Skip to main content

Enhancing Resources Sector Productivity with CSIRO

Enhancing Resources Sector Productivity with CSIRO

The future of advanced manufacturing applications in the resources sector is here thanks to the RTCM Trailblazer and CSIRO, with the commissioning of two world-first, state-of-the-art technologies at CSIRO’s Lab 22 facility — the PX100 Markforged Binder Jet Printer and the Tekna Tek15 Powder Spheroidization Plant.

The PX100 is one of only three systems worldwide and forms the world’s only complete production line at Lab 22, while the Tek15 stands as the only system of its kind in Australia, delivering a sovereign powder engineering capability unmatched in the nation.

Business Opportunity

Australia is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in the supply and processing of critical minerals. However, capturing maximum value requires moving beyond raw exports to advanced manufacturing and sovereign capability development. The Tekna Tek15 and PX100 deliver transformational benefits for the mining sector:

  • Value-Added Processing: Convert raw extraction outputs into high-value powders and advanced components, maximising revenue potential.
  • Enabling Electrification: Produce materials essential for batteries, electric vehicles, hydrogen storage, and renewable technologies.
  • De-Risking Supply Chains: Build resilient, domestic supply chains by localising critical minerals refinement and component fabrication.
  • Faster Innovation Cycles: Rapidly prototype and test new energy materials and components for industrial use and commercial deployment.
  • Sovereign Manufacturing Capability: Strengthen Australia’s economic security with world-first research and production facilities.
  • Export Opportunities: Develop high-value powders and specialised components for global markets, enhancing Australia’s competitive edge.

PX100 Markforged Binder Jet Printer

  • Prints from critical minerals including Ni, Cu, Co, Li, C
  • Build volume: 250 x 217 x 186 mm
  • 1600 dpi resolution with 1-micron accuracy
  • Build rates of 500–1000 cm³/hour
  • Fabricates highly complex geometries impossible with traditional methods
  • Integrated powder recovery, curing, debinding, and sintering
  • One of only three PX100 systems worldwide — and the only complete production line at Lab 22

Tekna Tek15 Powder Spheroidization Plant

  • 15kW Inductively Coupled Plasma for extreme temperature processing
  • Transforms particulates into high-purity, spherical powders
  • Processes metals, ceramics, refractory compounds, metallic glasses
  • Custom alloy creation for advanced materials research
  • Safe powder passivation for storage and transport
  • Supports additive manufacturing, metal injection molding, and more
  • Only system of its kind in Australia
Product Characteristics

Location & Contact

Lab 22 is Australia’s centre for innovation in metallic
additive manufacturing. A comprehensive array of equipment and technologies are accessible by industry for production purposes.

ADDRESS:
CSIRO Clayton, Research Way, Clayton VIC 3168

CONTACT:
trailblazer@curtin.edu.au

A collaborative partnership between

Curtin University

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer is supported by the Australian Government Department of Education through the Trailblazer Universities Program.

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer acknowledges all First Nations people of the ancestral lands on which we operate. We pay our respects to all First Nations people, and to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their deep knowledge and their cultural, spiritual and educational practices, and aspire to learn and teach in partnership with them. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Contact details

trailblazer@curtin.edu.au

(08) 9266 5397