Australian manufacturing technology company AML3D has joined a three-year aerospace manufacturing research and development project involving industry and research partners, including an unnamed aerospace prime.
According to AML3D, the project has a total participant contribution of approximately A$3.89 million and aims to develop and mature its Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAM) technology and processes for qualified aerospace tooling production applications.
AML3D is expected to contribute approximately A$530,000 to the project, comprising about A$130,000 in cash and A$400,000 in staff and other in-kind contributions over the three-year term.
The company said participation in the project is not expected to generate revenue during the project period. However, a successful outcome could position AML3D as a potential supplier of aerospace tooling, with future purchase orders or production contracts subject to separate commercial agreements.
AML3D CEO Sean Ebert said the project would establish a formal qualification pathway for the company’s WAM technology in aerospace tooling.
“This $3.89 million R&D project, with an aerospace prime, will build on AML3D’s track record demonstrating WAM® technology can support the Aerospace sector,” Ebert said.
AML3D said it has previously achieved AS9100D Aerospace Quality Management accreditation and expects the R&D project to further develop its manufacturing technology for aerospace applications.
Ebert said aerospace tooling lead times can reach up to 24 months, presenting challenges for the sector’s supply chains.
“A successful conclusion to this R&D project has the potential to position AML3D as a solution to these Aerospace supply chain constraints,” he said.
The company said the project is aligned with its strategy to develop and industrialise WAM technology for advanced manufacturing applications. It added that the identity of the aerospace prime has not been disclosed.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by AML3D Limited. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from AML3D. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
