Aurora Labs and Gränges sign MoU to advance aluminum AM for automotive applications

Australia-based Aurora Labs Ltd recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sweden-based aluminum manufacturer Gränges AB. The agreement, signed through Aurora Labs’ wholly owned subsidiary A3D Operations Pty Ltd., will focus on the development advancement of aluminum for additive manufacturing in the automotive and other industries.

The five-year MoU agreement between Aurora Labs and Gränges lays out a collaboration framework for the two companies. It covers a number of future transactions, including the pre-order of an Aurora RMP-1 Rapid Manufacturing Printer by Gränges. The MoU also stipulates that the Swedish company will supply its proprietary aluminum powder to Aurora; that the two companies will work together to conduct research and development projects addressing the use of aluminum in AM; and that they will collaborate on market research to better understand the opportunities for the use of aluminum in AM for automotive and other industrial applications.

“This is a remarkable relationship for Aurora and we are very pleased to partner with Gränges, a forward thinking and innovative company with products extensively placed across the automotive sector,” said David Budge, Managing Director of Aurora Labs. “The proposed transactions, if consummated, could potentially be worth up to approximately US $7.75M in revenue to Aurora.

“Further, if Gränges purchases one of our RMP-1s, it will lead to some exciting and innovative developments in both the internal combustion engine and electric vehicle components. Aurora is expecting to see enormous growth in additive manufacturing through the automotive sector in coming years.”

Aurora Labs’ metal RMP-1 3D printer, which is nearing commercialization, is reportedly one of the fastest DMLM-based systems in the industry. It is also the first DMLM printer to feature Aurora Labs’ patented Multi-Layer Concurrent Printing (MCP) technology. In May, Aurora announced the launch of the RMP1 Beta Printer, a fully operational pre-production 3D printer which it was preparing to commission to select customers. The company was also planning on conducting additional tests on the functional metal 3D printer, including machine calibration, printing tests and sample part production.

At the time, Aurora Labs still had not decided on a commercialization strategy, weighing the options between selling the machine to an industry partner for further testing or selling it to clients in a way that locks them into purchasing Aurora powders for the life of the machine.

The MoU recently signed with Gränges is valid for a term up to five years, though either company can terminate the MoU with 180 days notice. The terms of the agreement also require the companies to begin constructive negotiations with the aim of establishing more formal collaboration agreements.