Research & Development

At A3D, research and development is core to how we deliver performance — not just parts. Our focus is on improving additive manufacturing productivity, enhancing part integrity, and solving real-world engineering challenges through disciplined process control and material innovation.

Key areas of focus:

• Process innovation — refining our Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process using high-power lasers, advanced optics, scan strategies, and inert gas flow to maximise density, accuracy, and build speed.
• Materials development — in-house parameter development and characterisation for Inconel 625, SS316, Ti-6Al-4V, Gränges’ proprietary Dispal® aluminium alloy, and pure copper. Each is tuned for application-specific performance.
• Surface engineering — exploring coating and surface modification options such as Titanium Nitride (TiN) for heat and wear resistance, while respecting known IP in the field (e.g., Elementum’s patents).
• Intellectual property generation — our R&D has led to a growing patent portfolio across AU, US, JP, CN, and EU, covering innovations such as Multi Concurrent Printing (MCP), SHARP/MMP for scalable builds, and directional powder handling.
• Application-driven testing — we align R&D with emerging use cases across propulsion, thermal systems, and energetic components — printing and testing hardware that’s headed for real missions, not just research labs.

Our team integrates R&D directly with production — bridging the gap between concept and deployment. We’re not just studying additive manufacturing. We’re pushing it into operational reality.

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