Centre for Advanced Materials Technology

The Centre for Advanced Materials Technology (CAMT) is a resource centre which innovates and advises in the specialised areas of materials science, physics and engineering. Through its staff and associated professionals, CAMT has developed significant strengths in the science and technology of metals and alloys, plastics, composites, rubbers, ceramics and glasses.

CAMT is also the Victorian node for the Australian Materials Technology Network (AMTN). This network aims to give industry greater access to a wider range of materials technology, information and service.

CAMT is available to Industry as an ongoing technology resource and support which can be utilised by companies wishing to source competent technological back-up for materials-based projects, without the need to disclose their interest in the work.

Examples of ways in which this resource may be utilised include the following:

• investigations and failure analyses
• support for patents and intellectual property
• technical problem solving and consulting
• product development / process optimisation
• preparation of technology option briefs
• testing to standards / certification
• sourcing specific technology
• critical literature reviews
• research and development
• technology audits
• expert opinion
• workshops and conferences

These services are detailed below.

Investigations and failure analyses

The cause of failure in engineering components must be determined before intelligent choice of replacement materials can be made. Selection of the most suitable material for a particular application is an area requiring expert knowledge; inexpert advice is a frequent cause of litigation. CAMT has assisted in numerous investigations of the causes of failure, from power station disasters to the humblest nut and bolt.

Support for patents and intellectual property

Those dealing in patents and intellectual property often require the services of an independent authority to provide objective assessment of the value and content of such property, existence of prior art, etc.. An example is where foreign technology is being licensed and its precise capability must be assessed to assist in fixing its value or to decide between competing options.

Technical problem solving and consulting

Much of CAMT's routine work comes from solving and advising on day to day industry problems, such as why components corrode, what alternative materials are available, where certain products or services can be obtained, what finishing procedure is recommended, etc.

Product development / process optimisation

Very few products or processes are optimal when first devised. Usually considerable fine tuning is required to optimise the materials of the product and the corresponding manufacturing operations. CAMT can review a product or process, analyse the technology content objectively, and recommend ways of achieving greater cost control through the most efficient materials utilisation.

Preparation of technology option briefs

Manufacturers of products and users of processes are frequently interested in what other options exist that will permit their product or process to be varied to produce cost savings and other specific advantages. CAMT prepares technology option briefs to assist in such cases and to suggest possibilities for adding value to products.

Testing to standards / certification

Verification of whether materials or products have been produced in accordance with the appropriate standards or to specification may be established by testing. CAMT has access to a wide range of equipment and expert personnel for testing physical and mechanical properties of materials.

Sourcing specific technology

CAMT can utilise its contacts and wide knowledge of the Australian materials scene to source specific technologies for products or processes that clients may require. Examples of this are where a client may wish to access a new process in order to evaluate it, or where components made from specialised or unusual materials must be sourced.

Critical literature reviews

As support for certain business decisions, CAMT can review the available literature to place a given technology in context or to assess its true value. This can be augmented by reference to its wide contacts in the materials area. Literature reviews can also be used to monitor progress in a given technology, or provide 'state of the art' briefs.

Research and development

Clients at all levels of capability in manufacturing can benefit from carefully targeted research and development to add value to existing products, to identify new product opportunities, or to improve current manufacturing processes. In many cases, the costs of such R&D can be offset against tax obligations or lessened by obtaining a Government research grant. CAMT can assist clients in identifying suitable grants for approved research and development.

Technology audits

An audit of the technology involved in a given product, invention, process or company can be conducted to establish the level of technology present, highlight strengths and weaknesses, and disclose areas where improvements could be made.

Expert opinion

Expert opinion can be provided in a range of situations. For example, an opinion on the suitability of a recommended product, treatment or choice of material may be required to enable determination of responsibility for unsatisfactory performance. CAMT personnel also have experience acting as expert witnesses in litigation cases, which often arise from such determinations.

Workshops and conferences

CAMT personnel have had extensive experience in organising seminars, workshops and local and international conferences with a materials theme. Industry groups are encouraged to suggest topics which they would like CAMT to address in future events.

Successful firms are those which have developed a long range vision and recognise that research and development is a route to sustainable competitive advantage through the product or process enhancements which can be delivered through properly targeted effort.

In new industries, the need to keep constantly aware of developments which impinge on the underlying technology is an essential ingredient in staying ahead of competition. For mature industries, both product and process improvement by optimisation is possible, through services such as those described above.

Both Industry groups can benefit from access to a technological resource such as CAMT, which can be utilised to assist Australian industry towards world competitiveness through materials technology.