The Victorian Facility for Light Metals Surface Technology (VFLMST) is a State Government funded initiative. Funding is administered through DIIRD.

The purpose of funding is devoted to establishment of a true facility for research into the Surface Technology of the Light Metals. The Facility has nodes at Monash and at Deakin University in the Geelong Technology Precinct.

Key requirements for this Facility from State Government funding were identified as:
Selected elements of infrastructure, particularly for characterisation of the physical and mechanical properties of light metal surfaces; and the strategic appointments of two research leaders in light metals surface engineering; one based at Monash University, and the other at Deakin University.

Income for the Facility from the State Government Grant is $1.5M for the period July, 2006 to June, 2008

Why the VFMLST? Benefits to Victoria?

Australia has an internationally competitive aluminium industry, accounting for ~4% of total goods and services exports nationally. Victoria hosts a significant component of the national aluminium industry through, for example, smelting and R&D facilities.
As the national hub for advanced manufacturing, Victoria is strategically placed to benefit substantially from developments in light metals technologies, the national strategies of which have been outlined under the Light Metals Action Agenda.
Victoria hosts a major component of the research and technology development base for light metals nationally and that component is substantially strengthened with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals.

Why Surface Technology?

Critical to the long-term performance of any engineering component is its surface durability, i.e. the resistance of the material to mechanical and/or chemical degradation.
The wider use of light alloys and their range of applications can benefit significantly by enhancement of the surface properties.
Surface engineering of steels to achieve such durability remains a major industry, whilst surface treatment of the light metals has received relatively little attention.

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