Metal additive manufacturing company Amaero International will invest $8 million to build what it calls the world’s most advanced titanium alloy powder manufacturing plant in Victoria.
Using proprietary technology the alloy gas atomisation plant will produce aerospace grade titanium powders used in advanced additive manufacturing, and provide an alternative in global markets dominated by China and Russia.
The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with a global metal powder supply company and plans for sales of $30 million a year.
It has received letters of support from two of the world’s five largest defence contractors indicating strong potential demand for Ti64 powder for specific commercial and defence applications.
The project also adds value to Australian resources and makes Amaero, as a producer of 3D printing machines and 3D printed titanium parts, as the world’s only fully vertically-integrated titanium metal 3D printing company.
Amaero chief executive Barrie Finnin said the ‘ground-breaking’ project would enable the company to take a global leading role in titanium alloy production.
He said the company envisaged production costs would be half the level of global competitors.
Mr Finnin said: “Producing…in Australia will provide a stable, secure and cost-effective supply, allowing defence and other sectors to advance their 3D manufacturing capabilities.”
The project is being led by a team including Amaero technology fellow Dr James W Sears who has had roles in GE Research, Carpenter Technology Corporation and Lockheed Martin.
Mr Finnin said full vertical integration would be unique globally.
“Our facilities enable us to manufacture and supply powders along with 3D printing machines and ancillary equipment, as well as manufacture parts for small and large-scale production contracts.”
Photo Credit: Александр Шоринов, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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