Austal, Curtin University, AMCRC Collaborate on Additive Manufacturing R&D

Australia's Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), which partners with 70 industry entities on collaborative R&D and technology transfer, is embarking on a new research initiative with Austal and Curtin University. Funded by the Australian government, the AMCRC aims to foster the growth of additive manufacturing within the country.

The 18-month project will focus on Austal, a prominent Australian shipbuilder with a global workforce and significant revenue, known for constructing patrol vessels, ferries, submarines, and autonomous vessels. Curtin University, recognized for its expertise in fields including mining, geology, geophysics, and architecture, will also contribute to the collaboration.

The core objective of the research is to examine Austal's defense supply chain to pinpoint components that are ideal candidates for 3D printing. The project aims to establish an "industry-ready framework" that provides a standardized methodology for evaluating numerous components against operational, commercial, technical, and regulatory requirements. This approach mirrors similar initiatives seen in the United States involving the Army, Navy, and America Makes.

This collaboration seeks to enhance Austal's adoption of additive manufacturing and support Australia's sovereign manufacturing capabilities. The initiative is particularly relevant given Australia's geographic isolation, emphasizing the need for domestic production and repair capacity for critical components, especially in scenarios where external supply chains could be disrupted. The project also aims to address lead times associated with traditional manufacturing methods like casting and forging.

Sam Abbott, Head of Research and Development at Austal, stated that the challenge has shifted from proving additive manufacturing's viability to identifying where it offers the most significant value. He believes the developed framework will quantify demand for AM across maritime and defense programs, enabling better investment decisions, more resilient supply chains, and accelerated advancement of Australia's manufacturing capabilities. Austal's prior experience as a prime contractor for the United States Navy's Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is expected to inform this project.