Gravitas Technologies awarded $1.6 million grant to commercialise “Vulloy” material

Materials engineering specialist Gravitas Technologies has been awarded a $1.6 million grant under the federal government’s Industry Growth Program, which the company says will accelerate the commercialisation and scaling of its Vulloy product.

According to a statement from Gravitas on Tuesday, Vulloy is “an advanced high-performance material” with applications in sectors including defence, aerospace, and renewable energy.

The company’s website describes the proprietary material as tough, machineable, and able to withstand high temperatures, “uniting the finest properties of ceramics and metals”, and with a pilot production line currently being set up in Wollongong.

“By developing cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, we are strengthening the nation’s sovereign industrial base and positioning Australia as a global leader in critical material manufacturing,” said Shane Tanner, the company’s Chair, in a statement on Tuesday.

CEO Sam Moricca added, “With this funding, we are not only creating advanced engineering local jobs but also reinforcing Australia’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing using critical materials. 

“This is a significant step towards a more resilient, self-sufficient industrial future for Australia.” 

The Industry Growth Program offers grants worth between $50,000 to $250,000 for early-stage commercialisation projects and between $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.

Gravitas has previously been involved in projects with University of Wollongong (UoW) researchers on advanced alloy components, assisted by an Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project announced in 2023.

The company also announced an industry-focussed PhD project with UoW last year, which it described as “developing and scaling up the production of self-healing ceramics for high-temperature and extreme environment applications, enhancing material performance”. 

The company’s services include hot isostatic pressing (HIPing), a material processing method using pressure, heat and gases to strengthen parts and reduce porosity.

Picture: credit Gravitas Technologies

Further reading

Gravitas Technologies links with researchers for new alloy components