WA-based robotics training and education organisation Lab61 has entered a new partnership with SFDesign, the Australian reseller of leading additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printers Markforged.
Understood to be the only industry partnership of its kind in Australia, the collaboration between Lab61 and SFDesign is focused on collaboration between robotics and additive specialists to assist better manufacturing outcomes.
Lab61 Managing Director Lina Velosa said the organisations would create opportunities for the joint delivery of training to skill and upskill school students and the current workforce.
“Lab61’s training programmes will be enhanced, expanding learning opportunities beyond robotics to the world of additive manufacturing and allow rapid prototyping of robotic solutions here in WA,” she said.
“SFDesign provides cutting edge AI and cloud-based 3D printing and is backed by a super talented team of more than 55 specialists, who we are looking forward to engaging as training rolls out.
“Applying the wealth of knowledge from its specialist team will help educate, influence and inspire the next generation of robotics, engineering and technology specialists through hands-on learning experiences.”
SFDesign is the Australian reseller for Markforged’s Digital Forge platform, which has been rolled out in more than 70 countries and collectively has resulted in more than 10 million parts being produced through 3D printing technology.
Its technology will be installed at Lab61’s parent company Nexxis to produce industrial parts using a range of metal and composite materials, which will be used in the manufacture of robots and other equipment.
We are very excited about bringing Markforged’s Digital Forge to Nexxis and Lab61 to support rapid prototyping, education and maintenance needs,” Markforged Director of Sales Asia-Pacific, Richard Elving, said.
SFDesign’s Additive Manufacturing Manager Henri Crisp said the information exchange would ensure WA remained at the forefront of robotics and associated technologies.
“We’re providing educational content and course support in the form of training, workshops and joint knowledgebuilding exercises to expand the horizons of additive manufacturing and its contribution to robotics,” he said.
“This game-changing relationship will benefit not only the two organisations, but students, technicians and professionals looking to bolster their understanding of technology applications across a range of industries and sectors.”