3D printing has been making significant strides in Australia in recent years, adding to the country’s diverse list of accomplishments. While Australia may not be at the forefront like the United States and China, its additive manufacturing sector is on an upward trajectory. To gain insights into the current state of 3D printing in Australia, we spoke with Gönül Serbest, the Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, as well as Dr. Yang Tian and Professor Aijun Huang from the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM).
Experts estimate that the 3D printing market in Australia was valued at AUD 692.45 million in 2024, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 18.7%. This growth has been fueled by various factors, including the country’s innovative companies like SPEE3D, Titomic, Conflux Technology, and Additive Assurance, all of which are making significant contributions to metal additive manufacturing and other technologies on a global scale.
One of the notable technologies gaining prominence in Australia is Cold Spray AM, championed by companies like SPEE3D and Titomic. These companies have not only made a mark locally but have also garnered international recognition, particularly in the defense sector. Additionally, Australia boasts expertise in a range of additive manufacturing technologies, such as metal 3D printing, cold spray deposition, and polymer-based processes.
The growth of the additive manufacturing sector in Australia has been further supported by government initiatives, such as the establishment of the Additive Manufacturing Cooperation Research Centre (AMCRC) with a significant investment of $58 million. Australia’s participation as a Partner Country at Formnext 2024 underscored the country’s commitment to showcasing its capabilities on a global platform and fostering collaborations in the additive manufacturing industry.
Victoria, in particular, has emerged as a hub for 3D printing applications, with institutions like the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM) leading the way. MCAM houses a range of cutting-edge equipment and research platforms, including the largest metal 3D printer in Australia, further solidifying the country’s position in additive manufacturing research and development.
Various sectors in Australia, including aerospace, defense, medical devices, and renewable energy, have embraced 3D printing for creating lightweight components, repairing infrastructure, and developing customized medical implants. The state of Victoria and New South Wales have also initiated projects utilizing 3D printing technology to address housing and social challenges, showcasing the diverse applications of additive manufacturing.
Academic institutions like MCAM are at the forefront of impactful 3D printing projects in Australia, spanning industries such as aerospace, healthcare, railway, and energy. Research efforts focused on developing flight-certified AM parts, next-generation alloys, and innovative applications like AI-assisted topology optimization highlight the transformative potential of additive manufacturing in Australia.
Despite the remarkable progress, Australia’s additive manufacturing industry faces challenges in catching up with global leaders and optimizing revenue generation. Efforts are underway to enhance industry knowledge, establish qualification procedures, and ensure the reliability of AM technologies through collaborations between academia, research institutions, and industry players.
The future of additive manufacturing in Australia appears promising, with increasing support from government and industry stakeholders. Key trends include expanding into critical sectors, developing cost-effective AM technologies, and fostering strong industry-academia partnerships to drive innovation and competitiveness on a global scale. With continued investment and collaboration, Australia is poised to lead the way in advanced manufacturing through additive manufacturing technologies.
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