Aurora Labs to print naval frigate parts

Additive manufacturing technology group Aurora Labs (A3D) will develop trial marine components for commercial evaluation by BAE Systems Maritime Australia for potential inclusion in the nine Hunter class frigates it is building in Adelaide.

BAE is in the prototyping phase of the frigate build and its’ R&D group is investigating large scale metal additive manufacturing as a potential technology for future adoption, according to the company.

A3D has been identified as a possible provider of powder bed fusion (PBF) technology for use on the Hunter.

“The company aims to prove its technical and commercial viability for the project by producing 3D stainless steel printed components suitable for servicing the build of nine future frigates in Australia.”

The component selected for 3D printing is currently built through traditional manufacturing processes.

CEO Peter Snowsill said: “Technical validation of this kind is crucial to our commercialisation strategy and allows us to develop and position our technology to satisfy customer specifications.”

Aurora Labs and Worley have also established AdditiveNow, a joint venture combining engineering and additive manufacturing expertise to provide 3D printed complex parts for the energy, chemicals and resources industry.

Picture: Additive Now

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