Premier

Victorian Manufacturing Blasts Into A New Era

11 September 2017

Victorian university students have launched manufacturing into the Space Age using revolutionary 3D printing technology to design, build and test a world-first rocket engine.

Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan today met PhD students at the Woodside Innovation Centre at Monash University to get a first-hand look at the Aerospike Rocket Engine.

The Aerospike Rocket Engine project brings together local researchers working in aerodynamics and combustion and experts from Amaero Additive Manufacturing.

The project team took the idea from concept to physical testing in only four months and developed an engine capable of generating enough thrust to lift five adults.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, revolutionises how components are made.

The Andrews Labor Government today announced $2 million to develop an additive manufacturing hub so Victoria’s small to medium enterprises can benefit from this world-leading technology.

From industrial tooling to customisable and intricate orthopaedic implants – the additive manufacturing process is faster, cost efficient and more complex than traditional methods.

The Aerospike Rocket Engine team has formed a company, NextAero, to take their ideas to the world. Their invention will feature at the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide later this month.

The Labor Government is supporting innovation across our future industries with a number of dedicated funds to drive growth and create jobs.

The $18 million Future Industries Manufacturing Program and $20 million Sector Growth Program were established to support new investments and projects such as a new 4D lung scanner and Food Innovation Centre, both based at Monash.

The Advancing Victorian Manufacturing Statement will soon outline a strategy to prepare for the jobs of the future and capture high-value manufacturing opportunities.

Manufacturing employs more than 283,000 Victorians. In 2016, manufacturing experienced the fastest employment growth of any industry in Victoria with around 40,000 new jobs created.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“Victoria is the home of manufacturing and a world-class centre for 3D printing technology. We make things, and we’re proud of it.”

“This world-leading 3D printed rocket engine is a tremendous example of why Victoria has the most advanced manufacturing capabilities in the nation.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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