UniSA to open new metal 3D printing facility

The University of South Australia (UniSA) has opened a new Advanced Manufacturing facility and announced substantial industry investment in four space research projects under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer. These groundbreaking ventures have attracted over $18 million in cash funding – underscoring UniSA’s pivotal role in advancing the South Australian space industry through strong commercial partnerships.

SA Deputy Premier Susan Close officially opened the Advanced Manufacturing Metal 3D printing facility at Stärke-AMG group’s VPG Innovation in Adelaide’s Camden Park. The cutting-edge facility will support the industry with rapid 3D printing of metals for space structures – housing machines capable of printing titanium and nickel alloys crucial for space technologies.

“As we transition from resource-intensive manufacturing to more research-driven and energy-efficient processes, we will produce more high-value products,” said Deputy Premier Close. “This 3D printing technology makes it possible to rapidly manufacture custom-made parts and other space infrastructure that can save businesses time and cost. The facility will support a world-class sovereign manufacturing capability that will create new jobs and lead to global exports within the space industry. It will add to our state’s competitive manufacturing advantage and will fill a critical gap in the burgeoning space sector.”

“Through collaboration and innovation, we will demonstrate how space-capable technologies can inspire the next generation of space engineers and realize a commercial outcome in this sector,” said Industry Professor Colin Hall, who leads the iLAuNCH project.

The first four UniSA projects announced under the iLAuNCH program include:

• Additive Manufacture of Space Components Using Electron Beam Melting (industry partner: VPG Innovation, a part of Stärke-AMG)
• Additive Manufacture of Novel Materials for Optical Components and Satellite Sub-Assemblies (industry partners: SMR Automotive Australia and VPG Innovation)
• Development of an AI/ML-Enabled Space Surveillance System for Hypersonic Missile Defence (industry partners: Northrop Grumman and Spiral Blue)
• Development and Flight Qualification for an Australian Radioisotope Heating Unit (RHU), Supporting a Thermal Management Technology Platform for Multiple Lunar Night Survival (industry partner: entX)

Additional projects in areas such as Earth observation and optical communication will be announced in the coming weeks.

“South Australia is primed to launch into a trillion-dollar global space ecosystem,” said Darin Lovett, Executive Director of iLAuNCH. “To seize the opportunity, we are focused on commercializing our world-class space technology through collaboration and focused effort.”

Backed by $50 million from the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, which boasts a total of $362.5 million, and is further supported by a cumulative investment of $180 million in industry research, commercialization, and manufacturing, iLAuNCH is set to revolutionize Australia’s space sector. The program focuses on developing commercially viable civil rockets, advanced rocket test and launch facilities, rapid satellite manufacturing, cutting-edge communication technologies, and integrated sensing systems.