CSIRO's Lab22 - Making incredible things from scratch
Published on 27 June 2022
There’s a thriving industry in and around Clayton that is redefining manufacturing in Australia.
Metallic Additive Manufacturing – more commonly known as 3D printing – is booming, thanks in large part to the innovation and capabilities of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
Lab22 was originally established in 2015, with a $6million investment from the Federal Government, as the hub for revolutionary technology to additive manufacture metallic products. The lab’s intensive work with 3D printing, particularly using titanium, has enabled Australian businesses to create innovative solutions and make complex products like life-saving medical devices and critical equipment parts as well as novel uses like specialised orthotic horseshoes.
Additive manufacturing differs from traditional manufacturing where materials, like solid blocks of metal, are shaped using a subtractive process to make a particular part or product. 3D printing starts with a computer design and then additives, like titanium powder, are fused together, layer-by-layer, to create the desired product.
Now, Lab22 is moving its sights towards research and development for large scale 3D printing – structures metres in size - for industries including aerospace, space, mining, medical and defence.
CSIRO Scientist and Lab22’s Research Group Leader Stefan Gulizia, said his team’s collaboration with Australian companies – start-ups and those that have pivoted to new production line strategies - has helped put Australia “on the map” as a leader for metallic additive manufacturing.
Stefan said Lab22’s focus was also on additive manufacturing “on demand”, which will be particularly useful for remote industries like resources and mining.
“There’s the capability to deliver this technology to enable companies to use additive manufacturing to make parts or repair equipment on site, which reduces disruption, downtime and improves productivity,” he said.
“We’re also utilising additive manufacturing for making of CubeSats and components for spacecraft that are currently in orbit.”
Additive manufacturing is also better for the environment, with less waste, less heavy energy use and the capability to reduce delivery miles if companies can manufacture what they need on site.
“It’s an exciting time and there’s a growing network of additive manufacturers situated close to Lab22 and Monash University in Clayton,” Stefan said.
“There’s a lot happening, and we are well-situated with a highly skilled workforce and world-class research and technology to improve efficiency and productivity. Additive manufacturing is enabling new industries in Australia.”
More information at: https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/it/Lab22