DMTC is a collaborative venture that drives the creation of Australian manufacturing capability in advanced materials by facilitating industry-led research and commercialisation projects. DMTC projects target areas of Defence priority, ensuring that developed technologies and capabilities have end-user applicability and contribute to a more competitive Australian defence industry.

The DFCTC program was announced in the 2007 Defence and Industry Policy Statement. The program links researchers with industry to generate research results and outcomes that can be readily transitioned into service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through commercialisation or building and enhancing defence industry capabilities.

DMTC research projects develop advanced materials and manufacturing processes which support the acquisition and sustainment requirements of the Australian Defence Force. Some of the types of research DMTC facilitates include:

- New manufacturing (additive manufacturing, laser assisted machining etc.)
- Manufacturing process and component performance modelling, simulation and validation
- New generation composite materials and manufacturing processes
- Titanium component fabrication and repair technologies
- Robotics, Automation and Lean Manufacturing
- Prognostic, detection and repair for aluminium alloys and composites
- Advanced ceramics and coatings
- Smart textiles and fabric technologies
- New ferritic materials and joining technologies

DMTC funding comes from a number of sources including the Commonwealth Government, various State Governments, industry participants and research participants.

DMTC comprises core corporate staff at the Melbourne headquarters and approximately 60 full time equivalent people (mainly engineers and scientists) working in industry, research agencies and universities on projects.

DMTC welcomes any enquiry from relevant industry or research organisations. There are ongoing opportunities to conduct research by participating in existing project activities. Additionally, DMTC welcomes enquiries about new project activities from the sector, in areas of interest to you. DMTC exists to support industry capability and we encourage new project proposals which can augment the current project portfolio. Any interested parties are encouraged to contact DMTC directly to discuss your ideas.

DMTC is a Defence-funded CRC. DMTC was established and is governed under the highly successful Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Program model and is funded under the DMO Defence Future Capability Technology Centre (DFCTC) initiative.

DMTC is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. It has an independent Board of Directors with a range of relevant skills. Members of the Board represent industry, research agencies and universities and are elected. The Board is responsible for ensuring that DMTC satisfies the requirements of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and that Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). It meets monthly to ensure current projects are progressing according to plan and to consider new project proposals.

DSTO and DMO are Australian Defence organisations: DSTO, as the primary technology adviser to Defence, will provide an established conduit for informing the ADF about DMTC outcomes. DMO has a global focus on equipment and supply chain for Defence procurement. DSTO is a DMTC participant and directly involved on some of DMTC’s research projects.

DMTC has a strong focus on engaging SMEs in its research and development activities. The support DMTC provides SMEs with includes:

- linking SMEs to research expertise and networks;
- actively embedding SMEs into supply chains;
- participation in R&D activities which are of direct relevance to Defence; and
- cost efficient access to R&D.

DMTC maintains a strong post-graduate and undergraduate research program, enhancing the skills of graduates and facilitating skills development and technology transfer among participants.

DMTC participants retain ownership of the intellectual property they bring to a project. Subject to conditions including the level of contribution and agreed field of use, Participants receive royalty free usage rights for intellectual property developed in DMTC projects they participate in.