Western Sydney University researchers have secured more than $2.5 million in funding to support collaborative university-industry research and development as part of the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC).

Additive Manufacturing, often known as 3D printing, is a process where three-dimensional objects are created by building them layer-by-layer, using a digital 3D model as a blueprint.

AMCRC is an industry-led collaborative research initiative that brings together 101 partners from industry, research and government to revolutionise production processes, enhance productivity, and bolster Australia’s manufacturing capabilities.

The funding will support research initiatives within Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment and Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (CfAMT).

Launched in late 2023, CfAMT is a platform for industrial partners, government agencies and research organisations to develop and maintain Advanced Manufacturing in the Greater Western Sydney region and beyond.

The Centre is made up of a multidisciplinary team from the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, School of Business and School of Science, and includes experts in mechanical, mechatronics and robotics, materials science and engineering, civil and environmental, and business and policies.

Professor Richard Yang from Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, will lead the research projects and said the funding is pivotal in transitioning Australia to a net zero economy and driving sustainable practices including Additive Manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the University to further contribute to industrial transformation, economic growth and sustainable development, as we work to provide solutions to real world problems with our partners,” Yang said.

“With this funding, our researchers will continue to position Western Sydney as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation in a rapidly developing market.”

Ten industry partners, from across the country, committed to the funding, including: 3rd Axis, Australian Retail Products (ARP), Circular Seed, Crucible Energy, Lithium Bicycle, Luyten 3D, Newton 19, Panda Tiling, Sustainable Precast Company (SPC), and SVSR.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and Global) Professor Deborah Sweeney expressed congratulations to those involved in this funding success.

“This success is a testament to our leadership, research excellence, strong partnership and engagement with industry, in advanced manufacturing,” she said.

“The AMCRC will complement existing work the University has undertaken to accelerate the manufacturing sector and establish a coordinated network of services and supporting infrastructure.

“This includes our driving role in the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) Connect services in Bradfield City Centre and the Factory of the Future at our Bankstown City campus, which is redefining how we approach advanced manufacturing and industry-university collaboration.”