Our research

The Joint Research Centre in Advanced Manufacturing conducts both fundamental and applied research into 3D printing. This ranges from design and structure optimisation to characterisation of feedstocks.

Our research also focuses on development and optimisation of 3D printing processes, and quality control of 3D printed parts and post-processing.

In addition to training high-quality PhD students, we aim to develop bespoke 3D printing industry solutions, and provide advice to business, government, and non-government organisations.

The Joint Research Centre in Advanced Manufacturing undertakes significant research activity in advanced manufacturing materials. Our focus is on developing new nanomaterials, biomaterials, composites and metallic alloys, as well as materials processing and recycling. We are developing new products linked to new materials such as:

• sport wearables
• orthopaedic devices
• bio-devices.

Swinburne has won awards for research into aluminium recycling, structural testing systems, and e-waste treatment.

We have a significant research history in coatings, including thermal spray technology and surface behaviour of bacteria on coated surfaces. Another area of research is mechanical behaviour of materials. Swinburne has world-class facilities in impact testing of composite and metallic materials.

Our research also has a strong focus on modelling techniques such as:

• molecular modelling
• computational chemistry
• chemical thermodynamics
• computational fluids dynamics.

The automation and mechatronics in manufacturing cluster is conducting research into control and automation, signal and data processing, machine learning and robotics.

Examples of this include research into automotive automation such as self-driving cars that can reduce the road toll.

The research priority in the industrial transformative innovation cluster focuses on a range of topics, from intellectual property to economics and engagement.

Intellectual property covers applied economic and legal analysis of patents, trademarks, designs and plant variety rights systems around the world.

Productivity and firm performance is an analysis of the relationship between innovation and firm performance using large panel business databases.

Research into public innovation policy explores economic analyses of optimal policy settings in the area of government support for business and the research sector, and the collaboration between sectors.

Translation of science analyses factors driving or inhibiting the use and dissemination of science into industry and the community.

Energy economics involves an applied economic analysis of the energy market, and Asian engagement covers of Australia-Asian engagement and the development of Asian economies.