Additive Manufacturing of High-Performance Copper Components (2026-2027)

Copper is a critical enabler of modern technologies due to its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity. Its role spans energy systems, aerospace, defence, and advanced electronics. As the world's second-largest holder of copper reserves (~13%), Australia is offered a strategic opportunity to transform this raw advantage into sovereign manufacturing capability. This project aims to develop and scale a novel 3D-printing process for producing high-performance copper parts with both high conductivity and strength. Developed at The University of Queensland, this process uses a small amount of lanthanum hexaboride to overcome two longstanding challenges: (i) copper is difficult to 3D-print, and (ii) strengthening copper often reduces its conductivity. The innovation has already attracted strong interest from industrial companies across aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and energy sectors. However, a common concern among industry partners is whether the process can scale to reliabl