Researchers from Curtin University — an Australian public research university based in Bentley, Perth, Western Australia — will play a key role in a ‘major new national push’ to strengthen Australia’s ‘advanced manufacturing capabilities through next-generation 3-D printing technologies’ in conjunction with the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC).
The Centre is bringing together universities, industry partners and government to build a ‘nationally connected additive manufacturing (AM) ecosystem aimed at transforming sectors including defence, aerospace, healthcare, automotive and construction’.
Curtin’s expertise in materials science, materials characterisation, corrosion and advanced manufacturing will be central to the AMCRC’s work, with researchers from the John de Laeter Centre and the Curtin Corrosion Centre working alongside major industry partners including Austal (one of Australia’s leading shipbuilders) to deliver ‘industry-led innovation’.
Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, Curtin University’s deputy vice-chancellor, research, said the AMCRC would accelerate the shift towards smarter and more sustainable manufacturing industries in Australia. “Additive manufacturing is reshaping the way products are designed, built and delivered across the world. 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.”
Dr Karl Davidson from Curtin University added: “Over the next decade, additive manufacturing is poised to transform supply chains, increase production efficiency and reduce waste. 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.”
Through its collaboration with partners, Curtin will support projects focused on mining, agriculture and marine-grade AM technologies. Funded with $58 million from the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres programme, the AMCRC will bring together 14 research partners and more than 50 industry collaborators to drive innovation, commercialisation and skills development over the next seven years.