Laser Additive Deposition for repair of critical aerospace components

Australian defence and advanced manufacturing company Rosebank Engineering is collaborating with RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology to establish an aerospace-certified laser repair capability in Australia.

The project will develop and qualify Laser Additive Deposition (LAD) for the repair of structurally critical aerospace components, focusing on high-strength alloys such as Inconel 718 and 15-5PH stainless steel used in landing gear and structural systems.

Working with the F-35 Landing Gear Original Equipment Manufacturer, Collins Aerospace, the team will generate process strategies and material characterisation data to support the engineering assessment and certification.

At the core of the project is an advanced laser rescanning technique that enables precise thermal control during repair, achieving required strength and fatigue performance without full post-process heat treatment.

BY enabling certified local repair, project aims to reduce the cost of ownership for aerospace assets, increase export revenue, strengthen the resilience of national supply chains, and improve combat aircraft readiness to support national security.