• Agreement formalises the scope of certification, training and audit services to be provided to A3D.
• Independent third-party certification will create improved access to mining, oil and gas, and marine and other markets for parts printed by A3D's unique 3D metal printers.
• DNV GL is a global leader in providing risk management and quality assurance services to 100,000 clients in 100 countries.
Aurora Labs Limited (“A3D” or “the Company”) (ASX: A3D) is pleased to announce it has executed a Framework Agreement with global quality assurance and risk management company DNV GL. Under the agreement, DNV GL will provide certification services for A3D's unique 3D metal printers.
DNV GL is a leading global provider of risk management and quality assurance services in sectors important to A3D, including the marine, aviation, and oil and gas industries.
The parties will work towards developing processes whereby parts or objects printed using A3D’s printers and printer technology can be independently qualified or certified using the external qualification or certification services provided by DNV GL.
The Framework Agreement sets out a general scope of certification and audit services that may be provided by DNV GL to A3D, and the terms and conditions of delivery of these services.
A3D announced on 7 December 2017, that it had signed a non-binding term sheet with DNV GL for the creation of an independent certification process.
The parties will immediately explore opportunities with current and potential partners to utilise DNV GL's certification procedures. The price for each certification process is to be determined on a case- by-case basis.
A3D Managing Director David Budge said:
"The use of an independent certification process for parts manufactured by our printers will strengthen the competitive position of our technology in parts manufacturing markets.
"Certification gives confidence to original equipment manufacturers and consumers of parts that our printing technology is able to meet the high industry standards of performance, quality, and reliability.
"We are very excited about the opportunity to work with DNV GL, being major players in the certification, ship registry and 3D printing certification space. Their certification services will help to fast track the adoption of A3D's technology in our core industries and beyond."
Brice Le Gallo, Regional Manager for South East Asia & Australia, DNV GL – Oil & Gas, said:
"3D printing has the potential to save the industrial sector cost and time worth billions of dollars and increase the sustainability of supply chains While it is currently in its infancy, the efficiency gains of shorter lead times for sourcing parts, and reduced need for storing stock, as well as the new design opportunities provide a convincing argument that demand will develop rapidly.
"Issues of trust are key to 3D printing gaining acceptance. I'm delighted that DNV GL will be partnering with A3D to implement systematic qualification and certification processes that provide industrial supply chains with assurance that A3D's metal printers meet high standards of quality and integrity."