The University of Western Australia

Managing Director at Aurora Labs (Manufacturer of 3D Metal Printers)

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Extensive industry experience in robotics, robotic welding, surface engineering, product development and manufacturing processes.  I've become recognised for experience in solving difficult fabrication and surface engineering problems for clients.  He is the primary inventor of the majority of Aurora's inventions that are the subject of patent applications. Extensive experience in developing and manufacturing a range of products for Australian and international markets.  He has previously worked for Bossong Engineering running its plasma transferred arc department.

Aurora Labs 3D

Managing Director

Patented and produced a number of products in my first company. Developed a thermal spray valve repair procedure for offshore gas rigs and led a team to a successful repair of onsite valves.Developed autoclave Hard facing process for HPAL autoclave batten strips and led teams to successfully hard-face surfaces inside autoclave.Jointly developed and tested new Hardfacing for titanium ball valves for HPAL industry with significant increase in valve life. Presented paper at ALTA conference on results.Extensive experience in overlay techniques including PTA, APS, HVOF, MIG Powder Hardfacing, TIG, MIG, and other applications. Developed Tantalum APS thermal spray processSet up and tested small HPAL autoclave for Hardfacing and coating trials Developed and applied process for Hardfacing of dryer paddle scrolls. Developed in-house wear testerIdentified wear mechanisms for agitator blades and developed Hardfacing process to extend blade life.Developed cavitation resistant titanium based alloy.Modified design of agitator blades to reduce cavitation Experience in MIG and PTA Hardfacing of Ground Engagement ToolsExperience in manufacture of pump sleeves with both PTA and Thermal Spraying processes.Provided technical and technology support for implementation of thermal spraying process for HPAL ball valves.Developed new products to extend the life of components in the Hard Rock Mining industry.

Advanced Industrial Manufacturing

In charge of day to day operations and QC of the thermal spray department with a team of 6-9 employees. Also responsible for new product development and testing.

David Budge