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The technology company has unveiled plans to join the ‘Factory of the Future’ project, managed by BAE Systems Australia and Flinders University.
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AML3D is set to establish a new research and development (R&D) facility at the Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide, home to Flinders University and BAE Systems Maritime Australia’s joint ‘Factory of the Future’ project.
The establishment of AML3D’s ‘Arcemy’ unit forms part of AML3D’s collaboration with BAE and Flinders University in large-scale metal additive manufacturing.
This is expected to be supported by the facility’s added features, which include in process measurement, monitoring and adjustment capabilities.
Sharon Wilson, continuous Naval shipbuilding strategy director at BAE Systems Maritime Australia, said testing and trials of metal additive manufacturing systems would support potential application in naval shipbuilding.
“The establishment of a permanent Line Zero facility will support the development of new manufacturing techniques and technologies within a factory-like environment that will ultimately be adapted to the state-of-the-art digital shipyard at Osborne, and beyond,” Wilson said.
“This supports the growth of an enduring and uniquely Australian sovereign industrial capability that supports the nation’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy for generations to come.”
Flinders University students have been invited to participate in the design and delivery of metal AM research projects and operation of the Arcemy unit, along with development and introduction of metal additive manufacturing curriculum and training modules supporting the ‘Factory of the Future’ and digital shipbuilding framework.
Flinders University is also expected to facilitate access to testing and validation equipment during the project.
Flinders University’s pro-vice chancellor research impact, Professor John Spoehr, said the new facility would attract interest from students and researchers.
“The additive manufacturing R&D facility is a shining example of the capacity for collaboration in advanced manufacturing at ‘The Factory of the Future’ pilot site, which will enable joint research into and enhanced uptake of technologies and processes, so we can leverage the potential benefits for shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing in Australia,” Professor Spoehr said.
“The opportunities for additive manufacturing are endless and our researchers and students look forward to collaborating with AML3D to explore all the potential applications.”
AML3D specialises in freeform large-scale metal printing, incorporating robotics, welding science, metallurgy, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and software, aimed at producing automated wire-fed 3D printing in a large freeform environment.
The firm recently secured a patent for its Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAME) process and several trademarks, as well as quality accreditation and certifications from Lloyd’s Register, DNV-GL and SAI Global.
Earlier this year, AML3D entered a Joint Research Program with Flinders University’s Microscopy and Microanalysis and the Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, in a bid to explore corrosion resistance properties of WAM produced components for marine environments.
[Related: BAE, Flinders Uni collaborate on Factory of the Future]
