Premier

A New Virtual Hub To Boost 3D Printing Capability

03 September 2018

A new dedicated hub will help connect Victorian businesses with breakthrough manufacturing technology, so they can be more innovative and make cutting edge products quicker and easier.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today joined Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny at Objective 3D to announce the new Additive Manufacturing Hub – supported by $2 million from the Andrews Labor Government.

The virtual hub will improve access for local companies to Victoria’s world-class additive manufacturing infrastructure and promote Victoria as a globally significant destination for additive manufacturing investment.

The hub will be delivered by Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited – a peak national body representing manufacturing technology suppliers and users.

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a breakthrough technology for advanced manufacturing, helping businesses design and make new high-value products that are not possible using traditional methods.

Capability in this form of high-value manufacturing will help to position local businesses for success in future industries such as defence, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, and transport technologies.

Established in 2014, Objective 3D is Australia’s leading provider of 3D printer and 3D scanner solutions for designers, educators and manufacturers.

The company’s Carrum Downs facility is the largest Additive Manufacturing Centre in Australia and New Zealand and receives about 1,500 orders and produces more than 100,000 parts a year.

Victoria is the nation’s leader in additive manufacturing with more 3D printing machines than any other state.

Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy, with over 13,000 businesses employing more than 283,000 people. It also exported $18.16 billion of manufactured goods in 2016-17.

The growth in manufacturing is backed by the Labor Government’s $130 million in manufacturing support, which is creating over 6,000 jobs and driving $1.6 billion in private investment.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

“3D printing is a game changer for manufacturing – which is why we’re backing the technology so more local companies can reap the benefits.”

“This new hub will help local manufactures innovate, become more productive and excel in future industries.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny

“Carrum is a hub for 3D printing and it’s companies like Objective 3D that are leading the way.”

“This $2 million boost will help even more local manufactures access this ground-breaking technology.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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