PRICM12: Additive Manufacturing Continues to Shape Materials Research

Every three years, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing (PRICM) brings together the global materials community to share research, challenge thinking and reconnect with colleagues. This year was no exception, with around 1,500 researchers, engineers and industry professionals gathering on the Gold Coast from 9-13 August for PRICM12.

Representing AMCRC at the conference, Adelaide University Industry Professor and AMCRC Research Director – Defence, Colin Hall, joined leading researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region to explore the latest advances in materials science and manufacturing technologies.

“For anyone involved in materials research, PRICM remains one of the key conferences on the calendar,” Hall said. “It’s an opportunity not only to see where the science is heading, but also to have the conversations that often lead to the next generation of ideas and collaborations.”

Additive manufacturing was a significant feature of this year’s program, accounting for 156 presentations and 24 posters, representing around 13% of all conference talks. Research covered established materials such as aluminium, Ti-6Al-4V, 316 stainless steel and Inconel, alongside emerging materials including metallic glasses, shape memory alloys, high-entropy alloys and magnetic materials.

“What stood out was the focus on controlling microstructure to improve performance and quality,” Hall said. “Researchers are increasingly looking beyond simply producing parts and are concentrating on how processes such as scan strategy optimisation, heat treatment and in-situ ultrasonic processing can tailor material properties and deliver better outcomes.”

Both powder bed fusion (PBF) and directed energy deposition (DED) technologies featured strongly throughout the conference. One surprise, however, was the limited discussion around large-scale additive manufacturing, with only a single presentation from CSIRO addressing scale-up challenges.

Beyond the technical sessions, PRICM12 provided a valuable opportunity to connect and exchange idea. AMCRC research program leads Professor Milan Brandt, Professor Andrew Ang and Dr Daniel East were among those attending, using the event to discuss emerging research directions, strengthen relationships across the materials community and explore future collaboration opportunities.

“The presentations are always valuable, but some of the most productive discussions happen between sessions,” Hall said. “Having the opportunity to catch up with colleagues such as Milan, Andrew and Daniel, as well as researchers from across the region, helps shape new thinking and identify opportunities where additive manufacturing can make an even greater impact.”

The conference also featured a strong exhibition of 23 organisations, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with materials suppliers, machine manufacturers, analytical equipment providers, universities and professional societies.

With additive manufacturing continuing to represent a significant portion of materials research activity, PRICM12 reinforced its growing influence across the broader materials community and its role in advancing next-generation manufacturing capabilities.

The next PRICM conference will be held in Hawaii in 2029.