Perth-based 3D printer Aurora Labs has listed on the ASX after raising $2.855 million in an initial public offering. The industrial technology and innovation company specialises in the development of 3D metal printers and the supply of associated consumable materials for 3D metal printing.
The company’s initial products are the S-Titanium and S-Titanium Pro, currently the world’s most affordable 3D metal printers, created with a consumer budget in mind. CEO David Budge says, “Our products are affordable enough for university labs, prototyping workshop, dental practices, bureau printers or the garage of the designers of the next disruptive technology.”
However, the current capital raising will enable Aurora to complete the proof of concept prototype of its large format printer. At 2.5 metres in length, 1.5 metres in both width and height, this machine can construct objects that weigh as much as 1000kg up to 100 times faster than other 3D technology, and with a similar resolution, according to Budge.
He also reveals that the company has been approached by NASA, which is interested in using the technology to print rocket engines. Budge claims Aurora’s printer could print a one tonne part in a day, where competitor printers take up to three to four months.
The space organisation is just one of many large companies or organisations who have expressed interest in using the company’s 3D metal printing technology – including rocketry startups who are looking to produce micro-satellites, rocket engines and rocket vehicles using the company’s printers.
Aurora is also developing secondary business units including 3D printing related software and the manufacture of consumable materials used in 3D metal printing, which are intended to complement its printer manufacturing business.
“The list of what we can make is literally endless, from car parts to tools to rocket motors,” Budge says. “I see 3D printing, particularly with metal and other materials expanding massively in the next five to 10 years. I see it resulting in the decentralisation of production for a lot of products.”