Australian start-up's breakthrough captures attention of Airbus and Boeing

Amaero Engineering, a start-up company having its genesis in Monash University’s Commercialisation Programme with support from the Advanced Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, turned heads at the recent Australian International Airshow in Avalon.

Their display, which included components that they manufactured for the 3D-printed jet engine, captured the attention of major international players like Airbus, Boeing and Raytheon.

Amaero Engineering has expertise in laser-based additive manufacturing developed in collaboration with the Monash University Centre for additive manufacturing and French multinational SAFRAN Microturbo. This technology enables fast and efficient production of complex metallic components in a single operation instead of many separate steps.

Their technology enables them to make and test parts in days instead of months, which is a potential game changer not only for the development of new technologies such as jet engines but also for their through-life sustainment.

Daniel Pollock, chairman, Amaero Engineering, said, “We have had an enormous response from around the world to our exhibit at the Avalon Airshow, with many requests for quotations on new work as well as queries about the potential for investment. The timing has been perfect for us because we are about to expand our operation substantially and are looking for additional investment as well as further support from government to enable that growth.”

Amaero Engineering received a grant from the Australian Government that assisted it in commercialising its new technology, building its internationally competitive capability and developing the market in Australia and worldwide.

“The funding has been crucial to establishing Amaero. At a time when finding venture capital has been very difficult in Australia, the knowledge that the investor’s capital can leverage matching support from the government was a major factor in winning the support of our key investor. The investor was reassured that the Australian Government had vetted and approved the project and was prepared to back it financially. And it is not only the capital - the guidance and support that has been provided by our commercialisation adviser has been an important contributor to our success. They opened up new networks and have been very flexible in working with us as the business has grown,” said Pollock.