FAQ

What is the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC)??

DMTC is a collaborative venture that drives advances in technology development and the creation of Australian manufacturing capability. DMTC projects target areas of Defence need/priority where an Australian industrial capability footprint exists, ensuring that developed technologies and capabilities have end-user applicability and a clear path to commercialisation, contributing to a more competitive Australian defence industry.

With the Defence customer at the centre of our strategic considerations, our work is focused on collaborating with partners to enhance defence industrial capabilities through the delivery of technologies, supply chain improvements and broader industrial capability outcomes.

What types of technologies is DMTC developing and delivering?

DMTC collaborative projects seek to advance technology solutions and manufacturing process enhancements in a range of areas that support the acquisition and sustainment requirements of the Australian Defence Force. Some of the technologies that DMTC teams are engaged with 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
How is DMTC funded?

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

How many people are employed by DMTC?

DMTC comprises core corporate staff at the Melbourne headquarters and more than 400 people (mainly engineers and scientists) working in industry, research agencies and universities on projects.

How do I engage with DMTC?

DMTC exists to strengthen Australian industry capability and we encourage you to contact DMTC directly to discuss your ideas.

What are Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)?

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a standardised numerical indicator system for the level of maturity of a technology. TRLs provide a common language to describe the status of a technology in development, ranging from the lowest level of TRL (identification of an idea or opportunity) through to TRL 9 (a fully tested product or system ready for production and/or commercial sale). DMTC projects require the TRL of the technology in question to be defined at the outset of project activity, tracked as a project advances and documented in the project closure statement. DMTC rigorously assesses TRLs in all of its project activities, including independent validation at key stages of each project. As a general guide, the bulk of DMTC’s activities are in the range from TRL 3 through to TRL 7 or 8.

Detailed guidelines, definitions and case studies are available from DMTC.

What is a Defence Future Capability Technology Centre (DFCTC)?

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.

Is DMTC a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)?

DMTC was established in May 2008 as Australia’s first Defence Future Capability Technology Centre – a Federal Government initiative derived from the successful Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) model. With the completion of the DFCTC contract in June 2015, the DMTC has transitioned to a new business model and an expanded role as an industrial capability partner under the 2016 Defence Industry Policy Statement.

What are the governance arrangements?

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.

Where does DMTC sit in relation to Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group and other Groups in Defence?

DST Group, as the primary technology adviser to Defence,  is a DMTC participant and directly involved on some of DMTC’s research projects.  DMTC’s funding from Defence is provided through the Defence Industry Policy Division in the Strategic Policy & Intelligence Group.

How do Australian SME’s benefit?

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

  • linking SMEs to research expertise and networks of direct relevance to Defence;
  • targeted, regionally-based industry capability and benchmarking programs to boost industry capacity and understanding of Defence’s requirements;
  • actively embedding SMEs in supply chains; and
  • cost efficient access to R&D.
Does DMTC offer any education programs?

Yes. DMTC maintains a strong post-graduate and undergraduate education program, supporting postgraduate research, enhancing the skills of graduates and facilitating skills development among our industry and research partners.

What about Intellectual Property (IP)?

DMTC partners retain ownership of the intellectual property they bring to a project. Subject to conditions including the level of contribution and agreed field of use, Partners receive licences to apply intellectual property developed in the DMTC projects in which they participate.

I have received details to log on to the new online portal for tracking partners' in-kind contributions to DMTC but I need help with using the system?

A user guide for the new online portal is available here. For more detailed enquiries, contact DMTC directly.