The Hon Melissa Price MP
6 Apr 22
Release details
Release type
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Melissa Price MP
Minister for Defence Industry
Minister for Science and Technology
Media contacts
Kathy Quinn (Minister Price’s office): +61 468 369 301
Charlotte Butler (Minister Price’s office): +61 406 338 521
Release content
24 February 2020
Cutting edge 3D printing technology developed in Darwin and used by the Royal Australian Navy will now be used by the Australian Army.
The partnership between Defence, Melbourne company SPEE3D and Charles Darwin University (CDU) will deliver a 12-month trial of the new metal 3D printing technology for the Australian Army’s 1st Combat Service Support Battalion.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said the Government’s $1.5 million investment in the 3D printing technology will fast-track Army’s supply chain and increase capability.
“The partnership with CDU and SPEE3D demonstrates Defence’s continued commitment to embracing advanced technologies that will speed up our processes,” Minister Price said.
“This will reduce the requirement for our soldiers to deploy with bulky repair parts, redefining how logistics are deployed on the future battlefield.”
“It’s a great example of how Australian industry is at the forefront of global innovation, and providing unique solutions to filling capability gaps.”
CDU and the Army are also working to develop an educational program covering the fundamentals of design, 3D modelling and printing through to testing and certification.