Aurora to get independent certification for 3D printed parts

Aurora Labs has executed a framework agreement with a global quality assurance provider to have the spare parts that are “printed” by its unique 3D metal printers certified. The agreement with DNV GL may enhance Aurora’s opportunity to break into markets such as the marine, aviation, and oil and gas industries where down time means money and the ability to create parts on-site is potentially revolutionary.

Aurora said that independent third-party certification will improve access to and efficiencies in the supply chain for parts printed by its 3D metal printers.

DNV GL is a global leader in providing risk management and quality assurance, providing services to around 100,000 clients across 100 countries. DNV GL’s client list, that is heavy on marine, aviation and oil and gas in particular, in itself represents a possible opportunity for the Perth based ASX-listed Aurora Labs.

The company said the framework agreement formalises the scope of certification, training and audit services to be provided by DNV GL. The two parties will now work towards developing processes to allow spare parts or objects printed using Aurora’s printers and print technology to be independently certified by external providers.

Aurora said the framework agreement sets out the general scope of certification and audit services and the terms and conditions for the delivery of these services. The price for an individual certification process will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Aurora Managing Director, David Budge said: “The use of an independent certification process for parts manufactured by our printers will strengthen the competitive position of our technology in parts manufacturing markets.”

“Certification gives confidence to original equipment manufacturers and consumers of parts that our printing technology is able to meet the high industry standards of performance, quality, and reliability.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with DNV GL, being major players in the certification, ship registry and 3D printing certification space. Their certification services will help to fast track the adoption of A3D’s technology in our core industries and beyond.”

There is immense potential for Aurora to leverage off DNV GL’s expertise and presence across many businesses in the global industrial sector. Whilst still in its infancy, the concept of remote mining and resources operations having self-sustainability and on-demand spare parts creation ability is somewhat of a revolution for these industries.

West Australian companies such as Covs Parts and the Wesfarmers owned Blackwoods have created multi-million dollar businesses supplying spare parts into the oil and gas and mining sectors over the last century.

However, if mining and resources operations can start producing their own spare parts on-site, courtesy of 3D metal printing and just pay Aurora Labs to buy the metal powder, the once revered business models of the Covs Parts and Blackwoods type businesses will start to look very much like last century business models.

The key however is certification. The oil and gas sector in particular, will generally be hesitant to use 3D printed parts on critical assets if they do not come with the same certification as name brand packaged spare parts that are generally distributed by companies such as Covs and Blackwoods.

All of which makes Aurora’s certification deal with DNV GL more than just a box ticking exercise – it is the last real hurdle for the small capped company to scale up and get serious about selling its product to operations that will spend $20,000 on consumables before the day has even started.

Is your ASX listed company doing something interesting ? Contact : matt.birney@wanews.com.au