Industry research projects set to begin as Additive Manufacturing Collaborative Research Centre is officially launched
Bringing together 13 Australian universities, CSIRO and over 60 industry and membership organisations, Australia’s new Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre was officially launched yesterday.
Established with $57.5 million in Commonwealth Government funding from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the AMCRC aims to help industry unlock the potential of additive manufacturing, helping to fast-track products to commercialisation and building sovereign capability.
The AMCRC partner base expects to invest an additional $200 million in the organisation over the next seven years to help develop a world-class additive manufacturing ecosystem that enhances industry capacity across the country.
AMCRC chair Susan Jeanes says the AMCRC represents a unique opportunity for Australia to position itself as a global leader in the sector.
“By uniting industry, researchers and government behind a shared agenda, we will drive research, fast-track commercialisation, and build sovereign capability – delivering new materials, technologies and production solutions that improve productivity, efficiency and local capacity,” she says.
The official launch was held in partnership with Boeing Aerostructures Australia – a major contributor to the CRC – with Boeing director of additive manufacturing Nicholas Mulé saying the company had a long history of investing in Australian innovation.
“Together with the AMCRC, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with Australian researchers and local companies to explore novel applications that enhance safety, quality and technology in our operations,” he says.
A major focus of AMCRC will also be developing a skilled, future-ready workforce, ensuring widespread adoption of additive manufacturing technologies and strengthening Australia’s manufacturing resilience and competitiveness.
Its research ambition will centre around four programs:
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing
- Advanced materials development including critical mineral processing and feedstock enhancement to upcycle local production
- New technology and certified process development
- Enhanced finishings and surface technologies for medtec and defence applications.
Two industry partners set to commence projects with AMCRC are AMTIL-member Rosebank Engineering, which provides aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, and entX – a South Australian nuclear engineering and technology company developing advanced energy solutions with applications across defence and space exploration.
Rosebank general manager Aidan Butler-Bonnice says the company has been investing in advanced technologies that enhance manufacturing and sustainment capability, as well as efficiency and value, for the past 40 years.
“Building on this legacy of innovation, we are proud to be partnering with the AMCRC to pioneer Laser Direct Energy Deposition for repair of high-value defence components,” he says.
“With over two decades of additive manufacturing experience, we look forward to working with the AMCRC and our research partners Swinburne and RMIT University to develop robust industry-ready solutions that strengthen Australia’s defence, aerospace and maritime sectors.”
entX managing director Bryn Jones said it was exciting to see the projects get underway.
“The speed and focus of the CRC gives us great confidence in its ability to support Australian industry and drive innovation,” he says.