A number of activities have taken place surrounding AMTIL’s Additive Manufacturing Network over the past six months, with more planned for the coming months.

There have been a number of events over the past six months including:

  • The launch of 3D Central, an Advanced Manufacturing Centre located at the head office of Objective 3D in Carrum Downs.
  • A 3D Printing Overview presented by 3D Printing today held at the Mulgrave Country Club.
  • A Forum on Medical Manufacturing held at RMIT’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct in Carlton and focused on additive manufacturing in the medical devices sector.
  • The Opening of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hub at the Monash Centre for Advanced Manufacturing.
  • The AusBiotech Advanced Manufacturing Summit held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.
  • VCAMM event on “Practical Engagement with Additive Manufacturing” held at RMIT’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct.

All of these events were supported by AMTIL and promoted through the Network. I would be interested on any feedback from people who attended any of these events.

You may recall that AMTIL is a Core Participant and Portal Organisation for the proposed Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). We have committed (along with the Ai Group and the Small Technology Cluster) a total of $9m over the next seven years for industry engagement into additive manufacturing research. This commitment allows for an ongoing mechanism by which Network Members and SMEs can engage with the CRC over this timeframe. By way of an update, this proposal for the CRC is on Minister Macfarlane’s desk awaiting signoff, which we are very confident of achieving.

There is currently a review of the CRC Program underway. On behalf of the Network, I met with David Miles late last year to put forward our input into the review process. We expect this review to be presented to Minister Macfarlane this month and a response shortly afterwards.

As part of our collaboration with the Industry Precinct (META) late last year, we formed a core team of Network members and conducted three workshops just prior to Christmas.  The outcome from these workshops was to gather the necessary information by which a Roadmap and Strategic Plan can be developed. This information has been collated and the planning process is underway. It is intended that by mid-year we will have an action plan to share with Network members.

In addition, the establishment of an online platform that will enable the broader Network to communicate, share ideas and facilitate activities, has been developed. As part of the Australian Government’s initiative to transition from Innovation Precincts to Industry Growth Centres, the online platform is currently under review. Former Managing Director of IBM Australia, Mr Andrew Stevens, was recently appointed as Chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Growth Centre. I will keep you all informed of progress over the coming months on how AMTIL and the Additive Manufacturing Network will engage with Mr Stevens through the facilitation and industry consultation steps.

We have negotiated with Meckler Media (global organisers of 3D printing conferences) for them to run this conference alongside Austech in Melbourne. This is a great outcome for industry, as it will allow delegates to visit the major Additive Manufacturing exhibition and conference at the one time. Austech, which incorporates the Additive and Digital Manufacturing Exhibition and Manufacturers Pavilion, is running from 26-29 May 2015. The 3D Printing Conference will be held on 26 and 27 May.

AMTIL is an Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) Approved Body and Network members are able to tap into this. We are currently in discussions with Austrade and AusIndustry about running an Additive Manufacturing trade mission later this year.

We will continue to have regular updates in AMT on what is happening with the Network and on upcoming events and activities. If you want to join the Network it is free to AMTIL members and you can enquire about AMTIL membership by emailing sinfanti@amtil.com.au