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The off icial magazine of Composites Austral ia Inc. Issue 28 November 2011

Composite Engineer's Viewpoint 6

Fibre-Optic Bragg Grating Sensors for Composites Structural Health Monitoring

9

9

Composites Featured at International Textile Exhibition

4

15

Conference Announcement

State News

16

ConnectionMagazine

Media Releases

Silver Sponsor

Letter from the President 3

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Letter from the President The 2011–12 Board of Composites Australia are:

GeneLLe CoGhLAn – President Colan Products genellec@colan.com.au

MiChAeL LeGGeTT – Vice President Oceania Composites Engineering engineering@oceaniacomposites.com.au

TreVor PAnozzA – Treasurer Ampelite Australia trevor@ampelite.com.au

MiChAeL Di STASi Nuplex Composites Michael.DiStasi@nuplex.com

PhiL BoViS Cool Composites bovis@alphalink.com.au

MArTin JoneS CRC for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS) m.jones@crc-acs.com.au

TAnyA reDfern DIAB Australia tanya.redfern@au.diabgroup.com

fLoreAnA CoMAn Engineered Materials Australia floreanacoman@yahoo.com.au

ShAron SwAn LSM Advanced Composites lsmadvcomp@bigpond.com

KeiTh STAniSTreeT Pacific Resins keith.stanistreet@pacificresins.com.au

Pierre GoUhier RPC Technologies pierre.gouhier@rpctechnologies.com

ThirU ArAVinThAn USQ – CEEFC aravinthant@usq.edu.au

This dichotomy confirms the NAB’s chief economist’s explanation that the Australian economy is undergoing a structural transformation against the backdrop of high global uncertainty, a volatile stock market, the mining boom and the introduction of the carbon tax. No wonder we’re all confused.

But, at the end of the day, we all call for an increase in orders for Australian made composite products. The low hanging fruit is the $400 billion worth of investment going into developing mines over the next few years. Certainly the call in August from the Labour Left that wants the nation's billionaire mining barons to pour their money into manufacturing is welcome. I never thought I’d agree with left faction convenor Doug Cameron who said the big miners had a responsibility crucial for the nation to start making an investment in manufacturing jobs in this country. Put simply, we have to find a way to ensure that Australian composite practitioners get their products into resources projects.

And then there is the carbon tax that is said to be a major step forward on emissions reduction targets, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The assistance that will become available through the Clean Technology Programs will, to some extent, compensate manufacturers for the policy induced increase in energy prices. The amount of assistance available to manufacturers that do not fall into the high energy intensive category is not excessive and, as a result, needs to be carefully targeted to assist firms that are genuinely trade exposed and those that have viable business operations in Australia.

The natural reaction to uncertainty is that most of us want to draw back and focus primarily on our “core” business, whatever that is for each of us. We work to keep the customers we have and serve them well; if someone walks in the door with new business, that’s great, but not to be expected. Those who survive will do so because of such continued focus on our businesses and on our customers – yet also through looking at innovation and at diversifying what we can do.

In July, the Australian government announced a re-working of its R&D Tax Concession, now known as the R&D Tax Incentive. The changes mean that smaller companies that “make things” will get access to the tax breaks that were otherwise prohibitive under previous

programs. Changes that came into effect on July 1 this year mean that small firms will be able to get their tax credits quarterly from January 2014. The shift from annual to quarterly payments for SMEs will provide important cash flow benefits for smaller companies. Hopefully this will lead to composite firms unleashing their inner entrepreneur and to break away from the status quo and explore and test new composites options.

Composites Australia has formed a collaborative arrangement with the consulting firm KPMG and who have also recently joined our association, and are delivering workshops on the new tax. See KPMG’s report summarising the new changes on page 11 of this magazine.

Composites Australia continues to profile Australian made composite products and processes through its annual schedule of trade nights and industry briefings. Our recent events in Wollongong, South Australia, Perth, Newcastle and Geelong were collectively attended by nearly 200 composites practitioners and are reported in the State news pages of this magazine. It is rewarding to see that so many of our members and industry associates recognize the importance of keeping their staff and themselves up to date – and of networking with colleagues – by attending these functions.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the Queensland Government for further support of our industry through the Fibre Composites Action Plan 2011-2014 that was recently launched by Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business, the Honourable Jan Jarratt MP. A report on this can be seen on page 17. Indeed, Ms Jarrett has also accepted the gallant hospitality of long time Composites Australia member Martin Nikolas of Marky Industries (Crestmead, QLD) who will be hosting an industry showcase on 9th December – the notice for which can also be seen on page 17. This event will also serve as Composites Australia end of year get together. I hope to see you all there.

The 2012 Conference is now being held 15-16 March at the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. Appropriately for our industry in these uncertain times, the theme is “Diversity in Composites”. A stellar programme is being put together, and includes a new stream of academic reviewed papers on the latest research and technology,

As an Australian manufacturer, I have never been more confused about the business signals. While we have seen some significant players such as Valspar and DIAB exit or retract from our industry over the last year, there are also heartening signs that others are doing well.

Composites Australia Level 15, 10 Queens Rd Melbourne 3004 Tel +61 3 9866 5586 Toll Free 1300 654 254 Fax +61 3 9866 6434www.compositesaustralia.com.au

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Letter from the President (cont) Composites featured at international Textile exhibition

as well as our customary presentations focusing on engineering, fabrication, and more.

Our annual conference has grown to become a valuable font of information and technical knowledge. In fact, when those who are uncertain about joining Composites Australia (or renewing their memberships) ask "What does the association do for me?", I point to the very impressive Programme of speakers we organised for the 2011 event and reply: "Your association brought you NASA! It brought you the tremendous resources of Bob Lacovara and Scott Beckwith, at hand for you to ask questions, consult with, learn from! It brought you tutorials from Rik Heslehurst, forums on your areas of special interest such as corrosion and training, and more!" If you have never been to one of the annual conferences, be sure to register now for 2012.

The Composites Australia Industry Award will soon be open for nominations. Our Education Committee has evolved this award from several small TAFE awards into one for which all members may now nominate their staff or apprentices - or even managers. As well as an inscribed certificate, a cheque for $500, and one year’s student membership in the association (if appropriate), the prize includes a conference registration, travel expenses as applicable and a night’s accommodation at the conference venue – so it is a very valuable award! We seek to recognise and reward excellence in our industry colleagues, especially amongst those who are endeavouring to make composites their career path – or have already worked hard to do so.

The Association has expanded its methods of contact with its members this year – in addition to the “Connection” magazine, we have begun “e-newsletters” to keep members up with the latest news from the industry both abroad and at home. There's also our Twitter feed and a facebook page, and we will be completely revamping our website in the coming months.

This coming year we are also trialling the idea of a special interest focus group – the first will be “Corrosion”. The purpose of this group is to bring together companies and individuals who are involved (or who wish to be involved) in this sector of our industry. A number of potential areas of mutual interest have been proposed and we are now beginning to approach key members of the industry to gauge interest.

On behalf of all Composites Australia members, I’d like to thank Kerryn and her team for the excellent management of events they continue to deliver. I’d also like to thank our Board of Directors, who voluntarily provide their time to the Association. I also offer a very special mention of thanks to our corporate sponsors. Without our sponsors’ invaluable support it would be extremely difficult to achieve our goals; thanks to Nuplex Composites, Advanced Composite Structures Australia, Colan Australia, and Pacific Resins. Special thanks to the CRC-ACS for its significant participation in the sponsorship of and participation in the annual Conference.

2012 will hopefully continue to see growth from the challenges many of us have been faced with. The Association will continue to develop and deliver resources to help you to keep your businesses up to date and competitive.

Thank you to all Association Members and the CA Board for trusting me with the role of President this past year. I have agreed to continue in this role for 2011-12.

Best wishes to all for 2012.

Genelle Coghlan

Attracting over 100,000 visitors, held over eight days at the end of September, and spread over 200,000 square metres of Barcelona’s Grand Via fairgrounds, the ITMA exhibition (the International Exhibition of Textile Machinery) covered the entire textile value chain with the latest textile technologies, products and services.

Recognised as the “Olympics” of textile machinery, ITMA has been held every four years since 1951. Put simply, it is vast, daunting, and bursting with technology, as displayed by 1,350 exhibitors from 45 countries. And this year, for the first time in the history of this prestigious event, there was serious discussion and display of new technology to produce textile products for use in composites, particularly carbon fibre reinforced composites.

Against the backdrop of Barcelona’s rich cultural heritage, the atmosphere was upbeat, with most internationals believing the financial crisis of 2009 (which affected the rest of the world more than it did Australia) and subsequent downturn in expenditure was behind us, marking the end of the “old industrial landscape”. The future, it was said, is in key enabling technologies, one of which is composites. Indeed, Thomas Babacon, the CEO of the industrial giant Oerlikon, claimed that textiles, including those used in composites technology, are now the fifth largest building material in the world, following stone, steel, timber and glass.

Confirming this, Karl Mayer, one of the European warp knitting

machinery giants, displayed a number of new machines that could produce the finest lace to a carbon fibre warp knitted scrim that is being marketed as a light-weight, easily handled alternative to steel reinforcement for concrete. The company’s technology also extends to high-performance stitch-bonding machines for overstitching of yarn sheets and surface fabrics to form nonwovens for composites for marine and automotive applications.

The decarbonisation of the transport system, as we know, is driving the need for lighter and more recyclable vehicles. The show confirmed that fibre based composites are becoming increasingly important in the manufacture of automotive components. This year BMW unveiled prototypes of its carbon fibre-based composite i3 and i8 electrically powered production cars at a special showcase in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

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Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Manager, Composites Australia

The developers claim this car will be the first volume-produced car to feature bodywork largely of carbon fibre. AUDI has also created a concept for an electric urban car, benefitting from lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastics.

Given the transformative nature of carbon fibre applications, the global anxiety around the price, availability and future supply of carbon fibre for advanced composites was palpable. Indeed, it is predicted that the two largest end uses by 2017, both around the 100Kt each, will be wind energy and automotive, with aerospace a modest 40Kt. High volume carbon fibre production was said to be the biggest challenge, though it was believed that the negative effect of significant supply and demand swings will not be moderated until the market grows at least three to four times and the application of research and development investment.

And, reinforcing renewed interest in natural fibres for industrial and automotive applications, particularly baste fibres such as hemp, I heard for the first time the phrase “from glass to grass.”

Braiding machines for the production of textile products have a long tradition and are still indispensable for many applications. A sophisticated 21st century evolution of braiding technology that has traditionally been used to produce mundane products such as shoelaces, cables and ropes is now being used to produce contoured 3D parts such as an aeroplane propeller.

The Herzog Radialbraider displayed an aeroplane propeller profile that was over braided to shape with carbon fibre rovings.

The exceptional characteristics of fibre reinforced composites are also now being viewed as critical for use in the machine building sector. These include excellent fatigue strength and a low density, but especially a specific coefficient of thermal expansion, which can be set in the positive and negative value range, including zero. Components can also be produced with several curves, 3D reinforcement and other complex geometrical shapes.

Karl Mayer says these are important factors, particularly when the machine components have to interact precisely with each other under varying climatic conditions.

Addressing the need for expertise in textile reinforced composites, RWTH Aachen University, one of Europe’s leading institutions for science and research, collaborated with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) to design and deliver a certificate course

tailored to the needs of young professionals in the composites and textiles industry. Participants are trained throughout the two week long course to evaluate and exploit the specific potential of textile reinforced composites and the related manufacturing and simulation technologies.

Developing new uses and products for textiles through composites, it was said, does not simply evolve through product development in isolation. It is usually the result of innovative and transparent partnerships across supply chains that have been formed to tackle societal and technological challenges. Whilst shared knowledge and transparency is counter-intuitive for competitive companies, these concepts are necessary as supply chains are increasingly being held to account over issues of sustainability and liability. Business and new product development are now simply being done differently, driven by the concept of shared value creation and liability mitigation.

For those courageous enough to invest and trust in long term partnerships, the opportunities for textile technology in composites is promising.

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Of greatest concern is the installation of interference fasteners. Interference fasteners tend to create large through-the-thickness forces during installation that will cause delaminations. There are a couple of ways of overcoming such damage with interference fasteners. The first approach is to install a sleeve in the hole that expands with interference fastener installation and provides the lateral tight fit without creating excessive interlaminar stresses during installation. There are several blind fasteners on the market that will provide this automatically during fastener installation. A tapered bolt system will also provide interference fit during the final stages of fastener torque with lateral loads only. However, hole-fastener-fit tolerance limits should be observed when interference fit is not required.

Countersunk fasteners will typically reduce the bearing strength due to a relative increase in the fastener tipping. The fastener tipping can also initially cause delaminations if not sized and drilled correctly. Such issues are of major importance with thin structures. The introduction of a knife or feathered edge will result in delaminations in a short period of time.

Fastener torque is known to improve the fatigue strength

and overall bearing load transfer efficiency in bolted/riveted joints. Whilst this is still true in metallic structures, with composite structures the limit is with the through-the-thickness compressive stresses and thus clamping fastener forces must be closely controlled so not to crush the

matrix material. Recommended torque values are based on the through-the-thickness strength of the matrix material. For a typical carbon based epoxy matrix composite material the matrix dominated through-the-thickness strength is limited to sz = 20 MPa. Thus for a given washer diameter the torque of the fastener is restructured to:

Mechanically fastened Joints in Composite StructuresComposite Engineer’s Viewpoint by Rik Heslehurst PhD, MEng, BEng(AEro) FIEAust, FrAEs, CPEng

Part 3 – fastener hole Preparation

Fastener installation, like hole preparation, requires careful consideration so as not to damage the composite laminate. Fastener installation does require a level of care and caution. The installation needs to be carefully considered because the fastener installation process will be in a through-the-thickness direction and excessive installation forces can cause delaminations internally or on the back surface of the laminate.

In the next article we will discuss the bolted joint corrosion – the attachment of composite and metal structures with metal bolts can be a source of corrosion damage of the metal if appropriate installations practices are not followed.

I also welcome questions, comments and your point of view.

Feel free to contact me via r.heslehurst@adfa.edu.au. I may publish your questions and comments, and my response in future newsletters.

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fibre-optic Bragg Grating Sensors for Composites Structural health Monitoring

These materials, due to their high specific strength to weight ratio (50 times than that of concrete and 18 times that of steel), non-corrosive properties and tailorability for different forms and shapes make them welcomed by different engineering industries. A commonly known example would be a large majority of structural components of AIRBUS 380 and Boeing 787 that are made by glass and carbon fibre composites so that the weight can be greatly reduced. This allows the increase of load carrying capacity and reduces the amount of fuel use so as to produce relatively less polluted by-products from engines during the burning of fuel and air. In civil infrastructures, FRPs have been made in the forms of plate, grid and jacket for strengthening, repairing and retrofitting existing concrete structures. It has been reported that concrete bridges could remain standing after the 6.6 magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles after being wrapped by FRP laminates.

Due to an increasing use of FRPs in civil and aerospace engineering applications, the demand of finding a suitable means to monitor the structural health condition of FRP and FRP strengthened structures is increasing rapidly. In civil engineering, with FRP strengthened concrete structures, the host concrete material is normally covered by FRP plates and therefore the condition of concrete may not be measured or detected easily through conventional non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods such as strain measurements using surface mounted strain gauges or extensometers, radiography, thermography and acoustic emission, particularly at regions where micro-cracks and debonds exist underneath the FRP plates. Besides, these structural inspection technologies, to a certain extent, require special surface preparations or a high degree of flatness on the concrete surface. These requirements may be hardly achieved, particularly for an area that is exposed to a harsh environment.

Fibre-optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensor is a most attractive technology currently used in the aerospace and aircraft industry for on-line monitoring of large-scale FRP structures. The sensor (grating) is made inside an optical fibre with the diameter of 125 µm (1/10 smaller than a resistive foil strain gauge, see Figure 1)

through the phase-mask technique. As the FBG sensor has a narrow bandwidth and can be operated over a broad wavelength range, it can be highly multiplexed, i.e. allow to make more than one grating sensors along a single optical fibre. Due to its small physical

Figure 3. Ideal application of smart composite for strengthening civil infrastructure

Figure 1: Comparison of size of strain gauge (top) and optical fibre (bottom)

Figure 2: An optical fibre located at the interface between an externally bonded glass fibre composite and concrete surface.

Alan K. T. Lau Professor and Executive Director, Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites Faculty of Engineering and Surveying – University of Southern Queensland

Over the past decades, extensive research and development in the field of materials science and engineering have been carried out with fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs).

size, this sensor can be embedded into FRPs without causing any adverse effect in terms of their mechanical and structural properties. Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of micrograph of a glass fibre composite strengthened concrete structure with an embedded sensor. By embedding this sensor (these sensors) into a FRP structure, it can form a novel self-strain-monitoring system, i.e., the system can self-detect its health status and send signals to operators for any marginal situations. The embedded sensors, due to the extremely small physical size, can provide the information with high accuracy and resolution without influencing the dimension and mechanical properties of the host structure.

Currently, the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites (CEEFC) of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has been collaborating with Boeing, NASA Glenn Research Centre, Anomic Ltd (Hong Kong) and Harbin Institute of Technology, China on the development of FBG mapping systems for FRP structures for damages (crack and delamination) detection and SHM under dynamic condition. Several key responses, such as wavelength shift, spectrum and frequency will be measured to identify the location and severity of damages.

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Alan Lau wins two international research awards

Professor Lau received the Outstanding International Researcher Award and the Outstanding International Research Leader Award from the International Association of Multidisciplinary Research (IAMR) in The Philippines.

This marks the first time that anyone has received both the outstanding researcher and outstanding research leader award making Professor Lau’s achievement quite exceptional.

Professor Lau currently works as the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites and has published more than 190 research articles since 2002, receiving more than 1750 citations to date and numerous international research awards.

Professor Lau recently arrived back in Australia

after flying to The Philippines to attend the awards ceremony.

“There were two researcher awards given out and only one research leader award,” Professor Lau said.

“The most important thing in deciding the award recipients is how influential that person has been to the world’s research activities and community.”

President of the IAMR Dr Genaro Japos said, “Dr Lau’s leadership and achievements are the sparkling jewels in the crowns of the University of Southern Queensland.”

Professor Lau said he hoped to use his knowledge and experience to help the younger generation conduct more meaningful and high-level research to help the growth of the composite fibre industry.

news and events

USQ Professor Alan Lau has earned himself not one, but two international awards for his extensive and world-leading research in materials science.

Composites Australia and CRC for Advanced Composite Structures, with the support of SAmpe and the ACSS,

Announce the 2012 conference – Diversity in Composites

� Make a presentation � Sponsor part of the event

� Give a workshop or tutorial on a technical application or process

� Host a practical demonstration

� Attend the Conference

� new and emerging technologies � research and development

� composites for engineers � leading-edge processes

� engineering & composites � business management

� issues for fabricators

15 –16 March fairmont resort hotel Blue Mountains (Leura, new South wales)

2012 Conference

Diversity in CompositesDiversity in Composites

featured presentations about composites and their capabilities and uses, and the role of engineering in composites design and manufacture.

Sessions especially for fabricators –latest techniques, the basics of fabrication, tutorials and demonstrations. Includes the always-popular suppliers’ session.

Mark your calendars and plan to be in the blue mountains in March 2012!

Engineers Thursday

Fabricators Friday

for more information and to submit an abstract, register, book accommodation and more, go to www.compositesconference.com

Peer-reviewed Stream of Papers. This year the event will be include an academic-style but application – or research – focused open call for papers.new

Take advantage of this major industry event. Opportunities are available to:

Composites Australia & CRC-ACS welcome papers and presentations addressing a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

Call for Participation, Papers, Presentations & Demonstrations

Engineers, researchers, composites fabricators, students, apprentices, all industry professionals:This is the premier composites event in Australia. The knowledge and insights you will pick up will be worth well more than the registration fee.

“Two days nobody in the

composites industry

should miss!”

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R&D Tax Incentive

The new R&D Tax Incentive became law on 8 September 2011, replacing the former R&D Tax Concession established in 1986.

Highlights There will be an increase in the base R&D tax rate and higher

benefits for more companies Eligible companies accessing the refundable tax benefit will

have no limit on their R&D expenditure

Modified definitions will apply, including the new dominant purpose test for support activities

Important changes to activity compliance will now require distinguishing between core and supporting activities.

New benefitsFor eligible entities with grouped turnover of less than $20 million, a 45% refundable R&D Tax credit will apply. For all other eligible entities, a 40% non-refundable R&D tax credit applies.

Income years affected

The new legislation takes effect for financial years that commence on or after 1 July 2011 as shown in the following table.

Core R&D ActivitiesCore R&D activities are defined as experimental activities where the outcome is not known or cannot be determined in advance on the basis of current knowledge, information or experience, but can only be determined by applying a systematic progression of work that:

Is based on principles of established science

Evolves from hypothesis, to experiment, to observation/evaluation, and leads to logical conclusions

Is conducted for the purpose of generating new knowledge (including knowledge about the creation of new or improved materials, products, devices, processes or services).

Supporting R&D activitiesFor supporting R&D activities to be eiigible, they must be directly related to the core R&D activities and be undertaken for the dominant purpose of supporting the core R&D activities.

Dominant purpose testThe ‘dominant purpose’ test is to exclude supporting activities that are a part of normal operations. For example, production activities will only be eligible where the ‘dominant purpose’ of conducting them is to support core R&D.

‘Dominant purpose’ means the prevailing or most influential purpose, recognising that activities can be conducted for more than one purpose. An activity that serves a commercial objective as well as being directly related to R&D does not preclude it from qualifying as supporting R&D. Conversely, the fact that certain activities are necessary for core R&D to occur is not sufficient to show that those activities are undertaken for the dominant purpose of supporting core R&D.

FeedstockThe new changes also impact R&D activities related to the production of a tangible product. The feedstock provisions are not confined to mass production activities and the costing method is different from the current process, thereby requiring a case by case assessment of the impact on a claim.

As an example, for products produced in one year and sold two years later, the producer can claim the R&D Tax Incentive in the production year. When the product is later sold, the producer will include an additional amount in its assessable income to clawback the incentive previously obtained. If the product is used internally, a market value will need to be attributed.

SoftwareThe new changes impact software related R&D including the removal of the ‘multiple sale’ test and the exclusion of software as a core R&D activity where it is developed for the dominant purpose of internal administration of business functions.

EntitiesGrouping - New grouping rules will now apply, connecting entities with control of 40% or greater. Exempt entities, such as universities, can control up to 50% of the R&D entity.

Multinational groups - The R&D Tax Incentive will be available for R&D undertaken on behalf of a related foreign company.

Overseas activities - Up to 50% of the Australian core activities may be undertaken overseas with certain conditions and prior approval from AusIndustry. This is increased from 10%.

Payments to related entities - If expenditure is incurred with a related entity, an R&D benefit cannot be claimed in relation to that expenditure until it is paid.

Compliance issuesLodgement process - The R&D Tax Incentive remains a self-assessment program and the registration deadline remains 10 months after the end of a financial year.

Year End First period assessed under the new R&D rules

30 June 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012

30 September 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012

31 December 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012

31 March 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013

funding innovation: r&D Tax incentive and Grant opportunities

KPMG’s national R&D Incentives group, Australia’s largest R&D services group held a number of business briefing sessions for Composites Australia on the new R&D Tax legislation as well as on accessing government grant funding. A summary of these sessions is provided below.

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Advanced findings will be available, enabling organisations to validate their R&D activities before registering.

Limited amendment period – The Commissioner of Taxation will now have up to 4 years to revoke a finding or amend a claim for the R&D Tax Incentive, consistent with general corporate income tax self-assessment time limits.

Review and audit process – AusIndustry will be working more closely with the Australian Taxation Office regarding compliance assessments, with risk-focused reviews commencing upon lodgement.

Government grants

BackgroundThe Australian Government has long assisted innovation, business growth and strategically important projects through specifically tailored support packages such as grants and other incentives. Each year, approximately 500 government grant programs worth billions of dollars are made available to Australian businesses.

Government grants and other incentives are specifically tailored support packages which allow the government to drive investment, R&D, innovation and industry assistance into key priority sectors. Grant programs fund defined projects and are competitive in nature, requiring a strong business case for success.

Priority sectorsGrants and incentives are generally available for key priority sectors and activities aligned with Australia’s national priorities, including: Environment, Renewable energy, Clean technology, Innovation, Regional development and Water

Project examplesExamples of the types of projects with the potential to attract government funding support include:

Commercialisation of new products, processes and services

Increasing productivity and business competitiveness

Sustainability, environmental and renewable energy

Reduction of carbon emissions

Building the economic and social base of regional communities

Innovation, particularly where there are high levels of risk

Development of export markets.

Accessing grantsAccessing government grants can be challenging. The availability of programs can change rapidly and the identification of key opportunities that are strategically important to business can be difficult. The key steps to enhancing opportunities through government grants and incentives include:

Know what grants and incentives are available

Clearly address the eligibility and merit criteria

Critically assess whether your strategic projects align with the program objectives

Develop a compelling business case and provide evidence to support

Successful companiesThere is always strong competition for grant funding. Companies that are likely to be successful display innovation, solid project planning, strategic management acumen and capabilities, growth and/or export potential and strong benefits for Australia.

funding innovation: r&D Tax incentive and Grant opportunities (cont)

Composite Industry Insurance Specialists

Specific Industry Related Policies

David McAllister, Greg McDonald,

Bruce Bailey.

Phone: 1300 85 35 88 Fax: 1300 85 39 33

www.verisure.com.au

KPMG ServicesKPMG is experienced in identifying and obtaining grants, accessing government incentives and effectively liaising with the numerous federal and state government agencies and industry bodies. The KPMG team also has extensive experience in developing the rationale for the support of large, innovative, environmental or strategically important projects, accessing discretionary funds, project coordination and ongoing support.

For further information contact Les Laughlin, Manager R&D Incentives, 03 9838 4024

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industry news

in Memoriam

norma LeaIt is with deep regret that the Board, management and staff of pARTeC advise that on 15th October 2011, Norma Kersnovske (Lea), did not awaken from her sleep. Norma was for over 20 years the personal Assistant to the manager of pARTeC, Roger Cater, and was often the first point of contact between pARTeC and the wider industry.

She provided a cheerful source of assistance for those seeking help from PARTEC, and her contributions helped make PARTEC the successful entity it is today. She was also responsible for organising the Queensland Plastics Industry Golf Days which raised many dollars to help fund a number of worthy charities. We offer our deepest condolences to

her family and many friends in the industry.

A memorial function for the Queensland Plastic Industry, and Plastics-ITC members, acknowledging her contributions will be held at PARTEC Institute on Tuesday 22 November. There will be a barbeque and refreshments from around 12 noon, and open house for all visitors to meet and reflect on the year past, the opportunities ahead, and to remember Norma.

Written By: Roger Cater

Composites Australia staff and members were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Norma Lea, the welcoming face of PARTEC Institute in Queensland. In the seven years that CA staff knew Norma, she was always a delight to work with – highly competent, unfailingly friendly, proactive, and efficient, with a strong and positive “can do” attitude. She will be very much missed. Composites Australia also extends its condolences to Roger Cater and all PARTEC staff.

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Australia’s range of specialty reinforcements for use in closed mould systems

CSM (150 - 900 gsm)

George GimelWe were also saddened to learn that George Gimel, a former member of Composites Australia with George Black Textile products (VIC), passed away in September.

Anyone who met George, who was born in Paris in 1936, knew him as a gentleman and one who was passionate about Australian manufacturing. Composites Australia extends its condolences to his wife, daughters & families, and all friends and colleagues who knew him.

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State news

Victoria

The event began at the newly-opened RPC Technologies plant in Corio. The company is a leading supplier of corrosion resistant GRP/FRP fabrications, piping and ducting systems, acid resistant heavy duty linings, and specialist products for the industrial, transport and defence industries. RPC Technologies has been established in Australia for more than 35 years and has operations in New South Wales, Singapore and Indonesia. The reported investment of A $17.7 million to construct the new pipe manufacturing plant in Corio is said to create up to 112 new jobs. Darren Will, Business Development Manager, Transport for RPC gave a presentation on the company, its products and processes, and treated the delegates to a tour of the new facilities.

A bus hired for the event took the composite practitioners to the second stop of the tour, the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM), at Deakin University. The centre provides research services for the advanced manufacturing and materials sectors. It is a consortium of Australia’s leading materials and manufacturing focused research organisations, including Deakin University, La Trobe University, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology and CSIRO. It is also a member of the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC), which aims to develop and deliver new materials technologies and manufacturing processes to enhance Australia’s defence capability.

The centre has been lucky in attracting significant investment from both state and federal governments to enable the development of the Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre (AFFRIC) at the University.

One of the centre’s most exciting new research platforms is the recently established Australian Carbon Fibre Research Facility (ACFRF), a multimillion dollar carbon fibre production facility. The ACFRF will be the world's first open access carbon fibre production facility and will attract both international and local projects. Delegates toured VCAMM before returning to the conference room for lunch and networking.

Next stop on the bus tour was Sykes Racing/Concept 2 Australia. This company produces Olympic-class rowing shells, and employs lean manufacturing and the 5-S system to do so efficiently. General Manager Stuart Wilson told the groups about the company’s history and current projects, and led a tour on the factory floor.

Each boat's shape has been designed and is built for a purpose. Not everyone wants or needs an elite racer built for out-and-out speed. While this type is the company's mainstay, it also produces a range of comfortable, stable and competitive beginners, training and racing boats.

What's more, Sykes Boats are built to last. The first timber scull built by Jeff Sykes over 45 years ago is still in existence today. While Sykes Racing no longer produces these beautiful craft in timber, the company believes that its composite boats will be around for an equally long time, outlasting most rowers – and of course their competition. A visit here will show you how Sykes

Tour of Geelong Composites facilitiesOn 15 September, Composites Australia staged a tour of three top composites facilities in Geelong, Victoria. Attendees came from interstate as well as the Melbourne area to view these state-of-the-art facilities and see their processes and products. Geelong is currently pitching itself as a composites hub and is hopeful of attracting more composite businesses to the area.

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Victoria

South Australia

State news

constructs an 8-metre single sculling boat that weighs a mere 14 kg with full mountings fitted - amazingly this composites structure is only 7.5 kg and can withstand up to a 90 kg rower.

Sykes Racing is proud to be at the forefront of the latest rowing technologies and has a team dedicated to research and development. The company promotes and encourages the growth of rowing whether on the water, or indoors.

The tour ended back at RPC, with time for refreshments and networking. Participants rated the tour highly, praising the “open-ness of the industrial visits” and appreciating the opportunity to see leading edge technologies and to acknowledge the local capabilities.

State news

On 25 August, RPC Technologies MD Tony Caristo welcomed attendees to the CA trade night held at RPC Pipe Systems (formerly Fibrelogic) in Adelaide. In his welcome, Tony explained how Fibrelogic became part of RPC, and shared the company's vision for the future.

Three presentations followed:

The Need for More Advanced Techniques for FRP Reinforced Concrete Design (Dr Matthew Haskett, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Adelaide)

Filament Winding Simulation (Peter Eagles, Etamax Engineering)

Introducing RPC Pipe Systems (Mark Robinson, RPC Pipe Systems)

Attendees were given a tour of the impressive factory (photo below), and systems & processes were explained. The tour was followed by an enjoyable evening of refreshments and networking

industry Briefing and Tour of rPC Pipe Systems (fibrelogic)

King’s fibreglass Boss named exec of the yearThe owners and staff of King’s Fibreglass are very proud to advise that Glen King has been honoured by “Stanford Who's Who” by being named as an Executive of the Year. Glen was presented with this beautiful award to honour the occasion.

Tour of Geelong Composites facilities (cont)

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State news

western Australia

A word from the west – by Phill Bovis, MD of Cool Composites P/L and CA Board Member

Although it may have hard to gauge the participants’ response during the presentation, I did get some positive feedback from some individuals who seemed to think I was on the right track regarding the tweaking required in some areas of the qualification. I also informed the participants that they might consider their employees for the annual CA industry Award, which is in two parts this year. Two separate awards will be given, assuming there are appropriate recipients. One award is for the best apprentice or trainee; the second is for the people who have served the industry for a long time, continue to add their expertise and assist in developing the composites industry.

Kevin Stone, who is retiring from his position as president of the CIAB (Composite Industry Advisory Board), spoke of his time on the board. He also had words of encouragement for anyone who may want to contribute to the decisions on matters concerning the composite industry in WA. As part of the composite community, I would like to thank Kevin for his efforts regarding the development of the composite industry in WA.

Stephen Carroll of KPMG talked about R&D Tax incentives and Government grants. Stephen informed the participants about the recent changes to the way incentives are received, the application process, reporting requirements and what KPMG can do for its clients regarding the incentive claims.

Janet Currin from MEGT apprenticeship centre spoke about their services and different government funding available for training of existing workers and new employees in apprenticeships or traineeships. It may be fair to say that most employers are still unsure about how to access funding for training - this will be the subject of another article in a future edition.

Glenn Swarbrick presented a slide show about two of his latest composite sculptures, showing the process from CAD model concept to final assembly. In the October 2010 issue of this magazine, we reported on his building of an abstract statue representing the tale of St George slaying the dragon, using CNC routers and the same composites technology one might use to build a yacht. As the boating industry has not yet come back "afloat", Glenn has continued to take on some unusual challenges. One of the latest is the "monster", shown here (artist's representation), which will live in the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital foyer and will delight sick kids and their parents. Another statue has now gone overseas. Glenn has taken diversity in composites to some "wild" extremes!

Duane Davison, a teacher from Challenger Institute, spoke about some of the exhibits on show for attendees, giving an indication of some of the required projects that students get into. Included was an electric assisted tricycle that was about to be entered into a performance event. I’m sure Duane will let us know how the

team got on after the event!

After a break for refreshments, Owen Hall of Nuplex Composites did an infusion using the reusable bag technology from Sprayomer under license from EMP. This was also demonstrated at the CA conference. There are many positives about this system, relating to low volatiles in producing a bag. Once cured, the bag has a great amount of stretch to allow modifications to layup schedule without affecting the bag’s performance. There was quite a bit of interest in the system, and many people may want to try the system out for themselves to crunch the numbers. Anyone so interested should contact Nuplex for information on producing bags and costs.

Hamish Fraser from Pumpline demonstrated the simplicity of the new RS range of Gelcoat and Chopper guns from Graco. The new features include removable blade cartridges, quick release fastenings and functions that facilitate ease of cleaning.

All in all a very enjoyable and educational evening!

Briefings held at Challenger institute of Technology, Henderson, in Perth, always seem to attract great interest - and the latest, on 17 October, was no exception. As a CA representative, I thought it also a good opportunity to bring the West Coast up to speed regarding the Fibre Composite qualification.

Challenger Institute students' composites tricycle project

The "monster" built by Swarbrick

& Swarbrick Yachts, now at the

Royal Melbourne Children's

Hospital.

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State news

Queensland

2011 Queensland Composites industry SurveyQueensland’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) recently launched its latest fibre composites industry support strategy, the Fibre Composites Action Plan 2011-2014. The ultimate goal of the Action Plan is to facilitate industry growth at an average annual rate two per cent above the growth rate of the Queensland economy, as measured by industry gross value add.

To measure this, the Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR), a unit of Queensland Treasury, has been engaged to undertake the ‘2011 Queensland Composites Industry Survey’. This survey aims to gather information from the industry at the commencement and conclusion of the Plan to confirm industry value-add now and in three years’ time.

DEEDI’s Office of Advanced Manufacturing is encouraging businesses to participate in the survey, as the results will enable the Queensland Government to make informed decisions that better assist the State’s fibre composites industry.

It is expected that businesses will receive letters of invitation from OESR in early November 2011. Aggregate results will be provided to DEEDI during February 2012.

economic life-cycle costing studyThe composites (economic) life-cycle costing study will build on the outcomes of the environmental life-cycle assessment undertaken in 2009/10. It will provide dollar costs per life-cycle stage for a range of Queensland-made composite products and equivalent products made from more traditional materials. Life-cycle stages include material extraction and processing; manufacturing; useage (including transportation and maintenance); and end-of-life disposal.

The findings of the study will inform:

marketing strategies for the Queensland composites industry;

manufacturers in designing products and choosing materials and manufacturing methods;

engineers, architects, designers, purchasers and end-users in choosing finished products; and

the composites industry on ways to reduce costs of production and improve cost drivers that generate the highest impact on

each life cycle stage, from an understanding of the relative contributions of each component at each stage.

The composites (economic) life-cycle costing study is a multi-partner collaborative project led by DEEDI. A project steering committee representing manufacturers and supply chain partners has been formed to oversee the implementation of the study. The project is scheduled to run from November 2011 to June 2012.

fibre Composites TechClinicA half-day TechClinic aimed at promoting existing and identifying new applications for composites in public infrastructure is to be held in Brisbane on Tuesday, 29 November 2011. This targeted event will be co-hosted by the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites, University of Southern Queensland. It will connect researchers and industry suppliers with government and private-sector decision-makers and educate participants on the innovative applications of fibre composites and their potential whole-of-life environmental, social and economic benefits.

Composites industry Showcase – friday, 9 Dec 2011What better way to finish the year than by attending a composites showcase with your colleagues and friends.

Friday 9 December 2011 will see Marky Industries, composite specialists for more than 30 years, open their doors to the composites industry and end-users from the transport, construction and mining industries.

According to Martin Nikolas, Managing Director, “the showcase will include briefings from industry professionals such as the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites and QMI Solutions. We will also be hosting tours of our production facilities and product showcase, profiling our huge range of composite products supplied to electrical and transport companies such as Downer EDI, Redmond Gary, Volvo Trucks Australia and Boom Sherrin.”

The day will also serve as Composites Australia’s end of year get together. Enjoy refreshments and drinks whilst networking with your fellow industry members.

Marky Industries are located at Crestmead (half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast). Event partners include the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites, USQ, QMI Solutions, DEEDI and Composites Australia.

implementation of fibre Composites Action Plan (2011-2014)

new South wales

CA AGM, Trade night heldOn 3 November, Composites Australia held its Annual General

Meeting at Hunter Institute of TAFE in Newcastle, NSW.

The President of Composites Australia, Genelle Coghlan, made

a report to members, the key points of which are included in her

letter on page 3 of this issue.

Members then voted to approve two proposed changes to the constitution and also re-elected to the Board the six members who had re-nominated as their two-year terms expired. It was also announced that RPC Technologies’ representative on the Board will now be Pierre Gouhier, replacing Darren Bishop who is heading overseas to head up operations in southeast Asia. The minutes of the meeting are also available in the Members Centre on the Composites Australia website. A Trade Night took place

CA AGM, Trade night held (cont)

n Australasian Solvents and Chemicals Company (ASCC) (QLD), John Jacka, Account Manager - Resins

n Jayco Corporation (VIC), David Fealy, R & D Manager

n KPMG (VIC), Les Laughlin, Manager, R & D Incentives

n Talon Technology (NSW), Geoff Germon, CEO

Australasian Solvents and Chemicals Company (ASCC) are proud to be a new member of Composites Australia.

Since our incorporation originally as “Solchem” in 1996, ASCC has grown to become one of the largest distributors of solvents, chemicals and resins in Australia and New Zealand.

As well as being national branded distributor for ExxonMobil™ Chemical in Australia and New Zealand, ASCC are also regional distributors for the full range of “Eternal” polyester and vinylester

resins and “Nan Ya” epoxy resins.

The Eternal range of high quality resins includes products for a wide range of applications and industry sectors including orthophthalic, isophthalic, DCPD and vinylester resins for marine, automotive, chemical resistance, sanitary casting and FRP roof sheeting.

Please visit our website at www.ascc.net.au or give us a call to learn more about how ASCC can help your manufacturing business gain a competitive edge.

new Member Profile: Australasian Solvents and Chemicals Company (ASCC)

KPMG’s R&D Incentives group is the largest and most experienced group of its kind in Australia, comprising a specialist, multi-disciplinary team with extensive industry-based experience and diverse backgrounds including engineering, science, information technology, law, accounting and government. The KPMG team advises clients on the tax aspects of technology related activities, including the R&D Tax Incentive and government grant assistance programs. We assist clients to identify, document and cost eligible

R&D projects. Each project is unique requiring the application of diverse skills to deliver tax savings to our client base. KPMG also provides specialised grants services including identifying relevant grants, preparing submissions, accessing discretionary funds, coordinating projects, preparing business cases and providing ongoing support. Our clients cover a broad spectrum of industries including manufacturing, engineering, high-technology, mining, finance, biotechnology and agriculture.

new Member Profile: KPMG – r & D incentives Group

ASCC Brisbane (Head) Office: 07 3208 5355 Melbourne Office: 03 9544 2810

Key contact – David Gelb – National Managing Partner, 03 9288 6160

State news

new South wales

welcome new Members

Composites Australia welcomes new Members

immediately after the AGM. Presentations included:

“One Pail of Resin at a Time” – Urs Kueng of FGS Composites spoke about how his business went from humble beginnings with one man and a jeep to premises in two states and production that includes mass transport, electrical equipment maintenance, construction of industrial chemical tanks, truck components and high tech infusion and RTM light. This fibreglass ‘rags to riches” tale resonated with the fabricators present.

“Accessing Training and Qualifications in Composites” – Robert Aitken, Teacher, Composite Technology at Hunter TAFE, told attendees what’s been happening in the composites programs at Hunter TAFE and talked about the uptake of composites for new entrants as well as existing workers.

Ross Mitchell, Head Teacher, then discussed the National Fibre Composites Technician qualification. The audience was asked for their input, and voted on what they felt would be the best name; “Certificate III in Fibre Reinforced Composites” received the majority of the votes, and this information will be passed on to Manufacturing Skills Australia.

Discussion also took place on several other sections of the proposed qualification and MSA has been accordingly advised.

Attendees were also reminded that there are only a few remaining RTO’s in Australia specialising in composite training. Fabricators need to support those which remain, with the uptake of new entrant and existing worker apprenticeships, so these schools and RTOs can continue to serve the industry.

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Media releases

November 2, 2011 – (Covina, CA) – The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) has announced Dr. Leslie Jay Cohen of HITCO Carbon Composites, Inc. as the newest recipient of the SAMPE George Lubin Award.

The award, named for George Lubin, an originator of reinforced plastics and pioneer in the development and implementation of advanced composites for primary structures, was established by SAMPE in 1986. To date, only 14 people have received the distinction. Dr. Cohen is the first to receive the award since 2006. Dr. Cohen will be presented with the award at the SAMPE Fellows Banquet, during the SAMPE 2012 Conference and Exhibition in Maryland (USA), May 21-24, 2012.

Dr Cohen’s company, Hitco Composites, has sponsored the Conference Programme for the Composites Australia & CRC-ACS Conference for the past several years. We also keep trying to get him here as a Keynote Speaker, but are yet to be successful due to his busy schedule!

For more information visit www.sampe.org

SAMPe’s highest honor Award Announced

Saul eslake on the economic outlook for 2012

The Society of Plastics Engineers (A-NZ Section) are holding a breakfast seminar on the topic of the “Economic Outlook for 2012” on Tuesday 6th December 2011 from 7 am to 9.30 am at the Leonda by the Yarra, Hawthorn Victoria.

This is a premier plastics industry event at which Saul Eslake of the Grattan Institute will present his views on the economy and our manufacturing industry for 2012.

The program flyer and registration form can be found here: www.plastics.org.au and www.4spe.org/a-nz. For more information contact Han Michel – 0416 168 255

Congress Programme

The ICAS Programme will consist of a number of parallel sessions and also poster exhibitions. Student presentations will be embedded in the technical sessions. The Programme is expected to contain over 400 oral presentations. In addition, there will be a number of high quality, invited lectures on topics of particular importance and general interest in the technical sessions. A number of general lectures on subjects of major importance, delivered by leading experts, will be included in the morning and afternoon plenary sessions.

Congress venue

The 28th Congress will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Queenslan. The host and local organiser is the Royal Aeronautical Society, Australian Division – the ICAS Member Society in Australia. Engineers Australia is co-hosting the Congress.

Prof Murray Scott, CEO of CRC-ACS, is the Chair of the Programme Committee.

iCAS 2012 – The 28th Congress of the international Council of the Aeronautical Sciences

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events Schedule 2011– 2012

The following Composites Australia (CA) events are scheduled for 2011-12. Please contact Ann Byrne at the CA Secretariat for further details and registration. Don’t forget to check the website for regular updates: www.compositesaustralia.com.au/briefings.htm

Friday9 Dec1.00 – 5.00pm

Industry Showcase and end of year get together • Address from The Honourable Jan Jarratt MP, Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business• Presentation from the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites, USQ• Presentation from QMI Solutions• Guided Tour of Marky Industries• Networking, refreshments, End-of-year get together Sponsored by the Queensland Government and hosted by Marky Industries

Crestmead, QLDmarky Industries1 magnesium DriveCrestmead, QLD

Thurs 23 Feb 9.30 – 11.00pm

Tour of Jayco Corporation• Tour of Jayco factory

In 2007 Jayco moved into a state of the art, purpose-built complex 50 acres (20 Hectares) in size and with an undercover area of 60,000sqm. Come along and see where Jayco make products camper trailers, motorhomes and park cabins, with a new Jayco coming off the lines every 12 minutes.

Melbourne, VIC1 Jayco Drive, Dandenong South, VIC

Thurs & Fri15 –16 March 2012

Composites Australia & CRC-ACS Conference: ‘Diversity in Composites’New: Academic stream with peer-reviewed papers

• Engineers Thursday

• Fabricators Friday

Now accepting applications for papers, presentations and demonstrations

Blue Mountains, NSW Fairmont ResortLeura, NSW

This schedule is subject to availability of venues, speakers, resources and equipment and may change from time to time. Composites Australia is not liable for any loss or expenses incurred due to changes in the programme.

Media releases

CCP Composites Arrives in Australia

10% of CCP Composites staff worldwide are engaged in R&D and Technical Assistance.

Just another testament towards CCP Composites’ vision of being the most innovative worldwide supplier of solutions for the production of sustainable composites.

“To develop our products, to identify new applications, to invent environmentally friendly solutions; innovation is at the heart of our strategy,” states CCP Composites President Dominique Vincent.

This strategy suits the newly appointed distribution arm for Australia, CCP Composites Australia, according to Managing Director Larry Beston. “CCP and Cray Valley products have been distributed by our business over the past 10 years. We're proud of that relationship and the subsequent innovations we offer to our customers courtesy of such world-class products. Becoming part of the world's premier composite resin manufacture and distribution network strengthens not only our business, but those customers that trust their materials solutions with us.”

Today, CCP Composites Australia is pleased to announce its beginnings, contributing to the creation of the world's largest thermoset composites business – CCP Composites. The Australian arm looks forward to drawing upon the strength of a world leader to deliver innovative solutions in composites material supply and service. CCP Composites Australia – Creating Progress. www.ccpcomposites.com.au