The AMCRC is a national initiative bringing together 13 universities, the CSIRO and more than 60 industry partners to transform how the nation designs, builds and sustains critical technologies, including those for the burgeoning space sector.
Backed by $57.5 million in federal government funding through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the AMCRC’s seven-year program will see a total investment of over $257 million from government, research and industry partners. Its mission: to develop a world-class additive manufacturing ecosystem that strengthens Australia’s sovereign industrial capability, supports space and defence innovation, and creates new export-ready technologies.
Operating under the bold “Australia Makes” vision, the CRC will focus on translating Australian research excellence into commercial products, developing new materials and technologies, and enabling sustainable, onshore production. For the nation’s growing space industry, this could mean faster prototyping, lighter spacecraft components and more resilient local supply chains.
AMCRC research will be structured around four key programs:
- Sustainable manufacturing with a focus on circular economy and low-emission processes.
- Advanced materials development, including critical minerals and feedstock enhancement.
- Next-generation technologies and certified processes for industrial and space applications.
- Enhanced coatings and surface treatments for medical, aerospace and defence use.
The CRC will also play a major role in developing a skilled future workforce, accelerating adoption of additive manufacturing across Australian industry.
Speaking at the launch, held in partnership with Boeing Aerostructures Australia, Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks said hosting the AMCRC in Victoria would “bolster national capability and cement our position as Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse”.
AMCRC chair Susan Jeanes said the centre would “position Australia as a global leader in additive manufacturing innovation”, driving collaboration between industry, research and government to “build sovereign capability and deliver real-world solutions that enhance productivity and competitiveness.”
Managing director Simon Marriott said additive manufacturing was rapidly reshaping how industry operates:
“It’s no longer just about prototyping – it’s transforming production itself. Through AMCRC, we’ll ensure Australian companies not only keep pace but lead in this new era of efficient, sustainable manufacturing.”
Boeing, a key partner, highlighted the technology’s potential for aerospace applications. Nicholas Mulé, director of additive manufacturing at Boeing, said the company looks forward to deepening collaboration with Australian researchers to “explore novel applications that enhance safety, quality and performance in flight systems”.
Early AMCRC projects include South Australian company entX, developing advanced nuclear energy technologies for defence and space exploration, and Rosebank Engineering, which will pioneer laser direct energy deposition to repair high-value defence components in partnership with Swinburne and RMIT University.
Following the launch, AMCRC hosted an Additive Manufacturing Forum featuring keynote speaker Terry Wohlers, a global expert in advanced manufacturing, who emphasised Australia’s growing opportunity to shape global supply chains and expand its presence in the space and aerospace sectors.
By uniting industry, academia and government, the AMCRC aims to embed additive manufacturing at the heart of Australia’s industrial and space future driving innovation, creating high-value jobs, and strengthening national resilience in a rapidly changing global economy.