Latest Advanced Manufacturing News

6K Additive has completed a six-year, US$27.4 million secured loan with the US Export-Import Bank to expand production of critical metal powders in Pennsylvania. The financing gives the company access to project funding through June 2028, but the final interest rate and the expansion’s eventual output remain to be established.

6K Additive has signed a 30-month Nickel 718 powder supply agreement with US advanced manufacturer ADDMAN, carrying a stated value of up to US$10.8 million. The deal also introduces a buy-back arrangement for used powder, linking new sales with recycled feedstock.

Li-S Energy has narrowed its FY26 loss and reached several commercialisation milestones, including a 2C Power Cell, international shipping approvals and its first lithium foil sale. But the ASX battery developer still needs customer offtake and fresh funding before its proposed 1 GWh manufacturing expansion can become reality.

IperionX has moved its Virginia titanium operation into 24/7 production, lifting nameplate powder capacity to about 200 tonnes a year while commissioning equipment aimed at higher-value components. The progress came alongside a US$66.8 million annual loss, US$63.5 million of operating and investing cash outflows, and continued reliance on government support, customer qualification and future capital.

Australian Vanadium reported progress across its mine, electrolyte and battery businesses, but auditors highlighted material uncertainty over the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The group held $17.9 million in cash at 30 June, yet expects to need additional funding within 12 months.

Titomic has set 30 November 2026 as its current target to complete a proposed move of its parent company from Australia to the United States. The ASX listing would remain, but investors would hold CHESS Depositary Interests in the new US entity if shareholders, the Court and other conditions approve the scheme.

BluGlass has agreed an A$8.0 million R&D-backed loan with Rockford, refinancing its existing Radium facility and adding about A$5.5 million of liquidity. The funding gives the laser developer more room to scale, but carries a 16.5% interest rate and repayment obligations tied to future tax refunds.

AML3D will contribute about A$530,000 to a three-year, A$3.89 million research project aimed at qualifying its Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing technology for aerospace tooling. The project carries no immediate revenue, but could open the door to future production contracts if qualification succeeds.

BluGlass has begun a three-to-five-month, A$286,000 feasibility collaboration with global photonics company Coherent to develop a novel gallium nitride device for scientific and medical applications. The agreement offers technical and commercial promise, but does not yet include a production commitment or confirmed product launch.

AML3D has secured an initial AU$0.5 million order to manufacture three high-pressure copper-nickel components for US Navy nuclear submarines. The deal moves its Ohio operation from qualification programs into paid production, although delivery, testing and commissioning remain outstanding.

Li-S Energy says its Geelong lithium-sulfur production line is complete and has delivered 10Ah Power Cells to the US Army for testing. The company is targeting its first commercial battery sale in 2027, while holding A$15.6 million in cash and investments and A$9.3 million in secured grants yet to be received.

James Hardie has raised its FY27 Free Cash Flow target to at least US$600 million and expects to deliver its US$125 million cost synergy target roughly a year early. The company also outlined a 4% to 7% annual organic growth ambition above market, while targeting net leverage below 2.0x by Q2 FY28.