Flinders Spearheads Sustainable Manufacturing Revolution
3D printing spinal implants for people managing debilitating pain, trialling advanced manufacturing technologies and producing sustainable concrete – these are a few of the projects at Flinders University that are set to be boosted by a $57.5 million federal funding injection for the national Additive Manufacturing CRC (AMCRC).
The AMCRC is an industry-led research initiative that brings together 101 partners from industry, research and government to revolutionise production processes, enhance productivity, and bolster Australia’s manufacturing capabilities.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Raymond Chan says building sovereign capability and strengthening Australia’s economy through additive manufacturing is a top priority for Flinders.
“The seven-year AMCRC program, in which Flinders is a Core Partner, works collaboratively with industry to develop the next generation of cutting-edge processes, technology and products.”
“Our research will help drive the broader adoption and growth of advanced manufacturing technologies, enhancing critical industry sectors such as defence, medical, and infrastructure as part of an innovation ecosystem.”
The AMCRC has secured $270.5 million in funding from industry, research and government to empower Australia’s manufacturing sector to tap into the country’s unique AM research expertise – unlocking new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and market expansion.
“The AMCRC will transform additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, from an approach that has predominantly been used for non-critical and prototype items to a method for mainstream manufacturing and on-demand production of high performance, highly customisable precision parts and components,” says Flinders lead, Professor David Lewis.
“This CRC will boost Flinders commitment to the development and greater use of advanced manufacturing technologies by industry, though the Flinders Factory of the Future in partnership with the Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and Medical Device Research Institute.”
AMCRC has strong backing from industry, with 73 predominantly SME manufacturing businesses and three industry associations ready to leverage new technologies, capabilities and processes to drive sustainable business and supply chain growth for Australia.
“The potential of additive manufacturing is enormous, and we are excited by this investment in advancing additive manufacturing” said Professor Claire Lenehan, Director Flinders Factory of the Future.
“The applications are diverse and the Flinders Factory of the Future will play a central role supporting research, education and workforce training to underpin manufacturing innovation and adoption of more sustainable manufacturing in our nation”.
“Whether it be through the development of new materials and products, or the adoption of alternate manufacturing strategies that improve cost effectiveness, minimise waste and environmental impact, the CRC is positioned to transform manufacturing in Australia”.
Led by Professor Karen Reynolds, Flinders’ Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) is supporting the development and commercialisation of state-of-the-art medical devices in collaboration with its industry partners.
A key project involves partnering with Additive Surgical on the design and manufacture of cutting-edge 3D printed spinal implants.
“These implants, made in Adelaide from 3D printed titanium, feature finely tuned biomimetic lattice structures ideal for bone integration. MDRI is proud to be working with Additive Surgical on these life-changing medical devices.”
Additive Surgical CEO, Gibran Maher, emphasises that additive manufacturing is transforming medical technology, especially in the field of implantable medical devices.
“Our team is driven by a shared commitment to developing the world’s best implants, enhancing patient outcomes globally through our proprietary technology.”
“By leveraging biomimetic design and integrating multiple lattices within a single implant, we are pushing the boundaries of innovation in surgical solutions.”
https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2025/04/28/flinders-helps-drive-new-era-for-sustainable-manufacturing/