A world-first commercial 3D printer manufactured by AMTIL member SPEE3D that has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing technology will be based at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, said the printer, which the NT Government has invested in, would form the centrepiece of a new industrial research hub to be based at CDU’s Casuarina campus in Darwin’s northern suburbs. The hub would pave the way for the creation of jobs into the future for NT residents, as well as generating new economic opportunities in the NT.
Gunner joined Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks to announce a $400,000 NT Government grant for the purchase of the LightSPEE3D printer.
“We want to partner with local enterprises to drive innovation here in the Territory,” Gunner said. “By diversifying the economy through innovation we are opening the door to new economic opportunities for Territorians – both now and into the future.”
The 3D printer was invented in the NT by Steven Camilleri and Byron Kennedy, the co-founders of SPEE3D. It will be used to provide a new industrial transformation research hub for advanced manufacturing in the Territory, delivering new tools, skills and technologies, and generating highly skilled jobs. The printer would allow for the rapid and low-cost production of metal parts without tools.
Together with CDU, SPEE3D has formed the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (AMA) based at Casuarina campus. Professor Maddocks said the AMA also would work to develop applications for the use of the new technology in remote areas – improving supply chains and lowering operating costs. He congratulated the NT Government for its critical role in bringing the project to fruition.