CSIRO says its Lab22 Innovation Centre is helping strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector by supporting the adoption and development of metallic additive manufacturing technologies, as local industry increasingly turns to advanced production methods.
According to CSIRO, metallic additive manufacturing, or metal 3D printing, can improve manufacturing efficiency by reducing lead times, accelerating product development and enabling the production of customised and complex components that are difficult to produce using traditional manufacturing techniques.
Established in 2015, Lab22 was created to increase the adoption of metallic additive manufacturing across Australia.
CSIRO said the centre has worked with Australian companies to improve access to the technology, helping stimulate local investment while supporting the development of new technologies that have led to the creation of new businesses.
The research facility houses a range of metallic additive manufacturing systems, including powder bed, cold spray and blown powder technologies, along with laser- and electron beam-based equipment.
The agency said it also offers robotic automated repair technologies, metallic 3D printing capabilities, and simulation and process control development.
CSIRO stated its researchers collaborate with manufacturers to develop cost-effective solutions that improve the speed, performance and affordability of additive manufacturing technologies.
The centre also provides expertise in 3D data capture, manufacturing process simulation and performance modelling to help manufacturers optimise production and predict how components will perform in service.
The organisation said Lab22 is also pursuing research into new materials and additive manufacturing techniques for industries including space, defence and medical technology.
Current work includes developing metal-matrix composites, robotic free-form additive manufacturing methods and computational models designed to improve manufacturing processes.
According to CSIRO, these activities are intended to support the continued growth of Australia’s additive manufacturing industry while helping local manufacturers strengthen their global competitiveness.
