Amaero in 3D print deal for automotive tooling

Metal additive manufacturing group Amaero International has signed an agreement with a major global automotive manufacturer to jointly develop 3D printed tooling.

The Melbourne company said the inclusion of additive-manufactured inserts for tools could decrease the risk of manufacturing defects by adding conformal cooling channels to the design.

It said the cost benefits in reducing rejects in casting, machining and assembly were significant.

The collaboration between Amaero and its new customer, who was not named by the company, would apply to the steel inserts for two aluminium casting die components.

Amaero CEO Barrie Finnin said that while the company had first manufactured tooling inserts four years ago, it had only recently become a strategic focus for the business.

Finnin said: “This agreement reinforces Amaero’s growth strategy in the most difficult of economic circumstances.

“We can print the tool steel inserts with complex internal cooling channels that presently cannot be undertaken using conventional techniques.”

Amaero manufactures components for a range of global companies in Melbourne and Adelaide, and has partnerships with Monash and Adelaide universities.

The two companies are to develop a case study of the performance of their new 3D printed tooling.

“These tooling inserts are common to die-casting tools globally, and once this AM process is proven, there would be scope for significant global opportunities.”

Image: Amaero International

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