Australian Companies Partner to Deploy High-Performance Polymer 3D Printing System

en.Wedoany.com Reported - AXT, an Australian industrial technology equipment supplier, has signed a strategic framework agreement with the additive manufacturing division of Stärke Advanced Manufacturing Group to deploy a Stratasys SAF H350 industrial-grade 3D printing system at its manufacturing base in Adelaide, South Australia, expanding local high-performance polymer component manufacturing capabilities. The two parties will conduct joint development for the defense, aerospace, unmanned systems, and advanced industrial sectors, with the first applications including UAV prototype components.

The H350 uses the Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) process, which fuses polymer powder layer by layer by jetting an infrared-absorbing fluid and applying heat. The system completes printing fluid deposition, fusing, and powder recoating in a unidirectional movement, enabling the manufacture of complex geometric parts without the need for support structures. Planned materials for development include PA12 nylon, bio-based PA11, and polypropylene, which can be used for manufacturing lightweight structural components, functional parts, and chemical-resistant components.

The two parties will also carry out a recycled polymer material application program, researching the use of SAF printing feedstock made entirely from recycled materials, and developing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) materials resistant to outdoor environments for defense equipment. The collaboration involves two specialized color materials, ASA Camouflage Green 383 and Tan 686A, suitable for equipment components requiring specific appearances and outdoor durability. The application of related materials will be advanced in parallel with component design and performance testing.

Under the collaboration arrangement, AXT is responsible for providing equipment and related technical support, while Stärke-AMG utilizes its manufacturing base for component development and production applications. The two parties will also jointly develop customer projects, participate in industry cooperation, and pursue defense manufacturing contracts and government-funded R&D projects. The companies plan to showcase a small UAV prototype during the Land Forces defense exhibition held from October 6 to 8, 2026, to validate the application of additive manufacturing processes in lightweight components for unmanned systems.

Stärke-AMG previously expanded its metal additive manufacturing equipment at its Camden Park base in South Australia. In July 2026, the company introduced three Renishaw AM400 laser powder bed fusion systems, which, together with its existing electron beam melting equipment, are used for manufacturing titanium alloy, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and nickel-based superalloy parts. The newly added polymer equipment is planned to complement the existing metal processing capabilities, forming a component development system covering different materials and manufacturing processes.