Aurora Labs (ASX:A3D) has confirmed its new 3D printing machine has gone live – capable of printing micro gas turbines for aerospace with a ‘super nickel’ alloy.
The alloy in question is called Inconel 625, a nickel-chromium alloy known for corrosion resistance and high strength. It’s used in propellor blades and subsea internet cables.
Back in April, the company first printed a working mini gas turbine. Aurora is hopeful those small engines can power UAVs – for those playing at home, that’s another way of saying ‘airborne drones.’
It is those turbines that the company hopes to continue producing with its new industrial scale 3D printing machine built in Australia and operated out of Perth.
The company has pivoted towards defence contracts in the last few years.
“The AL250 3D printer is a significant advancement for our industrial printing service … it will meet the increasing demand for specialised materials as we expand our capabilities and scale up production for the Defence industry,” Aurora CEO Rebekah Letheby said.
“This machine excels at printing intricate, mid-sized geometries, making it a valuable addition to our expanding print service.”
A3D last traded at 7cps.