Aurora Labs back on track with 3D printing strategy

ASX-listed 3D metal printing company, Aurora Labs, has hit the ground running after moving operations to its new Canning Vale facility in Perth. The company’s Beta prototype printer has produced its first coupons since the relocation, marking the relaunch of Aurora’s 12-month “Technology Development Pathway” strategy with an end goal of commercialising its 3D printing technology.

Aurora’s plan currently has it aiming to use the prototype’s improved fume extraction system to attain high-quality printing at an elevated laser power level.

The company recently improved the extraction system by overcoming technical hurdles related to the removal of laser-generated print condensate from the printer’s build chamber.

Successful installation, integration and commissioning of the improved fume extraction system has enabled Aurora to kick off work on its phase two print parameter testing.

The testing involves continuing development of suitable parameters for high-power, high-quality and high-production printing. A series of full-sized sample parts for customers are also to be printed.

An update on the phase two progress is now forecast for July.

Aurora reports that its Alpha2 machine is up and running and has printed off components for an industrial customer.

Aurora Labs’ CEO, Peter Snowsill said: “We’re extremely pleased to be printing again. The team have smoothly transitioned the business to the new facility and now that the technology is switched on, we will be pushing hard on the next milestone, using what we have learned in the off period to guide our testing.”

“While our printers were on standby, we conducted a comprehensive desktop review of our hardware, software, firmware and printing methodologies to confirm the unique features of our technology. This will guide the completion of the Technology Development Pathway and future commercialisation of Aurora’s technology. We’re aware of steadily increasing demand for customer printing in WA industries and we are pleased to continue to develop local capability and capacity to meet this demand.”

Aurora’s Technology Development Pathway is due for completion in the September quarter.

The eight-week Perth facility relocation comes on the back of cost-saving measures implemented by the company last year.

A shift to the smaller and fit-for-purpose Canning Vale facility will reportedly bring Aurora long-term cost savings of $240,000 per annum.

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