	Vision and Mission. A company's vision and mission is the driving force behind what they do. So what drives Future Materials? ---more
	Future Materials Capabilities Database. Including details of expertise, research facilities and equipment the Capability Database is a great tool for matching industry need with university supply ---more

Future Materials Weblog

FM Awards 2006
Congratulations to the finalists and winners ---more

Case Histories

Extensive case history file.
The following represents a small selection of the way in which the resources of Future Materials have been utilised ---more

Partners and Sponsors

Supporters and Sponsors
Sponsored by AusIndustry, Future Materials brings together the resources of Australia's foremost materials technology research institutions---more

Corporate Sponsors

Future Materials News


	Up, Up and away ---more

Research News
	Breaking the mould: Turning powders into metal prototypes Producing one-off prototype parts made from aluminium for testing in cars or machines can be quite challenging. But that could be about to change thanks to the work of The University of Queensland researchers who have developed a new process that can turn aluminium powder into specialised parts made out of aluminium alloy - and it takes less than 48 hours. ---more

Tin Tacks
	Unlocking the Potential of R&D Clusters Cluster development is a powerful tool to increase economic growth and improve competitiveness. In December 2004, Future Materials ran a breakfast forum that addressed the topic of "Unlocking the potential of R&D clusters" in which supercluster models were discussed and explored. How can companies share insights, capabilities and research to grow new business opportunities, without risking intellectual property? ---more

Know your material
	Muscle metal Shape memory alloys are mixes of nickel and titanium that can remember a shape and return to it as the temperature changes. By controlling the motion of pulleys with wires made from shape memory alloys you've effectively created an actuator, a device that performs a mechanical action, and there are many situations where actuators based on shape memory alloys have big advantages over actuators based on electric motors. ---more

Sensational Materials
	Renovating turbine blades A team from the Cooperative Research Centre for Welded Structures has demonstrated that damaged steam turbine blades can be totally renovated without removing them from their mounting. The treatment involves re-surfacing the blades with a secret metallic formulation that extends their working life almost indefinitely. ---more


	Turning problems with Salt into steel solutions Iron making is offering a new way for Australia to tackle three of its greatest environmental challenges - salinity, renewable energy and greenhouse emissions. Researchers are investigating the use of charcoal from oil mallee trees for making iron and steel. ---more


	Truth of the Turin Shroud In 1988, scientists from three universities concluded from radio-carbon dating that the Shroud of Turin was a fake. This was because it was dated as being from 1260 and 1390 AD and not the time of Christ. Now a new study suggests the shroud is much older being between 1,300 and 3,000 years old. ---more

Future Materials People
	From little seeds do mighty things grow Growing a new organisation like Future Materials is a daunting prospect. Everyone agrees that there's a need for closer collaboration between research and industry when it comes to materials science and technology, but how do you make it happen? Future Materials was established with this aim specifically in mind, and William Wachsmann was brought on board as its first Chief Executive. With twenty years experience at the coal face of manufacturing, William knows the value of research and innovation to industry. ---more

Archive News

Editor - David Salt