Austal, Curtin University and the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) have commenced a $600,000 collaborative research project aimed at expanding additive manufacturing use across Australia’s maritime and defence supply chain.
The 18-month project will develop a framework intended to help manufacturers assess components for suitability for additive manufacturing against operational, commercial, technical and regulatory requirements. The parties said a key barrier to broader adoption is determining where additive manufacturing delivers clear commercial and supply chain benefits in naval vessel manufacturing, in-service support and operations.
Austal said the work is intended to support a shift from individual use cases to a more systematic approach to identifying parts that could reduce lead times and strengthen supply chains, while supporting “sovereign manufacturing capability”.
Austal Head of Research and Development Sam Abbott said the issue has moved from feasibility to prioritisation. “The challenge is no longer whether additive manufacturing works. The challenge is knowing where it delivers the greatest value,” Abbott said.
“This framework will help us quantify the demand for additive manufacturing across maritime and defence programs, allowing industry to make better investment decisions, build more resilient supply chains and accelerate the uplift of Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
The project will draw on Austal’s experience as prime contractor for the United States Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, which the company said will provide global insights and manufacturing data.
Curtin University will lead the development and validation of the framework, using vessel and supply chain data, according to the release. Research lead Dr Karl Davidson said the intent is to shorten the path from identifying opportunities to implementing additive manufacturing in production. “By combining engineering, operational and commercial considerations into a single framework, we can help manufacturers make faster, more informed decisions about where additive manufacturing can deliver measurable benefits,” Dr. Davidson said.
AMCRC managing director Simon Marriott said the framework is aimed at helping organisations select components best suited to additive manufacturing, with potential application across defence and civil supply chains. “Many organisations understand the potential of additive manufacturing, but struggle to determine where it makes commercial and operational sense,” Mr Marriott said.
“This project will deliver a practical solution that helps industry identify high-value opportunities, prioritise investment and build confidence to scale adoption.”
The partners said the framework could be adapted for other manufacturing sectors beyond defence and maritime, providing a repeatable model to support productivity and resilience.
