Scope for partnerships in advanced manufacturing widens
An exclusive MOTORINDIA feature
A 10-member Australian Materials Science and Advanced Manufacturing delegation visited India from October 13 to 17. This was an initiative of the Australian Trade Commission and the Australian Government to promote the country’s world class research capability and innovative technologies, and to help develop new trade and investment opportunities.
Australia is a global leader in materials science and technologies in areas like metals, polymers, composites bio-materials, coatings, electronics, photonics and emerging processes such as additive manufacturing. Australian researchers and technology companies have partnered with industries as diverse as automotive, aerospace, rail, industrial and heavy engineering equipment, building products, medical devices and semiconductors to develop innovations.
The delegation representing leading Australian materials science and technology research institutions visited Bangalore, Chennai and Pune and met with Indian manufacturing companies. Its focus was on showcasing Australian new lightweight materials and alloys, composites, polymeric materials and in exploring commercial, research and licensing partnerships with the Indian automotive, aerospace and component manufacturing and engineering industries.
The delegation visit was significant in the backdrop of India’s “Make in India” campaign. Australia, with its strong research capabilities in new and novel metals and materials, is well positioned to provide the Indian manufacturing sector with new solutions to support its global growth.
The specific areas of expertise of the delegation included composites – fibre manufacturing and innovative composites; metals – new alloys and processing, surface modifications and forming techniques; anti-corrosion materials; surface engineering and product design engineering; bio-materials and tissue engineering; Nano materials, advanced polymers and ceramics; additive manufacturing and materials modelling; powder metal science and engineering; engine management and control systems, and alternative fuel applications; automotive technologies, especially in fuel efficiency and stability control, and electric vehicle technologies; and design, manufacture, assembly and test of aerospace structures and sub-systems.
Speaking about the mission, Mr. P.S. Krishnan, Head of Marketing – South Asia, Australian Trade Commission, said: “Australia’s research institutions, universities and technology companies are among the best in the world and offer significant potential for partnerships in the materials science sector. Australia’s advanced innovation framework, coupled with government and business investment in research and development, and a track record of world-class discoveries and outcomes, present cutting-edge collaboration, research and commercialisation opportunities for India”.
He added: “As the Indian government and industry implements the “Make in India” campaign the need for a globally competitive manufacturing and R&D sector is greater than ever. Australian Materials science research institutions and technology companies can partner with Indian manufacturers to contribute Australian expertise in the discovery of novel materials and expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies. With high-quality research institutions, specialist research and problem-solving skills and strong capabilities in materials science and technologies, Australia offers Indian companies a proven track record and the opportunity to develop the materials of the future”.