Advanced Manufacturing Research Hub

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Who we are

The Advanced Manufacturing Research Hub focuses on developing sustainable manufacturing solutions and improving industrial processes through advanced materials research and digital manufacturing technologies.

We work closely with industry partners to identify process efficiencies, reduce material waste and develop new manufacturing approaches that strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability. The facility also hosts specialised equipment, including a Ford Motor Company robotic arm, supporting research in automotive-grade automation and advanced production systems.

A major focus of the Hub is the Carbon Fibre Recycling Lab, which addresses one of the industry’s emerging sustainability challenges. Carbon fibre is widely used in aerospace, automotive and high-performance manufacturing, yet most end-of-life material currently goes to landfill or energy recovery.

Our research focuses on reclaiming carbon fibre from products such as aircraft components and transforming these materials into high-value inputs for new manufacturing applications.

UNSW Canberra City

Advanced Manufacturing Hub is part of UNSW Canberra City – our collaborative innovation ecosystem – where shared facilities and co-working spaces bring together researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs and students to rapidly move ideas from design to real-world application.
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Co-location with Launch

Capabilities

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Digital transformation for SMEs

Implementation of low-cost sensor and digital tracking systems to help manufacturers monitor production processes and identify efficiency improvements.
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Carbon fibre reclaiming & recycling

We turn end-of-life carbon fibre waste streams into high-value, reusable materials for advanced manufacturing.
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Continuous Micro-Factory processing

Development of continuous manufacturing approaches that scale carbon fibre recycling from laboratory processes to industrial production.
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Advanced material upcycling

Produce high-performance materials from industrial waste streams while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding traditional downcycling.

Additive manufacturing

Our large-scale metal additive manufacturing facility is designed to support the processing of multiple materials within a single build. This capability spans production of new components to restoration and remanufacturing using tailored material deposition.

Advanced manufacturing process monitoring

Machine learning to analyse real‑time sensor and process data, enabling early detection of anomalies, process drift, and defects. This supports improved quality, predictive maintenance and reduced downtime across complex manufacturing systems.

Industry partners

We welcome collaboration with industry partners interested in advancing sustainable manufacturing and materials reuse.

We are particularly interested in working with organisations in the following areas:

  • If your organisation generates high-value carbon fibre waste that would otherwise go to landfill, we are interested in working with you to recover and recycle these materials.

  • If your company uses high-performance composite materials and is seeking more sustainable alternatives to virgin carbon fibre, we can work with you to test and validate recycled materials for your applications.

  • We offer collaborative R&D with organisations exploring new recycling technologies, manufacturing processes or advanced material applications.
Sunswift Racing uses upcycled carbon fibre components in its newest high-performance solar car design.

Our people

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A/Prof Matthew Doolan
Lead Academic

Email: matthew.doolan@unsw.edu.au

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Dr Di He
Research Lead - Carbon Fibre Recycling Process Development

Email: di.he@unsw.edu.au

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How to access

  • Contact our team to discuss your manufacturing challenges, waste streams or material requirements.
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  • We work with our partners both in our research lab and onsite within your facilities. We'll work closely with you to identify the most appropriate research, testing or development pathway.

  • Together, we'll define the technical requirements, timelines and partnership model.

  • Once arrangements are confirmed, your team can begin working with our researchers and facilities.

Fees

Costs are determined on a case‑by‑case basis. Please get in touch to discuss a tailored solution that best matches your individual or organisational requirements.
Contact us

Contact us

Advanced Manufacturing Research Hub

37 Constitution Avenue
Reid, ACT 2612

Email: connect.cbr@unsw.edu.au

We invite you to experience our innovation precinct firsthand. Reach out to our team today to discuss your strategic goals and arrange a tour of UNSW Canberra City and our facilities.
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.

Get in touch about your project

We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.
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