AMTIL has established a new Additive Manufacturing Hub in partnership with the Victorian State Government, to help connect Victorian businesses with breakthrough addivitve manufacturing (AM) technology.

The AM Hub was officially launched on 3 September at the headquarters of Objective 3D in Carrum Downs, in an event attended by Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll and Sonya Kilkenny, the local member for Carrum. The AM Hub will be delivered by AMTIL, and supported by $1.85m from the Victorian Government. Membership of the AM Hub is free for all AMTIL members (but not limited to AMTIL members).

“3D printing is a game changer for manufacturing, which is why we’re backing the technology so more local companies can reap the benefits,” said Minister Carroll. “This new Hub will help local manufacturers innovate, become more productive and excel in future industries.”

AM is a breakthrough technology for advanced manufacturing, helping businesses design and make new high-value products that are not possible using traditional methods. Capability in this form of high-value manufacturing will help to position local businesses for success in future industries such as defence, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, and transport technologies.

The AM Hub will improve access for local companies to Victoria’s world-class AM infrastructure and promote Victoria as a globally significant destination for AM investment. Victoria is the nation’s leader in AM with more 3D printing machines than any other state.

A key activity within the AM Hub will be to address identified skill gaps within the industry, developing capability in areas such as business case analysis and design for manufacture through Registered Service Providers. To deliver on this, a significant service offered to AM Hub Members in Victoria will be the ‘Build It Better’ AM Hub Grants Program.

These grants will provide assistance to companies that want to develop business cases for investment in AM technology, undertake design services or re-engineer existing products. Grants of up to $20,000 will be issued to access the expertise of a Registered Service Provider. All grants must be matched with a minimum cash contribution of $1 for every $1 granted.

“AM technology is getting faster and faster, producing more robust production quality and strength components, and manufacturing them at faster and faster speeds,” said Matt Minio, Managing Director of Objective 3D, which hosted the launch event as one of the AM Hub’s initial members. “One of our biggest challenges is educating the market to advise them of the rapid rate of change in AM. If we don’t, Australian businesses run the risk of being left behind.”

Underpinning all the activity in the AM Hub will be a website (www.amhub.net.au) which will include: a fully searchable capability directory of AM Hub members; a calendar of upcoming events; a Press Centre available to AM Hub members for promotional purposes; and a news feed. Case studies will also be developed to promote capability and encourage further uptake by highlighting companies that have invested in AM technology, developed capability or produced new products using AM.

“Additive manufacturing is having an impact on product development and manufacturing around the world,” said AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti. “Parts produced by additive manufacturing are going into aircraft, race cars, home and office products, and human beings. We have come a long way since stereolithography was first patented in 1984. But we still have a long way to go to realise the opportunities that additive manufacturing has to offer. The AM Hub will play an important role in realising these opportunities for Victorian businesses.”

Membership of the AM Hub is free for all AMTIL members (but not limited to AMTIL members). For more information on the AM Hub, please contact Alex Kingsbury, AM Hub Consultant, on amhub@amtil.com.au.