Curtin University will be part of a major initiative to strengthen additive manufacturing in Australia. As part of the newly established Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), the university is working with industry partners and government institutions to promote the use of 3D printing technologies in key industries such as defense, aerospace, healthcare and shipbuilding. The aim is to establish a nationally networked ecosystem for industrial additive manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing describes the layer-by-layer production of components from digital designs. Complex geometries can be realized with less material waste and higher structural strength. The research teams at Curtin University are contributing their expertise in materials science, corrosion research and manufacturing technology to the project. The institutes involved include the John de Laeter Centre and the Curtin Corrosion Centre, which are already collaborating with companies such as shipbuilder Austal.
“Additive manufacturing is reshaping the way products are designed, built and delivered across the world,” Professor Melinda Fitzgerald said. “Curtin is proud to contribute to this national initiative, helping to drive cutting-edge research that will advance Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability and unlock new economic opportunities.”
“Over the next decade, additive manufacturing is poised to transform supply chains, increase production efficiency and reduce waste,” Dr Karl Davidson said. “Our teams at Curtin will be applying world-leading expertise to develop stronger, lighter, and more sustainable materials for use in industries like defence and marine engineering.”
Additive manufacturing could change central supply chains, make production processes more efficient and reduce waste in the coming years. Associate Professor Zakaria Quadir adds that Curtin’s infrastructure, including large-format industrial 3D printing systems, offers optimal conditions for practice-oriented research.
The AMCRC is being supported with 58 million Australian dollars from the government’s CRC funding program over a period of seven years. A total of 14 research institutions and over 50 industry partners are working together to further develop additive manufacturing technologies in Australia and promote their commercialization. The initiative is seen as a strategic step towards strengthening national manufacturing capabilities in security-related and export-oriented industries.
Metal Binder Jetting: The Key to Efficient Tool Manufacturing? - Exclusive Insights from INDO-MIM
Fill out the form and get instant access to an exclusive webinar on HP's Metal Binder Jetting 3D printing technology with exciting insights from INDO-MIM.Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
