Stärke Advanced Manufacturing Group (AMG), in partnership with Flinders University, has expanded its metal additive manufacturing capability at its Camden Park facility, to support sectors such as defence, space and medical to transition from traditional to advanced manufacturing.

The company has added three Renishaw AM400 laser powder bed fusion systems to its production environment, to help meet growing demand for advanced 3D printed components and reduce Australia’s reliance on imported parts.

Additive manufacturing uses digitally controlled processes to build components layer by layer, selectively melting metal powder with either an electron beam or a laser to create highly precise, complex 3D parts.

The machines will allow Stärke to broaden its material and process offering to include stainless steel, aluminium and super alloy Inconel, adding to its existing titanium additive manufacturing capability.

Stärke-AMG Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Al Jawhari said the machines added unique capability to South Australia’s manufacturing ecosystem.

“Manufacturers, including those in the defence sector, want access to world-class, reliable and sustainable digitally enabled production,” Mr Jawhari said.

“Relying on overseas manufacturing is risky whilst traditional manufacturing methods can’t offer cost-effective solutions for complex products or small-batch manufacturing.”

Originally purchased by Flinders University for research purposes, as part of Stärke’s production operations, it will support research and development under an Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre project involving Stärke-AMG, Flinders University, Adelaide University and Metal Powder Works.

Mr Jawhari added that defence was a major focus for the company that was aiming to become certified by ASC and the US Navy within months.

“Defence needs to be able to innovate and design new ways of doing things but there is also a need to repair infrastructure, vehicles, equipment and systems, whilst at AUKUS level,” he said. “Additive manufacturing will be one of the critical capabilities that will allow Australia and its allies to share digital designs and produce certified components as required.”

Stärke’s expanded capability will help Australian companies source complex and small-batch components locally, reducing the need to rely on overseas suppliers. The investment has already created two jobs, with more expected as the machines enter production.