Western Sydney University researchers have secured more than $2.5 million in funding to support collaborative research and development projects aimed at strengthening Australia’s manufacturing sector.
The funding, part of the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), will back new initiatives in advanced manufacturing through partnerships between universities and industry, as revealed in a news release.
The AMCRC is an industry-led initiative comprising 101 partners from research institutions, government bodies, and industry stakeholders.
It aims to enhance productivity, modernise production techniques, and build national capability in manufacturing, particularly through additive manufacturing technologies.
The funding will benefit Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (CfAMT), which was launched in late 2023.
The CfAMT brings together researchers from various disciplines, including engineering, business, and science, to work with industry on practical manufacturing challenges.
Professor Richard Yang, who will lead the projects at the University, described the funding as critical to supporting Australia’s transition to a net zero economy and the adoption of sustainable technologies such as 3D printing.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the University to further contribute to industrial transformation, economic growth and sustainable development, as we work to provide solutions to real world problems with our partners,” Professor Yang said.
“With this funding, our researchers will continue to position Western Sydney as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation in a rapidly developing market.”
The funding involves ten industry partners across Australia, including 3rd Axis, Australian Retail Products, Circular Seed, Crucible Energy, Lithium Bicycle, Luyten 3D, Newton 19, Panda Tiling, Sustainable Precast Company, and SVSR.
These organisations will collaborate with university researchers on projects aligned with next-generation manufacturing processes.
Professor Deborah Sweeney, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and Global), commended the collaborative effort behind the successful funding bid.
“This success is a testament to our leadership, research excellence, strong partnership and engagement with industry, in advanced manufacturing,” Professor Sweeney said.
She noted that the AMCRC initiative complements the University’s broader efforts to support the manufacturing sector, citing the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) Connect services at Bradfield City Centre and the Factory of the Future at Bankstown City campus as key initiatives already underway.
