AUKUS Forum outlines metal Additive Manufacturing initiatives
The AUKUS Forum, an industry-focused organisation that brings together manufacturers, researchers, technology companies, universities and government stakeholders across Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, has outlined a series of initiatives intended to strengthen manufacturing, research and technology capabilities across the three AUKUS countries.
Central to this approach is the Forum’s One Big Factory concept, which it describes as an interconnected industrial ecosystem rather than a single physical facility. Through its AUKUS Connect initiative, the Forum is seeking to establish relationships that could lead to partnerships, contracts, investment and production opportunities across the three AUKUS countries.
The Forum stated that this could provide opportunities for SMEs, including family-owned manufacturers, to diversify into new markets and participate in supply chains that may previously have been difficult to access.
AUKUS Additive and advanced manufacturing
As part of its AUKUS Center of Excellence Programs, the Forum is expanding Pillar Two Labs, intended to connect industry, academia, researchers and defence organisations.
The programme focuses on testing technologies, validating proposed solutions and connecting developers with the manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains needed to move technologies towards production and commercialisation.
Through AUKUS Additive, the Forum is also developing initiatives involving metal powders and advanced materials, including the potential recycling of waste metals into feedstock for Additive Manufacturing.
The Forum cited its collaboration with Rhode Island as an example of activity in this area.
Separately, it highlighted the use of Additive Manufacturing within the US Navy submarine force, including Markforged technology deployed aboard a US Navy submarine and its wider expansion across the submarine force.
The Forum sees potential supply-chain opportunities for Australian companies involved in materials, Additive Manufacturing machines, components and other advanced manufacturing capabilities.
CNC machining and advanced welding are also included in its work, reflecting their importance in sectors including submarines, shipbuilding, aerospace, nuclear, defence and energy.
Regional manufacturing capability
The Forum is also examining how existing manufacturing capability, infrastructure and skills in regional Australia could support AUKUS-related programmes.
A renewed partnership with Banana Shire Council includes an updated AUKUS Forum Action Plan covering advanced manufacturing, propulsion and munitions within aerospace and defence, and advanced energy solutions.
The Forum is working with MissileCorp to explore the potential to establish guided weapons and explosive ordnance manufacturing capability at Moura, Queensland.
According to the Forum, more than 120 Australian companies have registered within the proposed supply chains. The broader proposed industrial ecosystem would include engineering, manufacturing, materials, testing, logistics and supporting services.
Industry engagement
The Forum has undertaken industry and government engagement across Australia, the UK and the US, including factory visits and meetings with manufacturers, researchers, technology developers and investors.
It reported activity across more than thirty US states, as well as engagements in England and Scotland, as part of efforts to identify complementary capabilities and establish relationships between companies in the three countries.
In October, the Forum plans to continue its industry engagement in Western Australia, including visits to manufacturers and meetings with researchers and defence industry representatives around Perth.
AUKUS Forum CEO Michael Sharpe will also participate in LAND FORCES, including speaking at Markforged events addressing the use of Additive Manufacturing within the US Navy submarine force.
Further planned activities include a Sydney engagement involving Rhode Island and Australian advanced manufacturing organisations, intended to examine opportunities for collaboration within the wider AUKUS industrial base.
