technologies are designed to:
- Boost Productivity: Streamline welding and manufacturing processes.
- Address Labour Shortages: Fill skills gaps with reliable, automated solutions.
- Enhance Safety: Minimise risks in hazardous processes.
- Reduce Costs: Improve efficiency without compromising quality.
Australia’s manufacturing future hinges on embracing innovation. By partnering with EWI and the Canadian Welding Bureau, Weld Australia is ensuring our members have access to the very best automation technologies and R&D solutions. This isn’t just about staying competitive; it’s about leading the way in critical industries like renewable energy and Defence.
For example, EWI’s advanced technologies can enhance the production of wind turbines, solar infrastructure, and Defence components, ensuring precision, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Productivity, Technology and Innovation
In the welding industry, productivity is imperative to driving innovation and growth. Welding businesses that maximise efficiencies and optimise operations benefit directly from cost savings and better use of resources. Labour, equipment and materials can be more effectively allocated to minimise waste and energy consumption. Productivity gains lead to faster project completion times – enabling companies to exceed client expectations and secure repeat business.
A clear pathway to productivity is through the use of technology. When companies are focused on improving their processes, they naturally innovate – implementing the latest technologies in a bid to streamline operations.
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However, Australian companies generally lag their global competitors in digital adoption and unfortunately the welding sector is no exception. Uptake of advanced welding technology remains relatively slow, and this lack of tech adoption is impeding our ability to navigate the current challenges facing the industry.
For instance, the majority of welding businesses are still not leveraging robots or cobots. These technologies work safely work alongside humans, designed to take on mundane and repetitive tasks, freeing up workers to take on high-value tasks.
By leveraging the benefits of cobot welding, businesses can increase their productivity and reduce labour costs, while improving the quality of their welds. Given that the major barriers to productivity are materials handling and a lack of skilled staff, there is a significant opportunity for welding businesses to harness the capabilities of advanced welding technologies to overcome these issues.
A direct path to innovation
One of the most significant outcomes of this partnership is a direct pathway to EWI’s R&D capabilities. This will ensure Australian manufacturers gain access to automation systems designed to meet the unique demands of local industries, including solutions that support ambitious national goals in clean energy and Defence.
Supporting skills and integration
In addition to delivering advanced technology, we’re committed to upskilling the workforce. Automation training programs, offered through EWI and CWB, will help businesses seamlessly integrate new systems while empowering workers to adapt to evolving roles.
The future of welding in Australia depends on both cutting-edge technology and a highly skilled workforce. Through this partnership, we’re not only modernising manufacturing but also empowering workers to take on new and exciting roles in industries that are shaping the nation’s future. This partnership reflects Weld Australia’s mission to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and future-proof the Australian manufacturing sector.
This collaboration is more than a partnership – it’s an investment in Australia’s future. By combining EWI and CWB’s global expertise with our local industry insight, we’re equipping our industry to meet ambitious national targets in clean energy, Defence, and beyond. Together, we’re building a more sustainable, competitive, efficient and secure future for Australian manufacturing.
EWI and CWB projects for Australian industry
The Weld Australia partnership with EWI and CWB will bring proven automation solutions to key Australian sectors, including renewable energy and Defence.
Renewable energy
- Wind Turbines: EWI developed automated welding systems to enhance the precision and efficiency of wind turbine construction, reducing production time by 30 per cent. Tele-welding technology allows remote operation of welding systems, enabling real-time oversight and adjustments from anywhere in the world. This innovation is critical for addressing labour shortages and supporting large-scale projects in remote or hazardous environments, such as offshore energy and Defence installations.
- Solar Panels: Advanced laser welding techniques improve durability and efficiency in photovoltaic module manufacturing, critical for scaling Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure.
- Energy Storage: EWI’s joining technologies for large-scale battery systems support reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions.
Defence
- Shipbuilding: EWI’s automated welding solutions streamline production for naval ships, enhancing quality and reducing costs – essential for Australia’s naval defence initiatives.
- Armoured Vehicles: Advanced welding technologies for high-strength materials improve durability and compliance with military standards.
- Aerospace Components: Precision welding for lightweight aerospace parts supports cost-effective and high-quality Defence manufacturing.
Training and workforce development
Through CWB, EWI offers tailored automation training, including cobot programming, welding system integration, and safety protocols. These programs will help prepare Australian manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies while addressing labour shortages.
About CWB and EWI
The CWB Group is an industry-supported private sector organisation providing welding certification, management systems registration and training services to over 7,600 companies. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, with staff and offices across the country, CWB is recognised as one of the largest and most innovative welding organisations in the world.
EWI (previously known as Edison Welding Institute) is a not-for-profit engineering and technology organisation dedicated to developing, testing, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies for industry. Headquartered in Ohio in the US, EWI has a team of over 150 people, offering applied research, manufacturing support, and strategic services to leading manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, government, heavy manufacturing, medical and electronics sectors.