This partnership is a direct pathway to EWI’s automation solutions that support ambitious national goals in clean energy and Defence. Image: Fxquadro/stock.adobe.com
Weld Australia has announced a partnership with EWI and the Canadian Welding Bureau, aiming to provide Australian manufacturers with further access to automation technologies and solutions.
Comment – Geoff Crittenden, CEO, Weld Australia
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 opportunities to modernise and lead globally. Weld Australia has announced 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 CWB, Weld Australia is ensuring our members have access to the 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 efficiency 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 technology. When companies are focused on improving their processes, they naturally innovate – implementing the latest technologies in a bid to streamline operations. 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 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 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 an opportunity for welding businesses to harness the capabilities of advanced welding technologies to overcome these issues.
A direct path to innovation
One of the 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
These partnerships will bring proven automation solutions to key Australian sectors, including renewable energy and Defence.
In renewable energy, 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.
Next to wind turbines, solar panels can be benefitted by advanced laser welding techniques that improve durability and efficiency in photovoltaic module manufacturing, critical for scaling Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure.
EWI also brings benefits in energy storage with its joining technologies for large-scale battery systems supporting reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions.
In Defence, EWI’s automated welding solutions streamline production for naval ships, enhancing quality and reducing costs – essential for Australia’s naval Defence initiatives.
Additionally, advanced welding technologies for high-strength materials improve durability and compliance with military standards for armoured vehicles.
Also, precision welding for lightweight aerospace parts supports cost-effective and high-quality Defence manufacturing.
Aside from Defence, the partnership will be beneficial to 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.
Who are CWB and EWI?
The CWB Group is an industry-supported private sector organisation providing welding certification, management systems registration and training services to more than 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 more than 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.
