Additive Manufacturing Research

The point-by-point material consolidation mechanics that led to 3D printing has evolved rapidly into what is now known as additive manufacturing. Additive technologies allow to produce complex 3D shapes directly from digital design data without any specialised tooling and associated complications.

The Additive Manufacturing Research Centre was established to keep AUT at the forefront of the significant advances in these technologies and capture the outstanding opportunities that followed. From the early days of building in-house solutions and test beds to the gradual acquisition of advanced commercial systems, the centre played a critical role in promoting AUT through the science and technological challenges and opportunities in this field.

Over the years, infrastructure developments have led to state-of-the art facilities being added to the AUT 3D Printing lab and in-house test beds constructed for research. New slicing and deposition schemes for process enhancements were invented, while striving to evaluate the application of the new developments for the benefit of the local industry.

About our work

• Engaged in research from the emergence of additive materials processing as a new technology
• Focused on developing the platform, the team and the infrastructure for conducting both fundamental and applied research in this domain
• A focus on work leading to the invention of new material alternatives, process planning and enhancements, and modelling
• Covers varying research themes, including the additive processing of new polymers, polymer and bio-polymer composites, nano-polymer composites, ceramics, metals and alloys