AML3D partners with IMF Deakin for high-strength alloys
October 18, 2021
AML3D Limited, Edinburgh, Australia, has signed a framework agreement to partner with Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Geelong, in an effort to further the company’s technological and competitive advantages. The new framework agreement will support projects that utilise the unique facilities, capabilities and knowledge of IFM to develop next generation materials and alloys specifically tailored to Wire Arc Manufacturing (WAM), a form of Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology.
A particular focus of the partnership will be on optimising technology for high-strength alloys as wire feedstock for the Additive Manufacturing and welding markets. The partnership will support specific design of alloys that deliver high-strength wire coil for AM, with no need for subsequent post processing. This can open up new markets and applications for WAM, such as maintenance and repair tasks where WAM can be directly applied to existing vehicles and structures (where a subsequent heat treatment might not be feasible).
“The successful development of these alternative alloys provides significant potential upside for our business, not only through its application in WAM and providing for other wire-fed DED processes, but the sales as a standalone feedstock product with widespread applications,” stated Andrew Sales, Director, AML3D. “The intended production of wire feedstock will provide an alternative within the general welding technology market that exceeds current applications. Whilst application through WAM will provide customers greater flexibility in their choice of metal alloys, further enhancing the market leading position of our technology.”
New technology such as this is anticipated to open new target industries and sectors for AML3D, supporting its geographical and sector based expansion. As an example, AML3D and Deakin’s recent high strength aluminium-scandium wire feedstock project targets expansion into the marine, defence and aerospace sectors, as well as creating opportunity for bespoke wire feedstock sales through specific IP and company-branded consumables.
With projects pertaining to the framework agreement currently underway, AML3D has identified additional alloy development opportunities with commercial outcomes which will be scoped separately under the agreement.
Andrew Rau, Senior Commercial Manager at Deakin University, added, “IFM has a long and proud history of partnering with industry to deliver applied research leading to commercial outcomes. This exciting partnership with AML3D is perfectly aligned with the unique facilities and capabilities within IFM and, collectively, we are looking forward to developing a range of unique alloy solutions enabling AML3D to continue to expand the markets and applications for their patented WAM Additive Manufacturing process.”
