Australia’s Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) has been officially launched in Melbourne, marking what organisers described as a significant step toward enhancing the nation’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Established with $57.5 million in Commonwealth Government funding through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the AMCRC brings together 13 universities, CSIRO, and more than 60 industry partners.
Over seven years, these partners will contribute an additional $200 million to build a national additive manufacturing ecosystem, AMCRC said in a news release.
AMCRC Chair Susan Jeanes said the initiative would help position Australia as a leader in additive manufacturing innovation.
“By uniting industry, researchers and government behind a shared agenda, we will drive research, fast-track commercialisation, and build sovereign capability,” Jeanes said.
Managing Director Simon Marriott said the CRC aims to ensure Australian manufacturing remains globally competitive. “Additive manufacturing is transforming industrial processes and supply chains, enabling a new era of efficient and sustainable production,” he said.
The launch, held in partnership with Boeing Aerostructures Australia, was attended by government, research, and industry representatives. Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks said hosting the AMCRC would “bolster Victorian capabilities and support the future of Australian manufacturing.”
Boeing’s Director of Additive Manufacturing, Nicholas Mulé, said the company looked forward to working with the CRC to explore applications that “enhance safety, quality and technology” in aerospace production.
Two early projects with industry partners entX and Rosebank Engineering are already underway, focusing on advanced energy solutions and defence component repair technologies.
Following the launch, the AMCRC hosted an Additive Manufacturing Forum featuring global expert Terry Wohlers, who shared insights on emerging opportunities for Australia’s manufacturing sector.
The AMCRC said its long-term focus will include developing a skilled workforce and supporting the adoption of additive manufacturing across industries to strengthen national capability and competitiveness.
