The amount of 3D printing and additive manufacturing devices in circulation is set to grow to over 2.7 million by 2030, up from the current 1.3 million. As 3D printing grows, companies attempt to stand out with their iterations. In that vein, Perth-based industrial tech company Aurora Labs (ASX: A3D) has focused on developing faster and cheaper tech that can be used for big projects.
The Company is ready to launch its new 3D printer, AL250, to the market. In doing so, it is transitioning from its current RMP-1 printer model to the new AL250 laser powder bed fusion machine. This technological shift marks a milestone and opens new avenues for Aurora Labs as it expands its service offerings and aims to attract potential customers.
The AL250, designed to be a workhorse in Aurora Labs’ printing bureau, has many technical capabilities. Commercially, it will target the defence, aerospace, oil and gas industries, engineering specialists and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) with libraries of complex parts produced in bespoke production runs.
On finalising its design, CEO Rebekah Letheby, who took the helm in August 2023, commented, “This physical printer build culminates from months of detailed design work materialising into the first machine, which will be our premier flagship printer model. Our design is built on the deep knowledge and expertise in laser powder bed fusion technology. It is great to see a high quality, precision machine being built with Australian engineering at its core. The AL250 will be the best-in-class printer with robustness and reliability for its industrial users.
The AL250 incorporates bidirectional recoating of the powder bed, powered by MCP (Multi-Cycle Print) technology. This significantly reduces recoat time, resulting in lower production costs due to increased laser exposure times. This enhancement streamlines the prototyping and serial production of industry-specific products, making it cost-effective to create custom parts quickly.
It also features a distinctive powder dosing mechanism where the powder is conditioned with heat before being deposited into the recoating system. This ensures that powders are already at optimal temperatures before they are spread and densified to form a powder layer. Consistency in the powder layer minimises mechanical defects within parts, guaranteeing repeatable builds.
The printer is equipped with a build plate heater capable of reaching temperatures of up to 200°C, making it ideal for materials research and experimentation. The machine incorporates strict environmental control processes that monitor the flow and recirculation of gases, temperature, and humidity within the build chamber. This level of control ensures consistent and reliable printing outcomes.
The printer’s lasing power (energy produced by a laser beam) is intense, with 1500W per laser available. This substantial power enables the processing of highly reflective or conductive powders, such as copper.
With its new inventions and contracts, in FY23, Aurora’s revenue rose by 32% on FY22 to $134.5k, while its loss stood at $2.9 million. Come 30 June 2023, the Company’s cash equivalents were approximately $1 million.
Aurora is gearing up for the Indo-Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition conference, where it will highlight the AL250 3D printer’s capabilities, such as boosting productivity, optimising part performance through creative design, and simplifying manufacturing with rapid printing of lightweight components.
Alinda is a Business Reporter for The Sentiment
Latest posts by Alinda Gupta (see all)
- Ovanti’s iSentric signs contracts worth $14.4m with Malaysian commercial bank - June 27, 2024
- Baby Bunting fights back from retail downturn with 5-year strategy, includes Gen-Z focus and self-funded growth - June 27, 2024
- CLEO meets with US FDA to develop strategy for ovarian cancer test launch - June 26, 2024
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.