Additive Manufacturing
Forum 2026
Australia’s ecosystem event for additive manufacturing — bringing together industry, research and government to shape what we make next.
/ Dates
28–29 October 2026
/ Venue
National Wine Centre, Adelaide
/ Delegates
120+ across the AM ecosystem
The Forum
A year of progress for Australian additive manufacturing
-
120+
/ Industry, research & government delegates
-
1 1/2 days
/ Welcome reception, launch and forum
-
3 Roundtables
/ Defence, medtech, aerospace
-
1 Pre-Forum Workshop
/ Design for AM
Following the success of the inaugural Additive Manufacturing Forum — which brought together more than 120 representatives from industry, research and government — the 2026 Forum turns to Australia’s progress in additive manufacturing (AM) research, commercialisation and industry adoption.
Hosted in collaboration with Adelaide University, this year’s event marks the first anniversary of the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) and the official launch of the AMCRC South Australian Node. The Forum will showcase emerging research, industry success stories and collaborative initiatives that are helping accelerate the growth of Australia’s additive manufacturing sector.
Bringing together stakeholders from across the nation, the Forum offers a unique opportunity to connect, share insights and discuss the technologies, partnerships and investments needed to strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing future.
Why attend
A powerful ecosystem event
The AM Forum connects the people, technologies and investment shaping Australia’s manufacturing future.
Launch of the SA Node
Be part of the AMCRC South Australian Node launch and learn about its role in growing national capability.
Progress on the mission
Hear how AMCRC is accelerating AM adoption and commercialisation across priority sectors.
Home-grown innovation
Learn from industry leaders and researchers shaping and showcasing Australia’s AM future
Global & local outlook
Discover the sector dynamics, challenges and opportunities ahead — worldwide and at home.
Networking that matters
Build relationships between industry, research organisations and policymakers.
Programs & opportunities
Engage directly with AMCRC’s programs, initiatives and ways to get involved.
Who it’s for
Three sectors, one conversation
The Additive Manufacturing Forum brings together leaders and practitioners from industry, research and government who are shaping the future of AM in Australia.
Industry
- AMCRC partners from across Defence, Transport, Energy and Medical Devices sectors
- Manufacturing and technology leaders
Research
- Representatives from 12 partner universities and CSIRO
- Researchers contributing to live R&D projects
- Emerging talent and future AM capability
Government
- Government and policy representatives
Event format
Over 2 days, expect
1 / International keynote
A global perspective on where AM is heading and Australia’s opportunity.
2 / Ministerial address
Government’s view on advanced manufacturing and the path ahead.
3 / Expert panel
Research, industry and government debate the steps Australia needs to take.
4 / AM pitches
Rapid-fire “pockets of potential” from industry and research partners.
5 / Industry roundtables
Focused discussion on aerospace, defence and medtech.
6 / Partner workshops
A pre-forum deep dive delivered with an AMCRC network partner.
Program
Two days designed to inform, connect and inspire
The 2026 Additive Manufacturing Forum offers two days of industry engagement, featuring pre-conference industry workshops, networking opportunities and a full-day conference exploring the future of additive manufacturing in Australia.
Pre-Forum Workshop
Designing for What’s Possible
Additive manufacturing (AM) unlocks new possibilities in performance, efficiency and part consolidation, but capturing these benefits starts with design. This interactive workshop will explore the principles of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), helping participants rethink conventional approaches and design parts that fully leverage the advantages of AM.
9:00am
Registration
9:30am
Session #1 / Designing for AM
Led by Fraunhofer IAPT, this session will introduce DfAM principles and demonstrate how design automation can accelerate product development and support the transition from concept to manufacturing.
12:00pm
Lunch
1:00pm
Session #2 / Preparing for Production
Building on the morning session, Materialise will explore the digital workflows and optimisation tools required to prepare designs for reliable, scalable metal AM production.
3:30pm
Close
Welcome Reception and Launch of the South Australian Node
5:00pm
Registration opens
5:30pm
Opening / Welcome to Country
5:35pm
Welcome Message / The Difference a Year Makes
One year on, Australia’s additive manufacturing ecosystem continues to gain momentum. Join us as we welcome industry, research and government partners to the second AM Forum and provide an outlook of what to expect over the next day.
Susan Jeanes
Chair of AMCRC
5:45pm
Ministerial Address / Additive Manufacturing in SA
Where does manufacturing stand in South Australia today and where it is headed. This session will explore the state’s vision for manufacturing, the growing role of additive manufacturing in driving capability and competitiveness, and the power of collaboration between government, industry and research to accelerate growth. It will also mark the official launch of AMCRC’s South Australian Node.
Hon Chris Picton
Minister for State Development
6:00pm
Closing remarks
Simon Marriott
AMCRC Managing Director
6:05pm
Welcome Reception
8:30pm
END
AM Forum
7:30am
Registration
8:30am
Opening
8:35am
Acknowledgement of Country
8:45am
Welcome & Introduction / A Year in Review
A look back at the AMCRC’s first year, highlighting key achievements, progress and impact, while setting the scene for the conversations and opportunities ahead.
Simon Marriott
AMCRC Managing Director
9:00am
Ministerial Address / Additive Manufacturing as a Catalyst for a Future in Australia
Advanced manufacturing is central to Australia’s future economic prosperity. This keynote will explore how additive manufacturing is driving innovation, strengthening sovereign capability and creating new opportunities, while highlighting the role of government in turning ideas into industry and industry into growth.
9:15am
International Keynote / Australia: The Island Advantage
With the global additive manufacturing market continuing to grow and nations investing heavily in advanced manufacturing capabilities, where does Australia fit? This session will explore global trends, emerging industry priorities and the strategies leading nations are using to drive adoption. It will also examine Australia’s unique strengths and opportunities, and how the nation can position itself to compete, collaborate and succeed in an increasingly advanced manufacturing landscape.
Joris Peels
Additive Manufacturing Research
10:00am
Expert Panel / Australia: The Island Advantage (Discussion)
Following on from the keynote, research, industry and government partners discussing these trends and outline the necessary steps for Australia to establish a significant AM presence.
Panellists:
- Dr Sarah Brooks, ASC Ltd
- Professor Mark Hutchinson, Adelaide University
- Sumen Rai, Defence Innovation Partnership
- Professor Roy Green, ARM Hub
Led by
Joris Peels
Additive Manufacturing Research
10:30am
Morning Tea
11:00am
Interactive / Australia’s AM Capabilities
Introducing the Australian AM Capability Map – a initiative providing a national view of AM expertise, infrastructure and capacity. Hear from AMCRC research leads how this resource will help connect organisations, identify capability gaps and support the growth of Australia’s AM ecosystem.
AMCRC Research Leads
- Associate Professor Shruti Sardeshmukh, Adelaide University
- Professor Milan Brandt, RMIT University
- Dr Daniel East, CSIRO
- Associate Professor Andrew Ang, Swinburne University of Technology
Led by
Simon Bartlett
AMCRC Capability Mapping Consultant
12:00pm
Interactive / Pitch / Pockets of Potential
This is an opportunity for industry and research leaders to take the stage and share opportunities, applications or trends they believe will have the greatest impact on AM in the next 12 months. Fast-paced and forward-looking, these lightning insights will spotlight opportunities shaping the future of Australia’s AM ecosystem.
12:30pm
Lunch
2:00pm
Roundtable 1
Additive in Aerospace
Global Challenges, Regional Solutions
The aerospace sector is at a pivotal moment. As supply chains evolve, sustainability pressures increase and demand grows for high-performance components, additive manufacturing is becoming a key enabler of innovation, resilience and competitiveness.
This roundtable will bring together industry, research and government leaders to explore Australia’s aerospace capabilities, infrastructure and emerging innovations, and discuss how collaboration can accelerate adoption and unlock new growth opportunities.
Roundtable 2
Additive in Defence
Prepared Today, Ready for Tomorrow
As Australia’s strategic environment evolves, a capable and responsive industrial base is critical to supporting Defence readiness and sovereign capability. Additive manufacturing is helping strengthen supply chain resilience, accelerate production and enhance the agility of defence manufacturing.
As part of this roundtable industry and research leaders will share how additive manufacturing can support a more capable and responsive defence industry. Discussions will focus on strengthening the industrial base, engaging SMEs and identifying opportunities to build capability for the future.
Roundtable 3
Additive in Healthcare
Every Patient is Different
Healthcare is increasingly moving towards personalised solutions, with additive manufacturing enabling patient-specific devices, implants and surgical applications that were previously difficult or impossible to produce. As adoption grows, the sector must also navigate evolving regulatory requirements and pathways to commercialisation.
Healthcare professionals, industry and research leaders will explore the latest innovations in medical additive manufacturing, discuss regulatory considerations and identify opportunities to accelerate the delivery of personalised healthcare solutions.
3:45pm
Closing Remarks
4:00pm
END
Speakers
Leading voices from across industry, research and government
The Forum will feature a diverse line-up of leaders from industry, research and government.
Simon Marriott
AMCRC’s Managing Director
Susan Jeanes
AMCRC Chair
Hon Chris Picton
Minister for State Development, South Australia
Joris Peels
VP Consulting, Additive Manufacturing Research, Executive Editor 3Dprint.com
Professor Roy Green
Chair, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub & Special Innovation Advisor, UTS
Professor Mark Hutchinson
Pro Vice Chancellor, Research Performance at Adelaide University
Sumen Rai
Director, Defence Innovation Partnership at Defence SA
Dr Laura Brooks
HEAD OF INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT AT ASC PTY LTD
Mark Roe
CEO and Co-Founder of fusetec
Cherry Chen
Senior Research Scientist and team leader at CSIRO
Professor Milan Brandt
Director RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing
Associate Professor Shruti Sardeshmukh
Associate Professor at Adelaide University
Dr Andrew Ang
Associate Professor of Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology
Aude Vignelles
President of the Asia Pacific Region (APAC) at Titomic
Dr Daniel East
Group Leader Advanced Manufacturing and Metals at CSIRO
Professor Karen Reynolds
DIRECTOR, FACTORY OF THE FUTURE AND MATHEW FLINDERS DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR, OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (RESEARCH)
Matthew Wall
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING LEAD AT BOEING AEROSTRUCTURES
Jeremy Thomas
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT AML3D
Karl Davidson
FACILITY LEADER OF PHOTON FORGE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FACILITY, JOHN DE LAETER CENTRE AT CURTAIN UNIVERSITY
Dr Dirk Herzog
RESEARCH STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AT FRAUNHOFER RESEARCH INSTITUTION FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES IAPT
Professor. Dr Ing Ingomar Kelbassa
INSTITUTE DIRECTOR OF FRAUNHOFER IAPT
Johnathan von Ell
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HERSTON BIOFABRICATION INSTITUTE
Lip Gang Chong
SOLUTION CONSULTANT AT MATERIALISE
Kelvin Wee
MANAGING DIRECTOR AT MATERIALISE
Venue
National Wine Centre of Australia
An iconic Adelaide setting
National Wine Centre of Australia
Cnr Hackney and Botanic Roads,
Adelaide SA 5000
28 - 29 October 2026
The Forum opens with Welcome Reception at 5 pm on Wednesday, 28 October.
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Registration
Secure your place
The Forum will feature a diverse line-up of industry leaders, researchers and government representatives. A token registration fee will be charged to cover venue and catering costs. Registrations are handled securely through Humanitix.
Most popular
AMCRC Partner
$150 per delegate
Discounted access for AMCRC partner organisations.
Standard
$250 per delegate
Access for general industry, research and government organisations.
Registrations powered by Humanitix — integration to be connected. Pricing indicative and subject to final confirmation.
Be part of what Australia makes next
Join 120+ leaders from industry, research and government in Adelaide this October.