Graphtech is a research and development company, owned equally by Kibaran and 3D Group Pty Ltd (refer to ASX announcement 10 July 2014), that is responsible for pursuing patents and collaborative partnerships.
The Agreement with CSIRO is focussed on a white paper study, the scope of which is to identify technological problems or gaps in the intended market that could be addressed by a research and development program and deliver commercial solutions. The study is expected to take six weeks. Subject to a successful outcome, it may lead to a longer-term relationship between
Graphtech and the CSIRO.
The 3D printing industry is evolving rapidly, with accelerating technological development forecast to drive the market value from the current US$3.8 billion to US$16.2 billion by 2018.
In particular, graphene is projected to revolutionise the 3D printing process due to its unique one-atom thick structure coupled with its strength, flexibility and ability to conduct electricity better than traditional metals such as copper .
Kibaran's Executive Director Andrew Spinks commented: "The Company is very pleased this initial step has been taken by Graphtech less than two months after the binding alliance with 3D Group was executed. We are particularly delighted the first agreement is with an internationally respected research organisation such as the CSIRO. Kibaran, via Graphtech, is aiming to give its shareholders exposure to a very exciting and emerging new technological
frontier."
Frank Pertile, Managing Director of 3D Group Pty Ltd commented "We are very pleased to be undertaking this research with CSIRO and view it as a first step towards a longer term research and development program that will be framed to achieve a commercially focussed outcome. We, like many in the 3D printing industry are very excited by the prospect of incorporating
graphite/graphene into 3D printing materials and are confident that by working with CSIRO we can achieve a world class result."
Source: Kibaran Resources