MechImprove works to improve the reliability and profitability of machinery, targeting both OEM's and operations equally. MechImprove maintains an independent, transparent and fact-based service.MechImprove specialises in the provision of the following services:- Design, audits and certification to Australian and International Standards- Fatigue life assessment and design improvements to meet fatigue life targets- Failure investigations- Analysis and assessment of designs/modifications (Numerical and FEA methods)- In-service static and dynamic load measurement using strain gauges, accelerometers, etc.- Providing an in-depth understanding on the factors limiting the life and performance of machineryMechImprove's founder and Principle Mechanical Engineer has many years experience working withSurface mining equipment: Shovels/Excavators, Draglines, Haul trucks, Graders, Water carts, etc.Underground mining equipment: Longwall roof supports, Loaders, Shuttle Cars, Continuous Miners / Entry development machines, Breaker feeders, Man carriers, etc.Hydraulic cylinders: One and two stage cylinders including longwall roof support cylindersLifting equipment and associated structuresGeneral heavy industry and the Rail industry

DEFENCE AND AEROSPACEI am involved with various Defence projects for the Commonwealth of Australia. The purpose of my role is to provide Defence customers with innovative solutions delivering cost effective engineering design solutions, prototype development, production and through life support.Specific duties of my role include:• Provide innovative & cost effective engineering solutions, new approaches & techniques to the design and development of new products and problem solving.• Provide concept design, preliminary and detailed design analysis of structural and mechanical products utilising CAD 3D Solid Modelling and CAE FEA software applications.• Provide professional technical report writing and assistance with preparation of tender responses.• Provide manufacturing support including design for manufacture reviews and development of manufacturing work instructions.• Work with multidisciplinary design team and suppliers to deliver practical, innovative and cost-effective engineering solutions.• Conduct formal design review meetings, including preparation of presentation material and provision of meeting agendas and minutes.• Develop and maintain project schedules based on project scope of work and key milestones.• Review project costs and schedule against contracted deliverables and budgets and provide status reports and forecasting.• Develop technical specifications/statement of work for outsourcing of specialised engineering and manufacturing services.• Conduct of site inspections and measurement including provision of condition reports and as-built manufacturing drawings and associated records.• Follow applicable Quality Operating Procedures.• Liaise with internal/external customers, service providers and networks on a regular basis to maintain healthy relationships, understand their business operations and objectives.

In my role as a consultant Mechanical Engineer with BMT WBM I report directly to my clients and depend on their repeat business and referral to others. The type of projects I have completed for my clients include the following:- Design- Design audits and certifications- Fatigue analysis- Stress analysis, numerical and finite element analysis (FEA) methods- Failure Investigations- Design improvement- Solid modelling and simulation- Testing & measurement / Verification using strain gauges, accelerometers, displacement pots, proximity probes, pressure transducers, rotary encoders, etc.

Working in the Structural Integrity division (now called Asset Integrity) and reporting to managers of coal handling and preparation plants, I was responsible for providing inspection and non-destructive testing services and formulating a risk assessment-based maintenance strategy for the site in fulfilment of the NSW Mines Regulations requirements. I took on the role of team leader for the majority of projects, often with one or two other engineers or technicians in my care, and regularly working in high-risk environments.As a requirement of this work I maintained some high-risk qualifications including Elevated Work Platform, Confined Space, and Work at Heights, in addition to the standard generic and site inductions.

I started with 'Kings' as a Mechanical Draftsman, creating drawings of mining equipment components to support a machine shop, fabrication shop and an overhaul shop. My duties included normal running of the drafting office. As my engineering degree and knowledge increased I was given the role of Mechanical Draftsman/Engineer and was involved in the development of new mobile equipment as Kings transitioned into an OEM.