Australia’s manufacturing capability is set to gain further research and industry support as Edith Cowan University (ECU) joins the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) as its newest research partner.
According to the AMCRC, ECU’s addition expands its Australia-wide research network to 12 universities and CSIRO, bringing further research expertise and industry connections to support the adoption of additive manufacturing across key economic sectors.
AMCRC Chair Susan Jeanes said the partnership would strengthen the organisation’s ability to support manufacturers while building capability in Western Australia.
“AMCRC is creating a national ecosystem that connects manufacturers with the expertise, skills and infrastructure needed to adopt and apply additive manufacturing,” Jeanes said.
She said ECU’s research capability and industry links would be particularly relevant as Western Australia develops opportunities across defence, mining and resources.
“Additive manufacturing has the potential to transform how these sectors design, produce and maintain critical components,” Jeanes said. “Building the workforce, knowledge and industry capability required to realise that opportunity will be essential.”
ECU Associate Dean (Research), School of Engineering, Professor Wei Ni said joining the AMCRC would strengthen connections between research and industry and create opportunities for innovation.
“Joining AMCRC will enable ECU to work directly with manufacturers to develop and commercialise solutions that improve productivity, resilience and global competitiveness,” Ni said.
Under the partnership, ECU will contribute to collaborative research programs, project development and workforce initiatives focused on practical outcomes for Australian industry.
Ni said the collaboration would also support technology adoption among start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, government, community organisations and major companies, including those operating in Western Australia’s resources sector.
“By combining ECU’s research expertise with the AMCRC’s national industry network, we can help businesses solve complex challenges, build a future-ready workforce and unlock new opportunities for Western Australia and the world,” he said.
The partnership forms part of AMCRC’s Australia Makes vision and its focus on industry-led research, workforce development and technology adoption in additive manufacturing.
