World first 3D printer set for Casuarina campus

A world-first commercial 3D printer that has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing technology will be based at Charles Darwin University. 

The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Mr Michael Gunner, said the printer – which the NT Government was investing in – would form the centrepiece of a new industrial research hub to be based at CDU’s Casuarina campus.

The hub would pave the way for the creation of jobs into the future for Territorians as well as generate new economic opportunities in the NT.

Mr Gunner this week joined Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks to announce a $400,000 NT Government grant for the purchase of the LightSPEE3D Printer from Darwin innovative start-up company SPEE3D.

“We want to partner with local enterprises to drive innovation here in the Territory. By diversifying the economy through innovation we are opening the door to new economic opportunities for Territorians – both now and into the future,” Mr Gunner said.

The 3D printer, which was invented in the NT by Steven Camilleri from SPEE3D, would provide a new industrial transformation research hub for advanced manufacturing in the Territory, delivering new tools, skills and technologies, and generating highly skilled jobs.

The printer would allow for the rapid and low-cost production of metal parts without tools.

Together with CDU, SPEE3D has formed the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (AMA) based at Casuarina campus.

Professor Maddocks said the AMA also would work to develop applications for the use of the new technology in remote areas – improving supply chains and lowering operating costs.

He congratulated the NT Government for its critical role in bringing the project to fruition.