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Source: Disc Brake Australia announcement
Disc Brake Australia (DBA) has been awarded an Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grant of more than $100,000 by the Australian Federal Government for a new research project in the field of disc-rotor thermodynamics and pillar design.
The project will deliver a brake disc rotor that is a world first in its specific design, allowing the company to generate a first mover advantage and maintain its position as global leader in brake rotors.
Faculty resources and facilities of the School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) will be utilized to conduct computational fluid dynamics studies coupled with materials investigations, to complete the initial design prove-out process.
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Real-time dynamic simulation will be undertaken before prototype testing commences at Melbourne’s state-of-the-art Automotive Innovation Centre (AIC), which was launched by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) in 2019.
DBA through its long-standing affiliation with the AAAA will be utilizing the full range of the AIC’s services and equipment, including robotics, 3D scanning, and advanced workshop equipment. Final product testing will then be conducted at the 1000-hectare Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) proving ground near Anglesea, Victoria, consisting of road tests, potential product modification and ADR compliance testing.
Federal Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, upon her recent visit to the DBA facilities in Silverwater (Sydney), said the grant was one of 17 awarded across the nation.
“This is great news for our local economy as we work together in the Covid recovery period and I congratulate Disc Brakes Australia on their initiative and success,” Dr Martin said.
“Innovation and testing new ideas are hallmarks of Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector and this sort of Aussie ingenuity is vital to growing our economy and creating jobs. We’re backing businesses who back themselves – it’s all about developing high-value products for both local use and to expand our overseas exports.”
Phillip Joseph, General Manager Operations of Disc Brakes Australia, is pleased by the Government’s investment into the innovative project.
“Disc Brakes Australia has been at the forefront of the automotive industry as a strong advocate of innovation and Australian manufacturing over its 40-year history,” Joseph stated. “This Federal government innovation grant will contribute to DBA’s ongoing investment in research and development and bolster our export opportunities as a leading supplier of performance and safety critical automotive parts.”
Dr Martin said the Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants represent the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting automotive manufacturing operations in Australia.
“We’ve seen a renewed interest in local manufacturing and people are looking to back ‘made in Australia’ products. While there is a long road ahead, there are opportunities at this time for innovative businesses looking to grow and to export.”