Manufacturing Technology

Austral's Computer Technology

The use of the latest computer technology is now an integral part of Austral's manufacturing procedures. Using sophisticated computers and advanced CAD/CAM software a new propeller concept is designed. The completed design can be assessed for shape and profile then individual sections can be analysed to determine their effectiveness, or otherwise, in operation.

Once the design has been theoretically proven, the computer generates machining toolpaths using surfaces from the propeller drawing. Basically the complete machining of the propeller can then be simulated on the computer screen to verify such things as tool selection, cutter direction, clearances, surface blending etc.

When these machining toolpaths have been verified they are then automatically down loaded to a CNC vertical machining centre (VMC). By transmitting precise X-Y-Z co-ordinates the computer, in effect guides the VMC tool to machine the propeller pattern exactly as it was originally drawn. Using this technology, new prototype "test propellers" are produced and water tested within our ongoing R&D programme.

Once a new design has been proven by exhaustive testing our computer can then parametrically produce toolpaths for any combination of diameter and pitch. Resulting from this extensive R&D programme some exciting new propeller designs have been produced. This advanced computer technology ensures Austral propellers are not only of superior design, but the finished products are now consistently superior, both in terms of overall quality and accuracy, to propellers made from traditional manual pattern making methods.

Austral Metals

NIBRAL (Nickel Aluminium Bronze)

This premium high tensile alloy is recognised, throughout the world, as one of the best metals available for marine propeller manufacture. The alloy basically has no zinc and with an average tensile strength of 85,000lbs per sq.inch gives much greater resistance than Manganese Bronze to bending, flexing and corrosion. Its durability makes it ideal for cupped propellers, high HP engines and for heavy commercial use.

MANGANESE BRONZE

A superior grade alloy with an average tensile strength of 62,000lbs per sq.inch. It is ideal for cruisers, small boats, and yachts with engines up to 150HP. It is also suitable for most commercial boats with larger reductions and slow revving propellers. The base alloy price is cheaper than Nibral and it is easier to work, therefore the price of propellers made from it are less expensive.

ALUMINIUM

This high strength premium magnesium aluminium has good ductility which means in most cases, upon impact the propeller will bend rather than break. The alloy is saltwater resistant and unlike die castings Austral propellers can easily be altered in pitch or cupped. It is used to produce our saildrive, outboard and sterndrive propellers.