The Defence Trailblazer has launched its highly anticipated Proto-Lab Network, with new equipment packages now available for use.
The $7.5 million equipment acquisition is the result of a foundational partnership between Defence Trailblazer and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Education.
“We are excited to support defence industry through our Proto-Lab Network. Together, the newly acquired equipment and extensive facilities brings increased capability to the forefront of technological innovation, offering specialised capabilities for proto-typing and production across various industries,” said Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, Executive Director at the Defence Trailblazer.
Strategically positioned across New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, Defence Trailblazer’s partners and research participants now have access to three new state-of the art specialised equipment at CSIRO including:
- A quantum device packaging laboratory which provides a suite of bonding tools to support the advanced testing & development of devices for quantum computing and sensing;
- A five-axis single point diamond turning machine for use in high precision and advanced manufacturing of complex optical and mechanical systems; and
- A robotic additive manufacturing cell ideal for large-format 3D printing and prototyping using multi-material inputs.
“The Proto-Lab Network connects our industry partners, innovators and students to cutting-edge prototyping, testing and low-scale manufacturing facilities across Australia, significantly reducing time and expenditure associated with larger scale prototyping and production,” shares Proto-Lab Network Manager, Dr Thomas Gretzinger.
“The Defence Trailblazer equipment adds another layer of capability to CSIRO’s suite of specialised equipment for quantum, metals and additive manufacturing research and development. Collaboration at CSIRO sites will see some of the brightest minds from across CSIRO, industry and the university and research sectors turn ideas into innovation,” said Katie Green, Group Leader at CSIRO.
To encourage the utilisation of new equipment packages, Defence Trailblazer will be hosting a demonstration day for industry partners, innovators and researchers in Adelaide, South Australia on 25 September 2024. To register your interest, or learn about future demonstrations in Melbourne & Sydney, visit: https://dtb.solutions/proto-lab-network
The Defence Trailblazer: Concept to Sovereign Capability is a collaborative partnership between the University of Adelaide and UNSW, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Education. In collaboration with over 70 industry partners, academia and government, the Defence Trailblazer aims to strengthen Australia’s defence capabilities by developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions, while simultaneously equipping the next generation of innovators with specialised knowledge and skills to meet the current and future needs of Defence.
To find out more about the Defence Trailblazer Proto-Lab Network, or for media enquiries, contact Ilsa Stuart, Senior Partnerships Manager at istuart@dtb.solutions.
Image: CSIRO Lab22’s robotic additive manufacturing cell in action with two robotic arms and interchangeable material heads.
