The Australian Government has committed $58 million to establish the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), part of a $271 million investment over seven years to strengthen sovereign manufacturing and industrial innovation.

The AMCRC will unite 101 partners, including Boeing, more than 70 small-to-medium enterprises, three industry associations, 13 universities, and the CSIRO. The centre will focus on advancing additive manufacturing (AM) technologies to improve production efficiency, reduce costs and waste, and support Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy. Target sectors include defence, aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and construction.

“Additive manufacturing has evolved from a prototyping tool to full-scale industrial production,” said Simon Marriott, AMCRC Director and Bid Lead. “This transformation is reducing lead times and material costs, creating more efficient and sustainable supply chains for Australian manufacturers.”

Boeing Aerostructures Australia will be among the major industry participants. Matthew Wall, the company’s Additive Manufacturing and Innovation Lead, said the AMCRC would accelerate collaboration between technology developers and researchers. “Boeing is committed to advancing AM technologies that will define the future of aerospace production. The AMCRC will help build national capability in tooling and materials,” he said.

Developing a skilled workforce is another key objective. AMTIL CEO Lorraine Maxwell, also an AMCRC Director, said a coordinated focus on education and training would ensure Australia keeps pace with global AM leaders. Marriott added that with the involvement of 13 universities and the CSIRO, the centre would support industry-led PhD programs, grow undergraduate enrolments, and expand access to vocational training.

The AMCRC’s launch aligns with a broader international push to embed additive manufacturing in national industrial strategies. Germany’s coalition government has included 3D printing in its technology roadmap, while the UK Labour Government has pledged to prioritise advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 under its new Industrial Strategy Council.

Together, these developments mark a global shift toward advanced, digitally integrated production — one that Australia now aims to lead through coordinated public-private investment and research collaboration.