Kibaran's Graphtech in CSIRO research deal

Kibaran Resources-backed 3D Graphtech Industries has entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to research the effectiveness of graphite and graphene inks in 3D printing.

Graphtech, a research and development company owned by Kibaran Resources and 3D Group, said the agreement with CSIRO would aim to identify technological problems in the intended market that could be addressed by a research and development program.

“The 3D printing industry is evolving rapidly, with accelerating technological development forecast to drive the market value from the current $US3.8 billion to $US16.2 billion by 2018,” Kibaran said in a statement.

Kibaran said graphene has been hailed as the material that would revolutionise the 3D printing process because of its unique one-atom thick structure, coupled with its strength, flexibility and ability to conduct electricity better than traditional metals.

“We, like many in the 3D printing industry, are very excited by the prospect of incorporating graphite/graphene into 3D printing materials and are confident that by working with the CSIRO we can achieve a world class result,” 3D Group managing director Frank Pertile said.

The study is expected to take six weeks, with Kibaran and 3D Group hoping that a successful outcome would lead to a longer-term relationship between Graphtech and the CSIRO.

“The company is very pleased this initial step has been taken by Graphtech less than two months after the binding alliance with 3D Group was executed” Kibaran executive director Andrew Spinks said.

“Kibaran is aiming to give its shareholders exposure to a very exciting and emerging new technological frontier.”

Kibaran’s share price fell by 1.4 per cent to 35 cents per share at 11:20am.