Aurora Labs targets small-arms Additive Manufacturing with Ares
Aurora Labs Limited (A3D), headquartered in Canning Vale, Australia, has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ares Armaments Australia Pty Ltd, Adelaide, which will focus on advancing R&D initiatives across design and rapid production techniques using exotic metals in small-arms ammunition and armaments.
Ares is a sovereign defence manufacturer specialising in made to order, industrialised hand-loaded precision ammunition, with a specific focus on ballistically matched natures for defence and law enforcement agencies. The group has an established presence and customer network across Australia and operates advanced R&D and testing facilities in South Australia, with ISO 9001 accreditation.
Under the non-binding terms, the initial focus will be on how alloys and A3D’s advanced metal processing capabilities may be used to produce lighter, stronger, more consistent and cost-effective components intended to improve performance while adhering to any safety and regulatory standards required.
While initial projects will focus on select small components, both parties recognise the potential for significant scalability. Small-arms programmes typically require large production volumes, providing A3D with an opportunity to potentially deploy its technology in a high-throughput manufacturing setting with substantial future commercial potential.
Initial exploratory work has commenced with information sharing between the two parties, while prototyping, first production and testing is anticipated in Q1 26. Testing will then be undertaken at Ares’ South Australian facilities prior to engagement with the group’s customer network across the defence industry.
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Beyond technical collaboration, the partnership will also seek to engage with government and defence stakeholders to build industry awareness and support of Australia’s capability in advanced manufacturing and defence technology.
The agreement acts as A3D’s expansion in the sovereign defence sector. The partnership builds on A3D’s previous research AM work with the Department of Defence for advanced additively manufactured components of exotic metals.
“This collaboration represents an expansion for the company and will allow us to apply our extensive manufacturing expertise to a high-volume, strategically important sector to further demonstrate the versatility of our technology in real-world applications,” stated Rebeka Letheby, Aurora Labs Chief Executive Officer. “Working alongside an established and respected counterparty such as Ares positions Aurora Labs to capitalise on a new commercial pathway that aligns with the national focus on onshore capability and advanced manufacturing.”
She concluded, “This partnership underscores the growing relevance of our technology across the defence industry and reinforces the company’s role in delivering innovative, high-performance manufacturing solutions in Australia which have grown from accepted research and development into product streams.”
www.auroralabs3d.com
aresaus.com.au
